by S. E. Smith
Chapter 10
Abby blew a wisp of hair out of her face. She was glaring at Zoran and he was glaring at her. They had been at the staring contest for the past thirty minutes, ever since Abby told Zoran she was going away for a day, possibly two.
“Zoran, I have to go. I have a contract. My clients have already paid me a great deal of money. I’ll be back as soon as I can but I have to go. I have no choice.”
Zoran ran both of his hands through his long hair. “Ni! Ni! Ni!”
He would not let her out of his sight. What if something happened to her? What if she didn’t come back? It was too much. He couldn’t let her go. He growled in frustration. How could he explain he and his dragon could not be away from her? Not even for a few hours! Well, maybe for a few hours, but dammit, he didn’t want to be away from her.
He glared at her. Why did she have to be so stubborn? What did it matter if she didn’t go? She wasn’t going to be on this planet much longer anyway if he had his way and he planned on having it. He had never been so frustrated at not being able to communicate in his life. He had known her a total of three days, five if you count the time he was unconscious which he didn’t, and he had never been more frustrated in his life. He paced back and forth before grabbing Abby and pulling her out the door. He couldn’t wait any longer. He had to get his brothers to help him.
Abby struggled to keep up with Zoran. She knew he was frustrated but so was she. She had never had sex until yesterday morning and they made up for all the years since she hit puberty in one night! She was still a little sore, though the symbiosis seemed determined to help her overcome that. She had never been as embarrassed as when she caught one of the little gold devils moving around her private parts this morning. When she screamed, she had to put up with Zoran laughing at her as she tried to get the thing to move back to her wrist. Zoran then proceeded to make love to her over and over just so he could hold her down and watch as his symbiosis healed her. It wouldn’t have been so bad but it seemed the more they did it, the more she wanted it. She was becoming addicted to sex!
As they approached the meadow Abby pulled back. She had touched and caressed the golden ship but she had never been inside it. She didn’t know what she expected but she wasn’t sure she wanted to be inside anything that was alive. Zoran threw her a frustrated look before turning and picking her up into his arms. Abby just pressed her lips together. He wasn’t the only one frustrated. The only time they seemed to really understand each other was when they were in bed and then all they did was grunt, groan, moan, and scream, a very universal language Abby decided.
Zoran sat down in a chair turning and giving a command. Suddenly, a view screen appeared with several males on the other side. Abby couldn’t help but be fascinated as she sat up in Zoran’s lap. They were all tall, dark and handsome. Zoran spoke rapidly to the man on the screen who turned and spoke to another man before turning back to stare at Abby.
“Wow. This makes the Chip-n-Dales look like boy scouts.” Abby breathed as she stared at the men who were staring at her with the same look of astonishment.
“Who is Chip-n-Dale?” Zoran asked.
“Mm, exotic male dancers. I saw them at a club in New York that one of my clients took me to once.” Abby replied absentmindedly, more focused on the view screen.
It took a minute for her to realize she actually understood Zoran. Abby turned in his lap, her face lighting up. “I understood you!” She threw her arms around his neck laughing as she pressed little kisses all over his mouth.
“Ah, Zoran. Who is the female and is she taken?” Kelan asked from the bridge of his ship.
Kelan was stunned to hear from Zoran again so soon. He was even more astonished at his request for an open translator to be patched into their com. When he saw the female, he felt a deep reaction to her. She was truly beautiful. That she was sitting on his brother’s lap had been a surprise. That she was beautiful had not. His brother had a way of attracting beautiful women wherever he went.
Abby giggled, “Are you offering?” Abby teased back. She was almost giddy at being able to understand Zoran finally.
Zoran growled deeply, “Yes, she is taken. She is my mate and no, he is not offering.” Zoran said pulling Abby into his arms possessively.
Abby laughed, pressing a kiss to his neck. “How did you do this? I can understand you? Is it only when we are here?”
Zoran ran his hand down Abby’s arm possessively. “Yes. Soon, you will be able to understand me. My brothers should be here day after tomorrow. They will bring you a translator.”
Abby pulled away, looking at Zoran in dismay. “The day after tomorrow!” She said in horror. She only had today left to be with him. She was leaving for New York tomorrow morning and probably wouldn’t be able to be back before he left.
Abby tried to pull away from Zoran. She didn’t want to see the look of pity she knew must be on the faces of the men on the space ship. She was sure she looked like a lovesick puppy dog.
“Yes. This is why you cannot leave.” Zoran said pulling her against him.
“I have to go. My client is sending a plane for me in the morning. I told you that. Edna will be back today to get Bo and Gloria. I leave tomorrow and, if I’m lucky, I can get a flight back and be home late tomorrow night or early Sunday.” Abby said, feeling sick to her stomach. She was not ready to say goodbye to him.
“You don’t have to leave so soon, do you? Couldn’t you wait a few more days?” Abby asked desperately. Glancing at the man standing on the view screen, she turned back to Zoran. “I mean, it’s not like they haven’t traveled a gillzon light years for you. What could a couple more days make?”
Zoran’s eyes grew dark as he tried to hold his temper. “Abby, you do not understand. You are my mate. I forbid you to go.”
“You forbid?” Abby looked at Zoran in amazement. “Who died and made you king? I’ll go if I want to. I made this commitment before I met you and I plan on honoring it. I keep my promises and commitments.”
“What about your commitment to me?” Zoran said furious. “And my father died and made me king!”
“Commitment? We never made a commitment to each other. I knew you wouldn’t be here for very long but I thought I would have at least a few more days to be with you before you left. I understand you want to return to your home. I would, if I was in your place. And, what do you mean your dad died and left you king?” Abby responded hotly.
“We did make a commitment. I marked you! My dragon marked you! My symbiosis claimed you as my true mate.” Zoran said through gritted teeth. “My father was king of the Valdier and now I am.”
“I didn’t know what that meant, so it doesn’t count. I can’t have a long distance relationship with you. How is that going to work with you god knows where and me here on my mountain? I really don’t think my cell phone plan covers those types of calls. And what do you mean, you’re a king?” Abby asked confused.
A light cough from behind them had both of them turning to look at the man staring back and forth between the two of them in a combination of amusement and confusion.
“Zoran, haven’t you been able to communicate with your…I’m afraid I did not get your name, my lady?” Kelan asked.
“Oh dear, I’m so sorry. My name is Abigail Tanner but everyone calls me Abby. It’s a pleasure to meet you…” Abby said, pushing a strand of hair out of her eyes as she looked at Kelan shyly.
“Kelan, my lady. Zoran’s younger brother by three years.” Kelan replied, enchanted by the beautiful, strong, stubborn female sitting on his brother’s lap. He never thought to see a female who could stand up to his brother, especially when he was angry.
Abby smiled, showing off her dimples. Zoran groaned. He was powerless when Abby smiled with her dimples. He knew his brother would be a total pushover.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kelan. I will be happy to welcome you to my home when you arrive.” Abby said softly.
Kelan stared at the delicate beauty.
“It will indeed be a pleasure to meet you, Lady Abby, and I look forward to enjoying your hospitality.”
Abby turned to look at Zoran. “See, he doesn’t mind if you have to stay an extra day. Please say you will, Zoran. I promised and I could never live with myself if I didn’t keep it.” Abby gave Zoran her sad puppy dog eyes and pushed her lower lip out just a little. It always worked with her grandfather.
Abby heard Kelan groan. “Zoran, let her finish her duty. We will wait for her return.”
Zoran moaned. He had a feeling he was better off when she couldn’t understand him. He seemed to get his way more.
Zoran growled again as he listened to Abby talk to Kelan, then Trelon, then half a dozen other men on his brother’s crew who came to see the lovely alien female who wore the dragon’s mark on her neck. Abby was still unaware of it. When they finally made it into the bathroom this morning they were more interested in each other. By the time they got out of the shower, the mirror was fogged to the point neither of them could see a reflection. Zoran was too distracted to explain to Abby what had happened. Every time he got close to her, he couldn’t seem to keep his hands and mouth off of her. They even made love on the path up to his ship. Abby was so beautiful bent over the limb of a branch with him mounting her from behind. Bo quickly lost interest and took off for the meadow without them. By the time they got to the meadow, he took her again, this time on the soft grass. It seemed his dragon was making up for lost time.
Trelon gave him the idea of using his symbiosis to make a connection with his ship which would have an open line to their translator. The symbiosis on Abby would allow her to understand what Zoran was saying. It was a round-about way for them to communicate but it was better than nothing. They spent the rest of the afternoon talking about a little bit of everything. Abby discovered Zoran and his brothers often got into trouble when they were younger for all types of misadventures. His mother was still alive and doing well though she preferred to spend most of her time at their mountain home away from the city. Zoran did not really have a favorite color because he had never really thought about it while Abby loved blue and green. He was a definite meat eater and could not understand why Abby did not eat meat at all. They ended up having a heated discussion on that.
Abby was determined to enjoy being with Zoran to the fullest. She didn’t want to think about his leaving in just a few days. She knew she loved him. She also knew she would never love another man. Picking up her grandfather’s guitar, she sat on the swing watching as Zoran played with Bo. It was funny watching him. She could almost picture him playing with their children, a dog of their own running around, while she sat on the porch swing watching them. Tears burned her eyes at the dream that would never come true. Strumming the strings, she began playing and singing some of the country songs her grandmother had written. She loved playing and singing. It helped her, especially when she was feeling so emotional.
Zoran threw the green tennis ball for Bo before turning to watch Abby. She was wearing a tank top and a pair of jeans. She left her hair down after the last time he stole her hair band and it fell in waves around her. She had kicked off her shoes and sat with one leg tucked under her as she used the toes of her other foot to gently push the swing back and forth. She had reached over a few minutes before and picked up an odd shaped instrument which she was absently strumming on. Now, she began playing a beautiful song about a young girl who was in love. Her husky voice echoed over the mountain. Zoran thought it was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen or heard before.
Abby seemed totally unaware of how captivating she was. Love for her swelled through him to the point of pain. He not only desired her physically but he desired being around her, listening to her, watching her as she did little things, like making them a meal or talking to the animals, stroking them and petting them to offer them love and comfort. Her gentleness wrapped itself around his heart.
Zoran walked slowly towards the porch where Abby sat playing and singing. She smiled as he came up the steps. Bo followed him, panting, before dropping the ball and laying down next to him.
“My grandparents and I used to sit on the porch every night the weather allowed. We’d sing and play together for hours. If it was cold, we would sit in the living room in front of the fireplace and sing. My grandparents and my mother are buried on this mountain. I knew I would never leave it. This is my home, where I was always meant to be.” Abby smiled sadly at Zoran.
“There are mountains where I come from. They are just as beautiful as these.” Zoran replied softly, his gold eyes darkening with emotion. “I would like to show you the mountains of my home.”
Abby shook her head, fighting back tears. “Tell me about them.” She said huskily. “Let me see them through your eyes.”
“Close your eyes.” Zoran said, moving to sit next to Abby. He reached over pulling her onto his lap, his arms tightly wrapped around her. “I want to show you them the way I see them.”
Abby laid back against Zoran enjoying the feel of his strong arms. Closing her eyes, she relaxed as he began telling her about his home, his mountains.
“During the early morning, a dense fog covers the lower mountains. The trees on our mountains are much larger than the ones you have here. Some of the branches are as big around as the trunks of your trees. They have to be to support the weight of the dragons who love to fly through them.” Zoran began.
Abby gasped as the symbiosis around her neck wove with the one around his. The warm gold bands intertwined together, sending her pictures of what Zoran was describing. She watched as he shifted to his full dragon form, a powerful green, gold, and red dragon. He wasn’t massive like the dragons from the movies; he was the same height as he was now if you didn’t count his tail and wings. She saw his gold symbiosis form armor over his body, a gold breast plate, head armor, and armor for his claws, wings, and tail. She watched as his powerful wings swept up and down lifting him straight up into the air in a matter of seconds. She turned her head. It was as if she could almost feel the wind blowing across her face as he flew through the thick fog, swerving in and out between the huge branches of the trees before breaking through the cloud cover to soar over the mountain ridges. Abby set the guitar down without opening her eyes so she could spread her arms out as if she was the one flying. Zoran’s voice rolled over her, through her, as if they had become one and the same. She felt the freedom and power of the dragon in flight. She laughed as she felt the spray from the waterfall as he dove down swirling, in and out of the rainbow colored mist. She looked at his reflection as he skimmed the water; his back claws drawing faint ripples as he let them barely touch the surface before sweeping back up. She could feel his love for his home and the freedom of being who he was in those few precious minutes. Her breath caught in her throat as she felt him landing on one of those thick branches so he could look down upon the world he called home. It was incredibly beautiful.
The sound of a truck coming up the drive and Bo barking drew them out of the world they had escaped to. As the gold around their necks separated, they gazed at each other unable to bear ending the journey they had just traveled together. Zoran leaned forward brushing his lips gently across Abby’s lips.
The sound of a truck door slamming finally broke through the daze Abby was feeling. Turning to look at their visitor, a smile broke through at the sight of Edna’s worry look. Abby pulled herself reluctantly out of Zoran’s arms and off his lap to stand up.
“Welcome home, Edna.” Abby said smiling at her old friend.
“Hello dear. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” Edna said with a small smile and a knowing look.
“Zoran, I’d like you to meet an old family friend. Edna knew my grandparents when they lived in Los Angeles and has known me my whole life. She’s my god-mother.” Abby said walking forward to wrap her arm around Edna’s waist. “Edna, this is Zoran. He needed a place to stay for a few days.”
Edna frowned. “Just for a few?”
Sh
e looked back and forth between Abby and Zoran. Abby blushed, unable to meet Edna’s knowing look. Zoran immediately liked the older woman.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Edna.” Zoran said.
Edna frowned. “What did he just say? The only thing I halfway understood was my name.”
“He said it was a pleasure to meet you. Zoran isn’t from around here.” Abby said pushing her hair behind her ear as she looked nervously at Zoran. She had never, ever lied to Edna and knew she could trust her with her life but she wasn’t sure she could trust her with Zoran’s.
“Where are you from young man?” Edna asked in her usual point blank I-want-a-straight-answer-right-now voice.
Zoran looked amused. He could tell Edna was very protective of Abby and he appreciated that. He also thought it was funny she called him a young man. While he did not know the age limit of Abby’s species, his could live for thousands of years. His father perished in a tragic accident during a hunt; even so, he was over a thousand years old. His mother would have perished if she had been his father’s true mate but she was never accepted by his symbiosis or his dragon fully. They still reproduced but that was mostly because his mother came from a long and distinguished line of dragons. Theirs was a union of two strong clans bound together to form one strong one.
“A very distant land.” Zoran replied, looking directly into Edna’s eyes.
“He’s from a very long away, Edna. Would you like some coffee or tea? I also need to show you the piece I finished. I’m flying out tomorrow morning to New York to deliver it. Can you believe they are sending their private jet for me?” Abby said, moving up the steps giving Zoran a warning look as she passed him.