Southern Fried Dragon

by Nancy Lee Badger

  “I see. Then, ye are happy to see me?”

  “Dru! Listen to me! This is dangerous. Your being here might appear as an act of war. You have sneaked onto a military base in the dark of night. How do you think this looks?”

  “I wanted to make sure ye are well. I hunger for ye. How I got here? I am no threat. I have secrets, yes. But I promise they will never put you, yer soldiers, or this fort in peril. I respect ye too much.”

  The urge to press her to the wall, draw up her skirts, and plunge inside rose until his fingers ached and his lower body throbbed. Pain tinged with fear surfaced. Excitement overwhelmed that fear when she placed her hands to his cheeks and pulled him down.

  A tiny thing with a surname to match, the strength in her hands and the courage in her flaming eyes sucked the breath from his lungs.

  “Your eyes.”

  “I only have eyes for ye, my love. Kiss me and worry not, this night. Love me with all yer heart and show me our long separation has not been in vain.” She drew his face even closer, then kissed him.

  CHAPTER 10

  Shaw surged forward while his arms wrapped Dru into a tight cocoon, her head pillowed on his chest. She tasted of the sea, and smelled fresh as rain. When she closed her eyes, the loss of those bright flames plunged them into darkness. No one stirred this late at night, except for a few guards who meandered over the balustrade, as he did. He'd agreed to watch the harbor side for another hour. How much of that hour remained?

  Pulling away from her tempting kisses, he nibbled the side of her neck then whispered in her ear. “Talk. I am due an explanation.”

  “That ye are, but—”

  “I want you. Now. Swear you will leave as you came?”

  “Aye.”

  One word. One single word freed him from restraint, turning him into a twisting, molten mountain of desire. Gentleness flew away on the wind. Romance fell into the sea. Dru gathered up her skirt and apron while he rained kisses down her throat and across her bodice.

  Tiny moans filled his ears, as he feasted on her delicious flavor. He clasped her around the waist, then swept below her threadbare gown to nestle his fingers in her damp curls. The intoxicating scent of aroused woman drifted up.

  Dru made a cat-like mewing sound, and her body opened to his touch.

  “You are wet.”

  “I am sorry?” Even in shadow, he sensed her embarrassment. Her shoulders tensed, and she pulled away.

  He laughed, then grabbed her tightly. “Not complaining, dear one. A man wants a woman hot and ready when he makes love to her.”

  “We are going to make love? Here?”

  “Aye. Hold on.” He stroked his thumb gently against her inner thigh until she moaned, then lifted her slight body. Shaw pressed her against the outer wall of the stair tower with more vigor than necessary. The woman drove him to distraction, but voiced no complaints.

  He leaned into her, chest to chest, then loosened his breeches. Pure lust, tempered by the uncontrollable need to ensure her pleasure, made his fingers return to twirl in circles near her welcoming channel. When he pushed two fingers inside, she gasped against his ear.

  “Aye, yes,” she cried.

  Her warm breath tickled him, yet urged him forward. Shaw clamped his mouth over hers, to silence her cry of passion. Sound carried over the water. He dare not alert anyone to her visit.

  When her legs rose in tandem, and circled his waist, he licked her closed lips until they parted. He slid his tongue inside and their tips danced in a frenzy of desire. The sensation fueled his need to penetrate her womanly softness.

  Too soon, Dru’s body shuddered as she found her release. Without stopping his kiss, Shaw’s fingers fell away, replaced by hard, unyielding flesh. Too excited to show finesse, Shaw plunged forward.

  “Blazes,” she cried beneath his mouth.

  Shaw cupped her buttocks and lifted her. Sliding deeper, and through her virginal barrier until seated to the hilt, he willed his body to retreat.

  “No,” Dru protested, then wrapped her arms around his back and squirmed, forcing him closer. So close he could not feel where she ended and he began.

  Here, now, was a new beginning, and a start to a lasting relationship. Nothing and no one would come between them.

  Ever.

  Shaw thrust forward, retreated, and thrust home again. Home.

  Yes. This is where I want to stay. Here, inside Dru Little, for forever and a day.

  A fierce wave of protectiveness urged him to completion, so he could spirit her off this rock and safely home. How? He had no idea, but he would find a way, the minute he regained his senses.

  At the moment, his body had taken over. He slammed inside Dru, repeatedly, until a bright light filled his head and a violent torrent washed the hot, thick seed from his balls. It flowed like a storm-tossed tide into her womb. When Dru’s inner muscles milked him with her second release, his legs turned to jelly.

  Shaw’s breathing eased. In slow motion, Dru’s legs untangled and fell to the granite balustrade. She peppered his neck and chin with gentle, tear-stained kisses.

  Tears?

  “Why are you crying, love?”

  “I have never felt as whole as I feel with you. ‘Tis a special man who has stolen my creature’s heart, and I will follow you to the ends of earth. Fly with me?”

  “I have just come down from Heaven, my love. Give me a moment to catch my breath?” Shaw released his hold to button his pants. Lost in the shadows, she dropped her skirts and smoothed her apron. Her eyes, when she raised her face to him, still flamed as if reflecting the sun. Since night had fallen hours earlier, hairs on the back of his neck bristled.

  “I am serious. Leave this rock with me. Safety shall only be found far away from this place. Though I have come to love Charleston, I want to make my home with you.” She paused. “Somewhere else. Somewhere safe.”

  Shaw’s mind spun. Her words were an odd combination of wistful thinking and something he wanted. “I cannot leave. This is my post. When the supply ship arrives—”

  “No! You cannot stay here. ‘Tis dangerous and no boats will make it into the harbor. Many ships were already forced to turn back.”

  “I know. They were close, but another is due in two days. We will hunker down and wait out this sorry state of affairs. President Lincoln feels this is but a bump in the highway of our young nation.”

  Dru stared at him, then swung her arm. The slap sent shockwaves across his cheek and teeth.

  “Blast it, woman. What is that about?”

  “I know war when I see it and ‘tis a war a’brewing within cannon shot of this island. You must leave. Leave now. With me.”

  “Even if I could, I will not leave. Show me how you arrived so I may return you home. I promise to send word to you when possible. For now, know this. I love you, Dru Little.”

  She gasped. Lightning sparked from her fingertips, and gathered in a halo of heavenly light over her head. The loss of shadow and night’s blanket caused his head to fill with alarming thoughts.

  How is this happening, and who will see it?

  “I love ye as well, Shaw Stenhouse, but the truth must come forth. If you are to stay here without me, and possibly die, I want no secrets between us.”

  “I agree. I have something for you, first.”

  Dru waited, impatience coloring her face. The light diminished, but its strange beauty did not deter him. Whatever secret she wished to share was going to be painful, but he would not leave her destitute should he die in battle. She might carry his child, and he was too much of a gentleman to ignore the fact.

  “At the tavern, I begged the cook to hold something for me with instructions to present it to you, if word of my demise reached her ears.”

  Dru scratched her left ear, tapped her right foot, and stared. “The cook? Maggie MacDonald? She has something of yers?”

  “Aye. She has a trusting face. I left you several personal keepsakes. My mother’s ring. My father’s watch fob. Coins
. Believe me. I would never leave you with nothing. And, when the conflict fizzles, I will return to collect my things. And you.”

  “What if I refuse to wait?”

  Her question startled him. He turned and focused on the inky blackness where horizon met the sea. Thick clouds hovered low, hiding the moon and giving no quarter.

  Neither did Dru.

  “I cannot make you wait for me, Dru. Know this,” Shaw said, falling to one knee. Dru’s shock flashed across her face while he grasped her hands firmly in his own. “I love you. I’ll be happy for however long I have on this earth if you agree to be my wife. I cannot say when this will happen, but I will think of your beauty, strength, and love until that day arrives.”

  “Soon, I hope. My answer is aye, though you might change yer mind by the time we lay eyes upon each other again.”

  “Nothing you can say or do will sway me, sweetheart.”

  “I shall wager you will spend the next few nights pondering that decision, my love.” Dru moved away and paced the balustrade. She walked too close to the edge. Shaw’s heart leapt when she stepped into the air and immediately fell from view.

  Shaw ran to the edge.

  His throat swelled shut in fear. His arms flailed, stopping him from following her over. The nightmare about flying came rushing back the same moment a blast of hot air made him stumble. A shadow crossed in front of him, then settled on the edge. The shape differed from Dru’s, yet the fragrance flowing over him smelled similar, exuding the sweet scent of the sun, the sea, and the spring rain.

  A creature sat upright, its talons curved to hold it balanced. Flames glowed in its eyes, dancing in mock salute. No retreat. Not possible. Not where Dru had gone, yet the creature barred his way.

  “Away, creature. I must save Dru!” Barreling toward it, a sudden blast of acrid smoke smacked him across the face. He coughed, then flung his fist at the creature’s snout. A pair of leathery wings flapped as sharp talons clasped his fist that quickly shocked him into stopping.

  Shaw coughed again, then stared at his captured hand. The huge talons could crush him like an acorn, yet the creature’s touch was gentle. Shaw pulled slowly, and the talons released him until he stood before the dark shape, untethered.

  “What ARE you? If you believe in God’s mercy, please let me pass.” Shaw thought only of Dru. His love might lie dying on the sharp rocks below. He’d waste no more time here. The creature did not answer, but began to glow.

  Shimmering bright light blinded him. He protected his eyes with the back of his hand, and pressed forward against the invisible breath of hot wind. When the swirling breeze and bright lights faded away, as quickly as they began, he looked upon a vision.

  “Dru?” His heart leapt, and he grabbed her, pulling her in to his chest before she could answer.

  “Aye, ‘tis only me, my love. Are ye angry?”

  Why would Dru think he was angry? She’d fallen, presumably to her death, only to reappear behind a…

  Shaw spun around abruptly. Squinting, only the brick and granite balustrade, the black hulk of several cannons, and the sea beyond filled his vision. Stars had popped out into the sky as the clouds retreated, lending low light to the area, but he knew what he had witnessed.

  “The creature,” he said, glancing behind Dru. “Where is it? I want to thank it for returning you to me.”

  Dru gazed up at him from the cocoon of his embrace. She stood on the tips of her toes with a sad look upon her lovely face. Her eyes glowed like flames while her body smelled of smoke.

  Flames? Smoke?

  “Shaw Stenhouse, do ye love me?”

  “For the love of—”

  “Yer answer?”

  “I asked for your hand in marriage. I nearly died when you fell—”

  “I jumped.”

  Shaw dropped his arms. She stepped back. “I see. My offer was so horrible, death was more palatable?”

  CHAPTER 11

  Dru stepped forward and pounded on his chest. The silly man played dumb. Or, he refused to acknowledge what he had witnessed moments earlier. She had shifted, from her dragon form, to the human he knew as Dru Little. What would he say when she revealed all? When she explained in detail who or, rather, what he had proposed to?

  “The creature you speak of is a Scottish dragon. She is very old, fairly wise, yet small compared to her peers.”

  “Size matters not. Dragons? I’ve never seen the like, though something with wings once stole my apple.”

  “ ‘Twas sweet, indeed. I thank ye for the treat.”

  Silence.

  Shaw’s mouth opened to speak, but the tramping of boots in the stairwell interrupted his reply. Shaw pulled her into the shadow of the stair tower, out of sight of the nearing soldiers. The men laughed and kept walking toward the right flank. Dru did not make a sound.

  “Clarify your last words,” Shaw whispered.

  Dru cupped his cheek, leaned up, and kissed him. “My love, believe what yer eyes have seen. Search yer heart. I am what I am. And more.”

  Shaw, still quiet, leaned his bulk against the outer wall. The stars, reflected in his eyes, jumped and danced while her heart grew afraid. If he could not accept her origins, would he leave her?

  “You are the dragon?”

  “Aye.”

  “How is this possible? I mean, I felt its power. I smelled the smoke and gazed into eyes of flame. Your eyes are the same, yet you have flesh and bone, not wings and scales. This is too much.”

  Dru turned and retreated. Shaw had to find his own answers, in order to accept her. If her unusual beginnings horrified him, she would not accept his proposal. She would fly away, then search farther up the American coast for an ideal location. If she stumbled on some other poor lass, her life could start anew.

  Would a life without Shaw’s love mean anything?

  “Don’t go. Please don’t fly off without giving me a chance to understand.” Shaw’s fingers, wrapped around her forearm, were gentle. Below the skin, his tremors proved his body shook from either their lovemaking, or the truth of her existence.

  “I grew up as a creature, roaming the earth for centuries. I loved Scotland, but no one in Scotland loved me, so I left there, arrived in Charleston, and met you. Now our existence is steeped in myth and faerie folklore. What would ye like to know?”

  Shaw chewed his bottom lip, and Dru yearned to suckle the tender flesh between her own lips. He pulled her back inside the safety of their hiding spot, then let her go immediately. “I want to know why, when I met you, you were well-known. The customers of the Milltown Restaurant told me you had worked there for years.”

  “I borrowed this body.”

  “Excuse me? You did what?”

  “Keep yer voice down,” she whispered. “I arrived from Scotland, weary and beaten. I spied a woman walking along the cliff, where the travel lane veers too close?”

  “I know the spot.”

  “A carriage, led by two large horses, barreled down the lane and struck her. She landed at the base of the cliff.”

  “Lord! How terrible.”

  “Aye. I flew down to the beach, but she was beyond hope. I shifted, using her body as a template.”

  “A what?”

  “A pattern, so to speak. Along with the human form, I gained her memories. I am the dragon, but this is also me.” She motioned down her body with a flourish of her right hand.

  “I do not understand.”

  “I feel her. Inside me. She worked at the Milltown Restaurant and lived above the inn. ‘Twas rather easy to assume her life, though I dropped many a tankard of ale the first few weeks.” She laughed. A mighty Scottish dragon had turned into a simple serving wench.

  What would the Black Dragon think of me now?

  “I am shocked, truth be told, but not surprised. My grandmother spoke of faeries and specters as well as creatures of the seas and caves. Scotland is rich in history and myths, yet I never dreamed I would fall in love with one.”

  “Are
ye calling me a piece of history, or a myth?” Dru smiled when Shaw laughed, and all felt right with the world.

  “Who goes there?” A new voice called out, through the night.

  “Blast it, it’s one of my men. Stay here and keep quiet.”

  * * * * *

  Dru nodded, though Shaw barely saw her move. He’d bolted from the shadows, raised a hand, and hailed his corporal while he prayed she stayed silent as a grave. They’d find themselves lying in the grave together, if discovered.

  “Lieutenant Stenhouse? I thought all were to bed ‘cept us lowly guards.”

  “Ha. On a night like this?”

  “Yep, she’s a beauty.”

  Shaw coughed. “A beauty?”

  “The night. Gorgeous, but somethin’ is stirring. I don’t think this is a good thing. My bones ache. Storms a’brewing.”

  “I agree. The southern militia has some tricks up their sleeves. However, reinforcements and supplies will reach us, soon. Those men at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan Island, as well as Fort Johnson on James Island, will tire of waiting us out. This silly conflict will end.”

  “I’m a’hopin you’re right. G’night, sir.”

  Shaw walked with a casual lope to the shadows where he’d left Dru.

  Dragon lady Dru.

  “How appropriate.” He chuckled.

  “I pray yer thoughts stray to the inappropriate, sir,” she teased.

  Shaw hardened at the delicious memories of their violent coupling. Heat spread through his groin and his mouth turned dry as dust. The urge to taste her, as he filled her secret spot with his rising flesh, made him forget where they stood.

  Again.

  Shaw pulled her into his arms. “Dru, this is beyond the norm.”

  “Aye, I have never been called normal, but I love ye and want to take ye away to safety.”

  “No.” She wanted him to leave his post? His men? The life of a federal soldier was important to him. Dru was important to him as well. He could not leave either.

  “I must stay. It is my duty, but my commission will be fulfilled by the end of April. This business with the southern states might end soon. I hope it does. Then and only then can we be together.”