by Crystal Dawn
All she could do was intercept him and find something to talk about. Heading his way, her mind could only come up with Kitty. “I’m so pleased to see you here. Did Erak tell you we are planning to mate soon?” She grabbed his arm and turned him on the other direction. Maybe not an acceptable move, but he went along with it.
“He’d not mentioned it yet. Perhaps he planned to surprise me with the announcement at the end of the party. Your family has adapted to life here well. Erak has even told me of some practices from Earth that may work well for us here. The suggestions came from your family.”
“While the suggestions were made in good faith. We do feel Kitty would serve you well in implementing the medical part of one of those suggestions.” She observed.
“Yes, the missing family member. She refused the offer early because she was training?”
“She did. Being a doctor is an honor on our world. While women have made amazing strides in equal rights, they still struggle in some area. When Kitty decided to become a doctor I looked it up and there are more than two males to every female that are doctors in my country. That might not sound like much to you but we have an immense population and our country is one of the most progressive. Kitty felt blessed to get into medical school. I’m sure you can understand the drive to complete something that is incredibly difficult and takes years to finish properly. The fact that she completed it will benefit your world if you choose to bring her here.”
“Your explanation does help put things in perspective. I will consider it when I make my decision. Now that the fight outside is done, maybe we should go see if anyone was hurt?”
She knew she was bright red, possibly enough to glow from the heat coming off her face. “Of course.”
Now the emperor led them to the garden where the fight seemed to be over. “How did it go?” He asked.
“They all gave up in the face of a superior force. The ones attacking the castle did as well. The mines on the meteor will have many new workers.”
“It’s sad to see so many convinced to turn against their own people. Your mate is a keeper.” The emperor turned and left.
“What does he mean?” Erak asked.
“I kept him from joining the fight. You didn’t tell me he knew.”
“I decided to alert him to the possibility at the last minute. A good decision since he had guards assigned around the outside. They joined the battle.”
“Something we should remember in the future.”
“No one would have wanted him outside. He would have made a tempting target.”
“Just like you did?” She raised a brow in question.
Erak looked a tad embarrassed. “I’m not as recognizable as the emperor.” He defended.
“You are in your own kingdom which I’d bet most of these males came from.”
Now he had no answer. “I hope you’ll think more next time.”
She turned and sashayed away. Erak wouldn’t change, but in the future if she had to defend a decision she made that he didn’t like, this would give her some ammunition. Now that everything was over, she felt more relaxed. In the dining room, food was set up for guests to eat whenever they wanted to. Moving from dish to dish, she got a bit of everything. That seemed to be what everyone was doing.
The food was good, about half supplied by her kitchen and half from some of the places in town. Many people on this planet were not familiar with Earth dishes, not even when they were made with local ingredients. That would change, she was sure of it.
Erak returned to her side done with the chaos outside. He grabbed a plate and piled it high with an amazing amount of food. Dragons had hefty appetites which they sated often. “Let’s find a place to sit so we can be comfortable while we eat.” Erak suggested.
“I hope your males are still on guard. Trouble may not be finished for the night.”
“You know or suspect?”
“I just have a bad feeling.” She admitted.
He pressed his com. “Everyone be on high alert for a second attack.” Several males answered back. His com would reach everywhere so her warning was accomplished. “Will you stay with me tonight?”
Knowing what he was asking made her both excited and scared to death. This would be it, the final choice for the rest of her life. She started to reply, but his com went crazy. “Excuse me.” Erak said as he moved out to the garden once more.
Looking inside herself, she wondered if she was relieved to put it off or disappointed it probably wouldn’t happen tonight. Maybe it was a toss-up? It didn’t look like Erak would come back soon and the emperor had snuck out to join in the free for all. If she was a dragon, she might be out there too.
“Tomi!” It was her mom. “You spoke to the emperor?”
“I did. And you?”
“I did too. That male should be a poker player. He gave me no idea of what he might do.”
“Same here. I thought he felt interested about her being a healer. The benefits of her knowledge, knowledge gained by her staying were one of the things I pointed out.”
“Well I was shameless. I pointed out she would make someone a perfect mate, possibly him. It was almost as if fate aligned to send her here for someone, not just her family. Then I pointed out all of us that were fully mated had turned. That was something unheard of outside our family. Maybe we have dragon blood?”
“You were shameless, but that’s alright if it works. Kitty would be a great addition to any community. Not just because she’s single and educated, but she is loyal and loving. Her characteristics are those that any mate or member of the community should have but few do. I miss her terribly.”
“I know. Me too.” Her mom admitted. “What’s been going on outside?”
“Rebels, they have attacked here and the castle more than once. So far, no one’s been hurt but many prisoners were taken.”
“I thought they were short on guards?”
“Did you not know a ship was brought back early and their crew used to fill in the shortages?”
“No, whose idea was that?” Her mom wondered.
“I might have mentioned the ships and their crews.”
“The males tend to forget them and it is almost like they are a separate entity.”
“I know what you mean. When I mentioned it, Erak looked gobsmacked.”
“That bad, huh?” They both giggled.
“I like that he listens to me.” She admitted.
“Most of these males that are now in our family do listen most of the time. They are however extremely protective.”
“Tell me about it. After what happened to Lushia, Erak put guards on me full time. He thinks I don’t know, but I knew right away. It makes me feel safer.”
“I’m glad to hear it because I was worried. Garulto assured me Erak would watch out for you.”
“He really has. I think he sent me some of my new employees. Not that he admits to it.”
“Erak must be afraid you’re too independent to accept help. Males!”
“What are you two up to in the corner like you’re hiding?” Davy came up to them and asked.
“We were talking about the fight outside.” She admitted.
“It’s over with. No one was hurt but more enemies captured. They must have some dumb leaders.” Davy said.
“Not really. They had no idea a ship came in early and extra help was available for guarding everyone.” She explained.
“But to attack twice and after a failure?” Davy asked.
“Who would expect that? Has it been successful, their leader would have been called a genius.”
“Sometimes it takes little to separate a genius from a loser.” Her mom observed.
“What are all you lovely ladies doing hiding in the corner?” The emperor asked.
“We were discussing the difficult decisions leaders make.” Her mother said.
“Well, yes. Some can’t be made as quickly as others.” The emperor said and there they had it. He wasn’t deciding right a
way.
They would all worry until they knew if Kitty was coming home. Sometimes there were no quick answers and no easy way to get what you wanted. She had a feeling the emperor would check into the plans for getting more mates quicker. He would also research Kitty, but that would just show him how wonderful she was.
It was getting later in the evening and the servers were putting out less food and cleaning up empty dishes and any messes that had been made. Toreen’s and Cretia’s garden was probably a fright, but at least no one had been hurt badly. Guards were still everywhere, but they would be leaving soon as the guests did.
The political event of the week had gone off with only those in high positions knowing about the attacks. Those other two kings present would have nothing to use against Erak. It made her wonder why they didn’t have any trouble with rebels or if they did and they too hid it. This was a strange world indeed.
“I think we should go now.” Erak whispered in her ear. The male was sneaky and she’d not realized he was there. “Now that the emperor is leaving, it’s alright for everyone else to.”
“What? That’s the official end of the party?”
“It’s considered rude to leave before he does. Once he goes, then you usually have a mass exodus. Unless he leaves very early which he didn’t. Most would say him staying so long was a sign of favor.”
“But we all know he just wanted in on the fighting.”
“Yes, that’s what we know. It seems he got in on the tail end of the second fight. His dragon is a brute.” Erak admitted.
“I bet he doesn’t get to come out and play often.”
“Neither do I. I’ll admit I enjoyed it.” He grinned like a boy with complete delight.
“I’ll have my hands full with you.”
Leaning in with his mouth at her ear, he whispered. “In more ways than one.”
Her face heated and she was sure it was pink. Was he forecasting things to come? She’d tried not to fantasize about the two of them together, but that had been hard. Erak was such a handsome male, with a fine sexy body and handsome face. Damn! She knew her desire perfumed the air as several males turned to look at her.
“Thanks a lot.” She replied.
Erak grinned like a naughty youngster. “It was my pleasure.” Heaven help her deal with bad boys. “Let’s tell Cretia bye since she’d the hostess.”
“Finally something a female gets credit for but it’s considered woman’s work.” She muttered.
“Oh, females get credit for other things.” What he meant wasn’t lost on her but had it been, the heated look on his face would have informed her.
“I can’t believe you went there!“
“Where? Cooking?” He looked so damn innocent.
“If our kids are like you, we’ll need a team of nannies.”
“Kids?” Erak asked.
“Dragonlings?”
“Little ones.” He now had a goofy smile on his face.
“Yes, little ones.”
“We can fill the castle with them.” He suggested.
“Let’s just start with one.”
“We’d best say goodbye to Cretia and get home.”
“There you are, Cretia.” She observed.
“It was a lovely party. We’ll see you again soon.” Erak said as he grabbed her hand and pulled her along. Cretia just laughed. She knew how mates were.
They got in a car or what passed for one here. It raised off the road and headed to the castle. The king’s escort was waiting for them and surrounded the car riding the animals that were popular here. Most rode lizards bred near the desert while a few rode their version of horses.
Feeling moderately safe, she leaned back against Erak who held her tight. The castle loomed in front of them and she knew if nothing interfered, tonight would be a life changer. She’d had a few boyfriends, but not many. Neither a prude nor an overly experienced woman, Erak would probably teach her things she couldn’t have imagined. A shiver ran through her.
“Are you cold?” He asked.
“No, I’m okay.” What else could she say? She couldn’t admit she was fantasizing about being naked in bed with him, could she?
“We’re almost there. Do you need anything when we arrive? Food, drink, or anything at all?”
“No, I’m fine.” Her nerves were attacking her and his were probably doing the same. It was a huge step because this was forever.
They arrived and he helped her out of the car. Now they moved up the steps with a guard in front and one behind. Once you were royalty, you were never truly alone. Honestly she’d never thought much about his life. Erak didn’t seem to mind because he’d grown up that way. To him, the rules and expectations were just a way of life.
To her they were new and scary. If she wanted him, she had to accept everything. Somehow, she had to make it work. Once they got to the right floor, they left the guards at the door. It worried her that they might be able to hear everything intimate that passed between them.
Erak pulled her into his arms. “It’s alright. The bedroom is sound proofed.”
“The bedroom, but not the rest of the rooms?”
Chapter 6
The Joys of Mating
He grinned. “It was deemed the most important room. The only other place in the castle soundproofed was the meeting room for obvious reasons.” It was finally going to happen. His dragon was going crazy with joy. This was all his dragon had wanted since he’d passed the time of boyhood and become a male grown,
The problem before had been that while there were acceptable sexual partners, none had been his true mate. Now he’d finally found her and his dragon felt anchored in a way he’d never felt before. Not sure whether his parents had been true mates or if theirs had been a political match, he’d never asked about how a true mate was recognized or how it felt to join with one.
That question might be hurtful to someone forced to mate a non-true mate. There had been respect and love between his parents, but they’d never spoke of true mates. Now he would find out everything first hand. Leading his mate into the bedroom, he closed the door. She would never get away from him again. Once this night was done, they would be tied to each other body, mind, and soul.
No one could say for sure that she would change, but he felt that she would. This would be hard on her, but having sisters and a mother that changed would give her an idea of what to expect. She should know more than he did since he’d never observed a change and not even heard of one before Davy.
His mouth had been watering over the thought of finally making love and claiming his delectable mate, but now the time was near and it was dry. Damn, he was a king so he shouldn’t be nervous. This female had always gotten the best of him and she still did.
A dragon could go off his rocker letting his needs get out of control; so he wasn’t exactly innocent. But he had sated himself as he needed to rather than run wild with the females even though many offered. All he’d ever wanted was love and his perfect mate. A woman to care for and for companionship. One that he could talk to and share things with.
The whole package and he’d refused to settle for less. Most of his fellow dragons, even the other kings just wanted regular sex and children someday. They were willing to settle, but he wanted a soul mate and by the fire gods, he would have one. That was what his precious Tomi was to him and there was no doubt.
“Are you aware I’m naked and all you’re doing is standing there fully dressed staring?” She asked.
“You amaze me. I can hardly believe you’re real because you’re so beautiful and so perfect.” He said as he began to undress.
“Remember that when we have our first fight.”
Chuckling, he said, “I look forward to it. I’ve heard the making up is amazing.” Her cheeks were flushed and her nipples grew tight.
Once he was naked, first he lifted her into his arms to place her on the bed before he got in beside her. His hands stroked lightly over her body, cupping and squeezing her breasts. T
he feeling of touching her made him shiver, a feeling she seemed to share. As his mouth moved from one to the other breast he sucked her nipple in, raking it with his teeth. His mate arched up toward him, but she made sounds like she wanted more.
Working his way down licking and kissing every inch of her he moved from her breast to her thighs. Now, he had his face between her legs and he breathed in deeply. Gods yes! His tongue stroked over her sensitive flesh and it tasted so sweet and delightful. Licking her like over and over from gate to clit made her arch and moan. He moved his tongue to her entrance and speared in and out without holding back.
Once he was sure she’d relaxed, he replaced his tongue with a finger so he could move his tongue to her clit where it circled repeatedly. All he wanted was to give her pleasure so he sucked her clit into his mouth. His mate arched up to him and her fingers gripped his hair. She groaned and moaned until she finally screamed his name. Tomi convulsed with pleasure as he held her body tight and continued to drive her wild.
His mate drew in a ragged breath barely able to in the wake of a ginormous climax. Without pause he moved up her incredible body and slid deep inside. He hooked her under both knees and pulled her legs up over his shoulder. This time they would both find their release together. Strong and sure, he slid in and out slowly to allow her to get used to him. Then he begin to move faster and faster.
Gods! Nothing had ever felt so amazing. Before long he was pounding into her trying to hold back as much as he could. His mate was still human and he feared hurting her. Setting a steady but fast pace, he was close to his release.
“Come for me, Tomi!” He urged. That’s when she exploded all around him. Her channel squeezed him until he exploded too.
The two long fangs grew even longer making his gums itch. Needed his mate’s blood, there was no way he could hold back. They sank deep into her shoulder where it met her neck and she bit him too, not that she could do much with her blunt human teeth. Their orgasms seemed to go on and on.
Eventually, it ceased and they collapsed with him rolling over first so she was on top. “You’re mine now forever.” He whispered before he fell asleep and she followed him.