Page 73 of The Loneliest Dragon at Christmas
Jack sucked in a sharp breath as the stone sank into his body.
It burned! It hurt. Jack cried out. He squeezed his eyes shut as the pain exploded inside him, as Avery’s heart stone settled inside his own beating heart.
Jack took a deep painful breath into his lungs. His heartbeat pounded in his ears.
“I know, my love. It will be over soon,” Avery spoke, as if far away.
Then the pain disappeared. It passed along with the blistering heat. Jack glanced down at his chest. Avery’s hands and his own rested firmly against his skin. No sign of the heart stone.
It was inside him. Avery’s heart stone rested inside his heart.
Jack swallowed as the immensity hit him.
Jack felt…worried.
He paused. But it was not his worry. It was Avery’s. He raised his gaze to Avery’s.
“Jack, are you all right?” Avery asked.
Jack heard the concern in Avery’s voice. But he could also feel Avery’s concern inside him.
Jack concentrated for a second.I’m fine.He thought the words.
Avery’s eyes widened.I can hear you. I can hear you in my head!
Jack laughed.It worked!
Avery beamed.It did. We’re mated. You’re my mate.Avery moved forward and leaned his forehead against Jack’s. He clutched Jack’s upper arms.
Jack closed his eyes and reached out, gripping Avery’s knees.
A well of happiness and love sprang up within him, moving through him. But it did not belong to just himself; that happiness and love was also Avery’s.
I love you, Jack thought.
I love you too.
For several minutes, they didn’t speak or move. They sat together, just feeling the other’s presence and love.
Finally, Avery spoke, “It is not necessary, but it is considered tradition to consummate the mating ritual.”
Jack laughed. “Well, I’d hate to go against tradition.”
CHAPTER 37
In front of the blazing fire, Avery lay back on the carpet. Jack straddled his thighs, his hard cock already leaking and dripping onto Avery’s skin.
Avery rumbled low in his throat. He breathed out, and smoke rose, creating a haze between them. He wanted Jack to fuck him, to fill Avery’s body with his seed and claim him as his mate.
Mine,Avery thought.All mine. My mate. My Jack.
Yours,Jack’s voice sounded in his head.I’m all yours. Every inch of me.
Avery froze.I keep forgetting we can talk like this. It will take some getting used to.
Jack laughed and leaned forward. He captured Avery’s lips in a kiss. Avery clutched Jack’s face, his tongue plunging into Jack’s mouth. Jack groaned as their tongues entwined and danced.
Then Jack took his hands and threaded their fingers together, pressing Avery’s hands and arms against the soft rug. Avery gasped into the kiss. Jack lay on top of Avery, their bodies aligning perfectly as Jack’s delicious weight settled on top of him, holding him down. Avery arched against Jack.
