Gerald Read online

  “I have been looking for other dragons. I have been on my own for a while and the last two years I have been looking for a new clan.” She tucked a hair behind her ear and looked up to meet his gaze, a weak smile lifted her lips.

  He relaxed into his seat. “What happened to your clan again?” He had remembered something about her father being the alpha but nothing else.

  “My father and mother were murdered by hunters when I was eighteen. There were two others in my clan, they were old and passed away five years ago from old age. Eve and Wally were a nice couple who needed my help.”

  A twinge of guilt tightened his stomach listening to how her small clan had all died off leaving her alone. “I’m sorry.”

  “I’m sorry too. I didn’t know your territory would be this far north. If I knew I would have never shifted there. I’ve been searching for your clan for almost two days straight. Tomorrow I had planned on giving up.” She sighed. She stood and bounced from side to side. “Where is your restroom?” she asked. He pointed toward the first door in the hall way. Nodding she moved swiftly toward it with her bag.

  He adjusted his hard cock in the tight jean fabric. His youngest brother Zane burst into the living room from the front door.

  “Did you find her? Is she hot? Where the hell is she?” Zane ran over toward him. A sudden wave of anger filled Gerald's body as he glared at his brother. She’s mine!

  Before he could utter a word, she opened the door in his shirt. Such a damn shame. His dragon wished for her to be naked in his bed. “Hi.” She smiled at Zane. He elbowed Gerald in the chest and moved over to shake her hand. Dragonets were getting harder to find and most of his clan were males.

  “I’m Zane. What’s your name, sugar?” Zane bounced his eyebrows making Stella giggle. Gerald liked the sound and wanted to hear it again.

  “Stella. Nice to meet you.” She shook his hand.

  “Zane. You’re on duty.” Gerald growled at his brother, he was the biggest flirt in the clan.

  “Cadent is covering me.” Zane waved his hand toward his brother.

  “Where am I sleeping tonight?” Stella asked looking at Gerald.

  “You haven’t showed her to her room. How rude.” Zane smirked and headed toward the grand staircase next to the hall. “This way sugar.” He waved his hand and Stella smiled. Gerald resisted the urge to growl at his little brother and followed behind them. He kept glancing at Stella’s ass, images of what he would like to do to her sweet rear filled his mind. Zane moved toward his own room and Gerald cleared his throat. Stella’s hair swayed on her back which only sent his imagination into overdrive. He stopped at the room next to his own room and waited for Zane to stop.

  “Here is where you will be staying.” Gerald motioned toward the guest room.

  “Awe come on.” Zane looked at Gerald and Stella slowly moved back to Gerald. Then she side stepped into the room.

  “Thank you and good night.” She closed the door quickly leaving the brothers in the hall.

  Gerald walked up to his brother and put his finger on his chest. His eyes flash to red as his dragon surged to take over but Gerald kept him inside his mind.

  “Mine.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  Stella

  Stella stared at the door as she listened to Gerald and Zane’s conversation. Mate? She had felt a pull to Gerald, but she worried the attraction was due to the fact she was a virgin. The idea of having him between her thighs had made her wet almost instantly. She grabbed the shirt and remembered she kept his shirt on. She lifted it over her nose and took in his woodsy scent sending more heat through her body then dropped it letting the fabric cling to her skin.

  “I don’t know if she’s my mate. I feel a strong pull to her.”

  “Do you not remember what dad said when we were kids. If you feel a pull to a female, then you go after her.” A chuckle came from Zane.

  “And if she doesn’t feel it?” Gerald growled. Stella fiddled with the shirt and rocked on her heals. She heard a single set of footsteps in the hall and she placed her head against the door. Come here and get me Gerald. She silently wished for him to knock on her door. Stella listened carefully and waited with bated breath. A small thud sounded. Stella twisted the handle and yanked the door open to find the hall way empty. With a loud sigh, she stepped out scanned the landing. She found the large stair case to her left. Her stomach growled. She headed for the kitchen slowly, worried she might make Gerald mad. She stopped at the top of the steps before throwing caution to the wind. The shift had made her ravenous. Plus, I’m only going to live once, if I get into trouble I’ll figure it out then.

  After getting lost twice she ended in the kitchen. Pulling the fridge open, she gasped as she took in everything in the fridge. The appliance was stocked to the brim with a little bit of everything. Chicken legs caught her attention. Pulling the package out she turned to the very modern kitchen. Lucky bastards. She thought about her very tinny and extremely old kitchen in her home. While she searched for the pans, she found a bag of potatoes.

  “Mashed potatoes and fried chicken. This will be good.” Her last few meals had been from bags, so she looked forward to this. She loved to cook but her small kitchen made it hard to do fancy things. She didn't have friends to cook for after Eve and Wally passed away. Once the chicken hit the pan, she noticed a set of footsteps coming toward the kitchen. A wave of guilt raced through her system as she met Gerald’s gaze. She had practically stolen from the alpha of the clan. Her stomach tightened as Gerald walked into the room. He had a slight smile on his face and the knot loosened a little.

  “Smells good.”

  “Would you like some?” Stella wiggled the tongs in her hands. She let go of the breath she had been holding in.

  “If you’re up for making more.” Gerald’s calm eyes settled her nerves.

  Stella nodded and grabbed a few more legs of chicken and went to work. He watched her, but she didn't meet his eyes. Her dragon wanted to be right next to him but Stella pushed her back.

  “I'm glad you can enjoy this kitchen. It only gets used by the house keeper, Kacie.” Gerald moved to grab a bottle from the fridge. A bit of jealousy filled the pit of her stomach at the female's name. She caught a hint of some females in the room but they weren’t very strong. Not like Gerald's scent, it reminded her of camp fires.

  “It's a very nice set up compared to what I'm used to.” She met his eye and notice pity there. Her gaze fell to the potatoes she stirred.

  “You’re more the welcome to stay here if you would like.” His low voice broke her focus.

  Stella dropped the spoon and looked back to him. “Really?” She had planned on asking him to join the clan tomorrow and she had expected resistance so this shocked her. Most of the clans overseas didn’t want outsiders yet here Gerald opened his home to her. A smile tugged his lips up flashing a bright white smile looking almost deadly.

  “Yes, really. Just no shifting unless you get permission.” Gerald’s smile vanished replaced with a stern look.

  Stella ran over to him and hugged him. It took him a moment to relax, but he hugged her back. He smells so good. Her mind wondered back to his and Zane’s conversation. Do I really want a mate?

  She tried to move out of his grip but he only let her move enough to meet his gaze. Her heart rate picked up with the idea of his lips on her. His thumb rubbed her back sending a wave of heat to her core. He let her go and the smell of chicken almost burning brought her back to reality.

  “Crap.” She grabbed the chicken off the burner and tossed it into the warm over. Then checked the potatoes. After she tweaked a few things dinner was complete.

  “Will your brother be joining us?” Stella glanced over as she reached for the plates. His back stiffened.

  “No.” His louder than normal voice made her jump a little. She suspected he spoke louder so Zane would hear.

  “Is he your only brother? Any sisters?” Stella wanted to get to know Gerald.

  “I'
m the oldest of two brothers with no sister.” He relaxed. She took her seat next to him at the breakfast bar.

  “Crap, I forgot my drink.” Stella almost jumped off the stool when Gerald stopped her.

  “What would you like?” Gerald moved off the stool with the grace any alpha should have.

  “Milk please.” She was glad he had grabbed the cups as her guess for the location had been horribly off. “Thank you.”

  They ate in silence for a while. He kept watching her making her nervous.

  “You wear my shirt well,” Gerald said. She glanced down and felt the heat on her cheeks spread to her chest.

  “Thank you. I can give it back tomorrow since I don't have my suitcase.”

  “Where were you staying?”

  “A hotel in Yellowknife. I only had enough money to stay till tomorrow.” She moved a lock of hair back behind her ear. “It was the last of my savings.” Guilt for spending all of her father’s savings on the hunt for a new clan made her heart tighten. You are an alpha. Never forget my love. She didn’t want to forget, but she also needed people, the loneliness had been driving her mad.

  “Well if you choose to stay you won't have to worry about money. This clan is well off.” Gerald puffed out his chest a bit. Stella placed her fork down and pushed the plate away.

  “Thank you again. I should get to bed. I have a lot to do tomorrow.” Stella gave a weak smile and moved out of the kitchen. As her foot hit the first step Gerald’s hands wrapped around her waist.

  “Wait,” Gerald whispered in her ear. She turned, and he pulled her into a kiss. Shocked at first, Stella froze but it didn't last long as her hands roamed his back. She deepened the kiss while he licked the seam of her lips and she opened up for him letting their tongues dance. He tasted of chicken and smoke. A rumble vibrated in his chest making her knees go weak. Ideas of marking him as her own crossed her mind, but she pushed them down.

  He drew back and wrapped one of his hands behind her neck. “Tell me you feel this.” His voice husky with need. A faint hint of arousal filled her nose. Her dragon pressed forward, the need to be with him grew stronger.

  “Yes, now take me to your room.” She liked his smile. He grabbed her hips, lifting her up, and she wrapped her legs around his strong body.

  I'm not going to be a virgin long. She liked the idea of losing herself to him but a little demon in the back of her head reminded her not to mark him. Stella knew to keep her teeth to herself.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Stella

  Heat pulsed through her system as she gazed at the sexy alpha. He stared at her making some of her insecurities surface. She couldn’t keep still any longer under his intense gaze. She sat up and lifted her shirt, well the one she had borrowed, and tossed it to the side. He leaned over her and yanked off her pants. Her core clenched with anticipation.

  Those sexy eyes flashed red, her dragon pushed forward, and she knew her own eyes changed to the green eyes of her dragon. His lips lifted while he undressed. Her gaze rolled down his strong abs and found his swollen cock. Stella licked her lips, the idea of tasting him made her stomach flutter. She scooted back, and he crawled onto the bed like a hunter about to catch his prey. Her stomach tightened while she grew more wet.

  Any moment she would lose her virginity to him but deep down she already wanted more from him. Her dragon itched to mark him but she couldn’t do it. She had heard of dragons going insane when marked before the other half was ready.

  His eyes lit up as he wrapped his hot mouth around her nipple, sucking it in. She arched her back at the new sensation of pleasure flooding her body, all going straight to her core. One finger slid down her body to her bundle of nerves, sending waves of desire through her body. His sharp teeth nipped on her nipple. A scream of pleasure left her lips. She inched closer to her orgasm. One rough finger slid into her pussy and he froze. Stella sucked in a breath wondering what he would say. Doubt crept into her mind at him not wanting to take her now. I might not be good at sex and he might want someone who’s already amazing. Stella pushed down the ugly thoughts as Gerald’s gaze met hers.

  He smiled, “Little Stella is all mine.” Her stomach tightened with excitement. “I don’t know if I can be gentle the whole time.” His voice deepened and his cock twitched against her leg. Don’t bite him! She reminded her dragon.

  “You don’t need to be,” Stella whispered. “Take me, I’m all yours.” She pushed her hips toward his body. His mouth came down on hers while he positioned his hard length between her thighs at her entrance. She ached to lose her virginity.

  “Ready?” He met her gaze, and she nodded. In one swift motion, his cock entered her body making her cry out. A small wave of pain followed by pleasure filled her body. He stilled in her and she couldn’t take it so she thrusted her hips toward him. He chuckled into her ear as he pumped in and out of her.

  “So, tight.” Gerald hissed sending a zing of pleasure down her spine. His lips captured hers again as he picked up his pace. He tasted like chicken and smoke from a campfire. Her teeth grazed his bottom lip making him growl into her mouth. A sudden urge to bite his shoulder made her gums burn. She barely resisted the urge to fully mate with him. Waves of pleasure crashed into her and then her orgasm rolled through her body. Her teeth dug into her lip to keep herself from biting his shoulder.

  Gerald growled which heightened her pleasure. She could feel him pound inside of her as he spilled his seed into her body. A small zing vibrated under her skin, she didn’t know what it meant as an aftershock took over her body. She couldn’t believe she had finally lost her virginity and to Gerald the sexy alpha. For years she had dreamed of this moment, the real deal was so much sweeter.

  He kissed her shoulder making her shiver under him. “Before I take you again I want to make something clear.” Gerald leaned back and his beautiful eyes met her gaze.

  “What’s that?”

  “I won’t fully mate with you until we’re both ready. I won’t bite you and I can’t have you bite me, not yet at least.”

  “Okay.” Stella nodded. A voice of self-doubt took over her thoughts until his lips met hers.

  “Bend over.” Gerald moved away so she could get into position. Her insecurities could wait till the morning. Right now, she just wanted to feel good under or even on top of the sexy dragon.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Gerald

  The small weight of Stella on his arm helped remind Gerald of last night. He wanted to smack himself for not bonding to her right away. The damn pull grew stronger after their first coupling. If his father were alive, he would slap him silly for over thinking. What if she just wants you because you’re the alpha? Gerald ground his teeth together and resisted the urge to blow smoke.

  Stella moved in her sleep into his chest and her hand rested above his heart. Her soft red hair covered his shoulder in a mess from sex last night. He watched her sleep-in peace until her face contorted.

  “Dad… Mom, no.” Stella shook her head and her body shook. A moment of panic filled Gerald as he didn’t know what the hell to do. His hands moved against her back.

  “Stella, wake up.” Gerald kept his voice low and calm. Her eyes snapped open and her claws came out. They pinched at his chest until her eyes turned from green to her normal light blue.

  “Shit, I’m sorry.” Stella fumbled back and stared at her hands. “Damn it.” She shook out her hands while tears fell down her face. The blood stopped flowing but angry red marks kissed his flesh. In an hour, they would be fully healed. He didn’t give a crap about the marks. He needed to figure out why she freaked out so bad. His dragon fumed with anger at the idea of someone hurting Stella. She isn’t our mate yet, damn it.

  “It’s okay. Talk to me.” He sat up and pulled her into his chest. Her fingers moved over the small red marks she made and cried harder.

  “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.” Her voice shook. He rubbed her back more to help calm her.

  “I’m stronger than y
ou think.” He kissed the top of her head. A light laugh sounded between her sobs.

  “I’ll admit you are stronger than the pillows I’ve destroyed.” Her tears covered his chest.

  “Were you there the night they died?” Gerald asked, and she leaned back, her body turned rigid.

  “Yes.” She cleared her face from her messy red hair. He liked the color, it seemed to be a symbol of the fire inside.

  “When you’re ready to talk, I’ll be here for you.” He moved some of her hair back and whipped the tear streaks from her face.

  “Thank you.” They sat there, staring at each other. A sudden bang on the door made Stella jump.

  “I would like to meet this pretty woman we have in the house too!” Darius shouted through the door. “Breakfast is ready so get your asses out of bed.”

  “Fuck off Darius,” Gerald yelled back and his brother’s only response was a chuckle.

  Gerald shook his head. Darius wouldn’t want anything from Stella other than to have sex but it wouldn’t happen. Gerald had a feeling his dragon would rather burn down the house than to see Stella touched sexually from another male.

  Stella stood and glanced around. “Dang it.” Her shoulders drooped.

  “What’s wrong?” Gerald glanced at the discarded clothes from the night before.

  “Nothing. Just don’t have clean clothes.”

  With a short smile, Gerald stood and grabbed her a pair of sweats and a T-shirt of his. “This will have to do until we can get your stuff.”

  “Thank you.” They dressed in silence, he could feel the nervous tension rolling off her body. She faced away from him as she covered her beautiful body. Gerald clenched his fists in an attempt to calm his anger. He didn’t want her to be ashamed of her body around him.