Dragonfury 01 - Fury of Fire

all kinds of awful things, presenting worst-case scenarios. Maybe the Nightfuries would point the finger: hate her, blame her, reject her out of hand. A quick mind-scrub and a boot to the ass was all they’d need to toss her out of Black Diamond. But the worst thought—the one that made her truly afraid?
    Maybe Bastian didn’t want her anymore.
    Cool mist landed on her bare arms. The wet brush was light, a barely there sensation that made her glance up. Rumbling with majesty, the waterfall came into view. Falling like a curtain, the cascade rippled blue and white in the moonlight. Without slowing, Bastian flew straight at it. She sucked in a breath and tucked her head, hanging on tight as he sliced through the living wall of water. The cold splash made her jerk, soaking her to the skin. Darkness descended, enclosing them in damp, musty air.
    A glow appeared at the head of the tunnel.
    Myst released the breath she’d been holding, welcoming the light as Bastian flew beneath the magical globes. The second he touched down on the LZ, he shifted, becoming the man she knew. Loved. Needed more than anyone in the world.
    With a sob, she lunged at him. He caught her in his arms, settling on the stone floor, pulling her into his lap, wrapping her in his warmth. Unable to look at him, she burrowed into his body, breathed him in, soothing herself with his strength and familiar scent.
    Murmuring, he gave her a gentle squeeze. “It’s all right, Myst. I’ve got you.”
    His voice washed in like the tide. Deep and warm, it eroded the earth underpinning her emotional stability. With a crack, she split wide open, and pain hit her like a tidal wave. Needing a lifeline, she hugged him tighter. “Oh, my God. Oh, my God. I’m so sorry. It’s my fault.”
    “Shh, love. It’s not your fault.” Stroking her spine, he cupped the nape of her neck. “You’re safe now. Relax for me, Myst. Look at me. I need to make sure you’re all right.”
    Unable to let go of him, she shook her head.
    He kept caressing her, each pass gentler than the last. “Where are you hurt?”
    “I’m okay.”
    “No…you’re not. Look at me, bellmia ,” he said, coaxing her to raise her head.
    Shivering hard, she obeyed, unlocking her arms from his shoulders. Free of her death grip, he palmed her waist and lifted, setting her astride him. His green eyes met hers, and she sobbed, raising her hand to cup his face. With a murmur, he turned his mouth to her skin and pressed a kiss to the center of her palm.
    “Bastian…I’m—”
    “Don’t apologize.” He frowned, brushing the wet strands away from her temple. A muscle jumped in his jaw, and he growled, “Jesus. The bastard. He hit you.”
    “I made him mad,” she said. “He wanted my energy. I wouldn’t give him any.”
    Surprise flared in Bastian’s eyes.
    “I figured out how to control the current…the Meridian…and block him.”
    “My beautiful female.” His eyes crinkled at the corners, filling with so much warmth Myst wanted to cry. “Have I told you how extraordinary you are?”
    “A time or two,” she whispered, accepting his praise before leaning in. Her mouth brushed his, settling softly against his lips. “I’m sorry I ran away from you, Bastian. Dumbest thing I’ve ever done.”
    “I won’t argue.” His lips curved against hers before he withdrew and his expression went from teasing to serious. “I handled it badly, Myst. I didn’t mean to scare you, but I…shit. I’ve never done this before.”
    “What?”
    “Fallen in love.”
    And there it was…just what she needed to hear. Unable to hold them back, tears filled her eyes, then tipped over her bottom lashes, and rolled down her cheeks. As Bastian brushed each one away, she said, “God, I’m such an idiot. How could I not have known that I love you?”
    His mouth parted, breath hitching on a quick intake of air. “Bellmia…”
    “I do, you know.” She held his gaze, making sure he saw the conviction in hers. “I love you so much it hurts.”
    “I don’t want it to hurt.”
    “Too bad. It is what it is, but…” she trailed off letting her words hang in the silent vastness of the cavern. “If you ever lie to me again—”
    “I won’t.”
    “—or get me pregnant without my permission, the next time around…I’ll skin you alive.”
    “Deal.” His mouth curved, spreading into a slow, wide smile. Shifting her a little, he hooked his arm beneath her legs and, gathering her up, pushed to his