Blood Bought: Cruentus Dragons Book Two (9 page)

“It should have.”

“Hmm…” She looked around, her brows drawing together. “We’re back here,” she said with some censure.

“Riven brought us.”

She nodded and made a face, obviously remembered her few hours here. “It needs redecorating…starting with your harems’ quarters.”

“Blood letters’ quarters,” he corrected, referring to the women who fed the Dragons until they were mated. He hadn’t had anyone in residence for years.

She snorted. “Same thing.” She looked at Riven. “You have blood letters?”

“He certainly does not,” Laurinda snapped, giving Riven a glare at the very suggestion. “And he will not.”

“Rinda…”

“Mmm…” Athena sat up straighter. “What’s between you two?”

“Nothing,” Rinda said regretfully. She stepped out of Riven’s arms. They dropped to his side in defeat. Jonah could have sworn he saw the life depart the man. The queen forced a half smile, her own sadness evident. “He’s part Dragon. He must take a Dragon mate. There’s not a prayer for me. I’m a pureblood—pure Djinni to the beginning of our bloodline.” She tilted her head, regarding Athena. “You need to understand how lucky you are—”

The doors to Jonah’s chambers exploded open, halting anything she might have said and sending both men into defensive position in front of their women.

A huge man filled the doorway. He seemed familiar, but Athena hadn’t spent enough time here to learn anyone’s face—except Jonah’s. His had imprinted on her immediately. Whatever happened, his image would be with her always.

“Janos,” Jonah exclaimed. “I thought you were still in
New York
.”

Oh! This was her cousin’s mate. Did that mean her cousin was nearby? Athena had sorely missed her—and had a few bones to pick…

Janos shook his head. “Scarlett and I returned as soon as you went after your mate. Preparations for your union ceremony had to be made.” He turned to the other pair. “Brother Riven, welcome to the Cruentus Clan’s compound. Since you are of Cruentus blood, you will always have a home here. As soon as Behe informed me of your possible arrival, I had rooms prepared for you and your…guest.” It was obvious he strove to be cordial to the female Djinni who’d accompanied them.

“Cruentus blood?” Jonah echoed.

It was all very clear to Athena. The resemblance, the identical Dragons…

“He’s your…” she looked to Janos, and raised a brow, “brother?”

Janos nodded. “He is.” He frowned, surveying Athena. “There is no time for a reunion now. Jonah, the ceremony.”

“Athena and I need time—”

“You don’t have time,” Janos interrupted. “Her condition is obvious, and
I’m
not the healer.”

“We need a moment.”

Janos nodded. “Come with me,” he told the other two.

In seconds, she and Jonah were alone. The constant arousal she felt near him had waned, though she still wanted him more than she’d ever wanted another man despite the tingles of pain that were already returning. He pulled her into his arms and carried her from the chamber. His quarters were larger than she’d imagined, and he took her down a wide passageway, past several doorways and into his bedroom. A huge canopy bed dominated the room, the four posts appearing to be actual trees that arched overhead. Gauzy white linen draped over the branches.

Jonah placed her on the mattress and laid beside her. His brow furrowed with concern.

Was this when he told her there would be no joining? He’d seemed so reluctant when Janos had told him the ceremony waited. Jonah
had
ended the mating.

“So…there’s a Djinni in the family,” he started. His fingertips stroked her arm, lifting goose bumps along her skin.

“He’s a good man.”

Jonah nodded, his gaze intent on the path of his fingers. They slid over to her belly and she pressed into his touch.

“How do you feel about this?” he asked as he splayed his fingers.

“I haven’t had much of an opportunity to think about it. I guess I’m relieved that it’s not some fatal attack from the Djinn. I thought at first it was. And…I’m…not freaked out. I mean, it’s kinda cool.” As she spoke, the reality of her condition settled into her awareness. A child with Jonah. She was going to have his baby!

Her hand covered his on her stomach.

“How do
you
feel?” she asked. “I mean…you ended the mating.”

His breath caught and he leaned over her, emotion bright in his eyes. “To protect you. Only to protect you. Athena, I want to…be with you…forever.”

“Forever’s a long time.” She frowned. He seemed to have trouble with that word, forever. Part of her wanted to leap at his offer. But most of her still felt he wanted to be with her from obligation, a forced bond, and now the child. “And if I say no?”

Panic filled his eyes before he quickly hid it. “The pregnancy will likely kill you. At very least, you will lose the children.”

Children?
Not child, but children. Whether it was one or ten, her answer was the same.

“All right,” she said faintly, eternity looming before her like…well, an eternity. Most people in bad situations had the luxury of a death even fate couldn’t stop, but she and Jonah wouldn’t. She took a shaky breath and looked away. They could discuss living arrangements later.

She didn’t suppose he’d want to be far from his children, but she wouldn’t share a bed with a man who was forced to be with her.

* * * *

No Dragon bride had ever looked so lovely. As Athena stood across from him on the dais that had been erected in the enormous main hall of the Cruentus compound, Jonah couldn’t help but stare.

Her cousin had produced a white silk and lace dress with a portrait collar that left a good deal of Athena’s neck and shoulders bare. Her hair was swept into diamond-studded clips, and his commitment ring rested on her slim finger. Pain lined her eyes and he knew it was sheer will keeping her upright.

Scarlett stood behind her; Janos then Riven behind him.

Athena’s hand landed on his chest as she swayed. He wore only white pants, inked with Dragon sigils. More sigils had been painted on his torso, spells for happiness, faithfulness, and protection.

He caught his mate to him, knowing it was time. His teeth sank into her shoulder. Athena gasped at the pain of the bite and the instant pleasure of the aphrodisiac he knew flowed through her. She moaned and he felt Janos move up behind them.

Jonah lifted his mouth enough to tell her, “Open your eyes. You want to see this,” then sealed his mouth to her shoulder again, drinking the sweet nectar of her blood.

Janos touched his back.
Ready?

Yes. I’ve been ready for this moment for centuries.

Jonah’s arms tightened on his mate, knowing she’d flinch when she saw the blade Janos drew.

Tell her she’s safe,
Jonah told him. One hand cupped the back of her neck, readying her.

“You’re completely safe. The knife is for Jonah,” Janos murmured quietly. “Cruentus clan,” he said, addressing the crowd who’d gathered for the ceremony. “We’ve gathered to witness the final joining of my wingscion, our revered healer, Jonah Genjhury and his chosen mate, Athena Xanthopoulos.”

A cheer went up, and a responding thrill skimmed over Jonah’s skin. A chill followed as Janos drew the blade across Jonah’s chest, inches above his nipple. Jonah pressed Athena’s mouth to his chest. Her eyes were wide as she lapped at his blood. The lap turned to suction as the change began and she lifted on her toes, her eyes half-lidded.

“Here in our sight, these two will be eternally joined.” Janos’ hands landed on both their shoulders. “Be united now. Let the gold show the love in your union.”

He stepped away, and Jonah lifted his head. Gazing up at him, Athena lifted her head as well. Still, holding her, he looked into her eyes, hoping to convey what filled his heart.

“I love you, Athena. You are my perfect mate, and you fill my soul.”

“Jonah…” She felt the joining start in her toes, creeping up her legs and into her groin. He squeezed her hands and the sensation seemed to starburst through her body like an enormous orgasm. The pain in her middle immediately released. Instead, she felt her children moving for the first time. She guided Jonah’s hand to cover the movement, indescribable happiness flowing over her.

A column of gold light swirled around them, blocking out everything but the two of them. This was the joining, the spiral of gold that told of their love.
Was it possible that he loved her so much?
she wondered as the rich, sparkling light enveloped them.

Slowly, the glow dissipated and they were left amidst the congratulations and clapping from their family. Jonah scooped her into his arms and headed through the crowd. She cuddled into him, smiling at the well-wishers and all the Dragons slapping Jonah on the back and offering bawdy advice.

Though the joining light had disappeared, she still saw the world in a golden glow. He loved her. He
really
loved her.

“Don’t we need to stay and join in the celebration?” she asked when she realized he was heading for their chambers on the top floor of the multi-level compound. The dwelling carved inside a mountain housed the entire clan, each family having its own rooms. Multiple stories circled the massive main room where they’d just been united.

“No, we’ll have our own celebration.” He nuzzled her cheek. “They won’t expect to see us for days.”

“Days? Really?” That sounded perfect.

Halfway up the stairs, Jonah paused and pressed her to the wall. “I need a kiss to sustain me.”

She grinned. “It is taking a long time.”

“Wench.”

“Such abuse,” she laughed. “Perhaps if you fly.”

He kissed her, his tongue darting into her mouth as she giggled. She threaded her fingers into his hair and moaned as he ground his hips into her. Arousal seeped through her. Urgent but not dire. She needed him, she wanted him, but she wouldn’t die if he wasn’t in her in the next minute—though the idea of it sent creamy tingles spiking through her channel. Her folds warmed as if she’d been drinking alcohol, but right now, she wasn’t buzzed on anything but Jonah.

They needed to talk, but the truth from the ceremony made it all less imperative.

“If I fly, people will see,” he told her, nipping at her bottom lip.

“Do you care?”

“No. Do you? We’ll get a lot of ribbing.”

She blinked at him. “I’m feeling terribly naughty. You might want to hurry.”

“Sweet heaven!” Jonah stepped backward and a moment later, he’d shifted—slightly.

“You can do that?” she asked in wonder as she stared at the man before her, large wings flapping gently behind his back.

“Just wait until I take you flying while I make love to that sweet body of yours.”

Once more, she was carried, this time, over the railing and into the upper portion of the main hall. A raucous cheer went up, accompanied by a healthy dose of wolf whistles. Jonah just kept flying. He never stopped until he reached the door to their home. They were inside an instant later, the door kicked shut as he continued to the bedroom.

“I can’t believe them,” she laughed.

“They are mostly unmated males. I think they’re a little jealous. Can you blame them?” He dropped her on the bed and immediately straddled her. “You’re so beautiful.”

“Scarlett did pick out a stunning dress—”

“No. You…” His thumbs smoothed over her cheekbones. “I love you, Athena. The thought of anything happening to you, ever being without you again. I thought I was going to lose it when the Djinn kidnapped you. I wanted to rip the world apart.”

“I’m right here forever.” She smiled letting all her love shine through. She couldn’t believe the extreme peace that filled her now that the joining was complete. Finding a place within the Dragon community still loomed ahead of her, but right now, being with her Dragon seemed far more important.

Her hands traveled up his bare chest and traced the sigils that had been drawn there. She circled his small nipples then gave each a light pinch. “I like Dragon wedding garb.”

“Human wedding garb is cumbersome. I can’t get to you,” he complained.

“Hmm…well, is there some sort of rule that says the joining night needs to be all tender and heart-warming?” She blinked sweetly at him. “I think, we should, as they say, start as we intend to proceed. Scarlett told me Dragons never have girls—”

“Almost never.”

“And when our sons get married, I suspect their mates won’t want my dress. It might be horribly out of style by then, if not falling apart. So…rip it. You know what I like. And I’m feeling awfully naughty.”

Jonah grinned wickedly, an expression she knew she’d quickly come to adore. “Are you sure?” he asked. “Speak now or—oops, too late.” The dress split to her waist and his mouth was on her breasts. She moaned as strands of crackling tension zinged to her center. He drew hard on one nipple then the other. She squirmed as he carefully traced each puckered peak with his tongue.