by C. D. Gorri
“How did you do all this?”
“Partly sweat. I spent years clawing out the mountain and building my vault. I studied architecture and design, learned to utilize the island to maintain the climate needed for my treasures. Of course, later I installed more sophisticated means of security, ventilation, and so forth. And lastly, I called upon my Dragon Magic.”
“I don’t know much about Dragon Magic, I confess, but it fascinates me,” she bit her lip as she looked at a pile of ancient scrolls.
The knowledge there! She’d love the opportunity to read them but wasn’t so presumptuous as to ask.
“Of course you would not know about it. Our secrets were well hidden in my day, and I always thought they would die with me.” Until now. She could have sworn he added those last two words, but she’d been watching him. His lips hadn’t moved. And yet.
“Why do you say that?”
“I see you are interested in my scrolls. Some are quite good. I have a few ancient Etruscan almanacs, and one rather racy Egyptian how-to book.”
“A how-to what?”
“It’s a manual on how to evoke extreme pleasure from your sexual partner,” he leaned in closer.
“An ancient Egyptian sex book?” She gulped. Was it getting hotter in there or was it just her?
“Exactly. I imagine it was to instruct young virgins on how to keep their spouses satisfied,” the last word was a guttural hiss that sent warm jolts directly to the juncture of Phoebe’s thighs.
What would it be like to feel him there? To have that long tongue of his intimately involved with her needy sex. Swallowing lightly, she turned her head attempting to diffuse the suddenly tense situation.
“What’s over there?” She pointed to another doorway and could have sworn his eyes flared when he turned to lead the way.
“Come, let me show you,” he murmured grasping her hand and taking the lead once again.
Phoebe should protest really, but how could she when the view was so damn fine. His firm ass flexed in the tight jeans he wore as they weaved through the massive shelves of his hoard. She loved seeing this side of him.
He was neither haughty nor condescending, but rather he seemed to enjoy showing her his treasures. She snickered as she imagined Matt Paxton, one of the hosts of Hoarders, the TV show, showing up here.
“What?” he asked, but she shook her head.
“Oh, nothing. please continue,” Phoebe inhaled the whispery scent of saltwater with hints of smoke that reminded her of cozy bonfires on the beach late in the summer that seemed to surround him.
She breathed him in once more, sucking in the fragrance and holding it close before releasing it to their surroundings. She found it necessary to bite her tongue just to keep from sighing aloud and followed on.
Phoebe continued on with her musings, wondering where the SeaDragon was leading her until they came to a crystal-clear pool at the end of what looked more like a cave than the other part of his treasure trove. Steam rose from the water and she turned wide eyes on him questioningly.
“This island was formed by a volcano many centuries ago. This pool is heated by the belly of the mountain, I found it a long time ago and claimed it as my own. It is one of my favorite treasures.”
He spoke in a deep and growly voice. One that she felt all the way to her toes.
“It is so beautiful,” she gasped as she looked around at the black volcanic rock that glistened in the dim lights that suddenly flared to life around them. Like a million black diamonds. Beautiful.
“Care to test the waters?”
Phoebe bit her lip as he smiled rakishly. He knew he was handsome. Of course he did. How was she going to resist making a fool of herself in this situation?
Just as she began to shake her head no, he stepped back, kicking off his shoes. Next, he drew his shirt over his head, exposing his cinnamon colored muscles to her rapt gaze.
Heat sparked between them. Phoebe swore she heard a rumbling growl emanate from his chest. He seemed to fill the space. Larger than life, he had an innate charisma that she’d never encountered, and she found it very hard to resist. Why should she try?
Despite being in human form, she was keenly aware of his Dragon lurking beneath his skin. Tempted to ask to see his sea-beast, she was a little bit distracted by his the impeccable shape of him in his human form skin at the moment.
“You’re not afraid, are you?” His taunt was full of jest, but she narrowed her eyes.
She never could take a dare. That trait got her into oodles of trouble as a young Witch. Still, what harm could there be in a little friendly swim?
“No, of course not,” she tugged her tank top free, whipping the fabric over her head and yanking down the gauzy skirt.
Standing there in her white bikini underwear and her lacy bra, Phoebe wondered if this was a wise decision. She was not exactly swimsuit model material, though truth be told, she was rather fond of her curves. But would he feel the same?
Looking up, she found herself mesmerized by the silver pools of Nathan’s eyes. His chest was heaving with the force of his breathing as he stared. As if in a daze, the gorgeous Dragon Shifter walked closer to her. She held her ground, curious to see what he had in mind.
“Beautiful, flava meus, you are perfection,” his hands reached out to touch her long blonde hair, gently tracing the column of her neck down to her bra strap.
The man clearly had no concept of personal space as he slowly invaded hers. She practically swooned under the intensity of his eyes. The silver depths glowed as he traced her hairline, fingertips skimming her skin, but not quite touching.
The near touch was more erotic than anything she’d ever felt before. Breathing became difficult. She wanted so much more.
Phoebe braced herself for the impact of his kiss as his head bent. His chiseled features even more devastating up close. She licked her lips. The knowledge that this was surely going to change her world did nothing to prevent her from readying herself. Eyes closed, lips parted, she held her breath.
And nothing. She was left standing on the side of the pool. Alone. Nathan had pulled back rather abruptly with one last tug on one of her blonde curls. She blinked rapidly as he turned away from her.
Shucking his jeans, he did not look back as he jumped into the small pool. Around twenty feet across to the other side, it was small, but deep. Though, she was comforted by the fact that the water was perfectly translucent. She could see all the way to the bottom through the clear ripples he made as he sliced through the water.
Phoebe slowly stepped into the heated water, not moving beyond the edges of the soothing liquid. Worried about the sharpness of the rocks, she was pleased to find the bottom covered in soft, black sand.
Shaking off her disappointment at the near kiss and his obvious lack of interest, Phoebe walked backwards to the edge of the water. The sandy shore was very small, next to it was a smooth rock formation. She sat down on a large, flat rock and looked nervously before sliding off, deeper into the translucent pool while keeping hold of the side of the rock.
The warmth of the water seeped through her flimsy underthings, rendering them completely see-through. But she didn’t mind, it felt too good inside the pool.
The heated water relaxed her aching muscles. Releasing some of the tension she’d felt since the day before in a way she didn’t know she desperately needed. Phoebe closed her eyes, head tilted back, unaware of the fiery silver gaze watching her from across the pool.
“Oh, this feels so good,” she moaned.
“Does it?”
“Eep!” She squeaked and splashed, startled by how near Nathan was to her. How the heck did he get next to her so fast? SeaDragon. Duh.
“You swim fast,” her inane comment earned her a dazzling smile.
“Thank you,” he said hands fitted to her waist as he pulled her deeper into the pool.
“Oh, um, no. I can’t really swim,” she confessed biting her lip and clinging to his shoulders.
“You can’t swim?”
“No,” fear began to build inside of her as she clung to his massive body. He looked at her curiously, no judgement on his face as he continued to pull her deeper into the water.
“Actually, not at all. I’ve always been a little afraid of the water,” embarrassed by her confession, she turned her head away from his penetrating stare.
“Flava meus, I swear I will allow no harm to come to you. Do you trust me?”
Nathan turned her to face him with two fingers on her chin. For some unfathomable reason, Phoebe believed him. She was a modern woman, a strong Witch, a Junior Station Master for the Wardens of Terra. She didn’t need to depend on any man. Or Dragon. But she admitted to herself, it was rather nice to have the option. For once in her life.
He waited for her nod before continuing to swim with her until they reached the middle of the pool. The sensation of floating in made her tremble. She had no control out there. The water was so deep. So very deep.
The fear of drowning something most Witches got over once they understood those scary stories their peers told them about naughty little Witches sinking like stone in water were just to frighten them. Jerks.
Only Phoebe had never quite believed her parents when they’d said those stories were not real. What if she was a naughty little Witch who sunk like stone? She always tried to be a good person. But who didn’t slip up now and then?
So, maybe she accepted too much change from the grocer because she forgot to check it at the time. And maybe, she ran a red light when no one was on the road every now and then. Did things like that make her bad?
Irrational as it might be, Phoebe clung to Nathan’s shoulders with inhuman strength as he swam them both out to where she could not reach any rock or wall to help her stay afloat. Eep!
The water was even warmer in the center, the sandy floor so far away she couldn’t see it. Oh no. Panic started to well up inside of her, but as if he could sense it, Nathan stroked her waist with his fingers and began talking.
“We are directly over the heat source now,” his breath tickled her cheek.
“In a thousand years this pool has never cooled below seventy degrees. This is one of my favorite places. I have never shared this with anyone else, flava,” he whispered the words, hypnotizing her with his steady tone.
Handsome face only an inch or so away from hers, Phoebe felt a ripple of awareness flash through her entire body. Mesmerized by his nearness, she could only stare in wonder as she felt the hardness of his body align with hers.
Was he getting even closer? Eyes widened, lips parted, Phoebe almost moaned when his hands brushed over the curve of her hips, bringing them flush against his.
“I’ve never wanted anyone else here. In this space. But here you are, Phoebe,” he whispered.
His silver gaze was mesmerizing. Eyes glowing, he leaned in and it was as if everything else faded away. She’d never been the center of attention for such an extraordinarily handsome man before.
It was dizzying, electrifying, enough to make her want to moan like a wanton and blush like a virgin at the same time. Biting her lip, Phoebe locked eyes with his. His hands moved, leaving her hips, and she gasped.
“I can’t swim,” she squeaked.
“Hold onto me, flava meus, you will be safe,” his growly voice sent shockwaves of awareness through her body.
Head bent she closed her eyes, trusting him, waiting for the moment he would lay his claim. And it would be a claiming. He was strong and virile. Such power, her Witch’s intuition was panting with the knowledge of what lay beneath his strong human façade. Dragon. Mine.
Shocked at her possessive thoughts, Phoebe blinked. She had no time to doubt, as his lips seized hers in a hard kiss unlike any she’d ever experienced. It was both a claiming and a surrender. How could it not be? A mutual take and give. His lips, firm, yet soft as velvet, found hers and demanded she part for him. She moaned under their strength, giving him the opening he was looking for.
Saltwater taffy. That was what he tasted like as his long tongue entwined with hers. She was taken back to bright sunny days roaming the Jersey Shore with bags of the sticky, salty, sweet snack as a child. Delicious. And safe. She felt safe with him, despite her current location.
As if sensing her trepidation, Nathan tightened his grip on her body. Bringing her womanly curves in line with his hardened musculature. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she plunged her tongue inside the warm cavern of his mouth, giving as good as she got.
Her breasts pressed against his chest in the water and she cursed the constrictive bra she was wearing for separating them. As if he read her mind, Nathan’s hands moved around her back, unhooking the blasted contraption and flinging it off her body.
He swallowed her moan as her nipples hardened and pressed into his chest. The sensation of his skin against hers was almost overwhelming. She writhed against him, searching for something more. More closeness, more friction, more him.
She’d never done this before. Never lost herself in a kiss with a man. Not with any man, witch, beast, demon, or alien for that matter. But she wanted to lose herself in Nathan. Desperately so. Perhaps that was why she pulled back.
“More,” he growled angling his head for another assault.
“Wait,” she replied, and he reared back, silver eyes blazing, “Why are you doing this?”
“What?
“Kissing me?”
“Isn’t it obvious? I want you, flava, more than anything.”
“You want me, but what are you offering me? A few minutes of no-string sex?”
“I assure you it would take much longer than a few minutes, flava,” he growled, hands gripping her ass, he pulled her into contact with the wondrously aroused flesh of his fully erect cock.
Phoebe sucked in a breath. Her entire body felt aflame despite being mostly under water. No stranger to attraction or the occasional tryst, this was something entirely different.
Her body was more than ready to receive any and all attentions from him. She marveled at the way he seemed to anticipate what she wanted and needed. But no. She couldn’t do this with him, could she? You have a job to do, Phoebe. One that doesn’t involve doing him.
“Nathan, I appreciate you feel attracted to me, but that isn’t why I came-”
“No, flava, but I will make you come and then perhaps you will see. Afterwards, if you still don’t understand, I’ll simply have to try harder,” he took her mouth on that last word.
Phoebe moaned into his mouth. Lost in his kiss, in him, once more, and she gave in. Goddess, did she give in. Life was too short, too uncertain to turn your back on precious moments like this one. Phoebe was Witch enough to know that. A child of magic, how could she ignore the chance to explore her wondrous response to his attentions? To truly be with him?
She felt deeply connected to the mysterious SeaDragon no matter how distant or out of touch he seemed. Their connection was worth exploring, wasn’t it?
She didn’t want to end up with regrets. Phoebe had promised herself a lifetime ago to always jump in and live life to the fullest.
No regrets, she told herself opening up for him as his lips travelled to her neck and throat.
“Yes,” she moaned as the water itself seemed to buoy her.
She felt herself being lifted by the warm liquid until she was on her back, cradled safely while Nathan touched and explored every curve and dip of her lush frame.
“So beautiful,” he whispered reverently as he worshipped every inch of her with his hands, mouth, and tongue until he reached her covered mound.
Silver eyes ablaze, he captured her gaze as he gripped both ends of her panties and pulled, tearing the fabric from her body and baring her to his slow perusal. Phoebe’s heart pounded as he let his desire be known. No one had ever made her feel so wanted before. She gasped, attempting to sit up, but he gently pushed her back against her watery bed.
“Let me look at you, flava. So pink, so perfect,” he murmured
, brushing his fingertips over her trim golden curls.
He spread her slick folds, watching her all the while with such intensity she felt pleasure spread through her veins. And he hadn’t even touched her yet.
“What do you want, flava meus? My hands,” he stroked her slit with one long finger, quickly withdrawing it as he waited for her response.
“Yes,” she said, arching into his touch, trying to bring his hand in closer contact with her sex. Nathan tsked and withdrew.
“When I say, flava, not before. Now, where was I?”
His warm breath brushed against her skin and she shivered in response. Tendrils of magic wrapped around her, hers and his mixed, and she sighed as pleasure beyond words began to tingle along her nerve endings.
“Please,” she begged. She would surely die if he didn’t do something.
Her pussy clenched on air as she writhed, her body on fire for him. Phoebe never felt so ready, so needy, in all her life. No past experiences could compare with the way she responded to this man, this Dragon.
As a Witch, she was a little more mature than she looked. She’d had lovers for sure, but none that set her on fire like this. When would her Dragon take her already?
CHAPTER 7
Nathan’s blood thrummed with need. Mine. Mate. Flava es meus. ES MEUS.
Both human and beast in complete agreement about this one fact. The beautiful, golden-haired Witch was his. His one, true, fated mate. His blood thrummed with the power of Cancer as it too recognized his other half.
Her vanilla-citrus flavor burst on his tongue as he stroked the cavern of her mouth with his long, agile tongue. Thank the gods he was a Dragon, for he was certain he would need every bit of his supernatural strength until he was fully satisfied that he had completely pleasured the intoxicating Phoebe Bright.
He would stand for nothing less than her total surrender to his ministrations. Already, he could feel the matebond begin to pulse between them. In his element, the pool surrounding them moved to his command.
Cushioning and holding his sweet flava afloat above the clear waters, but still warming her with a steady stream of heated liquid around her luscious frame except for the places he was caressing and kissing. And he meant to sample them all.