Free Blood Bought: Cruentus Dragons Book Two by Brynn Paulin Page A

the women who fed the Dragons until they were mated. He hadn’t had anyone in residence for years.
    She snorted. “Same thing.” She looked at Riven. “You have blood letters?”
    “He certainly does not,” Laurinda snapped, giving Riven a glare at the very suggestion. “And he will not.”
    “Rinda…”
    “Mmm…” Athena sat up straighter. “What’s between you two?”
    “Nothing,” Rinda said regretfully. She stepped out of Riven’s arms. They dropped to his side in defeat. Jonah could have sworn he saw the life depart the man. The queen forced a half smile, her own sadness evident. “He’s part Dragon. He must take a Dragon mate. There’s not a prayer for me. I’m a pureblood—pure Djinni to the beginning of our bloodline.” She tilted her head, regarding Athena. “You need to understand how lucky you are—”
    The doors to Jonah’s chambers exploded open, halting anything she might have said and sending both men into defensive position in front of their women.

Chapter Five

     
    A huge man filled the doorway. He seemed familiar, but Athena hadn’t spent enough time here to learn anyone’s face—except Jonah’s. His had imprinted on her immediately. Whatever happened, his image would be with her always.
    “Janos,” Jonah exclaimed. “I thought you were still in
New York
.”
    Oh! This was her cousin’s mate. Did that mean her cousin was nearby? Athena had sorely missed her—and had a few bones to pick…
    Janos shook his head. “Scarlett and I returned as soon as you went after your mate. Preparations for your union ceremony had to be made.” He turned to the other pair. “Brother Riven, welcome to the Cruentus Clan’s compound. Since you are of Cruentus blood, you will always have a home here. As soon as Behe informed me of your possible arrival, I had rooms prepared for you and your…guest.” It was obvious he strove to be cordial to the female Djinni who’d accompanied them.
    “Cruentus blood?” Jonah echoed.
    It was all very clear to Athena. The resemblance, the identical Dragons…
    “He’s your…” she looked to Janos, and raised a brow, “brother?”
    Janos nodded. “He is.” He frowned, surveying Athena. “There is no time for a reunion now. Jonah, the ceremony.”
    “Athena and I need time—”
    “You don’t have time,” Janos interrupted. “Her condition is obvious, and I’m not the healer.”
    “We need a moment.”
    Janos nodded. “Come with me,” he told the other two.
    In seconds, she and Jonah were alone. The constant arousal she felt near him had waned, though she still wanted him more than she’d ever wanted another man despite the tingles of pain that were already returning. He pulled her into his arms and carried her from the chamber. His quarters were larger than she’d imagined, and he took her down a wide passageway, past several doorways and into his bedroom. A huge canopy bed dominated the room, the four posts appearing to be actual trees that arched overhead. Gauzy white linen draped over the branches.
    Jonah placed her on the mattress and laid beside her. His brow furrowed with concern.
    Was this when he told her there would be no joining? He’d seemed so reluctant when Janos had told him the ceremony waited. Jonah had ended the mating.
    “So…there’s a Djinni in the family,” he started. His fingertips stroked her arm, lifting goose bumps along her skin.
    “He’s a good man.”
    Jonah nodded, his gaze intent on the path of his fingers. They slid over to her belly and she pressed into his touch.
    “How do you feel about this?” he asked as he splayed his fingers.
    “I haven’t had much of an opportunity to think about it. I guess I’m relieved that it’s not some fatal attack from the Djinn. I thought at first it was. And…I’m…not freaked out. I mean, it’s kinda cool.” As she spoke, the reality of her condition settled into her awareness. A child with Jonah. She was going to have his baby!
    Her hand covered his