Double Dragon's Blood

by Kali Willows

  “I like the ending, Mr. Li.” She hugged him as the song ended.

  “Please, my dear, call me Shen.”

  Cindy’s heart skipped a beat. “You—are the dragon?”

  “Yes.” He pointed to his jade green eyes.

  I’m speechless.

  His smile returned. “I imagine you wonder why a crazy old man would tell you such a story?”

  “I wouldn’t say crazy…eccentric, maybe.” She grinned.

  “I cherished being able to offer the suggestion of having the two grandsons, uh—bond, at the same time, to cancel the exchange of energy from one body to another—”

  “This part of the story, I’m familiar with—their night with Gwen.” Jealousy gnawed at her insides again.

  “There is a part of the story I forgot to tell you.” He looked into her eyes with kindness.

  “What?”

  “When she bonded with one, through the dragon’s breath, it neutralized her hold on the other.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “A dragoness can mate with several dragons—it’s survival of the fittest. If you research dragon mythology, it will tell you, they vie for her attention; she mates with the strongest, and more than one. However, she can only bond with one. When she does, the bond is for life, and no others will draw her attention again. It is the dragon way.”

  “I saw them, together—he still loves her, Mr….Shen.” Her throat grew thick.

  “There will always be a special place in his heart for Gwen; she saved his brother’s life. But there is no longer the same connection that drew them at first. Nature has a way of tricking creatures’ bodies into doing what they are meant to do. The feelings produced from this special connection do not last the same way, once the purpose has been fulfilled.”

  Again, with the cryptic language.

  “It would seem I have neglected my loving new grandfather? I heard you wished to dance with me?” Gwen’s soft voice roused Cindy her from her daze.

  “Uh—yes, of course. Thank you, Shen, for the dance.” She hugged him and walked away, stunned and confused.

  “There’s our maid of honor. You promised me a dance?” Tatsu swept her up and swung her around.

  “Could I—have a minute.” The tears began to prick again.

  “Hey.” His voice was tender. “Do you remember how Yong and I can read each other’s thoughts and feelings?”

  “Yes?” Her guilt crept up. Crap, he knows I lied about Gwen.

  “Well, let’s say, it’s a family trait.” He smirked and nodded over to his grandfather.

  “Oh, God.” Humiliation set in.

  “It’s okay. I understand.” Tatsu placed his finger under her chin and tipped her face up toward him. “This is a challenging situation, Cindy. I’ll bet, one you’ve never dealt with before.”

  “Can’t say I have.” She hid her face in his solid chest.

  “I sense something very different about him tonight.” He glanced over to the bar; Yong sat with his back to them, a bottle in front of him, his head hung low.

  “You do?”

  “Yeah, until now, it’s always felt…how do I describe this?” He stared in the direction of his twin. “Like I have always been the alpha dragon, and he has been the beta. I needed to take care of him, protect him. I needed to take charge.”

  Cindy thought back. He didn’t seem like a beta to me in the rock tunnel tonight. Yong is all alpha.

  “But the moment he hooked up with you, Gwen’s connection with him dissolved, and he became this strong, independent guy.”

  “Really?”

  “It may seem farfetched, but after what we’ve all been through, I believe he has his own soul now, and a different path than me.” The groom brushed a loose tendril of hair back from her face. “Please Cin, give him a chance. Talk to him.”

  “But I saw them—” she gasped, and slapped a hand over her mouth before the rest spurted out.

  “You saw, him saying good-bye to her. With the first happiness he’s felt in months.”

  An embrace…but no kiss. Could Tatsu be right?

  “Go on. If you don’t listen to me, Gwen will be after you next.” He smirked, and Cindy glanced over her shoulder. The bride in red bore down on them.

  “Fine, I’m going.” Excitement rushed over her.

  Pushing through a passing crowd of guests, she headed to the bar and found Yong’s stool empty. Cindy spun around, panic setting in, but saw no sign of him. She had treated him badly again, and he had left. She glanced back the way she’d come and shrugged. Where did he go?

  Tatsu met her eyes and nodded at the exit leading to the villas.

  Thank you. She raced after Yong. She might be too late—she couldn’t blame him if he’d written her off for the night.

  Chapter Four

  Anxious to find him, she took her heels off and carried them as she raced towards the villas. Chinese lantern-style solar lights topped the bamboo fence posts, holding back the darkness. The air had become humid, heightening the sweet fragrance of white butterfly orchids and jasmine trees in full bloom.

  Cindy sucked in a panting breath of the scented air.

  I completely missed all this in our rush to the wedding.

  At the foot of the villa courtyard, she came to a picturesque temple-like structure. She bent close and read a small plaque fastened to a post nearby. Beitou Garden Pagoda.

  A new odor scented the night air—sulfur, had a matchstick been lit? A mist crept across the flat stone ground. She shivered.

  “Incredible, isn’t it?”

  Pivoting, she found her quarry a few feet away. “Yong, you frightened me.”

  “Sorry, I seem to have a scary effect on you these days.” He walked inside the dim pagoda and sat on a carved bench.

  She followed. “I owe you an apology.”

  “For what?”

  “For jumping to conclusions,” Cindy sat beside him. “I haven’t been very fair to you about this whole Gwen thing.”

  “No?”

  “I think I understand it now.”

  “Grandfather has a way of explaining things.”

  “I love his stories.”

  “So, you’re not mad at me?” The green of his eyes had dulled.

  “I misunderstood, but it’s okay now.” She fixed her gaze on the floor, biting her lip. “If you can forgive me?”

  “Forgive you?”

  “I pride myself in not being a jealous person, but I should have known better.”

  “Maybe it’s not jealousy, Cindy.” Yong collected her hand and held it.

  “What else could it be?”

  “Fear?”

  “You don’t frighten me, well, unless you’re sneaking up when I least expect it.” She gave a nervous laugh.

  “I don’t mean that kind of fear.”

  Cindy sat perfectly still and silent. Confessions of my innermost demons don’t come easily. He squeezed her fingers and she lifted her head, facing him.

  “Everything you’ve been through in the last six months—I’m sure you’re still pretty raw. The way things ended in your marriage didn’t leave a lot of room for trust in relationships, I would imagine.” His calm tone soothed her raw emotions, drew her in.

  “Yeah, I suppose you’re right.”

  “And, my, history didn’t help.”

  She might not be too late after all. “I’m thinking we need to start over.” Cindy stood up and tugged him to his feet.

  “All right. How?” A twinkle in his eye made her heart lift.

  “Would you join me in our villa?”

  “I have a better idea.” He slipped his arms around her waist, lifted her, and drew her in for a slow, building kiss making her toes curl.

  “Okay, we can’t get into this here.” She pushed at his chest, trying to touch the ground with her dangling feet.

  “Why?”

  “We’ll never make it to my villa if we start this here.”

  “We’ll be missed at the
reception. Should we go back and say our good nights first?” Yong set her down and kissed her forehead. “I still have to make my toast.”

  “Fine, but let’s make it quick.”

  “You mean we’re skipping dinner—won’t you be hungry?”

  “For seafood? Uh, no, I’m good.” She cringed.

  “Don’t worry, I got it covered.” He smiled.

  Shoes in hand, she bolted down the path toward to reception hall to pay her final maid of honor duty for the night. Then we can get busy with the fun stuff.

  “Bet you can’t catch me.”

  Her date followed in close pursuit.

  ***

  “I was exploring and found a place I’m dying to show you.”

  “Oh really?” She eyed the mountain wall in front of them.

  “Come on.”

  “What is this place?”

  “It’s a hot springs cave.”

  “A cave? Isn’t that dangerous?”

  “Not when you’re with me, I’ll keep you safe, I promise.” The warmth of his smile melted the last of her cold exterior.

  More solar lights illuminated the path to their destination. Although hesitant, she didn’t resist when he led her to the rocky archway. The exquisite aroma of the jasmine flowers clustered along the walls of the entrance lingered about them.

  “It’s for the exclusive use of villa guests so….”

  “What?”

  “Since the reception is still going, I don’t think we’ll be interrupted.”

  “Oh,” a shiver of excitement ran through her. Another chance of getting caught.

  “There are some wrought iron torches along the stone walls.” Yong patted his pocketless jacket. “No matches.”

  “I don’t have anything,” Cindy stopped. She was not going into the blackness ahead. “I left my bag in my room, we’ll have to go back, we can’t see inside.”

  “Hey, it’s no problem, I got it.” Yong stood close to the torch and blew on the wick. The glow emanating from his pursed lips ignited the lamp.

  A surge of amazement rushed through her. “Oh, right, the dragon thing. Gwen told me all about it.”

  “Hope it doesn’t freak you out.” Yong walked to the next one and repeated his magic.

  “Not at all, actually, the first time I saw it was the night Gwen lost it on her ex. Then, I was freaked out, but it was like she was in a trance, and her eyes were….”

  “Glowing?”

  “Yes!”

  “Yeah, that’s when the anger takes over. It’s like your body goes on autopilot. So, you’re okay with this then?” He leaned in to light another one.

  “The way tonight is going; it’s just one more amazing thing.”

  Yong took her hand and they went deeper into the tunnel.

  A surprising sensation filled her palm. “Hey, your skin is getting hot.”

  “Part of the parahuman lighter trick, I’m afraid. It’ll go back to normal in a few minutes.”

  “You weren’t lighting torches earlier, why the heat?”

  “It can get triggered by my emotions.”

  “What can?”

  “My dragon side.”

  “Which emotions?” She caressed the length of his arm, intrigued as he dispelled the dragon mystery.

  “The intense ones. Anger is a doozy. It’s hard to control it then.”

  “But you can control it?”

  “I can now that Tatsu and I aren’t linked the same way anymore.”

  Yong faced her, and Cindy caught a glimmer of flames on his face.

  “Your pupils, they’re….”

  “Yeah, the pupils change shape too.”

  “Dragon’s eyes kinda look like a cat’s.”

  “Huh, never thought of it like that.” Yong ran his fingers through her hair. “So, it doesn’t scare you?”

  “No, should it?”

  “I was hoping it wouldn’t.” Stealing a sweet kiss, he pulled back and watched her with adoring eyes. “You’re incredible.”

  The flickering flames lit the way as they wandered down the rock tunnel, Yong pausing to ignite each they passed. Echoes of crackling filled the air.

  “This is so beautiful.” Clinging to his hand, she climbed the smooth stone stairs, basking in the coolness against her bare feet. Arriving at a circular stone sitting area with cushioned lounge chairs tucked along the wall, her jaw dropped at the sight of the brilliant azure pool. Beside it was a table set with a banquet for two.

  “What is this?”

  “I hoped I would get you in here, so I made arrangements to have some refreshments sent over.”

  “When?” She folded her arms across her chest with pursed lips.

  “Uh, well….”

  “Right before I started searching for you?”

  “When I was pretty sure we’d work it out, I ducked out and had the kitchen staff set this up. Gwen mentioned you hated seafood and wouldn’t eat at the wedding.” He smirked.

  “How could you have known we were going to—oh, the twin telepathy thing, right?” Very sneaky.

  “I had to have an advantage, didn’t I?”

  “You have many.” She kissed his cheek and gave him a playful version of the evil eye. “Three champagne roses, candles….”

  “Oh, right, allow me,” he smiled and blew on the taper wicks.

  “So, what’s on the menu anyway?” She lifted the silver domed lids off the plates.

  “Braised chicken, noodles, pan fried dumplings….”

  “All my favorites?”

  “Yeah, and of course, for dessert, strawberries and chocolate.” Appearing bashful, he opened a bottle of chardonnay and filled the crystal goblets and gave her one. “The chocolate was supposed to be fondue.” He poked at the bowl of dark squares.

  “Thank you, this is all very sweet.”

  “My pleasure.”

  “But—” She frowned.

  Yong watched her with wide eyes.

  “For the record, you and your brother set me up, and Gwen, too.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He smirked and clinked glasses with her. “I came in here earlier today; you wouldn’t believe how gorgeous it was with the sun’s rays streaming through there.” He pointed up to a rounded opening in the rocky ceiling.

  Cindy stepped closer to the misty water and tilted her head back. “You can see a million stars from here.” She surveyed the cave's interior, awed by the rocky mass. Mineral deposits in shades of gray, taupe, blues, reds, and greens filled the walls. The cave teemed with cavities and crevices of different sizes and shapes.

  “I couldn’t get over this.” He pointed to the steaming turquoise water. He placed their drinks on the table, and moved closer, his heated body against her back, his palms smoothing along her abdomen.

  “I’ve never bathed in a hot spring before.”

  “Let me enlighten you.” He spoke with a soft lusty voice between nibbles along her neck.

  She closed her eyes as he unbuttoned her dress and slipped it down over her shoulders. Overcome with desire, she leaned against him, welcoming his touch. She dipped her head back, resting it the crook of his neck and guided his hand to her bra, her sensitive peaks hardening against his exploring fingertips.

  “You’re so gorgeous; I can’t get enough of you.”

  “I’m just getting warmed up.” She reached behind her and cupped his stiffening flesh. A sense of empowerment washed over her, and Cindy turned in his arms to face her seductive dragon.

  “You are? Then I must be in for a real treat.” He took a step forward.

  She tsked. “I’m not gonna make it easy for you.”

  “Well, a few more minutes of waiting I can manage, but beyond then, I can’t promise anything.” Yong eased his kung fu jacket open, revealing the streamlined muscle of his shoulders, arms, and chest tapering down to his washboard abs.

  Wow. Even better than through the window back home.

  “How about, item for item?” He pointed
to his bare top then her partial clothing.

  “That can be arranged.” Inching her mini dress down, she stepped free of the material.

  “Your turn.”

  The ravishing glow of his jade eyes captivated her, as he slid his pants down his lean hips and dropped them to the ground.

  With slow deliberation, Cindy unlatched her bra and dropped it.

  “Almost there,” he prompted, eying her panties.

  “You first.”

  With a one sided-grin, he inched his black boxer briefs down, exposing a delightful view.

  “Oh have mercy.” She approached him.

  “Come on, I’m not so unique.” His cheeks grew crimson.

  “I didn’t mean your cock; although, I’m quite taken by that sight, too.”

  “Then what?”

  “Here, this delicious muscle running down to your….” She stroked the chiseled planes of his sides, below his waist, and traced her fingers along the sculpted furrow from his hips, narrowing down to his pelvis. “It’s so sensual.”

  “You like this?” He motioned to his torso.

  “Oh sweetheart, not every man develops an Adonis belt. These magnificent muscles are such a turn on.”

  “Adonis belt, huh? I can live with that.” He snaked his arms around her waist, and nibbled on her ear lobe. “Last but not least.” His hands glided down her backside, under her sheer garment, and kneaded her buttocks.

  Caressing his rock hard pecs, she fondled his taut chest and shoulders, then back down to her treasured arrow again. “I can’t get over how much I want you.”

  The last barrier of cloth fell to the ground and her dragon did some searching of his own.

  “You have some pretty good definition along here yourself, beautiful.” His hands trailed along the same region on her body, and ventured further down, dipping his finger into her pussy. “This feels good, doesn’t it?”

  He stroked back and forth while his thumb massaged her clit. Breathless, she cupped his cheek and sought his feverish lips, his tongue dancing and curling with hers. Weakness filled her knees at his penetrating touch.

  “Yong,” she panted.

  “Mmm hmm.”

  “I wanna play.” She led him to the lounge chairs at the side of the water, pulled a cushion off, and laid it on the ground. Yong collected three more, made a makeshift bed for them and lay down.