Cadmium Dragon Page 13

  Benny only had time to give Cadmium a confused, furious look before Cadmium grabbed him by the back of the head and slammed his face into the hood of Jan’s car so hard that he rebounded and flopped back into the snow at the side of the driveway .

  Once there, he didn’t move .

  “Should I check if he’s dead?” Casey asked, coming out onto the driveway to look at Benny’s prone form .

  “If you like,” Cadmium said. He reached behind his shoulder, and she gasped as he pulled out a huge, curved blade and began to walk toward Benny’s car. “I’m going to make sure the bastard can’t get out of here before the police arrive .”

  He raised the huge blade in his hands, and it sparkled in silver with hints of gold. Then he brought it swishing down in one powerful stroke, and she heard a great crashing noise, plus the groaning of metal, as Benny’s car fell apart, cut cleanly in half .

  Holy crap .

  She just gaped at Cadmium, who stood there, shoulders heaving as he stared at the ruined car. Slowly, his wings disappeared, then his sword. Then the metal began to withdraw from his body, leaving him with only smooth, perfect skin .

  Finally, he turned to her, and she could see in his eyes he almost expected her to still be mad. Instead, she ran into his arms .

  “Oh my gosh, I’m so glad you came for me,” she said, wrapping her arms around him tight so he couldn’t go and burying her head against his strong chest .

  Now that he was with her, she was never letting go .

  She looked up to see him staring down in confusion .

  “You aren’t mad anymore?” he asked .

  “No,” she said. “I overreacted. It’s just, after Benny’s text , I — ”

  Cadmium shook his head, stroking a strong hand over her back. “Don’t worry about it. If I reminded you of him, I can see why you were scared. But please let me explain, because I’m nothing like him .”

  She cuddled closer, ignoring the cold air around them because in his arms, she was so warm . “Okay .”

  “I knew when I saw you that I wanted you. Dragons, many shifters actually, have something called fated mates. A partner that is meant to be with them. Perfect for them. Someone they can make happy and who will make them happy in return. Our animals know when they see them. When I saw you, my dragon’s heart beat for you .”

  She felt tears warm the corners of her eyes and brushed them away against his shirt. She didn’t have anything to say yet, but she wanted to hear him out .

  “Will you be my mate?” he said. “I know our life will be a bit different from what you’re used to. I know that it’s not what you imagined , but — ”

  She got on her tiptoes and reached up to kiss him, cutting off his words. She ravished his mouth, swiping her tongue through, working on him until he slowly relaxed into the kiss, his lips warm against her mouth. Finally, he pulled back, and it felt like he was his normally calm self once again .

  “Are you sure?” he asked, putting his hands on her shoulders .

  She nodded. “Unfortunately for you, I can’t imagine life any other way now. Only a weekend, and I’m already unable to be without you. The second we drove away, I wanted to come back. I want a life with you, no matter how hard .”

  He pulled her in close again and rested his head over hers. “I’m glad. Because I love you, Casey. I loved you from the moment I met you, and every moment thereafter only validated everything I already felt. I’m sorry I tricked you while trying to get to know you, but I promise I never meant any harm .”

  “I can see that now,” she said. “But still, you should know that kind of stuff is creepy .”

  “I know,” he said. “But I knew that even if I had to be creepy, I was the only one who was meant to love and protect you and that you would always be happy with me by your side. My whole life, I’ve lived by a strict code of honor. I’ve lived for someone else. When I met you, I finally had something I wanted. Someone who could be all mine and who I could give myself to. And I never would have tried to force you like he did. You’re the only one I want, Casey, and I’ll protect you for life .”

  She sighed and rested against him. “Which can’t be taken lightly because you’re pretty freaking strong .”

  He barked out a laugh. “Ha, that was nothing. I actually had to be pretty careful since he’s just a puny human. I’m used to fighting elite shifters that even other dragons can’t handle. That’s what my team is. We’re here on Earth to help out and find mates .”

  “That’s right,” she said, pulling back to look up at him. “You said it’s a matter of life or death .”

  “It is,” he said. “There are no mates on my planet, and we had to come here to find human women and see if we could make it work. But I promise with us, it’s more than that. It’s a matter of the heart. I can’t live without you, not because of my inner poison, but because I need you in my life .”

  She blinked. “Poison ?”

  “We all have it inside us. That’s why we’re named for poisonous metals. They give us our power. The poison never leaves our blood, and the metal that shows to the world is purified, but it’s in our bloodstream. If we aren’t careful, it can hurt our hearts .”

  “Scary,” she said .

  “Yes, and I can explain more later. But right now, I can tell you I’ve never had much of a problem with it. I’ve always been in control. Until you were gone. Until I thought you were in trouble .”

  “I’m just glad you came .”

  He stroked her back reassuringly. “Of course I did. Do you think I’d do all that work just to let you fall into Benny’s hands? No. I’m a better stalker than that .”

  She snorted. “Don’t call yourself that .”

  “Fine, what should I call myself ?”

  “My dragon,” she said lightly, going on tiptoes again to place a quick kiss to his lips, leaving him looking pleased as he ran his hand over his chin .

  “Okay,” he said. He looked around them. “Well, I don’t think anyone will guess what happened here. Should we go check on your friend ?”

  “Yes,” Casey said. “We’ll get her inside, give her some kind of story, and make sure she’s okay. Get her to call the police on Benny. I’m not sure what they’ll make of his car, though …”

  Cadmium grabbed a piece of the car in each hand and threw them across the street and into the deep snow bank there, where they landed with a thud that seemed to shake the ground. “There, problem solved, at least until the snow melts .”

  She giggled. “I guess .”

  “Let’s go inside,” he said, putting out a hand for her as he walked toward Jan .

  She took his hand, intertwining their fingers, and followed him as he reached Jan, bent, and slung her over his shoulder. Together, they walked to the front door of Jan’s house .

  She let go of his hand to grab Jan’s keys out of her car so they could unlock the door and then opened it for Cadmium. As he stepped in, she had an idea .

  “Hey, after this, you want to go see my place? It’s close, after all. And you know, it might be the last time I really see it …”

  His smile was so bright it reminded her of the sun glinting off snow, making her feel like she wanted to raise her hand to shield her eyes .

  But she couldn’t because it was a sight that made her happy .

  Cadmium let out a contented sigh. “That, Casey, would be amazing .”

  Chapter 17

  A s Cadmium followed Casey into her home, the dragon in him was roaring, eager to claim its mate now that they were alone together .

  Down, dragon .

  He closed the door behind him as she turned on the light, and he was greeted by the sight of a small, quaint little living room. From the looks of it, the place was modestly furnished and surprisingly inviting .

  At the center of the room was a little table, atop which was perched a tiny Christmas tree with lights. Upon closer inspection, he found it was made of artificial materials, though it still had a faint pin
ey scent to it .

  “So this is where you’ve been living?” Cadmium asked, impressed with how well-appointed the whole place was. There were little pictures here and there of a younger Casey smiling with friends and parents .

  “Yup, at least recently. Until I found you,” she said. “Sorry the place is such a mess .”

  Cadmium saw a few half-unpacked boxes here and there, but he didn’t care. It certainly wasn’t the mansion for size and luxury, but the mere fact that Casey had been here made it feel more like home .

  Wherever she went felt like home to him .

  “Phew, it’s cold in here. I usually turn the heat down when I’m working so I don’t waste energy, but I’ve been gone for several days now,” Casey said, moving to a small rectangle on the wall and fiddling with it .

  While she did, Cadmium walked around, noting the kitchen and a little side office with a computer in it. He continued walking down a small hall until he found a bedroom, presumably hers, and a little bed with a plush, purple blanket on top of it .

  Wow, human beds were small .

  Yet even the thought of the bed made his jeans tighten. Every second spent with her was ecstasy .

  “Ah, you found my room,” she said, sounding a little nervous, though maybe she was just cold .

  Cadmium wrapped his arms around her and rubbed her shoulders for warmth as he’d seen people do in movies. Little white puffs of air emanated from her mouth as she sank into his embrace, relaxing next to him .

  “Sorry for the not-so-warm welcome,” she said with a little laugh .

  “It’s wonderful. I think it’s amazing you’ve been so resourceful, getting a place like this for yourself, making it home,” Cadmium said. He was amazed by everything she did .

  “Yeah, well, I can’t say I’ll really miss it compared to living back at your mansion. Even if there are dragons roving around, in just a couple of days, it was already starting to feel like my new home .”

  “ Why’s that ?”

  “Probably because I was running. I moved to this place to escape. To escape Benny, my old friends, my old life. Turn over a new leaf .”

  “Turning a leaf?” Cadmium had no clue what that meant .

  She smiled, her adorable cheeks pink from the cool air. “It means a fresh start. You really are strange sometimes. I love it .”

  “I’m just glad you love it,” Cadmium said, pulling her into the bedroom with him. At the side of the room, two glass doors led outside onto a porch, where he saw a large, wood-colored box, several feet tall and maybe a dozen wide .

  “Oh, you’ve spotted the hot tub?” Casey asked .

  “Hot tub?” How was a tub hot? Was it made of metal that could generate warmth ?

  “Yeah. It’s like a giant bathtub but with water jets. The owners bought it new but had to move before they ever got a chance to use it. It’s one of the reasons I moved here. That, and it’s secluded, too,” she said, taking his hand and leading him toward the doorway. She opened it, and he followed her, watching as she pulled the cover off, revealing a pool of clear water with seats inside .

  He reached a finger into the water and felt its warmth as he saw steam rise from into the air .

  A hot tub. He couldn’t wait to tell the others about it .

  But there was something else much more important on his mind .

  “Impressive,” he said .

  “Nice, right? It’s my favorite thing to do after a long day of work, come out here and read. Really helps my back after lifting packages all day,” she said, rubbing her arms with her hands .

  “Well, you won’t be lifting another package again in your life if I have any say in it,” Cadmium said possessively. Then he caught himself. “I mean, if you really want to work, then I can accept that. It’s just dragons are very protective of their mates. When we find the right one for us, we hold on and never let go .”

  She grinned at that. “It was just a job. Something to pay the bills. I’ve had more fun the past few days than probably the rest of my adult life. Nothing would make me happier than to just spend the rest of it with you .”

  Cadmium’s heart leapt, and he picked her up in his arms, unable to help himself. But as he did, he could feel her skin getting cold as she started to shiver .

  “Sorry, my crappy heater does a bad job of getting my house warm when it’s this cold. Between being outside in the cold and — ”

  “We need to warm you up,” he said, looking around at his options .

  Perhaps a tub that was hot would work best ?

  He stepped up onto the little stairway that led into the tub, ready to set her inside, when she stopped him .

  “ Whoa , wait .”

  “What’s wrong?” he asked .

  “You’re not supposed to use regular clothes. It ruins the filter,” she said .

  “But you’re cold. This tub is hot. It will make you feel better,” he said, matter-of-fact. She hesitated for a second, looking down at the clear, steaming water. “I’ll buy you ten more hot tubs if you want. I’ll build a new house full of hot tubs if it will convince you to let me warm you up .”

  She relaxed slightly. “You’re probably right. Besides, we’ll want a larger model for someone your size anyway. Here, take these,” she said, pulling a wallet and phone out of her pockets and handing them to Cadmium, who set them aside. She kicked off her shoes, and he helped her out of her jacket before lowering her into the warm water .

  Casey let out a relaxed sigh as she sank back into the water, letting it go up to her neck. The sight of her so happy almost broke him, it was so wonderful .

  He followed after her, repeating the same actions she’d taken, and then got into the water as well. The warm wetness surrounding him was soothing and stimulating at the same time .

  “I always wondered what it would be like to do this,” she said, pulling off her shirt and tossing it onto the ground over the edge. The swell of her breasts cupped by her bra made his blood race with excitement. But they were outside, and possessively, he glanced around, making sure no one could see his mate like this .

  But there was nothing but trees and shrubs in every direction he looked. Far beyond, he could spot a few homes built beyond the forest, but not even a hawk would be able to see this far .

  And he could tell with his acute senses that nobody else was around .

  The pacing dragon in him was satisfied with that .

  She was already finished taking off her jeans, tossing them aside too, when he looked back, finding Casey in just her underwear .

  Was he really so lucky as to have discovered a mate like her ?

  He moved toward her, closing the short distance between them, wanting to be near her. Above them, little flecks of snow slowly started to drift downward around them, cool on his skin wherever they touched .

  “How are you feeling, Casey? Better?” Cadmium asked, wanting to be absolutely sure his mate was taken care of .

  To his surprise, she leaned forward, closing her lips over his in a heated kiss. Her hands wrapped around his shoulders, and as he deepened the connection, she opened her mouth to let him inside. He swiped with his tongue, exploring slowly as his hands found her soft hips, pulling her closer to him. When he finally pulled back, her skin was flush with arousal, dark-brown hair floating around her in the water .

  “How’s that for your answer?” she asked, sensuous lips curved in a smile .

  “Be mine, Casey. Be mine forever,” Cadmium said, holding her so close he could feel her soft breasts pressing into his chest, her thighs wrapped around his hips, tantalizing him .

  “Of course I will. I think it was meant to be like this from the start, from the very first time I met you, though I didn’t know that until now,” she said. Her breath still showed in the winter cold, little misty poofs that dissipated instantly. “But first, I’m going to need these clothes off,” she added, tugging at his shirt eagerly .

  He shed his shirt and pants effortlessly, discarding them and p
ulling Casey back into his arms, almost entirely skin to skin now. The hot water slid between and around them, enhancing the arousal of their proximity .

  “Mm, that’s better,” she said, her hand running through his partially wet hair as the other felt its way along his back and beneath his shoulder blades .

  But the dragon in him couldn’t wait another second. He couldn’t wait another second to see her come, to hear her scream his name .

  She drove him crazy in all the best ways imaginable .

  Cadmium pulled her even closer, bringing her up so his mouth could seal over the soft skin at the delicate crook of her neck. She moaned softly, and he kissed her harder, licking over the skin and moving up to her earlobe. And as he pulled it lightly between his teeth, his other hand cupped her ass, squeezing the enticing flesh there .

  And surrounding them, cold air mixed with the sensation of hot water on smooth skin, playfully erotic. Once he’d marked her neck, her ears, he pulled the straps of her bra down, then undid the clasp and let it float away into a corner as he used both hands to knead her breasts. Casey moaned then gasped as he pressed his thumbs into her nipples, making her entire body tense .

  While he was pleasuring her breasts, she started to float away by accident. But before he could pull her in, she wrapped her legs around him, locking them behind his back. He moved slightly to one side, letting her head rest on one edge of the tub, then reached a hand between them, finding her center as though it were second nature .

  Everything about pleasing Casey was second nature to him, though. When the only thing that mattered in the world was her, it only made sense that their love should reflect that .

  As his finger found her clit and stroked over it, she arched against the pleasure of it, writhing around him in ecstasy. But he didn’t let up, moving into a fast rhythm, so eager to see her come he could almost taste the excitement of it .