Page 13 of No Room at Dragon's Landing

Cyrus

The day passed in a slow blur of chaos marked by moments to catch my breath. Most of those who stayed at my B&B left right after brunch and didn’t return until evening. And that was on an average day. During Dragon Fest, there was so much for them to do and explore, I expected the place to be deserted until well after the dinner hour.

But our location, so convenient to all the activities, made us a hub of activity. With all the food to be had? We still went through more cookies than ever before. And it was great. We wanted our guests to feel welcome, and we were willing to do anything necessary to make that happen. There were the usual requests, as well. More towels, extra bedding changes, all sorts of things that kept us hopping.

By the time we put the closed sign on the front desk, and I was able to climb the stairs to my apartment, I was completely wiped out. It was a busy day, an exhausting day, but a good day. We’d managed to take good care of our guests, keep the lobby from becoming a disaster, and I felt really good about the whole experience. All the effort we went to in getting ready for this event was paying off. Anyone who was still out on the town would be able to let themselves in through the back door using a keypad. If they really needed something, they would be able to call me, but with any luck, they’d be tired too and go right off to sleep.

I’d run myself off my feet, but with every hour that passed, every smiling guest who went to their room for the night, my spirits rose. I’d managed to steal enough time for a quick flight this morning, but that would probably be it until the fest ended. There would be plenty of time afterward.

Opening the door to my apartment, I reached for the light switch then let my hand drop. I hadn’t seen him come in, but seeing him lying there on my sofa, curled up with one hand under his cheek, my heart beat so hard, I felt sure he must hear it. It had been a good day but intense, and I hadn’t even realized what that did to my body. Tension eased from every muscle just being in the room with this omega.

He was adorable, his cheeks rosy with sleep, lashes fluttering in dreams. What was he dreaming of? Did I dare hope to play a part in them? Probably not. Humans didn’t have mates, did they? At least not in the same way dragons did. Or so I’d been told.

The drapes were open, soft moonlight falling on his face, and it took every bit of strength I had not to bend over, scoop him up, and carry him in to my bed where he belonged. What would he say when he woke up in the morning? Or while I carried him?

Flexing my fingers, I kept my hands at my sides while I went to the bedroom alone. Time was moving quickly, and I hoped that before too much more passed, I would find a way to express my feelings.

I undressed and got ready for bed, thinking I wouldn’t be able to sleep at all with my mate so close, but my exhaustion overtook me. I was asleep the minute my head hit the pillow.

Next thing I knew, I woke up to answer nature’s call. The stars still dotted the sky outside the window, although the moon had set. It made it harder to get a good look at Boen. My dragon insisted he belonged in bed with us, but I didn’t choose to argue. How could I when I thought he was right?

I came out of the bathroom and glanced at the clock hanging on the wall. With some time left to sleep, I yawned and returned to bed. I’d never be my best unless I got enough rest, so I sat down and pulled the covers up to my chin, still half asleep.

Almost asleep again, I jumped when the mattress sagged and two arms came around me, drawing me in for a hug. My breath stalled. It couldn’t be—Boen was sleeping on the sofa when I passed him on the way to the bathroom.

But there was no doubt in my mind who I held. Or rather who held me. My omega had found his way to my bed, and I wasn’t about to ask why. No, instead, I tucked him into my side and held him close, breathing in his sweet scent.

“My dragon,” he mumbled, rubbing his cheek over my bare chest.

Never let this night end. I fell asleep again, waking only when my alarm went off and Boen jerked away from me, stammering apologies. “I’m sorry. I thought you were already up. But I shouldn’t—”

“Don’t. Please,” I begged. “I’m glad you did.” I stroked his cheek, tipping his chin up. “So glad.”

For a second after I pressed my lips to his, he didn’t respond, but then his lips parted, and he sighed, linking his arms around my neck. Our first kiss was everything.

Chapter Ten

Boen

We kissed.

And it was so much more than I could have imagined. His lips were warmer than anyone else’s in my experience, his arms strong around me and bare chest rock-hard against mine. His tongue stroked the inside of my mouth, exploring and encouraging until mine joined it in a slow, erotic dance.

I never quite saw that coming, although I was very happy it had. I thought Cyrus was already gone for the day when I awoke and decided to dare slipping into his bed for just a little comfy rest before I got up. The couch really was uncomfortable. And then I fell asleep, waking to that blaring alarm. Turned out, he hadn’t left the apartment, and he seemed very pleased to find me still there.

Unfortunately, that alarm meant he had to get going. Or maybe it was lucky in that it kept us from jumping too fast. I wanted him beside me, on top of me…inside me. And leaping too fast, in the past, had led to heartache.

Of course, I only had a short time to get to know Cyrus. I was only here for the fest, and when it was gone, so was I. This lent some urgency, or I should say more urgency to our time together. Who knew if there would be another opportunity to spend time with one another in the near future?

I lolled in his bed, watching him gather his clothes for the day and carry them into the bathroom. It was an unusual situation. Usually, if you’re watching someone do these things, it’s after a night in bed together with all that entails.

But it wouldn’t be out of the realm of truth to say that the moments I’d passed with Cyrus were more special than any full night of passion with someone else. Not that I had a lot ofexperience because I did not. But I knew what and who I liked, and this man pressed all my levers, pushed all my buttons, and if a kiss could make my heart race and blood boil, would I even survive lovemaking?

It wouldn’t be a bad way to go.

He came back in, dressed in indigo jeans and a white button-down, hair combed and smelling clean and delicious. But he hadn’t shaved, and the light scruff on his cheeks and chin brought me right back to the kiss we’d shared only moments before. “Sorry the alarm woke you.” He rummaged in the top dresser drawer and pulled out a pair of argyle socks. “You should try and sleep again for a while before you get up. The fest is pretty quiet in the mornings.”

“No, it’s fine. I really should apologize again for getting in your bed though. You must have been surprised to find me here.”

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