"What is this stuff?" I say wonderingly, looking up at the dragon-men in awe. "I haven't felt this good in . . . longer than I can remember!"
They don't answer me, of course, but they all look very pleased, glancing at each other with smiles, their worried faces easing. I hold up the plant, trying again, pointing at it while I speak. “What is this?”
Mikhos seems to understand and hisses a word. “Ehpissss.”
“Eephus,” I try.
He shakes his head. “Eh-piss,” he pronounces more slowly.
“Ehpis.”
He looks pleased with how I said it that time. Epis huh. I pop the last bit in my mouth much more enthusiastically, marveling at how well and how quickly it’s affected me.
I pull away from Emerald, testing the waters. I feel more energy slowly trickling into me and I take a deep breath, feeling like I could start doing jumping jacks if I wanted to. But I settle for simply standing up, without the help of the rock wall, thank you very much! The dragon-men all tense a little, as if they want to grab me, especially Danger and Fire, but I hold up a hand.
"I'm fine," I say firmly, taking a step. "See?"
I'm also suddenly starving. Turning to the cave's exit, I march out, actually feeling steady on my feet for once. I have four large shadows behind me, but I don't care. I feel great!
They talk to each other in their hissing language as I head over to the food cave. Where did they keep the jerky again? Before I can look around for it, Danger hurries over to a basket, hissing at Emerald to warn him off when he tries to follow. Emerald backs off. Danger walks over to me with the meat offering, giving everyone warning looks as he hands it over to me.
"Thank you," I say, taking the jerky and biting off a large piece. Oh yeah. I feel like I could eat a pound of the stuff right now.
Mikhos hurries over with a stool and I thank him politely too, sitting down on it just as Fire runs over with a water skin. I thank him as well and take a sip. Emerald growls at Fire, but he just snarls back, his stance not at all placating. They exchange what appear to be a few choice words as Danger prowls the cave, splitting his attention between me and those two, while Mikhos hovers just behind me, even his calming energy a little frazzled.
I could get used to being taken care of like this, if only it didn't come with the obvious tension between all the dragon men. It's like they all want to take care of me, but they also don't want any of the others doing the same. I try not to let it affect me too much right then. I just feel too good to waste it worrying about their moods. Mikhos says something in a low voice that has Emerald and Fire quieting and also has Danger slowing down his agitated pacing.
Eating my last bite of jerky, I stand up once again, almost bouncing to my feet, feeling so energetic I can't sit for longer than it took me to eat. For once, I actually feel healthy, like I could take on the world and win. I don't want to waste that energy boost. Who knows how long it will last? If that plant actually helped my body or just made me feel better for the moment. Pushing that depressing thought aside, I almost skip around the cave.
I stop in front of a basket and point at it. "What is this called?" I ask, looking around.
Mikhos understands first, stepping towards me. "Lo-van," he pronounces carefully.
"Lovan," I repeat, grinning at him.
He smiles back, though it fades around the edges when Emerald growls under his breath.
Shaking my head in exasperation, I move on to the next item. And then the next. Then I lead my four shadows over to a storage cave and start pointing things out there as well.
I hold up a fur.
"Har-teen," Fire and Danger say at the same time, giving each other dirty looks.
"Harteen," I repeat, smiling at them both, trying to break that tension.
It helps. They both turn their attention back to me, their irritation fading a little. But it keeps rising up again and again while I try to learn as many words as I can. I want to be able to communicate more, be able to understand what they're saying, so I push through the tension between them and keep going, moving from cave to cave, pointing things out inside and out.
They rush, stumbling over each other to give me the words first, vying for my attention. I try to smile at all of them, trying not to add any fuel to the fire. Oh, but I feel amazing! I lead everyone back out onto the sun-drenched path outside the caves and take a deep breath, knowing I must look like an idiot, grinning from ear to ear, but I just don't care.
Fire says something, grinning back at me. I don't know what it is, but the tone is teasing.
"I can't help it!" I cry out. "I just feel so good!" I add, launching myself at him and squeezing him tightly around his hard waist in my exuberance.
I’m definitely not thinking in my excitement, or I would have stopped myself. Because I immediately feel a wave of heat go through me as I press against him. I feel his erection come to life immediately, the thick, hard length pressing instantly against my stomach. My breath is already coming fast as I lean back to look up at his clenched jaw, his smoldering eyes. God, he's gorgeous. And he wants me just as much as I want him.
Growling slightly, he slides his hands under my butt and lifts me, guiding my legs around his waist, my hands wrapping around the back of his neck automatically. My eyes lock with his as I move even closer. The heat gathers between my legs quickly, a burn that also spreads through the rest of my body. My nipples bead against his chest. How can he be so cool to the touch and make me feel so hot at the same time? Isn't that a contradiction of some kind?
It doesn't matter. I want him. Badly. I suddenly know how I want to spend some this excess energy I have. My eyes drop to Fire's perfect lips, his hands cupping and kneading my butt. Oh, yeah. More of that, please.
But then I hear the furious growls behind me and freeze. Fire's eyes flick behind me as he shows his teeth, snarling.
I cry out as I'm suddenly torn out of Fire's muscled arms, feeling the loss of him against me acutely. Realizing what a big mistake I've just made.
13
I shouldn't have gotten that close to Fire.
I know better now, know how jealous all of them get when they think I'm giving any one of them too much attention. I can't show any favoritism towards any of them if I don't want to rock the boat, which shouldn't be difficult if I make sure to keep that at the forefront of my mind. I do like all of them, after all, for different reasons, but I can honestly say I do like all of them equally.
My eyes turn to Mikhos, standing a little to the side, his face concerned as he takes in the scene. Mikhos—Royal—is so calm, so responsible and in charge. His nickname really does suit his royal purple scales and his personality. I really like his ability to keep his head on straight and diffuse a situation with a kind of expertise I can only call impressive. His clear amethyst eyes always show his intelligence, his steadiness of character. And, most importantly, that kindness that I've seen demonstrated again and again, not only towards me, but towards the others. He's someone anyone could count on. I know he would try his best never to let you down.
Emerald—Ejder—my eyes search for and find him on the opposite side, his stance tense, his vibrant green eyes wary as he watches everyone. Emerald is most definitely one of the more competitive ones, and even though I can't understand what he's saying almost—okay, basically all—of the time, I can glean from his tone that he tends towards sarcasm. He keeps me on my toes and his yellow-and-green coloring certainly is eye catching.
My eyes move back to Fire in front of me, his jaw tight and his fists clenched as he takes a step towards me. Even in his anger, his face is just beautiful, perfect in an almost unreal way. And even his real name is strong and sexy—Kaidan. Like a name out of a romance novel. He's definitely the most physically attractive, though all of them are far from ugly. And he knows it. I can tell from the way he moves, the confidence in the way he touches me that he has that edge of conceit, that confidence bordering on cockiness. But he backs up those looks, that confi
dence, with a seductiveness that draws me in easily, the fiery orange and red scales completely suited to his personality. Hot, in a loud way. His amber eyes always watch me with that tinge of heat that lets me know he's always thinking at least a little about what he wants to do to me.
And then there's Danger. The one who's holding me, the one who couldn't stand me being that close to Fire. I look down at his brawny arms wrapped around me, holding me so carefully even in his frustration and anger. Danger is the most intense. Stoic, quiet, almost brooding, though anyone would be stupid to think he wasn't feeling a whole lot under that still face. When they said still waters run deep, they really did have someone like Danger in mind. His dark scales and eyes match that quiet intensity, and his physical presence is almost overwhelming, his size and muscles a lot to take in. But I don't feel like I'm in actual physical danger from him, even now when he's growling under his breath, staring Fire down. He's fierce, and maybe more rough around the edges that the others. But I find that sexy in whole different way. He makes me feel a little like prey. The kind of prey that wouldn't mind being caught. I shiver just thinking about how he touched me before. How in control he was, how dominant he was. How much he teased me. And how much it turned me on. But even as I remember that experience, I also realize something else. He's the only one now whose real name I don't know.
I'll have to remedy that.
All of these thoughts rush through my mind in seconds, if that, my eyes locked on Fire as he takes another step closer, his eyes narrowed. That familiar tension grips the situation, raising my heartbeat as I watch. I need to do something about this. Maybe I can't communicate yet with words, that's true, but there's more than one way to get my point across. Maybe it's time to use that bit of power I seem to have here.
I reach down to Danger's thick forearms and touch them lightly, wiggling a little so he knows I want to be let down. His low growling stops abruptly as he realizes I want him to let go. For a second, he tightens his grip and I wonder if I'm going to have to be more insistent. But then he loosens his arms, allowing me to slide down until my feet land gently on the ground. I tilt my head back so I can see his face, make eye contact. He doesn't look angry now so much as vulnerable as he watches me back. He's afraid he's being rejected. After seeing how much I didn't reject Fire just a second ago.
I smile at him and slide my hand into his much larger one, giving it a reassuring squeeze. I don't want him to feel like that. He smiles back slightly, looking relieved as he grips my hand in return.
Then I turn towards the others. Fire stops in his tracks and watches with a tight expression now, his eyes on our clasped hands. When I glance at the others, they wear equally unsure expressions as they watch us. I need to reassure them, let them know I'm not forgetting about them. So I smile at them, meeting each one's eyes, letting them know I see them. Then I go to each of them, touching them lightly. Grazing Fire's clenched fist until he relaxes it. Squeezing Emerald's forearm, his expression softening after I do. Reaching out and squeezing Mikhos's hand, my eyes meeting his when he looks down. He nods slightly, his lips not pressing together quite so tightly anymore. Like he understands what I'm trying to do and approves.
The tension breaks, with an ease and finality I wasn't really expecting. I didn't realize I had quite so much power over it, or that something so simple as a look or touch would be so effective.
I give all of them another reassuring look before I tug Danger along behind me towards my sleeping cave. He needs a little one-on-one attention. He's wound so tight and I feel like he's gotten less of my time than the others. So I pull back the curtain to my cave and tug him inside. Not that he objects, prowling in easily after me, allowing me to lead even though I know how much he likes to be in control.
I let go of his hand at the stool and go to sit down on the pallet. I gesture for him to sit at the stool, giving him an encouraging look, and he does so easily enough, his attention focused on me.
Okay, first things first. I need his name and he needs mine. He and I are both at a disadvantage compared to the others right now.
I smile at him, tapping my chest. "Pie-per," I say slowly. "Pie-per."
"Pies-purr," he repeats slowly, knowing immediately where I'm going with this. We've already been through figuring out object names, so this isn't a stretch.
"Pie-per," I say again.
"Pie-pers," he tries again, frowning.
"Close," I say encouragingly, leaning forward. "Pie-per."
"Pie-per."
"Yes!" I exclaim, grinning. "Piper."
"Piper," he says quickly, like I just did.
I nod enthusiastically. Half way there. I lean forward and tap him on the chest, the hard muscle there twitching at my touch.
"And you?" I ask, tapping again.
He nods and taps his chest.
"Ang-whis," he says slowly, his eyes on mine. "Ang-whis."
"Ang-is," I try, frowning.
"Ang-whis," he repeats again, patiently.
I try another couple times before I think I've got it.
"Ang-whis," I say slowly.
He grins, the expression lighting up his whole face, making me blink in surprise.
Oh, wow. He looks so different with that expression, so open and approachable.
"Anguis," he says more quickly, nodding.
"Anguis," I repeat, pleased with myself. "Anguis."
He nods. He taps his chest. "Anguis."
Then leans forward and taps me gently. "Piper," he repeats confidently.
"Yes," I agree, pleased we've gotten that out of the way. "That's a nice name, Anguis," I say, settling onto my knees as I watch him.
He tilts his head to the side as he watches me talk, perking up a little at his name. He says something back in their tongue and I watch how he shapes the words. I don't know if I could ever get the accent down perfectly, but I know I can get close enough for them to understand, which is what matters. As we go back and forth, both of us paying careful attention, absorbing how we talk, I see how much more settled and calm he gets at the interaction. Don't get me wrong, he's still intense and quieter than the rest. But that edge, that feeling that he's about to explode into action at any second, dissipates. He's almost relaxed. It's nice to see him like this. I linger in the cave a little longer with him, enjoying the company. But then my eyes fall on the waning light outside. The suns are setting. Oh, I could ask him how to say sun! Now that would be a useful word.
I stand up, walk over to him, and hold my hand out. "Come on," I say with a smile. "I want to go outside." I point at the cave entrance and he looks over at it.
He smiles back, setting his hand in mine as he gets up. I appreciate that he doesn't ask any questions, even if we can't communicate all that well. So I pull him out of the cave to the path outside and bring him to a stop, still well away from that free edge. Where I'm most comfortable, thank you very much. Then I point up at the slowly sinking orbs of light, looking over at him.
"Suns?" I ask as he follows my finger to the sky.
Realization dawns. "Sroo-chess," he says slowly, repeating it for me.
"Sroo-chase," I try, staring at the suns.
"Sroo-chess," he says again.
"Sroo-chess?" I ask, looking over at him.
He nods, pleased with himself.
"Sroochess," he agrees.
Well, all right then. Sighing, I lean my head against his firm arm as I watch the suns setting. The shadows deepen across the landscape, the red intensifying under the light before fading and darkening to a bloody maroon as the suns continue to set. It has an alien beauty of its own, this place. That much I'm willing to admit now. But it's still just as harsh, just as unforgiving.
Just as deadly.
I know I wouldn't be able to survive here without the dragon-men, and I'm grateful to them all over again as I watch the light slowly disappear. But, even with that plant and my unusual spike of energy, I can feel myself crashing back down again.
I yawn, feeling
exhaustion and sleep creeping up on me. I need to lie down. And I'm not going to make the same mistake I made last time. No more trying to push through it if I don't have to. I don't want them to start thinking I faint at a drop of a hat. Even if it's true. So I squeeze Anguis's hand and let go, taking a step back from him. He looks over but doesn't try to stop me as I take a step towards the cave.
"Goodnight," I say softly, smiling as I wave at him.
He nods, saying something softly back to me and watching as I slip back into my cave, his gaze gentle and warm. It sends a little zing of interest through me, but I'm not up to following up on it even if it was a good idea. Which I'm sure it wouldn’t be right now.
Instead, I drop to my comfy pallet and lie down, snuggling in for the night alone.
As I close my eyes, I feel more hopeful than I have for a long time.
14
When I open my eyes, they feel gritty and swollen. I roll onto my back, immediately feeling how sweat-soaked I am again. My body is aching, my head has a whole team of tiny people with pick axes going to town inside it, and my stomach rolls with another wave of nausea. Right back to feeling like complete and utter shit. And here I was, thinking I might be better. There goes that hopeful feeling.
"Damn it," I mutter, bringing my arm up to shield my eyes from the little bit of bright sunlight streaming in from around the curtain.
Feeling like shit feels even worse now after the reprieve I got yesterday. With the fresh memory of how it feels to be healthy to contrast this to, it's like I've lost that all over again. Not that I'm complaining about those few hours of feeling human. Wallowing isn't going to help. I force myself to sit up, my body trembling from even that much effort.
Cancer is a stone cold bitch. A relentless one that will gladly kick you while you're down. I take a few deep breaths, trying to take the edge of the worst of the pounding headache and the nausea. It only partially works, but it isn't going to get any better, so here we go.
Night of the Dragons Page 8