Epilogue
THE FIRST RAYS OF DAWN filtered through the heavy curtains, casting a soft golden glow over the bedroom.
Dallin stirred and fluttered his eyes.
Sol’s warm body was pressed against his back, one arm draped possessively over his waist.
Sol’s breath was a steady rhythm against the nape of Dallin’s neck, sending a shiver of warmth down Dallin’s spine.
He couldn’t believe he had this again. He hadn’t thought he would for a long time, even after meeting Sol. He’d kept telling himself that Kent was gone and that Sol might never want him this way.
He was happy to have been wrong.
“Morning,”
he murmured, hoping Sol was awake.
He turned slightly in Sol’s embrace to meet his dragon’s gaze.
Sol’s hazel eyes were half-closed, and a lazy smile curved his lips.
He squeezed closer to Dallin and traced a finger along Dallin’s collarbone, making him shiver.
“Good morning,”
Sol replied, his voice husky and low.
“Did you sleep well?”
Dallin nodded, shifting to his other side so he could press a soft kiss on Sol’s jaw.
“As well as can be expected after what happened yesterday.”
He chuckled, pressing his forehead against Sol’s.
“I could get used to waking up like this, though.”
He hoped he wasn’t pushing too hard. The two of them had barely had time to talk after the fight. They’d been exhausted and had dropped into bed as soon as they’d entered Dallin’s bedroom.
Sol’s smile widened, and he tightened his hold on Dallin.
“I hope so,”
he whispered, his breath mingling with Dallin’s.
“You deserve all the peace and comfort I can give you.”
Dallin felt a surge of affection for Sol.
He hadn’t known what would happen between them, and he still didn’t, but he suspected that Sol wanted the same things he did—someone to love, a confidant, someone who would be there for him and who would protect him and cherish him.
He’d had all of that with Kent, but when he was in Sol’s arms, it was easy not to think about that.
Kent was the past.
Sol was the future.
Despite the danger they still faced, there was nowhere else Dallin would rather be than here, in Sol’s arms.
Whatever Carlyle threw at them next, they’d face it together as mage and shield.
He tilted his head, offering his lips for a proper kiss he still couldn’t quite believe he could request.
Sol didn’t hesitate to accept.
Their mouths met in a slow, deliberate movement.
Their tongues gently tangled as they explored each other.
It wasn’t their first kiss, but yesterday’s kiss had been different.
They’d both been terrified for the other, and their kiss had been a reunion and a reassurance. This one was slow and soft, a welcome home.
Dallin moaned softly, his hands finding their way to Sol’s shoulders so he could knead the hard muscles beneath the skin.
Sol’s hand slipped lower, cupping Dallin’s ass and squeezing lightly, eliciting another moan from him.
It had been a long time since Dallin had this.
He’d never been with anyone else after Kent. It would have felt like a betrayal, and he’d been more focused on finding his dragon.
Sol rested his forehead against Dallin’s and gazed into his eyes with a mixture of tenderness and desire that Dallin knew was reflected in his eyes.
“I want to make you feel good,”
Sol said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Let me take care of you, Dallin.”
Dallin swallowed hard, his heart pounding in his chest. “Yes,”
he breathed.
“Please, Sol.”
All of this felt like a miracle, and he didn’t want it to end, not yet. They’d have to join the others in the dining room eventually, but for now, they could lose themselves in each other and ignore the world outside Dallin’s bedroom.
Sol shifted his position, rolling onto his back and pulling Dallin with him.
Dallin straddled Sol’s hips, whining when their erections brushed against each other through the thin fabric of their sleep pants.
Sol’s hands trailed up Dallin’s sides, his thumbs grazing Dallin’s nipples, making him gasp and arch into the touch.
“You’re so beautiful,”
Sol murmured, his fingers tracing the curve of Dallin’s waist.
“Every part of you.”
Dallin blushed, ducking his head to hide his face in Sol’s neck.
“Flatterer,”
he muttered. He didn’t know how to take this Sol. Kent had never been big on words, even in bed.
Sol chuckled, a deep sound that vibrated through his chest.
“It’s true,”
he insisted, tipping Dallin’s chin up to meet his gaze.
“Every time I look at you, I fall more in love with you.”
Dallin’s breath hitched at the declaration, tears pricking at the corners of his eyes.
After losing Kent, he hadn’t been sure he’d ever have anything like this again.
It was different from what he’d shared with Kent, but different didn’t mean bad.
In this case, it was good—very good.
“Sol,”
he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion.
He didn’t know what to say.
Before Dallin could come up with words that would explain how he felt, Sol’s lips were on his again, kissing away the tears and silencing every single one of his thoughts.
This kiss was deeper and more insistent, and Dallin responded eagerly, wrapping his arms around Sol’s neck.
He was fine with not talking right now.
Sol’s hands roamed over Dallin’s body, exploring every inch of it over Dallin’s clothes.
His fingers dipped under the hem of Dallin’s shirt, sliding up to stroke the sensitive skin of his ribs.
Dallin squirmed and bit his lower lip.
“You’re so responsive,”
Sol murmured against Dallin’s lips.
“You drive me nuts, you know that? I never knew it was possible to feel like this for anyone.”
Dallin grinned, pulling back slightly to meet Sol’s gaze.
“And how do you feel?”
Dallin was almost afraid to find out, but part of him needed to know. He didn’t think that this would be a one-off for Sol, but he needed the reassurance.
Sol’s eyes darkened with desire, and he leaned in to capture Dallin’s lips in another searing kiss. This time, he didn’t stop there. He trailed kisses down Dallin’s jaw to his neck, where he sucked red marks.
“Like you’re my forever,”
he murmured against Dallin’s neck.
Dallin moaned and tilted his head to expose more of his neck.
“I feel the same,”
he said, gripping Sol’s hair. It wasn’t an I-love-you, but it was enough.
“Please, more.”
Sol complied, nipping at the juncture of Dallin’s neck and shoulder before he ghosted his lips over Dallin’s collarbone. He pushed Dallin’s shirt higher, baring more of his chest and peppering kisses there.
Sol’s tongue flicked out, trailing wet heat over Dallin’s skin. He lavished attention on each nipple, suckling and nibbling until Dallin was writhing above him, his hips bucking involuntarily. He needed more. He needed everything.
“Sol,”
Dallin groaned. He wasn’t sure what he’d been trying to say, but that was all that came out.
Sol looked up, meeting Dallin’s gaze with his. Dallin had been able to read the way Kent watched him. He wasn’t sure he could do the same with Sol, but he thought he could see both love and lust.
“Yes,”
Sol said, his voice rough with emotion.
“Whatever you need.”
Sol returned his focus to Dallin’s chest. His hands stroked down to Dallin’s hips. He gripped them firmly, holding Dallin in place as he continued his exploration of his body.
Dallin’s body ached with need.
He couldn’t remember feeling this alive or this connected to another person, even with Kent.
It was as if Sol was drawing out all the pent-up emotions and desires he’d kept hidden since Kent’s disappearance.
Dallin had loved Kent—he still loved him in some ways—but Sol wasn’t Kent, and even though Dallin felt slightly guilty, he was starting to realize that he loved Sol differently than he’d loved Kent.
Dallin wanted more. He needed to feel Sol’s hands on his skin, to see the passion in his eyes when he touched him and made him his.
“Sol,”
Dallin panted.
“Take off my shirt. Please.”
Sol’s eyes were dark with desire. He quickly complied, lifting Dallin’s shirt over his head and tossing it aside. He shivered as the cool air hit his skin, but it was nothing compared to the heat radiating from Sol’s touch. Sol wouldn’t let Dallin feel cold for long.
Sol’s hands skimmed over Dallin’s ribs and traced the lines of his abdomen. His fingers danced over Dallin’s belly button before moving lower to the waistband of Dallin’s sleep pants. Dallin wanted them off, too.
He let out a shaky breath, his body tensing in anticipation.
“Please, Sol. Touch me.”
Sol’s lips curled into a wicked grin as his fingers slipped inside Dallin’s sleep pants to cup his erection. Dallin gasped, his hips jerking forward as Sol’s hand wrapped around him, stroking slowly.
“Oh god,”
Dallin moaned, his nails digging into Sol’s shoulders.
“That feels so good.”
It had been a very long time for him, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Sol’s thumb brushed over the head of Dallin’s cock, spreading the pre-come there in long, languid strokes.
“You like that?”
Sol purred. He shouldn’t be able to sound like that in his human form, but it sent shivers down Dallin’s spine.
Dallin nodded frantically, his eyes fluttering shut as he surrendered. “Yes,”
he gasped.
“More, please.”
Sol obliged, his hand tightening around Dallin’s shaft as he quickened his pace. Dallin thrust his hips in time with Sol’s movements, seeking his release.
“Faster,”
he begged, his voice cracking.
“I need—you, I need—”
Before Dallin could finish his sentence, Sol changed the angle of his hand and pressed his thumb against the head of Dallin’s cock.
Dallin cried out, his body convulsing as pleasure washed over him.
He spilled over Sol’s hand as he clung to him and tried to press closer.
Sol held Dallin as he rode out his climax, his hands wrapped tightly around Dallin’s cock. When Dallin finally relaxed against him, breathless and still trembling, Sol kissed his forehead.
“You’re amazing,”
he whispered.
“I love you so much, Dallin.”
He sounded like he couldn’t quite believe what was happening.
Dallin blinked up at him. He wanted Sol to know how important he was.
“I love you, too,”
he murmured. “Forever.”
Because Sol wasn’t Kent, but he was Sol, and Dallin had fallen in love with him.
Sol smiled, his expression relaxing as he cradled Dallin in his arms. “Forever,”
he confirmed.
They just had to hope that Carlyle would allow them to have that forever.
SOL FELT GOOD AS HE and Dallin headed to the dining room. He knew this had only been a fight and that the war was still ahead of them, but they had all the dragons now, including Emory and his allies, and Graham was on their side, too. He might not be able to do much in a fight, but he’d shown how brave he was and that he was willing to sacrifice himself to help. To Sol, that meant a lot, and he was convinced they could do this.
They could defeat Carlyle.
He didn’t let go of Dallin’s hand as they walked into the dining room. Everyone was there, except for Ansley and Parker. There was tension in the air, but most of the people sitting around the table were smiling. They all knew that it wasn’t over, but their win yesterday helped. If they could win once, they could do it a second time.
“I’m fine,”
Emory complained.
Sol slid into a chair next to Dallin, who was already talking to Penley. Sol’s attention wasn’t on his mage, though. It was on Graham, and he had to press his lips together so he wouldn’t laugh at Emory’s expression.
Emory was sitting a few chairs down on the other side of the table. Graham was next to him, and from what Sol could see, he was fussing over Emory as if he were on his deathbed. When he reached for Emory’s fork—possibly to feed him—Emory slapped Graham’s hand away. He didn’t do it hard, and Graham wasn’t hurt, but his eyes widened, and he stared until Emory’s shoulders slumped.
“I’m fine,”
Emory repeated.
“You saved my life, and I’m fine. I can eat by myself.”
“You would have died if I hadn’t pushed you away.”
“I didn’t die.”
“You were wounded.”
“Jarvis and Keylon healed me. I had a good night’s rest, and I feel better than I have in a long time.”
Sol wasn’t sure if that was true, considering what had happened yesterday, but he wasn’t about to call Emory on it.
They hadn’t even talked yet.
Sol wanted to, but Emory was still healing, and after his fight with Carlyle, he probably needed time.
Tyne and Meyer were at the table, too.
Meyer looked fine and was talking to Bennett, but Sol didn’t miss the way Tyne kept glancing his way.
Maybe Tyne wished he could fuss over Meyer the way Graham was fussing over Emory.
Had things changed between them? Sol had no idea what had happened last night after he’d dragged Dallin to his room so they could go to bed.
Maybe Tyne and Meyer had talked. Maybe they’d spent the night together, too.
Or maybe things were still tense and awkward between them, and nothing had changed.
It looked like Tyne had softened, though.
At the very least, he wasn’t snapping at Meyer and telling him to leave him alone.
“Sorry we’re late,”
Ansley said as he breezed into the room, pulling Parker along. Ansley’s hair was all over the place, and his mouth was red, making the reason he and Parker were late obvious.
Keylon snickered and threw his napkin at Ansley’s head once Ansley was sitting at the table.
“You could have done that last night or woken up early.”
“Why? I felt we all needed some time off.”
“I don’t disagree, but we need to talk about what comes next,”
Jarvis interjected.
Ansley groaned.
“Way to bring down the mood.”
“It wasn’t my intention, but you know this is necessary. Carlyle is still out there.”
“We almost won this time. I’m sure we can win the next time he decides to do something stupid and attack us.”
“I don’t want to wait until he attacks,”
Tyne said.
“I think we should take the fight to him.”
“How? We have no idea where he’s hiding.”
Graham cleared his throat, getting everyone’s attention, including Tyne’s. Graham looked like he was about to run out the door, but instead, he squared his shoulders and raised his chin.
“I remember some of the houses where we stayed. I don’t know if he’ll be there, but it can’t hurt to check.”
Sol held his breath, waiting for Tyne to say that this was probably a trap and that Carlyle and Simon would attack them as soon as they got there.
He was sure he wasn’t the only one who expected Tyne to have that kind of reaction, but to Sol’s surprise, Tyne stayed silent.
He was playing with a piece of bacon on his plate and didn’t seem to have even heard Graham.
Jarvis slowly nodded. His attention was still on Tyne.
“We can do that,”
he confirmed.
“I doubt he’ll be there because he probably knows you can lead us to some of his safehouses, but we can rule them out. Emory, you said you visited some of the safehouses Carlyle had back before our first fight with him?”
“I did, and all of them were empty,”
Emory confirmed.
“I have more people to talk to, though. I can leave as soon as breakfast is over.”
“Or you can use modern technology and call them,”
Graham said. It was clear from his expression that he wasn’t letting Emory out of his sight.
“I’d feel more comfortable with that,”
Jarvis agreed.
“We know what Carlyle was trying to do when he took Sol now.
We were lucky that Sol’s bond to Dallin was already in place, but if Carlyle grabbed you, he could force you to bond to him again.
It might not be a full-blown bond, but it would be enough for him to be able to steal your magic.
I’m not willing to risk that.”
Emory’s jaw tightened, but he nodded, even though Sol expected him to argue.
Maybe Emory was afraid of what Carlyle could do to him.
He wanted revenge, but at what cost would he get it? Sol didn’t think that Emory was willing to sacrifice himself or his dragon, and no one would ask him to do that.
They cared about him, and it would give Carlyle more power and magic.
“We need to regroup,”
Jarvis continued.
“Emory, you call your allies and whoever you think might have news about Carlyle and where he is.
Me and the other mages have to check the protective spells around the castle to ensure that Carlyle didn’t do unredeemable damage.
We’ll strengthen what needs to be strengthened and maybe add some spells, just in case.
I don’t think Carlyle will attack us anytime soon, though. He lost our last fight, and he was hurt. Even if he manages to use healing spells on himself, it will take him some time to get his strength back.”
Sol kind of hoped that Carlyle had been wounded badly enough that he would never recover, but that wasn’t how things worked.
They’d have to face him again, and it would probably be harder the next time.
If they managed to find the place where he was licking his wounds, though, they might have a chance at overpowering him before he recuperated too much of his strength and power.
“Everything okay?”
Dallin asked as he leaned closer.
“This isn’t what I imagined my life would be like a few months ago. I thought I was boring except for the dragon thing.”
“You could never be boring.”
“You’re only saying that because you love me.”
It was a risk, but considering how uncertain their future was, Sol was willing to take that risk. He didn’t know if Dallin loved him, but he hoped so. He wanted Dallin to love him.
Dallin’s smile was gentle but bright.
“I do, but it’s not the only reason I said that. You’re a dragon shifter. Even in our world, that’s not boring.”
Sol raised Dallin’s hand and kissed his knuckles.
“Maybe you’re right. Maybe I’m not boring.”
And maybe they would win this fight. It wouldn’t be easy, but every person around the table was willing to fight and sacrifice themselves to ensure that Carlyle would be taken care of permanently.
They just had to find him.