Aiding the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons 7)
Aaron removed his finger, positioned his cock, and thrust inside. Not for the first time, Teagan was glad she’d been on birth control long enough to feel every inch of him. “Do you really want to throw down that challenge?”
He moved his hips in gentle strokes. “What I want to do is distract you.”
As he pressed against her clit, Teagan moaned. “One day, sex isn’t going to work as a distraction, Aaron Caruso.”
Increasing the friction against her sensitive nub, he murmured, “You say that every time.”
She kissed him and focused on matching his rhythm with her hips. It wasn’t long before she cried out and pleasure coursed through her body. Aaron stilled and held her close as he came shortly after.
Teagan laid her head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat. She treasured the morning ritual of teasing and sex. In a short time, Aaron had become an essential part of her life.
She’d find out later in the day if she would be lucky enough to keep him.
Her beast spoke up. Of course we will. Don’t doubt we will win.
I don’t want to, but I have a sense that something bad is about to happen.
Weren’t you just castigating Aaron for superstitions?
It’s not the same thing.
Aaron’s deep voice rumbled in his chest. “Are you nervous?”
With anyone else, Teagan would have to be strong. But not with Aaron. “A little. I know I’ve done all I can to prepare for the leadership challenge, but all it takes is one person violating the rules and killing me to end it.”
Aaron placed a finger under her chin and forced her to look up at him. “Observers and judges will be watching at various stations in the area. Also, doctors from several clans will be at the ready. Killian won’t let any of the participants die.”
She nodded. “I know. If anyone can keep us all alive, it’s Killian. It’s just that things have been a little too quiet recently, and that makes me worry.”
Aaron growled. “Nothing will happen to you, Teagan. If I have to dive down and take a bullet to protect you, I will. I love you.”
She paused and asked slowly, “You love me?”
Aaron sighed. “Yes, Teagan, I love you. Don’t sound so surprised.”
Considering Aaron had supported her every day during the last two weeks, even when she had wanted nothing more than to spar and get out pent-up frustration, she shouldn’t question him.
Her dragon roared. You love him, too. Why is it so hard to say?
Because it starts yet another battle, and he might grow tired of fighting.
Aaron’s voice cut through her thoughts. “Talk to me, not your dragon. Do you doubt my words?” He cupped her cheek and continued before she could reply, “I love how you care for your clan, how you’re willing to take up a fight for anyone’s happiness, and your selflessness. But just because you care for your people doesn’t mean you can’t take time for yourself. I won’t force the words out of you, but just know I’ll be here for you when you finally do say them. I love you, Teagan O’Shea, and you’re worth waiting for.”
Teagan stared into the brown eyes of the male who had supported her more than any other person unrelated to her ever had in the past. And all without trying to wrestle away her power or force her into having a family before she was ready.
He might not be her true mate, but Aaron Caruso was quite simply her perfect fit.
She opened her mouth to tell him so when her phone rang.
Aaron plucked it up and handed it to her. The caller ID said Killian. She answered, “Killian?”
Her brother answered, “Yes, it’s me. Orin Daly and his accompanying clan members are at the front gates.”
Teagan had invited the other leaders to stay on Glenlough, but they’d all declined and instead opted to arrive on the day of the challenge. Formality dictated they arrive via the gates instead of the landing areas. “Take him to the main meeting room inside the great hall and I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
She clicked off the phone and turned toward Aaron. He nodded and murmured, “I guess it’s showtime.”
Touching his cheek, she leaned over and kissed him. “It’s time to see how the rest of our future plays out.”