Page 71 of Killian
Cupping the back of Dravyn’s neck to tug the tall Duke toward him, Killian reunited their mouths and allowed his tongue to explore unhindered. In the bright morning sun, Killian’s prick grew hard and Dravyn’s delightfully large cock poked Killian’s belly. Seconds away from casting another teleportation circle and pushing the dragon down to the mattress in his tree, Killian gasped as Dravyn shoved him away.
Dravyn’s eyes darted from side to side, and his entire face was bright red. Grabbing the edges of his cloak, Dravyn burrowed into his clothing.
“We are here to grow a tree,” Dravyn protested.
“I should allow you to hear the music of your garden. It has switched from its usual soft melody to a deep thunderous beat. They approve of our union and expressing what Fate has given us as mates.”
Reaching out, Dravyn patted a nearby cluster of leaves.
“Thank you,” Dravyn whispered to the garden, and in that moment, Killian fell in love. He’d known he was headed there, but it was the glowing affection and kindness Dravyn showed his plants that tipped Killian over the edge. Dravyn was truest to himself in his garden. Like Killian, he understood these weren’t just vines and flowers. They were living things with emotions.
Startled by the intensity of losing his heart to someone, Killian stumbled back a step and hoped Fate had a future for them filled with promise. Obstacles stood before them, and their lives were still separated in many important ways. Could love conquer all? Killian certainly hoped it would. He wanted it to. So easily he could imagine an eternity with Dravyn. But did the dragon want the same?
“Killian, are you well?” Dravyn asked, rushing forward and gently placing his hand beneath Killian’s elbow.
Killian dared to smile. Then he chuckled and stood firmly in the dirt where Dravyn devoted himself each hour the sun was above them.
“I am better than well,” Killian said. Fate would not lead him astray, and he did not have to doubt that Dravyn cared for him too. It was there in those glorious green irises.
“Are you sure? Your expression is odd.”
Desperate to feel connected to Dravyn, Killian reached out and caressed the dragon’s stubbly cheek. “I lost my heart to you. Right here in this garden you so love.”
“I am fond of you too,” Dravyn replied with a small smile. It occurred to Killian that when he was alone with Dravyn, the dragon rarely stared at his feet anymore. Dravyn bowed his head to conceal his emotions when he was overwhelmed, but he was otherwise willing to share himself fully with Killian. Someday, Killian yearned for Dravyn to find the confidence to always keep his chin up, and he would do anything to aid his mate in his quest to grow more comfortable around people.
“Would you call it love?”
Dravyn nodded. “Yes, I suppose I would.”
“Your honesty is refreshing.” Killian brushed their lips together and internally glowed with unparalleled happiness. “I love you too.”
“Perhaps we could celebrate such an auspicious occasion by growing a large tree?”
It was a fine idea. But it also concerned Killian. Dravyn wanted a tree to sleep in, but he did not immediately think to invite himself to Killian’s own bed. Although it saddened Killian, he understood. Dravyn’s responsibility was to grow food for his family. Such a task would be impossible if his life was elsewhere.
“Above your planting space, right?” Killian asked, moving away from the temptation of Dravyn and the mixed feelings tempering his happiness.
In a perfect world, they would declare their love for each other and fully embrace the future by combining their lives. But their world was far from perfect. However, life was a fragile thing despite the promise of immortality. If Killian were to lose Dravyn—in a far more truthful and visceral way than the simple parting of two mates who’d just met—he was unsure how he’d endure it. Or if he could pull himself from the muck and ever trust his heart in Dravyn’s hands again.
What Killian needed was to find a way to unite the D’Vaires with The Council. That way, Killian could ensure Dravyn’s family was safe and cared for and offer himself and Dravyn the opportunity to plan their years ahead. Satisfied with his plan, Killian gave Dravyn a dazzling smile.
In his hand, Killian produced the small tree he’d planted the previous night while his magick was still plentiful. Although Killian had emptied his entire well to feed The Council, he’d gained enough in his soul overnight to make coaxing the ash tree into the perfect spot for Dravyn easy. Ash was sacred to druids as it was bountiful across Europe, but it also suited Dravyn perfectly. As the leaves fell, they remained green. No color was more special to Killian thanks to Dravyn’s dragon.
The flowers that would sprout before spring would be purple—a lovely nod to Dravyn’s only sister, whose scales were the same deep violet as her eyes.
“Yes, I cannot wait to drag my mattress out here,” Dravyn enthused.
Killian walked to the back of Dravyn’s new structure and kneeled in the dirt. Sending his love to the little sprout, he gently planted it.
“This beautiful tree will keep you safe,” Killian murmured, lost in nature. Closing his eyes, he opened his hands and allowed his magick to touch the already-growing tree. Killian poured his heart into his task and sent vivid images of the man the tree would share space with. The tree swayed toward him as it shot up, and Killian allowed it. It was a living thing and permitted to do what it wanted.
Thankfully, the tree responded to Killian’s fervent promises of the future it would have as a loved one in the garden. The other plants were singing loudly, welcoming their new friend. Killian rose as the ash reached for the sky and spread itself over the planting shed where Dravyn toiled. It spread its branches wide enough to allow sunlight through so nothing would be smothered beneath it.
Killian wrapped his arms around the trunk as the tree went beyond its nature to provide Dravyn with plenty of room to sleep and enjoy the view of his garden with a delightful space, complete with a balcony.
“How did you know I wanted a balcony?” Dravyn asked, shocked as Killian patted the now fully formed ash and thanked it for everything.
“I didn’t, but your new friend here figured it out. Were you thinking of it or your love for such a thing as I grew him?”
