Jolie. Jolie is screaming.
Who is Jolie? Why is she screaming my name. The room wavers in and out around me. Darkness encroaches from the sides. None of the council members seem to notice. They pound the table with their hands as I stand but then the darkness covers them over. The table is slowly engulfed until only blackness surrounds me. I'm alone. Alone as I've always been. It's what I deserve.
No, I have to see. Must open my eyes, must….
My eyes snap open and I gasp in a deep breath looking wildly around as I get my bearings. A tunnel. I'm in a tunnel, where? Jolie! She's beside me. My treasure, my greatest prize lies unmoving. Grasping her shoulders I gently shake her but she doesn't open her eyes.
"Jj-oo-lee," I yell and her name echoes off the walls of the zemlja tunnel, but still she doesn't respond.
Her skin is bright red, like it was when I found her. I know she's overheating which means the guster meat has worn off. I thought it would last longer but the restorative properties must have been weakened from being stored too long. Damn it! What do I do now? The sun streams in from the hole above us illuminating the tunnel. Jolie's skin is blistering as it falls on her. I need to cool her down but staying in this tunnel is not an option. The zemlja sometimes travel back the way they've come and at the very least it means that one has been through here and might still be in the area. I don't want to confront one on its home turf.
I sling the pack over my shoulder then gather her in my arms. She stirs and trembles but doesn't wake. I don't have enough water to cool her and home is still a day's journey away. There's an oasis closer to where we are that will have water so I decide to head there. The first problem will be getting out of this tunnel without running into the thing that created it or any more sismis. The flying monsters stay out of the heat during the day and emerge at night to hunt. Their bite is poisonous but not fatal except in large doses. I must have taken enough bites to knock me out leaving Jolie on her own.
She's so light. Carrying her is almost like having nothing in my arms. She's a waif of a girl, nothing like the women of my own race. Her soft curves, the strange places she has fur, the smell of her, and the way so much of her is unprotected is so different. No shielding bone or scales to keep her reproductive parts from harm. Her home world must be so different than mine. She's not built to handle this harsh environment.
How do I get us out of here? She convulses while I debate. A decision must be made. Every passing moment is one step closer to her not waking at all. If I don't get her body core temperature down she'll die. That cannot happen. I won't allow it. The opening above us is not that far. Alone with the use of my wings I could get out of it easily.
Can I do it carrying her? There's only one way to find out. I move a few feet from the hole to give myself a running start. Mentally I brace myself then run and pop my wings just before I'm under the hole. Flapping them with all my strength I leap. They catch air, I'm climbing, holding the height gained by my leap, my head rises just above the opening. I reach out for the edge with one hand but Jolie spasms in my arms shifting her weight. She's sliding, I'm going to drop her if I don't do something which forces me to grab her with the arm I was reaching with.
I lower to the ground and land with a thump. The muscles of my wings ache from the exertion. This isn't going to work. I have to come up with a better plan. Lying her gently down out of the direct sun I pace the length of the tunnel for as far as the light will let me see in each direction. If the sismis were living in here there has to be an exit that they used. The problem is that it could be a kilometer or more in either direction.
Is that a hint of air flowing from this direction? I walk a little further into the darkness but can't decide. As I pace back I examine the tunnel for something, anything that I can use to get us out of here. There has to be a way. Possibilities race through my thoughts. Every possible plan ends in a question leaving me with no answers. There is no clear cut way forward.
Behind the fog of my memories creeping fear crawls forward. Everything rides on my success. I don't want to imagine a life without her now that I have her. She has to live. There are similarities here to the past but that past is buried behind the bijass. More, I don't want to remember. I don't want to know because deep down, I know it's all my fault. This time will be different. I will make it different.
Gathering her into my arms I cradle her gently. My treasure, your voice will fill the air with its sweet music soon. I will save you.
I look left then right and make my choice. I head left where I thought the air came from, running as fast as I can. I spread my wings and use them to lighten my weight. They ache, badly, and every third step there's a sharp pain but I push past it. It doesn't matter if it hurts. All that matters is her. She shakes in my arms, her muscles convulsing, and she moans so I adjust her as she squirms in my hold.
I don't stop. I'm committed to a path forward and it has to work. As I run I study the tunnel looking for any sign of a way out. There has to be one or the sismis would not have been here. As I run the light dims until I'm in complete darkness. My eyes adjust down to the infrared spectrum until I'm seeing only the outlines of things. The roof of the tunnel is brightest thanks to the heat of the sun warming this far down into the ground and it gives me enough to see by.
I run for what feels like hours. There's no way to measure the time down here. One step after another. Exhaustion hits my muscles and each step takes all the effort I can muster to make it but I push on. There is no time to slow down. She moans and shakes more as I run. Each time she moans my stomach clenches into a tight knot. I have to save her.
The roof of the tunnel grows brighter then I feel a warm breeze. Hope blossoms and I run with renewed vigor. It's not long before I see a light ahead. When I reach it there's a slight angle up and a hole that is within my reach and the sun is still streaming in so it's not night fall yet.
The tunnel continues but the zemlja that created it went above ground here and the way ahead has partially collapsed into a pile of rubble. I could pull myself out since it's within reach but the rubble makes it so I can take her with me easily. I climb up onto the shifting sand and rock and find a stable place to stand. Crouching down with Jolie held tight to my chest I fold my wings in, summon all my strength and leap. Clearing the opening enough I spread my wings and flap them to make sure I gain enough height. The muscles protest the strain but I catch the wind. I glide over beside the opening and just clear the hole when some of the cartilage in my left wing tears and it collapses useless.
Jolie and I tumble to the ground. I tuck into a ball around her taking the brunt of the fall. When we come to a stop I uncurl and make sure she wasn't hurt. A quick inspection and she looks no worse for the wear. My biceps are shaking as I pick her back up but I lift her despite the exhaustion.
Turning a slow circle to get my bearings I spot an oasis. There to the west is a landmark I recognize. We came out a bit further along than I planned to make it but it's in the direction of the city where the others like her are. Closer to that other Zmaj's territory. The bijass flares as I think of entering his territory again. There isn't a choice. I'll have to face him and we'll have to come to terms. I'll do it for her. He'll comply, I have to find a way to make it happen. She's worth it.
Jolie moans softly and I push aside those concerns for later. Now she needs water. I can't run, my left wing is worthless and without it the sand pulls at me with each step I take. It makes the journey to the oasis take twice as long as it should and I curse each step. The sun beats down but nothing else interferes. When I get to the edge of the oasis I stop just within the shade cast by the outermost baboa trees and lie Jolie down. I draw my lochaber and approach the oasis in a defensive stance.
An oasis draws all the predators of Tajss. Some call them home, the deadly cvet plants that will eat a Zmaj or any other creature, and the majmun primates that live in packs in the trees. Others stop for the water or to hunt the majmun like the guster who will eat anything.<
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This oasis is large, big enough I can't see the far side and the ends to either side are hundreds of yards away. As I move in slowly some of the foliage ahead rustles and I prepare to attack. Moving closer, lochaber at the ready, the rustling stops. I wait for three beats of my hearts to see if anything emerges. Nothing comes out so I move closer until I'm close enough to part the leaves with my lochaber.
On the far side of the leaves is a tiny cvet, a seedling at most. Cvet grow to be huge flowers with long leaves that spread out from a pretty, yellow center. The center is a mouth and between the leaves vines grow to trap prey and pull it in. The leaves are sharp edged and have a paralytic poison that immobilizes what it captures. This one is just big enough to eat rodents or a bird. I don't want to risk anything though so I get close enough then stab it through it's open mouth driving my lochaber through and into the ground. It screeches, shudders, then dies.
Inspecting the rest of the immediate area I find no other immediate threats so I gather up Jolie and bring her close. Gathering fallen limbs and leaves I build a shelter to shield her from the sun. Once she's safely inside I go over to the edge of the water and fill my bottle. Returning to her I strip her of her clothing and slowly pour the water over her. She shudders, twists, then moans loudly as the cool water covers her red and blistered skin. The redness recedes as I continue getting more water and pouring it.
Once her breathing becomes deeper and her skin is less of a red tone and more of it's natural yellow tan I stop with the water then I strip down and lie next to her, letting my body naturally pull the heat from her and disperse it. The scent of her hair, the curve of her body as I adjust her to press more of her flesh against mine, the softness of her where I would expect there to be hard protection is erotic. My prime penis hardens uncomfortably yet pleasing as it's pressed between us. I wrap my arms around her and wait.
Once she's able we'll travel to the city and her people. Until then, I will enjoy the sensations of her pressing against me and knowing that she is safe. My decision was the right one. I saved her and that is enough, for now.
11 JOLIE
I wake up slowly. Every muscle in my body hurts. I'm exhausted and so dry that my mouth feels like the sand that makes up this damn planet I'm stuck on. Awareness returns slowly and I don't want it so I try to escape back into the blackness of sleep but I can't.
I'm not hot is the first thing that I really become aware of once I accept that I'm going to be awake. That's such a relief that I bask in it for a moment. Only after this do I become aware of Sverre pressing up against me with his massive manhood trapped between our bodies. Desire blooms like an opening flower as soon as I realize it.
He saved me. I've been holding out for a man who would care for me, someone who would look at me like Ladon looks at Calista. I was blind. I didn't see that he was right here. His arm holds me close against his cool skin, our bodies are melded together, and yet he didn't take advantage of me. He could have and his body is making it plain he wants to. A slow smile spreads across my face with an unstoppable force as my chest expands with a light, airy feeling. I shift, enjoying the feeling of his cock pressing against me, then I roll over towards him.
His eyes are open and he's watching me. Reaching up I touch his face and trace the line of his jaw. He says something then smiles. His fingertips trail down my spine and I shiver as sensations rocket through my nerves at his touch. Wetness grows between my legs and I want him. He's mine and I'm going to give myself to him.
"Good morning," I say. "We can't communicate but I want you to know something. I care about you. I like the way you look at me. I wasn't sure, I was scared I think, but you've always treated me with respect and care. Even when you're being kind of big and scary, you're still kind."
He says something that of course I don't understand but at the end of it he says my name. He places a hand on my chest, resting it on my heart. He must see I don't understand because he takes my hand and places it on his chest where I can feel the beating of his own heart.
"Jj-oo-lee," he repeats.
My smile feels like its pouring out from my soul. I scoot closer then lean in and kiss him. His lips are cool against mine but softer than I imagined they would be. His tongue grazes my lips then gently slides past them until my tongue meets his. I melt into him with that kiss.
Putting a hand on his shoulder I push and he rolls with my small effort putting him on his back. I break the kiss and lean back admiring the hard, scaled muscles of his body. The colors of his scales are beautiful, glinting with reflected sunlight, sharp blues and yellows that accent his turquoise eyes. The rise and fall of his chest shifts the light creating a changing pattern of beauty. I let my fingers trail along his muscled chest and across his hard stomach.
His cock is big and strange. If Calista hadn't already had sex with Ladon I'd be worried but I know it will work. Throwing my leg over the top of him I sit on his stomach and run my hands across his beautiful body. He talks as his hands find my breasts and with surprising gentleness kneads them.
Tracing the lines of his jaw down and across his neck the sensations of his scales and skin under my fingers is electric. Sliding back his erection presses against me and he hisses. I lean down to kiss him again as my hands roam down the muscles of his arms. He wraps his arms around me letting his fingers trail down my spine to my ass then brings his hands to rest on my hips.
I'm wet, soaking wet, but still nervous. He lifts his hips trying to roll us over but I want to be in control so I resist, shaking my head side to side. He stops then and lies back giving me control.
Reaching behind myself I take hold of his cock. It's so strange and alien that it makes butterflies dance in my stomach again. It's big and has ridges that run along the top down to his pelvis. I stroke up and down his shaft and he moans. His hands tighten on my hips pulling on my ass. I slide back so his cock is between my cheeks and then slowly rise up.
His eyes roll up in his head and a smile of pure bliss spreads across his lips. I rise up then scoot back while shifting my grip on his cock. I lower myself down until it's at my opening, ready for penetration. I take several deep breaths before lowering any further. He's watching me and I can see the concern in his eyes. I smile reassuringly with a confidence I don't really feel but I want this.
I lower and the head of his dick spreads my soft, delicate folds. The tip alone is bigger than I've ever experienced before. The first ridge slides through and the phrase 'ribbed for her pleasure' makes so much more sense to me now. Wetness flows down his shaft. His cock inside becomes more comfortable so I resume the downward pressure.
My eyes go wide with surprise. Biting my lip I hold myself up once more giving time for my body to grow accustomed to his girth. It feels so good already. Better than anything I've ever experienced and we haven't even begun yet. As my body adjusts I slide down to the next ridge.
"Mmmm," I moan.
Desire demands satisfaction, my body wants this badly. My thighs quiver with pleasure to the point they become weak then in a sudden loss of control I slide fully onto his massive shaft in a single, fast motion that overwhelms my mind completely with a flood of sensations. I cry out in surprise and pleasure and Sverre beneath me gasps then moans loudly.
I'm filled beyond anything I've ever experienced. The ridges press against my insides and against my clitoris causing an electrical storm in the core of my body. The sensations carry me away and I'm over the edge to an orgasm.
It rips through me and my back arches which rubs my delicate, throbbing clitoris against the ridge at the base of his cock, driving me deeper still into the throes of my orgasm.
"SVERRE!"
My hands claw mindlessly at his chest. Stars fill my vision. Nothing has ever felt this good. My skin tingles, with every shift of my hips my over-sensitive clit rubs against the ridge on his pelvis.
I'm panting and he's holding me still by my waist. Leaning down I kiss him. He returns my kiss. Soft, gentle, and loving. He slowly moves
his hips in a circular motion. His cock inside me rotates and the protrusion grinds against my clitoris. A slow build of fresh passion and desire rises.
The final shudders of my last orgasm release in a shiver down my spine then I'm building to new heights. My hands run across his hard muscles, his run up and down my spine, grab my ass and tease my the sides of my breasts. My nipples drag along the rough scales on his chest. He changes his rhythm moving his hips in a circle then up at the end so his cock is driven deeper inside. I feel it hitting bottom as I'm expanded out. He twines a hand in my hair holding me tight against him.
He hisses then moans into our kiss. We stop kissing, our heads resting on each others shoulders as we grind against each other. He holds me tight against his chest grinding faster, moaning louder, then he calls out my name with a long hiss.
"Jjj-ooo-leeeeeeeee," he cries, thrusting up and holding.
His cock expands inside me then I feel it pumping his seed. As soon as it expands a fresh orgasm takes me into its embrace. I'm washed away like a leaf on a river. He holds me tight as we come together.
Rising up onto my arms I meet his eyes and we kiss. His cock is softening but still feels massive. Even soft it's bigger than any cock I've ever seen.
I rise off of him swinging my leg to the side then lie down beside him resting my head on his shoulder. He trails his fingers along my backside and I trace the scales on his chest as my breathing slows to normal. His fingers leave trails of fire across my skin. I'm satisfied. Deep and fully satisfied. His massive cock, now soft lying against him, moves and pulls back but as it does a second cock rises and stands erect.
"What the hell!" I exclaim, rising up on my elbow with my eyes wide in surprise.
Dragon's Mate: A Scifi Alien Romance (Red Planet Dragons of Tajss Book 2) Page 8