“Yes, my darling, I’m going to buy gallons of it just for you.”
“You hear that everyone? That’s gonna bemyice cream and if any of you so much as touch it, you’ll have to answer to my mate.”
Laughter warmed the gloomy cell as Slate began to sit up. Colton put his hand on Slate’s chest and said, “Where do you think you’re going? You just lie there until I check you over and make sure everything is as it should be.”
Slate lay back, happily gazing at Dakota while holding his mate’s hand. He was still a bit baffled and there were some gaps in his memory, but he did recall the power surging through his body and the flash of green light. Then the pain dissipated and his body began to heal, slowly at first, but then more rapidly until every last whip mark was gone.
“Okay,” said Colton, “everything looks good, but Ian has to do a complete exam once we get you back to the hotel.”
With the help of Dakota, Slate sat up, saying, “What happened to the assholes who kidnapped me?”
“I took care of them,” Dylon answered. “They won’t be bothering you or anyone else again.”
“Babe, can you stand?” asked Dakota.
“I think so,” Slate said, slowly getting to his feet. Once on his feet, he pulled Dakota into his arms, hugging him tight. “How’s our little bean?”
“Doing just fine now, since you’re here,” Dakota said, then giggled as Slate’s stomach growled. “C’mon babe, let’s go home so I can feed you.”
“I’m all for that as long as I can have Bear Bug Ice Cream for dessert,” Slate laughed, before lowering his head to Dakota’s lips, kissing his mate softly at first, then with increasing intensity. Lost in a private world created by their love for each other, Slate thrust his tongue between Dakota’s lips, seeking and needing the taste of him, moaning as his desire consumed his body. Giggles and throat clearing finally penetrated his lust-fueled haze as he remembered where he was. Gentling his kiss, Slate bit Dakota’s lower lip, licking it sensually before separating from his mate.
“Slate, sorry to interrupt but we have to go,” said Dylon.
“Right,” Slate said, wrapping his arm around Dakota’s waist. “I’m ready.”
Dylon took Cody’s hand and led the group out of the castle where he found Angus and his men waiting for them. After introducing everyone, Dylon asked, “Angus, were any of your men hurt?
“Naa, we’re okay,”
“Did you bring your kilts?” asked Dylon, glancing at Angus’s huge cock dangling between his legs.
“Naa,” said Angus, “we Scotsmen are proud of our attributes, besides which, we’ll be shiften’ soon, to return home.”
“Good,” Dylon said. “Please accept our gratitude for your help. My Alpha wants me to convey his appreciation and affirm the Blackwood Pack’s commitment to an alliance between our packs.”
“Aye, our King spoke of it. Me and my men pledge to always answer your call.”
“As we will with you,” said Dylon.
Slate stepped forward, saying, “I want to offer my personal thanks, along with my family’s, for your help in my rescue. If there’s anything we can do, please let us know.”
“Thank ye,” Angus said. “May I have a word with your Shaman before we leave?”
Looking at Kieran, who nodded, Dylon said, “Certainly.”
“Shaman, can we talk in privacy?” asked Angus.
“I’d be happy to,” said Kieran, motioning toward the castle.
Dylon watched them leave before turning to Logan who was watching his mate. “You ready?”
“Yeah, have you texted Jackson about the rescue?” asked Logan.
“Not yet…no signal…but will do as soon as we get back,” Dylon said. After Kieran and Angus returned to thegroup and good-byes were exchanged, Dylon led his group back to the clearing where the night had begun.
~/~/~/~/~
Refusing to release Dakota’s hand, Slate sat on the bed while Ian examined him as Colton assisted. It had been a surreal experience for Slate; watching Logan using his gift in the clearing before they took off for the hotel. Gaping in awe as Logan shapeshifted into a dragon, it was…unfuckingbelievable. Flying on the black dragon’s back, the rush of the night air laced with his mate’s scent as he held Dakota close—the experience left him speechless. Now tired, needing time alone with his mate, Slate growled, “Look, Doc, I’m fine. The only thing wrong is the number of people in our bedroom.”
