Tangled Innocence (14 page)

Dresden nodded, and Nadie had to hold back the sudden urge
to rub herself all over her men, marking her territory.

Corena grinned. “You’ll learn to hide your urges better in
the future, young one.” Nadie blushed but didn’t respond. “Dante, Jace, it is
good to finally meet you. We’ve heard of both of you, as you know. To have you
mated to one who might one day be our own will only honor us.”

“One day?” Nadie asked then cursed herself.

Corena nodded. “We do not know you or how you’ve come to be,
Nadie. We are not like those in other realms who will cast you out with no
reason, but we are also…leery. I will protect my people no matter the cost, and
once we find out how we blend and who we are as a people with you as one of us,
then we can become something less…informal.”

For some reason, the honesty allowed Nadie to relax. She
didn’t misunderstand and think these people would welcome her with open arms.
While it might have been that way with Lily and the brownies, Becca and Jamie
had to fight all out hostility. The cautious approach of the succubi made
sense, and Nadie wouldn’t waste her chance.

“Thank you for the welcome,” Dante said, his voice low.
Nadie couldn’t tell what he was feeling, but she was glad he was there.

“Yes, thank you,” Jace added in.

“Now, Nadie, take a seat with your men, and let’s discuss
why you are here today.”

Nadie gripped her men’s hands then followed Corena to a
table, which was low to the ground; pillows surrounded it in a decadent array
of comfort. Nadie sat between her men, not quite relaxed but feeling better
than she had before.

“I’d like to know more about what I can do, who I am,” Nadie
said after the attendants filled their wine glasses. Dante brought hers to his
nose then to her lips.

Corena laughed softly as Dante tilted the glass so Nadie
could take a drink. “We aren’t going to poison your mate, dragon. You know we
don’t like confrontation.”

Dante winked at Nadie then set the glass down. “I trust no
one at first glance. I’m a dragon.”

Dresden snorted, Jace joining in.

Corena shook her head, her lips twitching. “Now, Nadie, we
will be able to tell you more about who you are and what you can do once you
tell us what mark you bear.”

Nadie frowned. “You mean the ink?”

Corena nodded. “Yes, your ink. Each succubus holds a mark on
their skin that reflects their house. As you grow into your power, your ink
will change and evolve to add your own personality, but the initial mark will
always be your history. As yours comes from dormant DNA, I’m interested to see
what house lost your line so many years ago.”

“You’re saying that each house has a different power?” she
asked, though Dante had explained it as such before. It didn’t hurt to hear it
from the queen as well.

“Yes. Some have more defensive skills than those with
offensive ones, while others can heal or read minds.” Corena waved her hand,
and an attendant came forward, a large book in his hands. “You can have a look
at our history and such in this. Normally, I wouldn’t hand it off to one I do not
know, but it’s merely a copy, and you’re mated to a Royal dragon and bear. That
makes things different.”

Jace accepted the volume and placed it near him. They’d look
at it later when they were alone.

She looked at both her men, who nodded. With a strained
smile, she stood between them. They each placed a hand on one of her legs, and
she centered herself before turning to bare her side. She pulled up her shirt
and pulled her slacks down slightly so they could see her hip. She wasn’t as
open showing her body to strangers as some in the room, and with her two mates
at her side, she didn’t want to incite a confrontation.

Corena gasped then murmured to Dresden before standing.
Nadie tilted her head as she righted her clothes.

“What’s wrong? What did I do?”

Corena shook her head, tears filling her eyes. “You did
nothing, child,” she said before baring her hip.

Though parts of the design were different—showing Corena’s
own path rather than her line’s history—the resemblance was striking.

Black leaves with crimson-red roses.

“You are of my line, Nadie Morgan. You are royalty.”

Nadie blinked and sat down, needing to be near her men.

“What…what does that mean?”

Corena smiled again then sat down, gripping Dresden’s hand.
“It means that, though our bond is diluted, we are family.” She looked at
Nadie’s two men before gazing at Nadie once more. “Our line isn’t as large as
the others because of who we are, but to find another can only bring joy and
acceptance. You are one of us, Nadie. There will be no questions, no waiting.”

Dante squeezed her side, and Jace did the same. “Does this
mean you will fight for her if there comes a time she is in danger?” Dante
asked.

Nadie started then looked at her dragon.

Corena tilted her head, interest on her face. “If we must,
we will. We do not fight wars like the others in our worlds, but if one of our
own is in danger, then we will fight. Now tell us about this possible danger
and what you see in your future.”

Dante told the succubus and incubus everything, surprising
Nadie at the amount of trust involved. It seemed that Dante was gathering
forces and not hindered by the fact that he wasn’t supposed to talk of the
Conclave. With a potential battle on the horizon, the need for secrecy from a
group of paranormals that thought they ruled the world went out the window.

By the end, Corena’s scowl made Nadie want to back away from
the woman. “We must discuss this further. I will do what I can to show Nadie
how to fight for herself as well.” She met Nadie’s gaze. “Your dragon can help.
Nadie, our line has an offensive power. We use the life force we gain through
sex and sensual contact to make a form of splintered lightning. You will be
able to use this to injure and, one day, kill your attackers. It is not easy,
but it can be managed.”

Nadie swallowed hard at the facts she laid out. “I want to
learn it all. I don’t want to be their weakness.”

Both men growled beside her as what Nadie thought was pride
filled Corena’s eyes. “We won’t let that happen. Now, I have to talk with my
own council about this,” she told them all. “We cannot let a ruling body force
us to abide by their dictates without our own voices.” She stood with a feline
grace, and the rest followed. “I will be in contact with you soon.” She moved
then, gripping Nadie’s hands. “It is good to meet you, Nadie Morgan.”

“You as well.”

Corena grinned then waved them off, Dresden at her side.
Nadie followed Dante and Jace through the portal as soon as they made their way
through the room with the writhing bodies—only this time they stared at her
with awed wonder rather than mere curiosity. That would be something to think
about later.

Right then she needed her men.

As soon as they hit the clearing, Jace’s phone rang, and
Nadie frowned.

“Shit, I missed four calls,” Jace mumbled as he listened to
whoever was on the other line.

Nadie felt Dante tense beside her, and she wrapped her arms
around his waist, wanting to soothe but not knowing why he was reacting this
way.

When Jace hung up, Dante scowled.

“You know I have to do this,” Jace said.

“Do what?” Nadie asked.

Jace cupped her face and kissed her softly. “I need to meet
with another Meditator. I will have an assignment soon, and I have to keep up
my training.”

In all that had happened since she’d met him, she’d almost
forgotten he had a duty as Mediator. He’d been on break since he’d met her, and
for some reason, she’d thought they’d have more time before he would be gone
for long stretches of time…leaving her alone with a dragon who might not be
beside her once the dust settled and the Conclave had their way.

She fought back panic and raised her chin, determined to be
stronger than her fears.

“It’s just training? You’ll be back soon?” she asked.

“Yes. I’m going to do all in my power to take time for us. I
had told them this after my last assignment.” The one that had separated him
from them all for so long. “I will find a way to make this work.”

It seemed they were all saying that to each other more often
than not.

She didn’t know how she felt about that.

He kissed her again then did the same to Dante, who hadn’t
spoken. Jace gave them both a sad smile then turned to run to where his bike
was parked on the other side of the house. He would take his bike to another
clearing and open a portal. Sometimes he would be able to do it from Dante’s
clearing, but right then, she had a feeling he needed to be alone. Or at least
away from Dante. She leaned into Dante, wanting to take his mind off the pain
of watching Jace going away—even if it was just for the short term.

Dante looked down at her and sighed. “I’m sorry I’m acting
like an ass.”

She grinned at him. “You know how you can make it up to me,
don’t you?”

His eyes darkened, and he licked his lips. “I have a few
ideas.”

Nadie wiggled away. “You’ll have to catch me first.” She
darted away, running as fast as she could, reaching the house and clamoring to
open the door.

Dante roared a laugh behind her, loving the way his mate
knew him. “I’m a dragon, my darling. You should know better than to give
chase.”

She tossed a look over her shoulder then turned to run
through the house. Before she could take another step, he pounced on her,
clutching her to his chest.

“I wanted you to catch me,” she said, breathless.

Dante growled, biting down on her lower lip. “Next time I’ll
let you run longer. Right now I need to be inside you as I suck on those pretty
tits.”

She pushed against him, rubbing along his body like a cat in
heat.

“Inside me. Now.”

He quickly stripped her down to her skin and pulled his
clothes off as well. Her breasts fell heavy into his hands, and he sucked one
nipple into his mouth, biting down with the tip of a fang. She moaned against
him as he plumped her other breast with his free hand. Gods, he loved the taste
of her skin.

Dante licked and kissed up her body until he towered over
her.

“Dante,” she gasped.

He grinned, his dragon ready to take her, possess her.

“Nadie.”

He kissed her then, hard, fast, demanding. Her arms went to
his back, her fingernails clawing his skin. He pulled away slightly, holding
back the roar that would show her that he fucking loved it.

When he went back to his knees, she blinked down at him,
licking her lips.

“Face the wall,” he ordered.

Her eyes widened, but she did as she was told.

He kissed her lower back then gripped her ass, spreading her
cheeks and lowering his face. She gasped at his movement, pressing her body
closer to him. He tongued her hole, licking and sucking before burying his face
in her pussy. She rocked against him, rolling her hips in time with his
penetrations. Since she was facing away from him, her hands braced against the
wall, he was able to let his hands roam so he could cup her breasts.

“That feels so good,” she moaned.

He growled, knowing the vibrations would be a shock against
her clit. When he rolled both nipples between his fingers, he heard her cry out
and felt her come on his tongue. He didn’t stop licking her up but moved his
hands down so he could fuck her with his fingers. He changed positions
slightly, allowing one hand better access to her pussy while he used her juices
to play with her ass with his other hand.

She rolled her hips, and he grinned before sucking on her
clit.

“Dante, please, fuck me.”

“I love the way you beg, my sprite. I’m going to make you
come on my face one more time, and then I’ll fuck you hard. Make it good for
me, darling.”

She moved her hips faster, and he grinned before gently
letting his thumb breach her ass. His mate froze for a moment, and Dante
stopped, thinking he’d gone too far, but when she arched her back, taking his
thumb deeper, he growled. She danced her hips in circles on his face, and he
fucked her pussy with one hand and her ass with his thumb.

“Give it to me,” he whispered, his voice full of need and
sin.

“Yes!” she screamed as she came again.

Before she finished her orgasm, Dante pulled back and stood,
gripping her hips. He entered her in one thrust, both of them crying out.

“Move, please,” she begged, pressing her ass closer to his
groin.

“You’re so fucking tight.”

“Then make it good.”

He grinned then pumped into her, gripping her hips so hard
he was sure he would leave bruises. His Nadie could take it though, and from
the way she moved with him, she would wear those bruises with pride.

Fuck he loved his mate.

Nadie looked over his shoulder, and he leaned down to
capture her lips, his body never losing rhythm as he made love to his mate.

“Come in me, please, my dragon, come in me. With me.”

How could he deny that request?

He slammed into her once more and roared as he came within
her. Nadie called out with him, her pussy clenching his cock as she milked him.

When they finally stopped shaking, he fell to the floor,
pulling Nadie into his lap and holding her close. They both were drenched in
sweat, yet he didn’t want to move. He just wanted his Nadie.

His mate nuzzled into him, and he ran his hands down her
body.

“Best. Ever.”

Dante grinned at her words. “Better than the first time?”

She pulled back and looked at him, tilting her head. “Um, I
don’t want to choose. Let’s just call them all the best ever.”

He chuckled and kissed her forehead. “Deal. And, yes, it
was
the best ever.”

And his dragon couldn’t wait to do it again.

They stood in the clearing again, only this time while Dante
changed into a dragon, he would be doing it with Jace and Nadie there. Jace had
seen his form many years ago, but Nadie had not. His dragon preened at the idea
of their mate seeing its form. Dante was surprised the damn thing didn’t want
to primp and shine up its scales before the big reveal.

Jace had come back quickly from his meeting, his decision made
it seemed. They were not going to follow the Conclave’s demands until all was
calm. His lover seemed to be okay with the decision, but Dante wasn’t sure. The
time would come when they would all have to figure out Jace’s line of work and
duty, but not right then.

He’d put off going to the dragon realm for far too long, and
now, two weeks after their journey to the succubus realm, they were heading
into the den of fire. While Nadie might have looked excited to see his dragon,
none of them were looking forward to spending any amount of time with the rest
of the dragons.

This wasn’t going to be pretty.

He not only needed to introduce Nadie and Jace to his
family, but to his House as well. His family was filled with sadistic,
murdering bastards who wanted power, wealth, and sex without having to do any
work. The House, though, was filled with females.

Black-and-blue-scaled females that had been hounding him for
centuries to mate with him. He
really
didn’t want to deal with them
and
Nadie’s
and Jace’s reactions.

When had his life turned into a soap opera?

He used to be the nomadic hermit dragon with friends from
other realms and no worries other than keeping others at bay. Now he had a
potential war, two mates who he loved and didn’t want to leave, and now…this.

Dragon shit.

“Ready?” Jace asked from his side, his hand resting on the
small of Dante’s back.

Dante relaxed for a moment, leaning into the other man. He
closed his eyes, needing to regroup before they left. It wouldn’t do anyone any
good for him to be a stressed-out basket case. He’d either end up throwing his
mates in his hoard and hiding them from the outside or start growling and
spitting fire at random dragons that dared enter his line of sight.

Nadie nuzzled into his side, and he grinned, wrapping one
arm around her so he could press her as close to him as possible.

“I’m ready now,” he said after a few moments of blissed
silence. He pulled away from them so he could have the space to shift without
crushing anyone. “Stand back.”

Jace took Nadie’s hand, and they took a few steps backward,
curiosity on both their faces. Even though Jace had seen his dragon form, it
had been many years.

He sucked in a breath and drew on his dragon’s essence. He
knew what his mates saw—white smoky eyes and an almost glowing presence—as well
as what they felt—a manic energy and the sudden drop of temperature.

He pulled harder on his dragon, and it shimmered into
existence.

“You’re…you’re beautiful,” Nadie whispered.

Dante ducked his head, his snout touching the ground so he
could be closer to Nadie without hurting her. The dragon wanted to reach out
with its claw and hold her close, never letting her go, but the man didn’t want
to scare her. After all, he was one fucking huge dragon.

Nadie raised her arm as if to touch him then froze.

Dante moved closer, butting her hand with his snout, wanting
her touch.

She sighed as her palm brushed against his scales, and if
he’d been a cat, he’d have purred. As it was, his fire rumbled, content and
ready to move closer.

“You’re warm,” she said in awe, and Jace chuckled beside
her. She looked over at their mate and frowned. “What?”

Jace shrugged then put his hand next to her. Dante sighed at
the contact of his two mates. “I think I said the exact same things you have
when I first saw Dante’s dragon. He’s one beautiful beast.”

His dragon wanted to bow and preen, as was his due.

Dante relished their touch for a few more moments, but if
they didn’t leave soon, they never would. He pulled away and smiled at the
put-out faces.

“Come on, you’ll be riding me into the realm,” Dante said.
His voice was lower, more of a growl in this form than his human one.

Jace snorted. “We can talk about a different kind of riding
later.”

“You can talk.” Nadie blinked up at him, and Dante snorted a
laugh, a small tendril of smoke escaping his nostril.

Jace picked up Nadie by the waist and set her on Dante’s
arm. “Climb up, I’ll be right behind you.”

Nadie did as ordered, her movements careful. As if Dante or
Jace would ever let her fall.

“You can talk,” she repeated.

“Yes, I can. Not all paranormals can. In fact only a few who
shift into fully new creatures can. Dragons spend most of their days in their
dragon form, so it’s only natural they would be able to talk in this form.”

“That is really, really wicked,” she said, a smile in her
voice.

“I can’t talk in my bear form, so I’m kind of jealous,” Jace
put in.

Dante felt the two of them settling on his upper back, their
thighs squeezing him tight. He didn’t have a harness for them up there, so Jace
would have to hold on tight—something they’d done in the past. Now, though, if
Dante ever wanted to take Nadie on a ride of her own, he’d have to make a
saddle of some sort. Demeaning in some respects, but for his mates, he’d do
anything.

Nadie patted his scales, and he moved back into her touch.
“We’re going to have to have a talk about this whole dragon thing. Watching old
movies with sexy men in kilts really didn’t prepare me for this.”

Dante growled, Jace joining in. “Kilts? You want me to wear
a kilt? Because if you’re talking about some other man you think is sexy, I
will have to kill him.”

Nadie sighed dramatically. “That’s all you got out of that?
Okay, fine, no other man in the world is sexy. They ceased to exist for me.”

“Good,” Dante said.

“I was joking, Dante.”

“I really don’t think you were,” Jace added in.

“Fine, you two are alpha idiots, but I adore you. Now as for
the kilt thing…please?” She bounced on Dante’s back, and he grinned. “Please
wear a kilt for me. You don’t have to wear anything else.”

Jace coughed a laugh, and Dante looked over his shoulder,
his long neck curving. Jace grinned. “I’ll wear a kilt if Dante does.”

Dante nodded. He’d worn them before when he’d been living in
Scotland during the time of Highlanders and Lowlanders and times of war. “Done.
Now hold on tight and let’s go.”

He pulled open a portal and lifted off the ground. Nadie
squealed—not with fright, but with pure delight. He moved his wings, and he
flew through the portal. Fire and starbursts surrounded them but didn’t touch
them, the fire real, but not harmful to those who entered invited.

Soon they found themselves on the rocky cliffs of the dragon
realm, the portal closing behind them. Nadie and Jace didn’t speak, but they
looked around, Dante doing the same. The jagged cliffs and peaks dotted the
landscape. The vast sea crashed into the cliffs, the foamy waves violent but
still soothing to Dante’s ears.

There were castles off in the distance, each belonging to a
different dragon in the same House. They were on Azure Royal land, Dante’s
land. His own castle was the closest to them, but he wouldn’t be taking his
mates there. No, he would be going to the head palace where he could get this
over with.

“Almost there,” he whispered, aware they weren’t alone.
Dante was never alone.

He knew dragons had spotted their entry and were waiting for
Dante’s next move. If he’d brought in outsiders, then it had to be for only a
few reasons. Either they were to be used for fucking or for a meal. After all,
paranormals weren’t human. No, they might have human form, but they weren’t
what their diluted prodigy were.

It was a rare concept indeed that these would be his mates.

Hence the reason they were there.

Protection came in many forms, and knowledge was one of
them.

Caves dotted the cliffs, a dragon’s hoard a secret and
cosseted possession. Most of the visual caves were decoys and booby-trapped for
those who dared enter their territory. The traps usually didn’t kill, as a
dragon wanted to experience that particular enjoyment themselves.

He landed on the edge of the Royal House and lowered his
head so Nadie and Jace could slide off his back safely. Jace put Nadie between
him and Dante, and the dragon approved. Nadie didn’t have a handle on her
powers yet and needed the help. One day she would be a fighting force, but
until then, they all had to be careful.

Five female dragons stalked into the room, their blue scales
mixed with the colors of their various other lines. Two were of the Scarlet
House, another from the Chartreuse House, while two more held Alabaster scales.

“Dante!” the Chartreuse dragon purred. “You’re home!”

“Finally,” one of the Scarlets said. “We’ve been waiting
forever.”