Embers (Scales 'N' Spells 4)

Oh, that was interesting. Since Nikki had stepped foot in the castle, everything had been about the Jaeggi. They had heard murmurs of other projects and various things, but everywhere they went it was Jaeggi, Jaeggi, Jaeggi. It was nice to know there would be life after the Jaeggi were dealt with.

“Really? Like what?”

Gunter lifted an eyebrow and cocked his head a little to the side, as if he was surprised by Nikki’s question. “You want to know what I do normally?”

Nikki shook their head and laughed. “Of course I do. I want to know everything about you.” They stacked their hands on the center of Gunter’s chest and rested their chin on them, waiting for Gunter’s reply. It also didn’t hurt that this conversation kept Gunter in bed with them a little while longer.

“Oh, it’s not very interesting.”

“Let me judge that. Tell me what you do.”

“A variety of different types of research. Most of it has been historical, such as digging for lines and avenues for the various mage clans who might have survived the Dragon War. After the Jaeggi are taken care of, that will be the majority of my day.”

“You’re working to find more mages like me.”

Gunter’s expression turned surprisingly tender, and he ran the backs of his fingers along Nikki’s cheek in a sweet caress that left Nikki’s heart flipping and spiraling in their chest. “There is no other mage in all the world like you,” Gunter whispered. “I’d bet my life on that.”

Nikki turned their head and brushed a kiss to Gunter’s knuckles. “My sweet dragon.”

“But yes, mages without knowledge of their own magic need to be found. We need to keep them safe as well as help them find their lost heritage. And possible mates, although that’s the selfish wish of my clan.”

“A noble cause.”

Gunter smirked. “In my less noble endeavors, I also coordinate with the mages to chronicle spells and locate old spell books. I also help to manage the records for the health and beauty products Burkhard produces. Since the reintroduction of dragons into the world, our goods have been selling out as fast as we can produce them. We need to look into more distribution avenues.” Gunter paused and sighed. “All of that I’ve been neglecting recently and need to get a handle on again while we’re waiting for more news on the Jaeggi.”

“You do all of that on your own? Don’t you need more help?”

“Melissande helps me with the spell chronicling and research when she has time. Cassie has been helping me with the mage research as well.”

Nikki lifted up a little and smiled. “Then I’ll help you too.”

A small frown pulled together Gunter’s brows. “I thought you had magic lessons with Lisette and the other mages. I don’t want to take away from your studies.”

“You won’t. Lisette can’t monopolize all of my time.”

Gunter’s frown was wiped away by a little grin. “You’d be surprised.” Nikki opened their mouth to argue they wanted to be useful to the clan too, but Gunter was already speaking. “It’s more important that you study and come into your full potential. You said you wanted to learn the magic of the Bos Clan. That’s going to take time and study.”

Nikki wilted. He was right. Nikki was really torn, as they liked the magic lessons, and they did want to carry on the tradition of the Bos Clan and weave special wands and amulets from living plants. But they also wanted to help Gunter in his work.

With a laugh they too rarely heard from Gunter, the dragon rolled over, tackling them to the mattress and pinning them down with his larger frame. “Don’t worry, little one. I’ve been in that library for centuries and I plan to be for many more centuries. I’ll be right there waiting for you when you’re ready to help me.”

Thrill sliced through them at his words. The idea of always being welcome and wanted was something they’d never had before. And Gunter said it with such faith, as if there was no other possibility, it made them feel like joy was trying to shine out of their pores. “Promise?”

“I promise I will always wait for you.” Gunter bent down and kissed them slowly. Nikki’s eyes fluttered shut and they got lost in the magic of Gunter’s lips as they brushed over theirs. The kisses started short and small, but each one lasted a little longer, grew more demanding, until Gunter’s tongue was tangling with theirs, plundering their mouth. A needy moan rose up Nikki’s throat, and they burrowed their fingers in Gunter’s silken hair. They needed him closer, wanted more.

Gunter suddenly broke off the kiss. His breathing was reduced to harsh pants and his pupils were blown wide. “We need to stop.”

“We do not need to stop.” Nikki tried to pull Gunter back down, but the dragon was too strong and didn’t budge.