Curse of a Dragon's Claim

by Ciara Lake

  Arianna realized the wind had connection to him. She was intuitive and intelligent as well as obedient to her father’s wishes. Magic unbeknownst to her flowed through her blood, and she recognized magic in others.

  Smiling into his glass, Clayne sipped his water. “A dracvipen for my mate? Hmm, fate can be amusing,” he whispered to himself.

  The servants scurried about, preparing everything. Allegretti and Mergliano were going out of their way to make this a festive event. All could see Arianna was well loved.

  If he wasn’t careful, his lust would start a fire, and he didn’t want to destroy anything. As a powerful dragon, his thoughts, his emotions alone could ignite his surroundings. In this fragile realm, it was easy to do if he lost control.

  “Signor, time fast approaches. My daughter’s dowry is prepared. She’s well provided for.” Antonio stopped in front of him.

  “I know she is.” Clayne nodded.

  “But I must tell you, Arianna cherishes her jeweled tiara as well as the matching ring. They belonged to her mama. She takes those jewels with her everywhere she goes. They’re special to her.”

  “Of course, those are hers, hers alone,” Clayne agreed. “I won’t take those from her. We can retrieve the rest of her dowry from your home, or at your convenience you may have it sent to my townhouse. I have all Arianna needs at my home, our home,” he assured the elderly man. “Don’t worry. Arianna’s dowry is for her comfort, not for me. I don’t need any dowry. I wish to gift her with much more. She’ll be very comfortable.”

  Antonio looked relieved. “I knew you were an excellent choice for my beloved daughter. I need to go fetch her soon, our priest is waiting. The ceremony should begin in thirty minutes.”

  “Oh, I need to go change.” Clayne rushed upstairs to his assigned room.

  Quickly, he changed into his black waistcoat, breeches, and a fresh white shirt. He brushed his hair back from his face, fixing his hair into a queue. When fully dressed in his wedding attire, he headed down to Allegretti’s study. The reception would occur in the great hall. Excitement raced through him. He’d not felt this excited since he had gotten his wings.

  The priest greeted him at the bottom of the stairs. “Come, my lord, all is in readiness. Your bride will be coming down soon.”

  The priest rushed toward the study. Following in the clergyman’s wake, Clayne made his way to the front of the room. He stood facing the priest.

  A harpsichord began to play. The priest intently watched the doorway. Clayne turned to watch as well. Sarah walked in holding an aromatic bouquet of flowers. She was an unusual female for this era of human history. She smiled as she walked to stand across from him.

  Suddenly the music’s tempo changed. Everyone stood, looking to the door again. Arianna appeared on her papa’s arm. Wearing a veil and an ivory dress, she looked like a princess, a princess of Ejdeha Dragoni, beautiful beyond words. Fortunately, Clayne’s waistcoat hid his body’s uncontrolled reaction. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. You’re my princess. Why cover your face with a veil?”

  “You don’t know? It’s tradition.” She walked down the aisle toward him. She clutched her glorious bouquet of flowers very tightly.

  “No, I’ve not been married before. I don’t know local traditions. Are you nervous, my love?”

  “I’m not your love.”

  “Oh, but you will be.”

  She stopped by his side. “Were you the wind visiting me last night?” she boldly asked.

  “Only a part of the wind.” He winked at her. “But you’re very clever, my princess.”

  “I thought you were to stay out of my head and my room. I’m not a princess.”

  “I didn’t return to your room in my corporal form. I didn’t speak to you. I attempted to follow your requests. Do you like your ring?”

  “You’re a warlock. Should I fear you? Will you damn my soul as your wife?”

  “No, my dracvipen. I’m not a warlock.”

  “You’re Satan.” She sucked in her breath loudly. Clayne could see she was nearly destroying her bouquet with her clenched hands.

  “No, I’m not Satan. I’ll show you all when we’re alone. Trust me. I mean you no harm. Your soul’s safe.”

  The priest cleared his throat to redirect their attention to him. The ceremony was mercifully swift, ending with the release of two doves. Before Clayne realized it Arianna was in his arms, her lips open beneath his. Kissing her deeply, he pushed his tongue into her warm mouth. She tasted splendid.

  Dazed by her feminine, unique scent he closed his eyes. “You’re sweet.” He pulled her tight against his body. She offered no resistance.

  His eyes still closed, he enjoyed the moment. The world disappeared around him. His body ached, need pulled at him. His internal heat soared. Arianna moaned as he held her close. His knees grew weak. Every ounce of his self-control seemed to flee from him. When he pulled back, her bouquet of flowers were wilted.

  “I want to take you away, be alone with you. I can’t wait.” He kissed behind her ear. She shivered against him.

  “Let’s eat. Make merry, then you may bed your new wife,” Antonio whispered near to them. Arianna pulled away, a blush reddened her lovely face.

  “Papa.” Arianna looked at her father as if shocked.

  Antonio walked away.

  Clayne grabbed Arianna’s elbow as she tried to rush after him. “You’re hot. You’re burning with fever, it affects me too.” He kissed her flushed cheek. “Your papa understands newlyweds. He’s a grown man, once married. Don’t be embarrassed by his words.”

  He rubbed her back in an attempt to soothe her. She did burn. A fever had her. It was a testament to her latent heritage. Contact with him, her mate, had triggered her blood to boil.

  “Arianna, you’re glorious. I want to be near you. I want to touch you, even if it’s only your hand.” Clayne took her hand, kissing it. “You’re mine.” Using his gift, he looked into her emerald eyes, peering into her soul. She had a kind soul, and it pleased him.

  They followed the guests into the great hall where musicians played.

  “I’d love to hear you sing, my beautiful bride. Will you honor me with a song?”

  “Another time.” Arianna squeezed his hand. “I promise.”

  “Promises made to me are sacred.” Clayne pulled her against his side.

  Wine flowed into every empty glass. Chatter and laughter filled the hall.

  With the veil gone, he admired her chestnut hair. It was free, long, and soft. Her jeweled tiara sparkled. “You’re dazzling.” He gazed down at her, still holding her tight against his side. Her delicate hands were bejeweled with his wedding ring along with her mama’s heirloom ring. “You never answered me. Do you like your wedding ring? It contains my fire, my blood.” Bending closer to her ear, he kissed her cheek. “This celebration’s nearly as grand as parties we have in Ejdeha Dragoni, my home.”

  Arianna eyed him as if confused.

  “I like the ring very much.” She nodded. “I never expected such an exquisite ring. You’re very kind to me. I’m glad the celebration pleases you. Sarah helped her papa prepare this for us. She loves to entertain. Her papa gives her freedom in these things. What do you mean the ring contains your fire and your blood?”

  “Sarah’s a free spirit.” Clayne ignored her question. “I can see she’s a good friend to you.”

  “Yes, we’re like sisters. But she’s different from me. I guess our differences complement each other.”

  “They do indeed.”

  “What do you mean the ring contains your fire and blood?”

  “The food smells delicious. Soon they’ll serve us. But I want to nibble on you.” Changing the subject, he pressed his body into hers. “I want to lay with you now.” Arianna tried to pull away. “Don’t pull from me, my sweet Arianna. I can hardly wait to taste you fully, my little bride.”

  “Please, Clayne.” Arianna rubbed his arm, pulling away to head toward the dinin
g table. “Let’s stay for our celebration. It’s only polite after all of this fuss in our honor.”

  Clayne helped her to a chair. He sat next to her. Arianna was suddenly starved. A servant served her water followed by the first course.

  “The food looks great, and the music’s glorious.” Arianna softened her tone.

  “Do you fear what we’re going to do when we are alone? Do you fear me? I know you don’t know me well, but soon, you will. When first I met you I knew you were mine. I promise you, my bride, I’ll be patient and kind.”

  As she was about to answer, Sarah interrupted.

  “Congratulations.” Sarah approached them, walking with a seductive sway to her hips. She sat next to them at the dining table. “I see you both are anxious to be alone.” Sarah smiled at Arianna.

  “What makes you say…”

  “No need to deny it.” She patted Arianna’s upper arm, silencing her. “I’ve prepared a room for you. The servants have moved your things there. It’s far from the other rooms. You should have privacy to enjoy each other. No one would mind if you leave early.” Sarah winked. “I know I’m bold. I often say things needing to be said but left unsaid. There’s no secret to what you’ll be doing soon. I’m not too shy to comment. So come.” Sarah took Arianna’s arm. “Let’s throw your bouquet. Not in my direction, unless your husband has a brother,” Sarah warned. “Then we’ll shower you with confetti as you leave on your way to enjoy the benefits of marriage. My, you’re warm, Arianna.” Sarah hugged her. “Enjoy your husband,” she whispered into Arianna’s ear. “You’re a lucky woman.” Sarah looked back over her shoulder at him. “Don’t be timid. Enjoy what his body can offer you. Start your marriage off well. With a husband like that, who needs gold? Which he has too.” Then, in a louder voice, obviously intended for Clayne to hear, Sarah said, “I’ve had servants fill your room with food and refreshments to last you a long while. You’ll be undisturbed for your private party.”

  “Thank you, Signorina. You’re very thoughtful.” Clayne bowed to her. “I won’t forget your hospitality.”

  * * * *

  “Come, Arianna, let’s go to the stairs to throw your bouquet.”

  Arianna obediently followed Sarah.

  “Sarah, we don’t need to leave yet,” Arianna tried to argue.

  “Yes, you do. You need to know your husband.” Stepping up four steps, Sarah waited for the girls to assemble. They were giggling and gently pushing each other.

  “So who wants it?” Arianna teased, holding her bouquet above her head.

  Blue eyes caught her glance. Clayne stood watching her from across the room. He was strong, tall with broad shoulders, like a knight of medieval times, nearly seeming out of place, out of time. His eyes were unusual like hers, a vibrant blue, like the Mediterranean Sea, as hers were as green as the emeralds she wore. However, his eyes had flames dancing in their centers. Now Arianna knew she’d not imagined those flames. He was magical. The thought frightened her, yet it excited her too.

  Unexpectedly, an explicit image of her lying beneath him with her legs wrapped around his middle sprung into her mind. He watched her, whispered endearments as he kissed her cheek, pumping into her. The feel of his manhood was fantastic as it filled her tight core.

  “Oh, nice. Hurry. Throw your flowers so we can be alone to do just as you imagined, my sweet bride. I like how we think.”

  Arianna nearly lost her footing. Someone caught her arm, stopping her from falling. No one seemed to notice Clayne’s rapid move to her side, except her. “I couldn’t let you fall. I don’t want you to be hurt. It would spoil our fun tonight.” He held her tight. “Throw your bouquet, darling.” He motioned to the giggling girls. “They’re anxious to marry too.”

  Arianna tossed it high. There was a rush for the flowers. Before she could see who had captured it, he’d gathered her in his arms and started up the stairs. Cheers followed them. A servant ran up beside them, directing them to their new room.

  Stepping inside, Clayne kicked the door shut with his foot. “Here we are, my beautiful bride.” Gently, he set her on her feet. Releasing her, he turned to lock the door. “Finally we’re alone. Lean into me, I’ll take you to a better place for our wedding night, a place where we won’t burn the house to the ground with our passionate fire.”

  “A better place? Not many places are better than Allegretti’s home.”

  “Please, my sweet bride. Trust me.” He brushed her curls back from her face. “Hold me, or would you like me to pick you up again?”

  Arianna obediently embraced him. The world tipped, she shut her eyes to endure an array of dazzling colors. A burst of intense feelings swirled as they seemed to move through space.

  “Here we are.”

  She opened her eyes to find him looking down at her.

  “This is my suite in Ejdeha Dragoni. You’ll grow accustomed to the feel of travel.”

  “What have you done?” Arianna looked around. The room was three times bigger than the room at Allegretti’s. It was palatial. “This isn’t… Where is this?”

  “I’ve brought you to my home in Ejdeha Dragoni. This is my room, to be exact.” He inhaled close to her face. “You smell nice.” He hugged her to him. “Don’t fear me, my darling. I want to give you pleasure. In the morning, we’ll return to Allegretti’s home then leave out their front door after our celebratory breakfast. But for now, it’s best we’re away from there to consummate our marriage…mating.” Leaning down, he tenderly kissed her lips. “Don’t be afraid, my mate. Trust in what you feel. This is simply magic. You’re safe with me. All will be explained.” Pressing against her, he kissed her again.

  “Magic’s evil.” Arianna attempted to pull away, but not with much effort.

  “You know better, Arianna.” He ran his hand through her hair. “Your life has been touched by magic since you were born. I’ll tell you everything you want to know, soon. Please trust me. You’re safe and cherished.” He stroked her back with his hand. “Right now, I want to make you mine.”

  Despite her initial reluctance regarding him, her curiosity, along with his charm, was overriding any resistance. Her breasts ached for his touch. Her pulse quickened.

  Unlike most men, Clayne smelled clean, fresh, a hint of something spicy about him. Being near him wasn’t a hardship. She welcomed it. She wrapped her arms around his neck, a low burning ache between her legs. His warmth felt so inviting. She particularly liked his lips.

  “I’m afraid,” she confessed.

  “You didn’t fear the wind last night, so don’t fear me now. You want me, my bride. I feel it. You can’t hide your thoughts or your feelings from me. Such is the way of it between our kind.”

  Arianna nodded as he kissed her. She moaned into his mouth. Her head spun from the words he spoke and his tender kisses. Her heart thumped so hard in her chest it almost hurt.

  “I’ll help you out of your beautiful gown. You truly look like a princess, as you should.”

  “I’m not afraid of your magic.”

  “Good. That pleases me.” He kissed the side of her neck.

  Arianna moved to stand in front of the mirror. She placed her tiara on his dresser. She watched him undress. He took off his kerchief and unbuttoned his waistcoat.

  “Can’t you just undress with magic?”

  “Yes, if I wish.” He shrugged. “But I usually don’t waste my magic. This way is more sensual too.” He winked at her.

  He unbuttoned his white shirt, exposing his tanned, muscular chest. He had the body of a man who worked hard, yet he was not a laborer.

  “Don’t fear what’s natural between a man and a woman. Let me help you with your dress.” He put her hair over her shoulder and started to undo the tiny seed buttons. “This will take some time.” He smiled into the mirror at her. Quickly he undid several buttons. “I may use magic with these.” He stopped to take off his shirt, throwing it to the floor. Arianna struggled not to gawk at his masculine perfection.

  “
You’re very nice.” She looked down at her hands. “I mean you look very nice.” When he touched her again to finish the buttons, she shivered.

  “See, some things are better when taken slow.” He kissed her neck, looking up into the mirror.

  “It took an hour for Alba to button me up.” Arianna smiled.

  “Hmm, I hope I have the patience for this. It’s a lovely dress, and I’d hate to rip it.” He kissed her back where her skin was exposed. “I want to kiss and lick you all over. You taste luscious.” With each section of buttons, he pulled her dress open, kissing her exposed skin.

  Arianna tingled with need. The sensations of his kisses were felt in her lower regions. Her birthmark tingled as never before. It burned too. Arianna leaned back against him, moaning. Turning her head, she offered him her mouth. Kissing her, he cupped her breasts, squeezing them in his large hands.

  “I want to fuck you, my beautiful mate.”

  Arianna was so hot she felt as if she could burst into flames. “I need to get out of this dress,” she uttered in excitement.

  Clayne yanked on the dress’s back. Magically, it came off with all the seed pearl buttons intact. The dress fell from her shoulders, down to her hips. She stepped out of it.

  Her birthmark, now exposed, seemed to sizzle in the open air. He laved it with his tongue. Again, his touch shot right to her pussy. Arianna leaned back against him. Her sheer chemise remained between them. Sarah had given her the alluring undergarment. Her nipples were clearly visible through its thin fabric.

  “Oh, I like what I see.” He kissed her neck, turning her to face him.

  His breeches were undone. Pulling her against him, he brought her to the bed to sit down. Adjusting her between his thighs, he sucked on her breasts and licked her nipples through the sheer material.

  “You’re lovely. I want to taste every inch of you.”

  Arianna’s eyes rolled back in her head. His hands were under her chemise.

  “You like how this feels?” Clayne gently caressed her mound, his fingers trailing between her legs to part the moist, swollen folds and dip inside her wet pussy.

  In and out he stroked her, making her moan. Arianna pressed her legs together, holding his finger tight.