Page 43 of Fractured Sky
It was terrifying.Before, Sol hadn’t had anything to lose.Now, he had everything to lose, and he didn’t know how he’d cope if that happened.
That was why they needed to win the war against Carlyle.Sol wouldn’t allow the mage to take everything he’d gained away from him.Even if he had to sacrifice himself, he would make sure that Dallin and everyone else survived.He wouldn’t have it any other way, and he could be incredibly stubborn when he wanted to be.
Today, they’d shown that they could rattle Carlyle.There was no way to know who would’ve won if Carlyle hadn’t left, but Sol suspected that Carlyle had hurried away because he’d known it wouldn’t be him.Hell, if Meyer hadn’t been hurt trying to protect Tyne, Tyne would probably have made Carlyle’s head explode or something.Part of Sol felt sorry they hadn’t gotten the opportunity to do that, but they would eventually.
Next time, they would be ready to fight Carlyle.He was just one mage.He didn’t have anyone who would use healing spells on him.He didn’t have anyone who would support him beyond Simon, and Simon was human.Carlyle might be a powerful mage, but he was alone, and that would be his downfall.
Epilogue
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THE FIRST RAYS OF DAWNfiltered through the heavy curtains, casting a soft golden glow over the bedroom.Dallin stirred and fluttered his eyes.Sol’s warm body was pressed against his back, one arm draped possessively over his waist.Sol’s breath was a steady rhythm against the nape of Dallin’s neck, sending a shiver of warmth down Dallin’s spine.
He couldn’t believe he had this again.He hadn’t thought he would for a long time, even after meeting Sol.He’d kept telling himself that Kent was gone and that Sol might never want him this way.
He was happy to have been wrong.
“Morning,” he murmured, hoping Sol was awake.
He turned slightly in Sol’s embrace to meet his dragon’s gaze.Sol’s hazel eyes were half-closed, and a lazy smile curved his lips.He squeezed closer to Dallin and traced a finger along Dallin’s collarbone, making him shiver.
“Good morning,” Sol replied, his voice husky and low.“Did you sleep well?”
Dallin nodded, shifting to his other side so he could press a soft kiss on Sol’s jaw.“As well as can be expected after what happened yesterday.”He chuckled, pressing his forehead against Sol’s.“I could get used to waking up like this, though.”He hoped he wasn’t pushing too hard.The two of them had barely had time to talk after the fight.They’d been exhausted and had dropped into bed as soon as they’d entered Dallin’s bedroom.
Sol’s smile widened, and he tightened his hold on Dallin.“I hope so,” he whispered, his breath mingling with Dallin’s.“You deserve all the peace and comfort I can give you.”
Dallin felt a surge of affection for Sol.He hadn’t known what would happen between them, and he still didn’t, but he suspected that Sol wanted the same things he did—someone to love, a confidant, someone who would be there for him and who would protect him and cherish him.He’d had all of that with Kent, but when he was in Sol’s arms, it was easy not to think about that.Kent was the past.
Sol was the future.
Despite the danger they still faced, there was nowhere else Dallin would rather be than here, in Sol’s arms.Whatever Carlyle threw at them next, they’d face it together as mage and shield.
He tilted his head, offering his lips for a proper kiss he still couldn’t quite believe he could request.Sol didn’t hesitate to accept.
Their mouths met in a slow, deliberate movement.Their tongues gently tangled as they explored each other.It wasn’t their first kiss, but yesterday’s kiss had been different.They’d both been terrified for the other, and their kiss had been a reunion and a reassurance.This one was slow and soft, a welcome home.
Dallin moaned softly, his hands finding their way to Sol’s shoulders so he could knead the hard muscles beneath the skin.Sol’s hand slipped lower, cupping Dallin’s ass and squeezing lightly, eliciting another moan from him.It had been a long time since Dallin had this.He’d never been with anyone else after Kent.It would have felt like a betrayal, and he’d been more focused on finding his dragon.
Sol rested his forehead against Dallin’s and gazed into his eyes with a mixture of tenderness and desire that Dallin knew was reflected in his eyes.“I want to make you feel good,” Sol said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.“Let me take care of you, Dallin.”
Dallin swallowed hard, his heart pounding in his chest.“Yes,” he breathed.“Please, Sol.”All of this felt like a miracle, and he didn’t want it to end, not yet.They’d have to join the others in the dining room eventually, but for now, they could lose themselves in each other and ignore the world outside Dallin’s bedroom.
Sol shifted his position, rolling onto his back and pulling Dallin with him.Dallin straddled Sol’s hips, whining when their erections brushed against each other through the thin fabric of their sleep pants.Sol’s hands trailed up Dallin’s sides, his thumbs grazing Dallin’s nipples, making him gasp and arch into the touch.
“You’re so beautiful,” Sol murmured, his fingers tracing the curve of Dallin’s waist.“Every part of you.”
Dallin blushed, ducking his head to hide his face in Sol’s neck.“Flatterer,” he muttered.He didn’t know how to take this Sol.Kent had never been big on words, even in bed.
Sol chuckled, a deep sound that vibrated through his chest.“It’s true,” he insisted, tipping Dallin’s chin up to meet his gaze.“Every time I look at you, I fall more in love with you.”
Dallin’s breath hitched at the declaration, tears pricking at the corners of his eyes.After losing Kent, he hadn’t been sure he’d ever have anything like this again.It was different from what he’d shared with Kent, but different didn’t mean bad.In this case, it was good—very good.
“Sol,” he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion.He didn’t know what to say.
Before Dallin could come up with words that would explain how he felt, Sol’s lips were on his again, kissing away the tears and silencing every single one of his thoughts.This kiss was deeper and more insistent, and Dallin responded eagerly, wrapping his arms around Sol’s neck.He was fine with not talking right now.
Sol’s hands roamed over Dallin’s body, exploring every inch of it over Dallin’s clothes.His fingers dipped under the hem of Dallin’s shirt, sliding up to stroke the sensitive skin of his ribs.Dallin squirmed and bit his lower lip.
