CHAPTER SIX

A shton couldn’t believe how well he’d slept after tossing and turning but the bed proved to be just what he needed. He felt energized and ready to meet the day and whatever it would bring. He stretched and it was then he realized that he was not alone, and the shock had him recoiling.

"Oh my God." He stated in a panicked, tight whisper. His eyes were wide, his eyebrows were about to hit his hairline, and he did not know what the fuck he was going to do. His breath was caught in his throat, and he was on the verge of passing out when those eyes opened and trained on him.

They were dark with a sparkle that lit them up, and slowly, a smile formed on his face. This was Saphir, and Ashton had no idea how he ended up in bed with him. He took a quick glance around and recognized nothing. This was not the bedroom he had gone to sleep in the previous night.

"I am so sorry." He then looked down at himself, and his humiliation was complete. He was naked, totally, utterly naked, and he was in Saphir's bed. Looking across the room, he noticed a large window and contemplated throwing himself out of it, but then he heard the soft chuckle and felt a strong hand take his.

"You're fine, love." He said, reaching out with his other hand to pull Ashton closer, but Ashton froze, not sure how to handle what was happening. "Stop and take a breath. Take a long, deep breath, and it will answer all of your questions.”

Ashton took a long quivering breath and then he took another and then another. Understanding blossomed slowly as his head did not believe his heart for this could not be real. This was Saphir the Dragon Knight the dreaded warrior and second in command of the Allegheny Dragon Circle he couldn’t be Fate’s choice for a lowly fox shifter of no particular merit.

“I know you’re surprised but just take a moment and lean into it my love.” He was talking as if he were okay with this how could he be okay with a fox shifter when he was a magnificent dragon able to do anything and go anywhere. They were honored and revered and dragons were at the apex of shifter societies. He was making himself dizzy as he grappled with the facts.

“We’re mates.” He went ahead and said it and Saphir sat up and ran fingers down the side of Ashton’s face. The sensation of his touch was sending ripples of sensation racing through him. Ashton closed his eyes for a moment and forcefully swallowed a moan that nearly escaped.

“Yes, we are mates." Saphir's voice, low and sexy, ran over his flesh like a tantalizing breeze. "Your fox recognized me when we met yesterday and last night sought me out. I assume you fell asleep, and your fox took over and went in search of his dragon mate." Saphir was smiling and touching him like he was pleased, and Ashton didn't know what to make of it.

Ashton felt himself begin to calm down, and his panic slowly subsided, but the fact that he was naked still made him blush and attempt to cover himself with his hands. But Saphir interrupted and gently pulled his shaking hands away and held them.

"You're gorgeous, my love. Please don't hide from me." His body was turning white hot under the appreciative stare of his Fated mate, and there was nothing he could do to slow it down or quell the outrageous urge to throw himself on Saphir and beg to be taken.

Ashton looked at Saphir, really looked at him because up until now he was avoiding eye contact due to the embarrassment flooding his mind. The more he looked the more he recognized him as his own and the more he wanted this man.

Saphir was naked and it didn’t bother him in the least whereas Ashton tried to hide himself Saphir sat there in his naked glory totally confident and secure. Slowly Saphir pulled him into the circle of his arms and together they lay back down upon the comfort of Saphir’s bed so big and luxurious. Ashton breathed deeply once again of the fresh cool scent of pine and rainwater it filled his lungs and energized his body. His fox was settled and relaxed in the arms of his dragon.

"My dragon is in love," Saphir commented as he positioned Ashton's head on his shoulder and pulled him flush to his side.

“My fox is in heaven.” Ashton whispered and without thinking raised his hand and laid it upon Saphir’s chest. The contact was electric and in a wanton gesture he slid his hand down the center of Saphir’s chest stopping just short of what he most desired.

“Don’t stop love you are mine and I am yours explore to your pleasure.” The fact they were mates kept surprising Ashton bringing back the amazing power and reach of Fate. She made her own choices for her own reasons and Ashton was completely floored by the gift she chose to bestow on him. This magnificent dragon this man this body and soul had been given to him.

“You’re beautiful.” He said not knowing what else to say since he was so overwhelmed by what was happening between them.

"You're the beautiful one, my love. You're so sweet and clever, loving and loyal. Your brother is very lucky to have you. You've had his back from the beginning and have never faltered."

“He would do the same for me.” Ashton blushed at the praise.

“I’m sure he would.” Saphir agreed and slowly rolled Ashton onto his back while draping himself over him.

Saphir looked down at Ashton and Ashton saw into the dragon's eyes those eyes that asked so much, and they showed a side of the fierce dragon that few probably ever saw. Ashton saw vulnerability in that stare, and it touched him deeper than anything had before. Ashton was scared and he was unsure, but he wouldn't miss the chance of having this amazing man in his life for the world.

Saphir kissed him in a full, passionate embrace that sent lovely chills up and down Ashton's spine, and a heady pleasure swamped him. His need overruled everything else in his mind. His fox was ecstatic and craving the touch of the dragon. Saphir's naked body was pressed to his, and the heat was immeasurable.

The kiss went on and on, each exploring and getting familiar with the other, and every minute, Ashton could feel his lustful desire burning him up. Saphir slipped out his tongue to touch Ashton's, and then he thrust forcefully inside, aggressively mapping every inch. His taste was exquisite, and Ashton couldn't get enough.

Their bodies meshed together perfectly even though Saphir was so much larger. Ashton pressed his hard cock against Saphir's firm hip, and Ashton could feel Saphir's hard, thick erection throbbing against his thigh. The moment was becoming electric, and the progression was rapidly heading in the direction of no return. Was he ready for this?

"We can take this as slow as you need it to be, but I will never let you go. Your place is forever here by my side." Saphir made the solemn pledge while trailing hot, wet kisses along Ashton's jaw and down his throat. Ashton's mind was a swirl of need and emotional overload, and it was marvelous. He moved, thrusting his painfully engorged cock against Saphir. He held firm and allowed Ashton to seek a measure of satisfaction.

His hands, his lips and his body all conquered and crushed any hesitancy or reserve and laid Ashton’s longings and his cravings bare. He wasn’t a shy innocent he knew what he wanted, and he wanted more of his mate.

“I want you Saphir.” He said it and it came from the depths of somewhere he never knew existed. He never longed for someone like this never ached for their touch and craved their taste and their scent. This was supernatural and born of a power that was universal and natural and destined.

Saphir took his lips once again in a savage embrace. The dragon was reaching out to Ashton; he could hear the call in the back of his mind, and he answered. Saphir moved down Ashton's body, slowly paying attention to every moan, every tightening, and every shiver. He was playing Ashton's body like a fine instrument, and he was bringing forth the best and sharpest effects. Ashton's body was doing things and reacting in ways that bewildered and bemused. This was lovemaking at its absolute finest.

He attended to every inch of Ashton's flesh, stirring and sensitizing, bringing him to the edge again and again. He then slid lower, rubbing his stubbled cheek against Ashton's heated cock. The sensation was intense, and Ashton felt himself tighten, and his breath caught in his throat.

Saphir wrapped his lips around the sensitive head of Ashton's cock, and suddenly Ashton felt awash in a trembling response. His entire body was hot and vibrating with the need for more. He tried to thrust, but Saphir held him still and teased, bringing him to the brink but not letting him come.

Saphir wanted to devour his little mate, take him, and claim him to thrust inside and fill him with his essence and mark him as his own. However, the little fox, although enthusiastic, displayed a shyness and insecurity that held Saphir back and led him to take it slower but with a powerful intent. He would allow this to go slow, but every contact would be meaningful and intense.

He wanted his fox, and he wanted all of his body and soul. He took him to the root and, at the same time, inserted two fingers into his heated channel. Ashton trembled and bucked and then began shallow thrusts, which Saphir took, allowing the fox to seek his satisfaction. He thrust his fingers deep as Ashton arched into Saphir's greedy mouth, and he felt his channel walls tighten around his fingers, and it was immensely gratifying.

Saphir took him rough and fast, swallowing him down and burying his fingers deep within his heated channel. He was speeding him to the edge, and he felt his body stiffen and arch as Ashton mewed sharply and then came. It was a release that rocked through Ashton's entire body. He was panting and reaching for Saphir, tunneling his fingers through Saphir’s hair and holding him solidly as he continued to spasm and pant.

Ashton slowly came down from the peak of his climax, but his heart continued to beat rapidly, and his breathing was ragged and fast. His eyes were closed, but as soon as Saphir released his now softening cock and let it slide from between his lips, Ashton's eyes sprung open, and he held fast to Saphir's gaze.

He placed a proprietary kiss on the head of Ashton's cock and then pulled his fingers from his hole, having stretched and roused his mate. It was prep for later when he hoped to claim his mate. Ashton moaned deliciously when he removed his fingers. Saphir was tempted to push for more, but then he saw how exhausted Ashton was. He needed to rest and repair and get ready for a claim that was sure to rattle his bones, but in the best way possible.

Ashton suddenly realized that he was holding Saphir's hair in a death grip and gradually released him but let his hair slide lustfully through his fingers. Ashton was almost there.

The little fox was begging to be claimed, and his dragon was pushing for Saphir to complete the bond. Ashton closed his eyes and slowly his body relaxed. Saphir moved up to lay beside him and pulled him flush to his side both him and his dragon needed the security of contact.

"My fox is so happy in your arms, and so am I," Ashton commented. His tone was sleepy, but his words were sincere. Saphir could feel his regard and the tenderness of the affection that was building. Their bond was growing, and soon, he would claim his mate, and their lives would begin in earnest.

"Let us rest for a while, and then I will order breakfast," Saphir interjected.

“I need to check on Will and get some clothes.”

"It is early, so there will be time for breakfast. I'll contact the doctor and have him check on Will, and I'll have someone deliver your clothes. Now relax and let us get to know one another better." Saphir leaned down and placed a warm, gentle kiss on Ashton's kiss-swollen lips. Then, he lingered, enjoying the taste of his mate. He would never tire of that sweet and exciting flavor.

Spending time together like this was important to strengthening their bond and was necessary for the comfort and stability of their animals. Once he claimed Ashton and placed his mark upon his chest the urgency and pressure surrounding their union that was felt by their animals would become less and a lifelong serenity would take over.

Saphir had to admit that the urgency and pressure he felt was almost frenetic and he was unsure how long he could delay taking his mate and completing their bond. The little fox had made his delight and comfort clear but had not indicated yet if he were ready to complete their bond. He was still processing and Saphir was sure that Ashton’s fox would compel him to move faster, and he would be pushed beyond any hesitation he was feeling.

Ashton clung to him in his sleep, an action that spoke to the pull of destiny and his desire for his mate. All things looked encouraging, but Saphir would not be satisfied until Ashton wore the mark of the Dragon Knight. He decided to simply enjoy his mate for the moment and drink in his closeness and his sweet, intoxicating scent.

Ashton woke to the smell of breakfast and the gentle urgings of an amazing smelling man. His mate was proving to be both sexy and considerate a combination that could easily steal his heart. He smiled and sat up in bed while tucking the blanket around his hips. He looked around and what he saw was a very neat and welcoming room that echoed everything he would have expected of Saphir.

Breakfast was rolled up to the side of the bed on an elaborate tray. Saphir took a seat on the edge of the bed and began feeding him bacon a bite at a time. It was so intimate and something he would have never thought a man like Saphir would do. He hadn't struck him as the playful type, but obviously, he'd read the man all wrong. Saphir started to tease him, pretending to offer a bite, then took it himself and simply kissed Ashton.

This continued throughout breakfast, and Ashton could not remember ever enjoying himself more. His mate was everything and more, and he couldn't wait to learn everything about this man. Saphir had someone deliver him some clothing as promised, and after their lovely and intimate breakfast, he dressed and got ready to go see Will.

Dr. Flynn had reported that he'd slept well and was doing fine, but Ashton needed to see him and talk to him. Most importantly of all, he wanted to share the earthshaking news that the Dagon Knight Saphir was his Fated mate. He was certain that Will would be as surprised as he was.

“I’m glad you didn’t get married.” Saphir commented and pulled him into his arms for a full body hug and a hard kiss.

“I don’t even what to think about that.” Ashton confessed. “I was so stupid I actually believed maybe she was my mate. I liked her and she was fun in the beginning, and we got along at first but now that I have met my true mate I don’t know how I could have been so easily fooled.” He looked up into those scintillating dark eyes and his heart began to flutter with the love that rushed through him.

“When did you figure it out that she was not your mate?”

"Will told me that my true mate would not try to take from me all the people that I love. My true mate wouldn't have forced me to hurt Harley the way that I did. It was a slow awakening, but thank God I finally got there." Thoughts of Harley still brought shame down onto him.

"Your friend is very happy, and I'm sure you will work it out with him soon." Knowing that Harley had found his true match and was in the process of becoming a member of the Hadden Coven was nearly as big of a shock as finding out Saphir belonged to him. Life comes at you fast, which is the truest statement that ever was.

Saphir walked him back to Will’s apartment and left with the promise of not being long. “I will collect you here in an hour or so.” He said and gave Ashton another long hard kiss before leaving. When he turned around he noticed the bedroom door was open and Will had been watching them the entire time. To say the man appeared stunned by what he witnessed would be an understatement and it made Saphir smile.

“Were you just kissing Saphir?” Even his words were spoken with an edge of shock.

“He’s my mate.”

“Your mate?”

“Yep, and it's for real this time. I know what a Fated mate feels like now, and Ally had never been anywhere near this level of holy fuck, this is amazing."

“Oh, my God.” Will didn’t know what else to say.