“So you knew I would more than likely be alone?”
He nodded. “Dragons have an amazing sense of smell. I could smell you weren’t where I left you. That you were here. I could hear that you were alone. I hope you don’t think it’s strange but…I’ve been worried about you. I could scent you weren’t mated despite what Mountain told me. I needed to see you. To check in.”
“Thank you for coming and for caring. It means so much, but,” she shook her head, speaking quickly, “you have to go.” She put her hands on his chest. She didn’t push though. Just left them there.
Obsidian shook his head, taking in her beautiful dark eyes. Her hair was pulled into a messy ponytail. She wore jeans and a baggy t-shirt. “I should never have left you like that. Under those circumstances.”
“Of course you should have,” she spoke forcefully. “You would have been captured otherwise.” She went back to whispering, looked around them, eyes wide. She took her hands back, leaving him feeling bereft without her touch. Obsidian could scent her pungent fear; it angered him to his core. “You still could be captured. If someone sees you, you’ll be in trouble. Cody hates you. My father,” she widened her eyes, “he was very upset when he found out what happened. He was almost more upset that it was consensual. He wanted you charged. Still does.”
“With what?” Obsidian snorted. “I didn’t do anything wrong. You didn’t do anything wrong either.”
“It doesn’t matter. I did mate Cody two days ago,” she blurted. Her body tensed and her already bloodshot eyes filled with tears. “It’s done. I’m fine! You need to go.”
Obsidian sniffed loudly, taking her scent in, keeping his eyes on her the whole time.
“I know.” She licked her lips.
“You haven’t consummated the mating. Why? Maybe because you don’t love that male. I can see you’re not fine. You haven’t slept in days. You’ve been crying.”
“Your brother is right. I’m not your problem. You can’t get involved.” There were dark smudges under her eyes as well and her frame wasn’t as filled as it had been.
“It’s too late for that.”
“It’s not.” She looked around them some more, her voice animated, even though she was whispering. “You can leave and never look back. You have to do it.”
It was exactly what he should do but he couldn’t. The same drive that had made him come there in the first place was urging him to stay. Forcing him to try to fix it. “You scent of sorrow. Of guilt. Of pain.” Those were some of the reasons he couldn’t just up and leave her. “I see it. I feel it.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“It does to me.”
Her face crumpled and tears ran down her cheeks. Obsidian put his arms around her. He had vowed he wouldn’t touch so much as a hair on her head. Not wanting to leave his scent anywhere, but how could he not? She shook a little in his arms. She cried for a few seconds but soon pulled herself together. Demi pulled back, wiping her eyes and sniffing a few times. “I’m sorry. I need to stop crying. It doesn’t help anything.”
“Don’t be sorry. You needed a shoulder. I happen to have a big one.”
She laughed, still wiping at her tears. Her eyes were still filled with sadness. It was the scent of her fear that killed him though. It fucking killed him. It didn’t take much for him to know exactly why she was afraid.
“Thank you!” she smiled ‒ or tried to at any rate. “I feel so much better after seeing you, but you can’t come again. I’m mated now…to Cody. This right now, seeing you, it’s wrong.”
“We’re only talking. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
“I like you Obsidian. I like you a little too much. I think you’re sweet and funny and really sexy. I can’t see you again for all of those reasons. My future is with another male.”
Her compliments made his heart beat faster. The rest of what she said, made him mad. “Are you sure there’s nothing I can do to help you.”
“Like what?”
He could only think of one thing. “Is Cody trying to force…things?” He tried to put it as diplomatic as he knew how.
Her eyes darkened and she swallowed thickly. Bingo! He was right on the money.
She shook her head. “Cody is my mate. There is no such thing as forcing.”
“Bullshit!” he all but snarled. “Besides, he isn’t your mate yet and I’m guessing he’s pushing to make that happen as soon as possible.”
Her jaw tightened. “Wouldn’t you?”
Obsidian shook his head and answered without hesitation. “No. That isn’t a mating. It isn’t a true partnership. It shouldn’t be forced, it should just be. It’s either there or it isn’t. I wouldn’t want to make that kind of commitment with someone who didn’t love me back.”
She looked wistful for a moment. “If only life was so uncomplicated.”
“It shouldn’t be this hard, Demi. It should be fun and exciting. Life should be an adventure. With the right person, it would be.”
She chewed on her lower lip, her eyes welling again. “You’re right. Sometimes though, we need to accept what we are dealt and make the most of it. I’m fine! Thank you for caring.” She took his hand and squeezed it. “Like I said before, you have no idea what it means to me. You need to go now though. No one can see you and you can’t come back. Promise me.” She squeezed his hand a second time. “I’m worried about you.”
Obsidian shook his head. “I can’t promise that, and I’m more worried about you.”
She laughed. It lasted all of a few seconds, but it was the best sound in the world. “Look at us. Listen to us. I meant it though.” She sighed. “I don’t mean to be ungrateful.”
“When I’m convinced you’re safe. That you’re happy. I’ll stay away, but until then,” he squeezed her hand back, loving the feel of her soft skin, “you’re stuck with me.” This female clearly didn’t have anyone else in her corner.
She smiled, letting his hand go. “Okay. The only reason I’m agreeing is because I suspect I don’t have much of a choice.”
“In this one thing…no,” he shook his head, “but in all others, you will always have a choice with me. I would never take that basic right away from you.” He burned with anger. It churned in his gut. “I’m going to leave now but I will be back. That male can’t force you to do anything you’re not ready for. Don’t let him or anyone else convince you otherwise. It doesn’t matter that you were promised to that bear. It doesn’t matter that you went through with the mating ceremony. All of that is ultimately bullshit.”
She nodded. “I know.” She looked shocked. “I agree wholeheartedly.”
“Okay then. Take care of yourself.” He pulled her into a quick one-armed hug. Not wanting to cross any lines even though he was tempted to obliterate them.
“You too. Be careful when you leave. Don’t let anyone see you and whatever you do, don’t get caught.”
“I won’t.” Get caught that was. Being seen though. That might be difficult with what he had planned.
* * *
The male ground to a halt, his paws digging into the earth. He snarled, his eyes narrowing on Obsidian who had shifted into his skin. He folded his arms, not worried. He could take this fucker in human form. No problem.
The bear circled him, it had icy blue eyes, making him look freaky. It happened with shifters sometimes though. Those eyes were narrowed on him and filled with hate. His lip curled from his teeth in a silent growl.
“We need to talk,” Obsidian said, ignoring the antics.
The bear circled the other way. This time he did growl, low and deep. His teeth exposed, saliva dripped onto the earth. The bear crouched, looking like he might pounce at any moment. “You and I both know I can take you, even with one arm tied behind my back,” Obsidian stated the facts. “You might be the strongest shifter in your pack, but you’re no match for a dragon. Let’s talk male to male and then I’ll let you go.”
Cody growled again, putting everything in it. The bear
looked agitated and pissed off. Obsidian didn’t give a shit.
A few seconds went by before he finally shifted. Obsidian watched as its fur pulled back. Same with its jaw, snout, ears and teeth. Until a male stood before him, chest heaving. Sweat on his brow and death in his eyes. “What the fuck are you doing here? On our territory uninvited? You are trespassing. I could throw you in a cage just for being here, let alone,” he narrowed his eyes, “for rutting my female.”
“She was hardly yours,” Obsidian said, staying calm.
“She is now!” he spat.
“That’s why I’m here.”
The male’s nose twitched. “I can scent her on you. You went to see her! You have no right to go anywhere near her, dragon. I could call for your balls.”
“But you won’t,” Obsidian said. “I’ll deny it and Demi will back me up. We both know that. You can scent that nothing happened between us.”
Cody shook his head, looking disgusted.
“The only reason I came back was to check in on Demi…as a friend. I wanted to make sure she was okay.”
“Well, you can fuck off now. She’s fine. We’re mated!”
“She’s sad.”
Cody shook his head. “We all have our problems. She will get used to things as they are.”
“She’s unhappy.”
“She won’t be for long,” the bear insisted.
“She’s afraid…of you. Did you know that?”
He looked unsure for a spilt second before schooling his emotions. “She has nothing to be afraid of. She’s mine to protect. I will look after Demi. I would give my own life for her.”
“Protect her?” Obsidian asked, raising his brows.
“Yes, dammit!” the bear snarled.
“Even from yourself?”
He frowned. “What bullshit are you talking about?”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about. Are you going to force her to consummate this union?”
His jaw tightened. “It needs to happen.”
“That’s a yes then,” Obsidian snarled. “You’ll rape your own female. Is that what you’re saying?”
“No! Fuck no!” Cody yelled. “Are you crazy? This has fuck all to do with you anyway. It’s none of your business.”
“I’m making it my business, bear. If you hurt her…” He got in the male’s face. Right up in there. “If you force her to do anything…I’ll kill you. It would mean a death sentence for me, but I’d gladly take it.” He smiled.
“For a female you don’t even know?” The bear looked like he didn’t buy it.
“Yes. She’s a good female. Demi is kind, beautiful and sweet. She doesn’t deserve this. No one does. Her sadness resonates with me in a way you will never understand.” Obsidian had felt alone for longer than he could remember.
“We belong together. Not that it’s any of your business, but I love her.” His expression clouded. It made Obsidian think that maybe the male meant it. It helped him breathe a little easier. It also made his chest feel tighter. Cody narrowed his eyes. “I would never hurt her in that way. Now,” he poked at Obsidian’s chest, “you need to back the fuck off. You need to leave her alone. Leave us alone. She will struggle to commit if you keep sniffing around.” There was a growl to his voice.
“I will be back bear. I will check up on Demi. Once I’m satisfied she isn’t in any danger, I’ll leave you alone. Then and only then.”
“She’s mine,” Cody snarled, his face inches from Obsidian’s.
“Don’t hurt her and we’ll be just fine,” he warned. “Forcing her to do anything else she doesn’t want to do would be hurting in my opinion.”
“Stay the fuck away!” the bear spoke softly, eyes blazing. “You’ll regret it if you don’t.”
“Treat her with respect. Trust me,” Obsidian narrowed his eyes, “you won’t live to regret it if you don’t.”
“Are you threatening me?”
The bear was slow-witted. Obsidian nodded. “Most definitely.”
“Does Demi know you are here? Did she put you up to this?”
“No! This is between me and you, bear. Don’t push me or—”
“For the last time, she’s mine. Demi is mine! It’s a matter of time before it is made official. I won’t need to force her. Do you hear that, dragon? She’ll crouch down onto all fours for me. She’ll scream my name. Bear my young. Mine!”
Obsidian was panting. Working hard at keeping his rage in check. Only because this male was right. Everything he was saying was correct. As much as he wanted to break every bone in his body, he couldn’t. “Then we have nothing to worry about. I will be back. I will be watching.”
Obsidian shifted in two seconds flat. He was above the clouds in under three. He needed to keep in mind that Demi belonged to someone else. Once he knew she was safe, he needed to stay away from Vale Creek.
Chapter 13
Two days later…
Demi sat up, the sheets were tangled around her body. She was panting heavily, her brow felt sweaty. Her throat felt like it was closing. She clutched a hand to her chest, trying to calm down. Trying to get air into her lungs.
Her sister’s anguished screams still rang in her ears. One minute she and Cody had been so happy and the next…death and destruction. Then there was the laughing. That godawful laughing. She knew that part wasn’t real. Why did she keep hearing it?
“What is it?” Cody called from the doorway. His hair was mussed, his eyes bleary with sleep.
“Um…” She struggled to catch her breath. To think clearly.
“Was it that nightmare you keep having?” he asked, coming into her room. “The one you have every night?” He rubbed his eyes. “Tonight sounded worse than normal.”
Shoot! He had obviously heard her before. It wasn’t normally this bad though. Maybe she’d shouted out in her sleep or something. She nodded once.
“Do you want to talk about it?” He sat on the edge of her bed.
“I’m fine.” She pulled some of her hair behind her ear. Her breathing was normal. Her heartrate too.
“Talking will help.” He touched the side of her arm. “I could bring you some warm milk or,” he shrugged, “a hot chocolate or something.”
“I dream about the same thing every night.” She licked her lips and then rubbed a hand over her face. “I dream about her death.”
His face grew pinched. “Brie’s death?”
She nodded. “I dream about the accident. It’s like I’m there but I can’t do anything to stop it.” She left it at that. She couldn’t tell him about the laughing.
“You have the same nightmare every night?”
She nodded again. “I don’t know why, and I can’t get it to stop.” The only peaceful sleep she had managed to steal was in Obsidian’s arms. In over a year, that was it. “It’s the same every time. At first, the two of you are so happy. You’re talking and laughing and then…then…” her lip quivered, “the accident happens,” she stated simply.
His eyes softened. “That’s terrible. No wonder you’re having such a hard time. Come here.” He opened his arms, looking very much like the Cody she remembered. The male she liked.
Demi let him hug her. He held her tightly at first, then eased his hold.
This was okay.
This was fine.
She needed to allow this. Had to… He rubbed her back softly, in lazy circles designed to soothe.
See.
It was still okay.
Fine.
No worries.
Then she heard him sniffing softly, his face lightly touching her head. Holy shit! He was sniffing her. No! Please stop! This was bad. Very bad.
“Don’t tense up, Demi, please,” he asked.
“I can’t help it. You’re…”
“Scenting you,” Cody stated. He still held her. “Yeah, I am.”
When a male scented a female, it was to initiate sex. “I just had a nightmare and you’re scenting me,” she sounded incredulous. Who could bla
me her?
“I know that and, for the record, I’m not trying to be insensitive. I want to help you forget…at least for a little while.” He kissed her on the top of her head. “Please let me…”
She pulled away, shaking her head.
“Lie back. Close your eyes.” He crouched over her, his arms on either side of her.
“You’re caging me in again.” Her heart pounded.
“I won’t hurt you. I swear. I just want to touch you…hold you. I just want you.” He leaned in, kissing her neck. “Need you,” he murmured.
“I’ll take hot chocolate,” she blurted, voice shrill, trying to shrink away.
Cody tensed as he pulled away. He sighed. “At least let me ease you. No rutting…not yet at any rate.”
Not yet.
Ease.
His touch felt all wrong. Everything about it. Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! “Please.” She sucked in a deep breath. “I can’t.”
He pulled himself up, holding himself over her with his arms. “We can’t keep avoiding this, Demi. At least, let me kiss you.” His gaze drifted to her lips. “We have to start somewhere.”
Cody was right. They needed to, at least, try. She needed to try. They had to move forward at some point. Even if it felt like she was committing a sin. Maybe if she allowed the kiss, he would leave her alone. Obsidian was going to come back and maybe he would end up getting caught this time. Cody was her mate now. It didn’t matter how wrong it felt. This needed to happen. Demi nodded once.
Cody lowered himself slowly. Demi closed her eyes. He slanted his lips over hers. She felt his tongue and almost freaked out. “I can’t!” she blurted, turning her head to the side. She may as well kiss Serge.
The bed shook as he stood up. “Why not?” His voice was animated. His eyes blazed. “And don’t give me some bullshit about still seeing me as a brother.”
“More like an asshole,” she countered, pulling the blanket more securely around her.
“We can’t hide out for much longer,” he snapped back. “I’ll be the laughing stock of both packs if anyone finds out we haven’t rutted.”
Savage Dragon: Earth Dragons Series: Book 2 Page 10