Wings of Change Page 5

  “No.” He laughed, but it had a bitter sound. “Talking changes nothing. My partner is crippled because of me. What kind of knight allows his dragon partner to be so injured?”

  “He doesn’t blame you.” She took another step forward until she was standing right in front of him in the small room.

  “I blame myself.”

  “Then you’re the only one. When the queen was here, she said dragons get hurt all the time. It’s part of their life. She didn’t blame you either.”

  Kaden shook his head, not meeting her eyes. “You don’t understand.”

  “Then explain it to me.” She sat at his side, taking one of his hands. He was such a big man, with big, calloused, warrior’s hands. She couldn’t stand to see him hurting. It touched her as deeply as seeing Rey in pain and she’d already proven she couldn’t just stand by and watch the dragon hurt. The same seemed to be true for his knight.

  “If Rey can’t fly, he can’t truly join with Linea. But dragons mate for life. Linea will never have a hatchling. What’s more, she and Marcus won’t have the partners in fighting they should. When dragons mate, their knights train together, fight together, live together with their mate. It’s a complex relationship. If Rey can’t fly, all of that goes out the window. All because of me.”

  “That’s a heavy burden you’ve assumed.” She rubbed his hand as he dealt with a difficult excess of emotion. His expression was full of pain when he could meet her eyes, though he avoided her gaze more than not.

  “That’s my reality.”

  “No,” she faced him, “that’s what your guilt is telling you. It’s not the reality I see.” She didn’t give him a chance to respond. “I see a dragon who loves you. Two of them, actually. Rey needs you to be strong now, when he can’t be. He needs your encouragement, not this depression that surrounds you like a cloud. He needs Linea and Marcus…and especially you, Kaden. He loves you.”

  “I love him too,” he whispered.

  “Then be strong for him.” She moved closer, stroking his cheek and holding his hand close to her heart. “I’m willing to bet he’s always been there for you. Now it’s your turn. He’s full of doubt and fear, but I think dragons don’t normally know such emotions. He needs you to help him sort it all out so he can overcome it and learn to fly again. To live again.”

  “What if he can’t fly?”

  There it was. The crux of the matter. The fear that ate away at both dragon and knight.

  “My father used to say that all things are possible if you believe. I believe in Rey and I believe in you, Kaden. Now you need to believe in yourself.”

  “Oh, Lucy.” He pulled her into his arms. She felt the slight tremble of his muscles and marveled at the emotions this strong man kept bottled up inside.

  “I’m here for you, Kaden. For both of you.” She whispered near his ear, turning to kiss his jaw lightly. A kiss of affection…and love.

  Kaden held her until his emotions settled down. But other things were stirring, such as the hunger that built in him every time she was near. It had been almost unbearable tonight, watching her chat with the other women. He’d wanted so much to take her and claim her as his own, as the other men had done with their mates, but she wasn’t his. Not yet.

  Perhaps this was the time. She’d come to him. She’d reached out. Perhaps she would welcome his advances. Perhaps she’d come to terms with the idea of sharing his love—and Marcus’s—after talking with the other women.

  There was only one way to find out.

  “Lucy.” He pulled back. Holding her gaze, he sought the frayed ribbon holding her tightly braided hair with his fingers. Little tendrils had come out of the braid as she worked, to frame her beautiful face. “Sweetheart, you’re too good for the likes of me, but so help me, I want you. I need you, Lucy.”

  He searched her gaze, hoping for a glimmer of something. What he found made his heart race. Her expression was one of beauty and understanding, and something that looked deceptively like affection…or maybe even love, though it was too soon for him to expect she could feel as deeply as he did.

  “Oh, Kaden, you’ve got it all backwards.”

  “Backwards? How so?” He leaned his forehead against hers, digging through the braid sections and unweaving her lustrous, dark hair with gentle motions.

  “You’re the one who’s too good for me. I’m just a servant.”

  Kaden was surprised by her words. Surprised and a little hurt for her. “Servant or queen, you’re a special, rare woman, Lucy.” He kissed her, unable to help himself. She was soft and pliant against him, womanly and warm. All the things he wanted in his life and had never really had. “Let me love you, sweetheart.”

  “Yes, Kaden. Yes.” Her breathless sighs shot straight to his cock. He was more than ready to show her just how good it could be between them.

  But he wanted to go slow. He wanted to savor this first time, for this would be the beginning of their life together—whether she realized it or not. He knew it with certainty, and wanted this time to be special. As special as the woman in his arms.

  He laid her back on the bed, coming over her, sheltering her in his warmth. He would have been content just to gaze down at her, soaking in the magic of the moment, but his eagerness won out.

  “I knew you were part of us from almost the moment I laid eyes on you, Lucy. Certainly from the moment I saw how you cared for Rey.” He kissed her cheeks, drifting down to peck at her lips and under her jaw. “You’re so beautiful.”

  “Kaden.” She untied the small closures on her simple dress. He felt like a king at her impatience for his touch. He moved back to help her, revealing the soft swells of her breasts, a bit larger than he’d expected, the nipples rosy and tight with need.

  Leaning down, he licked her, zeroing in on one excited bud, tonguing her as she panted. He used his teeth, abrading the soft flesh with the utmost care, his fingers molding and squeezing her other breast as he opened his mouth and sucked gently.

  Lucy cried out, writhing in pleasure under him. Kaden felt satisfaction, hearing her whimpers of delight. She was very responsive to him—more so than any woman he could ever remember bedding—and they hadn’t even gone very far yet. He couldn’t wait to be inside her, but he wanted her to feel everything he did…and more.

  He licked her nipple, driving her higher as his hands roamed down her lithe body. He removed her dress with gentle touches that belied the urgency he felt. The simple garment slipped down, revealing a ripe femininity he’d only guessed at until now. She took his breath away.

  “You’re beautiful, Lucy.” He rose over her nude form, his hands circling her generous breasts as he looked at her.

  Her legs wriggled under him, making him want to claim her hard and fast. He had to slow down. Lifting away slightly, he gazed deep into her eyes, liking the dazed sensuality in her expression.

  “Kaden?” She whimpered.

  “It’s all right, sweetheart. Just relax and let me love you. I want you to feel nothing but pleasure.” He drew patterns on her soft flesh with his fingertips, lying at her side, staring down the length of her lovely body.

  “It’s all right, Kaden.” She smiled at him. “I’ve done this before, you know. Not too often, but a few times.” Her cheeks flamed pink, charming him.

  He nipped her shoulder with playful nibbles. “From now on, there will be no others. Only me…and Marcus.”

  “I don’t know—”

  “Shh, sweet. No reason to worry about that now. All will happen in its time.” He shrugged. “Or not. But know this—after tonight, you are mine.”

  “Kaden—”

  He stilled her with a kiss, sipping the words from her mouth as she turned toward him. She fumbled with the ties on his tunic and he reveled in her unskilled touch. He was glad she wasn’t a virgin. He didn’t have enough control to bed a virgin and not hurt her. But he was equally glad her difficulty with his laces proved she hadn’t undressed too many men in her life. He liked the idea of hav
ing her to himself. Well, himself and Marcus, of course.

  Though the idea of Rey and Linea being mates was new, Kaden already felt comfortable with the idea he would share his mate with Marcus. He’d always been a good friend and after this latest trouble, he’d proven to be closer than a brother. The formal joining of their dragons would only cement the family ties—if the day ever came when Rey could fly and claim his mate. But Kaden put aside the guilt for the moment. At the moment, Lucy was in his arms, where he most wanted her to be. He’d deal with the mess he’d made of his and Rey’s lives later. For now, all he wanted to do was forget his problems in the arms of this giving, tender woman.

  “Let me.” He stilled her fumbling fingers with his own, rising to stand at the foot of the bed as he dealt with the lacings on his shirt.

  Pulling it over his head, he threw it to the corner as she rose on her elbows to watch. Her every subtle movement enticed him. When his fingers went to the lacings on his leggings, she blushed, but didn’t look away. Instead, her gaze roamed his torso, focusing finally on his cock straining against the leather to get to her.

  When he shucked his leggings, her eyes widened and he felt himself grow even harder, if that were possible. The sexy gasp that issued from her reddened lips urged him on. He stalked over to her, one knee resting between hers as he moved onto the bed. She lay back as he covered her with his body.

  He liked her breathless moan when he rubbed his body over her soft skin, so he repeated the move, watching her reaction. It was every bit as gratifying the second time she wriggled beneath him, his chest touching hers, his cock brushing the soft swell of her stomach. He stifled a groan.

  “I love how you feel against me, Lucy.”

  “Come down here, Kaden.” She circled his neck and drew his head downward. His name was a trembling sigh against his lips as she kissed him, for the first time initiating intimacy between them. As far as he was concerned, she should do it more often. Her tongue tangled with his as she became more demanding, stunning him and driving him higher.

  Her legs parted as he placed both knees inside hers and pushed outward, making room for himself. She was warm and already wet for him. Kaden growled in pleasure as he aligned their bodies, rubbing his aching cock in her slick folds as she rose up to meet him. He broke the kiss.

  “Do you want me, sweetheart?”

  “Yes, Kaden. Oh, yes!”

  “What do you want, exactly?” His smile dared her.

  “I want…” She licked her lips, flushing a bit. “I want you inside me, Kaden.”

  He moved one hand downward, shifting only to tangle his fingers in the curls between her thighs. Sliding briefly around the nubbin that made her gasp, he stroked one finger into her core.

  “Like this, Lucy? Is this what you wanted?”

  “Kaden! Yes, but—” She whimpered. “I want more!”

  “Do you want my cock, Lucy? You’ll have to tell me exactly what you want.” His words teased, as did his fingers, driving her higher. She was on the precipice as he took his hand from her pussy and slid it upward, circling her nipple with wet fingers.

  “Kaden! You’re killing me. I need you!”

  “Not until you say the words, Lucy.” He kissed her, then pulled back to watch her expression. Flushed with excitement and a hint of embarrassment, it was clear she liked his teasing.

  “I want your cock, Kaden. I want you inside me. Now. Please!”

  “Well, when you put it that way, my love.” He positioned himself. “How can I refuse?”

  He slid home with a long, powerful thrust. She bore down to accept him, though he could feel the difficulty she had accepting his girth. She may not be a virgin, but her cunt was tight, as if it hadn’t been used this way in a very long time. Kaden liked the idea of that, but he knew he’d have to temper his passions until she became accustomed to him. It was all right, though. He loved being inside this special woman. She was tight and hot around him. Warm and slippery, wet and welcoming.

  Home.

  She felt like home to him. It was a feeling he wanted to keep with him for all time, and if he had anything to say about it, he would. She would be at his side when he and Rey moved back to the Lair. She just didn’t know it yet.

  “Are you all right, sweet Lucy?”

  She made a small humming sound when he stroked just the tiniest bit within her, testing the fit. She was growing used to his presence, her body stretching to accommodate his size.

  “I’m all right, Kaden. Please, don’t stop!”

  “I’ll never stop loving you, Lucy. Never.” He punctuated his words with kisses as he began to move. He took his time, making small movements at first, then increasing when she urged him on. Her legs rose to wrap around him, her heels digging into his butt.

  “I’m sorry, my love. This time it’s got to be fast.”

  “Not fast enough, Kaden!” She cried out as a peak hit her. Kaden could feel her inner muscles working his cock. The spasming of her tight sheath drew him with her, into blissful oblivion as his seed shot into her depths. He shuddered at the last, releasing his pent up fury as his body tightened and then relaxed into a peace he had never before known.

  He kissed her forehead with tired lips, rolling with her to their sides. Cradling her in his arms, he stayed deep within her body while one of her knees rode up the outside of his leg to his hip.

  “You’re mine, Lucy.” His breathing slowed as he held her. She fit so perfectly in his arms as he rested his chin on top of her soft hair.

  “Kaden.” Her whisper touched something deep inside when she fell asleep in his arms.

  Chapter Seven

  Lucy woke to movement. Kaden, she recalled instantly.

  He was inside her—or perhaps he’d never left. The last thing she remembered before falling into a deeper, more peaceful sleep than she had known in years, was Kaden making love to her. He’d been so strong and gentle, so caring and daring. She’d never been pleasured like that before, though her past experiences had been admittedly few and far between.

  “I’ve been waiting for you to wake up and join me.” His growling voice teased her ear.

  “Feels like you got started without me.”

  “Just warming things up, milady.” The nibbling kisses he placed in the crease of her neck tickled.

  She rolled with him as he took her to her back, sliding deeper inside her slick channel. He felt so good. Like heaven brought down to earth. It was as exhilarating as flying on the dragon’s back, only warmer and much more intimate.

  Kaden kissed her as he stroked into her with deep, sure thrusts. She pushed back, aligning herself for best entry. He brought her such pleasure there was no question of withdrawal. She was shocked by her own wanton behavior, but Kaden seemed to like it and pleasing him was suddenly very important to her. She came with explosive ease and he followed a moment later.

  They lay together, their breath slowing to a more normal rate as Kaden stroked her arm with a trailing fingertip. She felt his eyes on her, watching, measuring. He looked like he was working up to something.

  “When Rey’s able to be moved,” he finally broached the topic that was clearly on his mind, “I want you to move to the Castle Lair with us. I want you to live with me and Rey, warm our home and our hearts for the rest of your days.”

  “That sounds serious.”

  “It’s very serious, sweetheart.” He stroked her hair. “I know it’s sudden, but I care for you deeply, Lucy. As does Rey. If the worst happens and he never flies again, you would be a comfort to him. You make him sparkle, Lucy, and you make me happy in a way I’ve never been before.”

  She was surprised. They’d only known each other for a few days and only become lovers the night before. But she felt the rightness of it as he spoke the words. He was a good man who didn’t deserve the pain he or Rey had been suffering. Her heart went out to him and she was tempted. Oh, so tempted.

  “What about Marcus and Linea?”

  “In the fullness of ti
me, I hope you might come to accept them too. To let them into our lives and our union. When you’re ready. We won’t rush you.”

  “Kaden, I don’t know…I just don’t know if I can handle two men. It wasn’t something I was raised to expect.”

  “I know. I don’t mean to pressure you, sweetheart. Just think about it, all right? And think about coming with us, for a start, when Rey is safe to move in a few days. He needs you. And I need you more than I can say. Besides, if Rey can never fly again…” His expression grew bleak. “Your worries may be for naught. If he can’t claim Linea, Marcus will most likely never become an issue. So for now, will you consider living with just me, Lucy? Me and Rey?”

  “I’d be leaving behind the only security I’ve known in years, Kaden. You’re asking a lot.”

  He hugged her. “I promise you’ll always have a place in the Lair, whether it works out between us or not. A woman who can hear dragons is rare and special. The Lair folk will welcome you with open arms. Trust me.”

  “I do trust you, Kaden, but it’s an awfully big step.”

  He spoke no more of it over the next days. Each evening Lucia would sleep in Kaden’s arms, making love with him deep into the night. Each day, she would care for the dragon who was quickly becoming the center of her world.

  Marcus was there most days, following her with his eyes and making her uncomfortable with his pointed stare. She felt conspicuously like a mouse being sized up by a hawk on the hunt. Given her earlier run-in with Marcus—and the scandalous thoughts he’d planted in her head about lying between the two menthe fact that she continued to be Kaden’s lover made her feel self-conscious in the extreme. She knew without doubt all it would take was one word from her and she’d have two knights in her bed, when she was only just getting used to one!

  The troublesome idea plagued her, refusing to be put completely from her mind. She served in the tavern during the day, comfortable with Kaden’s easy-going treatment and hyperaware of Marcus’s continued scrutiny. She couldn’t deny she was attracted to both of them. Marcus’s courtly manners still brought back memories of times past, though as she got to know him and observed him with Kaden and the dragons, he became more familiar to her and less a reminder of her sad past. Kaden, by contrast, didn’t remind her of those things, but kept her with him—firmly in the present. He was good for her in that way, and he was a considerate lover.