Building Magic — Lilly Cain

When architecture student and summertime welder Tina Moreland develops a reputation as a peeping Tom, it isn't the first time she's been teased for being different. Catching a glimpse of the man of her dreams is worth the aggravation. But when she witnesses him doing something stranger than stripping in his hightower office, it's enough to make her forget that when working unharnessed on the fifth floor, the first step is a long way down.

Working in the human world leaves Devin Ken'Draga frustrated and exhausted. Things aren't going well. Devin is the Kenta - prime dragon - in a world not far from earth, only a magical breath of flame away. It is a world that is having problems, and he is expected to solve them. The question is how. Civil war has shattered his land and destroyed his home. He can't come up with an Answer, and the Elders can only tell him he will find what he needs on Earth.

Devin doesn't have time to rescue a damsel in distress. But since she is literally falling at his feet, he can't help but to save Tina. Bringing her home wasn't part of the plan, but once they fall through the magical portal together, there is no going back. It is only when he spreads his wings in his true dragon form that Devin realizes something he hadn't anticipated - the woman is a virgin, a temptation no dragon can resist.

Together Devin and Tina create a sensual bond, gladly sacrificing her virginity to protect her from the dragon males who might think that hurting her would be a good way to hurt Devin. Her virginity is a gift - with it's loss comes a release of power that Devin collects into a gemstone. It isn't enough to stop the war, and Devin is worried. There is no way for him or Tina to ever return to Earth - the magic that rules the land only allows that trip once. He's lost his chance to bring back a way to find peace for his people. The entire Southern Dragon race is at risk, so many have dies from the war. He turns to Tina for distraction and comfort.

Tina knows Devin is worried and does what she can to soothe him. But she is all that he brought back from Earth - what more can she do to save his people? The questions haunt her. When inspiration strikes, she develops a plan to save them, not realizing how it will hurt Devin. Devin will do anything to save his people, but he must deal with his inner demons, along with those who oppose him physically. Together they must find a way to stand together.

When the time comes, Tina proves her worth to Devin and all the dragons. Devin fights to protect her and his people, and using the magic from their first lovemaking he gifts her with it, mating with her for life and giving his people hope along with a new queen.