Aiden: House of Flames

  Cato took samples from Aria and Everly and began the analysis with his computer.

  “Bethi,” Cato said addressing the ship AI. “Analyze and cross reference these samples for similarities and differences in human blood and the blood of unmated Dragon Souls.”

  “Analysis commencing,” Bethi said.

  “How can you possibly run an analysis on human and Dragon Soul blood?” Winnifred asked.

  “We have access to all human databases,” Cato said. “Any knowledge or information the human race has previously recorded is at my fingertips.”

  “Oh,” she said. “You really are good with computers.”

  Everyone chuckled and waited with rapt attention as Bethi worked on the problem.

  “Unknown antibodies identified in provided samples of mated Dragon Soul blood. This antibody is not present in any other sample available.”

  “Very interesting,” Cato said.

  “That settles it, then,” Everly said optimistically.

  “There’s still the possibility that the antibody is present in other humans or Dragon Souls but is unidentifiable by human technology.”

  “Oh,” Everly said, becoming crestfallen.

  “Don’t lose hope,” Cato said. “This is a good start. I must run more analyses and do further research. But for now, I remain optimistically cautious. I would suggest that you ladies continue to stay behind the perimeter of the shields or to go out with an escort. I’m working on this problem, and I hope to find you a solution very soon.”

  “Thank you, Cato,” Aria said. “I hope you find the answer we are all looking for.”

  “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could go shopping by ourselves, and leave the guys at home?” Everly asked Aria.

  “Seriously…”

  “Although, your mate has excellent taste in clothes, Winnifred,” Everly said.

  “I can’t say the same thing for mine,” Aria quipped.

  That was something that Aiden could definitely agree with. Everly and Aria left the basement, taking Ember with them. Aiden felt a rush of pride at Everly’s acknowledgement of his taste, especially in front of Winnie. He’d helped Everly with her look when she needed to build her confidence. He was glad to have helped her.

  “I know what I saw,” Winnifred said to Cato.

  “I agree with you. One hundred percent. But we can’t take any chances. Cato will find the answer soon,” Aiden said.

  “I hope so. It would be good news for everyone,” Winnifred said. “Now we just have to figure out how we’re going to get all of my stuff moved up to the mansion today. I’d like to sleep in your bed tonight.”

  He grinned.

  “I have an excellent idea.”

  Half an hour later, Aiden was flying through the sky, holding a storage container in his talons. Under his stealth mode, no one could see him or the container. He set it down in the backyard of Winnifred’s house, landed beside it, and shifted into his human form.

  Winnifred had wanted to come with him to help, but he thought it best to do it himself. He could easily pack up her things and be home before sunset.

  He quickly got to work in the privacy of her backyard. It was at the end of the street, surrounded by trees and he doubted anyone could see his activity. If anyone got a peek over the fence, all they would observe would be a very strong man carrying furniture.

  When he’d loaded everything up, he dropped into stealth mode and shifted, gripping the storage container with his claws. He beat the air with his massive wings and took flight, gliding above the town as the sun glowed against the mountain.

  It made him think of the lovely day they’d spent together, and he knew they would have many more. He made it back to the mansion at dusk and set the storage container in the front yard near the garage. The guys came out and helped unload her things, putting her personal things in his bedroom, her painting supplies in her new studio, and the rest of her furniture was stored in the container on her instructions.

  “That is the fastest move that has ever happened in the history of the world,” she said, fisting her hips as he closed the door of the storage unit.

  “I aim to please,” he said.

  She threaded her arm through his and laughed. “I know you do,” she said seductively.

  He kissed her forehead and whispered in her ear. “I can’t wait to spend the night with you in my bed.”

  “Me either,” she said, turning to wrap her arms around his neck.

  They kissed each other softly as the moon began to rise over the mountain.

  “Come in for dinner,” Kian called from the front door.

  Winnifred and Aiden sat at the big kitchen table with the rest of the family. Kian had cooked homemade ravioli noodles, stuffed with ricotta cheese and Italian sausage. He topped it with a creamy marinara sauce and sprigs of parsley. Dinner was served with crunchy garlic sourdough toast, and the family feasted on the meal together. Even Ember tried a little bit of the ravioli.

  “Do you cook like this every day or is it just for special occasions?” Winnie asked.

  “Every day and for special occasions,” Kian said. “This is definitely a special occasion. Congratulations, Aiden and Winnifred, we are all so happy for you. Everyone is thrilled to have another member of the House of Flames. Winnie, welcome to the family.”

  “Welcome,” everyone cheered, holding up glasses of wine, beer, and water. Ember held up her sippy cup of apple juice, squealing with delight.

  “Even though Aiden and I don’t always get along,” Dax said. “I’m happy he found his mate. And that his mate is such a great girl.”

  “We’re ecstatic to have another woman in the house,” Everly said. “We need to balance out all this testosterone.”

  “Do dragons even have testosterone?” Winnifred asked.

  “We do,” Cato said. “But it is not exactly like human testosterone.”

  “Exactly. We girls need to even out dragon testosterone,” Everly said pointedly. “That’s much worse. You’ve seen the mating impulse, you know exactly what I mean.”

  Everly and Aria laughed to each other knowingly, and Winnifred joined them. Aiden was happy to see the women all getting along, if not a little intimidated by what they might do if they got too organized. He smiled and shook his head, knowing that it could only be good for all of them. Because that is what women did for a home and a family—they brought love, peace, and comfort to a men’s hearts. That was what their Dragon Soul mates had done for the House of Flames.

  Chapter 21

  After dinner, Aiden and Winnifred went upstairs to his bedroom, finally together. Now she could focus on the future and enjoying the beautiful life they were embarking on as a couple.

  The guys had brought her boxes into his room and they’d unpacked her clothes in a second walk-in closet. Everything was already in place, and she hadn’t had to lift a finger. They stood together on the black carpets, covering the dark wood floor, and she glanced around the room.

  “We’re going to have to brighten this place up,” she said. “I think a few of my paintings will do the trick.”

  She picked up the painting that had been intended for the buyer who turned out to be a vampire and hung it up over his bed.

  “That’s perfect,” she said. “Now we can always remember how we met.”

  They gazed at the scene of the marshy pond she’d painted that day on the island. It would be a memory forever etched deep inside her mind. Aiden’s presence had made everything brighter and more intense. Just like his love did now.

  “I would never want to forget,” he said, kissing her for head.

  He kissed her deeply and lifted her from the floor, carrying her across the room. Aiden deposited her on the bed and in a flash, they were naked and under the blankets together. Their bodies crushed close, skin to skin, as if there was no separation between them.

  He claimed her mouth. A hot flood of desire that surprised her every time, filled her to the brim. Passion whirled betwe
en them, back and forth, and all around. Their tongues danced, and their arms grasped each other tight. He pulled her up to straddle his lap. Her soaked pussy pressed against his cock. They gazed into each other’s eyes, longing for each other.

  She slipped forward and pressed the head of his dick against her entrance, teasing him with her warmth. She slid down his body, kissing his muscled abs as her tongue glided over his delicious flesh.

  Reaching his member, she opened her mouth, salivating and hungry to taste him again. He growled and looked into her eyes as she sucked the head of his dick into her mouth. She moaned and closed her eyes, squeezing them tight as she savored the feel and the flavor of him. The musk of his skin and the taste of his manhood intoxicated her senses as she wrapped her wet mouth over his shaft.

  She took him as deep as she dared, his spongy head hitting the back of her throat. She gripped his massive length with both of her hands and began to stroke, using her mouth and hands to tease and excite him.

  He stroked her cheek, panting her name. With an uncontrollable roar, he rolled her over on her back and dropped between her legs. Aiden consumed Winnifred’s pussy with his all-encompassing mouth. He devoured her, sliding up her slit and thumping on her clit. He slid his fingers inside her, pressing between her breasts.

  Groaning, the flood of orgasm washed over her. Aiden turned her over on all fours as her pussy still throbbed from his wet tongue. He slid inside her from behind. She received him, throwing back her head. His hands gripped her hips, and she held on for the ride as he took her to places she’d never been and never imagined going.

  The pleasure was like a speeding freight train barreling faster and faster, so intense there was no room to think. She came over and over in the rush of lust and passion that he gave her. He held her hands over her head, thrusting deeper and harder and faster until she didn’t think she could take any more pleasure.

  He growled into the back of her neck as he came. The last spasms of their mutual climax vibrated through them both. She fell forward, turning on her back and opening her arms to him. He settled into her embrace, resting his cheek against her chest. He stroked her stomach and she kissed his dark head. A tear formed in the corner of her eye, and she him squeezed tight. Gratitude buzzed in her heart and brain. She had to tell him what he meant to her.

  “I adore you, Aiden,” she said. “I feel like I was living a half-life before I found you.”

  “Life is meant to be shared with your other half.”

  We have everything we need now that we’re together.”

  They held each other, their fingers threaded as they gazed into each other’s eyes. A tear slid down her cheek and he kissed it away.

  “I finally feel like I belong,” she whispered. “Safe.”

  “I’ve been waiting for you for a million years,” he whispered. “And it was worth every minute.”

  They slept soundly together in his big bed until the sun’s rays beamed through the windows the next morning. They woke together, lazily embracing in sweet silence.

  “I bet Kian made coffee,” Aiden said, kissing the back of her hand.

  Together, they dressed in loungewear and shuffled downstairs in their slippers. Everly and Kian were already in the kitchen, feeding Ember. Cato arrived as Winnifred poured her first cup of coffee.

  “Winnifred, Aiden, just who I needed to see.”

  “What is it?” Aiden asked.

  “I should wait to make the announcement until everyone is here.”

  Winnifred and Aiden sat at the breakfast table. Kian had served a big plate of scrambled eggs, sausages, homemade waffles, and fresh fruit with a pitcher of fresh squeezed orange juice. Winnifred dished up a plate and so did Aiden. They were half-finished by the time Dax and Aria made their arrival. Dax’s long blonde hair was tangled and messy. He wore board shorts and a surfing tank top with a pair of flip-flops. Aria was wrapped in a bathrobe with pink pajamas and white bunny slippers.

  “Finally,” Aiden said.

  “Don’t start with me until I’ve my coffee,” Dax groaned. “We were up all night playing moto-racer.”

  “I beat him every time,” Aria giggled.

  “No you didn’t,” he grumbled.

  “Did too,” she teased poking his chest.

  Dax growled and pulled her into his bear arms, kissing her full on the mouth. Everyone stared. Kian cleared his throat. Aria giggled as Dax let her go, a sheepish look on his face.

  “Anyway…I have an important announcement,” Cato said.

  “It’s about the antibodies, isn’t it?” Everly asked excitedly, bouncing Ember on her lap.

  Aria and Dax sat at the table with their coffee. Everyone waited for Cato’s announcement as he shuffled through the hologram projecting above his wrist device.

  “From what I can discern, given the current information at my disposal, I can determine with seventy-nine percent certainty, that the mated Dragon Souls are not only immune to vampire bites, but are in fact deadly to them.”

  “I knew it,” Winnifred said.

  “This is excellent news, good work Cato,” Kian said.

  “Yay!” Aria said, clapping. “I really want to go visit the patients in the nursing home.”

  “And I want to go into the city by myself once in a while,” Everly said. “I miss Steph. And having an escort every time I go see her is embarrassing. She’s starting to think Kian is a control freak.”

  “Isn’t he?” Dax asked.

  Everly snorted. “What about Ember?” she asked.

  “Ember does not have the antibodies. She has pure dragon blood and dragon blood is not deadly to vampires. It is only mated Dragon Souls.”

  “We will continue to protect Ember with our lives,” Kian said. “She cannot leave the compound without a dragon guardian.”

  “Absolutely,” Everly agreed. “We must protect her. There is no telling what the vampires would do to her if they got their hands on her again. That just means I can’t take her out with me.”

  “I advise extreme caution,” Cato said. “I have a fairly high level of certainty that the antibodies make your blood deadly to vampires. But I am not absolutely certain. I need more testing and wider range of samples I can analyze with my advanced technology.”

  “Seventy-nine percent is good enough for me,” Aria said.

  “I don’t know if it’s good enough for me,” Dax grumbled. “I still want to protect you.”

  “We will take things slow. But hopefully, the ladies will have full freedom to go about their lives as soon as Cato has completed his tests. This is a promising development,” Kian said. “We will share this information with the other houses when they emerge.”

  “We still haven’t received any contact from any of the other houses. That is concerning,” Cato mused.

  “I am sure they will emerge soon,” Kian said. “We have all been in stasis for over a million years. What difference does a few months make?”

  “I will keep you all updated on any further developments,” said Cato, taking one last sip of coffee before he stood and left the kitchen.

  “When do you think he’ll find his mate?” Everly asked Kian. “He seems so lonely.”

  “How can you tell?” Kian asked. “Cato doesn’t readily reveal his emotions.”

  “A woman can tell,” Everly said.

  “She’d better come soon,” Kian said. “He is in desperate need of a mate.”

  “He spends all his time in the basement,” Dax said. “He starting to get pale.”

  “I don’t think any of us need to worry about Cato,” Aiden said. “If anyone can resist the mating impulse, it’s him.”

  “I wouldn’t be so sure,” Kian said.

  Winnifred felt bad for Cato, but the rest of the dragons had found their mates, so she was sure he would find his mate soon as well. She asked Aiden to talk to Cato about helping her with her Internet presence, and Aiden told her it was already in the works. She smiled, knowing that she had such wonderful family
to take care of her.

  “I think I’ll go out on the grounds and paint,” she said. “The light is beautiful right now.”

  “I’ll join you,” Aiden said.

  They retrieved their paint set and guitar and made their way out to the view of the meadow. The mountain rose up in the distance against the backdrop of the blue sky, dappled with big puffy white clouds. Aria set up her easel and arranged her palette, sitting on her chair as Aiden strummed his guitar beside her.

  “You should record an album with Aria,” she said, making her first strokes on the canvas.

  “Why?” he asked.

  “Because you are the best guitar player I’ve ever heard,” she said, taking in the scene of beauty before her. “And Aria’s singing is literally magical.”

  “You might have an idea there. I’ll ask her what she thinks.”

  Winnifred reveled in the music as bliss filled her heart. For the rest of her life, Winnifred could devote herself to channeling the beauty of the world through her paintbrush to the sound of her beloved’s accompaniment. Deep in her soul, she knew that her life was complete.

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