Chapter 21
“A thousand years? Ye got to be fuckin’ with me!” exclaimed Brian.
Shaking his head, Reif continued, “Unfortunately not. I…we have no idea how they found out about us or where we lived but one day the sky turned black and five men appeared in the center of our town announcing all the sea dragons now belonged to them and if we didn’t follow their orders, we’d be destroyed.
“What aboot the gods? Canna they protect ye?” asked Brian, horrified.
“They could but they don’t. None of our elders know what we did to anger the gods so much that they’d forsake us, but it must have been something really bad because the Fates stopped giving us Fated Mates.”
“Ahh…the last time was aboot a thousand years ago?” asked Brian.
“Yes,” Reif said, sadly. “Through the years our claiming ritual was lost. I don’t know why, but I always thought a claiming needed a sex act between the two mates.
That’s why I had no idea that just giving you a kiss…
a kiss I very much wanted to give—would have claimed you.
Please, believe me, Brian, I’m not the kind of mate who’d cause the death of anyone, especially my Fated Mate. ”
Brian could see his mate was telling the truth. “Ay, I do believe ye, but what are we gonna do aboot these men?”
“Last year, my father re-negotiated with them that this would be my last mission. If I’m successful, my people will be free of them and we can return to our lives without their threats hanging over us,” Reif said.
“Do ye think they will keep their word?” asked Brian, doubtfully.
After his mate voiced Reif’s biggest fear, he rubbed his face before saying, “I have no idea…I hope so because, frankly, I don’t know how much longer I can do this shit.”
“Maybe I can help ye…what are ye looking for?” Brian asked.
“Supposedly the largest green diamond in the world, called the Serpent’s Teardrop.”
“That’s what yer doing in my loch? Looking to steal somethin’?” asked Brian.
“Not steal it,” said Reif. “Find it. All the clues I have led me to Loch Ness as its location but I’ve searched and either I’m missing something or it’s not there.”
“I know my loch like the back of my hand and never have seen anything like that.”
“That’s the same conclusion I reached, but I must keep looking. Time is running out and if I don’t hand it over soon, my people are going to pay the price.”
“Can I see these clues?” asked Brian.
“Sure, but they’re back at my place. But unless you know of a hidden house under the loch, I don’t think they’ll be of much use to you,” Reif said.
“A house? Underwater? Naw, ye must have the wrong loch,” replied Brian. “It canna be mine.”
“That’s what I’m thinking…so that just puts me back at the ‘fuck, now what’ stage.” Then Reif said, “Let’s forget about that for now. I’d rather talk about us. Were you born here or did you move to the loch?”
“Wait,” said Brian. “Before we get into that, what kind of beast is a sea dragon? I never heard of it,” said Brian.
“I’m not surprised, though Kieran knew. Hmmm, well, I can shift into two different creatures…one is similar to yours and that’s the one I use when I’m underwater. The other looks like a giant serpent but with two small wings rising out of the spine behind the head,” Reif explained.
“Ye can fly with that one?” asked Brian.
“Well, yes, but not fast.”
“Can ye use yer abilities in all forms?” asked Brian.
“No, underwater only the camouflage works. But on land the god made a perfect creature to be a thief,” Reif answered. “Virtually undetectable.”
“Ye have been stealin’ for five hundred years? How old are ye?” asked Brian.
“About a thousand years old. How old are you?” asked Reif.
“650 years auld. I thought ye were younger than me,” Brian said.
“Nope, I’m the old one in this relationship,” Reif chuckled.
“Shall I call ye daddy?” teased Brian.
“Only if you want me to put you over my knee and spank you.” Reif said with a lascivious grin.
Holy fuck! Brian’s eyes dropped to Reif’s lips, sending all kinds of crazy signals to his cock. Keeping his gaze locked on his mate’s wicked mouth, he reached down, re-arranging his raging hard-on, trying to relieve the pressure of its confinement in his jeans.
Seeing his mate’s response, Reif rounded the island, then, turning Brian to face him, leaned in, his lips ghosting over his mate’s. “Kiss me, Nessie,” he whispered.
The puffs of air from his mate’s whisper across his lips pulled a groan from the depths of Brian’s chest; his need ratcheted up, making him weak in the knees, forcing him to grab his mate’s hips for support.
Never before had desire for anyone consumed him like this and, before he knew what was happening, Brian pressed his lips against Reif’s, moaning at the taste.
Feeling their bond tighten, Brian’s hand buried itself in his mate’s hair, pulling it toward him until Reif returned his kiss.
The sharp pain in Reif’s scalp only added to the fire his mate’s kiss had ignited in him.
Needing more, he thrust his hips forward, grinding against Brian’s heavy, thick cock, opening his mouth and sucking his mate’s tongue inside.
It was at that moment, Reif realized there would never be a time he didn’t want his mate.
Brian felt the rough stubble on Reif’s jaw scrape along his face, sending shards of pleasure pulsing down to his cock, hardening it as never before.
When he felt Reif’s leg push between his thighs, Brian’s eyes rolled back in his head as the increased pressure against his cock inflamed the desire burning throughout his body.
Shouting Reif’s name, Brian’s body stiffened as he rode his mate’s leg, his orgasm finally erupting from his cock, filling his pants with cum.
Now breathless, Brian’s head dropped down on Reif’s chest, his heart beating rapidly as he floated in the calm after the storm.
Holding his mate tenderly against his body, Reif grinned as he felt the wetness inside his own jeans.
He couldn’t remember the last time he came in his pants but…
damn, if my mate just didn’t make me do it.
He needed serious cuddle time right now so gathering Brian in his arms, Reif headed in the direction of where he hoped the bedroom was.
~/~/~/~/~
Jackson swung his chair around, then, picking up his phone sent a text to Dylon.
After thinking about Fionn and what he was, he was positive the young dragon was in danger if he appeared at the hearing but not because of his hoard.
Jackson decided to keep the information secret—at least until everyone was home—but if there was any hope of keeping Fionn safe, Dylon had to know what he was up against.
The sound of knocking pulled Jackson out of his musings. Looking up he saw Dylon standing in front of his desk. “Close the door, please,” he said.
After complying, Dylon sat down. “What’s the problem?” he asked.
Jackson said, “It’s about Fionn. This must remain confidential.”
“Whatever you tell me, Cody will know as we are one,” Dylon said.
“I know,” replied Jackson, waving his hand. “In fact, in this case, that’s a good thing since you’ll both be at the hearing. Have you ever heard of a white dragon?”
“I believe it’s a myth,” Dylon said, pausing as he saw the seriousness on his Alpha’s face. “Let me guess, my teacher had it wrong.”
“Yes. Fionn is a white dragon and I believe his uncle is planning to kidnap him either before or after the hearing.”
“Fuckingbedamned!” Dylon exclaimed, running his fingers through his hair. “Does Penn know this?”
“Yes, but he doesn’t know about yours or Cody’s powers.”
“Wait, I seem to remember something about a white dragon’s power? Do you know what it is because I’ll have to take that into account when devising my plan.”
“He hasn’t received it yet,” Jackson said.
“When will it happen?” asked Dylon.
“Not sure, but I don’t think it’ll be soon.”
“Okay. Do you have a problem if I call Penn and ask him about the location of the hearing?”
“Not at all,” Jackson said. “Touch base with me once you finalize your strategy.”
“Will do,” Dylon said before leaving.
~/~/~/~/~
Night had fallen when Brian awoke, finding himself held snugly against his mate.
Never one for cuddling, he was pretty sure that was now a thing of the past as he pushed back against Reif’s body, basking in the feeling of being held within the circle of his mate’s muscled arms. Kiss me, Nessie.
Reif’s words echoed in his mind. I did…I kissed my mate.
His mate claimed and no longer facing death, Brian kept thinking Reif only allowed himself to be claimed so he wouldn’t be responsible for his mate’s demise.
Fuck, I should’ve controlled myself. Now Reif has a mate he never wanted.
Reif felt the sudden tension in his mate’s body and knew he was having second thoughts about claiming him.
“Stop it, Nessie! You’re wrong! I always wanted you but I thought I was doing the right thing by not claiming you.
Although, I didn’t know what I was feeling, I fell in love with you the first time I saw you and only fought it because I didn’t want you to be tainted by the darkness that had settled over me.
But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stay away from you.
That’s what happened when I kissed you. Once I entered the loch, a force pulled me to your boat.
I swam all around it, rubbing my scent on it because I wanted to tell everyone you belonged to me. ”
Brian remained silent, beginning to realize Reif truly loved him.
His mate continued, “Ever since that delicious moment when my lips touched yours, a pain in my heart grew, but I was stupid. I didn’t realize it was my love for you demanding I return so you could claim me.
My beast threatened me for the first time ever when I forced myself not to return to your boat after the kiss.
You’ve haunted my dreams and consumed my mind when I’m awake. ”
Reif’s voice began to waver. “I’ll be ashamed of what I said to Kieran until the day I die because my words hurt you. I’m here because I choose to be here and I can’t see a life without you in it. Whatever happens, know this, Nessie, I love you with my whole heart and soul…I’ll never let you go.”
Turning over so he faced his mate, Brian’s lips curled up in a brilliant smile gazing at the man who was meant for him alone.
Someone who would chase away the loneliness that had been part of his soul for years—more years than he wanted to remember.
Sea serpents were usually solitary souls as they grew older, but his DNA had cried out for a mate his entire life.
That’s why he’d roamed the earth for so many years before finally giving up, settling in Loch Ness, resigned to live out the rest of his days alone.
He had friends, of course, who became like family, but it never satisfied the need he had for someone who was his—only his—someone to love him…
to listen to him…to smile through his grumpy times…
someone he could count on no matter what.
To finally have all of that—and wrapped up in a sexy package—was beyond his wildest dreams.
Brian cupped Reif’s face with his hands, then, leaning in, pressed his lips against his mate’s lightly, and when he felt those lips move against his, deepened his kiss until he was devouring Reif’s lips.
The taste was driving him crazy. Needing more, Brian forced his tongue between his mate’s lips and, capturing his mate’s tongue, began sucking it in and out of his mouth.
He buried one hand into Reif’s hair, loving its softness—his other hand reached for the snap of his mate’s jeans.
Pulling away from Brian’s mouth, Reif grinned at the frustrated sounds coming from his mate. “Nessie, what are you doing?”
“What do ye think?”
Chuckling, Reif said, “Well, as much as I’d love for that to happen, I think a shower’s in order.”
Nipping at his mate’s jaw, Brian murmured, “Nae necessary…I love having a little salt with my meal.”
Stilling Brian’s wandering hand, Reif replied, “It’s not my sweat, Nessie. I came in my pants the same time you did, because you were the hottest thing I ever saw.”
Pausing, Brian stared at his mate and then laughed. “Really? Is this a problem ye have? Do ye need a cock ring?”
“No, though I might use one on you,” Reif teased, and then seeing his mate’s eyes darken, knew he would be doing it very soon. “Now, how about a shower before we continue?”
“I’ve a better idea…why dinna we go swimmin’ in the loch?” asked Brian.
“How about we shift first, then swim. My human form is not happy in the cold waters of Scotland,” Reif replied.
“Ay, our serpents can enjoy themselves.”
“Yes, indeed.” Reif chuckled. “Ever since I scented you in the loch, I’ve been dying to see the feared Loch Ness Monster.”
“Feared?” scoffed Brian. “I dinna know. According to the tourists, I’m a friendly beast, never attackin’.”
“I know. The shops are filled with soft, stuffed Nessies so now I’ll be able to see if they’re a good likeness.” Reif rolled over, taking his mate with him, then climbing out of bed, he pulled Brian’s t-shirt off. “Do you want to strip here or down by the loch?”
“Might as well do it here,” Brian replied, rising and unsnapping his jeans.
Reif placed his hand over his mate’s, stopping him from going farther. “Good, then let me do the honors.” After his mate nodded, Reif continued, “Nessie, keep your hands at your sides, understand?”
Swallowing, Brian nodded, feeling his cock harden in response to the rough edge to his mate’s voice—as if Reif was finding it difficult to speak.
Closing his eyes, a shiver went through his body as he felt his mate’s hand slowly pull down the zipper on his jeans. Oh, holy fuck, I’m gonna come again!