One last glance around the magical world, and she followed. Lilly had never seen anything so colorful, or beautiful. Of course she hadn’t. Her father had never celebrated anything. Not even a birthday.
Their mom had made sure to always sing happy birthday. No one knew if the dates were right, though. It was one of the few things she was able to do. But Christmas, it was so much more magical. Lilly never would have guessed that there were twinkle lights and colorful things that went on walls. Strange that you would bring a tree inside, but that was even fun. Everything was.
“Eadric, slow down. Why couldn’t we stay?”
He looked back at her. “We can go back. I just. Well, I had this whole plan.”
A lightness filled her. Not that he didn’t help chase away years of pain and anger and hell, but to feel the pride flowing through him right now gave her a sense of genuine happiness. She didn’t really understand what all he’d done, but she understood this was for her.
Eadric continued through the hall until they got to their room.
“I wanted to give you your gifts, alone. I feel like your very first Christmas gift was too important to share with them.”
Glancing back at the direction of the dining hall, Lilly smiled in memory.
“Eadric, they’re your brothers. I don’t see why they wouldn’t be a part of this.”
Grabbing her close, she let him pull her to him. It felt like they’d been apart for years. How could she miss someone she’d just seen a few hours ago?
“Some moments are not for everyone, this is one,” he said.
Images flooded her mind of him between her legs. Her body heated instantly. She had to focus a million times harder to control her fire in moments like these. Her legs nearly buckled in memory of what he could do to her body.
The excitement of Christmas, though, and the excitement within Eadric pulled her back from her mate’s body. He had something he wanted to give her. Gifts, she’d never truly received a gift. Although, the kindness and generosity of these men, these dragons was like Christmas every day, really.
“Thank you for Christmas, Eadric. This was fun. I don’t remember, but I always thought it was in December. Can we celebrate again?”
She shivered as his lips trailed tingles of pleasure down her neck. Screw getting gifts, she just wanted him.
Turning her head, she met his lips with hers. She’d missed his taste. Slipping her hand between the two of them, she reached down and grabbed the bulge behind his pants. Every day she grew less and less a fan of pants.
The memory of Eadric in that cave, pantless, still made her laugh. If she’d known then, what she knew now, there would have been no stopping her.
“Wait, mate. Not just yet.”
This time it was her turn to flash a few ideas into her dragon's head. He moaned.
“Mate. Calm yourself,” he said through gritted teeth.
He gently guided her backwards to the bed, forcing her to sit down.
“I need to finish my gifts.” He held two boxes in his hand. And if she didn’t know better, she’d swear his hands were a bit shaky? Why?
“Lilly? My mate. I wanted to give you the best memories of your planet. I wanted to share as many human customs with you as possible, before I take you to my home.”
She stopped him. “Our home. This place is nothing but a rock that has given me life. Home is where you are.”
Eadric smiled at her and Lilly knew that she’d suffer all over again to end up in this exact spot. He was worth it.
“Well still. Someone's past is important. It can define us or help us grow. I hope for you it will help you grow. So-”
He knelt in front of her, bringing himself to her level.
“Lillyanna, my first gift is to signify my love for you in your Earth’s way. One to show that you are mine.”
He opened a small box with a beautiful sparkling red stone in the center. The swirls around the gem reminded her of him, of the markings they shared.
Smiling, she held out her hand. It was a ring, she’d seen rings in magazines. You put it on a finger. This was simple enough. It was beautiful though. She’d never seen anything shine like it. The color reminded her of him. Everything about it was Eadric and her.
“I’m already yours and I don’t know how many men would come near me when I have this marking on my stomach, but if this is what humans do, I love it. It’s beautiful.”
She could hear his heart thundering away in his chest.
Eadric? Are you okay?
His eyes met hers as he looked up from the ring.
I thought I would be, but I want to give you the world and it scares me to mess it up.
Reaching her hand out, she cupped his cheek.
“You are my world.”
His hand covered hers before he gently pulled it away.
“This ring, I am told, goes on this finger. I prefer my version of claiming. Earth men aren’t very exciting, are they?”
A heat pooled between her legs. Yes, she preferred his way of claiming as well. But she wouldn’t exactly turn away a beautiful item.
“Thank you, Eadric. I love it.”
His eyes glowed warmly.
“I have one more. It isn’t something you wear this time.”
He handed her a larger box. Pulling the ribbon on top, she slid the lid aside.
Curious. Examining the globe like item, she reached in and pulled it out.
Lilly studied it for a moment and then turned it upside down and then right side up and watched little glittery flakes fall to the ground.
“It’s a little you,” she said.
Reading the inscription, ‘Home is where the dragon is.’ She smiled. Because it was true.
“How did you find a red dragon in a - well, a beautiful little ball?”
Eadric took it from her and gently shook it again.
“It plays a Christmas song and is apparently a decoration of sorts. I
