Page 25 of Dragon, Actually
“Oh, fuck, Myrran," I gasp. I’m so close, so fucking close, and he senses it, his whole posture changing.
“That’s it, pretty human. You’re right there. Come with me. Let me take you home.” I feel his balls tighten, his body tense briefly,and then my pussy floods with molten heat. The knot at the base of his cock swells, stretching me even further and locking him inside.
Somehow, my body accommodates him, and the combined sensations of the plug and his knot pushing against each other sets off my own indulgent release. My inner walls grasp around his knot as my hips involuntarily grind out the rest of my orgasm. It’s so powerful, it leaves me drained and only barely conscious.
The next thing I know, Myrran’s hugging me tight, murmuring in my ear, “Relax, sweetness. I don’t want to hurt you. If you move too much, you might tear.”
“So full,” I whimper, clinging to him.
“I know,” he says soothingly. He strokes my back, which helps me calm down and regulate my breathing a little. “You were amazing, Jewel. Incredible. I can’t believe how perfect you are. Just a little bit longer until the swelling goes down.”
“How long does the knot last?”
“Um, funny you should ask.” He gives an uneasy chuckle. “I don’t actually know. I’ve never knotted anyone before, so…”
“Never?!”
“Never wanted to with anyone else. The books say one to four hours, depending on the dragon.”
“That’s a big range.” A disbelieving laugh huffs out of me. That’s how he knew we were going to miss the feast.
“I can help you a little bit if you let me take out the plug.” When I nod, I feel his tail gently grasp the base, easing it out of me. With its exit comes a huge feeling of relief as it makes a little more room for Myrran’s girth. “Better?”
“Mhm.” I lean forward to rest my head on his shoulder, drowsiness overtaking my senses. I’m barely conscious when he lifts me up and carries me to the big, marble bathroom attached to his lair.Ourlair. One conjoined shower later, I’m feeling evenmore relaxed and comfortable, even though we’re still stuck together.
Four full hours later, when his knot subsides as we lie together in our nest, feeding each other chocolates from yet another of the extraordinary gifts my mate has collected for me, I can’t think of any place I’d rather be than in my dragon’s arms.
Seen. Known. Cherished.
Epilogue
One Year Later
Myrran
The Hive is pure, joyful mayhem today. The smell of baking pastries and roasting meat fills the air, laughter and the occasional bickering echoes through the halls. It’s hard to believe it’s been a full year since Jewel moved in, because her touch is everywhere. Her family recipes in the kitchen. Her scent in my nest. She’s made her home here, and my home is with her.
I glance at the clock. She’ll be home any minute, returning from her latest modeling shoot. A year ago, she was wrapping gifts at Hoardstrom’s to make ends meet, dreaming of something bigger. Now? Now she’s the face of a major designer’s collection and has to turn down gigs.
She’s worked so hard to make it happen, and I couldn’t be more proud of her.
I straighten the tray of festive snacks on the low table in our lair—a plate of Jewel’s favorite walnut cookies, a bowl of spicy candied nuts, and two mugs of Mexican hot chocolate (I’ve perfected a recipe that’s exactly to her taste). Beside it sits a little box wrapped in shimmering green paper, its tiny bow painstakingly tied. It’s an amateur job compared to her wrapping skills, but I wanted it to be extra-special to mark our one-year anniversary, so I wrapped it myself.
At the sound of the door opening, my heart leaps. I stand to greet her, unable to suppress my grin when I see her.
“Welcome home, alokoi.” I catch her up in a hug before she can set her emerald-green handbag down. I spin in a circle so her feet fly out, and she squeals.
She’s laughing when I set her down, her cheeks still glowing pink from the chilly city outside. “I missed you,” she says, leaning into me.
I nuzzle her hair, inhaling her familiar, comforting scent. “I missed you more. How was the shoot?”
She pulls back, eyes sparkling. “It was amazing, Myrran. The designer rebooked me, the team was incredible—and look!” Shesteps back and twirls, showing off a stunning coat in shimmering red and gold, the fabric catching the light like dragon scales. “They let me keep this. I’m going to send it to my mom. She’s going to love it.”
“She’ll look like a queen.” I lick across her forehead and down to her ear until she squirms and sighs. “Are you hungry?”
“Starving,” she admits, kicking off her shoes with a sigh. “And my feet are killing me.”
“I’ve got you.” I lead her to the snack table, where several pillows provide comfortable seating. “Sit. Eat. And let me take care of you.”
