The two female prisoners choose another empty bed and perched on the edge, still staring around at their new surroundings.
“What have you brought me this time?” Sophia Slade, a tiny woman with a dark, pixie haircut, and dark-rimmed glasses, hurried out of a back room. Her intelligent gaze skimmed over Dmitri before she examined Malachi, muttering under her breath as she did so.
“Dmitri’s suffering from exposure,” said Heath. “He’s been hunting for dragon remains in the Badlands and got picked up by the State. Malachi was having his blood drained when we found him. He’s not been conscious for hours. And two female prisoners, who I think are just in shock.”
“Let me be the judge of what’s wrong with everyone.” Sophia tutted as she picked up a handheld scanner. “Daisy, come see to this patient, while I help our other casualty.”
Daisy Saunders dashed from behind a curtain, her lab coat mis-buttoned and her dark hair in need of a comb. She took the scanner from Sophia, her focus on Dmitri. “When was the last time you had something to eat?”
Dmitri scratched the stubble on his chin. “At least a day. I see dragons.”
“Of course you do.” Daisy didn’t hesitate in responding. “I’ll get you hooked up to some rehydration fluids and then find you something to eat.”
“Thank you,” said Dmitri.
Daisy paused and smiled at him. “You’re welcome.”
“It’s nice to have someone in here with manners.” Sophia looked up from her examination of Malachi. “This patient is not human.”
“You don’t sound surprised,” said Heath.
“Always knew we’d find dragon hybrids,” said Sophia, as she continued her examination.
Heath shook his head and grinned. Sophia was sharp but brilliant. “This is Annie. And that’s her father Daisy’s treating.” Heath pushed Annie gently toward Sophia.
“Are you injured?” asked Sophia.
“No, I’m fine,” said Annie. “Thanks for looking after—”
“We can exchange pleasantries later,” said Sophia. “How is the patient?” She glanced at Daisy.
“His heart rate is too fast. And I don’t like the way his eyes won’t focus,” said Daisy. “But nothing rest, hydration and food won’t help.”
“Of course!” said Annie. “Treat the injured. Don’t worry about me.”
“That’s the plan,” said Sophia, reaching for yet another medical tool.
Lincoln cleared his throat, a small smile on his face. “Annie’s interested in your memory techniques.”
Sophia paused in her movements for a moment, then glanced over at Annie. “You realize it’s an experimental procedure?”
Annie swallowed. “I do.”
“You could be injured.”
“How badly?”
“There’s been a few deaths.” Sophia shot a glare at Heath before turning her attention back to Malachi. “But I’m refining the technique. And providing people are willing to be test subjects then that’s what I do. Boss’s orders.”
“I want to be a test subject,” said Annie.
“Think about it some more,” said Heath. “You don’t have to rush into doing this.”
“There’s no need.” Annie turned and looked up at him, seeing the worry in his eyes.
“Annie needs to know everything, if she’s going to join us,” said Lincoln, as he flicked through an abandoned medical chart.
“I do,” said Annie, placing a finger over Heath’s lips before he could protest.
“We’ve all been through it,” said Lincoln. “And we turned out great.”
Annie smiled weakly at him before turning her attention back to Heath. “Whatever it is, I’m doing it. If I’m to be a part of what you’re doing, there’s no point in hiding things from me because it’s unpleasant.”
“We have other techniques we’re trialling,” said Heath. “They’re less risky. And don’t forget, there are the Clarissa’s herbs, and Juniper’s saliva. They both have real potential.”
“We won’t be able to use either of those things for months,” said Lincoln.
“I don’t know about herbs and spit, but what we’re testing right now is less effective than The Jolt.” Sophia’s voice came to them, as she administered some sort of injection to Malachi.
“When you’re done with Malachi and my dad, let’s get started,” said Annie.
Sophia smiled at her. “A woman after my own heart. I’ll be a while here. I’ll comm you when I’m ready for you.”
Annie led Heath to the door. She wanted something to remember him by. Something that would remind her to keep fighting if the Jolt was as bad as Heath said it was. She wanted him.
Chapter 20
“Where are we going?” Heath let Annie lead him along the corridor. He’d caught a glimpse of something in her eye and it intrigued him, made lust stir inside of him.
“You’re going to show me your quarters.” Her voice was quiet but steady.
Heath stroked a hand down her back. “Do you want to rest before the Jolt?” He tugged a strand of her hair between his fingers.
“We’re not resting.”
He grabbed her and turned her toward him. Annie’s fingers splayed across his chest. The desire in her eyes was clear as he covered her mouth with his.
A gasp of desire shot from Annie as her tongue tangled with Heath’s.
He teased out their kiss, tracing his tongue across her jaw. “I put you through a lot in the Badlands.”
“It was worth it.” Her fingers ran over his arms.
“Let me make it up to you.”
Annie’s eyes gleamed. “What do you have in mind?”
“I’m going to do all the things I’ve dreamed about doing to you. Ever since that first day we met at Helstone. You wore that cute little black dress. I couldn’t keep my eyes off your curves. I’ve wanted to taste every inch of you. Now I’m going to.”
A throaty laugh slid from Annie. “We might need the short version of that. I’m due back with Sophia soon. Besides, I don’t want to wait. I need you.”
Heath pulled her close and inhaled. “Sophia be damned. You’re mine.”
She sucked in a breath. “If you want me to be.”
Heath stroked down Annie’s curves, loving the way she trembled under his touch. He should never have waited. He was going to give her the best ride of her life. “I want you. I want everything about you. I always have.”
Annie stepped away. “Then what are we waiting for?”
With a growl, Heath grabbed Annie and swung her into his arms, before striding along the corridor.
She laughed. “What are you doing?”
He kissed the side of her neck. “Wasting no more time. I want to be inside you. I need to hear you scream my name.”
Annie curled her arms around his neck. Her tongue caressed his skin, sending shivers of desire to his already hard cock.
If he didn’t bury himself inside this gorgeous woman soon, he’d go mad. He reached his quarters, unlocked the door, and placed Annie on the bed.
She reached for his pants, helping him pull them off. Her hands slid over his cock, teasing him as her fingers traced the outline.
Heath felt himself get even harder. He yanked of his boots and top and pushed Annie back on the bed. Holy dragons, he had to have her.
He made short work of her clothes, pulling down her pants and underwear in a single tug and tearing off her boots.
Annie pulled her top over her head and laid back on the bed.
Heath slowed, taking a second to admire her soft, warm flesh. Her legs were parted, giving him a glimpse of soft down and wet folds.
Annie’s arms wrapped around him, as he covered her with his body, their skin connecting.
He eased between her legs. “I can’t wait.”
“I don’t want you to. I want you inside me.”
With a groan, he slid inside an inch. Damn, she was so hot and ready for him. Heath pulled back and thrust in harder.
Annie arched he
r back and gasped, giving him deeper access. Her gaze locked onto his as he drove in again.
She was his everything.
ANNIE MOANED AS HEATH’S hard body pressed against her. His thick, long cock filled her as he thrust inside her. He was perfect, hard and hot, and all hers.
His broad shoulders tensed as her fingers grasped the hard ridges of muscle.
“You’re so beautiful.” Heath’s eyes were full of desire. His hand cupped her breast and his fingers massaged the pert nipple.
Annie groaned again as Heath’s fingers slid down her belly and opened her folds.
“Use your hands. Feel me inside you. Feel me as I fuck you.”
She moved her hand down, circling his hot, hard shaft. A cry shot out of Annie as she felt her orgasm near. Her thighs trembled as Heath pounded into her.
He continued to explore her wet folds, his fingers finding her clit and applying the perfect amount of pleasure as his speed increased and he went even deeper.
“Oh, yes! More.” Annie wanted to feel every inch of Heath, wanted to have him inside her for hours. This was everything she’d fantasized about.
Heath growled in her ear. He massaged her clit firmly and his thrusts became longer and deeper.
Every nerve in Annie’s body thrummed with desire and longing. “I’m so close.”
“Don’t hold back. I want to feel you come around my cock.”
Annie’s fingers clawed across Heath’s muscles. His hard hot body pressed against her. All she could smell was his sweat and desire. Her senses were overwhelmed as his fingers caressed and teased her folds, drawing her release ever nearer.
With a cry, she reared up, her orgasm slamming into her and a scream escaping her lips.
Heath didn’t slow. His mouth covered hers.
Annie filled herself with his taste as her orgasm spiked waves of pleasure through her body.
“I want more. Come again.”
Annie gasped. “I can’t. I’ve never—”
“You will with me.” Heath’s rhythm increased as his fingers found her engorged clit again. “I want us to come together. I want you to take me deep inside.”
Annie could already feel the trembling build in her core.
Heath grabbed her leg and placed it over his shoulder, opening her wider and letting him go even harder and deeper.
Her cry of lust filled the room as his hand stroked down her belly and rubbed her clit.
This position hit a new strand of passion. Annie closed her eyes and let go. She felt Heath’s hands on her body, his cock stretching her wide, filling her, making her feel alive.
He went even faster. Annie’s hands gripped the sheets, her whole body quivering as her next orgasm grew. She was so ready.
“Come for me, Annie.”
She screamed as her orgasm hit.
Heath groaned and rammed himself in deep, holding himself there.
Annie felt his cock pulse inside her at his own release. This was what she had needed for so long. Now she finally had it. She had him.
Heath pulled back and slid Annie’s leg down. He rolled onto his side and pulled her to him. Their sweat slicked skin melded together as his strong arms wrapped around her.
She kissed his chest, her tongue tasting his saltiness. This was perfect. Better than she’d ever imagined. Annie felt empty and full at the same time. And she wanted more of Heath, more of his naked body covering her, making her whole.
Heath shifted away. “I meant to say, before we went this far, I’m safe.”
Annie met his gaze. “I know you’d never put me at any risk. So am I.” She used a yearly contraceptive implant that was inserted under the skin. She’d never been this reckless with a guy before. But she knew Heath. She trusted him.
Heath let out a breath. “Sophia makes sure we have regular physicals. I avoid them when I can, but last time she got me, everything was good.”
“You’re better than good.” Annie’s hand stroked down his chest. Her fingers encircled his already hardening cock. “Can do that again?”
HALF AN HOUR LATER, and after a quick shower and several more orgasms, Annie lay flat on an examination table, as Sophia hurried around her, applying electrodes to her head.
“Have you ever had an electric shock?” asked Sophia.
“Nothing bad,” said Annie.
“This will feel as if I’ve stuck your head inside a live plug socket.” Sophia caught Annie’s gaze and raised her eyebrows. “Whatever you do, don’t remove the electrodes from your head.”
“What happens if I do?”
“Your brain could fry.”
“I won’t move.” Annie swallowed her nerves and tried to relax as the gel Sophia used to attach the electrodes slid onto her cheek. She thought about being underneath Heath as he pounded inside her, making her come. She needed to get back for more of that.
“I’m right here.” As if he’d read her thoughts, Heath reached over and touched the back of her hand.
“If I have to tell you again to keep your hands off my patient, you’ll be kicked out of here,” said Sophia.
“I’d like to see you try,” grumbled Heath.
“I’ll dose you with a horse sedative so strong you won’t be able to stand for a week,” said Sophia. “Or do anything else that requires stamina.” She flashed a knowing look at Annie.
Annie blushed and grabbed Heath’s hand. “He’ll behave himself.”
“To be on the safe side, I’ll strap you down,” said Sophia. “I’ve had a few patients who forgot the instructions I gave them the second the procedure started. Funny that, given I’m messing with their heads.”
Annie watched as Sophia strapped her wrists down, her stomach writhing anxiously.
“Not too tight?” asked Sophia.
“No, they’re good.”
“Have you got anything electrical on you that will be damaged when the procedure starts?”
“No. Oh, wait! I stole a data chip from the prison. It’s in my pocket.”
Sophia fished out the chip. “What’s on it?”
“I’m not sure, but the prison boss was looking at a map. Thought it might be useful.”
Sophia tossed the chip to Heath. “I’d tell you to take a few deep breaths and think happy thoughts, but it won’t make a difference. Once I turn on the voltage, everything will go blurry. And when you wake up, don’t be surprised if you’re disoriented. Occasionally, new memories are wiped out, so we might have to meet again.”
“I won’t know who you are?”
“Won’t take offense if you don’t.”
“I think I’ll remember you,” said Annie.
Sophia grinned. “They all say that.” She stood by a portable machine on wheels next to Annie’s bed. “Any last words?”
“Don’t even joke about that,” growled Heath.
Annie looked at him. Heath’s hands were balled into fists and his jaw muscles twitched. She shot him what she hoped was a reassuring smile. “Any second now, and I’ll remember it all.”
“You can always change your mind. It’s not too late.”
Annie shook her head and reluctantly let go of Heath’s hand. She shifted her gaze to Sophia. “Let’s do this.”
Sophia flicked a switch on the machine in front of her.
At first, it felt like a prickling on Annie’s scalp, as the current built in the electrodes. The sensation intensified, becoming more like tiny stabs of a needle through her hair and into her brain. Annie gritted her teeth and closed her eyes. A flood of memories hit her; images of dragons, pictures of them being punched out of the sky by lasers, then the State taking over, and outlawing all discussion about dragon myths.
“That’s enough,” said Heath, his voice sounding too quiet, too far away, given he was in the same room.
Annie realized her eyes were shut and forced them open. Heath was on his feet, a scowl on his face.
“She needs more time,” said Sophia.
“I’m fine,” said Annie through g
ritted teeth. Sweat slid from her hairline and ran down the side of her face. It felt as if a thousand fire ants were pinching her skin, tearing through the fragile flesh, their mandibles spiked with poison.
More memories assaulted Annie. The State authorized execution of anyone who disagreed with them; the report she’d received from her Director, informing her to destroy all research on dragons, and more images of dragons, resplendent in the sky. It was all real. Everything Heath and her dad had been fighting for was true.
An alarm screamed next to Annie, breaking through her memories, but she couldn’t focus. She heard shouting and the sound of running feet. There was a presence next to her, the soothing feeling of someone important. She knew it had to be Heath.
“I’m right here,” said Heath. “You’ll be fine.”
“Don’t touch her!” shouted Sophia. “She’s still connected to the machine.”
Annie’s tongue swelled, as she tried to tell him something was wrong. Everything felt on fire. The memories turned into chaotic, terrifying images. The procedure wasn’t working properly. But her mind blanked as memories overwhelmed her.
A tear slid out of her eye, as the last memory she had was of Heath, and how much she loved him, before darkness overtook her.
Chapter 21
“I should be in there.” Heath paced backwards and forwards outside the medical room. It felt like hours, but in reality, he’d only been in the corridor twenty minutes.
Sophia had kicked him out, after he’d tried to disconnect the machine from Annie, and warned him not to return until he could control himself and not risk the lives of her patients.
The image of Annie shaking uncontrollably kept punching into him. He scowled, his gaze fixed to the door. The second Sophia said it was okay, he’d be back in there. He’d get Annie out and away from this. She had to be okay. He’d known it was dangerous for her to undergo this procedure, but she’d been insistent. He should have refused her. Heath knew the risks. He’d been selfish for wanting Annie to remember.
“She’s strong.” Lincoln sat on the floor by the door, next to Arlo, who twirled a strand of wire around his fingers.
Heath (Ember Quest Book 1) Page 21