with amusement as he took in my challenging stare and pursed lips. “I haven’t. Generally, it's something saved for mates.”
I was briefly mollified, then I remembered the way Seff and Levi had played my body like an instrument without even taking my clothes off. They certainly had more experience in this area than I did.
“I'd hazard a guess you've all done everything except the sacred bit though,” I said drily, raising a brow at Ezra. I could have sworn his cheeks looked a little pinker, even in the dim candlelight as his eyes moved shiftily away from me.
“What about the rest of you?” I asked curiously, looking around the room. Oren and Hiram were shaking their heads, but Levi was noticeably still, staring at the ground.
“What about you?” I asked Seff sharply as he rejoined us, looking surprised. “Have you done this before?”
“No, never,” he replied instantly, shaking his head.
So it was just my sweet, thoughtful earth dragon who had gotten sweet and thoughtful with someone else. Gold scales rippled over my arms as jealousy rose in my throat like bile. Don’t think about it, Shira.
“Never mind,” I announced to the room full of males who seemed to be holding their breath. “I don't want to know. Come on, then. Let's go dispense with my maidenhood,” I called over my shoulder, making my way towards the bedroom and smiling to myself when all of them moved as one to follow.
Seff had worked fast, setting candles around the room, bathing it in a warm glow. There was a brand new nightgown laid out on the bed — it was pure white and skimpier than any other I owned. Unsure what to do, I grabbed it and hid in the bathroom to change. I almost snorted at how little covered. Thin straps held it up, and the almost sheer material fell to mid-thigh.
Despite it being not much better than wearing nothing, I had to admit I felt good in it. Desirable. That feeling was confirmed as I exited the bathroom to find five entranced looking males staring back at me, running their eyes greedily over every inch of exposed skin.
With more confidence than I felt, I held my head high and walked to the side of the bed, climbing up as decorously as I could while Ezra stepped forward to join me and the other four spread out around the room.
“Are you sure about this? We can wait,” Ezra uttered, standing at the foot of the bed, unbuttoning his shirt.
Between my position seated demurely in the center of the bed in my nightgown, Ezra standing at the edge of the bed as indomitable as ever, and our four silent spectators, I was feeling rather sacrificial. A pristine golden dragon, gifting her virginity to her Alpha surrounded by her adoring mates on the night of her bonding.
“I want to do this. But I want them closer,” I breathed, eyes locked on Ezra who was giving me an inscrutable look. He tipped his chin and my other mates materialized around me on the enormous bed, their skin rubbing up against mine. Their presence immediately made me feel more relaxed.
“How are you feeling, Shira?” Levi asked softly. I shot him a quick glare before I could stop myself, jealousy still riding me.
“Fine. Will it hurt?” I asked honestly, turning my attention to my Alpha. It wasn’t like I was a stranger to pain, yet the question was playing on my mind.
“Yes,” Ezra replied with a grimace. “Which is why you need to come first. Seff, why don’t you see what our mate tastes like?” he said matter-of-factly. By the gods, my face felt like it was on fire.
Seff grinned like all his dreams had come true at once as he moved in front of me on the bed.
“Oren, hold Shira. Make sure she’s comfortable,” Ezra ordered.
Oren situated himself against the pillows and pulled me to sit between his legs. I let out a squeal of surprise as my back hit his firm chest. I tipped my head back to shoot him a glare, but the twinkle of amusement in his eyes stopped me short. Oren wasn’t naturally expressive — this may be the most animated I’d ever seen him.
“May I touch you, rebel?” he whispered. I nodded, entranced by his face. Oren’s enormous hands brushed lightly against my hips, his fingertips dancing over my waist, then my ribcage. By the time his hands cupped my suddenly heavy breasts over the thin fabric, I was squirming