“I want to fuck you so bad.”
His words once again had shivers breaking out over Ellery. It was not only the statement but the needy growl he’d used that increased Ellery’s desire. Their mouths met, hindering any further conversation. With his free hand, Chrysander kneaded Ellery’s ass and drove him insane. He was so ready to be joined with him. It was a welcome relief when Chrysander added another finger to stretch him. The dragon found Ellery’s prostate and it was nearly his undoing.
“Keep doing that,” he whispered into their kiss.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
He knew better than to torture Ellery by pressing that hot bundle of nerves inside him with each pass. Chrysander kept him on edge by varying how many times he pumped in and out while evading where Ellery wanted to be touched until he screamed. When his blood heated to the point where Ellery feared he could no longer hold back, Chrysander added another digit and avoided his prostate altogether.
Ellery’s dick leaked onto Chrysander’s belly as he waited on tenterhooks for his other half to be convinced he was ready for him. Their lips met again and again as their desperation for each other increased. Finally, after Ellery was sure he was only seconds away from catching fire from his overheated senses, Chrysander pulled his fingers free.
Tearing his mouth away, Ellery rose up and snatched the lube which had come to rest next to the pillows. He dumped some of it into his palm, then tossed the bottle aside. Chrysander was studying him from where he lay with his eyes half-closed. His skin was flushed, and Ellery doubted he had ever looked more delectable.
Scooting backward, Ellery fisted Chrysander’s dick and stroked gently to cover it in the slick. He wasn’t going to punish him, so as soon as he was sure Chrysander was prepared, he released him. Ellery moved forward and reading his intentions, Chrysander held his cock up to allow easier entry. Once he was in the right position, Ellery reached behind him and guided Chrysander toward his center. His lashes fell as Chrysander entered him.
This was what he needed—the physical connection of the man who held his heart. Chrysander filled him as Ellery slowly lowered his body. Although he wanted completion desperately, Ellery was also unwilling to allow it to happen too quickly. He braced himself on Chrysander’s chest as his mate’s thick length at long last was in as deep as possible.
“Fuck, Ell…you feel so good.”
The sexy rumble of his voice was music to Ellery’s ears. He wanted to watch as Chrysander climaxed, so he tore his eyes open as he lifted up and back down. Ellery’s plan was to start riding him slow, and Chrysander’s hands came up to grab his thighs. His fingers flexed against Ellery’s muscles as they bunched and elongated with his movements. After all this time apart, Ellery was unable to be timid or cautious. He sped up as Chrysander thrust to meet him, finding a rhythm that was perfect for them both.
“Close, Ell,” Chrysander huffed out, which caused immense satisfaction in Ellery’s blood. He was on the edge and unsurprisingly, his fangs punched through. Unwilling to give his dragon any quarter, especially in such intimate moments, Ellery’s spine bowed as he continued to move over Chrysander. His victory may have only lasted seconds, but he would still count it as a win. Ellery surged forward and Chrysander obliged by arching his neck to give him better access. His teeth bit through the tender skin, and Ellery’s orgasm smacked into him.
He was not alone. Chrysander let out a long moan as the warmth of his come filled Ellery. His own splashed onto Chrysander’s muscled belly between them. It was more than a physical moment; to Ellery it was a homecoming. A beautiful reminder of the soul connection that would last for eternity. His chest heaved as he tried to catch his breath and his brain switched back, prompting him to release the hold he had on Chrysander’s throat.
Licking the wound closed, Ellery buried his face into Chrysander’s warm skin. His mate’s arms came around him and held him so tight he nearly shattered.
“I love you,” he said, his voice muffled by his position.
“I love you too, Ell,” Chrysander returned, proving that he’d heard.
Tears filled Ellery’s eyes, not only for the splendor of the moment but because he knew it could not last. In fact, his dragon was making his presence known, and he could feel scales rippling, warning him he had only seconds before he was in beast form.
Reluctantly, he lifted his head, not even trying to stop his weeping. Chrysander’s expression was one of concern as their gazes met. A heartbeat later, sadness replaced it as he recognized Ellery’s urgency and he scrambled up. He had no time to wish he could enjoy Chrysander inside him for even an extra moment. Racing through the opening of the tent, Ellery roared as his choice was ripped away from him, and his dragon took over.
Weary of the daily struggle, Ellery pitifully lowered himself to the ground. He would not grant his beast the enjoyment of flight, no matter how hard he fought to spread his wings. Chrysander emerged wearing only a loose pair of sleep pants and his skin cleansed of Ellery’s come. He hunkered down next to Ellery. Automatically, Ellery wrapped a wing around him. Inside, he was desolate. It was Chrysander’s arms that should have held him close after lovemaking as they slipped into sleep instead of this horrible facsimile.
“Don’t be sad. We’ll be together again,” Chrysander whispered. Ellery let out a dissatisfied growl, but he reminded himself that Chrysander was right. They didn’t have everything they wanted. However, they were no longer left with just this. The very next day they’d be together, and that was a priceless gift which gave him the strength to survive.
Chapter 32
As they entered their ninth month of living at D’Vaire, Zane was happy that there was significant progress in Ellery’s journey into recapturing his life. Grigori and Delaney had successfully produced a potion that boosted Ellery’s elven cells. It added another concoction that was mixed into the intravenous treatments Ellery was given, but now he only had to suffer through it once or twice a week. His Majesty had worked with his trainer to relearn how to enter his dragon form on his own.
For twenty-three hours a day, Ellery could be himself. All the magic poured into him still made him sick, and it was now several hours that he was ill. There was vomiting and dizziness, but Ellery never complained. It was the price he had to pay to be with Chrysander, and Zane understood the power of a matebond. Like Ellery, he would have done whatever it took to be with Tiri were he in the same predicament.
Sorcery D’Vaire was confident in their ability to continue to prolong Ellery’s time out of dragon form and on the horizon loomed the promise of someday leaving Aleksander’s beautiful home. Like the rest of the Draconis men, it would sadden Zane when he had to go. The D’Vaires had opened their doors with welcome arms, and their lively household did everything to bolster their spirits. But, home awaited and with it, the regaining of Ellery’s position as Emperor.
Since Ellery had gained so much of his day back, Zane was determined to have the conversation that was long overdue. His mind set, he walked out of the house and smiled at the striking elf who was sitting out on the deck alone. It was as if he had anticipated that Zane needed to speak with him, and he hoped it would bode well.
“Can we talk?”
“Absolutely, have a seat.”
Zane chose a chair across from Ellery and their eyes met. In the depths of those cracked golden and green orbs were emotions Zane was unable to read.
“How are you feeling?”
Ellery’s mouth lifted into a wry grin. “I am well.”
