Page 39 of To Fall for a Dragon

“Thank you for that. You hold my heart in your hands, and I can’t think of anything else to say.” Hakko whispered as Poe’s words hit him hard in the solar plexus. The honest way he spoke to Hakko was overwhelming. Hakko had never believed he’d find a mate in this odd world. But his gods were kind and sent Poe in his direction. One day, soon, he’d whisper terms of love into Poe’s ears, and Poe would return them without hesitation.

Epilogue

Poe sat along the river’s edge and stared up at the sky. The hour was late, and he was alone. Not that he minded being alone now. Hakko was inside the cottage, having a catnap with their new guardian pet, a gift from Darius. Poe had never been comfortable around felines as they always hissed at him whenever he passed by them.

However, this cat, a white long-haired with two tails, was the sweetest he had ever encountered. During the day, when Poe was deep asleep, Lucy would sleep in a ball next to him. It was like Lucy understood the assignment and never allowed Poe to feel abandoned.

Life after Hastur was banished from this realm was brighter. He hadn’t expected to experience such a big difference, but there was one. People were more relaxed as they lived their lives.

They wanted to get to know Poe, which baffled him, and at times, he was glad the sun rose so damned early and set so bloody late. He didn’t have to be the social butterfly for the townsfolk. Poe was content to visit with Caden and Darius. Bale, Darius’s demon mate, intimidated Poe, so he hid whenever Bale dropped by.

“Hey, I didn’t think you’d be lounging in the river this late. Are you okay?” Hakko asked as he settled in the shallow water. Poe smiled up at Hakko and offered his mouth for a good evening kiss.

“I like the river and its inhabitants. They make me laugh,” Poe answered. “It’s also a helluva lot cooler in the water than anywhere else. Did you have a good day?”

“Mmmhmm. Ethan and I were discussing future exhibits, and Caden has agreed to be on hand for ghost handling duties. I think there’s something going on at his house. He seems a lot more frazzled than normal.” Hakko floated behind Poe and snuggled in close.

“Can you help him?” Poe liked Caden since he calmed the ghosts down. He was a funny guy with a dry sense of humour that appealed to Poe. His abilities fascinated Poe too.

“Possibly? He has to ask first though.” Hakko nuzzled Poe’s neck. “Hmm, you smell delicious. Have you had something to drink?”

“No! Of course not. I couldn’t ask anyone to do that.” Poe wiggled away, embarrassed and turned on by Hakko’s curious question. He hadn’t sipped from anyone but Hakko since they declared their intentions to each other. Caden had offered, but both Poe and he were a bit squeamish about the idea.

“But you have a scent that’s driving me crazy,” Hakko licked the column of Poe’s neck, causing goosebumps to form along Poe’s upper torso.

“It’s all you and your possessive dragon ways. It’s creating a change within me. Making me spicy.” Poe blushed. To say such a thing seemed absurd, even if it was true. The unique qualities of Hakko’s life force had affected a chemical change within Poe.

“Spicy is good. Let me have a taste.” Hakko nipped at Poe’s neck and hummed appreciatively.

“If you must. One would think that you were the vampire of the relationship, not me,” Poe tipped his head to the side, allowing Hakko a better angle. This type of claiming wasn’t something Poe expected to enjoy, but Hakko had turned it into a pleasurable part of their morning routine.

“Dragons like to mark their toys too.” Hakko dipped his hands below the water and began playing with Poe’s body, teasing his cock through his wet shorts. “Especially if it means no evil jackass will take them away. You’re never to leave me, darling.”

“Not after that delightful declaration,” Poe arched into Hakko’s touch, loving the warm hands on his cool skin. The water helped his buoyancy as he closed his eyes. The past had no part in his life. He could be free to do what he wanted with Hakko at any time or place, though in the river at midnight was a lot of fun. “I’m not sure I can handle that.”

Hakko slid his hand below Poe’s cock and squeezed his balls threateningly. “You better or I won’t–”

“You won’t what?” Poe squirmed around as he escaped Hakko’s hold to face him. Hakko’s eyes were greeny-gold as his possessive nature neared the surface. Poe draped his arms around Hakko’s neck and smiled at him.

“Gods, you’re beautiful.”

Poe gaped at Hakko. He hadn’t expected the blunt compliment. Whenever Hakko came out with these comments, Poe wanted to hide away, which was a challenge in the water. “You shouldn’t tell lies.”

“I’m not lying. I’ll repeat myself until you believe me. Trust me, Poe. When I say those things, I mean every single word.”

“I know,” Poe whispered as he cupped Hakko’s face in his hands and kissed him. Poe poured his awkwardness and his appreciation into the embrace. Poe hoped that the kiss would explain everything he couldn’t speak out loud.

“You make me so happy. I found peace when I found you.” Hakko pulled away and stared deep into Poe’s eyes.

“Stop it,” Poe ordered while wrapping his legs around Hakko’s waist. He hoped that bringing their bodies together would cause Hakko’s words to cease. Hakko chuckled as he lifted Poe higher on his lap. “Why do you keep doing that?”

“Hmm, why indeed? Come here,” Hakko kissed Poe deeply, and there was silence. No more embarrassing words, just cuddling in the water under the stars. Hakko’s kisses always spun Poe’s thoughts into a whirl of chaos and hope. He loved the combination, just as he loved being in Hakko’s arms.

Poe clung to Hakko’s shoulders as they kissed. The sizzle of water startled him, but Hakko slipped his tongue against Poe’s, making his brain explode. Who knew how long they kissed, but it was the best part of Poe’s evening.

Hakko pulled them closer to shore, and he flipped them over until he was floating on top of Poe. From the corner of Poe’s eye, he was sure he could see a hint of Hakko’s tail, anchoring them in some fashion.

“Your tail,” Poe moaned as Hakko slid his hand down the curve of Poe’s ass. His thumb teased the rim, and it shot shivers through Poe’s nervous system. “Dammit, Hakko.”

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