Resurrection Of The Fallen Read online

  Somehow Drystan managed to get their bodies closer, and Conley moaned as his hardening manhood pressed against his mate’s through the two layers of cloth they still wore. Their kiss grew more intense, and Conley thought it was a bit like swordplay as their tongues thrust and parried. Not that spending time in the lists ever made him fear his body would burn from the inside out.

  Drystan had set him ablaze. Conley heard mewling sounds and discovered they were coming from him. The ferocity of his desire kept him from being embarrassed at the noises he could not help making. Taking Drystan’s nightshirt in his fists, he began pulling it upward. Pulling his mouth away, Drystan sat up and yanked the offending garment over his head.

  Conley sucked in a breath at the fine form of the other drakeling. Drystan was broad shouldered and thickly muscled. He had a soft smattering of dark hair over his chest and belly. Between his legs, his thick rod rose proudly from its nest of curls. His ass clenched and he thanked Fate Drystan belonged to him.

  “You are well built,” Conley offered him.

  Drystan smiled almost shyly before gesturing at him. “If your eyes have had their fill, I would like to admire you as well.”

  Rising to his knees, Conley pulled his dressing gown off and threw it to the floor. He watched Drystan’s gaze travel down his body and stop at his engorged manhood. Drystan said not a word before reaching out and grabbing Conley’s prick in his fist. Gasping, Conley couldn’t help but thrust up a little into his mate’s hand.

  “Yes, Drystan. Touch me.”

  With a tight grip, Drystan began milking his rod. Conley closed his eyes and licked his lips before Drystan reunited their mouths. Not wanting him to be left out, Conley took Drystan’s heavily veined penis and wrapped his fingers around it. Drystan groaned into their kiss and it pleased Conley to know he was enjoying their interlude.

  Drystan’s hand began to move faster and Conley was grateful for both the speed and tight hold, but there was a bit too much friction to keep it from being fully pleasurable. Drystan seemed to understand his dilemma because he released him and pulled away long enough to swipe his tongue over his palm before replacing it. Conley mirrored his actions and then sealed their mouths together again.

  Conley wondered how Drystan had such mastery without any experience, but he had no complaints. Drystan’s touch was sure and Conley was shocked at the ecstasy of it all. Briefly, he hoped he was having the same effect on the other drakeling. Then he began jerking his body upward as he sought out his fulfillment. Drystan kissed him deeply as he stroked him faster. Conley’s spine lengthened as his back bowed and tingles broke out all over.

  He ripped his mouth from his mate’s and roared out as his seed spilled over the top of Drystan’s fist. Head thrown back, all Conley could do was feel as his orgasm reduced him to a pile of ashes. He had never known such pleasure, and his head was still spinning as his hips finally slowed.

  “Conley?” Drystan asked in a strained voice.

  “Yes?” he replied breathily.

  “Do you think you might finish touching me?”

  Conley’s eyes popped open as he understood Drystan was suffering. Under the force of his own pleasure, he had stopping stroking and his hand was now lying limply around Drystan’s prick which was dark and angry looking.

  “Sorry,” he muttered as he began coaxing Drystan’s manhood to let forth its nectar. The other drakeling responded by smashing their mouths together and biting down on Conley’s tongue. Something about Drystan’s aggressive nature called to a deep part of Conley. He knew he would forever crave it.

  Ending their kiss but not pulling away, Drystan’s body stiffened and wetness splashed Conley’s hand as his mate found his release. A groan rumbled through Drystan and they were close enough Conley heard it as well as felt the hot air from his man’s breath rush over the skin of his face. He continued to pump his fist until Drystan squirmed. Knowing it was no longer pleasing him, Conley reluctantly let go.

  “I enjoyed that,” Drystan said before smacking their lips together. Their eyes met and Conley smiled. Then he laughed.

  “We will do it often.”

  “There are other things that have been on my mind I would like to try as well.”

  “We will leave no stone unturned,” Conley promised as he reached over the bed to grab his nightshirt to wipe away the evidence of their activities. As soon as they were relatively clean, he tossed the thing back to the floor and turned to Drystan. “You should return to your room now.”

  Drystan leaned forward and gave him a soft kiss that melted Conley’s toes before thrusting his bottom lip out. “I should like to stay.”

  “It is too soon to be found out,” Conley replied and pushed at him.

  Reluctantly, Drystan stood and pulled the gown over his head. “You should be sharing my room.”

  “Soon, Drystan.”

  Drystan mimicked his words as he walked to the door. He opened it slightly before blowing Conley a kiss and then left the room. Conley lay down on the bed and looked to the ceiling. Drystan was full of surprises, and Conley was looking forward to the future. He had the sense it would not be long before he had strong feelings for the other drakeling. Obstacles would surely find them, but it was clear they were going to be a formidable team.

  Chapter 6

  Drystan smiled at his mate when he entered the Great Hall. Conley gave him a sly look before taking a seat next to him at the table. Without a word, Drystan slid the trencher closer to Conley so he could join him in breaking his fast.

  “Did you sleep well, Conley?” his lady mother asked. So engrossed in staring at Conley’s comely form, Drystan hadn’t even heard her enter the room.

  With pink cheeks, Conley replied, “Yes, I did. I hope you fared as well.”

  “Thank you, dear, I slept well indeed. Are you boys off to the lists this morning?”

  “We are not boys, Mother,” Drystan said. After last night, he was most assuredly not a boy and he would have elaborated, but he knew how good Conley was with a sword.

  His mother laughed; it was a musical sound which normally pleased him when it was not at his expense. “You are my son, and I daresay you will always be a boy to me.”

  Drystan scrunched his nose but did not argue.

  “Conley, you must tell me if Drystan is not being accommodating. As I am sure you have figured out, he can be quite hard to handle.”

  His mate began to choke on whatever he had put in his mouth; Drystan whacked him on the back and nearly knocked his head into the table.

  “Drystan, you must not pound on Conley so.”

  “I do apologize, Conley, I forgot how small you were.”

  Wheezing, Conley replied, “I’m not small.”

  In a low voice Drystan said, “Not all of you is small.”

  “What was that, dear?” his mother asked and Drystan wanted to laugh at how wide Conley’s eyes grew.

  “Nothing, Mother.”

  “Hmmph.”

  “Drystan, should we head to the lists?” Conley asked in a strange voice as he stood.

  “You’ve barely broken your fast.”

  “My belly is full I assure you.”

  Drystan didn’t believe Conley, but he was not apt to contradict him. He rose and Conley grabbed his hand and all but hauled him out of the castle.

  “What ails you?”

  “Your mother is too kind by far, but I feared you giving us away,” Conley replied.

  “I do not understand. You have done these things before. Why do you feel such shame doing them with me?”

  “I do not feel shame, Drystan. I fear your parents thinking less of me for taking advantage. I am older than you by two years.”

  Conley’s words caused a glow to grow inside of Drystan. The other drakeling wanted to make a good impression on his parents, and he sought to protect Drystan’s reputation as well. “You are a good mate, Conley.”

  “I do wish to be, which is why we cannot risk running afoul of your parents.�
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  “My parents were mated within a week of meeting.”

  Conley’s mouth went slack. “A week?”

  “Aye. They will not look down their noses at our passion for each other.”

  “A week?”

  “You have asked that already. Yes. Seven short days before my parents sealed their matebond.”

  “I must think on this.”

  “Perhaps it is the way of my family to move quickly.”

  “You certainly have an aptitude for lovemaking.”

  Drystan smiled broadly as he yanked Conley to him for a deep kiss. He needed little reason to lavish such affections on the other drakeling, but Conley’s assessment of the night before deserved a reward. Conley whined into his mouth, and Drystan decided he had taken things far enough. He did not wish to grow anymore uncomfortable without a bed nearby.

  “I do like kissing you,” Drystan said when he finally lifted his head.

  “You are fair skilled.”

  “As are you.”

  “Come, I should still like to best you at swordplay.”

  “You did an excellent job of it yesterday.”

  Conley chuckled. “I will teach you to move faster.”

  “You will find me a most attentive pupil.”

  “Then you shall be rewarded for your efforts.”

  “Did your father teach you skill with a sword?”

  “No. I told you he could not be bothered with the likes of me.”

  Drystan frowned; he could not imagine life without a father like his. King Aeron always made time for his son. He’d been involved in every aspect of his life. It mattered not that he was a king and had constant demands for his time. Queen Helen came first and his son a very close second. It was as it should be. “I don’t think I would care to meet your parents.”

  “I doubt you ever will.”

  “They will not visit?”

  “Drystan, it was not my intention to pack my belongings and show up on your doorstep looking for a roof over my head. I had thought to visit you, and then we could decide together if our matebond would work. My father had other ideas. He saw no reason for me to return.”

  Aghast at his words, Drystan was at a loss. He relied on instinct and pulled an unresisting Conley into his arms. “I am sorry. I am pleased to be able to share my parents with you. You will find them most loving; they have been good to me for the whole of my life.”

  Conley rested his cheek to Drystan’s chest and squeezed his arms tightly around his back. “I find you to be full of surprises, but I accept your offer,” he said gruffly.

  “You thought me to be only a handsome face?”

  Laughing, Conley continued to hold him tightly. “I was right to think you are full of conceit.”

  “I am not as comely as you.”

  Lifting his head from its resting place Conley shoved him back. “You also suffer from a thick skull and a lack of hearing as I’ve asked you not to call me that.”

  “I cannot deny the truth.”

  “The truth as you see it.”

  “Would you rather have me think you ugly?”

  Chuckling, Conley said, “Perhaps you are not the only one full of conceit, for I do not wish that at all.”

  “I found your body most pleasing last night. I will see it again tonight.”

  “Aye, you will.”

  * * *

  A week later, Drystan was beginning to grow annoyed at Conley’s insistence they stroke each other to completion and then separate. He wanted more time with him—it was his wish to stay all night, but the other drakeling would not hear of it. They seemed to get on well during the day, so he could not understand his reluctance. He had told Conley they had nothing to fear from his parents’ reaction, but the man remained steadfast.

  It had been the same argument for the past seven nights, and Drystan was growing weary of it. He also feared annoying Conley to the point where he would simply tell Drystan to stay away until he was comfortable informing the king and queen they had taken a step closer to completing their matebond. So, he headed to the Great Hall for dinner with resolve in his mind. He would not disagree with Conley; he would enjoy what time they had together and try the practice of patience. Drystan hoped it agreed with him.

  “Where’s Conley, dear?” his mother asked when he arrived at the table to sup.

  “I thought to find him here.”

  “Are the two of you getting along well?”

  “I am fond of him.”

  “I am pleased to hear it; he is a fine young man. You must take pains to treat him well.”

  “Fear not, I do not wish to mistreat him. I believe his family to be most cold.”

  “He doesn’t speak much of them, does he?”

  “No, it seems they were not the sort to take time for their son.”

  Queen Helen nodded sagely. “It is often the case with parents. It is most unfortunate.”

  “I told him I would share you and Father with him.”

  “I did always want another son.”

  “You might have told me. Father could have spared me the knowledge of what transpires between a woman and man.”

  With a wide smile, his mother patted him on the back. “There are your father and Conley now.”

  Looking up, Drystan grinned at the pair as they strode toward the table, side by side. Conley was laughing at something his father was saying, and Drystan found the joy on the drakeling’s face to be most satisfactory.

  “I find your smile very fetching, Conley,” Drystan called out.

  “My thanks,” Conley replied as he came closer and took a seat. Drystan greeted his father and saw his parents share a kiss in welcome.

  “Why did you not kiss me when you arrived?” he asked after turning to his mate.

  Conley furrowed his brow. “If you want a kiss, you usually take it.”

  Shrugging, Drystan silently acknowledged he was right.

  “You kiss me all the time. I do not know why you are suddenly growing bashful. I thought you were well aware I am always receptive to your affection,” Conley insisted.

  “Calm yourself. I know the truth of your words,” Drystan said before pressing their lips together.

  A serving girl came by with tankards of ale and another with large platters of food. Drystan selected the best pieces of meat and filled the trencher he shared with his mate. Conley helped himself to black bread and broke off a piece to hand to Drystan. They’d become adept at seeing each other fed at mealtimes.

  Between bites, they spoke of the everyday goings-on in the castle with Drystan’s parents. As it was since the other drakeling had arrived at Castle Beradraconis, swordplay and Conley’s unnatural speed was a favorite topic. King Aeron was also fond of bringing up the fact that Drystan had yet to best Conley at chess, which they played in the evenings.

  “We shall have a feast on the morrow,” Queen Helen announced.

  “Mother, it is not needed.”

  “We are celebrating the day of your birth. There will be a feast.”

  “You did not tell me about this,” Conley said.

  “It is of no import. I do not even know why we must celebrate,” Drystan replied to Conley who was looking particularly vexed.

  “You are our son. Of course it is of import,” King Aeron stated.

  “I do not wish to begin an argument. Mother may plan her feast and Conley and I will be most happy to eat it,” Drystan responded while hoping the conversation would end. It was mortifying that his parents insisted on celebrating every year.

  “I must find a gift for you,” Conley commented.

  “You do not need to offer me a gift.”

  “I’m your mate. Yes, I do.”

  Leaning over to whisper in his ear, Drystan said, “We can discuss the idea of a gift when we are alone later.” Now that he was thinking about the idea, Drystan was quite sure what he wanted from Conley. He would like to spend their nights together though he would settle for just one as a gift.


  Conley replied with a short bob of his head. With hope, Conley would have the same easy agreement when they had words later. Drystan saw no reason for them to continue in separate chambers at all. Conley’s insistence it would make him appear too eager to Drystan’s parents was woefully misguided. They enjoyed each other’s company during the daylight hours and that brief time when Conley allowed them to pleasure each other in his bed. Clearly Fate had done her job well. Drystan decided if he were planning a feast that is what he would choose to celebrate. It was infinitely more significant than adding another year to his age.

  Chapter 7

  Conley was resting under the cover when Drystan entered his bedchamber. As usual, he was wearing a dressing gown, but he pulled it over his head before sliding next to Conley and giving him a smile. The abundant muscles that covered Drystan’s body made Conley’s belly flutter. His mate was finely fashioned, and he loved the sight of him. Tilting up his chin, he offered his lips for a kiss and Drystan obliged. But it was not the prelude to lovemaking he had expected. In fact, Drystan snatched his mouth away almost immediately.

  “What ails you?” Conley asked.

  “You wished to speak of this gift you insist heaping upon my sorry self.”

  “I admit I was thinking more of our usual activities at night,” Conley said before straightening up in bed and putting some space between them so he could focus on the subject at hand. “I would welcome your ideas for a gift. I do have plenty of coin.”

  “Do not waste your coin on me. I have thought of a gift which will cost you nothing.”

  “It is not a waste to purchase gifts for one’s mate, but I am curious about your idea.”

  “It is simple. Allow us to share a bed for the whole of the night.”

  “Drystan—”

  “Con, this insistence on being apart for the sake of my parents is foolish. We are well-matched. It is obvious to anyone with a brain in their head.”

  “It’s not only for their sake. We get along well, this is true—but we still have much to learn of each other.”

  “How does spending our nights apart aid us in learning more?”