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 DNAhad 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.”
