Kiernan, page 13
part #4 of Sea Dragon Shifters Series
Kiernan’s hand stroked her butt. She licked the beads of water off the Celtic tattoo on his chest. He played with her rigid nipple and sent a bolt of desire to her core. When she rubbed her mound against his erection, he lifted her legs, wrapping them around his hips. Kiernan pressed her against the tile and plunged into her.
He groaned with pleasure. “You feel amazing.”
Beginning with a steady rhythm, he quickened his thrusts, and changed angles. When he hit the perfect spot, she gasped, “Yes, right there. Don’t stop.”
She arched into him, meeting him thrust for thrust, voicing her encouragement. As her climax approached, every muscle stiffened. The orgasm surged through her. She throbbed on his cock, chanting his name. Feeling her muscles tighten and grip him heightened her reaction. Finally, as her muscles began to relax, he came, thrusting deep into her. And triggered a new climax for her.
After catching their breath, they toweled each other dry. Kiernan picked up a smaller towel and her hairbrush and they moved into the bedroom. She plumped the pillows and they cuddled for a while. After a long, leisurely kiss, he said, “Before your hair dries, let me get those tangles out.”
He sat against the headboard with her between his knees. She preferred to see his face when they talked but for the gift of not having to deal with her wet hair, she’d happily turn back to look at him when she wanted to check his expression.
“I’m really proud of you,” he said, kissing her shoulder. “The way you outsmarted Leopold.”
“Krank was the scarier one. Once I had him down, Leopold was actually more scared of me.” She tipped her head back and tried to look at him upside down. “I appreciate you dealing with the notary.”
Kiernan adjusted her head, pointing her face straight ahead. “Was that who he was?”
“He was seriously drunk, so he didn’t participate, but every once in a while, he’d look like he was about to come in on Leopold’s side.”
Chapter 24
Kiernan
Kiernan frowned at the memory of thinking he’d lost her. He had to tell her. “The dragon and I had the scare of a lifetime. He’s beginning to use the mate bond and thinks he can sense where and how you are.” When she inhaled to ask a question, he hurried on. “While you were unconscious from Leopold’s drug, the dragon couldn’t sense you at all so he decided you were dead.”
“Oh, Kiernan, no. The big guy thought I’d died?”
He set down the brush and hugged her so hard, she squeaked. “He told me he knew you were gone. The worst experience of my life.”
“I’m so sorry.” She twisted around and stroked his beard as she kissed him. After a few minutes, she faced forward again, leaning back against his chest.
“It’s exciting,” she whispered, “to know the two of you can communicate. Will you and I, as mates, be able to do that? Tell me more about what happens between mates. And does it include human mates?”
“Slow down. You’re beginning to sound like Cassie, talking rapid-fire. If both mates are shifters, they often recognize each other quickly, like Barb and Ji.”
“They knew each other in an instant. Is that why both of them suddenly shifted?”
“We can ask them. I suspect they were shocked, and each experienced an uncontrolled shift. And I don’t think recognition is always that fast.” He play-nipped at her earlobe. “With a human in the mated couple, sometimes the shifter knows but needs to wait and give the human time to adjust.”
“When did you first know? Recognize me as your mate? At the parade?”
“That’s right. I figured it would scare you away if I came on too fast. It’s a strong urge—”
“Sex?”
He laughed. “That, too. I was going to say the urge to protect your mate. And to shower them with gifts. One of the biggest gifts I’ll give you is the hoard. A sea dragon’s hoard includes everything he owns and controls.”
“I don’t have much. Certainly nothing that qualifies as treasure.”
“I know, sweetheart. You don’t need a hoard. Everything we have belongs to both of—”
“But I want one. I have this gut feeling I want to gather my stuff and contribute to our hoard.” She looked around. “Everything I own is in this room. Clothes.”
Delia frowned, looking glum. No doubt pondering her inability to give him a gift from her hoard. He had an inspiration and took in a sharp breath.
“Isn’t there a small trust and some heirloom jewelry from your grandmother?”
“Yes. Depending on what happens with Leopold,” she said.
Kiernan waved his hand, dismissing anything to do with her stepbrother. “In the legal wrangling, was there any mention of what your mother brought to the marriage?”
“Sort of. The prenup listed her trust fund and keepsakes.”
“And she willed them to you, so those are yours now, too.”
“Kiernan.”
“No one else is entitled to that money or those treasures, only you.”
“If you put it that way, I guess that could be the start of building my hoard.”
He smiled at her. “I’m so proud.” Was it too soon to mention he and Delia would be gifting hoard pieces to each of their babies, whether sea dragon or sea dragonette? Starting their children off right, helping each one to build his or her own hoard.
Better wait to share that thought.
Our mate is awesome the sea dragon declared.
Kiernan stifled a chuckle. Are you picking up modern words?
Delia tapped his arm. “You mentioned claiming. What is that? What does it involve, exactly?”
“First, you consent. Then I drape you with the hoard, gift it all to you, and we have sex on top of the treasure.”
He waited, his heart in his throat. She was silent for too long. What was she concerned about?
“Do you think you might want to be my mate?” he asked. Or was she still worried about her lack of a hoard?
She drew in a long breath. “I want any claiming we do to be mutual. Like at a wedding ceremony. We both consent, both of us get draped, we exchange our individual hoards and then it can get real dragon-y when we make love on a lumpy pile of jewelry.”
“Sounds awesome.” He tossed her onto her back on the bed and covered her body with his. Truthfully, it sounded just like two dragons mating.
“I agree to all your terms,” he declared.
She avoided his mouth and shoved against his chest. “Just so you understand. I don’t want my stepfather’s money or his companies.”
“Of course, you don’t. I understand completely. We’re talking about your mother’s hoard. She willed it to you which makes it your hoard. That’s what you want to contribute to the claiming.”
A legacy was of paramount importance to a dragon. Family hoards were carefully handed down to the long-lived generations. Leopold was trying to steal money that was part of Delia’s legacy. Her small trust funds could rightly be viewed as modern-day hoards.
And her grandmother’s and mother’s jewels? They absolutely belonged to his mate’s hoard.
* * *
Cordelia
Delia surprised herself with her ability to see Kiernan’s side of the inheritance question. The sea serpent and dragon blood running through his veins totally supported his belief that he had to have, build and protect a hoard. Bless him for not holding her to the same expectations.
Yet once she began thinking about her mother’s legacy as hers, her hoard, she was on board with getting those things back. Plus, she started thinking of ways to build on it, and protect it. Suddenly, it became important to be able to add her hoard to Kiernan’s.
“Exactly,” she said to him, “and no matter how long the legal stuff takes, I want to fight for mom’s stuff.”
He gently kissed her face and his mouth travelled down her neck. “I wish I could claim you right now.” His sea dragon roared his approval. “Thank goodness it shouldn’t take long to get your mom’s things. I can wait until that part is settled.”
The next morning, serving platters lined the kitchen counters and breakfast was served buffet style.
At the table, across from her and Kiernan, Ji swallowed a mouthful of bacon and said, “I’ll update everyone first. The Coast Guard apprehended Leopold Watson, Krank, a hired notary, and the captain of the yacht, plus the six survivors of the rubber raft. Handed everybody over to the police first thing this morning. From his hospital bed, Krank rolled on Leopold and gave up all the intruders the police arrested here last night.”
Kiernan lifted his glass of orange juice and said, “With Leopold in jail, Delia and I would like to show our appreciation of your help with a beach party and barbeque. We’ll begin grilling about three this afternoon and go on into the evening. I’ll clear your extra time here with Captain Zabarowski. Please feel free to invite friends from Peachwood to join us. And since adult beverages will be consumed, we’re happy to cover everyone’s rooms at the motel for the night.”
After expressing her thanks, Cassie pulled out her phone.
“What can I do to help?” Barb asked.
“Hey Bestie, how about going into town with me,” Delia suggested, “swimsuit and beachwear shopping?”
“Great idea,” Barb said and they fist-bumped.
“Mind if we tag along?” Sara asked, including Cassie.
“The more the merrier,” Delia said and remembered she and Barb had arrived here car-less. “Could we take your car?”
Beside her, Kiernan’s phone buzzed. She peeked at the Caller ID: Rachel.
“Hello?” He tipped the phone so she could hear too.
“Good morning boss,” Rachel said. “Are you and Ms. Sorrel okay? You’re all over the morning news.”
“We’re fine. Matter of fact, we’re throwing a victory party on the beach here this afternoon and evening. Can you join us?”
“I’d be delighted. Right now, I’m at your gate. I was contacted by—”
“Wait,” he said into the phone, then leaned to Ji. “Rachel is here. Is there a remote to—”
“Got it,” Ji said and jogged into the kitchen.
“Ji is opening up,” he told Rachel. “Meet you at the front door.” Hanging up, Kiernan turned to Delia, “Join us for a few minutes?” When she nodded, he asked Chris in the kitchen, “How’s the coffee?”
“Fresh pot,” Chris answered.
“Great. Leave out the pastries and the fruit tray.”
Rachel came through the front door as Sara, Chris and Cassie finished the kitchen clean up. She whispered to Delia, “Ms. Sorrel, your attorney contacted me looking for you. I thought you needed to hear this right away so here I am.”
“Delia and Rachel,” Kiernan said, “let’s take your coffee out on to the verandah.”
“Would you like a pastry?” Delia asked and carried the older woman’s plate.
Sitting on deck chairs, Rachel took two big swallows of her coffee and said, “That’s wonderful. I’ll admit it, I’m an addict.” One more swallow and she set down her mug. “Your attorney called the minute I opened the office this morning. He said the judge has made a ruling. And he asked me if you could come to his office next week, to sign documents.”
“Not til next week?” Delia groaned. “Where is his office?”
“Chicago.”
“For Pete’s sake.”
Kiernan carefully watched the sympathetic expression on his normally stoic assistant’s face. Intrigued, he decided to include her.
“Delia and I are in love,” he said, “we’re moving in together. I hope she’ll accept my proposal of marriage soon so I can place a ring on her finger.”
“Oh, congratulations Kiernan,” his assistant gushed. “Such wonderful news.”
Delia appeared startled by the wording of his announcement. But he couldn’t very well tell his assistant they’d be having a claiming ceremony.
After Rachel shook his hand, she held on to Delia’s. “I’m so happy for you, Ms. So—”
“We’re going to be family, Rachel,” his mate said, “please call me Delia.”
His assistant’s eyes misted. “Thank you. I’d like that very much.”
“Rachel, if you learned anything else from my attorney,” Delia whispered, “more details, I’d be very grateful if you’d tell us.”
Straightening her shoulders. Rachel said, “You need to fire that scoundrel. He’s a terrible lawyer. Why, he broke every rule of client privilege when he repeated practically everything to me.”
“I will fire him, thank you. Maybe you and Kiernan can recommend someone local? Do you think this attorney messed up my case?”
“Kiernan is acquainted with lots of topnotch attorneys who know how to keep their mouths shut. I’m not certain what you were suing for, but the judge in your case has ruled that the estate will be split down the middle. According to the blabbermouth, your late mother fulfilled the terms of the pre-nuptial agreement before her death.”
“The prenup is out of the picture?” Kiernan asked.
“Yes. The judge ruled Cordelia and her stepbrother Leopold, will each receive 50% of Mrs. Watson’s estate and 50% of Mr. Watson’s estate. She decided both parents had the same intention.”
Delia’s brows went up. “What does that mean for the Watson family company?”
“Excellent question,” Rachel said. “Especially in light of the criminal charges against Leopold. Yesterday the civil court decided all shares of stock should go to Leopold, as well as the corporate headquarters, the Lear, and all business equipment.”
“But?” Delia asked.
Chapter 25
Kiernan
Kiernan smiled and let Rachel break the good news to his mate. The legal system was capable of sorting out the potential mess. As long as they had all the facts. His mate needed to hire a new team of lawyers fast. Get the record of Leopold’s arrest and Krank’s statement to the judge. Ensuring the court handling the lawsuit had all the details.
“After Leopold is convicted or pleads guilty, he won’t be permitted to inherit the estate. And I’m sure the Watson Company has rules against their CEO being a jailed felon.”
“Oh dear. He brought this on himself, didn’t he?”
“Yes, he did. And as for his personal property…”
“Leopold has more problems?” Delia sounded almost resigned. Kiernan couldn’t help leaning forward.
“Oh yes,” Rachel nodded. “Years ago, Leopold went along with his father’s offer to save on taxes by leaving many of his possessions in his father’s name. As a result, since they legally belong to the father, all those items are included in the inheritance. Leopold now owns the clothing in his closet, and the one car his dad gave him as a birthday present. Otherwise, his other vehicles, several condos, townhouses, race cars, racehorses, a ski chalet in Switzerland, and his entire art collection are part of the lawsuit.”
“Stop,” Delia pleaded, “I feel dizzy.”
“Poor love. Put your head between your knees,” he advised.
After a few moments of stunned silence, his mate squared her shoulders.
“I’m going shopping,” she announced. “I’d love to have you join us, Rachel. And if you want to drive, you can always ditch us later if we get to be too much.”
“I’d enjoy tagging along and I believe I will follow in my car.”
“Let me round up the gals.” Delia stuck her head in the front door and shouted, “Retail therapy express is now leaving from in front of the garage. Barb, get a move on.”
He reached for his wallet, but Rachel frowned him down.
“Do you have any accounts in the Savannah stores?” she casually asked Delia.
“No ma’am. I have a checkbook and an anemic VISA card.”
“Let’s see what we can manage.” She slid her arm through Delia’s, and they went down the front steps together, chatting about bikinis versus tanks. Behind them, Barb, Cassie, and Sara burst out of the house, galloped down the stairs, everyone talking at once.
After Kiernan watched the ladies speed off, he went inside to find Ji. They had a beach party to put together.
After a quick lunch, Kiernan paused on the verandah to watch the rental crew finish setting up for the victory party. First to choose their spot on the beach had been the barbeque caterers, pulling a trailer with a black, domed cooker, already smoking. Once it was in place, a crew created the sand volleyball court and the DJ supervised the installation of a portable dance floor complete with his high-end sound equipment protected inside a lighted Plexiglas booth. Two bamboo bars had spring up on opposite sides of the beach, each with a cluster of tables and chairs, providing umbrella-shaded seating.
Ji came up behind him. “Talk about an extravaganza. How many guests are coming? Twenty, maybe twenty-five? You’ve created a party for a hundred.”
“Oh, I just invited the police and the Coast Guard.”
“Of course, you did.” Ji snorted. “Forget I said anything.” Ji’s laughter trailed down the steps behind him.
The dragon lifted his head. Where is our mate? Miss her. Need to protect her.
I miss her, too. She’s in town with the ladies spending money. No worries about protection, she’s shopping with a mini-SWAT team.
We are spending, too.
What do you think, do we work too hard? Maybe we should throw more parties. Celebrations.
Fun. Good food. Keep our mate happy.
Kiernan lifted his nose. Damn, the cooking meat smelled terrific. And talking of celebrations, maybe he should combine the claiming with his marriage proposal. Buffer the dragon-y stuff with an ultra-traditional, all-human, down on one knee proposal.
Then he’d throw his mate an engagement bash. A surprise party.
Also, while they waited for just one item for her hoard, he could try to gauge her opinion on the antique smoky topaz ring. Maybe she’d prefer a multi carat diamond? No, he’d bet money she despised both new and flashy in an engagement ring. Let’s see if she has any objections to an antique design, with lots of old gold, and a fat topaz.
