Page 39 of Lahaina Noon

He sniffed her neck and licked up the smooth column of her throat to her ear.

Bridget let her breath out in a whoosh and Vaughn sat back down. Smiling and looking pleased with himself. She let out a shaky laugh and crossed her legs at the sudden dampness she had there. Okay, kinda scary, but dear lord that was sexy. He knew it too. She looked him in the eye and only raised an eyebrow. “Are you, must have slipped my mind.”

He rumbled low in his chest, and she worried she was going to leave a damp spot on the chair. “Well, my darling, I will be sure to remind you at the first opportunity. Unfortunately for me, all of this glass and a horde of teenagers down the hall does not lend itself to the things I want to do to you.”

She swallowed hard.

He pointed to himself and whispered, “Sex God.”He winked and continued,“As to your questions, let’s see. Colors, yes, there are multiple colors and as you guessed, they do mean different things. They’re generally associated with the powers of the Wielders they most closely affiliate with. Liam, for example, is a green and Siobhan’s power follows the family line which is warding and protection, and of course plants. They take after their mother. Marco is red, they are the warrior daredevils of the species. Reds and their wielders have a thing for speed and danger. As you’d expect, fire is their element.

“What else, silver dragons and their wielders are mostly skilled in spell work. They can weave amazing illusions and redirect light, almost like a mirror. They are tricky. Killian is silver. Oh, and the browns, as you might have guessed, are affiliated with earth and stone, they tend to be shy and quiet. And finally, the blues with water, storms, rivers, oceans and such. The myths did get a few things right.” He shrugged.

“Black?” Bridget said.

He looked around like he wasn’t going to answer at first. He sighed. “Black dragons are affiliated with raw magic. Not much is known about their abilities.”

Bridget looked at him in confusion. “But you’re a black dragon. Aren’t you?”

He nodded.

“Then how is there not much known?”

He stared at her then said, “I’m the only one. I keep that information close to my chest.”

Bridget pondered that. Obviously, there was more to this story, but she didn’t want to push him yet. “What about the rest of my questions, sir?” she asked with mock primness.

He smiled, knowing she was purposely changing the subject, and he was grateful. “Other abilities, yes, many dragons can do similar magic to the Wielders, but they are usually stronger at it unless the dragon is very old. We can all do partial transformation. We can all breathe fire, except for the blues. They do steam and are very sensitive about it, don’t ask,” he added.

“We can carry one or more people when we’re in our dragon forms. When a wielder and a dragon are touching, it amplifies both of their powers. They can develop a psychic bond, too, which comes in handy. Another thing the myths got right. The bond exists with mates… life partners. Which brings me to that other question. We reproduce with humans usually so we can keep the human form in our bloodline. Women carry the baby the normal nine months, there is nothing at birth that would give us away. Dragons don’t usually mate with each other. They’re too territorial and grumpy.” He smiled. He was only kidding a little.

“Yoohoo! Bridge!” she heard coming down the hall. It was Jorrie. “Are you decent? Do I need to cover my eyes?”

Vaughn rolled his eyes. “We’re in my office,” he called out, “We’re naked and in the throes of wild passion on my desk. Enter at your own risk.”

“Hot damn!” Jorrie laughed. She entered the office with her hand over her eyes, the other outstretched to keep her from running into anything.

Bridget shook her head, laughing. “It’s okay, Jorrie, you can look.”

Jorrie dropped her hand and looked around. She whistled and said, “Swanky! Nice digs, Drake.” She walked around looking at the view and pictures.

Bridget could tell something was bothering her. “What’s up, Jorrie? What’s on your mind.”

Jorrie sighed.

She was obviously reluctant to bring it up but it would come out soon.

“It’s Payne,” she finally said.

“Where? What hurts?” Bridget asked, confused.

“No,” Jorrie laughed without humor, “Not pain like I’minpain, Payne, as in Melissa. You remember Major Payne?” Jorrie hesitated. “I can’t work there anymore. There’s no way I can keep working for that bitch and not say something or maybe make her disappear.” She looked up at Bridget. “Every time I think about that swamp hag, I start plotting her murder.” She stared at the floor, twisting her hands. “So, I was wondering if you would write me a reference so I can start looking for another job?”

Vaughn sat back and steepled his fingers. Bridget had reassured her friend she would help, but he wanted to help her as well. He liked the spunky lady, and she was Bridget’s best friend. He suddenly had an idea. “Jorrie!” He jumped up. “What do you do there?”

She looked at him curiously, “I’m the foreign accounts liaison. I speak five languages, in addition to English, so I usually coordinate activities with our partnersoverseas.”

Vaughn snapped his fingers and ran around his desk. He turned on his laptop and began furiously typing. Jorrie and Bridget exchanged a look.

“Vaughn?” Bridget inquired.

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