Page 48 of Scales ’N’ Spells: Volume One

Cameron’s hands tentatively returned to his shoulders, resuming their slow course over Alric’s bare skin. “I’m guessing that’s a dragon thing. Hot flashes. I bet you would be amazing to snuggle with at night, all warm and toasty. My feet would never be cold with you.”

Images of a naked Cameron stretched out beside him, wrapped in his arms, their bodies pressed flush from toes to lips, crowded into his brain, and his cock throbbed a happy yes. Alric closed his eyes and clamped his mouth shut when his tongue fought to offer his bed up to Cameron any time he wanted.

This was wrong. Cameron could belong to another dragon, and he was sitting here basking in the man’s slippery touch over his body. He was imagining kissing him, sinking deep into him until Cameron screamed his name over and over again.

But it wasn’t enough to simply fuck him and claim him.

Alric wanted Cameron to claim him as well. He wanted Cameron to trust him, believe in him, place his life into Alric’s hands and know that Alric would always keep him safe. He wanted Cameron to fight for Alric.

Beautiful, sweet, funny Cameron couldn’t possibly be his. Alric was too dark, too weak. He didn’t deserve someone as perfect as Cameron. The mage likely belonged to Gunter—they both had brilliantly sharp minds. Or maybe he was Ravi’s mate—they both had a playful, free sense of humor.

There were at least a dozen other dragons who would be a better match for Cameron and here Alric sat, greedy and selfish, loving every pass of his wonderful hands over his skin. He was stealing from another member of his clan. A lump of self-loathing formed in his throat. This behavior started the war, and he would not be like Kaiser.

Closing his eyes, Alric parted his lips to finally ask Cameron to stop, but the mage pressed his cheek to the side of Alric’s head, his lips brushing against the shell of his ear. “Shhh…relax. Remember, this is for me. You promised to give me my fantasy.”

Alric managed a small nod as Cameron’s wicked hands slid down his chest and across his flat stomach, dancing so damn close to the waistband of his slacks. Just another inch or so and Cameron’s fingers⁠—

“But you asked me a question,” Cameron started again, dragging his hands up Alric’s chest. His index fingers lingered on Alric’s nipples, circling them slowly a few times before moving back up to his shoulders. Alric couldn’t remember what they’d been talking about at all. “Relaxing if just anyone was massaging me? No, I don’t think I could.”

Right. Alric’s destructive thoughts had spiraled out of control when he’d thought about someone else placing their hands on Cameron.

“But if it was you?” Cameron hummed, and this time the sound was of pure pleasure. “I think that would be amazing. You’ve got amazing hands.”

Just the mention of hands had Alric instinctively pulling his left hand toward his lap. There was no hiding it or his scars from Cameron when his upper half was naked like this. He would love to massage Cameron, to rub away all his tension and worries, but there was so little strength in his left hand. Cameron deserved⁠—

“No,” Cameron said sharply. “I can practically hear the evil thoughts in your head.” Cameron slid back around to face him and snagged Alric’s left hand in his. The mage’s gaze was hard and fierce, holding Alric’s eyes captive while he lifted Alric’s scarred hand to his lips and brushed the lightest kiss across his knuckles. “A massage from you would be perfect. I know it.”

Alric couldn’t look away from Cameron’s brown eyes as the mage squatted to dip his free hand into the oil. He spread it across Alric’s left hand and worked it up his arm, fingers digging deep to knead injured and worn muscles. There was no stopping the moan of intense relief that broke from Alric’s lips, and Cameron smiled.

“Now we’re getting somewhere,” Cameron purred.

That wicked smile had Alric’s dragon perking its head up. He rumbled in his chest, and one word repeated with a fiery urgency. Mine.

His dragon wanted Cameron. Wanted to claim him, drag him off to his secret hoard, and hide him away from the world.

Well, his dragon needed to get used to disappointment. Just because he wanted Cameron didn’t mean he got to keep him. If they weren’t mates, then there was no changing it. He’d have to give Cameron up.

“Would you give me a massage if I was injured?” Cameron asked.

Alric’s head snapped up, and he blinked. At least a little blood was left in his brain. “Of course. Anything you need.”

Cameron sighed extravagantly and stood up. “Thank god. You see, I bumped into my doorframe this morning when I was heading to see Lisette.” He bent his forearm, holding it up so Alric could see it. “I know you can’t see a bruise, but I swear it’s coming.” His skin looked pristine and flawless to Alric, but if Cameron said he was injured then Alric would do anything to help him feel better.

A smirk lifted one corner of his mouth, and he dragged his eyes up to Cameron’s face. “You bruised your arm?”

The mage nodded, his smile so very dirty. “Yes, and I need a massage. The bruise must have pinched something because I kind of ache everywhere.”

“Mmm...so not just your arm?”

Cameron shook his head. “Everywhere,” he repeated in a low, husky voice that did things to Alric’s cock.

A loud knock on the chamber door had Cameron guiltily jumping backward and Alric shoving to his feet.

“What?” Alric snarled.

The door opened, and Dieter stepped over the threshold. “Forgive the intrusion, Hoheit, but I’ve received a message from King Rodrigo of the Ice Clan.”

Cameron sighed beside him. “Duty calls.” Alric looked at his lovely smile. “It’s tough being king.” He winked and strolled out of the room, calling over his shoulder, “Don’t worry. I’ll be back tomorrow morning.”