CHAPTER EIGHT

S aphir and Roan headed to Palmer's home in McCandless first but found nothing. According to the household staff, Palmer and his wife joined Ally on a vacation to New York. Their lie was obvious, but it was also clear that none of them knew where he was.

The waiting and game playing was not Saphir’s style, and he was on the edge of causing enough destruction that the man would be forced to return and deal with it. But Roan ever the diplomat insisted that he could get some answers, so Saphir gave him leave to try and stepped back. Roan targeted the gardener who was human and much easier to manipulate than the house staff which were all fox shifters.

“The oldest son was by here a few hours ago looking for his father.” He told him. “He came out of the house and yelled to his companion that he’d gone to the forest whatever that means.” That was all the two men needed to hear they thanked the man and immediately took off.

"I'm calling Ashton," Saphir announced.

"Make sure he stays inside; no telling what that man plans or the power he wields," Roan added.

“Hello.” Saphir was confused when Will answered Ashton’s phone.

“Where is Ashton?” He asked.

“I don’t know I found a note and his phone on the bed, but he’s gone.” Will stated and his worry was clear. “The note says he’ll be back soon that he needs to deal with something.”

“Check the last call on his phone.”

“An unknown number and it lasted five minutes.” Saphir asked for him to give him the number and he’d check it out.

"Don't worry, Will. I'm sure he's okay." Saphir tried to ease his mind. He closed the call and turned to Roan, who had already run the number.

“It’s a number associated with an apartment complex Palmer owns.”

“Palmer called him.” Saphir’s tone was tight and heated.

“That would be my guess, yes.” Saphir did not hesitate he shifted and took to the sky’s not caring who may be watching. Roan followed cloaking them both from detection. Saphir could follow Ashton his scent was like a homing beacon for him and God help Palmer if he so much as lays a hand on the little fox.

Ashton made it out of the dragon’s magnificent castle like structure easer than he’d expected. There were groups of shifters heading out and he just fell into step with them and broke off once he was outside. Now he had to make it to the clearing before dark. He knew the way but had to hurry there was not much time.

He wasn’t stupid he knew the reason Palmer wanted him there was to kill him and probably his father too. He’d figure something out once he got there. Palmer wasn’t in good shape but the magics could make up for a lot of short comings. The more he thought the more he started to feel completely out of his depth but there was no turning back now.

Reaching behind his back he pulled a large butchers knife from his waist band. He found it in the kitchen of the apartment and thought it might come in handy. He wasn’t someone who dealt in weapons or had any use for them until now and the knife gave him a modicum of security. It was better than nothing.

He came to the edge of the clearing and kept down while scanning the area. He could see no one be he could feel a presence. It gave him the sense that someone was watching him, but he couldn’t smell fox. Palmer always carried a pungent an offensive odor of wet fox it was his signature scent.

He was either unaware of it, or he liked it because it never changed. Ashton took a deep breath and there in the light breeze was the faint odor. Palmer was somewhere close. He didn't scent his father, but Palmers odor could be masking it. Still there was something or someone else present and he didn’t know what to make of it. They weren’t with Palmer the essence came from behind and to his left.

Saphir received the message from Johan the second he landed in the forest, and he shared it with Roan. “I followed Ashton when he snuck out of the den. He hid himself among other shifters so no one would notice. He then took off into the forest. I’ll follow and report my findings.”

Saphir sent back a quick and crisp response. “Ashton is my mate follow him I think he is headed for trouble. Keep him safe. I’m on my way.”

“Will do.” Thank the heavens for Johan, he was thinking as he took to the skies once again with Roan by his side. His fear for his mate was piercing his rational mind, and he was having to hold his dragon back from letting him take care of the problem, which would likely leave a good share of the forest in flames. Focus, damn it, focus, he told himself as he flew low over the area and immediately scented both Johan and his precious mate.

Ashton saw the dragon overhead and knew in an instant that it was Saphir and probably Roan with him and it was one hell of a sight they were magnificent. He also knew that Palmer told him to bring no one with him or he’d kill his father and the fear of that happening shot through him.

He knew Palmer was standing out of sight just beyond the rocks on the edge of the river. He jumped to his feet and began running, not sure what he planned to do, but he had to get to his father and Palmer before he hurt him.

Panic had taken him, and he ran faster and faster, eating up the ground, desperate to get to him. "No, no, don't hurt him. I didn't tell anyone." He shouted as Palmer stepped out from behind one of the large rocks, but he didn't have Ashton's father with him. At that moment, his fear for his father and the thought that Palmer had killed him caused Ashton to let out a sharp, anguished scream. The dragon in the sky reacted immediately and soared toward the ground at an incredible speed.

Ashton reached out toward Palmer, who laughed, and, although he saw the advancing dragon in the sky, raised a golden dagger. "Your blood is all I need, Ashton. I've groomed you for this moment since the day I met you."

“My father, where is my father?”

“At home I assume having dinner with the family.” He laughed and made to strike Ashton, but the dragon swooped in knocking Palmer backward and off his feet for a moment. He struggled to his feet and raised his hand and began some chant, but the second dragon was there to grab him and raise him into the sky.

Ashton was shocked to see Johan rushing toward him then grabbed him by the shoulders and abruptly carry him away to the tree line. “What’s happening Johan?”

"Saphir and Roan are destroying that warlock and his magic." Ashton watched as Palmer was dropped from a great height and landed at the water's edge. His magic helped him survive, but not for long. Saphir plucked him from the ground and soared into the sky straight up above the clouds.

"I thought he had my father. He said he'd kill him if I didn't meet him." Ashton felt compelled to explain himself. "But my father is not here. He lied to get me out here. I'm such an idiot."

"Not an idiot. You just react to your emotions."

“That doesn’t sound much better than an idiot actually.” Ashton smiled when he heard Johan chuckle the man was a true stoic and laughter was out of character.

"Your instincts and impulses will get sharper the longer you live with dragons." Johan was very kind, and Ashton appreciated his warmth. They watched the dragons continue to hand off Palmer back and forth and drag him through the river at high speed until finally, Saphir ended him. Ashton looked away because even though Palmer had planned a very gruesome end for him, he had difficulty witnessing his demise.

The warlock had to be beaten down, his powers frayed, and his control broken before the host was killed; otherwise, the evil within him could survive and take hold of another willing host. Saphir dropped what remained of the warlock in the clearing, and together, he and Roan finished him with dragon fire. Nothing remained except a fine gray ash, which abruptly blew away.

Saphir turned and as he moved toward where Johan had taken Ashton he shifted back to his human form. His mate broke from Johan and ran to him, and it was the sweetest most loving gesture he could have bestowed upon him. Ashton jumped into his arms and held him. Saphir wrapped him in his arms and squeezed so relieved to have him there save and sound.

“Don’t ever do something so crazy ever again.” Saphir chastised.

"I thought he had my father. He said he'd kill him if I didn't meet him in the clearing. I panicked, but I brought this." Ashton reached behind him and pulled the butcher's knife from his waistband. Saphir cocked a sarcastic eyebrow and took the knife, and handed it off to Roan.

“I’m sorry to say that would not have saved you, my love."

“I could have inflicted a little damage before he killed me.” Ashton defended weakly.

"No more running off." He was fixed on that point. Seeing that dagger and knowing what that bastard warlock intended brought his dragon to the edge once again. "You are my mate and my life. Do not be so cavalier with your safety. Promise me, please."

“No more running off and no more falling for stupid lies.”

“Good enough.” Saphir didn’t want to come down on him too hard, but he wanted to make his point very clear.

"I've notified Winston Garlock of the actions of Palmer and his family. He has assured me they will be promptly exiled and their holdings confiscated for the good of the troop." Johan informed Saphir.

"Notify Master Hadden that he will make sure to follow up with the rest of the family members and will make certain no magic influencers remain," Saphir instructed and then, looking down into the exquisitely charming face of his little mate, made the declaration. "We're going home, and I'm claiming you. I want you to have the full protection of a bonded dragon mate, and I'm not willing to wait another second."

To Ashton's surprise, Saphir shifted and grabbed him, flying them both back home in record time. He landed on the front terrace, quickly shifted, and took Ashton into his arms. "That was unbelievable. I wasn't even scared." Ashton gushed.

"You never have to be scared when you are with me, my love." He said as he rushed them inside and into Saphir's quarters. He didn't stop until they were in the bedroom and Saphir was urgently removing Ashton's clothing. "I need you right now, Ashton. The fear of losing you nearly crushed me, and I need you to wear my mark."

"I'm sorry, Saphir. I'm sorry I upset you." He was genuinely saddened by everything that had happened. "I didn't mean to cause you distress. I feared for my father, and it blinded me to the danger I was putting myself in."

“I understand why you did it but don’t ever do it again.” Saphir stated clearly once again.

"I won't." Ashton helped him finish stripping, slipping off the last of his clothing, and then eagerly got up onto the bed. He watched with a salacious smile and sparkling gaze as Saphir continued undressing. The appreciation was a real ego boost. It was clear that Ashton liked everything that he saw.

He then got up onto the bed beside Ashton and took him into his arms for a long and heated kiss. His lips were warm and needy, and he gave Saphir everything he asked for and everything he loved. Ashton reached over and took Saphir's cock in hand, and a wave of red lust burst through him. The need to be inside this man flooded his system.

Saphir broke the contact for a moment and stared down into those clear blue eyes filled with something that called out to him and called out to his dragon. The heat the scent and the desire filled the room and filled Saphir. “You’re amazing.” He whispered and took his lips once again. Pushing Ashton backward he fell on top and pressed his lovely mate back into the soft mattress and pillows. Ashton was moving with him and heightening the sensations of their bodies pressed so tightly together.

He felt Ashton's lips on his neck trailing across his shoulder, and it titillated and began a fire in the depth of his being. He was hard and aching, and his cock throbbed with the need for satisfaction. Ashton's hand was sensitizing the flesh to the point of climax, so he pulled back slightly, moving to separate Ashton's legs and open him up to Saphir's explorations.

His kisses moved to Ashton's shoulder as his fingers found his waiting hole. "You're so tight I want to stretch you and prepare you for my cock. I want this to be so perfect." He spoke softly into Ashton's ear, and he heard him moan and press himself against him. His hands were on Saphir's back, and his arms touched him and sent thrilling sensations throughout his body.

Ashton had a power and control that could rule Saphir and that thought didn’t scare him. The little fox would own him in every way following this evening their bond would seal their lives and their connection for all time. He continued to stretch the tight ring of muscles and thrust his fingers inside reveling in the moist heat and the pressure it was perfect.

"I'm ready, Saphir." Ashton panted and squeezed his upper arms. Saphir felt the bite of his tiny nails, and it was a delicious feeling. His cock became even hard, if that was possible, and he pushed up to press the head against Ashton's waiting hole.

He teased him for a while, pressing and then easing off to Ashton's wanton moans. He was a stunning little lover, and Saphir looked forward to centuries of tasting his life and love. Ashton was his heart now and soon to be the center of his life.

Ashton wrapped his legs around Saphir and held on as Saphir plunged forward with his hips burying his cock deep in one thrust, stretching and filling him full. The pressure was exquisite, and Ashton's hands were everywhere, exploring and learning Saphir's body and reactions. He returned to Saphir's back, running the palms of his hands over the muscles over and over. It was quickening and energizing, and his mate provided him with so much with just his presence.

“I love you sweetheart to the depths of my heart I love you to the bone every part of you all that is you.” Saphir had never been good with his words, but he couldn’t stop expressing himself to his mate needing to assure him of his place and his power with Saphir and in Saphir’s world.

He began to hammer hard as his climax came upon him, and Ashton stiffed, reacting to the sharp sensations rocketing through him. Saphir held him fast, and at the moment of release, he placed his hand on Ashton's chest. His dragon roared as he pressed forward and released the tender heat that would brand his mate with his mark. The act was intense, but for only a moment, until the burst of pleasure took over and swamped Ashton's entire being.

Ashton came in forceful streams, filling the space between them, and released a scent that pushed Saphir over the edge for a second time. He stiffened and came once again, filling Ashton's tight, velvety channel to overflowing. He continued to thrust, needing the contact and to soothe his over-sensitive cock.

They stayed like that for several minutes as the bond snapped into place and their souls became one. The dragon and fox together body and soul. Saphir slowly pulled out and lay down beside Ashton who was panting and his flesh gleamed in a most tantalizing way.

Saphir admired the mark, and Ashton looked at it in awe. It was the mark of the Dragon Knight, and it was extraordinary. "You're mine now, sweetheart, all mine." He said and kissed him softly.

"I've always been yours, Saphir, always."

THE END