Her Trapped Dragon

Chapter 3

Marcus

“Sir, are you okay?” Amelia asked as she stood beside me. Maxwell and his assistant had left the room for a moment and we were alone.

I closed my eyes and took a breath as desire pulsed through me. I didn’t know what Louis was doing, but his emotions moved through our bond. His arousal burned through me. Her nearness made it hard to think about anything but taking her. Taking a breath was a mistake as the scent of her filled my nostrils. Making it hard for me not to lock the door and pull her into my arms before she could even realize what I was doing.

I wasn’t sure what Louis was doing, but I didn’t need to feel this way, this close to Amelia. She rested her hand on my forearm. That gentle touch was almost my undoing. The door opened. I fought down a snarl as Maxwell came into the room. Saving me from embarrassing myself or dealing with a lawsuit from me mauling my assistant. From claiming her before, I knew that she would consent to it.

That thought shocked me, I’d never felt less in control than when I was around her. I hoped the feeling would fade the more that I was around her. Digging my nails into my palm, the sharp pain made my head clear enough for me to open my eyes.

My daily dose of Amelia. The thought made me chuckle.

“Yes, sorry.” I said, opening my eyes to peer down at her as she looked up at me. I gritted my teeth. Her eyes made me feel like I could drown in their warm depths. She lifted an eyebrow at me, and I brought my hand up, resting it over her hand. Brushing it over her knuckles, her skin felt soft, like silk stretched thin. “It’s been a long morning. I’m okay.”

“Why don’t you sit down and I’ll get everything plated for you?”

Pulling my hand from hers, I flexed my fingers. The sparks had moved over my skin and I wondered if she felt it too? The hitch in her breath told me she had. The way her pulse fluttered beneath the skin of her neck made me wish she had worn her hair down. I nodded my head and gave her a quick smile of thanks. Before moving to sit down, Maxwell looked from Amelia to me, a grin on his face.

“I wouldn’t want to share her either.” His words were barely above a whisper.

“Jacob, I’m warning you.”

“Fine.” He grumbled as his assistant came back into the room, tapping away at his cell phone. “You know we don’t have a lot that are into the same things as us.”

Amelia sat two plates in front of us and I looked at the pasta. The buttery sauce filled my nose, making it easier to think.

“A bit of a service sub too?” He said, picking up his fork as he watched her. “Fuckin cute.”

“She hasn’t worked for me for very long and I haven’t discussed this with her.”

“But, you plan to.”

My eyes moved from Amelia and back to him, I watched as he speared a piece of squash with his fork. He didn’t say anything to me, he didn’t need to. He already knew. He was one of the few people beside Louis who could read me.

“You should eat, we’ve got a bit more to work out.” I pressed my lips together as Amelia brought over her plate and Maxwell’s assistant’s plate. Giving the tired looking person a small half smile. His assistant looked ready to take a quick nap after lunch if possible.

She sat beside me, shaking her napkin open and placing it into her lap. “It smells good.”

“It does,” I agreed, taking a sip of my water. Before tucking into our meal.

Amelia made light conversation as Maxwell talked about his travels while we ate. It was comfortable having a meal with her. I couldn’t help but wonder if it would be the same if Louis joined us. Smiling, I thought about the two of them bantering while we enjoyed our meal.

“What has you smiling so?” Maxwell asked and I shook my head.

“Nothing that concerns you.”

“Where’s the fun in not sharing.” Maxwell said, his eyes flicking over to Amelia. She was blissfully unaware that he was watching her. His gaze moved back to mine.

“I have no problem sharing with the right person.”

A slow grin spread across his face as Amelia looked up at us. She sat her fork down on her plate, “How about I get the plates cleaned up and you two can wrap things up.” She looked at her watch before speaking again, “Marcus has an afternoon appointment after this.”

“You mean our time is cut short?” Maxwell asked, reaching for Amelia’s hand.

She looked up at him and I saw the first spikes of her anger, “Mr. Maxwell, I’d suggest you move your hand.” He pulled his hand back, looking up at her with a half smirk, “Now if you’ll excuse me. I’m going to clear these plates and then I’ll be heading back to Mr. Blackwell’s office.”

My breath caught in my throat at the fire in her eyes. She was breathtaking normally, but seeing this side of her. This fire, I knew she’d be up to the challenge of leading the flock with me.

“Thank you, Amelia.” I said, my tone more commanding than I meant it to be. She shivered before looking over at me. “I’ll take care of this.”

Nodding, moved to grab her notebook. The sharp click of her heels the only sound in the room as she stomped to the door. I watched her as she stomped out of the room, fighting down the urge to follow her. Turning, I looked at Maxwell. There was no way he could understand how I felt for Amelia. What I felt for her went beyond any words I could use to express my feelings for her.

Reaching over, I stacked his plate on mine before his assistant reached over, the soft voice filling my ears.

“I’ll take that for you.”

Nodding my head, I turned back to Maxwell. “Business?”

“Business.” He nodded, resting his chin in his hand.

Maxwell patted my shoulder as we stepped outside. “Marcus, as always, it was a pleasure.”

“Safe travels, my friend.” I said, holding my hand out to him. He laughed before pulling me into a hug.

“If you change your mind about sharing.” He chuckled into my ear and I gritted my teeth as I pulled away from him.

“Jacob,” I growled and his eyes twinkled up at me. His assistant pulled up their black town car and parked it by the curb.

“That’s my ride, maybe next time. If she survives you.” He laughed as he walked away and I shook my head. Turning to walk back inside, my friend didn’t realize how I felt about her.

I walked past the lobby with an easy stroll, tucking my hands into the pockets of my slacks. Glad to be done. Now, I had one last meeting, then I could head home early to work on Louis’s surprise.

“Marcus, do you have a minute?” Boston called out as she hung up the phone. She stood before slinking around the desk. She looked up at me, batting her long lashes in what I knew was an attempt to be sexy.

“Yeah.” I said as she rested her hand on my forearm, “What’s up?”

“I was just wondering if you were busy Friday night?” She asked, her tongue darted out to moisten her red lips, and I pressed my lips together as my eyes met hers.

“I’ll have to check with Louis, but I don’t think we have any plans.” I said, pulling my arm away from her as I adjusted the sleeves of my shirt.

“No, I, I’d like to ask you on a date.” She said, her olive skin brightening up with two pinpricks of red over the apples of her high cheekbones.

My stomach dropped as her words sank in. I thought that she understood that I wasn’t interested in her. I’d never pursued her when Louis and I had discussed adding another person into our relationship that could provide us with offspring.

“I’ve already talked to Louis and he agreed.”

Frowning, I straightened my tie. Thinking over my next words carefully. “Did he now?”

“Yes, he said he wouldn’t stand in our way. So if you-”

“Boston, although I care about you as a member of my flock. I don’t think you would be suitable for myself or Louis.” I said, trying not to sound as harsh as I knew the words would come out. Boston wouldn’t love us, she couldn’t.

“Marcus, I’m a prime.”

“I know and you will find a mate, it’s just not me.” I said as I turned away from her.

“Marcus,” She said, her voice a low whisper. I could hear the tremor in her voice. “Please.”

“I’m sorry.” I didn’t look back at her, if I did she might interpret my compassion as interest even after rejection. Prime’s were very much swayed by their emotions, it’s what made them good mates.

Which I had no doubt that she would be, for someone else.

Moving to the stairwell, I walked up the steps, pulling out my phone as I went. My thumb moving over my contacts, I swiped to Louis. Pressing the call button, I held it to my ear.

“Hey.” His voice was tired and I wondered if he’d be able to stay up for my surprise.

“So, Boston?”

“Yeah, she asked.”

“Is that what upset you earlier?” I asked, my steps smooth as I walked up the concrete stairwell. The sound bouncing around me. The reception wasn’t the best, but I would still hear him.

“Yes.”

Short responses, I frowned. Something was bothering him besides Boston. “What happened after that?”

“Sin called.”

“Oh?” I asked, “And what did the demon want.”

“He has information he wants to trade.”

I could hear so many emotions in his voice. Adjusting my tie, I thought for a moment before speaking. “Do you want to trade?”

“Marcus.”

“It’s okay if you do, you know that. I want you to go get a drink of water, take a deep breath, and be finished early today. That’s the only hint that I’ll give you.”

“Oh, I have a date Friday.” He said his voice perking up and I knew it was with her.

“You do, is it a hot one?”

“Mmm, one of the hottest.”

His words made me smile, “You’ll have to tell me all about it afterwards.”

“Asking me to kiss and tell?”

“More like kiss and show. Now go get some water.” I chuckled before ending the call and pressing on the door’s lever. It opened and I could hear her voice as she answered the phone.

My last name slipping off her tongue with a practiced ease that had me wondering if she’d practiced saying this in front of the mirror at home. I watched her as she tucked the phone on her shoulder and craned her head to the side. Pinning the phone in place as she listened carefully. She moved the mouse and started typing out a message. The door closed behind me with a sharp click. I heard her hit the enter key and my tablet made a short, sharp sound. She spun around, looking at me.

Biting the inside of my cheek, I let out a sigh. I had wanted to watch her longer. She dipped her head to me as she wrapped up her phone call. Placing the curved plastic back into it’s cradle.

I walked closer to her as she looked up at me, “You’re afternoon, rescheduled.”

“Shame, you did very well today.”

I hadn’t meant to use that tone with her, she responded to me. Her head dipped down as her cheeks heated up, the blood rushing to the surface. The smell of apples got more intense. My body pulsed in tune with the beating of her heart.

“Thank you.” She said, her hands moving to the papers on her desk before stacking them.

“Why don’t you take off early, and I’ll see you bright and early tomorrow?”

“If you’re sure you don’t need me?” Amelia asked.

“I’m sure. Have a good evening, Amelia.”

She nodded her head as she started straightening up her desk. I moved back to my office, pushing the door open before falling onto the small couch. I wanted to go out there, to stalk her through the streets.

That wasn’t the most sane thought, I sat my tablet and the dossier on the coffee table. I wouldn’t do that, I needed to be stronger than that. Instead I pulled out my phone, texting Cherise to set up a dinner basket for us. Louis and I had a date. The thought brought a smile to my face.

Louis’ hands bounced on the steering wheel as we drove home. He looked over at me and I felt the need to touch him; I didn’t. Instead, I rested my hand on the console, giving him the choice.

“So are you more excited about our date or your Friday night one?”

“Apples and oranges.” He said with a smirk and my heart felt warm. It was nice to see my mate happy like this. His eyes lit up with a familiar glint. Happiness moved through me.

“We’re fruit now?”

“No, she smells like an apple and well comparing you two is like apples and oranges.”

Lifting an eyebrow, I waited as he looked away from the road and back to me.

“Both of you are sweet in your own way.” He said, his grin deepening.

“You think I’m sweet?” I asked with a chuckle.

“In your own way, you are.” He winked at me before turning back to the road, “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.”

“Louis.” He shivered, his hand moving from the wheel to my hand that rested on the console.

“Marcus?”

“When we get home, I want you to change into a pair of jeans and hiking boots.”

“An adventure?” He asked as I brushed my thumb over his knuckles.

“Part of your surprise.”

“I like your surprises.”

I brought his hand up, kissing the back of his hand as we pulled into our driveway. Cherise was pulling out of the garage. She gave us a wave from her car as she drove towards the road.

“She’s too good to us.”

“She is, I’ll miss her when she finally goes to nest.” I said, as Louis pulled the car into the garage.

He glanced over at me as he undid his seatbelt and I nodded, “Go change.”

Louis was out of the car and moving down the hallway at the full speed of his dragon. I smiled as I got out of the car and made my way to the kitchen. Checking on the basket that Cherise had packed for us. She left a post-it note on the top, her girlish looping ‘have fun’ made me chuckle as I shook my head.

I peeked inside, smelling the scent of the roast beef sandwiches she’d fixed us along with the sweet scent of the chopped fruit. Closing the basket, I walked towards our room as Louis pulled on his shirt, moving to the closet to pull out his boots.

I started undressing as I moved over to our dresser. Grabbing a cotton t-shirt as he came out, pulling on his boots with a small hop. I tossed my work shirt towards the hamper and pulled the t-shirt on before grabbing a pair of jeans. The knees were ripped, but they were well worn and soft to the touch. I pulled them on and he whistled at me.

Smiling, I looked over my shoulder at him, “Do you like what you see?”

“Always, now about this surprise?” He asked as he moved back into the closet, grabbing my hiking boots.

“It’s bigger than a bread box.”

“Not this again.” His voice was muffled by the clothing as he searched for my boots.

“Okay, then I guess I’ll have to tell you.” I said, sitting on the bed as he moved out of the closet. He handed me my boots, I started pulling them on as I spoke. “I know that time is what means the most to you. We’re going to go on a hike up the mountain. Eat some dinner, then we’ll fly.”

“Thank you.” He said smiling down at me as I finished tying my laces. I took his hands in mine, “I’ll meet you on the back porch, we’ll leave our phones here. No work, just us tonight.”

“I like this surprise, tell me does it have a happy ending?”

“Always for you.” I said, giving his hand one last squeeze before letting him go. I stood from the bed, moving down the hallway. We turned in away from each other as he moved to our living room, heading out outside. I moved to the kitchen, scooping up the basket as I headed towards our back patio.

Louis was on the steps, looking out over the trees that surrounded our land. He was bouncing up and down as he looked back at me.

“Let’s get going.”

Our hike was pleasant and I was glad for the time with my mate. We stood at the top of the mountain. Louis’s favorite spot. It had the steepest drop, and my mate loved the free fall of it before launching himself in the air.

“It’s so pretty this time of day.” He said, looking out over the orange and purple painted skyline.

“It is,” I couldn’t help but agree as I watched the colors move over his skin. I hated to call him away, but I knew how easy it was for him to get lost in nature and it’s beauty. “Dinner?”

“Yeah,” he said, turning back to me. “I can’t wait to see what Cherise packed us.”

I sat the basket on the ground before opening the top and pulling out a soft flannel blanket and spreading it on the ground. It was at that strange time of year, where the grass wasn’t dead yet but wasn’t lush as it normally was. Louis sat down and I picked up the basket, sitting it down in front of him as I sat down. Crossing my legs as he opened the tupperware container and handed me a half sandwich.

The crust was thick and with a smile I realized that Cherise had made it from scratch. She really spoiled us too much. We sat, eating and making small talk about our day. I told him of Amelia’s reaction to Maxwell. He smiled, his curiosity peaked when I told her that she’d responded to me without thought.

“Do you think-”

“I do,” I said, finishing off my sandwich before reaching for the container for another.

“She would look amazing holding a whip.” His words were soft. They painted a picture in my mind that made me wonder if that would be something that she could give him. A part of me hoped that she could, that we wouldn’t scare her away.

“We shall see.” I said, taking a bit and looking out at the setting sun. “We should hurry up, the light is fading soon.”

Louis nodded. We finished up our sandwiches, saving the fruit for later. We would be tired after the shift, then again we may just fly home and hike up for the basket tomorrow.

I watched as he shed his clothing, sitting it off to the side as I went about putting away our containers and folding the blanket.

His skin rippled as his body contorted. Bones popping and elongating as his skin started to take on that luminescent glow that reminded me of an opal.

Where once a man had stood, a great dragon now crouched in his place. It lifted its shoulders, its eyes slowly opening. Faint amethyst orbs peered at me.

I pulled my shirt off, watching as he ran towards the edge of the cliff. Throwing his great body over the side before his wings started to beat, catching the wind, he soared down.

I tossed my clothing onto the ground, my dragon was ready and my shift was quick. Soon, I was joining my mate. The moon peeking out to join us in our playful flight.