To Claim a Dragon

by Lisa Kumar

  Her mother spotted them and broke away from the small group she was chatting with. A broad smile curved her lips, making her look a decade younger. Or maybe it was the forgiving light.

  “You two finally arrived! I was wondering what was keeping you.”

  Anni frowned at her. Was she implying they had been doing something improper? Surely, she wouldn’t dare? Lord Eacion was no village boy to call out for bad behavior.

  “Well, now we’re here to partake of your lovely fest,” Lord Eacion said, not appearing to take the slightest offense. Anni stared from him to her mother. Was she missing something?

  Her mother glanced at their joined hands and grinned. “Anni will be the perfect companion for you, won’t you?”

  Their hands! She’d forgotten he’d grabbed hers and never let go. Oh, God, what must everyone think of such a show of familiarity? She yanked her hand from his with a pained smile. “I’ll certainly try to be, Mother.”

  Lord Eacion instantly linked his arm through hers. She curtailed the impulse to bolt away. What was he looking to achieve by touching her? Her mother didn’t need to be getting any ideas. Once she had, she was harder to stop than a team of spooked horses.

  Her mother clapped her hands. “Wonderful! Now you two go enjoy yourselves. Don’t worry about coming home tonight.”

  Shock ricocheted through Anni. Her mother had gone crazy. That was the only explanation for her last words. She was all but coming out and saying that she should stay the night with Lord Eacion! And Lord help her, but that planted erotic images in her mind that had no right to be there. She shifted and closed her gaping mouth, trying to ignore the sensations shooting southward.

  Even as she feared to see what Lord Eacion must think, her gaze flew to him. She narrowed her eyes. Was that a smirk firmly planted on his face? She glared at him before turning the look on the woman who’d birthed her—and so betrayed her.

  “Mother, please.” Her intonation said it all. Even her mother had to realize that.

  Clara laughed. “Off with you two.”

  Mystified, Anni stood there. What in the world? It seemed as if her mother was telling her not to come back until she’d been bedded. Bedded, not wedded. Was her mother really so lacking in sanity and tact?

  “Your command is mine to fulfill, Mrs. Brownston,” Lord Eacion said, inclining his head gracefully.

  Anni’s gaze snapped to him. What? He was going calmly along with what her mother was saying—and implying? He only smiled, nodded to her mother once more, and pulled her away. She mechanically followed him, her unresisting feet carrying her forward as bewilderment consumed her mind.

  “My mother... You...” she sputtered, still not able to find the right words.

  He canted his head toward her. “I don’t think she meant it to sound as it did.”

  I wouldn’t be so sure of that. Never underestimate a mother who saw a chance, no matter how small, of more power and prestige for her family. So she settled on saying, “Maybe.”

  He shrugged his wide shoulders. “Think nothing of the episode and enjoy yourself.”

  As if it were that easy, but to him, it apparently was. After all, it wasn’t his mother going around saying inappropriate things. “I’ll try.”

  He led them toward a table laden with food and cups of wine. The people loitering there dispersed but remained nearby, probably to better overhear their conversation.

  “Would you like a goblet of wine?”

  She eyed the dark red liquid. A drink did sound good right about now but... “Mother might not approve.”

  He chuckled, a rich sound that encompassed her like a blanket. “Do you think, of all evenings, she’s going to protest that now?”

  “Fair point.”

  She reached out for a cup, but he snagged one before her hand was even halfway there.

  He held out the goblet. “Here you are, my fair maiden.”

  Heat scalded her cheeks as she took the cup. “Flattery will get you nowhere.”

  He leaned in close and whispered. “I think it’ll get me everywhere.”

  To make it worse, he winked. Oh God, was he teasing or being serious? Did it matter? Mortification should be her best friend right about now, and she did feel some good measure of it. However, the growing excitement underneath it was something she could do without. But she was only human, and he was too handsome for his own good. And hers, apparently.

  Still, she had an image to uphold. “We’ll see about that.”

  “Hmm, challenge accepted.”

  “Not what I meant!” She backed up a step until her hip collided with the table, but he followed her. A mere few inches separated their bodies.

  She held her goblet between them as if it were a barrier to ward him off. Ha, as if! It was practically sandwiched between them, a completely ineffectual deterrent. From the corner of her eye, she noticed more than one person watching their interaction with fascination. Though it made her squirm with discomfort, she couldn’t really blame them, as this was prime entertainment for them. If it weren’t happening to her, she’d likely be nosey, too.

  Still, didn’t Lord Eacion care that he was making a spectacle of them? Maybe he didn’t care what others thought, but she sure did. She had to live in this village. He didn’t. But his people, his son, were here. What must they be thinking of this whole display? Maybe they found his behavior to be commonplace, but she’d never heard any whisper that Lord Eacion was a randy woman chaser. Then again, she’d known next to nothing of him.

  This was all her mother’s fault! Her innuendos must have addled his brain. Worse, the woman’s words had created an erotic picture in Anni’s mind, one which was now firmly implanted and wouldn’t let go. Images of her body entwined with his ghosted through her thoughts like a lingering phantom. No matter how she tried, she couldn’t scrub them away.

  Lord Eacion chuckled again, his mouth so close to her ear that a few stray strands of hair near her cheek stirred. “You promised me this night.”

  With a gasp, she latched onto one word. “Not the night. Evening only!”

  He tilted his head. “On such an occasion, it’s the same thing.”

  She eased herself sideways and away from him. “I’m not bedding down with you.”

  He stepped back and sighed with seeming happiness. “No one said anything about a bed.”

  An indignant squawk flew from her lips. This was too much. She was a gently bred lady, and no man, fae or not, should talk to her so.

  His face sobered, and he held out his hands as if surrendering. “I but tease you, though I wouldn’t be averse to your company for the night. That’s completely your decision, though.”

  Chapter 8

  Anni reeled at the honesty shining through his eyes, and that set her off-kilter more than his kidding had. “I-I...” How did she answer something that sounded so wonderfully frightening?

  “No need to answer now. Just think about it.”

  She nodded, afraid anything that came out of her mouth would only embarrass her. Think about it? It was consuming her thoughts. Somehow, he seemed to know that.

  He took her elbow. “Come, there’s food to eat and wine to drink.”

  For the next few hours, that was what they did. He plied her with all the best her people could offer. He was charming company, and she unwittingly found herself entranced by his strong personality and presence. It didn’t hurt that his sense of humor made her laugh multiple times.

  For the last several minutes, they’d been sitting on a bench on the periphery. The feast portion had given way to music and dancing. No easy feat since so many were more than slightly tipsy, but it made for interesting watching.

  And talk of interesting people, Cassy had been a dear and stayed away from her and Lord Eacion. Anni just hoped her streak of good luck held out. Cassy most likely didn’t want to anger their lord further.

  The sun had long faded away but still left behind a surprisingly temperate evening. That was a stroke of good luck for
her because she’d forgotten a shawl to ward off any chill. Not that Lord Eacion would’ve let her freeze. No, he’d been so solicitous toward her that he’d probably warm her himself, if need be. His arms were sure to provide lots of heat. She giggled to herself. What a double-entendre that was! Maybe she’d had a bit too much to drink if she was finding something so potentially scandalous to be funny.

  She sighed, still feeling happier than she had a right to be. This evening...it had been magical so far. He was magical. She snorted to herself. He literally was a fantasy creature, so that wasn’t so far-fetched.

  His thigh rested against hers, but she didn’t attempt to move away. In fact, she welcomed the touch. He was solid and oh-so real for the night. In a few days, he’d be gone. Melancholy hovered around the edges of her thoughts. This evening was going by too fast. If only she could pause time. Even the people’s stares didn’t weigh on her like before. Truthfully, the looks had dwindled as the evening progressed and people’s state of inebriation grew.

  His arm slipped around her shoulders, and she instinctively leaned against him. He was a wonderful cushion. Tiredness had hit her a bit, along with a head that felt slightly floaty and filled with cotton.

  “Are you having a good time?” he murmured near her ear.

  “Yes, very much so.” The alcohol had loosened up her tongue, so she readily gave the truth.

  “Then why the frown?”

  She shrugged. “Just thoughts but I don’t want to concentrate on them right now.”

  “Then let me occupy your mind.”

  Too late, you already are. “How do you propose to do that?” she asked, glancing at him through lowered lashes. Even cast in shadows by the flickering light, his handsome face made her breath catch.

  “I can think of a few things,” he whispered in her ear.

  Her tongue darted out to wet her dry lips. His invitation to spend the night with him was emblazoned in her mind. She stared straight ahead, not daring to look at him least her composure fail completely. “Nothing lecherous, I hope,” she said, her voice squeaking.

  He chuckled. “Of course not. Unless you want me to be.”

  Yes. But even her tipsy self knew that wasn’t a wise choice. “Pro-probably not a good idea.”

  “Why is that?” He picked up a strand of her hair and slid it through his fingers.

  She shrugged and finally glanced at him. “You’re leaving soon, and I’m not the kind to give myself freely. I see no reason to start now.”

  Even as she spoke, though, the wisdom of “no reason to start now” seemed to be fading—and fast. She’d likely never marry and had no inclination to sleep with any of the village boys. Did she want to die a virgin, never having experienced what sex could be like? She’d never been that curious about it before, but Lord Eacion had ignited any fledgling interest she’d had into an inferno. Just the thought of him touching her in that manner sent warmth pooling between her legs.

  “Who knows what the future holds? Sometimes, we just have to live in the present and take what joy we can from the moment.”

  His words reverberated through her, hitting a chord somewhere deep inside. Wouldn’t she rather have her first—and only—time be with a cultured male and not one of the immature brats that passed for the young men in her town? Lord knew the few decent males were already taken.

  “That...sounds oddly alluring.” She’d likely regret her forwardness come morning but couldn’t bring herself to care right now.

  “I would hope so. It’d be a blow to my pride if it weren’t,” he said, his voice dry.

  She elbowed him lightly in the ribs, wondering why she felt so at ease with him. “I doubt anything could dent your pride.”

  “I wouldn’t be so sure about that. Contrary to popular belief, not everything goes the way I want. Far from it, actually. But in all seriousness, my offer is still open if you want to join me at the inn tonight. I won’t pressure you, though.”

  Anni’s lungs clenched tight. How to answer him? No? Yes? I don’t know? Each sounded perfectly acceptable and yet wholly lacking right now. “Maybe?”

  Chapter 9

  Anni closed her eyes in consternation. Why had that come out as more of a question than an answer?

  He chuckled. “You still have time to think about it.”

  Before she could say anything else, a trio of fae strode toward them. One was the advisor. What was his name? Anvin? The two others, though, set her nerves on edge even more. The beautiful lady was grace personified with her blond silky hair and lithe figure. She was clinging to the arm of the last dragon fae, and...oh God, he was the worst. Lord Eacion’s son. What must he be thinking of her and his father? At least Lord Eacion didn’t push her away as if she were yesterday’s breakfast. Thank heavens for small mercies.

  Though she still wanted to bolt, she forced herself to remain where she was, cuddled up against their lord. Though her mind was panicked, adrenaline had forced out the swimming feeling that had crowded inside her skull. Once the trio stood before them and the torchlight shone on their faces, she received a surprise. Whether it was good or bad, she didn’t know. Instead of the disapproval she feared, they all wore friendly smiles and held themselves in a relaxed manner. Was this all a trick?

  Anvin bowed before her and Lord Eacion. “My lord, Miss Anni, I wanted to check on how your evening is progressing and if either of you need anything.” His gaze ghosted between Lord Eacion and her.

  Anni fought back a frown. Though the advisor’s consideration was nice, that he gave her any at all was puzzling.

  Lord Eacion waved him away good-naturedly. “The evening is going well. No need to check on us.”

  Anvin stared at Anni, plainly expecting her to say something.

  Lord Eacion sighed. “You probably should answer him. Else, he won’t leave.”

  What? Why would he care? She inwardly shrugged. There was no guessing what a stranger was thinking, especially when he wasn’t human. “We’re fine, thank you.”

  “Good, good.” He rubbed his hands together as if he’d received great news.

  Anni stared at him. His reaction struck her as odd, but then, the whole evening had been weird yet good. Still, she felt as if she was missing an important piece of the puzzle.

  Lord Eacion’s son stepped nearer, as did the fae woman holding onto his arm. “I’m Tancion, Miss Anni. I hope my father has been treating you well.”

  More strangeness at foot here. She nodded, words deserting her for a moment. But she’d been dealing with this ever since Lord Eacion flew into her life this afternoon, so what were a few more hours?

  Aware that Tancion was still waiting for her to speak, she finally settled on being truthful. “Yes, of course.”

  “I’m glad he’s behaving. He can be quite the rogue with his humor.”

  Lord Eacion snorted. “Must you malign me so, Son?”

  “When you deserve it, yes. Anyway, you do it to me.”

  “Only when I have cause,” Lord Eacion shot back.

  Their words tugged a smile from Anni. The interplay between son and father was sort of sweet and spoke of an apparently close relationship. “You two are kind of cute when you banter back and forth like that.”

  Tancion broke out into laughter. “Father, she’s a joy!”

  Anni slammed a hand over her mouth. Had she really said that out loud?

  The woman by Tancion’s side slapped him on the shoulder. “You’re embarrassing the poor girl. Stop.”

  With a genial grin playing at the corner of his lips, he bowed in Anni’s direction. “Forgive me, I mean no harm.”

  “I know.” Anni didn’t, but he seemed the pleasant sort. Still, what did she know of him?

  The fae lady glared at Tancion and jabbed a finger into his arm. “You forgot to introduce me, you beast.”

  He returned her look, though there seemed to be no real heat in it. “Maybe if you stop attacking my person, I will be able to.”

  Anvin made a huffing sound fr
om where he stood a little bit off to the side while Anni all but felt the sigh building in Lord Eacion’s chest.

  The lady sniffed in clear disdain of Tancion’s manners, though there appeared to be a smile hovering around her mouth. “Or I could just introduce myself and not wait on a dullard like you.”

  She turned a charming smile on Anni. “I’m Laina. Pay no mind to Tancion. He can be such a thoughtless male. His father is much more considerate.”

  Anni stared at Laina and Tancion. Were they a couple? They argued like one. “Pleased to meet you, all of you,” she said, encompassing all three in her gaze.

  Really, could this evening become any stranger? Yes, if you take Lord Eacion up on his invitation, some devious part of her whispered.

  “Likewise,” Anvin said, followed by the other two. He looked at Tancion and Laina. “Come, I think we’ve overwhelmed them enough for the evening.”

  With a last hasty bow, Anvin grinned. “Enjoy the rest of the night, Lord Eacion and Miss Anni. We’ll see you both tomorrow morning.”

  Anni watched as they strode off, two words echoing in her mind. Tomorrow morning? He thought she was spending the night with Lord Eacion? Her face heated. Did everybody know? Sure, they’d been acting very familiar with each other, but that didn’t mean they would have sex.

  “My apologies. My advisor is usually famed for his tact. Apparently, it’s gone missing tonight, but I blame my son and Laina.”

  She slowly tilted her head to look at him. “That was...interesting. They seem nice, though.”

  “A more juvenile bunch you won’t see. Alone, they’re fine, but together...” He shook his head, letting his words hang.

  Anni frowned. “I thought your advisor would be a contemporary of yours, not your son.”

  “He is. But with those two, he reverts back to teen-hood at times.”

  Lord Eacion’s fingers had started trailing over her shoulder and down her arm. That was all it took for her mind to go hazy from the pleasant sensations coursing like wildfire through her. “He didn’t seem that bad.”