Ritual Seduction

Chapter Three: A Loyal Heart

Hermione woke late the next morning in the arms on Draco Malfoy. His eyes were still closed and his breathing deep and even. She took a moment to examine her mate.

He had lost the adolescent softness in his face and now had the sharper edges of a grown man. His blonde hair was just enough to run fingers through and hung slightly in his eyes.

In her blind panic the night before, she had failed to notice he was only wear a pair royal blue silk sleep pants.

She let her eyes roam over his defined chest and stomach. The fine baby soft hairs were sparse but become darker and thicker as it traveled down across his tight stomach and below his drawstring.

She felt her face flush. If nothing else her mate was very handsome.

According to the books there would be different tasks that would have to be completed. Each one represented an aspect of the relationship formed by mates.

They had completed trust but there was still loyalty, heart, soul, mind, and body.

She let her fingers trace his clavicles and down his sternum. His skin was so very warm.

Draco meanwhile, was enjoying her little exploration. He had been woken up by her soft sighs Hermione made as she woke-up. He had decided to give Hermione a chance to examine without fear but her breeze like touch was too much for him to handle.

Hermione jumped when her felt his large hand stroke her shoulder. Draco was smiling down at her big round eyes and red cheeks.

“Good morning my dear.” He greeted, his voice rough from sleep.

“Good morning,” she said back, enjoying the sound of his voice.

“I thought we could have brunch, you could contact your employees, friends and family and let them know you will be away, and then I thought we could head out to the bookstore.”

“In the village?” She asked surprised.

“Of course, you are not a prisoner my heart, you are my guest. You are free to leave if you wish.”

“No it is not that, I mean, I’m…” Hermione had never been so flustered around a person before.

“It’s okay, I understand. Let’s get dressed while the elves make brunch.”

“Sounds good.”

They had an awkward moment as they tried to untangle their limbs and stand up. Draco enjoyed the feeling of her soft curves sliding over him.

He walked her back to her room and promised to meet her in the sun parlor.

~~

Draco could not take his off Hermione, from the first moment he saw her enter the parlor in that light blue sundress with her hair in long braid over her shoulder, he was bewitched by her.

Now they were walking down the cobbled streets of Collioure on a perfect day, with the sea breeze carrying the fresh brine scent mixed with the sweet smell of the local patisserie.

They were arm and arm as they entered the bookshop that doubled as a café.

“I am going to go talk to Jacque, the owner, wander the stacks and pick whatever you like.” Draco kissed her fingers and made his way to the back of the store.

Hermione happily moved through the book-lined shelves. She loved the smell of ink and parchment, she felt completely at home. She found the section designated for mythical and magical creatures.

She was searching the index of one particular tome when she heard a man’s voice behind her.

“What is such a beautiful woman doing on the arm of an English traitor?” a thick French accent hung in the air.

“I beg your pardon?” She turned to find a tall man, with dark hair and darker eyes, his skin darkened by the sun.

“Even here in France the Malfoy’s are known for their treason against the wizards of Britain.” He slinked closer and rested against the shelves.

“Then you must know they fought against Voldemort in the end, and they have been repenting for their sins.”

“Once a traitor always a traitor. You need a good wizards arm to take, not one marred with a DarkMark.” He all but spat out the words.

That did it. Hermione felt an anger rise in her that took her completely my surprise. Her sharp nail jabbed into his chest.

“What right do you have to speak of Draco and his family in such a way? You do not know how they suffered, and how hard they have been working to change their ways and help those who lost everything in the war. Your ignorance is not appreciated and I suggest you walk out of this store, and away from me , before you meet the wrong end of my wand.”

Darkness flash in her eyes and the man knew better then to face the famous war heroine and brightest witch of the age.

Unbeknownst to Hermione, Draco had watched the entire exchange and he glowed with pride and love as she defended not only him, but also his family.

Her whole body sparked with power, she looked beautiful and fierce.

She was his perfect mate and she had passed the loyalty test with flying colors, and luckily no curse throwing.

When she turned to see Draco smiling at her, she felt the blood rise in her check. Merlin she could never remember blushing so much in her entire life.

“You are utterly brilliant.” He said, scooping her hands in his.

“I couldn’t let him get away with those horrible words, the nerve of him.” Her voice was laced with anger.

“My ferocious lioness, you have passed and shown your loyalty.” He pulled her to his side and kissed her temple.

“Now, have any of this books caught your fancy my lady?” he asked not letting her go.

“Well there was one that was a bunch of stories from different mated couples.” She glanced at him from the corner of her eyes.

“Sounds good to me, come on lets get some tea.”

He purchased her book and they enjoyed some tea on the terrace.

~~

That night Hermione and Draco were lounging on the balcony on cushions, going over stories of magically mated couples.

Hermione blushed at one account of a female describing the first time her and her veela mate made love.

She felt her body warm as she read about the woman emotions of completeness and utter pleasure.

Draco was watching her as she read. She was sitting slightly in front of him her legs folded up her lips moving along with the words. He watched her shift around, he could sense her arousal rising.

Gods did he want to claim her, feel her naked skin alongside his own and slide into hot wet body.

He moved closer wrapping his arms around her waist, his chin resting on her shoulder.

She shuddered as his lips traced her pulse point.

“What is the joining of a gancanagh and his mate like?” she asked tilting her head to give him more access. He smiled at her small sign of submission, knowing it was her natural desire driving her and not his gancanagh influence.

“I do not know for sure, but if I have the honor of having you, then it will be glorious my dear.” He whispered, his teeth gently nipped at her ear. She moaned softly.

“I should let you get some sleep, I have some great plans for us tomorrow.” He told her as he stood to take his leave.

She slowly stood, her legs a little weak.

He touched his lips to her forehead and bid her goodnight before his lost his control and scooped her up into his arms and took her to the nearest bed.

~~
A/N Thanks to my reviewers and I promise I am working on the Beta thing- I am crap at editing my own writing.

xox
Sarah