Anna MarieLucas was not beside her when she woke up. He didn't show up to drive her to work either.A twinge of disappointment bloomed in her heart but she knew he couldn't always be by her side. He was a Dragon King for Christ's sake! She was sure his realm needed him more than she does.His note and flower made up for his absence and his masculine musky scent had calmed her.Last night...Goddess. She did it.For the first time, she slept with a man. They didn't do anything, except cuddle and hug but it was satisfying. She had to admit she had doubts at first when she saw his chiseled and perfect body in his drawstring, however, it was all dissolves by how he was gentle with her. Combing her brown hair with his fingers and caressing her back soothingly until she fell asleep.Could they do it again tonight? Maybe in his bed? Nah. Too soon.

Anna MarieLucas made good on his promise. When she woke up, breakfast was ready. His broad and muscled back comfortably leaning on the headboard while he waited for her -- her head on his lap as he finger-combed her tangled brown hair. She gazed at him dreamily.It's the first time someone has taken care of her. Usually, she had to wake up early to cook a breakfast buffet for everyone.After a soft good morning kiss, he served her a plate at the elegant table set up on her veranda that overlooked the gardens. In between their plates, there were fresh-picked flowers on a crystal vase.Maybe she had been too harsh to judge Lucas.She must confess, she enjoyed his company. No pressure. They used the time to get to know each other. He told her everything about his family while she gave him a bland version of hers. Praying he wouldn't probe too much. Especially her past. She w

Lucas"Be safe. I will wait here." Silence.A stunned expression decorated his hard features. He stood outside of an exclusive club when his Rie ended the call.Damn! His queen was the definition of challenge. He surmised he would have to look for better methods in wooing her. She had warmed up to him this morning. He had loved the relaxing feeling of her company.Later. Maybe he could take her out on a moonlit stroll and a picnic fondue. He made a mental note to ask for help from the sisters-in-law.Speaking of sisters. Where the hell was Indali?"Pat, where's my sister?" There was a pause on the other end. His question might have puzzled him because they both knew they were the best at what they do. He waited patiently for his sister's head of security to respond."Princess Indali is in the building, my king. I checked about 10

LucasHe gently grazed his rough thumb on his soulmate's bluish cast circling faintly on her delicate skin.Anna Marie. She looked so tired -- only a few hours of sleep for her while she was in his arms. He held her all night to dispel her nightmares. It had help -- only just.A surge of protectiveness calling forth hand in hand with extreme possessiveness surged through his veins. It took an effort to hold it down - tamping his impulses. Muscles tensed and protested. The drive to lock her on a castle until the danger had passed was a serious thought. One he was really considering. How?How to convince her that he needed to keep her with him. Safe. All the damn time.Lucas had known her independent streak all along and he didn't want to step on her dainty toes and or step around it. Yet he must. It was his needs roaring to be addressed.Their bond was stro

 Anna MarieLucas said tonight. She was excited yet nervous. He had vowed they will consummate their bond after the mating ceremony --not before.So what could they do before then? Assuming he had the patience to explore MORE with her.Rie had faith in him though. He wanted her. With his experience...Scowling in the dark --glaring at the ceiling-- she didn't dare to finish her thoughts. It was too disturbing. But...Does he have a lot of experience? Her mind blanked. Refusing to dwell on his past. Did she even satisfy him today?She blushed. He came. A lot and all over her. Did that count? She glowered. Wishing she was not so naive and scared. Maybe she should explore websites. -Not my cup of tea.--I miss him.-She hasn't seen him