Unexpected Mate (Dragon Goddess #2)

Chapter Twenty-four

I winced as I slid into my tuxedo jacket. Even with werewolf healing, every muscle in my body was sore. I had lost count of how many times my horny little mate had needed to ease the discomfort of her heat. Don’t get me wrong, I loved every minute of Tia’s needy body against mine, but I was beat. Werewolf recovery time lagged quite a bit compared to a dragon’s, and I was dreaming of getting to sleep through a full night. Ivo groaned as he bent to slip on his shoes. I smirked. It appeared that even his stamina has limits. I understood now why he was worried that there were only five males for her. We were all struggling.

Tia had been given the herb, relaxing her so we could dress without her trying to undress us. Damien had poked and prodded her wavy blonde locks into elegant curls that framed her face and gave her face an angelic look. After the things I had seen her do in the last few hours, I knew she was no angel… and I loved it.

I watched as he finished lacing her up in the blue gown that managed to be elegant and sexy at the same time. I would have sworn that the designer was a witch; the various shades of blue seemed to shift in the light, the fabric creating the illusion of ocean waves. If I were a wealthy man, I would hire that designer to create every piece of clothing that Tia would wear from this day forward.

“We are in agreement,” said Mithraheal. “I have engaged her services full-time to handle Tia’s wardrobe, as well as ours. I have a feeling tonight is just the beginning of our social engagements with the supernatural world.” I grinned, looking forward to seeing our mate in more of the designer’s gowns. I enjoyed watching Tia get spoiled by Mithraheal.

I stepped forward to hold Tia’s hand as she balanced and stepped into her crystal-studded heels. Mithraheal stepped forward and held out a slim box.

She smiled and opened it, pulling out a beautiful hair pin. One end had a diamond-encrusted dragon sitting on a half moon. Delicate silver chains hung from the moon and glittering gems dangled from the chains. It was an incredible piece of jewelry that likely cost more than a house. Our stunning little dragon immediately dropped it in her hand and tested the weight of it, and I suddenly understood the real reason behind the gift.

“I know you would have preferred a blade, but that would be considered a sign of aggression at this gathering,” said Mithraheal. “This is a way for you to carry something pointy in case you need to get all stabby.”

“You know me so well!” She leaned up and kissed his lips. I started to panic, worried that the Ivleek was already out of her system. But she kept the kiss chaste. We all breathed out a loud sigh of relief, earning a giggle from Tia.

“I am still relaxed you guys, no crazy urges to start riding the bony express. ugh!” She pinched the bridge of her nose. “Why Beasty? Why?”

We weren’t about to tell her, but we loved the weird sexual innuendos and euphemisms that Beasty had included during the merge. They were always unexpected, and seeing Tia flustered was adorable.

Damien glanced at his large gold watch. “Okay, people! Time to get this show on the road!”he said.

Taking a deep breath, we stepped forward, linking arms or dropping a casual hand on each other. We materialized in a large room that was empty aside from the blood driven security team, who stood in stark contrast to the walls in their crimson suits.

“Do you think they wear red so if they spill their drink, the blood won’t show?” Leo whispered, although since everyone in the room had supernatural hearing, I don’t know why he bothered.

I swallowed back a laugh at the disgruntled faces of the guards. I wondered if they heard that joke often.

Mithraheal had already explained that each species was given private chambers within this castle. Long ago, the castle was abandoned, and no one was quite sure who had originally built it. It sat on neutral land, meaning it was not on territory belonging to werewolves, wizards, or vampires. Eventually, the leaders decided it would be the best place to host events between the species. It was cleaned and brought back to its former glory. I glanced around at the opulent chamber. The walls were twelve-feet tall, and ornate scrollwork covered the thick natural wood trim. I touched the wallpaper, surprised to find it felt like fabric under my palm. I loved the dark green décor; it reminded me of the forests where I grew up.

“Let’s go enjoy this party!” said Tia. “I can’t wait for the world to see my handsome mates.” She straightened her spine and lifted her chin. She linked arms with Levi and I, and walked toward the doors. Ivo and Leo followed behind us, while Mithraheal and Damien walked in front of us. We made such an odd group, and I totally loved it.

As the imposing golden doors opened, I was astounded at the beauty of the scene in front of us. The sounds hit my ears first. Instruments from around the world weaved notes together in perfect harmony, while delicate crystal glasses clinked, and musical laughter wrapped around us in an almost hypnotic effect. Women in brightly-colored gowns twirled around the golden dance floor in a rainbow of hues. Windows surrounded the entire ballroom, and the twinkling stars of the night sky could be seen through them, making it seem as though the party was being held outside. Glowing gold dust fell through the air, like confetti in slow motion; a final magical touch that completed the otherworldly beauty of the party.

We had reached the top of the grand staircase, the white marble sparkling as the light touched the strands of gold that spun in elegant lines within the stone. Even knowing what was coming, I still wasn’t prepared for the emotions that crashed into my body as our arrival was announced.

“I am pleased to introduce Luke and Levi Blackwood of the Werewolves. Mates of the Dragoness.”

Levi and I released Tia’s hands and made our way down the staircase. Interested eyes swept over us, curious as to who we were and how we had made the guestlist. I wanted to laugh. Damien had planned every word of what the servant was to announce, and the shock value was about to climb drastically.

“Leopold Tartal, Warlock. Mate of the Dragoness.”

Confused murmurs rippled through the guests. Leo seemed to have that effect on people. After settling us into his cave, Ivo had asked in shock how we’d managed to adopt a newborn warlock. In bewilderment, we had asked him what a warlock was. Mithraheal and Damien had been searching the archives to understand more about Warlocks and why they had disappeared.

“Prince Damien Conlier of the Blood Driven. Best Friend of the Dragoness.” Tia giggled in surprise as Damien strutted down the staircase like a model on the runway, winking flirtatiously at the women. I rolled my eyes, could the man be any more full of himself?

“King Mithraheal Conlier of the Blood Driven. Mate of the Dragoness.” The guests didn’t even attempt to hide their shock, the whispered murmurs were no longer hushed. The rumors that the King of Vampires had claimed a mate had just been confirmed and it left everyone in shock.

“Ivo, Dragon of Fyre. Mate of the Dragoness.” At this, all sound in the room ceased; you could’ve heard the blink of eyelashes in the silence. Everyone watched as the giant man made his way down the stairs, his tanned skin a stunning contrast with the white fabric of his elegantly-cut suit. Damien had convinced him to braid his long black hair for the evening. Everything about Ivo screamed power and raw passion. My nose twitched as the scent of the women’s desire wafted through the room.

This isn’t good. I repeat, this is not good! Levi was panicking.

We just have to hope she is relaxed enough to not react.

I only have eyes for her, but even I can see that Ivo is hot as sin and I would be wetting my panties if I were a girl. What if she loses control of her emotions? Levi started darting his eyes around, probably counting how many bodies Tia would crush if she decided to shift into her dragon.

Our mate moved forward to the top of the staircase and gazed at the faces in the ballroom with serene confidence.

“Goddess Tiamat, Dragoness of the Sea.”

The servant had barely spoken these words before purple fireworks began to sparkle behind Tia. Blue light flowed up her arms, lighting up her scale like tattoos. Her hair blew gently and she tucked it behind her ear on one side, displaying Leo’s intricate claiming mark. Sneaky little minx. She moved down the stairs unhurried, creating the illusion she was floating.

Wait a second.

She was floating.

Our warlock had been practicing, and now the whispering between Damien, Tia and Leo made sense. They had been planning an entrance that would leave people slack jawed. Looking at the faces in the crowd, it was a success. There would never be a dull moment in my life again.

I grinned like a lovesick pup as my queen made her way toward us.