Prince of Spies

chapter Twelve

The wedding ceremony was like nothing Riki had ever seen or even heard about. She realized she’d given up on the idea of marrying or finding love sometime during her imprisonment. She’d lost hope for any kind of future at all, but Nico had returned it to her.

She went into the ceremony without any reservations. Certainly, Riki was astounded by the lovely green silk dress the tailor had made for her. The green was the exact color of her eyes and the skirt swirled around her legs in feather-soft caresses that nearly made her giddy. There were layers to go underneath as well, also in silk, but pale green and gold this time.

Riki had been brought to a private tent to prepare. Several women helped her, all of whom had green eyes like hers and claimed to be cousins of one sort or another. They’d prepared a steaming bath, scented with rare flowers from the southlands. The fragrance was intoxicating and the rich soap they gave her to wash and lotions for her hair were of the finest quality she had ever used.

Riki was overwhelmed by the Jinn women’s generosity. They helped her dress, showing her what pieces went where and laughing at her shy attempts to figure them out on her own. They were kind to her and their welcome nearly reduced her to tears several times, but then one of the women would start singing a happy tune and her mood would lighten.

When she was suitably dressed and prepared, the women brought her to a large clearing in the center of the encampment. There were hundreds, perhaps thousands of people standing all around a raised platform. As they drew closer, she could see Nico and Drake waiting on top of the platform, watching as she came forward. Somewhere a group of minstrels struck up a tune that carried through the happy crowd and smiles lit each and every face.

Riki’s nerves faded away to nothing when she saw Nico there, waiting for her. Eagerly, she climbed the makeshift steps, holding out one hand to Nico as she drew closer. He not only took her hand but pulled her in close for a quick hug. The crowd cheered loudly and she moved back, a little embarrassed to be in front of so many people, but their song was so happy, it did away with most of her fears.

Arabetta strode forward with several other Jinn elders, all standing with them on the large platform. The crowd grew quiet and the song faded away, leaving joy in its wake. Arabetta stopped in front of Riki and Nico, facing them.

“Who stands witness for this joining?” the old woman asked formally.

“I stand for the bride.” Estella moved next to Riki, smiling as she took a place at her side.

“And I stand for the groom.” Drake spoke from Nico’s side.

Arabetta nodded and began to sing. Or perhaps chant would be a better word, Riki thought, as she felt the magic of Arabetta’s voice like a living thing. This was powerful magic, indeed, channeled through the ancient words. Riki didn’t understand the ancient tongue, but the meaning was clear. She actually felt ethereal bands of magic swirling around herself and Nico, twining them together where their hands were still joined, up and around both of their bodies and souls.

When the chant ended there was an expectant hush in the air.

Arabetta turned to Riki.

“Do you, Arikia, promise your heart and soul to Nicolas?”

Not knowing what else to say, Riki opted for simply answering, “I do.”

Then Arabetta turned to Nico.

“Do you, Nicolas, promise your heart and soul to Arikia?”

“I do,” he stated in a firm voice, leaving no doubt as to his strong intent.

“Then kiss and be one.”

The crowd cheered as Nico bent to kiss her, taking her in his muscular arms. The noise of the crowd faded away as Nico sealed their promises with a binding kiss. Riki felt the magic twining them together, joining their magics and making them more powerful. It was an amazing feeling, and like nothing she’d ever experienced before.

When Nico finally released her some time later, the crowd was singing and cheering happily. Arabetta looked at them both expectantly.

“It is customary among Jinn to wear rings of marriage. The ones we arranged for Drake to acquire in Plinth were made especially for you two. They are plain enough for a spy on the outside, but if you look inside the bands, they bear the mark of the Black Dragon Clan. Welcome to the Brotherhood of the Jinn. We’ve been long awaiting you both.”

Arabetta hugged first Riki, then Nico and the congratulations spread from there. Riki was hugged and congratulated by all the people on the platform, including Estella and Drake. As they made their way off the platform, she and Nico were bombarded with well wishes from everyone near them.

Estella led them to a private tent where a large dinner was laid out, ready and waiting. Estella and Drake were the only ones to join them, which surprised Riki. The sounds of revelry could be clearly heard through the thin tent walls.

Drake sat with Estella on one side of the low table. Colorful cushions were spread all around. This tent was different from the other Jinn tents Riki had been in. For one thing, this tent had few furnishings besides the low table and a multitude of pillows. There were ropes hanging in one corner, though Riki could see no use for them. Likewise, she didn’t understand some of the other odd accoutrements on the table.

Estella began eating from the sumptuous feast before them and something about her manner piqued Riki’s interest. Some deeper game was being played here, but she had no idea what it was.

“So how did you like your Jinn wedding ceremony?” Estella’s eyes sparkled as she nibbled on a fruit in a way that made Riki think of nibbling on Nico. She didn’t know why, but that’s what she immediately thought of, and it shocked her a bit. And excited her.

“I thought it was beautiful, actually.” Riki accepted the plate of delicacies Nico set before her with a smile. He was so thoughtful, and the fire in his eyes promised a passionate night ahead.

“Short and sweet, then we get to the good part,” Drake agreed with a laugh from the other side of the low table. “Nick, I have to thank you for choosing me as your witness.” Drake leered playfully at Estella, and Riki got the impression there was something more to this witnessing business than just standing before the elders with the bride and groom.

“What does that entail, exactly?” she asked boldly.

Estella and Drake chuckled naughtily while Nico narrowed his eyes at them both. Riki knew he would protect her from anything she was uncomfortable with, Jinn tradition or no. That knowledge gave her the courage to press the issue. She waited expectantly for an answer and finally Estella seemed to take pity on her.

“The witnesses stand before the elders. We also ensure your first joining as man and wife goes smoothly.”

“And that you f*ck like bunnies until morning,” Drake put in, earning an elbow to the ribs from Estella.

“The Jinn tend to marry very young. Having witnesses is meant to help the younger couples, who are often virgins. Most often, the witnesses are a married couple who guide the youngsters on the path. How much they participate is up to the individual couple being joined.” Estella shrugged. “Since your Nico chose Drake—an unmarried man of some rank—to be his witness, it was only logical I stand for you. Drake and I have shared pleasure before.”

Riki was shocked by the casual way Estella spoke of such private acts. True, she’d seen all kinds of things as Lucan’s prisoner, but this wasn’t deviant in the way Lucan had been. There was no pain or suffering involved here—just the sharing of pleasure for mutual enjoyment. She could even see how an inexperienced couple might find solace from having friends there to help them.

But Nico was far from inexperienced and having already been his lover, Riki didn’t think she needed any help from either Estella or Drake, though having them watch did sound exciting. Riki remembered that time in Drake’s room at the Silver Serpent when Nico had invited his handsome friend to touch her and look at her while Nico pleasured her. It had been wild, exotic and incredibly erotic. Riki had learned then that she liked being watched.

“There is also the fact that sometimes among the Black Dragon Clan, a wedding night could include a mating flight,” Estella went on as she continued to enjoy her supper. “Especially when dealing with young dragons, the older ones stand by ready to catch them if they fall too far, too fast. But we don’t have to worry about that tonight, since you can’t fly yet.”

Riki liked the confident way Estella said “yet”, but Riki doubted she’d ever be able to shift into dragon form. That was a dream for another time.

Nico moved close to her, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips. “If you don’t want them here, just say the word, my love. I don’t give a damn if it’s Jinn tradition or not. We do what we want, and all I want is your happiness and comfort.”

Riki stroked his cheek, smiling up at him. “I love you so much, Nico. Would you be shocked if I said I was…intrigued by the idea of having them watch?”

“No, love, it wouldn’t surprise me at all. We dragons are exhibitionists at heart.”

Nico chuckled as he placed her hand in his lap, directly over his steely erection, leaving her to eat with only her right hand. She didn’t mind at all.

“Oh look, they’re already making gooey eyes at each other.” Drake snorted as he threw one arm around Estella’s shoulder.

“You be nice, Drake,” she warned. “They’re in love. Don’t you remember what that’s like?”

Drake seemed to think about the question, a light entering his eyes that made Riki feel a sudden and sweeping sympathy for the rogue. He looked so lost in that moment, it stunned her, but then he smiled, wiping the distressing expression from his face. Playfully, he tugged Estella into his lap.

“I don’t claim to ever have been in love, sweet.”

“That is so sad.” Estella teased him as she cupped his cheek and planted a hot kiss on his lips. Riki got hot just watching.

“Do you like watching them?” Nico’s voice sounded through her mind. “They are a handsome couple, don’t you think?”

“Yes, they are.”

“Shall we watch them as they watch us? Or should we ask them to join us perhaps? What’s your pleasure, milady?”

Riki was torn. She didn’t know what she wanted. She only knew her temperature was rising with each sweep of Drake’s tongue into Estella’s mouth. Drake’s hands were busy too, roving over Estella’s voluptuous figure, removing her clothing while she tore at his.

“What about it, sweet? What do you want?” Nico asked again.

“Whatever you want, Nico. I’ll do whatever you say.”

“Oh, I like the sound of that, but remember, my love, if anything makes you uncomfortable at any time, all you have to do is tell me.”

“All right, Nico.”

He kissed her then, sweeping his tongue inside her mouth and taking her down into the nest of pillows behind the low table. Nico worked at her clothing until Riki was bare, all the while kissing her as if he would never get enough of her sweet taste.



Nico craved Riki like his next breath. He worked the buttons on the beautiful dress with eager fingers, wanting to feel her skin on his with an urgency he’d never felt before. This woman was his now in every possible way.

The dragon inside him trumpeted in triumph while the man fumbled with little buttons and feminine undergarments, all designed to drive him crazy. He heard a tear and knew he had to slow down. The dragon was urging him to take and claim his mate in the rough way of their kind, but Riki was human too, and she needed him to be tender.

Especially in this new situation.

Nico had f*cked his share of women. Hell, he’d even shared a woman or two in his youth with Drake and others, but even though Estella was more than just pretty, Nico only felt real attraction for his new wife. He finally understood what his friends had gone through when they’d found their mates. He finally knew the wonder of claiming the one woman whom you would love and honor for the rest of your days.

“I told you they didn’t need any help from us.”

Drake’s teasing words penetrated Nico’s mind as if from far away. Nico looked up to find his grinning friend and a very naked Estella smiling down at them.

“Go away. Can’t you see I’m busy here?” Nico growled before turning back to his wife.

Wife.

She really was his wife now, in the eyes of the Jinn at least, which was good enough for him. The Jinn, like most Draconians, believed in the Mother of All and had joined them before Her. That was enough. Riki was well and truly his wife now. Nico still couldn’t believe his good fortune.

“So you’re in a hurry then?” Drake continued to annoy him. “I thought we’d give some of the toys in this tent a try, just for the sake of completeness.”

The reminder of the way the Jinn had equipped this particular tent for them lit a fire in his belly. Nico held Riki’s gaze as he removed the last of her clothing and sat up. “That’s the best idea you’ve had all night, Drake.”

When Drake didn’t answer, Nico looked around to find his friend had already moved to the corner with the ropes. At that moment, he was busy tying up the lovely and very cooperative Estella. Her fleshy ass faced them as Drake smiled over to make sure they were watching. He smacked Estella’s butt cheeks with a loud clap of his palm and she squealed, but it wasn’t in pain.

Riki jumped in Nico’s arms and he soothed her, bending close to lick her ear. Nico knew some of this might be hard for her considering the things she’d probably witnessed with Lucan, but the goal here was to free her of those past horrors. She needed to see how pleasure could come of safe, sane play between consenting adults. Drake was just the man to demonstrate while Nico explained to his new wife all the possibilities. Knowing she was half-dragon, he knew the rougher edge of sex would more than likely be what she needed. Nico gauged her reaction, watching the flare of her eyes and the increase in her breathing. She was excited—not scared—and it would be up to him to keep her that way.

“Sometimes a spanking can be very enticing,” he whispered in her ear.

“Really?” The word was a breathy whisper as Drake’s hand came down on Estella’s ass once more, followed by the Jinn woman’s feminine moan of pleasure.

“It can be a loving give and take of dominance and submission. Among dragons, the male dominates his partner in the mating flight. They say the female revels in her mate’s power as he does in her submission. It’s the way of things.” He licked a trail down her neck. “For dragons.”

Drake was more aggressive now, interspersing stokes of Estella’s generous curves with slaps to her ass and thighs. The Jinn woman moaned and begged for Drake to continue his sensuous torture, clearly loving every minute of it.

“I’m half dragon, my love, as are you. Don’t you want to submit to me in every way? Doesn’t your inner dragon long to be mastered by mine?”



Riki’s breath caught in her throat, her eyes mesmerized by the most erotic thing she’d ever witnessed. Nico’s hands and words inflamed her senses while Drake’s mastery of the Jinn woman was titillating her desire.

She hadn’t realized this kind of play could be anything but painful. What she’d seen in Lucan’s chamber had been a cruel mockery of the sensual, seductive, sinuous dance of dominance she now witnessed. Drake demonstrated his total control of Estella’s freely given responses and Riki began to wonder what it would be like to surrender so completely and utterly to the man she loved.

Nico’s question bounced around in her brain. Dare she admit how hot the thought made her? Would he hurt her if he knew he could have anything he wanted from her? Anything at all?

The answer shouted through her mind—an immediate, resounding no. Nico would never hurt her. He was her mate. The dragon that shared her soul knew Nico and wanted nothing more than to submit to him fully. Riki found her human side wanted the same thing. She wanted to learn all he could teach her of pleasure and passion.

Nico’s hands tightened. One hand clamped her waist, the other squeezing a nipple. Riki squirmed in his hold, more excited than she’d ever been.

“Don’t you want to surrender, my Arikia? Answer me.”

Riki moaned as he pinched her nipple just hard enough to send a flame shooting from the taut peak straight to her womb. She was on fire!

“I do. I surrender to you, Nico. Only to you.”

He turned her in his arms, dragging her close against his body. Nico kissed her hungrily, invading her mouth and asserting a dominance he’d heretofore held in check. She wanted it all now. She wanted his dominance, his roughness, his daring.

And he gave it to her.

Drake and Estella were forgotten as Nico took her to the floor, covering her straining body with his own. She fought with the ties on his leggings, wanting—no, needing—more of him, all of him. And suddenly he was there, as naked as she, as vulnerable. Nico was the master of her passion, the master of her heart. His strong body covered her, his eyes holding hers as he joined them as one.

And then it was done.

Bodies met, souls met, more fully than ever before. Riki’s complete submission joined them fully. Rather than tearing her down and being consumed by his dominant personality, it felt more like Nico’s power flowed into and around her, cupping her in warm arms of energy, holding her safe and urging her to fly with him.

Riki saw into his soul through the hazel green fire in his eyes and she knew he was seeing into hers as well. They were one now, in all ways.

Then he began to move.

The slow dance of seduction and pleasure quickly turned to an inferno neither wanted to tamp down. Nico took her hard and fast, almost brutally, but she wanted every inch of his domination, every surge of his powerful body and spirit. She was his as he was hers.

The powerful climax hit them both at the same time, Nico gasping as Riki cried out in ultimate pleasure. It was a hard, fast climb to an unbelievable pinnacle, over too soon, but necessary to join what would never be put apart again.

“I love you, my Arikia, my wife,” Nico whispered in her ear as they both had a chance to recover.

“I know,” Riki said softly, loving the feel of him on her and in her. “As much as I love you.”

He kissed her then, a tender, powerful claiming, affirming what they both knew in their hearts, now beating as one.



Riki must have dozed a bit, for when she woke it was to the sound of feminine whimpers of pleasure. Opening her eyes, Riki found herself on Nico’s lap, her bare thighs spread over his outstretched knees, facing Drake and Estella. The other couple had left the corner of the colorful tent and the ropes, in favor of a matted area closer by. Drake had Estella on all fours, his long cock taking her powerfully from behind.

“What do you think?” Nico asked, his warm breath tickling her ear. “They look good together, don’t they?”

Riki nodded as she watched them. Drake’s powerful, blond good looks were a perfect foil for Estella’s dark-haired beauty and curvy body. They were beautiful together, and if there was no deep and true love tying them together, there was at the very least respect and friendship. That much was obvious from the way they teased and tempted each other. They moved together like long-time lovers and Riki realized they probably were.

Nico moved one hand to the low table behind them. Moving his arm in front of her once more, Riki saw he now held a long, thick object she’d thought was some kind of ornament for the table. Only now did she realize the shape of this colorful glass object was almost exactly that of a cock. Her insides quivered as Nico’s hot breath breezed over her neck.

“This was a wedding gift from Estella. Her brother is Master Glasswright of the Black Dragon Clan.” Nico bit down on her earlobe. “She showed me some of the other gifts the Jinn sent us earlier while you were getting dressed. These folks are naughty with a penchant for sexual toys. I’ll take great pleasure in showing some of the more adventurous ones to you when we’re alone, but for now, I thought you might like to try this.” He moved the smooth, colorful glass to her mouth. “Lick it, sweetheart. Make it slick and warm with your tongue.”

Riki felt the fire inside leap at his words. Slowly, she reached out with the tip of her tongue, accepting the smooth head of the glass cock into her mouth as Nico maneuvered it slowly, sliding it in and out like he would slide his own cock. The thought sent her senses reeling. A moment later, the glass dildo was sliding wetly down her torso, heading toward her p-ssy and she shivered with excitement. Would he—?

Yes, apparently he would.

The glass cock entered her, cold at first, slick and getting slicker by the moment with her heated juices. It felt odd, hard and unyielding, but exciting. Nico moved it inside her, manipulating it to reach spots within her core that set her ablaze. She whimpered as he began to thrust the glass cock in and out, her temperature going higher when she looked up and saw Drake’s blue gaze locked on the area between her legs.

Drake was buried balls-deep in Estella, his hard-muscled body straining as he watched Nico pleasure Riki with the glass cock. The idea of him watching titillated and when Drake came, so did Riki, in a little explosion of light she knew would build into something much more fierce if Nico was given just half a chance.



Nico turned her, bringing her to the floor and spreading her wide while he positioned her just so. A quick glance told him Drake was sitting cross-legged, petting Estella, who was smiling in that sleepy, satisfied way that meant she’d come long and hard under Drake’s skillful attentions.

Nico looked his fill at his woman. His wife. Arikia. She was so beautiful, so eager, and with him every step of the way. He wondered if he couldn’t push her limits just a little further while he had Drake handy. Who knew when this opportunity would arise again?

With a glance, he summoned the other man over.

Riki’s eyes widened when Drake knelt at her side, but the fire of excitement leapt within and Nico could feel the energy sizzling through their connection. She was ready for what he had in store. Ready, willing and more than able.

“Drake, would you be so kind as to play with this?” He indicated the glass dildo still embedded inside her. “I believe I’d like my woman to use her mouth on me.”

Drake smiled widely as he moved around Riki’s squirming body. “It would be my pleasure.” He licked his lips. “Hers too.”

Nico hesitated a moment before turning over the base of the glass rod to his friend. Drake was a rascal, but Nico knew he could be trusted. Nico moved away and watched Riki’s response as Drake settled on his haunches between her spread thighs.

“All right?” He sent on their private path of communication.

She nodded, shivering as Drake began manipulating the dildo, shafting it in and out of her hot body. “Come to me, Nico. I need you.”

He could wait no more. Nico took up a position next to her head, raising her just slightly with some of the colorful pillows supporting her back. She knew just what he liked, taking his cock between her luscious lips as if savoring a special treat. He felt the swirling action of her tongue down to his very toes. Stars, what a woman!

And she was all his. Forevermore.

Nico’s eyes closed, savoring the feel of her eager mouth. She jerked and his eyes shot open only to find his rogue of a friend was now licking Riki’s *, eyes smiling up at him from between his wife’s legs. The bastard.

Nico shook his head and laughed. Give Drake an inch and he always took a mile. It was one thing they had in common. He should be mad, but Riki’s eager response diffused his anger. Riki had missed so much in life, he could at least give her this one small experience—never to be repeated, of course. Tonight was special, after all.

Nico nodded slightly and cupped his hands around Riki’s head as she sucked him deep.



Riki could hardly believe it when Nico asked Drake to use the dildo on her, but she was downright shocked when Drake used his tongue as well. She caught a little of the interplay between the men and heard the soft growl in Nico’s throat, hastily bitten back. She liked that he was possessive and liked even more that he’d let this incredible pleasure continue.

She’d never felt so decadent or so wanton. Watching Drake shaft in and out of Estella had been exciting, but to have him do the same to her—albeit with a glass rod instead of his cock—was even more thrilling.

The real thrill of it was in Nico’s reaction, oddly enough. Riki found herself watching for his possessive smiles, his pride-filled glances. She felt feminine and beautiful when he looked at her that way, and she’d never felt either of those things before.

Nico’s generosity of spirit attracted her as much as his beautiful face, kind eyes and cunning wit. He was her savior and teacher in many respects, but she was fast learning he could be her partner as well. Nico encouraged her to find out who she was and explore her limits. He was perfect for her in every respect. And he was hers.

For the first time in her life, she thought she felt the dragon stirring lazily in her soul, but she couldn’t concentrate on that when Drake’s tongue began circling her *. He moved the dildo harder and deeper while his lips closed over the raised nubbin and pulled gently. Riki’s hips bucked, but Drake’s strong arm held her in place as his mouth closed over her * and sucked gently.

Riki flew to the stars on a moan. Nico pulled his cock from her mouth as Drake rode her through the powerful orgasm. She looked up to meet her new husband’s eyes and read the possessive pride there, as well as the hunger. Nico was still hard and ready.

As Drake held on through the last echoes of pleasure, she felt her response rise again. More. She needed more.

She needed Nico.

“Thanks for warming her up for me.” Nico’s words were for Drake, but his eyes never left Riki’s face.

Drake pulled back, leaving the dildo inside her channel. “It’s the least I could do.”

“And the most.” Nico’s gaze moved to his friend with stern warning in his words. The boundary had been drawn, she realized. This was as far as Nico would ever allow him to go. Drake nodded with his ever-present roguish smile and moved off. The message had been delivered and understood.

Drake moved back to Estella, Riki saw out of the corner of her eye. The other woman was recovered now from Drake’s earlier pleasuring and apparently ready for more. She welcomed Drake with open legs and he quickly slid into her.

Nico flipped Riki over, handling her as if she were a doll. She liked the sensation, though she would never have tolerated such treatment from anyone but him. Nico positioned her on her hands and knees, bunching a few pillows under her mid-section for added support. The dildo slid out, but he rammed it back in, shocking her a bit.

Nico chuckled at her gasp and slapped her rear for good measure. Riki could feel the moisture between her thighs increasing at the thought of his hands on her and his cock in her. Then she felt the slippery slide of something faintly cold, but warming as Nico stroked it between her cheeks, around the hole there and just slightly within.

“Nico?”

“Ssh, love. It’s all right. Tell me if you don’t want this but at least give me a chance to prepare you a bit and try. I think you’ll enjoy it.”

Nico pressed close, his muscular thigh preventing the dildo from sliding out of her p-ssy. Every now and then he pulsed his leg so the shaft pushed in and then out again as he moved back, f*cking her gently, reminding her of its presence. Riki looked sideways, noting the little tub of ointment Nico had open on the table. It was one more of the many things in the decadent tent she either hadn’t noticed or understood until now.

The ointment smelled of herbs and she could feel it sliding, with Nico’s finger, in and out of her ass, evoking some incredible feelings. Her inner muscles clenched on the glass rod still impaling her as Nico added a second, then a third finger to her ass, stretching her.

Riki moaned when he removed his fingers and moved his cock to her back entrance.

“Push out a little, love. Let me in.”

“Nico!” She whimpered, not in protest but in excitement as he pushed in.

Riki was glad of the pillows he’d stacked beneath her as her arms trembled and gave out. Nico was fully inside her now, moving slowly, as if checking the fit.

“All right?”

Riki sobbed as he began to move gently in and out. “Give it to me harder, Nico. Faster!” she begged.

Nico did move then, giving her what she wanted. He plunged in and out, gentle at first, then harder and longer as she begged him with every motion of her writhing body, every cry from her lips. She was so close, all it took was a few hard plunges into her surprisingly sensitive body and she came, crying out his name in a strangled voice.

Riki heard her name on his lips a moment later as he joined her in pleasure.





The next morning dawned bright and clear. Estella and Drake were gone from the tent when Riki woke, but Nico was there with breakfast and a brilliant smile. They ate together, made love, and then he took her outside the encampment to a small clearing where they could be alone and enjoy the crisp morning.

“I’m glad to see I wasn’t too rough on you last night. Or this morning.” Nico leaned in to kiss her softly. “How do you feel?”

Riki smiled up at him. “I feel like I could do anything!”

“Anything?” Nico challenged her.

She nodded, willing to see what he might suggest.

“How about flying?”

Riki knew he didn’t mean flying as a passenger on his back. He was challenging her to shift. The thought drove fear into her heart, but desire was there too—desire to spread her own wings and take to the sky. It was a fire in her veins as the sleeping dragon within her awakened to her new mate’s challenge.

Riki held his gaze as she screwed up her courage and sought the dragon within as never before, willing it to come forward. She actually felt the dragon blink awake, regarding her from within her own soul with startlement for a moment before answering the call. Riki moved aside, letting the dragon form in her mind and in the physical world. She felt the dragon’s fire envelop her body as a swirling black mist rose before her eyes.

It was happening!

From one eye blink to the next, the way she viewed the world changed. Nico now stood below her, refracted in her vision by newly faceted eyes. Her head felt odd, moving sluggishly until she realized her neck was now several feet long. She was a dragon!

“I did it!” She crowed as Nico shifted before her new eyes. Within moments, he faced her as a dragon, walking right up to her and twining her neck with his own in happiness.

“I knew almost from the first, you were meant for me, Riki. After this, you can have no doubt. You are truly my mate in every possible way.”