Ragnar - Lord of Jaegar

by Sasha Gold

  If he were a sensitive, decent man, he’d let her sleep. But not tonight. Tonight, he wanted to persuade her to give herself to him. He needed to sink into her warm, tight body. And most importantly, he had to bite her. Mark her.

  He shed his clothes, keeping his ravenous gaze fixed on her, watching the rise and fall of her every breath. When he prowled the length of the bed, she moaned softly and her eyelids fluttered as she looked up at him. Her lips parted as she drew a sharp breath of surprise to find him crouched over her.

  His kiss was hard, possessive and when she whimpered, he responded with a savage growl. There was little time for sweet words and seduction. Someone wanted to take Natasha from him and he was desperate to make her his. Savage need clawed at him. His wolf starved for something only Natasha could give him.

  He stroked her mouth with his tongue. The movement was wicked, one he meant to mimic the carnal act he intended to complete with his One. How long had he dreamed of savoring her sweet body as she lay beneath him, open to him and submitting to him?

  Pulling the gown from her, he felt her arms circle his neck. She wanted this too even though she didn’t understand the threat that lurked. Red rage filled his vision as he imagined a man coming to Jaegar and trying to take her from him. He kept her locked in a kiss as he tugged the fragile gown from her.

  When she lay naked beneath him, he broke the kiss and moved to her breast. The sight of her lush, full breast fanned his burning lust. Her nipple, small and pink and taut, drew a low growl from him as he laved it with his tongue. He cupped her other breast, stroking the tip with his thumb.

  He sucked her tight bead. She writhed beneath him and made small sounds that varied between pleasure and worry. Her hands moved across the span of his shoulders and she threaded her fingers through his hair.

  “I want you. Now.”

  She drew a sharp breath. “Now?”

  He moved lower and nipped her flank. She squealed and jerked beneath him.

  “You like this, Natasha. You screamed with pleasure when I made you come with my tongue. Tell me I can have this again. Your pussy. I want to taste your arousal and make you wet and then we’re going to fuck.”

  “Ragnar,” she whispered. “This seems fast.”

  “It is fast. Let me. Tell me yes, Natasha.”

  He nudged her thighs apart. In the glow of the firelight, he could see she was wet. His cock, already hard as steel, throbbed almost painfully. He stroked the length as he settled between her knees. Her scent made him wild with need. His control slipped a little more.

  “Tell me I can taste you again.”

  “Yes, Ragnar. Please.”

  He thought about getting her to agree to what he really wanted, but decided to wait. Soon he’d have her begging for him. Slowly and with deliberate gentleness, he traced his tongue along her swollen folds. The taste of his mate made a shudder roll down the length of his back. His thoughts spun into a savage blur with the thought of what would unfold that night. Finally, he’d be one with the woman he’d searched for since he could remember.

  She writhed beneath him as he licked her. His body was so attuned to hers that he felt her arousal climb. He could sense her coming closer and closer to her climax. Her need was his own. Thrashing beneath him, she begged and pleaded.

  He paused and lifted to offer his bargain. “Tell me I can fuck you after this. That you’re mine and I can mark you.”

  Trembling, she looked at him wide-eyed. “Mark me?”

  “With my teeth. I’ll bite your neck.”

  She shook her head. “I don’t know. I’m afraid.”

  He rose onto all fours. Gritting his teeth, he tried to tamp down the savage lust that burned inside him. “Of what?”

  “Those teeth look a little sharp. I’m afraid.”

  He heard the words plainly but couldn’t fathom what she meant. She was afraid? Of him? Of not giving him what he wanted?

  “Don’t be afraid of me. Never be afraid of me.”

  “And what if I can’t give you a child?”

  He scrubbed a hand down his face. “Natasha, I want a child with you, but if we can’t have one, we’ll take in a child. We’ll give an orphan a home.”

  “An orphan,” she murmured. “I was an orphan.”

  He smiled, happiness blooming inside him. He loved imagining a family with her. “And you were a twin. Imagine if we could take in two children who needed a family.”

  She shook her head and gave a breathless laugh. “Twins are considered wrong on Andromeda. Sinister.”

  He frowned. “Not here. Every birth is celebrated on Jaegar. We might take a baby in or we might make our own. Or both.” He let his gaze wander down her naked body. “If you don’t let me fuck you and breed you, you’ll never know if my seed would take.”

  “I need to think it over,” she said softly.

  He fisted the bedding in his hands, wishing he could tear it to shreds. Maybe that would alleviate some of his frustration. She lay beneath him, naked and perfect and practically trembling with the same arousal burning through him and yet she denied him.

  “Natasha,” he said, his voice rough with desire. “I could make you scream with pleasure, cry out my name in ecstasy.”

  “You said we could take it slowly.”

  He had told her that. It was true. But now he wished he hadn’t made any promises. He could wait. He could and would do anything for Natasha, but now that there was a threat lurking, he wanted to forge their bond so nothing could come between them.

  “We could take it slowly tonight,” he said. “I will always be gentle with you and treat you like you were delicate and fragile and precious, because that is what you are to me.”

  His heart thudded heavily in his chest. He feared the unknown pirate, the man who threatened to steal Natasha away, to destroy his life.

  She bit her lip and the look in her eyes was so fretful and vulnerable, he felt an immediate pang of regret for pushing her.

  Slowly, he lowered and kissed her lips. “We’ll wait. I don’t want to make love to my mate while she’s trembling. I’m going to make certain you’re as needy and as ready as I am. You’d better watch out, sweet Natasha. I’m going to tease and entice you every minute of the day. And night.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Natasha

  Dozing off, Natasha slept fitfully and woke later to find herself alone in the bed. She was naked still. She’d fallen asleep without putting on another gown and she was cold. As she shivered and pulled the blankets closer, she looked around the bedroom, searching for Ragnar. Instead of her lover, she caught sight of his enormous wolf.

  A cry of terror died in her throat. Ragnar paced the room in front of the fire, his enormous form casting shadows on the walls behind him. On the planet of Doranna, she’d witnessed him in his wolf form. Seeing him a second time was just as intimidating and shocking. Her skin prickled with fear. The crimson glow from the fire made him look like a demon and every instinct told her to lie still.

  He wouldn’t harm her, but she still didn’t want to draw attention to herself.

  Why had he shifted? On Doranna, he’d taken on his wolf form in response to danger. He wanted to frighten the Maidens who’d come looking for her, but what was the danger here on Jaegar?

  She’d flown in over three dozen combat missions and survived a hundred or more near-misses, but seeing Ragnar in his wolf form made her shake with fear. Her training as a pilot, the countless drills she’d endured to learn how to keep calm in the face of danger did nothing for her now.

  Slowly, she turned away from him and squeezed her eyes shut. Willing herself to keep the panic at bay, she slowed her breathing and tried to rest. In the morning, Ragnar would resume his human form, and she’d ask him why he’d shifted. Was there some danger he kept hidden from her?

  When she awoke, it was morning and her attendants had drawn a bath for her. They’d delivered breakfast too. It was always a sumptuous meal, decadent by Andromeda’s standards. After
she’d bathed, eaten and dressed, Ragnar came for her.

  His bearing was stern. He dismissed the women with a wave of his hand, keeping his hard gaze fixed on her. “You look beautiful this morning. Just like every morning.”

  She blushed and ran her hands down her dress, an emerald gown that Birgitta had sent for her that morning. It fit her like it had been made for her and she suspected Birgitta had a throng of women working on lovely, feminine clothes for her. Not the pants and shirts she was used to, but lavish, showy dresses that showed off her new curves.

  This dress had a neckline that dipped outrageously, displaying her breasts in a way that made her self-conscious. The way Ragnar looked at her both pleased and alarmed her. He seemed to enjoy tearing clothes from her and it would be nothing for him to tear this flimsy excuse for a dress from her. His eyes darkened as his gaze drifted down her body. She shivered.

  His eyes took on a hard look as he lifted his gaze to hers. “Change into a different dress.”

  She recoiled at his domineering tone. No man had ever ordered her to do anything. Ragnar wanted her to put on a different dress? Did he think she was some empty-headed Nymph that ran to do a man’s bidding?

  “I’m perfectly happy in this dress. I don’t care to change.”

  “It’s too revealing. I won’t have other men look at what’s mine.”

  She gasped. “Yours?”

  He took a step closer, narrowing the distance between them. “Mine,” he said softly, his voice edged with threat.

  “I’ve managed to dress myself for quite a while now. Ever since I was a child and I’ll have you know I don’t need instructions from you.”

  She crossed her arms, but had, momentarily, forgotten about her ample breasts. Unwittingly, she drew attention to them and pressed them against the daring neckline. His eyes dropped and his lips curved into a predatory smile.

  “I think you do need instructions from me.”

  Her impulse was to turn from him, to shield herself from his brazen gawking, but she stood resolute, refusing to retreat.

  “What would you have me wear, Ragnar?”

  “Here in our chambers you can wear this dress. When we go out, you’ll wear something less revealing. I don’t care.”

  He lifted his hand and traced a finger along the swell of her breast. She smacked his hand away. A deep growl rumbled in his chest and for one horrible moment, she wondered if he might shift into his wolf form right then and there.

  “When I’ve touched you before, you’ve liked it very much,” he said.

  “Probably because you weren’t telling me what I could and couldn’t wear.”

  His smile faded and in its place, he wore a grim, determined look, his lips pressed together. “I want you to wear something decent. Gunnar has contacted the mineral thief. He’s agreed to come to Jaegar today. I won’t allow him to see you dressed like this.”

  “Why is he coming to Jaegar?”

  Ragnar scowled. “He has an interest in you.”

  She scoffed, imagining that he joked, but when he didn’t add clarification, she shook her head. “Impossible. I don’t know any pirates. I don’t associate with criminals.”

  “If you want to find out why he’s interested in you, then you’ll change your dress. I’ll take you to the docking station.”

  Her curiosity burned. Perhaps it had been too long since she’d flown or been in the middle of some sort of skirmish, but she yearned to find out more. To solve a problem that vexed the planet of Jaegar. Even better, if she knew why the pirate was interested in her, she might understand why one of her own sister-pilots was shooting at her. Somewhere along the line, lies had been spread about her and she wanted to know why and by whom.

  She turned away from him and stalked to her dressing rooms. A few moments later she emerged in a different dress, one that had belonged to Birgitta and was far too big for her. He muttered his approval and escorted her through the maze of grand hallways. They arrived in the docking station to find Gunnar looking triumphant.

  “The ship is moments away. He’s told me that he’s bringing a tribute as a peace offering,” Gunnar said.

  “That should make you happy,” Ragnar said.

  Gunnar smiled but said nothing. Natasha could tell the man was quite pleased with the turn of events. Somehow, Gunnar had cornered the pirate and the idea that the thief would be in his grasp by the end of the day made him look happier than she’d ever seen him. Even her attendants that morning had told her how happy Gunnar was now that he had finally found the thief.

  The ground rumbled as the ship approached and Natasha moved closer to Ragnar, seeking him out for some reason. She’d taken part in negotiations between warring parties, but this felt more intense. Perhaps because she wasn’t on Andromeda and thus was just an onlooker. Not a participant.

  Ragnar pulled her against him and tucked his arm around her. For a moment, Natasha forgot about their argument earlier and relished the feel of his immense, powerful body. She wasn’t used to having anyone to depend or lean on and she had to admit it felt wonderful.

  The ship came into view, clear in the pristine Jaegarian sky. If the ship were landing on Andromeda, it would be far less visible in the waning sunlight. This ship, a strange type of craft she’d never seen before, arced in the sky and cruised toward the docking deck.

  Beside her, Ragnar stiffened and growled. Gunnar shook his head and spat.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked.

  Neither spoke for a moment. Finally, Ragnar replied. “The pirate has stolen a Jaegarian ship.”

  She drew a sharp breath. “The pirate stole one of your ships?”

  The scowl on Ragnar’s face gave Natasha her answer. When the ship drew close, it slowed and hovered.

  “Natasha,” a familiar voice called to her.

  She turned toward the voice, a voice that she knew as well as her own. It came from the ship. “Elise,” she whispered.

  A soft shimmer rippled the air. A flash of light blinded her. Ragnar snarled and lunged for her but a force jerked her off her feet. Ragnar vanished. Wind howled, tearing the scream from her throat. She fell with a painful thud, not on the floor of the docking station but on a steel floor of an aircraft.

  Chapter Twenty

  Ragnar

  Ragnar fought the urge to shift into his wolf form. He needed to remain in his human shape. Now was not the time to fight. His mate had been taken, but by her own sister, or so he thought. He’d heard her murmur Elise’s name the instant she vanished.

  “Where did the ship go?” Ragnar demanded, scanning the radar.

  “It disappeared,” Gunnar snarled.

  The ship apparently not only had teleporting capabilities, but also a cloaking technology that allowed it to vanish the instant Natasha had been taken. The communication panel crackled to life. The pirate was transmitting a message. Ragnar could only hope it was a demand for money and he could pay the ransom to get Natasha back.

  When the screen cleared, a woman leaned closer to the camera recording her. Not just any woman, but one who looked almost identical to Natasha.

  “Hello, gentlemen.” A smile tugged at her lips.

  “What the hell?” Gunnar muttered.

  “It’s Elise,” Ragnar said softly. “I can’t believe it.”

  “Thank you for taking such good care of my sister,” the woman said, in a voice that sounded just like Natasha’s voice.

  Ragnar stared at her, too shocked to reply.

  Gunnar snarled. “Where is the man who has been stealing from me?”

  Elise smiled. “You’re looking at her. I’m Elise Romanov and I want to thank you for your generous donations.”

  “You’re lying,” Gunnar spat.

  Elise shook her head and frowned. “I might be a thief but I’m no liar, Gunnar, darling.”

  “Forget about the minerals,” Ragnar growled. “Where’s Natasha?”

  “She’s resting. Teleporting is exhausting. Would you like me to give her
a message?” Elise’s voice was sugar-sweet, mocking him. “How about I tell her you said goodbye.”

  “Natasha is my mate.”

  Elise shook her head but maintained her infuriating smile. “How can she be your mate? She’s a Maiden. I don’t know what twisted ideas you have about forcing your attention on a Maiden, but I can assure you, if you’ve hurt her, I’ll make you pay.”

  “She’s not a Maiden,” Ragnar countered. “Not anymore.”

  Elise rolled her eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

  Ragnar fumed as another wave of anger came over him. She needed to bring Natasha back. Immediately. “What do you want in exchange for Natasha?”

  “I’m not giving her back. She belongs with me. I’m going to teach her how to take your shipments, boys. Now you’ll have double trouble.”

  With that she wriggled her fingers and the screen went dark.

  Ragnar snorted. Rage burned through his veins, but at least Natasha was safe and not in the hands of a man who might harm her. She’d be elated to find out her sister was alive and well. All he needed to do was be patient. When Natasha woke, she’d contact him, he was sure of it and when she did, he’d form his plans to go after her.

  Gunnar swore and began to pace the floor. “I can’t believe I’ve been robbed by a woman. A slip of a girl.”

  “She’s twenty-four, not a girl.”

  Gunnar raked his hand through his hair, his eyes glittering with fury. “When I get my hands on her, she’ll wish she never thought of stealing from one of my ships. I’ll make her pay.”

  “Thank the stars we didn’t carry out our plan.”

  Gunnar’s mouth was twisted into a savage scowl but as Ragnar’s words sank in, his fierce anger faded. “Yes, you’re right. Of course. I don’t know what can be done.”

  Ragnar didn’t know either. All he knew was that he needed Natasha back. More than minerals. More than revenge. More than anything. He needed her like he needed his heartbeat. He was relieved she wasn’t in danger, but the fact that she was held by a female almost made things worse. Elise complicated things. She was an enemy he couldn’t harm.