Chapter 6

Crystal stopped to take in the sight of her mate standing in front of the windows bathed in sunlight. His naked torso drew her gaze and she felt warmth spread through her as she gazed at well-defined muscles of his chest, and she couldn’t help noticing that he had well defined eight abs. He only had on a pair of sweatpants on that hung low on his hips. The muscles on his back flexed and he shifted, and the move drew her eyes to his back and as her eyes travelled over the skin on display, she noticed that he had a tattoo on his right shoulder blade as well as a new tattoo on his right upper arm.

The tribal tattoo on his upper arm caught her attention as she realized that it was Sanskrit lettering. Curious she silently walked over to him and felt him jump as she used a fingertip to trace the ancient words. She saw her name and his intertwined in flames. This close to him she finally saw the tattoo on his back and heard Aria’s rumble of joy as she recognized the dragon tattooed on his back.

He had turned his head and was looking at her through half closed eyes from the time she had touched him but he made no move towards her. He stood patiently as she slowly traced their names and her dragon on his body.

“I see you got inked since the last time I saw you,” Crystal was surprised at how husky her voice sounded but she couldn’t help the joy that blossomed in her heart to see this obvious evidence of his love for her.

 With a smile she turned around and lifted her t-shirt revealing her lower back to him. She heard a soft growl before his warm fingers gently traced the wolf she had revealed.

“Looks like we both think alike.”

She smiled as she felt his warm hands glide around her waist to grip her tummy and pull her back against his bare chest. Hugging her from behind he buried his head in her neck and gently brushed a kiss where his mark was. They both knew he had marked her but because of her dragon blood it only showed on her dragon.

They both stood still bathed by light enjoying the moment.

Her eyes grew heavy as she finally relaxed and let go of the need to be constantly on alert. She was finally safe and she knew her mate would protect her.

She squealed as without any warning he scooped her up into his arms and headed for the bed.

“Come on you need to rest before dinner tonight.”

“Rook?” Crystal looked up into his eyes as he lay her down on the bed. She felt his desire and knew that he always put his needs aside because of her yet here he was once again putting aside his needs to see to hers. “Shhh, I know love. Sleep I’m right here next to you and I’m not going anywhere.”

Sleep was dragging her down and she only let go when she felt his body settle behind her and his arms surround her. Then she knew no more.

The sensation of his fingers lazily making circles on her tummy woke her up. His head was buried in the crook of her neck and theirs legs was entwined. The warmth that surrounded her made her want to remain like that forever. Faint sounds of people chattering and talking drifted in through the open windows. A quick peek showed her that it was dusk, but she didn’t want move. A soft sigh from Rook tickled her neck and made her squirm and then freeze in surprise as she felt his very obvious desire.

A soft chuckled vibrated against as he pressed a kiss on her neck before raising his head to look into her eyes. He placed a gentle kiss on the edge of her lips before groaning and shifting so he was lying on his back.

“From the sounds of things everyone is already here and waiting to meet you.”

“I’m surprised no one has called us.” Crystal said.

Rook couldn’t help laughing at her words. “Do you honestly think anyone is going to challenge my grandparents orders? Those two rascals have ordered everyone out of the house and told them that they are in charge and if they even dare to disturb us, they are in trouble. Gran has been busy in the kitchen and she has placed gramps and Tomas in charge of making sure we aren’t disturbed until they need us for the party.”

“Oh my god !! The party I don’t have anything to wear!” Crystal yelped. Sitting up in horror. Rooks’ laughter had her smacking him on his chest. “This isn’t funny.” Before she could react, he had her pinned under him

 Sneaking a kiss and looking at horrified face, he grinned. “Gran has that under control. She brought you a dress.” And he then proceeded to kiss her and tickle her until she was breathless and was squealing to be released.

Knocking on the door brought their attention back to reality.

Growling, Rook headed for the door ready to tear apart whoever it was who dared to disturb him and his mate.

A low growl had him hastily backing away from the door as he took in his grandmother and sister standing in the doorway.

“Grab your things and go use Tomas’s rooms or one of the guest rooms. We need to help Crystal get ready.” His grandmother ordered.

A soft laugh behind him made him aware that there was nothing he could do. He also knew just how anxious Crystal was about meeting the pack and being named his Luna. Grabbing a kiss, he gathered his things and left them alone.

He heard his sister squeal with joy as she finally met Crystal.

Crystal found herself facing Giana (Rook’s grandmother, who she already knew) and a young woman who looked so much like Rook that she instantly knew she had to be his sister.

Giana showed a bottle of shower gel into her hand and ordered her to take a quick shower.

Once she was done Crystal found herself facing the two women wrapped only in a towel. When she saw the clothes that was laid out on the bed, she couldn’t help but smile. Beautiful lingerie made from dragon silk and the most beautiful evening gown also made from dragon silk with matching heels. Several closed jewelry boxes also rested on the bed.

“The Dragon King sent these for you. There are several other chests that have arrived with guards, but they only gave me this for you. I didn’t know you knew The Dragon King?” Gianna questioned.

Crystal rolled her eyes at Gianna which got a giggle from Rebecca, “I’m a dragon Gianna, of course I know him.”

But she didn’t tell them that he was family. Only Rook knew that they were related and he had agreed to her request not to tell anyone about it.

Once she was dressed, Rebecca did her hair. Then all of them turned to the jewelry boxes on the bed. Gianna and Rebecca gaped at the treasures on display. A diamond tiara, and necklaces, rings and bracelets but all Crystal selected was a dainty set of diamond and ruby’s that matched her dress. As well as a gold amulet for her upper arm.  

“What about the rest?” Rebecca asked. “You can use anything you want,” Crystal said. “These are the only pieces that are special to me.”

 A quick tap on the door and it opened to reveal Rook in a midnight blue tuxedo which was a perfect foil for the flame-colored dress that Crystal was wearing.

“WOW, you look amazing,” Rook said before sliding a jewelry box out of his pocket.  “I got you a gift.”

Crystal opened the box to see a bracelet that matched the chain and earrings she was wearing.

“Is everyone ready,” The booming voice preceded Rooks grandfather Lenard into the room.

“The pack in anxious to meet their Luna.”

 Everyone quickly left and for a moment it was just Rook, Crystal and Lenard alone in the room.

“Look after him lass and don’t worry you are their Luna. They already love you and if they don’t just burn their tails like you did to me. I’m proud to call you granddaughter. I’ll see you two downstairs.”

Rook had tensed when his grandfather had started speaking but had wisely kept quiet. He watched him leave and turned to Crystal he could feel her anxiety and all he could do was reassure her.

“Come one lets get this over with then you will know how much they love you.”

Grabbing her hand, he led her outside to finally meet their pack.