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Twinkle, Twinkle, Sassy Little Star

Dragon Guard Series #23

by

Julia Mills

There Are No Coincidences.

The Universe Does Not Make Mistakes.

Fate Will Not Be Denied.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Cover by Linda Boulanger with Tell Tale Book Covers

Edited and Proofread by Tammy Payne with Book Nook Nuts

Formatted by Charlene Bauer with Wickedly Bold Creations

Milly – THANK YOU SO MUCH! I LOVE writing in your Sassy world!

Cheers to many, many more!

My Readers – YOU MAKE MY DAY! THANK YOU from the bottom of my big old southern heart! I simply could NOT do it without YOU!

DEDICATION

Dare to Dream! Find the Strength to Act! Never Look Back!

Thank you, God.

To my girls, Liz and Em, I Love You. Every day, every way, always.

Index of the Original Language of the Dragon Kin

The Dragon with the Girl Tattoo

Mo chroi’………. My heart

Mo ghra’………. My love

Mo stór………. My darling

Mo mac tíre beag………. My little wolf

Mo maité………. My mate

Demon bheith imithe……….Demon be gone

Dhíbir go deo……….Banished forever

Go hIfreann gach dit a tháinig tú……….T Hell, whence you came

A bheith imithe……….Be gone

Deartháir beag……….Little Brother

Ta’ mo chroi istigh ionat……….My Heart is Within You

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Sassy Mates

About Julia

Also by Julia

Chapter One

“What’s up with you?”

“Nothing,” Grey shrugged, grabbing the doorknob in an attempt to escape before the interrogation began. He loved Noah, his confirmed brother from another mother, but once the questions started, there would be no end.

“Yeah, right. That’s why you damn near jumped across the table when Rian asked for a volunteer to go to Florida,” the brown dragon scoffed. “Thought you hated that place?”

“If I remember correctly, the quote was, ‘You couldn’t pay me to go back there. Angus is crazy for staying, mate or no mate. It’s hotter than Hell, even my dragon was sweatin’,” Pearce, an older and much more Zen dragon than all the others chuckled with an all-too-knowing grin.

“Maybe our boy here just wants to help out,” Kayne, one of the elite Enforcers and the son of Lugh, the Celtic God of the Sun, grinned from ear-to-ear as he slapped Grey on the back. “I especially thought it was valiant how he offered to go alone.”

“I agree,” Pearce chimed in. “But it sounds like the wolves may need more help than that.”

Grey knew they were taunting him, maybe even baiting him, nothing got past his older, wiser, infinitely more perceptive brethren. They knew he had ulterior motives for taking to the skies and returning to the swamps and would stop at nothing to make him admit it.

Hell, Kayne was a demi-god and Pearce, well…he was just creepy. There had been times he’d known what other Guardsmen were thinking practically before they did.

I really need to get outta here…the sooner, the better…

Picking up the pace, determined to get rid of his three shadows, the gray dragon groaned when they were joined by Declan, the Joe Friday of their Clan. Never one to mince words, Dec asked, “Why are you going to Florida alone? You said…”

“Yeah, I know what I said,” Grey stopped dead in his tracks, turned on his heels and shook his head. “But things have changed. I want to take on more responsibility, grow within the Clan, follow in my father’s footsteps.”

It was the truth and a small percentage of why he was returning to the muggy swamps. He was the son of the last and greatest Leader of the Gray Dragons and had been trying to live up to Grannus’ legacy since the day the hunters decimated their Clan and left only Gray and his brother alive.

Now, if I could only find Garrett. It’s been eighty years, and I still have no idea where he is…

“And that’s all well and good,” Kayne’s words pulled Grey from his thoughts. “Your dad was a damn fine man. I’m proud to say I fought by his side and hate that I wasn’t there the day those filthy bastards attacked.” The demi-god looked at the ground, took a deep, calming breath and after a few seconds looked up and nodded, “One of many regrets I have from my time in Hell.” Throwing back his shoulders, Grey watched one of the strongest warriors he’d ever known shove his pain aside and get a wicked gleam in his eye as he added, “But, as far as you’re concerned, I know there’s more than you’re saying going on here.”

Needing to distance himself more in that moment than ever before, Grey laughed, “Seriously, y’all need to get a hobby. I want to be seen as a leader and figured what better way to do that than going to help our newest allies. Besides, I’ll be with Angus, and Drago since he’s still there.” Turning on his heels, he added over his shoulder, “A good word from those two will go a long way with Rian and the Elders.”

Nearly jogging, listening for footsteps behind him and blessedly hearing none, Grey made an abrupt detour. Heading towards the mountain behind the Lair and the Cave of the Ancients, the place he felt closest to his father, he worked hard to calm his turbulent thoughts. 

Dropping to his knees as soon as he crossed the threshold of the most holy of all places, the gray dragon dipped his hand into the stone fountain and said a prayer to the Ancestors. Rising to his feet, his head still bowed, eyes still closed, Grey touched his temple before laying his hand over his heart. 

Memories of doing the same thing with his family all those years ago flooded the Guardsman’s mind. He could feel his parents standing to one side and his younger brother on the other as if it had happened mere moments before.

The same anticipation and excitement that filled Grey on that special day returned. He could feel Grannus’ hand on his shoulder, guiding the way to the Alter of Commitment. Felt his mother’s love and Garrett’s admiration lending him the strength he needed to commit his life to the way of the Dragon Guard. It was the last step in a long, arduous journey that had begun on the day of his birth and would only end when he traveled to the Heavens.

Not allowing himself to be haunted by further memories of that day and what he’d lost, Grey opened his eyes, lifted his head and squared his shoulders. Echoes of his boots striking stone preceded him down the long, sparkling, crystalline cave walls as he strode towards the grotto containing the Reflection Pond.

Leaving his clothes and boots on the stone bench just inside the cavern, the gray dragon crossed the cool granite floor, slowly walking into the fresh mountain water that flowed down the far wall. Stopping when the water reached the bottom of his chin, Grey inhaled deeply, held his breath and simply let the weight of his body pull him the rest of the way under the water.

Doing just as Grannus had taught him on his thirteenth birthday, the Guardsman let all thought flow from his mind, keeping only the vision of his one true mate, the woman the Universe had made just for him front and center. He longed to look into her deep hazel eyes, to run his fingers through the long, silken strands of her blond curls and most of all, to have her acknowledge their connection.

He had no doubt she felt it, too. Had seen her pupils dilate. Watched her subconsciously take in his scent. Felt her wolf reach for his dragon.

Without another thought, the image of a proud gray she-wolf, a black patch of fur the shape of a star on her chest, superimposed that of his beautiful mate. He smiled, continuing to mediate as a whisper of her name warmed him from the inside out, “Star.”

Dammit, I need to see her… talk to her… to convince her we’re meant to be together…

Calming his turbulent emotions, Grey followed the growing mating bond that had been formed the first moment he laid eyes on his sassy little wolf. Happy to find her sleeping, the Guardsman instantly focused all his mental energy on quickly slipping past Star’s strong mental blocks then sat watching her dreams play out like a video before him.

His heart soared, and his dragon roared as she relived their first meeting, Grey’s senses filled with the warm, wild scent of the forest at night. She was aroused - confirmation of what he’d already known, that she indeed knew they were meant to be together.  

Then the scene changed. No longer was she in Wolf Hall, the large log-cabin lodge in the center of the Lair of the Gaelach Lán Pack, but now his Star was sitting on a wooden bench with her best friend and Angus’ mate, Olivia. Not even being surrounded by blooms of every color, shape and size imaginable, cooled the strained mood or his mate’s irritation.

“I can have Angus call him back. Come up with some reason why he needs to stay.” Olivia grabbed Star’s hand. “Don’t let him get away. This is the chance at happiness that you deserve. To have all those pups you keep talking about. To have a man who adores you. To…”

Pulling away, Star jumped to her feet and spun around, glaring at her friend with her hands on her hips, “Do I? Do I deserve happiness and a man who adores me after what I’ve done?” She shook with rage. “How can you think I would be a good mother after…”

The scene disappeared and without a second’s notice Grey was expelled from Star’s mind with a shouted, “Stay the hell away from me!” Blasting through his mind.

Leaping out of the water, spitting and sputtering and gasping for air after being ejected not only from Star’s dreams but also his meditative state, Grey took several deep breaths before making his way to the side of the pool of water and taking a seat on one of the steps. Looking into the water, he once again saw Star’s face, not the smiling, sweet expression he’d seen on that first day, it was instead the sad, angry one she’d had in her dream.

His heart ached and his dragon pushed against the confines of his mind, the need to comfort the pain in the depths of their mate’s soul almost overwhelming. Tracing the delicate lines of her face in the water, Grey murmured, “The past doesn’t matter. All I care about is the future. You deserve all the happiness in the world, and I’m just the man to give it to you.”

Getting to his feet and exiting the pool, the Guardsman was dressed in the blink of an eye and heading out of the Cave of the Ancients, a man on a mission. Stepping into the sunlight, he looked up at the sun’s position and nodded, “Only four hours until sundown then it’s scales up and wings out.” Smiling to himself as he walked the trail down the side of the mountain, he added, “Stay the hell away from you, my sassy little Star?” Then laughed out loud, “Oh no, mo mac tíre beag, that just won’t do…not now, not ever.   

Chapter Two

“Crap, no sugar, again,” Star growled, slamming the cupboard door and leaning against the counter. “Could this day get any worse?”

“Well, sure it could,” Olivia laughed, entering the breakroom and stopping at the coffeemaker. “That door could hit you back.”

“Ha ha ha.” Star rolled her eyes, pushing away from the counter and opening another door to see if there was anything to eat. “It might be better if someone knocked me out, at least I’d get some sleep.” Finding a granola bar, the gray wolf grabbed a bottle of OJ from the fridge and took a seat at the far table, closely followed by one of her two very best friends, Olivia. 

“Another rough night?”

“Yeah,” Star nodded, avoiding eye contact while staring at her uneaten breakfast. “But not because of the nightmares.” She finally looked up and with a frown added, “I had a visitor.”

“Ohhhh, really?” Olivia waggled eyebrows. “Anyone I know?”

Nodding with a scowl, Star tapped her temple. “Oh yeah, you know him alright and if he does it again, I’m gonna scale him like a catfish outta the pond.”

With her shoulders bouncing from barely contained laugher, Olivia snorted, “I told you those dragons are relentless.” She laid her hand on Star’s. “And I also told you that if you recognized him as your mate, there was no way he didn’t feel the same thing. Hell, look what Angus and I went through.”

“Sure, like I could forget, but you always have been special,” Star winked when she said the word, only because she knew that if she didn’t Olivia would go off on a tirade about how she was just like everyone else…as if.

Who else but her best friend and sister of their Pack Alpha could travel clear across the country, hear the voice of her mate in her dreams, and then find him in a mudslide? Only Olivia.

And as if that wasn’t enough, the guy ended up being a centuries old Dragon Guardsman who had been trapped by some crazy ass wizards over a hundred years earlier. The stuff of fairy tales if Star had ever heard it, screaming of how special Olivia truly was. And no one deserved their happily ever after more, she was a princess and Angus was her Prince Charming.

But not me, nope, no way. I’m a lone wolf from the wrong side of the tracks, who barely escaped with her hide intact…

“I am not special,” Olivia insisted. “Just lucky and incredibly blessed.” She patted Star’s hand. “And you are, too.”

“Stop,” the grey she-wolf shook her head. “You know…”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Olivia held up her hand for Star to hush. “I’ve heard it all before. Listened to the stories. Heard the tales from more than just you.” She slammed her palms on the table, the eyes of her auburn wolf staring out of her lovely face as she growled, her tone growing more ominous with every word, “And you need to get the hell over it. The past is the past. You can’t change it. You’ve paid your penance. Lived a model life and helped everyone you could.” Leaning across the table, her voice now more wolf than woman Oliva ended with, “Put up or shut up.”

Pushing up from her chair, the red-headed she-wolf spun on her heels and headed out the door damn near knocking down her seven-foot, well-muscled brother in the process. Looking at Star, her Pack Alpha shrugged, “What gives? You two have a fight?”

Blowing out a long-suffering breath, Star nodded, “I guess you could say that.”

Sitting in the chair his sister had just vacated, Marrok asked, “Anything I can help with? Need me to talk to her? I have a lot going on, but in order to keep peace between you two and avoid getting Isabella involved, I’ll make the time.”

“No,” Star tried to smile at the mention of the other woman she considered a sister but failed. “This one’s on me.” She let her head fall forward and mumbled, “The damned thing is, I know she’s right.”

“She usually is,” the Alpha chuckled. “Always has been. Probably always will be and the worst thing is, she knows it.”

Raising her head, Star couldn’t help but snort when she and Marrok said, “Goddess bless, Angus,” at the same time.

“Jinx, you owe me a coffee.”

“Hey,” Star protested. “Isn’t that supposed to be a Coke?”

“Yeah, but I need a refill.” He pointed at the mug in front of him that she hadn’t seen until that moment.

Grabbing the cup despite his objections, Star filled it and after setting it back in front of him, returned to her chair and sighed, “Mind if I ask you something?”

“Shoot,” Marrok answered, looking her right in the eye over the rim of his mug.

Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, Star asked the one question she’d avoided for nearly eighty years. “Can you tell me about the day you and your dad found me?” When the Alpha continued to drink his coffee while refusing to look away, she hurried on, “I mean I’ve heard the story a thousand times. Listened to every version from the shadows, but I’ve never had the nerve to ask you directly. And now…” She swallowed the bile that was rising in her throat. “Now that I’ve…”

“Now, that you’ve found your one true mate, you need to know if you were responsible for what happened to your Pack.” He set his mug down and leaned his elbows on the wooden surface of the small café table. “Will it make any difference? You were cleared of all wrong doing. Dad knew. I knew. Finn knew. Everybody that fought the fire that day and tried to save the members of your Pack knew…there was nothing you could’ve done. You didn’t know you were being followed. You were young and caught up in the call of the Full Moon.” He leaned the slightest bit forward. “We’ve all been young, all been foolish, all let our Wolf run free, especially after being told not to by our parents. I can’t tell you the number of times I had to go fetch Olivia from the swamps to save her from getting her ass whooped.”

He gave a half-smile, “But you know that. You were there a few of those times.” Sitting back in his chair and taking a long swallow of coffee, the Alpha nodded, “You’re not gonna let this go this time. I can see it in your eyes, you won’t rest until you hear the whole gory story. So, I’ll tell you, but only if you promise to at least think about having Angus call that hotshot dragon of yours back here.”

Holding up his hand as Star opened her mouth to object, Marrok sighed, “That’s an order, ya’ hear? You know I love my sister and there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for her, but there is nothing, and I mean nothing, like having the one person in all the world who completes you.” He laid his fist over his heart. “Really completes you on an elemental, soul-deep, inside-out kinda way. Having Scotlyn as my mate, by my side every day, makes even the worst times bearable.” Patting her hand, he added, “The Goddess only sends you what you need when you need it and Star, you need your dragon.”

Ready to get up and leave, tired of hearing all the sappy bullshit about love and mating, the grey she-wolf hadn’t realized she was shaking her head until Marrok sat back and laughed out loud, “Dammit all if you’re not the sassiest little wolf I’ve ever known.” Tapping the table with his fingers, he relented, “Stop giving me the evil eye, I’ll tell you everything I know. Deal?”

“Deal,” she agreed, trying to calm down, knowing full well that her Alpha could read not only her actions but her body language and her thoughts.

“Dad and I were out with Finn and the other Betas on a regular patrol when we saw smoke overhead. Taking off across the swamp we had just…” His words were cut off by the sound of his cell phone ringing in his pocket.

Biting her tongue to keep from screaming as he said, “Excuse me for a sec,” while pulling his phone from his pocket and hitting the speaker button.

“Hey, Sis. What’s up?”

“Ellie and Caleb from the Wolfe Pack are here and they need to talk to us.”

“Did we have a meeting? I swear I checked my calendar and it was all clear from now through the weekend.”

“No, there was nothing scheduled but you’re gonna wanna talk to them, now.”

The stress in Olivia’s voice had both Marrok and Star on their feet as he agreed, “Be right there.”

Upset that their conversation would have to wait but knowing from the sound of Olivia’s voice that the she-wolf really needed her brother, Star flopped back in her chair and sighed just as her best friend added, “And bring Star. This is an all hands on deck situation.”

Chapter Three

“I’m sending Pearce, Noah and Kayne with you,” the Dragon Leader’s stern stare said he wasn’t accepting no for an answer and as he continued Grey understood why. “I just got off the phone with Marrok. Things are worse than I originally thought. Whatever or whoever is threatening the wolves in Florida has been wreaking havoc, leaving a trail of carnage and destruction the likes of which the wolves have never seen all across the States.”

Rian stood, crossed the room and looked out the window as he went on, “It’s not that I don’t think you can handle whatever’s thrown at you, it’s just that I have no clue what I’m sending you into and I’m not willing to needlessly risk anyone’s life.” Turning around, he speared Grey with a look that made the Guardsman stiffen his spine to keep from slumping forward and avoiding eye contact.

“Never let ‘em see you sweat, my boy. Always look them straight in the eye and stand tall.” His father’s words rang in his mind as the Dragon Leader continued, “I know this mission is personal for you,” Rian gave a half-smile. “I’ve been there. As you well know, I’ve broken all the rules and then some in the name of love, but you need to be careful. Whatever is after the wolves, doesn’t want to hurt them…it wants to annihilate them… and anyone who stands with them.”

He stepped forward, the smile fell from his face, and he leveled his gaze. “Don’t be a casualty of war, Grey.”

Several tense moments passed between the two fierce warriors before the younger Guardsman answered, “I understand.”

A single nod was the only recognition he received from the Dragon Leader, “You’ll leave tomorrow right after nightfall. Get some rest. You’re gonna need it.”

Leaving Rian’s office, Gray had to continually remind himself that he was under orders not to take to the skies for almost twenty-four hours, that whatever was hunting the wolves hadn’t reached Florida, yet. Dammit all, he needed to talk to Star, needed to hear her voice, needed to have confirmation that she was okay, even if she yelled at him. It didn’t matter, he had to know.

Opening his mind to hers, Grey was just about to speak to his mate when he was unexpectedly surrounded by Pearce, Kayne and Noah. Not only was his friend’s expression dark and the usually smirking demi-god frowning but it was the look of apprehension and rage on the Zen dragon that had Grey asking, “What’s up? I’m kinda busy here.”

“Yeah, I know,” Pearce was quick to answer. “That’s why we’re here. You can’t contact your mate. Not until we’re in the swamp and know what’s going on.”

“What are you talking about?” Grey was immediately enraged. “Who are you to tell me what I can and can’t do?”

Stepping up to him, Kayne growled, “I’m the man who’ll put you on your ass if you don’t listen. That’s who I am.”

“Just try. You think I give a shit that you’re the son of…”

Grabbing him by the arm, Pearce, snarled, “Shut the hell up and listen for once. I swear to the Goddess, you’re just as stubborn as your father was.”

Shocked by the fire dancing in the usually calm and controlled dragon’s eyes but refusing to be ordered around, especially where his mate was concerned, Grey challenged, “I’m listening, but not for long.”

“Not here.” Kayne nodded towards his home, “My house is the closest. Come on.”

Without waiting for an answer, the demi-god and Pearce turned around and stalked away leaving Grey to look at Noah and ask, “What the fuck?” through their unique and private mental link.

“No way. You need to hear this from them.”

“But…”

“But nothing. I’m serious. Now, come on. You really need to hear this.”

Still angry, but now also intrigued, Grey jogged alongside Noah, catching up to the two older Guardsmen just as they disappeared inside Kayne’s home. Closing the door and following Noah into the kitchen, Grey was surprised to see more people than he’d expected.

Feeling ambushed, his fury outweighing whatever questions he had, the gray dragon spread his legs shoulder-width apart and crossed his arms over his chest, a true sign of aggression and while staring at the Kayne challenged, “Having a party?”

“No, asshole, he’s not,” the Guardsman they called the mad dragon, Maddox by birth, growled. “He’s trying to save your ass. So, sit down, shut up and listen.”

“Oh, Maddy,” Calysta, the mad dragon’s mate and the Grand Priestess of all Earthen Witches swatted her mate’s arm before looking to Grey and adding, “What he should have said was that we have some news from Florida that you need to hear.”

“Why isn’t Rian here if it’s so important?”

“Because, it’s not about the mission,” a cherub-faced brunette with lavender eyes and easy smile answered, “It’s about your mate.”

“What about Star?” Grey growled, dropping his arms and taking an aggressive step forward.

Still smiling and obviously unbothered by his anger, size or challenge, the brunette calmly answered, “Have a seat, and we’ll tell you.” She and the red-head sitting to her right exchanged a quick glance and the magic that had immediately filled the room when he stepped forward cooled just a bit.

“Forgive me for not introducing the girls,” Calysta fussed. Pointing at the brunette, she smiled, “This is Annalissa McKennon.” Then winking at the red-head, she added, “And her younger sister, Brenna.” Looking back to Grey, the Priestess went on, “As you know their sister, Alicia, is Drago MacLendon’s mate and he along with his brother Angus and Olivia are in Florida.”

Grey nodded, still standing beside the table, still pissed and still waiting to hear what was going on with his mate.

“Well, they’ve been in contact with Alicia who believes that whatever is trying to exterminate the wolves has something to do with an enemy you’ve had the misfortune of meeting first hand.” Taking a deep breath and leaning into her mate, some of the color drained from the Priestess’ face as she added, “And their poor little sister, Mara.”

Slamming his hand down on the granite counter to his right, Grey snarled, “Thanatos?” He swiped his hand through his hair. “No fucking way. We just watched him vanish into the depths of Hell hiding inside that little witch.”

The violent, white, hot magic filled the room once again at the mention of Mara McKennon.

“Grey!” The room erupted in a singular roar of his name, as his eyes landed on the two McKennon witches, whose glares threatened to cut both him and his dragon to pieces.

“I’m sorry,” he sighed, acknowledging that he’d messed up before trying to gather whatever shred of calm he had left. “I’m a dick. Just ask any of these guys, they’ll tell you.”

The magic again disappeared as fast as it had appeared as the two young witches gave him sad, watery smiles. The tears in their eyes nearly gutted him. They looked too young to be dealing with a sister possessed by the demon known as Death Incarnate on top of the never-ending river of crap that seemed to continually flow their way. Sure, life was tough for the good guys, but damn, couldn’t they get a break every once in a while?

He had no clue how they were keeping it all together. He’d seen Mara with his own eyes. She wasn’t faring well and needed to be saved immediately, if not sooner. Just the thought of her black eyes and the slimy, green snakes slithering all over her skin, coupled with the low eerie voice of that bastard demon coming out of her mouth, made Grey wish he’d been able to save her when he’d had the chance.

Visions of what he, Calysta, Kayne, Maddox and Callum, another of his very close brethren, had just gone through while battling Thanatos to rescue Cal’s mate, Kamdyn, burst through his mind. The demon hiding in the body of the youngest McKennon witch was not only incredibly strong and possessed a menagerie of hell-born beasts, one of which Grey met firsthand, but he was quickly killing an innocent young girl.

“Wait a minute,” he pushed away all thoughts of what the young witch must be going through as he asked, “So, Drago and all the McKennons know we had Mara in our sights and Thanatos took her, again?”

“Yes, but it’s not as bad as you think,” Kayne stepped forward. “Thankfully, Calysta went to talk to Sarah Beth and explain that we’d seen Mara but were unable to get to her in time.” He winked at the Priestess before going on, “And I lasted about ten minutes longer than that before reaching out to Drago and letting him and Alicia know what had happened.”

“And Cal and Kamdyn know all about this?”

“Sure do,” Kayne nodded then with a shit-eating grin nodded, “But, I’m not bothering them with what’s going on now. They’re in full-on honeymoon mode. The lovey-dovey crap was so thick when I talked to Callum I thought I was gonna throw up.”

Before Grey could speak, Brenna answered the question he hadn’t been able to ask, “None of us, Drago included, blames you for not saving Mara.” She smiled brightly. “Thanatos has eluded all of us. He’s very old and very good at evading being returned to Hell without a body.” Her brown eyes showed the depth of her pain, but it was the glimmer of hope as she added that made Grey feel better, “Thank you for finding her and reassuring us that our sister is still alive. For that, we all owe you big time.”

Humbled by the young witch’s gratitude for what he viewed as an abject failure, Grey blew out a long breath and took a seat on the opposite side of Kayne’s large kitchen table. “You’re welcome, but I didn’t do much.” He looked between the two sisters and with as much conviction as he could push into his voice promised, “But if I get another chance, I promise to bring Mara home…one way or another.”

“Thank you,” they answered in unison. “But you have a much bigger problem.”

Opening his mouth to speak, Grey instead found himself dumbstruck by the clap of magic that filled the room at the same time that a huge picture of Alicia appeared, hovering over the table. “Hey, Brenna! Hey, Izzy! I miss you guys so much. How’s mom?”

“She’s the same as she was thirty minutes ago,” Annalissa sighed before pointing at Grey. “You promised to get to the point if we did it this way.”

“Yeah, Al, come on. This whole magical Skype thing takes a lot of power,” Brenna winked, even as Grey saw the signs of stress on her face.

“Oh, sorry. I owe you both big time,” Alicia winked before turning and adding, “Hello, everybody. Good to see you all.” Focusing on Grey, she waved, “Hi Grey. Wish I was calling for a happier reason, but I wanted to do this in person, or at least sort of in person.” She shrugged. “It’s important that you’re prepared for what you’re getting into.”

Dread skittered down his spine and his dragon growled as the strawberry-blonde’s expression turned serious.

“After Calysta talked to mom and Kayne talked to Drago and me, my sisters and I scryed for Mara. Up until now, we hadn’t been able to find her. It was as if she’d just vanished. But this time it was different.” Alicia paused, pushed the hair off her shoulder, a nervous gesture he recognized from when she was younger, and took a deep breath before continuing. “This time, I was able to hear my sister. I actually heard Mara’s voice.” Her expression turned sad. “But before I could respond, Thanatos cut our connection.” Gone was the sadness, quickly replaced with fiery rage. “I heard his maniacal laughter just as my nose filled with the scent of sulfur and brimstone. My mom slammed the link shut and we all threw up our mental blocks to keep the bastard from tracking us.”

Again she stopped, but this time Grey could feel the other shoe about to drop. A single drop of sweat rolled down his back as Alicia looked him right in the eye and said, “There’s no easy way to say this, but in the split second before my mom cut us off I saw inside Thanatos’ mind.”

She hesitated for just a split second and then said the words Grey never expected to hear. “I saw an image of Star and of…” Alicia inhaled, quickly exhaled then blurted out, “And of your brother.”  

Chapter Four

“At first, we thought it was a pack of rogues working with a coven of wizards, and it is, at least on the surface, but they’re being controlled by something way more evil and way more powerful. The scent we followed across Arkansas was not wolf or wizard. It was dark, old and nasty,” Ellie Wolfe, daughter of the Pack Alphas of the Wolfe Pack ran her fingers through her short, spiky blond hair.

Star remembered that scent, could never forget it. Cold chills skittered down her spine as her memories from that night thundered through her mind.

“Come on, little Star. Come out and play.”

“I can’t,” she grinned, pushing a rock with the toe of her shoe.

“Awww, really? Not even for a few minutes?” Mac grinned and waggled his eyebrows.

Star knew she shouldn’t go, shouldn’t have even talked to Mac when he’d approached her the day before. The tall, lanky young man with dark eyes and long hair was by all rights a rogue. He hadn’t presented himself to her father, Edward, the Pack Alpha, and requested permission to travel through their lands nor had he asked the Gaelach Lán wolves or the Cattanach Pride lions, Star’s Pack’s neighbors in the swamp. If the sleek black wolf was caught, any or all of those Alphas could have him executed on the spot. But then again, it was the danger that made it so exciting.

She’d never broken a rule in her life. Had always been the good girl, did what she was told to do, said what she was told to say, even dressed as she was told to dress. Raised by her father after the tragic death of her mother when she was four, the Princess of Mac Tíre Liath had spent nearly her entire life playing the role she’d been born into, but enough was enough. She was going to let her hair down and run wild, for just one night. She deserved it, didn’t she? What could go wrong?

“Okay,” she cautiously agreed, looking up through her lashes at the boy who made her heart race and her body warm. He wasn’t her one true mate, but she wasn’t old enough for any serious commitments and didn’t plan to do anything more than a little harmless flirting. It was the lure of doing something forbidden, something that would make her father sit up and take notice that made Star’s heart beat faster and her palms wet with sweat.

“But for no more than an hour. I have to get back before my father and the others return.”

“You got it. Only an hour,” Mac winked as he jumped up from his perch on a large rock at the edge of the creek. “I promise.”

Shifting to his ebony wolf, the scruffy black wolf yipped and rubbed along Star’s leg, pushing her to transform as well. One last glance over her shoulder at the lights twinkling from the windows of the houses of her Pack and the Princess called forth her beautiful gray wolf, instantly running off through the tall saw-grass, chasing the black wolf and her first taste of freedom.

Hours passed, the moon moved across the sky and Star knew she was going to be in a shitload of trouble, but it didn’t matter. Running the swamps without the watchful eye of her father or one of his many Betas was miraculous. It was as if she could fly without wings. She ran faster, felt freer and was happier than she’d ever been.

Stopping by a huge pond, the two wolves collapsed under the crooked, overhanging limbs of an old cypress tree. Struggling to catch her breath, Star bolted to her feet when the sound of her father’s panicked scream broke through her heavy mental blocks.

“Star! Oh, my Goddess, Star, where are you?”

“Dad?”

No answer, only his continual pleas for her to answer and prayers that she’d be okay.

“Dad!” She screamed over and over with no response, the terror in both their voices growing with every heartbeat.

Racing towards home, her father’s voice blaring her head, Star ran headlong into the side of Mac, still in wolf form, blocking her way… refusing to move.

Stunned and climbing back to her paws, Star yipped and tried to go around, only to have him once again block her way.  “Let me pass,” she demanded, using the mental connection shared amongst all wolves as she scooted to the left and once again had her path blocked.

Angry, scared and growing more impatient by the second, Star growled, “Move, Mac, my father needs me.”

The black wolf remained still, unmoving, barring her from moving forward in any way.

“What’s wrong with you? Just move. I won’t tell anyone about you, but I have to get to my father.”

“No.”

Confusion combined with the fear for her father and her pack mates made Star challenge, “No?”

“No.” He repeated, his voice growing lower, more ominous, resonating with a power she hadn’t felt before.

Baring her teeth, fury running hot in her veins, Star snarled, “Move your ass, you piece of shit! My family needs me!”

Slowly moving backward, sure to keep her eyes on the friend turned enemy before her, Star lowered her head, summoned all her strength and charged headlong towards Mac’s exposed hindquarter. Racing at full speed, the Princess stumbled over her own paws as the black wolf’s eyes turned a glowing red and a split second later he morphed into a creature resembling the Wolfman from the old black and white movies her father’s Betas were always laughing at. Mac almost looked like the Warrior Wolf, a form only True Alphas could take, but with an evil and ugly twist. Standing nearly nine feet tall, with huge muscles, massive paws and claws and enormous fangs jutting from his snarling snout Mac was no True Alpha. His aura was black, he stunk of sulfur and his red eyes danced with the fires of Hell.

The word ‘demon’ burned through her mind as she poured every ounce of strength and magic she had into her stride. There was no turning back. It was all or nothing. She had to get through the stupid son of a bitch and get to her father.

Using her momentum and the powers given to her by the Goddess, Star pushed off with her back legs, catapulting into the air. Aiming at the demon wolf’s massive chest, the Princess was so focused on taking him down that she missed the swing of his enormous paw.

Pain, agonizing and white hot, tore through her side as the demon wolf’s razor-sharp claws slashed through fur, muscle and tendon, scraping the bone as the helpless Star flew through the air landing with a bone-shattering thud on the hard, unforgiving ground. Refusing to give up, the Princess struggled to her feet, gritted her teeth so hard she heard the crack of her jaw as the earth shook beneath her feet from the demon wolf’s pounding footsteps.

Ignoring the excruciating pain wracking her body, Star ran as hard and as fast as she could towards home with the demon wolf hot on her trail. She could feel him gaining on her with every agonizing step she took.

Focusing on the bond she shared with her father, Star could feel rage and fury. Gone was the panic she’d felt before, Edward was no longer a fearful father but now a powerful Alpha fighting for his Pack, his land, and his very existence.

Praying for strength, Star reached deep into her soul, pushing both herself and her wolf to their very breaking point in an effort to get to her father, to save those she held most dear. Bounding over the creek that served as the border between the Mac Tíre Liath Pack and the Cattanach Pride, the Princess was snatched out of the air by one of the demon wolf’s gigantic paws at the precise moment that she glimpsed flames lighting the sky and heard the sounds of a battle.

“And now you die” the demon wolf snarled, throwing Star high into the air before batting her away like a shuttlecock in a game of badminton as she fell. Flying across the swamp, praying to the Goddess for the strength to go on and for the safety of her father and her Pack, the Princess smacked broadside into the hard, thick trunk of an ancient water tupelo. Crashing to the ground, the world instantly went black as the small gray wolf’s blood created a macabre mosaic in the dark waters of the swamp.

“What about the Dragon Guard, will they be any help?” Ellie’s question pulled Star from her memories.

“I spoke to the Leader of the Blue Dragons, Rian, but I only thought we were dealing with a rogue and wizard problem. I had no idea demons were involved. He’s sending over a Guardsman or two. They should be here in the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours,” Marrok answered, giving Star a look that said ‘I was gonna tell you, but didn’t have the time’ before adding, “I hadn’t approached Angus and his brother yet? I was letting them finish their vacation since being reunited after so many years.” Star watched as the Alpha looked at his sister who was tapping holes in the oak table top with her nails and shook his head, “But since his mate is here, I have a feeling he already knows.”

A single nod accompanied by a glare that promised Marrok hadn’t heard the last of leaving his little sister, her mate and her new extended family out of their latest predicament almost had Star smiling…almost. She tried to shake off the feeling of impending doom, the feeling that Fate was stepping in and taking control, the feeling that the other shoe was about to drop, but she couldn’t.

The Dragon Guard had been called. They were on their way. There was no doubt that that damnable gray dragon with his sparkling blue eyes and dazzling smile would soon be back in the swamp. Star’s day had just gone from bad to worse in an inescapable, life-altering way.

Chapter Five

“My brother?” Grey was once again on his feet but this time to pace across Kayne’s kitchen. “How do you even know what he looks like? How can you know for sure it was him?”

Spinning towards Alicia when no answer was immediately forthcoming, the Guardsman stopped midstride and stared at the picture before him. It was like a snapshot, but he could tell it had been pulled from the mind of Thanatos by the ashy, out of focus appearance. Worse yet, there was absolutely no denying that it was Garrett.

“But how?” He stepped forward. “Where?” He looked at Alicia while pointing to the picture of his brother hanging from a stone wall, shackles around his neck, wrists, waist and ankles, the look of hate burning deep in his eyes. Garrett was little more than skin and bones, scars covering his bare torso and what Grey could see of his legs through the tatters of jeans that hung low on his emaciated waist.

Moving forward still, he took in every blemish and every scratch down to the tiniest mark, cataloging all of them, promising retribution to the demon who dared to touch his kin. Clenching his fists, the gray dragon again asked, this time through gritted teeth, “Where? Do we know where?”

Shaking her head, Alicia sadly replied, “Only that he is topside, not in Hell. My magic won’t breach the confines of the Underworld without a conduit who’s already down there.” She let her eyes drop. “I’m so sorry to say that’s the best I can do right now.”

“No, no, I understand,” Grey murmured, his eyes still glued to the picture of his brother. “So, you think Thanatos has him?” He looked at the witch. “That he’s had him all this time? He stopped and thought for a second, then hurriedly asked, “If he had Garrett, then why possess your sister? Why not just possess my brother? He is, well was, bigger, stronger, with the soul of a Dragon King merged with his own.”

“That’s exactly why he didn’t, or better yet cannot possess Garrett,” Calysta answered as the picture of his brother disappeared and Alicia’s image got smaller. “It takes a load of magic and more strength than a demon the likes of Thanatos has to possess a dragon shifter, especially a Dragon Guardsman. He would have to be one of the seven Lords of Hell, if not Satan himself. Thank the Goddess he’s not, the bastard’s a big enough pain in the backside without all that power under his belt.”

The Priestess stood and made her way around the table. “I believe he’s holding Garrett and using him for the dragon blood that flows through his veins. The longer I think about this, the more I believe that Thanatos was not the person who kidnapped your brother all those years ago. Unless,” she paused, furrowed her brow and bit her bottom lip as she thought. Long, tense seconds ticked until Calysta finally began again, this time more animated and nearly rambling. “That’s it! That’s the piece I’ve been missing all along.”

She closed the distance between them and patted Grey on the arm. “While I was being held by Cleland and they were trying to summon Thanatos, that stupid old coot kept talking about bringing Death to his new home.” She turned and continued, looking around the room. “I admit to being out of my mind a good bit of the time, but I thought they meant the demon’s new home on Earth, like a house or a hole in the ground.” The Priestess spun back around, a gleam in her eye and vengeance in her tone. “But that’s not what they meant at all. They were trying to summon Thanatos then use their collective power along with some deal they’d made with only the Goddess knows how many demons to force the bastard’s black soul into Garrett’s body.”

“But when we saved you and killed Cleland, no one knew where the old bastard had stashed Grey’s brother,” Pearce jumped into the conversation. “Has he been alone since then?”

“I have no idea, but I promise I won’t rest until he’s found,” Calysta once again patted his arm.

Letting out the breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding, Grey nodded, “Thank you, I appreciate that. But don’t we also need to know who took him in the first place. Don’t know if Thanatos has him or is looking for him. I mean, I want him back, healthy and whole, if that’s possible, and I want every single asshole responsible for what he’s suffered over the last eighty years to pay with their very lives, but we don’t have a lot to go on.”

“I understand,” Kayne stepped up beside Pearce. “And we’ll find out and make it all happen.”

“Thank you,” the gray dragon reiterated, then remembering something Alicia had earlier said, asked, “You said you also saw Star. How is she involved? She didn’t know Garrett. Hell, she barely knows me.”

“No, that’s not what I meant.” Alicia’s eyes met his as she went on, “From the little bit I could see, your mate has had dealings with Thanatos in the past.”

“Now, wait one fucking minute,” Grey roared, pushing past Calysta and pointing his finger at the magical image floating in midair. “Stop that shit right there. Star is not…”

“Shut the hell up and sit your ass down,” Drago, Alicia’s mate and the ancient Guardsman, Leader of the Enforcers, known as the Assassin appeared out of nowhere and bellowed. “I have no problem kicking your wet-behind-the-ears ass as soon as you land, whelp. I will not have you disrespecting my mate.”

Knowing he would react the same way if the tables were turned and Drago was yelling at Star, Grey stepped back, lowered his voice and quickly apologized, “I’m sorry. You’re right. I have no excuse for my actions.”

“Accepted, but watch your tone. I do not make threats I do not intend to backup.”

“Yes, sir,” Grey responded, waiting as patiently as possible for Alicia to return. Before he could apologize to her, the young witch was asking him for his forgiveness. “I’m so sorry. Drago tends to be a bit overprotective.” She laid her hand over his on her shoulder. “The misunderstanding was my fault. I should have said that I believe Star was one of Thanatos’ victims and more than likely he believes he killed her.”

Grey couldn’t believe his ears. How would a wolf with the powerful magic he felt running through Star’s veins not recognize a demon at first sight. It was then that the picture Alicia had pulled from Thanatos’ mind flashed before the Guardsman. He saw how young his beautiful mate was. How carefree she seemed. The easy way she smiled, holding nothing back, letting everyone know everything she was feeling. In the blink of an eye, the image changed. Gone was the beautiful blond with sparkling hazel eyes, replaced by a mere shadow of that happy child, covered in cuts and bruises.

“What was that?” Grey whispered, as the image faded and Alicia’s face was once again front and center.

“That was a picture Olivia showed me of the day after her dad and Marrok brought Star to their Pack. The day after her own Pack was completely destroyed and her father killed by what at the time they thought was hunters.”

Unable to speak, the picture of his precious Star, beaten and battered by the very demon he’d let escape only a week before made both man and dragon physically ill. He had not only failed Mara and the McKennons but also, unknowingly his mate. Finding out his brother was alive and had been a prisoner of only the Heavens knew who for nearly eighty years was shocking enough, but now this. Grey’s world seemed to be turning on its axis. Another pat on his arm had the Guardsman looking down at Calysta with raised eyebrows.

“From what Alicia has told me, that picture of Star was taken almost eighty years ago.” She paused, giving him an expectant look.

At a complete loss, he shrugged, “And?”

“And, that was the same time Garrett went missing.”

Again he waited, but with so many thoughts whirling around his brain, Grey once again had to ask, “And?”

Swatting his arm while giving him a motherly look, Calysta sighed, “And that means Thanatos was on Earth when Garrett was taken.” She squished his arm. “These are not two unrelated events like we originally thought. I now believe that the massacre of Star’s Pack was the blood sacrifice needed to push Thanatos into Garrett’s body, but something went wrong, and the nasty bugger was sent back to Hell instead and in his anger, he thought he killed Star.”

Running his free hand through his hair, Grey sighed, “So, what you’re saying is that all we have to do is find Thanatos and banish him back to Hell to save Star, Garrett and Mara?”

“No, I’m saying all we have to do is destroy Thanatos to save Star, Garrett and Mara.”

Before the Guardsman could ask if the Priestess had lost her mind, Alicia announced, “Well, if that’s all we have to do then I have good news. I think I know where Thanatos is. Or at least where he will be in the next couple of days.”

“Let me guess,” Grey groaned, “The swamp?”

But it was Drago who answered with a grim expression and a growl in his voice, “Give that boy a cookie, he got it in one. Now, get your ass over here.”

Chapter Six

It had been damned near impossible to concentrate on what was being said with the past rearing its ugly head and warring with visions of an incredibly aggravating even sexier dragon within her mind. So, when Marrok finally said they would reconvene the next day, Star jumped out of her chair and ran for the door. Unfortunately, the Alpha’s voice followed her down the hall.

“Hey Star, can you come to my office before you head out, please?”

It was the ‘please’ on the end that made her stop dead, turn left instead of right and wait at the end of the corridor for him. It wasn’t that Marrok wasn’t polite, quite the opposite, he had the best manners of any man she’d ever known in the whole damn state. It was that he never said please in that tone of voice unless he was trying to soften the blow of something really big. The sinking feeling like there was more going on than anyone was saying sat like a rock in her stomach, making it hard to breathe.

Trying to smile at the Alpha as he held out his hand, motioning for her to go ahead of him into his office, Star stopped just over the threshold and grumbled under her breath, “Just once I would like my intuition to be wrong…just one damn time.”

“Sorry for the subterfuge,” Olivia came forward. “But Alicia and the guys,” she glanced over her shoulder, “Have some news that we wanted to share with you before we tell the others, specifically Ellie and Caleb.”

Standing her ground when Marrok grabbed a chair, sat it beside her and gestured for her to sit down, Star added with a single raised eyebrow, “I think I’ll stand.”

Looking at not only her best friend but also two Dragon Guardsmen, a witch and her Alpha, all of who Star thought of as friends, if not family, the she-wolf nodded, “Then get on with it. I’m somehow sure all this buildup is way worse than whatever you’ve got to say.”

“I wish that was the truth.” Olivia’s eyes shot to Angus’ then back to Star’s. “Look, I get that you’re pissed and feel like we set you up, but that’s not the case, at all. You know me better than that. I don’t play games and I have always, always had your back…and always will. We care about you. I,” she took a step forward. “Care about you. You are the sister I never had.” Slamming her fists to her hips, the auburn she-wolf ordered, “Now sit down, and wipe that I’m-gonna-kick-someone’s-ass look off your face and listen to what we have to say. Got it?”

Staring back at her best friend, the only person she’d ever truly trusted with all her secrets, Star shook her head, and begrudgingly took a seat while warning, “Alright, I’ll sit but I’m not promising I’ll stay that way.”

“Fair enough,” Marrok answered from his seat behind his desk.

“I’m gonna let Alicia tell you what’s happening since she’s the one who discovered all of this,” Olivia advised.

“Sure, whatever,” Star sighed then immediately asked, “Wait. Where’s Isabella? I can’t believe she would agree to being left out of this,” she motioned her hand back and forth. “Intervention or whatever the hell it is.”

“She wanted to be here, but she’s with Ellie and Caleb while they talk to the North Carolina Pack about what’s going on.” Olivia’s tone softened as she added, “Do you want me to get her in here?”

“No, don’t bother. She’ll know soon enough.” Star rolled her eyes. “Let’s just get this over with.”

 The young red-headed witch took her cue and quickly began to explain. “Recently, we, my family and I, got word that my sister, Mara, whose been missing for a couple of years, had been seen. It was the first confirmation we had that she was still alive since her disappearance.”

Star’s ire cooled as tears filled Alicia’s eyes. The she-wolf sympathized with what the witch and her family were going through even though she had no idea what it had to do with her.

“We used every ounce of knowledge and magic we had to look for her. The news wasn’t very good. I mean, I’m happy to know my sister’s alive but pretty freaked out that she’s being possessed by a demon they call Death Incarnate. Oh shit!” Alicia slapped her hands over her mouth and shook her head, mumbling through her fingers, “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have blurted that out.”

Sitting forward, not sure what to make of the witch, who until now hadn’t said more than three words to her, Star shrugged, “No problem. I’m the one who should be saying she’s sorry. I can’t imagine what it must be like to find all that out.”

Slowly lowering her hands, Alicia nodded, “Yeah, it’s about as bad as it can get.” She closed the distance between them and sat on the chair next to Star. “But I’m sorry for just throwing the whole demon possession thing out there with no warning.” She laid her hand on the arm of Star’s chair. “It does, however, lead me to why we’re all here.”

The witch took a deep breath and hurried on, “When I touched Mara’s mind, I also saw into the demon’s and I saw you.” She began speaking so rapidly it took Star a second to catch up. “Not the you that you are now. It was you when you were lots younger. Then I remembered a picture I saw when I was going through Olivia’s photo albums. It was of you when you first came to this Pack and I knew, I just knew. It was then. What I had seen in the demon’s mind was from that time period…all those years ago.”

Star sat waiting for more of an explanation, waiting for the punchline, waiting for anything. Then like the anvil that falls on the coyote in the old cartoons she and the girls used to watch, a picture of Mac, the demon wolf who’d lured her away on that horrible night all those years ago burst into her mind for the second time that day.

Shaking her head, slowly at first and then quicker with each word, she screamed, “No! No, no, no, no, nooooooo. Not again.” Springing to her feet, she flew across the room and leaned over Marrok’s desk. “Tell me. Fucking tell me now. Is this the same demon that killed my Pack?” She felt the bile rising in her throat. “Killed my dad?”

The warmth of Olivia’s hand on her shoulder helped but as the Alpha started to speak Star felt all the pain and anguish from the loss of everything she’d ever known closing in all around her.

“Yes, we believe it is.” The sadness in Marrok’s eyes nearly brought her to her knees as he went on. “Alicia, along with the Grand Priestess and the Dragon Guard believe he was trying to inhabit one of their men and to do it he needed one very large blood sacrifice.”

“My Pack?”

Reaching across the desk, the Alpha laid his huge hand over hers as he nodded, “Yes, ma’am, that’s what we all believe.”

“But,” her voice cracked as the tears she was holding back threatened to fall. “But, why not kill me right along with them? Why take me away from the Pack and then attack?”

“I can answer that,” Alicia answered from behind Star.

Turning, the she-wolf watched the witch compose herself as she explained, “Calysta, that’s the Grand Priestess Marrok just spoke of, believes that you were the bait for your father. In a ritual that requires as much power as Thanatos, that’s the demon’s name, or at least one of them would need to push his soul into a Guardsman’s there has to be a catalyst. That catalyst has to be a huge amount of pure magic, given freely to the demon at the time of the ritual’s climax.”

She paused and lowered her chin. Looking up through her long bangs, the witch asked, “Are you ready to hear this? Most of it is really hard for me to say, I can’t imagine what it will be like for you to have to listen to.”

Star appreciated Alicia’s consideration for her feelings but needed to know what had really happened all those years ago. Looking at Olivia who she knew would be there to catch her if she fell, the she-wolf sighed, “Yes. I need to hear it. I need to finally know the truth.”

“Okay, I understand, and let me just say, you are really brave.”

“Thanks.”

Giving her a quick smile, Alicia continued, “In this case, we all agree that the demon instructed those loyal to him to kill your Pack while he lured you away. Then while their blood still soaked the ground, he was going to use you as bait. When your dad showed up, he was going to make Edward give his life to save yours, but then kill you both. Not only would the sacrifice your dad made to save you be huge in terms of magical energy, but then killing you would give him an extra charge.”

“But something went wrong. None of us knows what happened. My guess and the others agree, is that Thanatos’ followers went crazy with bloodlust. Simply couldn’t control themselves. Then once the fires started and the demon saw his plans going up in smoke, quite literally. He decided to kill you.” She paused and with a weak smile added, “Thank the Goddess he failed.”

Alicia stood and stepped forward until she was standing in front of Star. Looking her right in the eye, with a conviction that the she-wolf could feel even more than she could hear it, the witch said, “The thing killing wolves as he weaves his way across the United States is Thanatos in my sister’s body. He has recruited new followers and he is trying to accomplish what he failed at before.”

“Wait…” Star put her index finger in the air. “Are you saying he’s coming for me?”

“No,” Alicia shook her head so vehemently that her long, curly ponytail swished behind her head. “I’m saying that Thanatos doesn’t know you’re alive, but he is heading this way to kill a True Alpha and his Pack as a blood sacrifice to finally be able to inhabit a Dragon Guardsman.”

He’s coming for Marrok and our Pack…

Lost in thought, Star was shocked to see Marrok standing in front of her and even more shocked by his question. “And I’m asking how you feel about some old-fashioned revenge?”

Chapter Seven

“She agreed to do what?” Grey tried hard not to yell at Drago. Some of it was out of respect, but most of it was because he was sure the old guy would follow through on his threat to kick the younger Guardsman’s ass and that was a fight Grey wasn’t sure he could win. But hearing that his mate, the one who wouldn’t give him the time of day, had just agreed to be the bait to lure Thanatos into a trap did not sit well with the gray dragon.

“I am not sure how many ways I can say it. Star, your mate, is working with Alicia and the others on a plan to draw Thanatos into a trap.” Grey could hear the exasperation in the Assassin’s voice. “I wanted to let you know before you landed, heard the news and did something crazy like yell at her or throw her over your shoulder and head for the hills. She seems quite adamant about what she wants to do. I understand things are a bit,” Drago cleared his throat and when he began to speak again, Grey knew it had been to hide the chuckle in his voice. “Strained between you two at the moment.”

Sighing so hard, steam floated from his snout, Grey asked, “Is anything private with you guys?”

“Has it ever been?” Kayne, whose golden dragon was flying to his right, laughed.

Chuckling despite his frustration, Grey groaned, “Okay, since you all know everything. What should I do?”

“I have no idea what you should do,” Pearce, who was flying just ahead, the scales of his iridescent cobalt dragon glowing in the moonlight, interjected. “I do, however, know what you should NOT do. Learn from those that have gone before you and please, by all that is holy, do NOT try to control her. I get the impression that Star is a strong, independent she-wolf, who’s used to doing what she wants, when she wants and asks no one’s permission. If you go in there dragon blazing and try to tell her what to do, you have to know you’re only going to push her farther away.”

“So, I’m just supposed to stand idly by and let her be dangled in front of Death Incarnate?” Grey knew he was getting louder with every word that flew from his mind to that of his brethren but he was fed up with all of it and needed to vent before he exploded. “Is that what you’re saying? Is that the best advice you can give me? If so, it’s bullshit! Complete and total bullshit! There’s no way in Heaven or Hell I’m letting that…”

“You won’t be ‘letting’ anything happen, you arrogant, egotistical, testosterone-filled scale-covered bag of hot air.” Star’s voice burst through his mind, as well as his brethren’s from the snorts and chuckles filling his mind. “Whatever I do is MY decision. Not yours. NEVER yours.” Each word was punctuated with the fiery she-wolf’s rage. “The Goddess and the Universe may have decided that you’re my mate, but that doesn’t mean I have to fall for it. I will be ruled by no one…EVER.”  

And just like that, she was gone. The blocks in her mind slammed shut between them. Only an echo of what she was feeling flowing through their mating bond. Star had said all she needed to say and ended it with an exclamation point not even Grey could deny. His sassy she-wolf was more than pissed, she was livid and more than likely out for blood…unfortunately, his.

There was a long pause, during which four massive dragons flew silently through the air. At any other time, Grey was sure it would’ve been comical to watch these enormous winged warriors look at one another with large wide eyes like children caught with their hands in the cookie jar, but in that moment, he was far from laughing.

“I’m guessing matters just got worse,” Noah chuckled nervously, his brown dragon soaring next to Pearce.

“If I hear the words ‘I told you so’ I swear to the Heavens I will scorch the scales off each and every one of you,” Grey growled as dark, ominous smoke drifted out of his huge snout.  

“Aye, aye, Captain,” Kayne snorted with Pearce and Noah snickering in the background.

Done talking and needing to think, Grey’s glittering gray dragon dropped below the other dragons, sped forward and led the way for the last two hours of their silent journey to the Florida swamp. Landing in human form just before the sun peeked over the huge palm trees that lined the east side of Gaelach Lán Pack lands, his boots had barely touched the ground before he was stalking towards the quaint single-story cottage he knew belonged to his mate.

He could feel his brethren close behind. Their disapproval flowing through the bond of brotherhood they all shared, not to mention their disapproving glares burning holes in his back.

What the hell do they know? Lucky for them, they’re all still single…

Shutting them out, trying to come up with the perfect words to make his unruly mate see his side of things, Grey stepped up to the front door and lifted his fist to knock just as the door swung wide open and Star snarled, “Can’t you take a hint?”

Shocked and unsure what to say, Grey stood staring for a split second too long allowing his mate to add, “I want nothing to do with you. Go away.”

Throwing out his arm as she tried to slam the door in his face, the Guardsman shoved it so hard he heard a loud crack as the doorknob crashed through the wall. Pushing past Star, Grey stormed across the threshold, spun on his heels and growled, “No, I don’t take fucking hints and I’m not going away. We’re gonna talk about this shit, right here and right now.” He stepped forward, ignoring the fury he saw burning in her eyes. “You are my mate, just as much as I am yours. Get over it. Accept it. It’s my job to protect you, and whether you like it or not, that’s what I’m going to do. Even if it means tying you to a chair to keep you safe.”

Closing the distance between them, Star looked him right in the eyes and seethed, “Just try it, big boy. Let’s see if your fire burns as hot as the smoke you’re blowing.”

“I have no problem doing everything in my considerable power to make you see reason,” Grey countered, using his height advantage to lean down over Star to make his point.

His dragon pushed against the confines of his mind, roaring at the prospect of meeting his mate, as she met his glare head on. He secretly loved that she didn’t back down. Her strength was not only alluring but reassuring, his sassy Star had an inner fortitude that matched his on every level. She was astounding in so many ways, most of which he had yet to discover. He already loved her more than he thought possible and needed to let her know that there would never be a time he would let her put herself in danger.

Pearce’s words echoing in his mind, Grey instantly changed tactics. Pushing his anger to the side, the Guardsman backed away and took a deep breath. Taking advantage of Star’s confusion at his retreat, he lowered his voice, put his hands up palms out and apologized, “I’m sorry. That’s not the way I wanted this conversation to go.” He ran his hands through his hair. “I wanted to come here. Save the day. And get the girl.” He smiled, hoping to get one in return, but powering on when she only stood silently staring at him. “I thought that if I could stop this demon, you would see that I am the guy for you. That you would stop running from me.” He closed his eyes. “That you would see I’m good enough to spend the rest of your life with.”

“What?” Star asked, looking and sounding truly confused.

Walking forward, she laid her hand on his arm. Sparks, like fire, raced through his veins, from her touch as his eyes flew open. His heart beat faster and his dragon growled low in his throat. Grey knew she felt it too, saw her pupils dilate and felt the tremble in her touch.

Ignoring his own reactions, he focused on his mate. Watching intently as the anger drained from her lovely face. He couldn’t help but step forward when she spoke, the fatigue and sadness heavy in her voice.

“I admit to running.” Her eyes flashed with the image of her wolf. “But not because I don’t think you’re not good enough.” She shook her head and snorted, “Hell, until just a few hours ago, I thought I wasn’t good enough for you.” He could feel her confusion as she went on, “If I’m honest, I’m still not sure.”

Taking a step back, she put her hands on her hips and in a matter of fact voice that shocked him almost as much as her words, said, “After all these years, I finally know that I’m not the reason my dad and every single member of my Pack are dead. I know in here,” she put her index finger to her temple, “that some fucking demon had them killed so he could possess one of your kin and try to rule the world or whatever it is demons do.” She laid her hand over her heart. “But in here, I still don’t believe it. I still can’t figure it all out. Can’t make sense of what happened…of what I now know.”

Then in a flash, gone was the introspective, calm Star, replaced by a fierce she-wolf begging for vengeance as she stepped right up to Grey and while poking him in the chest with her index finger spat, “But what I do know is that I have a chance to take that filthy bastard down and not you or anyone else is gonna stop me.”

Chapter Eight

Star couldn’t believe Grey was actually standing in her house or that she was telling him off, but both were definitely happening and there was absolutely no going back. When she’d seen him marching across her front yard, it had taken everything in her not to run out the back door. Just the thought of having to deal with him on top of everything she’d just had dumped at her feet seemed like too much to bear.

But then she’d remembered hearing his high-handed attitude and testosterone-laden ego when he was talking to Drago and she’d gotten furious all over again. Who the hell did he think he was trying to tell her what she could and couldn’t do? This was her life and she’d damn well live it the way she wanted to.

Then he took the wind right out of her sails by saying something she never could have seen coming.

“The dragon Thanatos wants to possess is my brother, Garrett, who I haven’t seen in eighty years.”

“Your…brother?” Star couldn’t believe her ears. “You have got to be kidding me. It was your brother all those years ago, too, wasn’t it?” She stepped back and sat down, propping her elbows on her knees and letting her head fall forward. “And it was your Clan that was killed a week before my Pack, right?”

“Yes,” came Grey’s whispered reply from just in front of her.

“Did he kill them, too? Were they looking for your brother then?”

Star looked up to find Grey standing in the same spot, head bowed, eyes closed. She watched him shrug as he answered, “I don’t think so. I didn’t smell sulfur, but I was in the Cave of the Ancients receiving my Blessing from our Ancestors when the attack happened.” He paused, and she could feel him trying to control the rage still burning deep inside even after all the years that had passed. “I found Garrett at the bottom of the mountain, hiding in one of the small caves. He was only thirteen at the time.”

Oh my Goddess,” she shot to her feet and closed the distance between them, laying her hands on Grey’s and waiting until he looked up. “You mean he’s grown up being a prisoner of this Thanatos asshole?”

“No, the night your Pack died Thanatos was thrown back into Hell and only in the last few years was summoned back to Earth.” He sighed. “But Garrett’s been held by some nasty sons of bitches from the look of him. I can’t even imagine what he’s been through, the torture he’s endured.”

Grey pulled his hands from hers and turned away, pacing towards the picture window. Opening the curtain, he stared out at the rising sun as she stared at him. It was hard, even with what was going on all around them, not to appreciate his amazing physique.

The Goddess and the Universe had known what they were doing when they put her mate together. He was six-foot-six-inches of nothing less than perfection. From his wide shoulders to his tapered waist, not forgetting his ass that at the moment was being expertly outlined by the worn denim of his jeans.

Then there was his face, that had to have been sculpted by the angels themselves. Star’s fingers itched with the need to see if his short dark hair was as soft as it looked in the first rays of the sun. And she didn’t have to close her eyes to remember his sparkling blue eyes, perfectly kissable lips or the strong set of his amazing jawline.

More than one night had been spent dreaming about nibbling along that jaw, teasing the tender flesh of his neck and driving him wild with passion until he couldn’t help but make love to her. No matter how hard she’d tried to deny it, there was no getting away from the fact that he was her mate, the one she was meant to spend eternity beside…the man she’d started falling in love with the first time she laid eyes on him.

“You’re usually better shielding your thoughts.” Grey’s voice interrupted Star’s daydreaming, leaving her blushing as he turned around.

“Yeah, well I’ve usually had at least a few hours sleep,” she countered grinning to hide the heat in her cheeks.

“I hear ya’ there.”

Grey speared her with those hypnotic cerulean eyes of his, holding her captive as he stalked towards her. Snaking his arm around her waist and pulling her tight to his chest, he rumbled, “I know this is the last thing I should be doing at a time like this, but if I don’t kiss you right this minute, I fear I’ll just cease to exist.”

Holding her breath as he slowly lowered his lips to hers, Star couldn’t help but sigh at the first touch of his lips to hers. Their connection was immediate and explosive. She felt her wolf reach for his dragon, her heart beat in sync with his and the elusive piece of her soul she’d been missing all these years slip into place.

She could feel him holding back, taking it slow, trying to savor their first kiss but Star was having none of it. Shoving her hands into his hair, she held him tight, demanded entrance and moaned into his mouth as he gave her all he had.

In the span of a single heartbeat, Grey’s hands were on her ass, lifting her off the floor, forcing her to wrap her legs around his waist as he headed for the back of the house. Pulling her lips from his, she gasped, “Last door on the left.”

A grunt as she slammed her lips back to his was the only response she received…the response she needed. She smiled against his lips at the sound of his boot kicking the door shut and moaned at the loss as he gently threw her onto the middle of her four-poster bed and stood staring with lust turning his eyes a sizzling deep blue.

Feeling sassier than usual, she teased, “Like what you see, dragon man?”

“Oh, darlin’, you have no idea,” he growled, “And I’m more than ready to see more.”

Holding her eyes hostage as he kicked off his boots and instantly pulled his light blue T-shirt over his head, Grey challenged with an irresistible gleam in his eyes, “Now, it’s your turn, my sexy little wolf.”

Grabbing the hem of her shirt as she sat up, Star slowly slid the soft cotton fabric up her stomach, stopping just under her breasts and looked up at Grey through her lashes, taunting her mate in a low, sexy voice she hardly recognized as her own, “Is this enough?”

“Never,” he growled, pouncing onto the bed, gently pushing her back as he caged her in - palms on the bed next to her head and his knees next to her thighs. Capturing her lips, he spoke directly into her mind, “This is as close to Heaven as I’ve ever been, mo chroí, and I never want to leave.”

Deepening their kiss, needing more, Star shivered as Grey’s hands skimmed across her ribs sliding under her T-shirt and pushing it over her bra. In the blink of an eye, he lifted away from her lips, pulled her shirt over her head and got rid of her bra, before looking down at her and sighing, “Oh my Goddess, you are absolutely perfect.”

“You ain’t so bad yourself.” Was the only response her lust-soaked brain could come up with as he leaned forward while massaging the heated flesh of her breasts teasing first one nipple and then another with the tip of his tongue.

Arching her back off the bed, trying to force his masterful touch where she needed it most, Star groaned out loud when a loud knock at the front door had Grey sitting up and cursing in Gaelic. She couldn’t help but smile as he crawled off the bed, adjusted the front of his jeans and grumbled, “Stay right there. I know who this is and I’ll get rid of them.”

Chuckling to herself, Star crawled off the bed to get dressed and mumbled to herself, “Those boys are about to knock my door off the hinges. I don’t think they’re going away as easily as he thinks.”

Sure enough, the next thing she heard was Drago’s low, grumbly laughter. “I guess you made peace with your mate, huh?”

“Looks like we might have interrupted something here, Drago?” Snickered a voice she didn’t recognize, as at least three other males joined in on the fun.

Smoothing her curls, Star took a quick glance in the mirror before exiting her room and heading down the hall. Stepping into the living room, she winked at Drago before declaring, “Haven’t y’all ever heard of calling before you come visiting?”

Erupting laughter once again as Grey looked over his shoulder and rolled his eyes, one of the dragons who had interrupted she and her mate began to make the introductions. The tall blond with the shit-eating grin came forward with his hand out and as they shook he grinned, “I’m Kayne. I’m the one you call if you’re ever tired of the young buck.”

Grey immediately appeared at her side, wrapped his arm around her shoulders and growled, “That’s enough.”

Secretly thrilled at the possessive nature of her mate, Star still swatted his bare stomach and scolded, “Grey.”

“Grey, nothing.” He pulled her close. “You can’t trust these guys as far as you can throw them.”

The younger Guardsman with light brown hair and dark eyes slapped his hand over his heart and pretended to sob, “Oh, you wound me.”

“That pain in the ass is Noah,” Grey sighed. “And the one next to him is Pearce.” He looked down at her and whispered, “Be careful of ‘P’ and his voodoo power. He’s been known to read people’s minds.”

Holding up his hands in surrender, the Guardsman who exuded a sense of peace and calm shook his head, “I do not. It’s just that your mate forgets to shield his thoughts.”

Elbowing Grey, Star teased, “And he pokes his nose in where it doesn’t belong.”

“Guilty as charged,” he agreed out loud before kissing the top of her head and whispering, “But I just can’t help myself where you’re concerned,” directly into her mind.

Trying hard not to blush as Drago pointed at his brother, “And since you know Angus and me, I will get to the reason for our visit. Marrok…”

The Assassin’s words were cut off as her Alpha’s voice burst through her mind.“Star! Come now and bring those dragons. The swamps are on fire!” 

Chapter Nine

Racing towards black, billowy pillars of smoke, Grey kept Star by his side as they followed his brethren to Wolf Hall. Meeting Olivia, Ellie and Caleb just outside, their group stopped and Star asked, “How did this happen? I just looked out the window an hour ago.”

“I have no idea. The lions think it’s out of control forest fires, but have you ever known them to burn in a perfect circle across each and every swamp and juts around our land?”

“Thanatos.” Came the unison reply from everyone in attendance.

Nodding as she went to her mate, Olivia confirmed, “That’s my guess.” Pointing to the west, she went on, “Marrok wants us to take the farthest border. He and the Betas have the others covered. There are wells that power the sprinklers for the fields at the midpoint, we just have to reposition the heads along the boundaries and that should take care of the fire.” She rolled her shoulders. “Unless it’s Hellfire and then we’re gonna need…”

“Did someone call for a witch?” Alicia appeared at Drago’s side.

Smiling despite the situation, Olivia nodded, “Indeed, I did. Thanks for coming Allie.” Turning back to the group she added, “Let’s head ‘em up and move ‘em out. One way or another we have to save our swamp.”

Running along with his brethren and friends to the west side of Gaelach Lán lands, Grey pushed his preternatural senses as far as they would go. The closer they got to the blaze the more he began to feel a sense of déjà vu.

Opening himself up to any and all disturbances in the Earth and the atmosphere, he mentally called to Star, “Do you feel that? Something’s off. I just can’t put my finger on it.”

Before his mate could answer Olivia yelled, “Angus and I are going to the well, y’all fan out along the border and move the heads when we get them turned on.”

Following Star as she broke off from the group and ran towards the southernmost corner, Grey asked again, “Do you feel that? Something is really not right.”

“Yeah, there’s something a little off, but with all the flames and smoke, I’m not surprised. Besides the sounds of the wildlife running for their lives is making it hard for me to focus on little else.” She paused then quickly added, “I don’t smell sulfur or brimstone like I did the night of the attack. This has to be out of control brush fires.”

Thinking about what she’d said as he waited for the sprinklers to come on, Grey just couldn’t shake the feeling of impending doom. It was a living, seething entity breathing down his neck. His senses were on high alert. His dragon braced and ready for battle. The hairs on the back of his neck standing on end. Someone or something was just beyond those flames, orchestrating this chaos as a form of distraction, of that he had no doubt.

“Star?”

Her name still echoed in his mind as the huge sprinkler head mounted on the seven-foot high PVC pipe sticking out of the ground sputtered to life. Twisting the cylinder until the powerful stream of water was spraying directly onto the fire, Grey ran to the next and completed the process until all the sprinklers were dumping water onto the flames.

Turning back towards the way he’d just come, racing to return to his mate, Grey stopped dead in his tracks as out of the flames rose the same dark-haired witch he’d seen in the cave the day they’d rescued Kamdyn.

“Son of a bitch,” he spat then screaming, he demanded, “Let her go, you stupid piece of shit!”

Looking down, Thanatos’ low, eerie voice boomed from Mara’s black, cracked and bleeding lips, “My, my, what do we have here?” He floated closer. “I do believe it is one of the elusive gray dragons. I had heard some of you survived.” Coming closer still, but careful to stay over the flames, the demon went on, “Yes, it is. The older of the Acheson brothers, the stronger, more powerful, Dragon Guardsman.”

His blood-curdling cackle filled the air as a bolt of lightning struck the ground at Grey’s feet revealing a vision of his brother, held to what looked like a huge, overturned, rusty water tank by silver chains, an engraved athame dangling precariously over his heart. “Will you give your life to save that of your brother?”

“NO!” Star screamed, sprinting towards Grey. “Don’t do…”

Her words were cut off and her actions frozen as Thanatos held her suspended by magic and laughed, “What about your mate?”

Opening his mouth to tell the demon to kiss his ass, Grey snapped his jaw shut as Drago’s voice whispered through his mind, “Keep him talking. Alicia, Kayne and the wolves are working on a spell and the others are in dragon form coming up behind the bastard.”

Looking at Star, his heart breaking and his dragon roaring at what she was suffering at the hands of the demon for the second time, Grey reluctantly agreed, “Alright. Hurry.” Then to Thanatos he snarled, “My brother, my mate, all the Guardsmen and all the wolves go free and you can have me and the soul of my Dragon King.” Then he quickly added, “And you have to make sure Mara is still alive, or no deal.”

Grey could see the demon considering his offer. He wondered how close Alicia and the others were to being ready to snap the bastard out of the sky and where his brethren were but dared not use their mindspeak for fear Thanatos would hear.

Finally, the demon scoffed, “No, just your mate and your brother. There must be rivers of blood, magical blood, to complete the ritual.” He then added, “As far as little Mara here goes, she will still be alive, as for anything else, I make no promises.”

Ignoring his fury and seeing that Thanatos was having way too much fun while others were suffering, Grey decided to use the demon’s renowned ego against him to buy a little more time. “Are you telling me that the great and powerful Thanatos can’t possess my simple shifter body with his own magic and that of my Dragon King?” The Guardsman snorted.

An impressive series of lightning bolts struck the ground at Grey’s feet as the flames to his left exponentially grew in height and heat. He’d struck a nerve, and now it was up to him to keep the demon angry and focused on him until the wings of his brethren’s dragons appeared over the fire.

Wrapping his arms around himself, Grey pretended to shiver as he mocked, “Oh no, I’m so scared. The mean old demon’s gonna strike me dead with his lightning. Ooooohhhhhhh, what am I to do?” Laughing out loud, despite the wrath racing through his veins, the Guardsman taunted, “Did you really think I was gonna fall for parlor tricks?” He stepped forward and stood tall. “I am the first son of Grannus Acheson, rightful Leader of the Grey Dragons. Who the hell are you but a broken down, hack of a demon with only a little, weak witch to inhabit?”

Again the flames grew, moving closer like glowing, fiery fingers lapping at his skin as black clouds swirled overheard and lightning struck the ground not only around Grey but also too close to Star for comfort. Reigning in his dragon as well as his own rage, the Guardsman continued to push on Thanatos’ exposed nerve, praying the others were ready to spring the trap as he feared this would be his last shot.

“What’s the matter? Running out of steam? Lost your power? Used up all of Mara’s?” Pulling the knife from his pocket, Grey slashed his palm and threw his hand in the air, shouting, Smell that you bastard? Smell that power? Feel the magic?”

Wavering in the air, Thanatos looked nearly drunk as he smelled Grey’s blood. With a sappy grin on his face, the demon nodded, “It’s a deal.”

     Slapping his bleeding palm to his thigh, Grey challenged, “How do I know you’ll honor your deal?”

“I’m a demon of my word. The letter of the ritual is clear. I must live up to my end of the bargain or all benefits owed to me will be forfeit.”

Thinking for just a second, his dragon signaling that others of their kin were near, Grey played the last card he had. Shaking his head, he yelled, “I don’t believe you. You demons always have a loophole or a backdoor.” He stepped even closer to the fire. “Tell me where my brother is first, so I can send the others to get him then I will willingly become your sacrifice.”

Watching the demon float silently above the blaze for what seemed like forever, Grey was just about to give up and shout another insult when movement out of the corner of his eye stopped him cold. Flying at top speed, the dragons surrounded Thanatos at the same time that Alicia’s voice rang across the swamp. “Demon bheith imithe! Dhíbir go deo! Go hIfreann gach áit a tháinig tú!”

Thanatos dropped through the air, stopping just before the flickering flames completely engulfed him, wailing, “NO! NO! NO!”

“It’s working! Say it again!” Kayne bellowed.

Responding in English, everyone yelled, “Demon be gone! Banished forever! To Hell, whence you came!”

The demon screeched in pain. The oozing green snakes slithering all over Mara’s possessed body hissing as the flames died down to little more than a campfire.

Repeating the spell again as the dragons closed in on the demon, ready to catch Mara’s body as his soul was sent back to the Pits of Hell, their cries were cut short as the earth began to shake and the fires once again sprang to life. Spreading his arms wide, Thanatos roared, “BE GONE!”

A shockwave burst from his fingertips hurtling the dragons through the air as the demon shot through the sky disappearing in a firestorm of lightning. Racing to Star as she crashed to the ground, released from the demon’s magic as quickly as he disappeared, Grey pulled her into his arms and shouted into his brethren’s minds, “Everybody okay?”

Listening to each of them answer, he didn’t have a chance to answer back as Star opened her eyes and murmured, “You ever offer yourself to a demon again and I’ll kick your ass myself, ya’ hear me?”

Kissing her soundly, happier than he could have ever imagined just to hear her voice and know that she was okay, he wanted nothing more than to carry her back to her house and never let her out of bed again. Unfortunately, that would have to wait.

The wolves, with Kayne leading the way, appeared all around him. Looking up at Alicia, he met her sad eyes and apologized, “I am so sorry. I failed again. Not only Mara but also you, your family and my brother.” He shook his head. “I swear that fucking demon has nine lives.”

Dropping to her knees, Alicia patted Star’s hand as she said, “No way, Grey, you didn’t fail. You kept Thanatos busy. You made it possible for me to not only break the spell he had on the land but also to use the connection I have with my sister to look into his mind.” She swallowed back her tears, and when she started again her voice cracked, but the brave witch powered on, “I wasn’t about to banish him this time, but next, with my sisters by my side, we’ll get him. Mara will be fine. I have to believe that. She’s strong. I felt her in there fighting. We’ll get her back. In the meantime, I have good news for you. I know where Garrett is and it’s not far from here.”

Chapter Ten

Leading the way through the swamps, with Grey at her side, following the map Alicia had drawn, Star couldn’t help but worry what they would find when they got there. Would Garret still be alive? Would that be a good thing? Would he be glad to see Grey? Or blame him for all the years he’d spent in captivity?

“Stop thinking so hard.” Grey squeezed her hand. “You’re making my head hurt.” He grinned. “Everything is gonna be fine. I’m prepared, no matter what we find when we get there.”

“Okay, if you say so,” Star nodded. “Just remember, I’m with you all the way.”

Leaning over and giving her a quick peck on the cheek, he teased, “You better be. I’d hate to have to chase you again.”

Shaking her head and rolling her eyes, Star groaned, “Chased me, did ya’? All you had to do was come knocking at my door.”

Their exchange was cut short when Kayne complained, “Isn’t the heat and humidity bad enough without making me sick to my stomach with all the lovey dovey crap?”

“Thank the Goddess,” Pearce chimed in. “I thought it was just me who was tired of ‘As the Dragon Turns’ up there.”

“Or is it, ‘The Young and the Wolf’s Mate,” Noah laughed at his own joke as everyone else in their group groaned.

Star laughed as Grey growled, “Shut up,” which only made the other Guardsmen laugh louder.

She figured she had Marrok’s mate, Scotlyn, to thank for her Alpha letting her leave the safety of their Pack lands to help her mate recover his brother with Thanatos still lurking about. She’d heard the couple having a heated debate that ended with Marrok grumbling, Aw heck, I give up,” before she’d been called into the office and he’d given his permission.

Traveling a hundred and fifty miles through the swamp by airboat they had finally reached dry land and had been mucking through the marshes for nearly two hours. Slowing down as the foliage began to thin out, Star pointed through a hole in the trees. “See that rusty, old, aluminum building?”

She waited until everyone was gathered around and had taken a good look before continuing, “That’s the place. That’s where Alicia saw Garrett.”

Holding her breath, trying hard not to wrap her arms around her dragon and hold him tight as she watched a flood of emotions cross his face, Star slowly exhaled when Grey nodded, “Alright, let’s do this.”

Stepping forward, Drago held up the silver amulet his mate had given him. “I will take the lead. Alicia assures me this will burn like fire if we get within fifty yards of any black magic.” He looked right at Grey as he went on, “I will leave no one behind. So, stay close and stay sharp.”

“Aye,” was muttered in unison as the Assassin led the way beyond the cover of the trees and across the tall field of sawgrass. Walking in a circular formation with Star in the middle, the rescue party slowly made it to the wooden deck surrounding the building.

Looking up, the she-wolf read the weathered and chipped sign aloud, “Sugarland District Pump House.” Then she exclaimed, “Oh my Heavens, I know what this place is, and I know what it was Alicia saw Garrett chained to.”

Pushing through the line of men, she grabbed Grey’s hand and nearly ran towards the door, hanging on its last hinge rusty hinge, explaining over her shoulder as she went. “The Healers of my father’s Pack used this place as a type of retreat because of the water running under it and the unclaimed land surrounding it. I imagine Thanatos thought he could warp their magic and use it against them, but I remember what Abraham and Isaac taught me and know for a fact without their blood and a counter-spell they never created, this land will always remain pure.”

Carefully pushing the door open, snickering when it fell off to the cement floor with an echoing crash, Star had to bite her tongue when Grey jumped in front of her with a frown and a curt, “I’m leading the way. I like you in one piece.”

Rolling her eyes, but letting him lead, the she-wolf tapped him on the shoulder and pointed, “The pump room is over there, and I know just as sure as there’s gators in the swamp that the rusted-out tank Alicia described is in there.”

Without looking back, Grey changed course, slowing his steps the closer they got. Feeling his trepidation and needing to comfort her mate, Star whispered directly into his mind, “Do you want to do this by yourself?”

Looking over his shoulder, her brave dragon gave her a weak smile as he shook his head and answered aloud, “No, let’s go in together.” Then to his brethren he continued, “Watch our backs, we’re going in.”

A collective nod was all that was needed and the group crossed the concrete floor. Holding tight to her hand with his short blade in the other, Grey kicked the door open and once he was sure there was no one but Garrett inside, rushed towards his brother’s unconscious body.

Dropping her hand, Grey ripped the silver chains from Garrett’s body, his blood coating the metal as he flung them aside. She could feel the barely contained rage boiling inside him and knew the moment it took over as shimmering gray scales covered the backs of his hands and decorated his arms and his pupils went from those of a man to the elliptical shape of his dragon.

Roaring as the final chain broke free, Grey stood panting, his chest heaving, perspiration gluing his shirt to his chest. Star stood silently as he laid the back of his hand on Garrett’s cheek and whispered, “Oh, deartháir beag. What have they done to you?” Without looking up, he added, “He’s in some kind of magical coma or something. I can feel it in him. His dragon is there, but so weak and unable to fight off the offending mysticism.”

Still unmoving except for the slow, rhythmic up and down of his chest, Garrett was nothing but skin and bones, cuts, bruises and scars decorating every inch of exposed skin. His hair and beard were long and matted. His fingernails, the ones that remained, were broken and jagged as if he’d used them to try to dig out of whatever hellhole he’d been in at the time. To say he had been tortured was an understatement.

Looking up from her mate’s brother, Star’s eyes met Grey’s. The pain and anguish she saw in their tear-filled depths took her breath away. Needing to be strong for the man she loved more with every beat of her heart, the man who had freely offered his life for hers, the she-wolf moved forward, laid her hand on his where it laid on Garrett’s torso and said, “Let’s take your brother home.”

“Do you think your Pack Healers can help him?”

“No, Grey, I mean your home, to your Clan. That’s where he needs to be. They are the ones who can help him the most.”

For the first time since they’d entered the pump house, she felt hope return to her mate’s heart and couldn’t help but smile when he asked, “Are you sure? I know you need your Pack. Before all this,” he looked down at his brother, “I was gonna beg you to let me stay with you.” He looked up. “Because there’s no way I can be without you, not now, not ever.”

Making her way around the tank, Star wrapped her arms around Grey’s neck and as she looked him right in the eyes, assured, “I feel the same way. You, Grey Acheson, are the only Pack I need.” Kissing him on the end of the nose she added, “Now, get those friends of yours in here and let’s get Garrett outta here.”

Giving her a quick kiss, Grey grinned as he pulled back. “I am the luckiest dragon in the world.”

Chapter Eleven

Flying across the ocean with his mate on his back and his brother on a gurney clasped between his talons gave Grey time to think about his next move. He knew beyond all doubt he wanted his mating to Star to be official as soon as possible, but he couldn’t help but feel guilty. Should he wait until Garrett was at least awake, if not better?

When he and Star had talked about it, she had insisted they get Garrett home and to the Clinic before worrying about anything else. He had continually asked if she would agree to be his mate, only to receive a wink or a smile and an “I’ll think about it.”

She drove him absolutely crazy in the best of ways. Star was everything he never knew he wanted and he was ready to start their forever just as soon as possible, but he also had to think about Garrett.

When he woke up, and he would wake up, would Garrett even remember what it was like to be part of a Clan? Would he resent Grey for having a halfway normal life? Would he even remember who he was? So many questions and the one person able to answer them all under the spell of a fucked up demon with a sick sense of humor.

“What have I told you about thinking positive?” Star’s question drifted through his mind.

“That I have to remain positive until all hope is lost,” Grey answered verbatim what his wise and wonderful mate had been reciting to him since the moment they carried Garrett out of that old pump house.

“That’s right.” He could hear the smile in her voice. “And don’t you forget it. Now, tell me how long until we get there.”

Starting his descent, the gray dragon replied with a chuckle, “About five minutes.”

Landing after Kayne, Pearce and Noah had led the way and were standing atop the mountain in human form, Grey touched down in dragon form holding his front right claw above the ground. Balancing on three legs until the others had untied and removed Garrett’s cot and helped Star off his back, the Guardsman was happy to change back to a man and put his arms around his mate.

Kissing her soundly, he asked, “How did you like the flight?”

“Like I said about a thousand times, I loved it.” She swatted his arm. “Now, let’s get Garrett to that Priestess of yours and get him better.” She winked, “Although, I’m not sure the world is ready for two of y’all.”

Kissing her again because he just couldn’t help himself, Grey quickly pulled back, ignoring the groans of his brethren and grinned, “Oh, baby, the world is in for a treat.”

Threading his fingers through Star’s, Grey took Kayne’s place holding one corner of Garrett’s cot as they carried him down the mountain and into the Clinic. Calysta, Della and Niall, the Elder Healer of their Clan, were all waiting and ready to go since he had briefed them before leaving Florida.

The next three hours were excruciating as he and Star waited to hear what the Healers had to say. He’d tried to get Star to go to his house and sleep while he waited, but she refused, and he had to admit that he loved her all the more for it. There would never be a time that he didn’t want her by his side.

Finally, as the clock in the waiting room read twelve noon, Calysta appeared in the doorway. Crossing the room, she sat beside Grey and after he’d introduced her to his mate, the Priestess explained, “This one is gonna take us a while. Neither Della or I have ever seen magic like this, black or white.” She laid her hand on his arm. “But don’t worry, Niall had connected with his dragon and will continue to bring the beast back to full strength. Once he’s there, the big guy will be able to help us. In the meantime, we have him on an herbal IV for fluids and another for nutrition.” She patted him like his mother used to and added, “He’s not in any pain, Grey. That’s all over for him, and I’ll make sure he’s comfortable every step of the way.”

Letting out the breath he’d been holding the entire time Calysta had been speaking, the Guardsman nodded, “Thank you so much. I know he’s in good hands. Can I see him one more time before we go get some sleep?”

“Sure, go on in. I think Della should be just about done getting him all set up. His room is at the end of the hall.”

Standing as Calysta did, Grey hugged the Priestess and once again said, “Thank you again. It means the world to me that you’re helping my little brother.”

Entering Garrett’s room, Grey had to look twice as Della, Calysta’s sister had washed and cut his brother’s hair and beard, cleaned him up and put him in a fresh white T-shirt and sweats. Had it not been for the IVs, Garrett looked like he was no worse for wear and just taking an afternoon nap.

Yeah, so please, wake up…

When he could barely keep his eyes open and Star had tried to hide her fourth yawn, Grey got up from his brother’s bedside, scooped his mate up in his arms and carried her out the back door of the Clinic and straight to his house. Once inside, he climbed the stairs, walked right into his room and tucked them both in. Kissing her soundly, Grey promised his mate, “This is the one and only time we won’t be sleeping naked, got it?”

Chuckling even as she yawned, Star readily agreed and for the first night of many, Grey fell asleep with the woman of his dreams in his arms. Waking with a start to the sound of male chuckles and an empty bed, the Guardsman jumped out of bed, stalked down the stairs and after entering the kitchen to find Noah and Kayne eating him out of house and home, he grumbled, “What the hell are you two doing here? Can’t a guy and his mate get any privacy.”

With his mouth full and while pointing his fork at his plate, Kayne said, “Not when your lovely mate can cook like this.”

Making his way to Star who was wearing one of his T-shirts, that hung to her knees, like it was a dress, he kissed her good morning despite the audience and whispered, “I should have told you, don’t feed the dragons.” Then in a slightly louder voice he added, “Because you’ll never get rid of them.”

“Oh poo, I’ll feed anyone I like,” She chuckled. “Now, sit down and let me feed you.”

Taking a seat while giving his friends the evil eye, Grey soon forgot his frustration as he tasted Star’s fluffy buttermilk pancakes, perfectly scrambled eggs with and delicious sausage. Not speaking until he’d finished every bite, the Guardsman sat back in his seat, patted his stomach and announced, “I didn’t think I could love you anymore but girl, you can cook.”

Kissing him on the top of the head as she came to stand beside him, Star grinned, “I love you, too and I’m real glad you like my cooking since you’re stuck with me.”

Springing up from his chair, Grey wrapped his arms around Star and asked hopefully, “Does that mean what I think it means? Are you agreeing to be my mate? Is that what you’re saying? Oh, Heavens, I need to hear you say the words, Star.”

“Yes, Grey Acheson. I, Star Llyal agree to be your mate, forever and always, in all ways, here and in the Heavens.”

Looking over his shoulder, he growled, “Get lost,” to his brethren before picking up his mate, carrying her to their room and making love to her for the very first time.

Chapter Twelve

The last week and simply flown by. Between visiting Garrett, keeping Grey from dragging her to bed and talking to Olivia at least four times a day, Star was glad that the day of her mating ceremony to Grey had finally arrived. It was sad her best friends couldn’t be there, but knew when she and her dragon returned to Florida for the lupine mating ceremony, the three sisters of the heart would be reunited once again.

Standing in the mirror, looking at herself in the gorgeous silver-gray satin gown Grey had designed, the she-wolf felt like a princess for the first time in her life.

And I even had the honest to Goddess title for a while…

She loved the satin straps delicately sewn into a sweetheart neckline and the corset type bodice that showed off her full bust to perfection. But the pièce de résistance was the tiny sparkling silver expertly embroidered in a sporadic pattern the entire length of the skirt.

Slipping her feet into the matching ballet slippers that had come in the big box, tied with a gray satin bow and containing a note from Grey that read, Today we become one, always together in all ways, forever, Star looked into the full length mirror in her mate’s bedroom one final time just as the doorbell rang. Carefully descending the stairs, she opened the door and smiled at Kayne and Noah who were dressed like they’d stepped right out of a Knights of the Round Table movie.

Their black pants were tucked into the top of their polished knee-high black boots that Star knew beyond all doubt she could see her face in if she dared to bend down. Their long-sleeved black undershirt gave the perfect backdrop for the shimmering gray of their surcoats that were an exact match to the color of Grey’s dragon’s scales. Black braiding trimmed the top and sides, but it was the dragon in the throes of battle embroidered on the front that made their uniforms magnificent.

“Are you ready, Star?” Kayne winked.

“I sure am.” She beamed at both men, who turned until their backs were to her, crooked their elbows, and looked over their shoulders, returning her smile.

She placed her hands on their arms and let the Guardsmen escort her down the steps toward three breathtaking black stallions. Tears filled her eyes as she immediately knew Grey had arranged for the exact same breed of horses from the story she’d told him about her father taking her horseback riding for her twelfth birthday. She marveled at the tiny silver flowers woven into each horse’s mane and the horse’s gray and silver saddle blankets that exactly matched the Guardsmen’s uniforms. 

Kayne and Nathan helped Star onto the most decorated of the horses and stood by while she got situated to ride sidesaddle before climbing upon their own mounts. Their ride to the ceremony took them through the woods behind Grey’s house and behind the building the dragons called the Grand Hall. Each tree along their path had been decorated with a grey satin bow holding six silver roses. It was absolutely stunning and so much more than she’d ever imagined.

As they exited the trees, Pearce, also in dress uniform, stood holding a bouquet of at least three dozen red roses. Her horse slowed. She felt Pearce speaking directly into the horse’s minds and couldn’t help but wink in his direction.

The calmest man she’d ever met in her entire life approached with a huge smile, handed her the roses, and bowed before returning to his post. She thought about teasing him for being so formal after how mercilessly he’d teased Grey over the past week, but couldn’t bring herself to ruin the majesty of such a special day. The card attached read…I can’t wait to see you, mo mac tíre beag. Words fail me. I love you more than I can say and will spend the rest of our eternity showing you just how much. Love always, Grey. She sat still for a moment, feeling so blessed and so complete that for the first time, Star finally believed the past was behind her and she could start anew with the man she loved more than life itself.

When their horses started moving again, they headed towards the same mountain Grey had landed on when they’d flown in from Florida. Turning in his saddle, Kayne said, “I know you’re an expert rider, just wanted to let you know we’re headed to the highest ledge.”

Star’s eyes followed his gesture to a narrow path carved into the side of the rock and nodded. “I’m ready.”

Grinning, Kayne turned forward, made a clicking sound to signal the horses, and led the way up the side of the mountain. The trip was slow but extraordinarily beautiful. Not only was the natural scenery breathtaking, but gray satin bows with red roses had been attached to vines and outcroppings that grew along the trail. Her Grey had thought of absolutely everything.

It wasn’t long before they stopped on the landing that led to the opening of a large cave. Kayne dismounted and moved to the side to help her down while Noah held the reins. Once her feet touched the light gray carpet strewn with red and silver rose petals, the Guardsmen escorted her to the cavern opening. As her hands slid from their arms, Noah presented her with her bouquet before then he and Kayne disappeared into the cavern. She knew from Grey that they would be part of the ceremony, so after taking off her shoes, she waited a few seconds before following.

Star stopped and stared, overcome by the splendor as she entered the cave. She was no stranger to the outdoors having lived her entire life in the swamps, but nothing in the hot, muggy marchlands could compare to what the Blue Dragons called the Cave of the Ancients. The raw power of the cave vibrated around her. Their combined power flowed back and forth, recognizing her as the mate of one of their own and the Princess of the Mac Tíre Liath Pack.

The minerals, rocks, and gems embedded in the rock sparkled and shined in the light of the candles hanging in sconces on the cave walls. There were huge stalactites hanging from the ceiling and stalagmites rising from the floor standing guard, protecting the sanctity of the ancient power filling the cavern. Walking on the gray carpet, Star followed the sound of a stream flowing into a pool.

Straight ahead, the she-wolf saw an entrance brightened by several candelabras. Following the scent and feel of her mate, Star stepped over the threshold and the water flowing like tinkling little bells as it made its way into the lagoon. Looking around the grotto, she saw huge Grecian planters filled with enormous bunches of the silver and red roses. Her eyes then landed on four chairs resembling small thrones sitting upon a raised platform beside the pool and an archway decorated with silver and gray ribbons positioned in the center of a circle of red rose petals in front of that.

Star saw the small white chair she was to occupy sitting to the side of the platform and made her way to it. As soon as she was seated, the Elders she’d met over the last week appeared on the platform. Rian was first as the Leader of the Clan and the Head Elder. He gave her a nod while the others—Niall, Stefan, and Marcas—all smiled in her direction. A rustling to the right drew her attention as the Dragon Guardsmen appeared.

Watching the men file in, she noted the slightly different color of each man’s surcoat. Declan’s primary blue matched the straightforward man she knew him to be. While the iridescent glow of Pearce’s cobalt surcoat made her remember how brightly the scales of his dragon shone in the moonlight. She wasn’t surprised to see Maddox there in his deep blue surcoat and Kayne in a gold so bright it had surely been fashioned with cloth made of sunshine. Lastly came Noah, whose brown surcoat reminded her of shining bronze.

Grey appeared from the same direction as the others, looking way better than a man had a right to, and when he smiled and winked at her, Star felt it all the way to the bottom of her soul. When her dragon took his place in front of the other Guardsmen, the she-wolf stood and waited as butterflies did pirouettes in the pit of her stomach. The anticipation of mating the man of her dreams was truly exhilarating.

After a few seconds of silence, Rian began to speak, his voice ringing loud and clear in the cavern.

“Long ago, when knights and dragons fought side by side for King and country, it became apparent that dragon kin was no longer safe from those who would expose and destroy them. They sought to join with the knights who had so valiantly fought by their sides during so many battles. Thus, through magic and the will of both dragon and knight, the Dragon Shifters were born.”

“In the infinite wisdom of our Founding Elders, clans were set up, one for each color of the Dragon Kings whose soul we carry within our own. Each assigned a region in which to make their home and to protect. Over time, some have flourished, some have ceased to exist, and others have been born from the joining of many. As the Leader of the Blue Thunder Clan, it is an incredible honor to stand among those of not only my own clan but also our distinguished guests, Maddox MacQueen and Kayne MacGréine. Thank you for your presence and your blessings. We are brothers in blood, brothers in battle, and brothers in loyalty.

“Gathered in the place so sacred to our kin, I can feel how accepted the Princess of the Mac Tíre Liath Pack is by our ancestors. They continue to bless us with extraordinary mates for the best among us. Every one of us that finds the light of his soul knows how sacred she is. It is an honor to witness the power of what the Universe put into place at our inception. Tonight, in this holiest of places, we acknowledge and bless the mating of Grey Acheson to the one the Universe made for him, Star Llyal. Will those seeking to witness this union please step forward?”

Declan stood with his back straight and hands at his side as he addressed the Elders. “We, the brethren of the Blue Thunder Clan, wish to witness and offer our blessing to one born of our blood and the mate of his heart. May their lives now and forever be a testament to all we hold dear…love, honor, and loyalty. As you are one, let your strength see you through many years and the children of your children’s children smile upon you.” He nodded at them both and then returned to his place with the other Guardsmen.

Kayne and Maddox both stepped forward. It was Kayne who looked at the couple and smiled. “It is with the power of Lugh, the Celtic God of the Sun, that I offer the blessing of this union. May the sun always light your path, chase away the darkness, and shine upon you and yours all the days of your lives and theirs.”

Maddox then added, “From the oldest among us to the youngest, I stand as a testament to the power of the dragons and offer this blessing from the ancestors who have gone before to prepare us a place in the Heavens. Live long, love often, and never look away from the light of your soul. The Universe does not make mistakes. She has given you both life that you may share it. Be happy, as that is Her fondest wish for all Her children.”

The demi-god and the mad dragon nodded to the Elders and then returned to their spot next to Noah. After the moment of silence following Maddox’s blessing, Rian again spoke. “Your witness and blessings have been acknowledged and accepted Brethren of the Blue Dragons, Kayne, Son of Lugh and Maddox, Keeper of the Ancients. Grey Acheson, you may go to your mate. Please escort her to the Sacred Circle before the Elders assembled here.”

Grey stalked towards her as he always did, his heart, mind, and soul completely, just as hers was to him. They shared everything completely, just as she’d always been told it would be. He was her dragon, and she his wolf, never to be parted through eternity.

Her mate took the flowers from her hands, placed them on the seat beside her, and gently slid his fingers through hers. Slowly walking backwards, he led her to the rose petal circle in front of the Elders. Star blushed for the hundredth time since meeting her dragon as they shared images of all the ways they would be together throughout all time.

Once they were in place, Rian spoke again, “The grey dragons were born of the black and the white of our world. They are symbolic of the vastness of our existence and the infinity of our souls. They possess the ability to experience life from all aspects. They are highly protective and incredibly magical. Gray dragons are known for their patience and loyalty. The gray and silver of their scales symbolize boundless wisdom and their ability to strike a balance in every situation. Gray dragons will see every advantage, protect home and family with their very lives, and welcome change with calm acceptance. To mate a gray dragon is to accept all that they are and honor the power shared between mates.”

“As the Princess of the Mac Tíre Liath Pack and the mate of the Dragon Guardsman before you, do you, Star Llyal, accept this man and his dragon as not only your mate but also that of your wolf’s?”

“With all that I was, all that I am, all I will ever be, and all that we are together, I accept this man and his dragon into my heart and my soul. I will share everything that I am with him every day of our lives, both here and in the Heavens.”

“Thank you, Star, we are honored to call you sister. Now is the time of the marking. May the Universe continue to bless you and yours all the days of your life.”

The Elders and the dragons left the cave, leaving Star blissfully alone with her mate. Looking at the man she would give her life for, the she-wolf could only stare. Grey was magnificent in more ways than she could fathom. He smiled that smile that made her weak in the knees and she chuckled, knowing he’d heard her thoughts. It was a comfort she’d never expected to know he felt the same way she did. The longer they stared at one another, the deeper and darker his eyes became until they glowed from within.

Grey lowered his mouth to hers, stopping just as their lips touched, and whispered, “Tá tú mo ghrá eternal. Ta’ mo chroi istigh ionat,” before capturing her lips with his.

Just as it always was, Star could feel Grey and the dragon within his soul everywhere. She was consumed with a heat that laid her open…body, heart, and soul, to her one true mate.

A sting on the left side of her neck caused her to gasp as Grey pulled her even closer, moving his lips from hers, and trailing kisses across her jaw and down her neck until he reached the spot that was still tender to the touch. He licked and sucked the offending area until all thoughts of anything but their naked bodies loving one another fled from her mind.

Placing her hands on either side of his face, Star pulled his mouth to hers, kissing him with everything that she was. Moaning at the loss as Grey pulled back, Star saw the glint of mischief in his eyes and asked, “What exactly are you up to, Mr. Acheson?”

“So very many things, Mrs. Acheson,” he winked, “But right now it’s to tell you that you have made me the happiest man in the world.”

Chapter Thirteen

Grey couldn’t get his beautiful mate out of the Cave of the Ancients and back to their home fast enough. He hadn’t even bothered with the horses, simply using the speed given to him by the Universe and his dragon to race along the perimeter of the Lair and get through his front door without being seen by any of his brethren.

Kicking the door shut before setting Star’s feet on the floor, his heart nearly burst with happiness as his beautiful she-wolf looked into his eyes, and sighed, “I simply adore you, Grey Acheson, with everything that I am. You make me a better person just for loving you. Thank you so much for everything.”

As she laid her lips to his, Grey fought to contain the emotion this one woman brought out in him. She was the hope, the wonder, the perfectly quiet surrender of pure love, and he was the luckiest dragon in the world to have her by his side for all eternity. Deepening the kiss, the Guardsman was once again in awe of the feelings flowing between them.

Kissing her neck, he nibbled her ear and smiled against her skin as she sighed in ecstasy. Her thoughts mirrored his. Their love was a treasure. Something they would spend their whole lives nurturing and growing. Her desires fed his. His need made her burn. The kiss that started as slow and gentle quickly turned passionate and possessive.

Star’s legs wound around his waist as he once again lifted her body to his. The long skirt of her gown bunched between them but Grey couldn’t care as he leaned her back against the wall, growing harder as she rubbed her silk covered pussy against his woolen covered erection.

Grey could barely breathe as he pulled his lips from her throat. Taking full advantage of the moment, his sassy Star slid her hand under the waistband of his pants and fisted his throbbing cock. Unable to breathe, the Guardsman threw back his head as she ran her thumb through the drop of moisture already gathered on the tip and groaned, “Star… mo stór”.

She continued to massage him and grind her hips against the combination of her hand and his hard cock until Grey was sure he would die. Quickly losing control, he thrust his hips against her. Their pace was immediately frantic. Needing to feel her skin against his, the proof of her arousal on his fingers where his hand cupped the tender globes of her ass, Grey quickly unzipped Star’s dress and lifted it over her head.

Just like the first time, just like every time, touching her skin was electric. Needing all of his mate, he ripped the panties from her body and threw them over his shoulder. Her scent filled the air, driving both man and dragon wild with unbridled need. No longer able to hold back, Grey thrust two fingers into her weeping flesh, shouting his pleasure right along with hers at how perfectly they fit together.

The Guardsman didn’t even attempt to stop the smile that crossed his lips as Star screamed, “Oh my Goddess, Grey, more…please…more…”

Pushing his thumb against her aroused nub, Grey rubbed circles at the same time he curled his fingers buried deep inside her to torment the bundle of nerves at the top of her channel. Star’s eyes flew open, holding him hostage with a look so passionate, so possessive, and so raw, Grey was lost forever, adrift on their love.

Mischief twinkled in the depths of her eyes as Star reached between their bodies, quickly unzipped his pants and fisted him from root to tip. Grabbing the moisture from the tip for lubrication, she worked him faster and faster until Grey was sure he’d gone to the Heavens.

Needing to be buried deep inside his mate, the gray dragon pulled his fingers from Star’s pussy, ignored her moans of loss, and let her legs slide down his body, pushing his pants to the floor as she went. Stepping back, he reluctantly forced his she-wolf to release his throbbing cock, even as she pouted, spinning her around and whispering while holding her earlobe between his teeth, “Lean forward, mo chroí. Hold the bannister.”

Grey’s dragon roared with pleasure as Star did what he asked without a second thought. She trusted him to always have her best interests at heart, just as he trusted her with his very life. Looking at his mate as she stood before him hot, wet, and naked in their home…his and only his forever, Grey said the first words that popped into his mind. “You are the most spectacular woman I’ve ever seen.”

Before Star could respond, he thrust into her with such force the tip of his cock touched her womb. Their new position caused him to fill her as never before. Her walls stretched to accommodate him. They fit together like glove and hand. Grey could think of no place he ever wanted to be but within the haven of his Star.

Completely seated within her, Grey stopped all motion and watched as his she-wolf dropped her head forward in perfect submission. Her delicate hands were clenched around the bannister, her knuckles white as she used all her strength to stay upright. Star’s womb squeezed tight around him, shattering his hard-fought control. Leaning forward, he grabbed both her shoulders and began to thrust, hard and fast, creating the perfect rhythm.

Star’s moans of ecstasy grew louder with each stroke Grey made into her warm, wet flesh. Pushing back, she met him thrust for thrust. Their movements inevitably became uncoordinated and frantic. He felt her orgasm building, threatening to take them both over the edge but needing an extra push. Removing one of his hands from her shoulders, Grey palmed her breast, squeezing her hardened nipple between his thumb and forefinger until she screamed her release to the Heavens with him blissfully following her into ecstasy.

Leaning forward, he rested his chest against her back, inhaled their combined scent, and bathed his senses in everything that he and his she-wolf were together. Only his arm around her waist kept Star from falling as her legs threatened to fold. Kissing up her spine, his erection began to once again harden as she tightened around him.

Sliding from her warmth, Grey pulled Star into his arms, carried her up the stairs and to the bed. Following her down to the mattress, he was shocked as she pulled him to her, slammed her mouth to his, and immediately demanded entrance. He could feel her need and that of her wolf to claim both man and dragon just as he’d claimed her. It was exhilarating to know they were in it together…all the way…always. Deepening their kiss, she moved her body over his, her thighs falling on either side of his, the wetness from their earlier lovemaking still warm on her curls.

Breaking their connection, Star sat up, giving Grey a coy look that suggested he was going to seriously enjoy whatever she had in mind. Her fingertips rubbed over his shoulders and across his chest, lightly toying with his nipples, causing him to shiver. Biting her bottom lip, she paid special attention to each ridge of his six-pack and then teased the thin line of hair leading toward his pelvis. It was sensory overload at its best. Grey’s eyes threatened to close at the sheer pleasure of her fingers on his skin.

With her hands on his stomach and her eyes holding his captive, Star slid down his legs until his erection was just before her lips. The dragon knew immediately this was what paradise felt like. The tip of her tongue teased her bottom lip and Grey became light-headed. Star then captured the small bead of moisture at the tip of his erection on her tongue and the Guardsman knew beyond all understanding that the image would forever be burned into his memory. Star immediately tasted him again and he gave up the fight, letting his eyes slide shut.

Massaging up and down his thighs, Star rubbed her cheek from the tip to the base of his cock, her tongue lavishing the vein that ran his length. Working her way back to the top, she dipped her tongue into the slit, teasing Grey until he was sure his head would explode.

Star sucked as much of his length into her mouth as would fit and hollowed her cheeks. Lost to the sheer pleasure of it all, Grey’s hands pushed into her hair, careful not to pull but needing something to keep him grounded as she worked him in and out of her lips. Growing larger and thicker, the dragon held on by the thinnest thread, trying not to explode in his mate’s mouth.

Letting him slide across her lips until just the head of his cock remained, Star looked at him through her long thick lashes and Grey instantly recognized the gleam in her eye. There was no doubt he was going to love whatever she had planned. Groaning loud and long as she sucked him back into her mouth with such force the head touched the back of her throat, the dragon thanked the Universe for the perfection of his mate.

Slowly massaging him over and over with her hands and mouth, Star hummed her satisfaction, sending magnificent vibrations throughout Grey’s body, driving him headlong into an orgasm. Just when he thought he’d fallen into paradise, Star removed his throbbing erection from her mouth and massaged first one of his balls and then the other, taking them into her hot, wet mouth, until he was finally able to take a much needed deep breath.

But his she-wolf had no intention of letting him rest. From one heartbeat to the next, she took his erection back into the splendor of her mouth. Placing both her hands around the base, she worked him in and out, she sucked and hummed until he was helpless but to release into her waiting mouth as she devoured all he gave, continuing to work her lips up and down until he began to harden again.

It was blissful torture and Grey longed to return the favor. Putting his hands under her arms, he slid her up his body and rolled them over until he lay comfortably in the haven of his mate. One more quick move had Grey’s head between Star’s thighs with her legs lovingly over his shoulders. With his mouth just inches from her center, he rubbed his nose against her warm, wet curls. Her scent filled his being. It was sunshine and light, hope and home. It was the promise of an eternity of bliss. Grey knew in that moment he had to taste her or go insane. Giving in to temptation, he licked up and down the glistening seam of her pussy.

Groaning deep in his throat, her taste burst upon his tongue. Needing to have his mouth all over her and his tongue buried deep inside her, Grey placed his hands under her bum, lifted her hot, wet center to his face, and began to feast. Driving his tongue into her warmth as far as he could go, Grey licked every inch he could reach. Curling the end of his tongue, he teased the bundle of nerves he knew from experience set her on fire.

Star’s hands grabbed his curls; pulling with such force he was sure to be bald. But he just couldn’t care. She gasped for breath and he smiled against her skin. Using the flat of his tongue, he licked her outer lips from bottom to top, teasing circles around her clit on every pass. Her legs tightened around his head. Her heels dug into his back. She moaned and mewled as he sucked her swollen nub between his lips, teasing it with his tongue until Star shattered, his name on her lips.

Grey continued to drink the honey that flowed from his she-wolf. He nuzzled and nipped her puffy lips until her hands slid from his hair and her breathing began to slow. Carefully lifting her legs off his shoulders, he massaged her gorgeous thighs, loving the feel of her flesh in his hands. Looking up her body, he was once again breathless from the beauty of his mate. There had never been anything as beautiful as his mate lying in their bed, completely satiated from his love, looking like the queen that she was.

Kissing her hip, he made his way to her belly button, and then nibbled his way around her stomach to the sweet spot between her breasts. Their hearts beat as one; one in body, one in mind, one in soul…as it always would be.  He kissed just the tips of her hardened nipples and chuckled as she arched her back, begging for more attention.

Kissing up her neck, he paid special attention to the flaming crescent moon, the symbol of their mating given to them by the Universe. He would never tire of seeing his mark on her skin. Star sighed and moved her head to the side, allowing him greater access. He spent long glorious minutes nipping and kissing her silky skin until her nails dug into his biceps.

Star surprised him by grabbing his head and once again slamming her mouth to his. He loved her passion, her heat, all of his she-wolf. His mate was as strong in bed as she was everywhere else.

Her hands in his hair and her tongue working his mouth had the dragon ready to explode again. He shifted his hips, pushing into her until he could go no farther. The feel of her muscles contracting around his cock made it impossible for him to hold still. Sliding out of her until only the tip of him rested within her opening, he commanded, “Look at me, Star. Look at the man who loves you more than life itself.”

Thrusting into her, he pulled right back out, starting a rhythm that Star easily met stroke for stroke. They stared into one another’s eyes as their passion exploded. He pushed her knees toward her chest, lifting her bottom off the bed, going deeper into her.

Rolling his hips, the head of his cock caressed her sensitive bundle of nerves. The walls of her vagina closed tighter, pulling him closer, keeping them locked together. Moving back, he slammed into her, bumping her clit with his pelvis and causing them both to struggle for their next breath.

Star’s mouth opened in a silent scream as she reached her climax. Her beautiful hazel eyes held his with the promise of eternity, making him helpless but to follow her anywhere. Grey loved his mate with all that he was…. completely and totally with no reservations.

Hours later, after making love until neither could move, Star was laid across his chest as he enjoyed the feel of her long silken tresses sliding through his fingers. Sighing in her sleep, his she-wolf whispered his name. Slipping into her dreams, he saw her reliving their mating ceremony in gloriously vivid detail. His heart filled to bursting with the love only the one the Universe made for him could inspire.

Holding Star close, he closed his eyes, enjoying her dream and adding some of his own to it. Drifting to sleep with his mate in his arms, Grey whispered into her mind, “You are my everything. Forever and always, in all ways, I love you, mo mac tíre beag…”

The End (For Now…)

Sassy Mates

Thank you for reading Sassing Her Dragon! I hope you enjoyed reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it. If you did, please consider leaving a review when you have time.

Discover the series that inspired the World!

AUTHOR: Milly Taiden

TITLES: (listed in series order)

Dirty Scent of a Mate | A Mate’s Bite | Unexpectedly Mated | The Mate Challenge | Fighting For Her Mate | A Fang in the Sass

WEBSITE: http://millytaiden.com/

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About Julia

Find all my stories on Amazon!

Hey Y’all! I’m Julia Mills the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Dragon Guard Series. I without a doubt admit to being a sarcastic, southern woman who would rather spend all day laughing than a minute crying. Living with my two most amazing daughters and a menagerie of animals, keeps me busy but I love telling a good story. Now, that I’ve decided to write the stories running through my brain, life is just a blast!

My beliefs are simple. A good book along with shoes, makeup, and purses will never let a girl down and no hero ever written will compare to my real-life hero, my dad! I’m a sucker for a happy ending and alpha men make me swoon.

I’m still working on my story but I promise it will contain as much love and laughter as I can pack into it! Now, go out there and create your own story!!! Dare to Dream! Have the Strength to Try EVERYTHING! Never Look Back!

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Thank you for reading my stories!!!

XOXO Julia

Also by Julia Mills

Find Them All on Amazon

*****

The Dragon Guard Series

Her Dragon to Slay, Dragon Guard #1

Her Dragon’s Fire, Dragon Guard #2

Haunted by Her Dragon, Dragon Guard #3

For the Love of Her Dragon, Dragon Guard #4

Saved by Her Dragon, Dragon Guard #5

Only for Her Dragon, Dragon Guard #6

Fighting for Her Dragon, Dragon Guard #7

Her Dragon’s Heart, Dragon Guard #8

Her Dragon’s Soul, Dragon Guard #9

The Fate of Her Dragon, Dragon Guard #10

Her Dragon’s No Angel, Dragon Guard #11

Her Dragon, His Demon, Dragon Guard #12

Resurrecting Her Dragon, Dragon Guard #13

The Scars of Her Dragon, Dragon Guard #14

Her Mad Dragon, Dragon Guard #15

Tears for Her Dragon, Dragon Guard #16

Guarding Her Dragon, Dragon Guard #17

Sassing Her Dragon, Dragon Guard #18 (Sassy Ever After Kindle World)

Kiss of Her Dragon, Dragon Guard #19

Claws, Class and a Whole Lotta Sass, Dragon Guard #20 (Sassy Ever After Kindle World)

The Dragon with the Girl Tattoo, Dragon Guard #21 (Paranormal Dating Agency Kindle World)

Dragon Down, Dragon Guard #22

Her Love, Her Dragon: The Saga Begins, A Dragon Guard Prequel

*****

The ‘Not-Quite’ Love Story Series

Vidalia: A ‘Not-Quite Vampire Love Story

Phoebe” A ‘Not-Quite’ Phoenix Love Story

Zoey: A ‘Not-Quite’ Zombie Love Story

Jax: A ‘Not-Quite’ Puma Love Story

Heidi: A ‘Not-Quite’ Hellhound Love Story (Magic & Mayhem Kindle World)

Lola: A ‘Not-Quite’ Witchy Love Story (Magic & Mayhem Kindle World)

Sammie Jo: A ‘Not-Quite’ Shifting Witchy Love Story (Magic & Mayhem Kindle World)

*****

Kings of the Blood

VIKTOR: Heart of Her King ~ Kings of the Blood ~ Book 1

ROMAN: Fury of Her King ~ Kings of the Blood ~ Book2

ACHILLES: Soul of Her King ~ Kings of the Blood ~ Book 3

*****

CAUGHT: A Vampire Blood Courtesan Romance

*****

MARROK: A Wolf’s Hunger

*****

Out of the Ashes: Guardians of the Zodiac~1: Pisces

Scorched Ember: Guardians of the Zodiac~2: Taurus