Curse of a Dragon's Claim

by Ciara Lake

  “Yes, but my father is truly mortal. Isn’t he?”

  “Yes, but it only takes a drop of immortal blood to gift you with immortality. Our blood is strong. Its power doesn’t dissipate. Plus, you have the blood of two immortal races. You’re what’s called a dracvipen, a mix between dragon and vampire.”

  “How do I have dragon blood?”

  “One of your ancestors lay with a dragon and bore a child. I don’t know who fucked who or when, all I know is dragon blood is within you. I can see it, feel it. It never weakens its hold. You’re kin to us, and it calls to us all when we are near you.”

  Arianna sat silently for several minutes, absorbing all the information he’d shared. Patiently, he sat next to her. Again, he stared at his hands. The heat from his body was sweltering the room.

  “How did I come to have Queen Maudhnait’s jewels?”

  “Timka told you that, didn’t she?”

  “Yes. Don’t be upset with her.” Arianna fanned her face with her hand. “I don’t want her to be in trouble.”

  “I’m not upset. I like Timka. She has been my mother’s loyal companion. Have I made it too hot in here?” He looked at her with a crooked smile. “This subject heats my emotions.”

  “Yes, it’s a bit hot.” Arianna picked her hair up off her neck. Out of nowhere, a wind blew around her. It cooled her face and body.

  “Is it better now?”

  “You’re remarkable.” She smiled. “Yes, the wind feels wonderful.”

  “I’m glad.” He pushed a wisp of hair out of her face. “I was told Amuliana Synvera hid the jewels away with your family for safekeeping. I’m not sure why she chose your family. Obviously, the jewels have value to her. Some sort of spell was cast upon them during their design. A troll crafted them, Axel Venrick. He’s a powerful, magical creature with potent spells. This is all I know.”

  “I’m so confused.”

  Clayne stood up. He took her hand. A soft wind still whipped around them.

  Arianna closed her eyes as she enjoyed the breeze. “That feels nice.”

  “Come here.” Beckoning her to stand next to him, he embraced her, holding her close. He kissed her neck. “Hmm, you’re so sweet.” He pressed her closer. “Arianna, I’ve learned through the ages that we can’t change what has happened or who we are. All we can change is who we become and what we do.”

  “Yes, I believe you.” Arianna tried to step back, but he held firm. “Clayne, I need to think. Go back to what you were doing. Thank you for being honest with me. I’m sorry for keeping you from your task.” Arianna pushed away from him, and this time he allowed her to be free. “I’m going to find the music room.”

  “Are you sure? I don’t want to leave if you’re still upset. The others can wait.”

  “I am upset, but if there’s a piano to play, I’ll be fine. I always feel better when I make music. I need to be alone. Please understand.”

  “Yes, there’s a piano in the music room. I’ll be back for our evening meal. Call me if you need me.” Clayne vanished.

  Arianna found her way to the music room. Sure enough, a beautiful ebony piano sat in the middle of the large room. Its shiny ivory keys called for her to play them.

  Hours passed as Arianna submerged herself in playing the piano. She enjoyed the music flowing through her. Timka had told her music was magic. It healed her as if it were true. It certainly felt true. Time flew by, and the sun began to set. For sure she’d missed dinner. No one had disturbed her, fetched her to eat. Surely, the whole house heard her playing endlessly as if she were possessed. Finally, Arianna became drained of her energy and she stopped. She stood, stretching her legs.

  “Clayne, are you busy?” she called out to his mind.

  “No, my mate. I’m here. I’ve been waiting for you.”

  Arianna turned to find him sitting at the far end of the room, lounging back in a large cushioned chair. At the sight of him, her heart picked up speed. He looked sensually handsome in the dimly lit corner, his golden hair shimmering in the setting sun’s light. His long legs were casually relaxed in front of him.

  “Bravo, you’re brilliant. I’ve enjoyed listening to you so much, as has the entire household. You play with such passion.”

  “Have you been there long?” she asked as she walked toward him.

  “I’ve been here for a couple of hours. You were so lost in the music I didn’t want to disturb you. I hope you don’t mind?”

  “No, not at all.” She stopped in front of him.

  “You’re talented like none I’ve ever heard. The way you move as you play the piano makes me want to take you in my arms and make love to you. Your passion’s tangible. Truly, you make love to the piano. I’m nearly jealous.” He stood, grinning from ear to ear.

  “Thank you.” Arianna smiled.

  “I can’t wait to hear you sing. I’m sure you sound like a siren from the shores of Palpolly, their realm. Their beautiful voices coerce human men to do their bidding, enslaving them. No doubt your voice will make my heart jump in my chest.” He placed his right hand over his heart. “You must sing to me soon, my lovely bride. I long to hear your sweet voice.”

  “So, you’re saying I have siren blood too?”

  “I don’t think so.” He shook his head, his golden hair hung free of the queue to his shoulders. “But for now let’s go to our room, to our bed.” He pulled her into his arms. “Do you feel better for all the playing?”

  “I guess.” She shrugged. “I suppose I do.”

  “I realize you’ve learned inconceivable things, especially for one who has always lived as human in this time and place. However, you’re very strong.” He stroked her arm. Grabbing her hand, he entwined his fingers with hers. “I adore touching you.”

  “I don’t know how I feel. I still have questions. Questions about you too, like your control of the wind.”

  Clayne hugged her close. “Ah yes, a discussion for another time, I promise.” He squeezed her tighter to him. “There’s much to tell you, much for you to learn,” he whispered in her ear.

  “Oh my, we’re in our room.” Arianna looked around in amazement. “I didn’t feel it this time.”

  “Yes, if I hold you close, it’s less disconcerting. Let’s go to bed, my mate. I want to hold you in my arms. I was worried when you did not come to dinner or call me. I thought somehow you were angry with me.”

  Arianna fervently shook her head. “Why would I be angry with you? It’s my ancestors who were responsible for your twin’s death.”

  “Arianna, don’t.” Clayne stepped away, unbuttoning his shirt. “Honestly, for the longest time, I hated everything vampire. I was foolish and wrong, I know not all vampires are Saltar. There are always bad among every race of mortal and immortal.” He tossed his shirt on the floor. “There have been evil dragons too. They’ve created a mythology of fear in human culture. We’re far more fearsome than vampires when we’re breathing fire while flying above human villages. That myth is based in truth. Would you like a drink? You must be thirsty.” From a pitcher on the dresser, he poured a glass of water and handed it to her.

  “Thank you.” Arianna accepted the glass.

  He poured another glass. “There’s some bread and cheese for you too.”

  “Oh, that sounds good.” Arianna stuffed a piece of bread and cheese into her mouth.

  “In times past, some dragons tormented and killed humans when we warred with them. Some even did it just for fun.”

  “Have you?”

  “I’ve terrorized a village or two during times of war in ages past. So, you see, no one’s free from transgressions.” Clayne reached for her hand. “My mother has sent you some gowns from our realm. I understand they’re much more comfortable and cooler. I find them more attractive. Timka put them in the adjoining room.” He nodded in the direction of the adjoining room’s door. Taking a sip of his water, he watched her over the rim of his glass.

  “Thank you.” Arianna rose up on her tiptoes to kiss hi
m on his lips. They were warm and soft. He tasted sweet. She could tell her actions pleased him. “So you can be a terror?”

  “If I choose to be.” He raised his right eyebrow as he began to unbutton his breeches.

  “I do want to see your full dragon form. I’m curious. I promise I won’t react badly this time. I won’t call you a snake anymore.”

  “That would be much appreciated, my lovely wife. I’m slightly vain, all dragons are. Calling me a snake…does bother me.” His blue eyes glistened in the candlelight.

  His penis was fully engorged, and it pressed against her belly through his breeches. To have this powerful male desire her so much, thrilled her. While she’d played the piano, she’d made up her mind to embrace his world, her new world, to trust him, to do as Sarah suggested. She’d please him as a husband desired from his wife. His world interested her and scared her. Nevertheless, her curiosity controlled.

  “I shall show you, mate. Soon I’ll take you for a ride in the sky above the clouds. Would you like that?”

  “Yes, I think so.” Arianna nodded.

  “You can ride your dragon now, here in our bed.” He winked at her.

  “You’ve said that before.” Arianna kissed his chin. The stubble on his face was scratchy to her lips.

  He pulled her closer. “My bride, will you ride me tonight? Ride your dragon’s cock?”

  Kissing her forehead, he took her hand in his. His lips were cool, but the heat off his body was intense. The contrast made her tremble. Clayne placed her hand over the bulge in his breeches. Arianna cupped him, rubbing him with her palm.

  “Oh, feels good. Do you feel how I want you?” Nuzzling her neck, an animalistic sound escaped from him. His voice roughened. “I want you to ride my cock.” Kissing her face, his tenderness made her heart flutter. Faint, dazed, she yearned for him. “You make me burn, my beautiful mate. My dragon’s heat boils within me.”

  “I love how it rushes through me too.”

  “It soothes me, stimulates me, and makes me want to fuck you more. I can’t get enough of you.” His words caused a volcano of desire to erupt inside her. “Let’s take your clothes off so I can feel your skin against mine.” Clayne pushed her hair behind her back. Gently, he placed his hand on the back of her neck, pulling her to him. He kissed her face and neck. Arianna pressed herself against him, encouraging his touch.

  “Clayne,” Arianna said between his kisses. “I want you between my legs.” Wetness escaped her pussy and dampened her thighs. Emboldened by the press of his erect cock against her, she said, “I want you inside me.” She rubbed her hands up and down his back. He was strong, muscular, an exceptional specimen of masculinity. “I love being with you.”

  “You smell perfect. Like a woman who’s eager for me.” Inhaling deeply, he turned her around and began to undo her dress’s buttons. “I need to get you out of this gown. I’m impatient to give what you ask of me.” He nipped the back of her neck. Juices flowed to her pussy.

  “Oh sweet lord, you bite.” A shiver of desire raced down her spine, pooling in her womb.

  “Nah, I just tease. But I do have fangs.” He flashed a suddenly fanged mouth. “I can look like a vampire, but they’re my dragon teeth. We have sharp ones too.” His large hands cupped her breasts. They were heavy, aching with need. When he squeezed them, she moaned, leaning back against him.

  “Take me, Clayne.”

  “I’m going to rip this gown off. I need you naked.”

  A loud ripping sound followed his words. Tiny seed buttons bounced on the floor as the gown fell to her feet. A thin chemise still covered her. Clayne picked her up, and then her back hit the soft mattress as she bounced on the bed. Standing naked by the side of the bed, he watched her. His penis jutted from his body.

  “Arianna, take your undergarment off,” he ordered. “I need you free of all clothing. I want nothing between us, and I want to be inside you.”

  Sitting up, she quickly removed her chemise, pulling it over her head and tossing it on the floor. Her heart beat fast and hard. Dazed with the rush of desire his words inspired, she spread her legs in bold invitation. She swung her hair back over her shoulder and rose up on her elbows, beckoning him.

  Standing before her with his cock in his hand, he rubbed its firmness. It was swollen and long. The tip was darker, redder than the rest of the firm organ. She was thinking he was gorgeous.

  “Beautiful.” He echoed her thoughts. “You’re the most beautiful female I know.”

  Clayne stole her thoughts right from her brain. Their unique communication continued to amaze her. In an instant, he was upon her. Pushing her thighs further apart, he settled between them. His cock rested against her leg. She kissed him, closing her eyes as she absorbed the exquisite sensations. The heat and ecstasy of his kisses made her surrender completely to him. She reached for his cock, rubbing it with her hand. It fascinated her. The feel of the smooth skin stretched over the incredible hardness excited her further.

  “It’s so large and firm. I like the feel of it inside me.” More moisture escaped her, dampening her inner thighs. “I like what we do.”

  With a quick thrust, he was inside her, deep until she swallowed up his entire length.

  “Arianna, you like that?”

  “Yes.” She opened her eyes to stare into his shiny blue ones, bright as diamonds. His stare was hot. It penetrated her, warming her insides even more than the heat she was already experiencing.

  Continuing to watch her with intensity, he moved within her. He closed his eyes, and his face relaxed as if he were experiencing pure joy. Arianna wrapped her arms around him, holding him close. She ran her hands over his firm buttocks as he worked in and out of her. The man made her feel dainty under his massive body. She liked that feeling as well.

  “You’re nice and tight.” Clayne rested fully against her as he pushed inside her tight pussy. Skillfully, he pulled out and pushed in again. The gratifying friction against her clit made her squeeze his cock, release, and squeeze him again. He moaned. “You like how I’m fucking you, my beautiful mate?”

  “Yes.” Arianna could barely answer him.

  Clayne pounded harder into her, and then stopped, partially withdrawn from her. Kissing her sensitive nipples, he laved them with his tongue. He made love to her breasts with his mouth. Pulling his cock fully from her body, he turned her onto her stomach.

  Arianna whimpered. “Clayne, I want you to…”

  “To what?” He pulled her to the edge of the bed until her feet touched the floor. He pushed his cock into her wet pussy. Standing behind her, he pounded with great efficiency. With each push into her, the enormous bed moved across the floor. “You feel so good.” Resting, he lay against her, fondling her breasts with one hand and rubbing her clit with the other as he pounded into her. “I love fucking you. I’m pleased I’ve found you.”

  “Clayne… Clayne,” Arianna screamed. Intense shudders passed through her, silencing her.

  “Yes, my mate. You’re fucking good.” His body shivered as he fully rested against her. For a few moments, he was completely still. “Mate, you make me burn. The passion I feel races hot.”

  “Clayne…” Before she could say more, he grabbed her under her arms, pulling her to the head of the bed. Moving the bedding out of their way, he positioned her under the covers, following her beneath.

  “Let’s rest, my mate. We’ve had a very long, intense day.” Curling her into him, he held her in his arms. The great heat he’d generated had waned, yet his arms were still comfortably warm.

  More questions for him danced through her head. Her mind was fully charged with activity, thinking over every detail he’d shared with her. However, exhaustion took over, quieting her. The bed was comfortable. It smelled of lilacs, soothing her further. The mattress cushioned her body softly along with his warm embrace. She decided to close her eyes, only for a few moments. Darkness enveloped her. Involuntarily, sleep overtook her.

  * * * *

  “Wake
, dracvipen. I wish to speak with you.”

  Arianna snuggled closer to Clayne and tried to ignore the disturbing voice.

  “Wake, Arianna MacDagon. We’ve business to discuss.”

  With a start, Arianna opened her eyes. In the moonlight’s shadows and the dim candlelight, stood a female figure hovering near her. The woman was dressed in a white flowing gown. A golden-chained belt hung at her waist.

  “Now get out of bed. The dragon will continue to sleep. I have him under a spell of sleep.”

  “Who are you? What do you mean he’s under a sleep spell?” Arianna asked in a demanding tone.

  “Hush, all will be well. I mean my handsome dragon no harm.” The beautiful woman looked toward him kindly.

  “Your dragon?” Arianna abruptly sat up.

  The alluring woman laughed. Her laughter sounded very musical. “Nice. I like this, you’re jealous. Very good.” She clapped her hands together. Her silver, waist length hair shimmered around her. The moonlight made her appear ethereal. “I should’ve known. Clayne can be charming, sensual, and without effort so handsome. He mesmerizes most women.” She walked closer to the bed near Arianna. “Has he fucked you well? Many women would trade you places. Not only is he a mighty warrior and a magnificent dragon, I imagine he’s an outstanding lover, capable of great tenderness. Too bad I shall not be able to experience him now that he has mated.”

  “Who the hell are you?” Arianna ground out, gathering her courage to face down the intruder in her bedchamber.

  “I am Goddess Amuliana Synvera.” The goddess nodded her head. “Adjust your tone with me.” The jewels around her neck and on her hands glimmered in the muted lighting. There was no doubt this female was an exceptional creature. “Stand, I shall dress you.”

  “What?” Arianna replied with irritation.

  “Don’t question me, dracvipen. I’ll forgive you this time. However, you are to do as I command. I am your goddess.” Amuliana placed a hand on her hip as she seemingly posed.