by S. E. Smith
Chapter 14
Fire licked through Drago as he parted Carly’s legs, opening her to his touch. Her responsiveness to him solidified his certainty that she was his mate, the one destined to stand by his side as his partner. The red threads of their connection danced along his fingertips and across the inside of her thighs.
Drago’s breath made the threads swirl in delicate circles. The heat from his breath drew a moan from Carly and she shifted impatiently under his hands, her hips slightly rising off the bed. Following the line of red threads, Drago slid his fingers through the soft, tight, brown curls covering the triangle of her mound. He was rewarded when her legs opened wider. Sliding his other hand up under her, he pressed a hot, open mouth kiss to her left thigh before he nipped it.
“Oh, for goodness sake, will you quit tormenting me!” Carly growled, lifting her legs and placing them over his shoulders. “I am so thinking of revenge if you continue to tease me for too long.”
Drago couldn’t contain the chuckle that escaped him at her impatient threat. His body was feeling the throb of impatience. It would appear his little thief was going to be a demanding lover – something he would not complain about.
“Did I mention dragons are very tactile creatures?” he teased.
“Did I mention that I am too?” Carly retorted on a loud moan.
“Goddess!”
The word slipped out of Drago before he could contain it. The thought of Carly’s hands running all over his body created a visual image that challenged his promise to himself to give her pleasure first before seeking his own.
Carly pressed her heels into his shoulders, pulling him forward. Drago did not need a second invitation. His fingers slid through the tight curls and down along the slick folds. She opened for him like the petals of a flower and he bent forward to savor her like a bird sipping the nectar from the rich fruits that grew from the vines.
Drago ran his tongue over the taut nub that swelled under his teasing. He was rewarded by Carly’s strangled cry and trembling body. His fingers slid between her moistening folds.
Drago kept his attention focused on every response, pausing when she stiffened, continuing when she moaned and relaxed. He slowly worked one, then another finger into her, stretching her so that when he entered her, she would feel pleasure and not pain. He didn’t stop his tender caresses until her body stiffened and her wild cries grew louder and she came around his fingers.
He continued stroking and sucking on her, drawing her orgasm out until she frantically reached for him. Releasing her, he gently slid her legs off of his shoulders and moved up her body. He pressed hot kisses against her stomach as he slowly worked his way up her writhing form. When he reached her taut nipples, he couldn’t resist capturing each one in his mouth.
Carly raised her hands, burying them in his hair and pulling him down to her even as she rose to meet him. He sucked on each rosy peak until they were the size of small pebbles. His own breath caught when Carly wrapped her legs around his waist and aligned her desire swollen entrance with his cock. The heat and slickness from her orgasm brushed against his swollen, over-sensitized head and he groaned loudly from the pulsing need to thrust his hips forward.
He released her right nipple and gazed down between their bodies where he was connected with her before he shifted his gaze to hers. Her eyes were clear, brilliant, melted pools of liquid mahogany. In their dark depths, he could see his reflection. His face was taut and his eyes flaming with need and desire.
“I want you, Drago,” Carly said in a gentle voice, sliding one hand down to caress his face.
Drago’s arms trembled for a moment. “Then you shall have me, little thief,” he replied.
He kept his gaze on her face as he slowly pushed forward. Her orgasm coated his cock. He could feel the muscle in his jaw twitching when her body wrapped around his, pulling him in and fitting like a glove, fisting him. Every inch was sweet torture and pure bliss. Lowering his body down so that he could slide his arms under her and hold her closer, he buried himself deep inside her.
“Sweet goddess, but you have stolen my heart,” Drago murmured in a strained voice as he pressed his face against her left cheek.
Carly’s arms wrapped around his head and she began moving her hips. The friction of her movements along his cock sent bursts of overwhelming pleasure through him. His body ignited with the fire of his dragon and the desire to claim Carly as his.
Wrapping his arms more firmly around her, his hips took over the rhythm of their primitive dance. He moved faster and faster, the heat between their connection and the slickness of their desire making his thrusts easier even as his cock thickened even more. Pain and pleasure exploded through him when Carly turned her face into his shoulder and bit him. The feel of her teeth was enough to snap his control.
“I want more, Carly,” Drago groaned.
“Me… too,” Carly breathed out.
Drago wanted to bring Carly to another orgasm. The need to have her completely melted with pleasure under his touch was more instinctive than his need to fulfill his own desires. His mate would always come first. Her desires, her needs, her wants would always be his primary concern.
Rolling, he pulled Carly with him so that she was lying on top of him. Her gasp and the way her eyes widened told him that she had not been expecting his quick move or that such a position would cause his cock to sink deep into the very depths of her womb. The position gave her power, but also allowed him to gaze up at her beauty and freed his hands to explore her swaying breasts.
“You were made for me, Carly,” Drago swore, reaching out to cup both of her breasts.
Carly nodded in agreement. Her eyes were half closed with pleasure and she was leaning forward with her hands kneading his chest as she rode him. Drago rose up, pressing her breasts together, and captured both of her nipples. He sucked deeply and was rewarded by her thighs clamping down on his and her heated feminine core pulsing around him. His hips began a strong, rhythmic thrusting.
Drago felt the pressure building in Carly again. This time, he waited until she had peaked before he released the nearly nonexistent control he had on his body. His seed pulsed deep into her, compelled by the spasms of her orgasm. Locked together, they clung to each other before he melted back against the pillows, pulling her with him.
“Wow!” Carly shakily whispered against his neck.
“Wait until the next time,” Drago chuckled.
He was rewarded with another nip, this time to his neck. His cock pulsed, reminding him that he had a lot of time to make up for. Rolling again, he captured each of Carly’s wrists in his grasp and gazed down at her with a wicked smile.
“What…?” Carly asked, startled.
“Now, I take my time with you,” he stated.
“Oh, boy! I really have fallen into a fantasy,” Carly breathed with a happy grin.
Chapter 15
Later that afternoon, Carly was watching Drago fasten his shirt and wondering if there was something wrong with her. All she could think about was how she wanted to rip Drago’s shirt off again and just make him walk around without it – or without anything else on for that matter. It was probably a good thing she had already finished dressing first, otherwise she seriously doubted they would have left the bedroom. Her lips curved in a rueful smile when Drago turned to look at her when he heard her soft sigh. Her smile faltered when he raised an eyebrow in inquiry.
“Earlier… before….”
A blush stained Carly’s cheeks and she glanced down at the tiny paper bird that was sitting in the palm of her hand. She had been surprised when she woke a short while ago to find it pecking at a strand of her hair. It had taken several long seconds to realize that it was made of paper. The magical creature had quickly captured her heart with its amusing behavior and curiosity. Drago explained that he had cast a Finding spell in order to locate her and this was what the spell created.
Carly gently stroked the paper feathers while trying to search for
what she wanted to say without it sounding dorky. She felt the warmth of Drago’s hand before he touched her chin. Lifting her head, she gazed up at him. A shy smile curved her lips when she saw the slight redness on his neck where she had bitten him.
“I left teeth marks on you,” she continued in a distracted voice.
“I know, I felt them,” Drago teased before his expression became questioning. “You were saying… Earlier…?”
Carly blinked, already feeling the need to be wrapped in his strong arms again. What had transpired between them earlier had deeply affected her. Their lovemaking was more than just physical to her. There was an emotional level to it that shook her, leaving her confused and wary of what she was opening herself up to – real heartache.
Granted, Carly knew she had a big heart and was an emotional person, but she’d always believed that the love she read about in books was make believe. Heck, even her parents hadn’t loved each other. The moment she had graduated from high school, they divorced and went their separate ways. Her dad remarried and had a couple of kids and her mom had taken a teaching job overseas and had a new girlfriend. Carly hadn’t seen either of them since she and Jenny had moved in together and they only called each other on their birthdays – though, even that wasn’t consistent now with her mom in another country and as her dad had said – ‘I’m too busy to remember birthdays anymore’.
“I just wanted you to know that I thought what happened was special,” she said in an awkward voice.
“I agree,” Drago replied, brushing a kiss across her swollen lips. “I wish to show you something.”
Carly drew in a deep breath and nodded. The little bird flew up onto her shoulder when she slid her hand into his. She swallowed again when Drago stepped back and gently squeezed her hand. Together, they stepped out of his living quarters and into the outer corridor.
They walked together down the long hallway to the staircase she had walked down early this morning. It took several minutes to remember that he had been going to show her something before they were distracted. Darkness had fallen and now the magical torches ignited along the passageway, illuminating the beautiful tapestries and paintings along the walls. Once again, Carly was reminded that she had fallen into a world unlike anything she could ever have imagined.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“Earlier you asked what happened to my people. I wish to show you,” he replied.
Carly followed Drago as he guided her down the long staircase. At the bottom, they crossed a large open foyer that Carly recognized from her earlier adventures. Her gaze went to the door that led down into the labyrinth below and a shiver ran through her body. Instinctively, she moved closer to Drago. A smile curved her lips when the tiny paper bird on her shoulder hopped closer and tried to hide in her hair.
She lifted a finger to stroke it. Drago released her hand and paused in front of a set of massive doors. They had been locked when Carly had tried the doors earlier. Drago reached forward and gripped the handles, pushing the doors open.
“How…? Oh yeah, no doors remain locked against you,” Carly said with a shake of her head.
Drago stood in the doorway looking into the interior. His face was a frozen mask. Carly, unsure of what to do next, peered into the darkness. One by one, the torches flared to life. Her throat tightened when she caught her first glimpse of what the room contained. Stepping past Drago, she entered the room.
“What is this?” she asked in a quiet voice.
“This is just a small gathering of my people,” Drago replied, his voice echoing through the room filled with hundreds of statues.
Carly paused by the frozen figure of a dragon trying to protect a small boy. The boy was turned toward the dragon trying to protect him, his small hands desperately reaching around the large creature. The boy’s head was tilted back, his mouth open, and Carly could see the traces of tears on his cheeks. The dragon, Carly suspected it was the boy’s mother from the delicate features and the way she protectively encircled the boy with her body, was staring off into the distance with a look of fear and horror. Carly raised her hand and trailed her fingers along the little boy’s face, wishing she could dry his tears.
“Her name is Morgan. The boy is her son, Arid. His father is – was – one of the gatekeepers,” Drago said.
Carly moved among the statues. Each figure was frozen in a different position. Some statues were in their person form while others in their dragon. She gently traced over them with her fingers as she moved throughout the room, her heart nearly bursting with grief. On all of their faces was the identical look of horror and fear.
“Where are the others?” Carly asked, turning to look back at Drago with tears shimmering in her eyes. “You said… you said this is just a small gathering. Where are the others?”
Carly saw Drago’s throat move up and down before he reached out and ran his hand down the long scorch mark on the dragon nearest him. She saw his hand pause over the mark before he continued down to the dragon’s shoulder and rested his hand there. His gaze moved around the room before settling back on her.
“Many are still in their homes, others – others were lost to the sea,” he said, turning away from her.
Carly could hear the grief in Drago’s voice. Her gaze swept over the room filled with statues….
No, not statues, Drago’s people, she thought, pausing on the figure of a large dragon shielding a woman and two small children.
The tears that Carly fought so hard to hold back spilled over and silently slid down her face. She threaded her way back to Drago. He must have sensed her approach because he turned toward her and opened his arms. Carly practically fell into them, choking sobs shaking her body as she cried for all the people who couldn’t.
Drago held her tightly against his body. She could feel his cheek on her head. He held her to him with one hand and caressed her hair with the other. Carly felt the shudder that ran through his body.
“Come with me, I wish to show you my kingdom,” Drago finally said, releasing her.
Carly nodded and wiped her hands across her damp cheeks. She released a watery laugh when the little paper bird tried to help her. It chirped when one of its wings stuck against her damp skin. Carly carefully pulled it free and shook her head.
“You need to be more careful, Little Knight,” she gently admonished.
“Little Knight? It is just paper,” Drago commented, glancing at the bird.
Carly shook her head and ran her finger over the bird’s tiny head. “No, he’s not. Little Knight saved my life, like a knight in shining armor,” she said, turning to look up at Drago with a tender smile. “He showed you where I was. He’s… magic.”
“If you like the creature so much, I will make you a flock of paper birds,” Drago stated, reaching for her hand.
Carly followed Drago out of the Great Room. Her resolve to stay with Drago strengthened when he shut and locked the doors. She never wanted him to be alone again. No one should have to live through what he had witnessed and remain alone.
His tender vow to create a flock of paper birds melted her heart. Deep down, Carly knew she was no longer falling in love, she was already completely in love. How an emotion so strong could happen so quickly, she didn’t know.
She remembered the saying ‘love at first sight’ and had read about it in books, but she always believed it was a fairy tale made up to make little girls believe. Oh, she had seen couples in love. There were several older couples who were inseparable back home, but she’d figured it was more of a deeper friendship than actual love. She definitely knew that infatuation and lust were real, she saw that all the time and had felt it a few times herself. This emotion was different. She felt – whole, as if a piece of the puzzle that had been missing was suddenly found. There was a powerful physical attraction as well as a chemical reaction to him, yet she couldn’t put her finger on why it was there – it just was.
Carly watched the massive front doors open when Drago
waved his hand. The paper bird chirped and lifted off her shoulder. Little Knight turned in the opening and chirped again, as if telling her to come on!
“My, but you are an impatient little thing!” she giggled.
She followed Drago down the front steps to the courtyard. The last light of the day began to fade and the stars were coming out. Carly swore it looked like they were so close that she could reach out her hand and touch them.
“The kingdom is magnificent during the day, but absolutely magical at night,” Drago said, pausing to look up at the night sky.
“It’s magical to me all the time,” Carly replied in a quiet voice.
Drago turned to look at her. Carly stepped closer to him when he reached out towards her. She tilted her head and pressed her face into his hand when he ran his fingers down along her cheek.
“You have stolen the heart of this dragon, little thief. That is something I never thought possible,” Drago said in a soft, tender voice.
The corner of Carly’s mouth lifted in a teasing smile when she realized why he called her little thief. She had finally come to accept his nickname for her as the sweetest, most special endearment she had ever heard. His softly spoken words just sealed the last of her doubts. She had fallen in love with the most magnificent man in this entire, fantastical world.
“I think I love you, Drago,” Carly admitted with a wavering smile of uncertainty.
“Good,” Drago replied, stepping back. “Now, you will fall in love with our kingdom.”
An exasperated frown flickered across Carly’s face. She declares her love for him and he responds with a ‘good’. What the heck was that supposed to mean? She was about to point that out when his body shimmered and he transformed into his dragon form.
Carly watched in confusion when Drago knelt down. The little bird excitedly chirped near his shoulder, fluttering from Drago to her and back again. Drago turned his head and looked at her, raising his eyebrow when she remained rooted to the spot she was standing on.