by Chandra Ryan
“I’m not so sure.” The hunger flooding her blood was making her bold. “I like the way your skin feels wet.”
His eyes were scorching as he wrapped an arm around her waist. “That wasn’t a request.”
She smiled as he started making his way to the bank, his arm trapping her against his waist. Reaching land, he put her gently on the soft ground and then lifted himself out of the water. Staring at the ripple of muscles in his arms, she quickly forgot everything but the man next to her.
He reached out to her, his fingertips brushing a stray water drop off her cheek. “You are remarkably beautiful.”
Wrapping her arms around his neck, Sophie pulled him to her as they kissed. The grass made a warm, soft bed as she lay down. He followed her to the ground, his hands cradling her waist.
His hard body pressed into her soft curves, his skin cool and wet against hers. She tried to pull him closer but he shook his head and rolled onto his side. Supporting his weight on an elbow, he ran a finger up her thigh, a gentle wave of warmth following it.
Gasping, she instinctively pulled away from the intensity of the touch, but he followed, his fingers never losing contact with the sensitive skin.
“That’s new.”
He smiled rakishly as his fingers continued their journey up her inner thigh, their intoxicating warmth spreading through her quickly. “I can do more than just shift and heal with my magic.”
Reaching the top of her thigh, he changed direction ever so slightly, his fingers seeking out the center of her desire. As they dipped inside her she took a gasping breath and closed her eyes against the hunger threatening to consume her. “Apparently.”
He chuckled dryly as he leaned forward to caress one of her nipples with the tip of his tongue. The combination left her weak with hunger.
“You have a very strong will.”
She heard a whimper, but it took a moment for her to recognize it as her own. Arching her back toward the sensation, she savored the feel of his fingers thrusting rhythmically inside her. But a drop of cool water on her sun-warmed skin brought back some sense of reality.
Opening her eyes, her gaze locked with Reuel’s. He smiled wickedly before taking the breast into his mouth. When his tongue encircled her nipple she had to catch her bottom lip between her teeth to keep from calling out. Where his fingertips brought warmth, his mouth brought pure heat. Fire raced through her as he left a trail of kisses from one breast to the other.
Moaning in pleasure, she closed her eyes again and took a steadying breath. “And is that the goal, to break my will?”
His chuckle sent delicious vibrations against the delicate skin still in his mouth. He took his time with the breast, but then released it to answer her. “Not the goal per se, but it would be a delightful outcome for us both, I assure you.”
The golden flecks of desire in his eyes had become roaring fires, but she was more drawn to the tone of challenge in his voice.
“Really?” Putting a palm on his chest, she pushed him back so he was the one laying on the grass. Before he could react, she threw a leg over his torso and pinned his arms above his head.
“Do you really think you can hold me?”
She lowered her mouth to his, the kiss an echo of the passion and desire that filled her. Breaking the kiss, she stared deeply into his gaze. “Yes.”
To prove the truth of her answer, she let go of his arms. His hands wrapped around her and began to stroke her back, but didn’t move to stop her or to take over.
Slowly, she made her way down his body, leaving a trail of kisses and nibbles as her hands caressed the skin that was yet to come. When she got to his navel, her fingers slid between his thighs to wrap around his growing erection. His groan made her stomach flip with desire.
Seeking out the ridged yet silken skin with her mouth, she slowly encircled the smooth tip with her tongue. A sharp intake of breath was the only sound that escaped him this time. And as she took him into her mouth, her hand stroking the base of his erection, there was only silence.
She smiled as she dropped lower, allowing her mouth to take more of him in before slowly returning to the tip. Her tongue followed the rhythm of her hand as she brought him ever closer to the brink, his moans echoing in her ears as his fingertips clenched on her shoulders.
“Enough.”
She looked up at him questioningly before making her way back up his body, kissing every inch of him that passed under her. Reaching his neck, she straddled his hips, bringing him tantalizingly close to her.
“How’s your will holding out?” She moved to nibble on his earlobe as she whispered the question.
His answering growl was deep and raw with passion.
Feeling the same raw hunger, she sat up and guided him into her. She took a moment to adjust to the feel of him inside her, but then began rocking her hips rhythmically. His hands held her back as she rode him, his strong fingers guiding her into a faster pace.
Closing her eyes, she concentrated on the man under her. There was nothing other than the lean hips that rose to meet hers, the warm skin that caressed hers at every move, and the rapid heartbeat that filled her ears.
His hands moved to her back and brought her close to him. Her body pressed to his, he rolled and—without him leaving her—she found her back cushioned by the soft grass once again. Settling under him, she spread her thighs, allowing him to thrust deeper into her.
With each thrust, colorful waves of pleasure filled her until she could no longer tell one wave from the next. Crying out, she pulled him to her as time seemed to stop, an eternity that lasted only a moment. She held on to him tightly, surrendering to the overwhelming sensations. When his mouth took hers again, the kiss was hard and demanding. And when the kiss finally broke, her name was mixed with a growl as he was pushed over the edge, his body trembling above her—pulsating inside her.
When they were both spent, he laid down next to her on the warm grass, pulling her into his arms. “That almost makes up for being shot down this morning.”
She nuzzled into his warmth, listening to his now-lazy heartbeat. “Almost?” She tried to sound offended, but her skin was already craving the warmth of his touch again.
“It was very painful.”
She breathed in sharply as he ran his fingers over the sensitive skin where her neck met her shoulder. “I could kiss it, make it better?”
“I have a better idea.” He gently pushed her back so she once again rested on the grass and started a very slow, methodical study of her body. Passion still burned brightly in his eyes whenever his gaze caught hers, but this time it was tempered with control and patience. A control and patience she happily surrendered to. And, as they moved in time, their bodies intertwined, he stared deep into her eyes. His hunger and vulnerability was displayed for her to see as the world broke around her again.
Chapter Six
“Sophie…”
She didn’t remember falling asleep, but as she rubbed her eyes open, she found the sun had traveled the entire way across the sky.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sleep.”
“Are you sure you still want to go back?”
As she pictured the children, she found she didn’t need to even think about the question. “I’m sure.”
“Then you should get dressed.”
She reluctantly moved away from his warmth and began to get dressed. The clothing, which had been soft and supple only hours ago, now seemed scratchy and constricting. Sighing, she slipped her feet into her boots and tied them tightly.
“Ready?”
Turning to face him, she barely noticed he’d shifted back to dragon. She only saw him as Reuel, the man who’d given her her life back. It made little difference which shape he chose. “I’m ready.”
He walked over to her and knelt down. “It’ll be easier if you ride. Just hold on tightly. We need to stop on the way so I can get some clothes, but…”
“Why do you need clothes?”
S
he climbed onto his back carefully and, straddling his neck, sat down. With not much to grab a hold of, she wrapped both hands around his black mane and held on tightly. The hair was as thick as cane reed and as stiff as sapling wood. It wasn’t the easiest thing to grip.
“Because if I’m going to help you save these children, I’m going to do it dressed.”
“You’re going to help? Why?”
He shook his head gently. “Because I’m an idiot. Whatever you do, don’t let go.”
Reuel took three giant steps and then jumped, his wings spread and sweeping through the air as they took flight. Crouching close to his neck, she held on tightly as the wind screamed in her ears and whipped at her face.
Fear caused her throat to close and her heart to plummet as she watched the ground recede under them, but it didn’t take long for excitement and the exhilaration to take its place. Watching the ground streak past her she felt giddy, but was safe in the knowledge that he wouldn’t let her fall. Unable to resist the urge, she let go, her fingers reaching up to the sky.
“Sophie!”
Her name brought her hands back to his mane. But she still kept her head high, taking huge gulps of air until the tender skin on her checks couldn’t take another second.
They flew toward the setting sun, only stopping briefly to acquire clothing for Reuel. Still, it was near twilight when she first saw the familiar shapes and colors of the village.
Reuel chose to land at the edge of the grain fields. And, though he didn’t ask for her advice, she doubted she could have found a better spot. It was far enough to avoid being seen, but close enough that she wasn’t dreading the walk.
She dismounted carefully and then watched him shift back to his human form. It was a shame to have to cover his body, but she handed him the clothing nonetheless, wondering if she’d ever have a chance to feel the ripple of his muscles under her fingertips again. When he was dressed, they started off toward the village. They walked in a comfortable silence. Preoccupied with her own thoughts, there was no need for idle chatter.
It was full night when they stepped into the village, but still, she was amazed at how dark and quiet it was. No neighbors were out gossiping with one another, no children were running about celebrating the return of warmth. Even the crickets and night birds seemed muted. And, without torches or lamps lit, the full moon was the only light to see by, its curtain of silver feeling cold and distant. The scene made the hair on the back of her neck stand on end and her skin erupt in goose bumps.
As if sensing her unease, Reuel took her hand, his thumb caressing the tender skin on her wrist. Stopping, she turned to face him. Her heart was racing and her stomach was churning nervously, but he appeared completely composed. Standing in the shadow of a house, he nodded, the simple gesture giving her strength enough to continue towards the infirmary.
As they made their way across the village, each step they took echoed loudly in her ears. They’d made it to the cobblestone path that cut the village in half when Sophie felt something snag her tunic. She nearly called out as she was pulled farther into the inky darkness, but a hand over her mouth kept her quiet. Reuel, however, had no hand silencing him, and from the tone of his growl, he didn’t care for the way she’d been torn away from him.
“I’m sorry, Sister Sophie, but I had to stop you.”
Recognizing Maria’s voice, she pulled the woman’s hand off her mouth and took a deep breath. Sophie felt Reuel’s warmth at her back as he followed her, his body radiating tension as he stood poised, ready to attack any possible threat.
“It’s okay.” The words were meant for Reuel, but Maria seemed to believe they were intended for her as she started pulling Sophie again.
“We shouldn’t be talking here. My house is safe, we can talk there.”
But Sophie wasn’t interested in hearing the woman or in a side trip to her house. “I haven’t the time, Maria.”
“It’s important. Please.”
She felt Reuel’s hand press at the small her back as he leaned in to whisper in her ear. “Charging to the rescue is noble, but it might be nice to know what we’re charging into.”
She looked at the horizon for support, but the night was still new. Reuel was right. They had time and any information would be helpful. Sighing to herself, she nodded in the darkness and allowed herself to be guided to the woman’s house.
The house, like the others, was dark as they approached, filling her mind with thoughts of betrayal and traps. As if sensing her hesitation, Reuel’s hand began to stroke her back.
“I’m right here, Sophie. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
She felt her body relax, but found she wasn’t exactly happy about the change. In one day, she trusted him more than a woman she’d been working with for three years. It was an unnerving realization. But before the thoughts could take hold, she pushed them aside. She needed to stay focused on what they’d come back to do. Tonight was about saving the children; she could deal with everything else tomorrow.
After taking a deep breath, she followed Maria into the building. Her ears buzzed with the silence of the room and her eyes strained in the darkness. There was enough moonlight streaming in the windows for her to pick her way around the furniture, but not enough to see what might be hiding in the corners.
“I’m sorry, I can’t risk a flame right now. To draw attention to the house…” There was fear in Maria’s voice.
Reuel interrupted the woman. “It’s okay, Maria. We understand.”
Sophie did understand, but not being able to see what was lurking in the corners still made her uneasy.
It seemed to make Maria uneasy as well, as she glanced around before starting. “After you left, the village split into two, those that supported you and those that supported Naryn. Most of the village was behind Naryn, in the early hours at least.”
Sophie didn’t like the ominous tone of the words. Forgetting the dark shadows, she gripped Reuel’s hand tightly before pressing the woman. “In the early hours? What’s happened?”
“Naryn gathered those that were loyal, started ranting about the Maker and how he was calling on them to help complete His work.”
Sophie’s skin crawled at the words. “Did he say what the work was?”
“No, after that they started going door to door.” The woman paused as if gathering her courage. “Visiting houses that were vocal about the trial.” Her snort echoed Sophie’s feelings about the mock justice.
“Did they come here?”
“No.” Maria looked down at her feet for a minute. “They’d found what they wanted before they reached my house.”
Sophie glanced at Reuel, silently begging him to ask the question. But he didn’t. “What were they after?”
Continuing to stare at her feet, Maria refused to look into her eyes. “Three children.”
Sophie felt her stomach drop at the words. She was responsible for whatever happened to those children. They were taken because of her. “Are they…” She couldn’t force herself to finish the question.
“Nobody knows.”
Reuel’s weight shifted as he leaned toward the woman. “Why didn’t you do something?” His voice held no accusation, but Maria’s head sunk a little lower with shame.
“I only just got my son back. I don’t know what I’d do if…” She stopped mid-sentence, her head snapping up. “You can’t ask a mother to grieve her son twice in one day. It’s just not fair! What was done to those families is awful, but stepping forward was only going to bring trouble to my house.”
Shaking her head, Sophie had a harder time keeping her voice as neutral as Reuel’s. “Of course. I mean, it’d only be an entire village against a handful of people.”
“What village? Did you see any people protesting?” Maria paused as if waiting for an answer. “I didn’t think so. Call me a coward if you like, but don’t expect me to believe I’m the only one.”
Sophie wanted to challenge the woman, but a squeeze of Reuel�
�s hand on hers silenced her.
“Where’d they take the children, Maria?” Reuel’s steady voice seemed to calm Maria.
“To the infirmary.”
“Did you see any strangers near the infirmary today?”
“No. Just Naryn and Lilith.”
Reuel faced Sophie now, his eyes sparkling with confusion. “Who’s Lilith?”
She started to tell him, but Maria beat her to it. “She’s the other healer. Been here since the end of last spring.”
Nodding stiffly, Reuel pushed the chair back so he could stand. “Thank you, Maria.”
“You’ll save those kids, right? Like you did mine?”
“I’ll do what I can.”
They were just about to leave when Sophie remembered what’d bothered her earlier. “Who was with your son at the infirmary when Reuel flew over?”
“Naryn. I already told you that.”
“You actually saw Naryn with your son as Reuel flew over?”
The woman thought about the question for a moment. “Well, I didn’t actually see him with Naryn. I was outside watching the dragon fly.” She stopped, her eyes skidding nervously to Reuel. “Not that I was gawking at you or anything. We don’t see dragons very often around here.” She turned back to Sophie before continuing. “But that’s who I left him with that morning. He said he and Lilith needed to run some tests on him.”
“If Naryn was the one that shot me down, that would leave Lilith with the child?”
“That’d mean they’re both involved.” Sophie stood as they talked. “We have to get to the infirmary.”
She saw him nod his agreement as they plunged back into the night.
“So we’re dealing with two clerics and a dragon.” Even at a whisper, Reuel’s voice seemed to shatter the silence of the night.
“And three children that might very well be dead by now.” A pang of guilt swept through Sophie as she thought back to how she’d spent the day.
“You didn’t know what was going to happen, and if we’d come back earlier we’d have lost the advantage of surprise.”
He was right, but she still felt responsible.