When Khal rises above me, my shirt is still on but unbuttoned. Good enough. His eyes lock on my own as he sinks into me, his erection stretching me just as it did the day before.
I bend into it, wanting him inside me, my hands gripping his forearms tightly. I’m gasping by the time he’s seated all the way, my neck arching back.
His hand slides down my front, rubbing at me as he starts to move, his fingers dancing expertly over me. Remembering everything from before.
I orgasm, fast and hard, clenching down on him. He groans, stilling inside me, his fingers still moving. It flows through me, there and gone. Leaving me wanting more.
I relax again, my eyes opening slowly to see Khal staring with his jaw clenched. He’s so hard inside me he feels like stone.
He doesn’t move, holding himself rigid over me.
“I want you, Ashlee,” he growls.
I swallow. Maybe it’s an odd thing to say when he’s buried hilt-deep inside me, but I know what he means. He wants me. Not just my body.
“I want you too,” I return, searching his eyes.
His face softens slightly.
“Perhaps... we shall have each other,” he says, starting to thrust once more.
Slow, gentle thrusts. I nod, not breaking that eye contact as I feel something unfurl in my chest. Something light and almost painful.
Hope.
That’s what that is.
Hope.
I cling to Khal as he reaches his own end, hugging him close, just as I hug that feeling close. If only it can be as easy as it seems in this moment.
Hope.
It’s all I can cling to as we build toward another climax.
19
Khal
“What was your impression of Visidion?”
I watch Archion’s face as Tashak asks the question. This private meeting with him is a necessary step. It would be irresponsible to continue any further without at least attempting to gain some insight into what the Zmaj leader of their group is like.
“He is... strong. Intelligent. Insightful.” Archion tilts his head, clearly recalling his meetings with Visidion. “I was struck by his ability to see... into the person he is conversing with.”
Tashak nods.
“I see. Is he a reasonable person? A good leader?”
“Yes,” Archion agrees without hesitation. “He is a strong leader, one all the Zmaj and humans instinctively follow. His counterpart—his mate—is a human female, a leader in her own right. They have equal authority.”
“Interesting,” Tashak observes, interlacing his fingers over his stomach. “I imagine having representation for both the humans and the Zmaj is helpful.”
Archion nods.
“I believe so. Between the two of them, they have the major perspectives in mind. They also like to hear opinions, other viewpoints. They are not inflexible in their views.”
I hear a slight edge to that last statement that I do not think Tashak hears. It is clear Archion does not feel the same about Tashak and the Order, and he would be right not to.
As of late, I have also had my eyes opened to exactly how inflexible we are here and how that may not be the most intelligent or resilient way to be.
“Do you believe he will respect our ways, our boundaries if we move forward?” Tashak continues. “Or will he and his mate attempt to rule us as well?”
“That is a fair question. I do not think they have any interest in gaining another territory to rule,” he admits. “They do not rule the mining settlement, but rather have mutually beneficial agreements with them. My understanding is that Visidion was the leader of the Tribe, and may still be, but he spends his time in the city, what we knew as Draconov. The Tribe is run by his former second-in-command, a Zmaj named Drosdan.”
“That is good,” I say, finally speaking up. “It would not go well for them if they attempted to take over the Order.”
Tashak smiles thinly.
“Just so,” he nods, as if coming to a decision. “The Council is leaning toward a meeting with Visidion,” he discloses. “We might want a diplomat sent ahead for the first meeting.” He leans toward Archion. “You have been to this city, have interacted with both Visidion and his mate. Do you believe sending someone ahead is a good idea?”
“I believe it is,” I throw in, a bloom of hope starting in my chest.
“I agree as well. It is better to have another perspective. I believe it will put the Council more at ease before sending a larger contingent.”
Tashak nods.
“With a diplomat in place to report to us, we will have more information and more time to discuss if forging ongoing ties will be in our best interest, as well as the best interest of the planetary community. A moon cycle or two without negative reports would likely be enough time to decide.”
“That sounds like a reasonable—” I start, but my words are interrupted as a loud bang reverberates around us, loud enough that the ground shakes underneath our feet.
An explosion.
Tashak immediately shouts orders to the guards who burst in.
“Send regiments to scout out the trouble!” he shouts. “And rally the rest to ensure our stronghold is protected!”
The guards hurry to obey his orders as Archion, Tashak, and I race through the lower halls to the humans. I know Archion is thinking of Nora, just as my mind is fully on Ashlee and her safety. When we find them, however, I know immediately something is wrong.
“Nora?” Archion asks, slowing to a stop in front of her. “Are you... well?”
Her face is slack and her eyes are bright and shining. She looks as she did with her previous episode. Her eyes do not lock on her mate, but rather move to the Councilor.
Archion does not stop her when she approaches the other male, speaking in a strange, liquid language that I cannot understand, and it is clear nobody else does either.
Nobody but...
I frown, my attention shifting to Tashak. He is clearly listening to the message, apparently understanding the alien words. When Nora stops speaking, he turns to Archion with purpose.
“Go, join the fight,” he orders.
Surprise crosses Archion’s face, followed quickly by determination. It is a sign of newly restored confidence. He slams his fist into his palm and gives a half-bow in salute.
“Thank you for your trust. I will treat it with respect,” Archion says.
“See that you do,” Tashak responds with a nod.
I must go join the fight as well but I find myself turning to Ashlee first. Her eyes are already locked on me, filled with trepidation. I step toward her.
“I must go,” I say, reaching for her hands.
She sets her own in mine, nodding.
“I know,” she whispers. “Be careful.”
“I shall endeavor to do everything in my power to return safely,” I vow.
I cup her cheek, rubbing at its softness. She nods, raising her hand to cup my own.
“I know.”
Not caring if anyone sees, I pull her into a tight hug, holding her close. I see Archion and Nora doing the same but we cannot stay here, as much as both of us clearly want to.
We rush out of the lower tunnels, completely in sync with one another. Almost as if all the dramatic events of the last few days never happened. There is nothing like a true crisis to bring everyone together, is there?
It does not take long to find the front lines of the fight. Luckily, the Invaders are not near the stronghold, our sentries having raised the alarms early.
They’re not likely to even know where it is. Archion and I separate as we near the clashing groups.
Pulling out my lochaber, I get to work on the nearest Invaders, aiming for their exposed faces and throats. I have enough experience now to avoid the brown carapace-like armor all of them wear.
The shrieks are loud as the Order forces plow through the Invaders, dodging their stunning weapons and their powerful blows. Their tusks are also stronger than they look, l
anding blows that can crack bone if one is not careful, but I am careful.
Flaring out my wings to gain lift, my arms raise and fall again and again, slicing throats, stabbing through eyes, bashing in skulls.
I feel no guilt or remorse. These beings have decided to attack Tajss and we are here to protect it. The math is simple. I fight alongside Archion for what must be hours, though time is an odd construct in the middle of battle.
All I know is to continue to attack. Continue to protect myself and my fellow warriors. This time there is another reason to fight, a deeper one that makes my blood burn hot.
Ashlee.
Nothing can threaten her and live. I will destroy the universe to save her if it was needed.
I do not look up, do not leave that battle haze until the second line of defense arrives to relieve us from duty. We have successfully defeated most of this group, but there are still others exploring the Order’s territory and they must be stopped.
Archion and I return to the stronghold along with the other warriors we fought alongside, confident the reserve force can handle the rest.
“Good fight,” he announces, slapping me on the back.
“Yes,” I agree. “Good fight.”
My mind is on Ashlee and I can see Archion’s is already on Nora. We pause, our looks telling each other more than words ever could. He nods as we both decide to forego showers before we see the females.
The halls are eerily quiet after the resounding sounds of battle that we were engaged in. Two guards stand by their door, nodding as we approach. Archion leads the way, bursting through the door. I am right behind him. Inside Nora and Ashlee huddle together, leaping to their feet as we enter.
“Archion!” Nora cries out, running over.
Archion closes the distance and embraces her tightly, his eyes closed as she peppers his face with kisses.
Ashlee is not as vocal, but the relief in her eyes is clear when she pulls me into a tight hug.
“Come,” I say in a low voice, picking her up and wrapping her legs around my waist. “Let us give Archion and Nora privacy.”
Ashlee nods, ducking her head in close to my neck as I walk out with her in my arms, returning to the chamber I had opened for us before. Once alone, we do not exchange words. We say everything we need to with touch. Naked a moment after we are alone, we embrace each other on the pallet, the skin-to-skin contact necessary.
Raising her leg over my hip, I slide into Ashlee gently. She sighs, her eyes closing halfway as she accepts me. When she leans in to kiss me, I deepen it, my hands closing over her backside and her head.
I know the fight is ongoing outside but none of that matters. None of it is here, with her, where I want with all my heart to be. I have never had a better welcome back from battle.
20
Ashlee
When I wake up the next morning, I see Khal and feel... happy. He smiles, leaning up on his elbow and kissing me lightly. My smile fades as I remember everything else. The battle that’s still raging out there beyond the edges of the outpost.
The uncertainty about the future. Sure, Khal clearly feels something for me, but he’s still a part of the Order and I worry the weight of all those protocols could be too much for him. He frowns.
“What is wrong?” he asks, sliding a soothing hand down my arm.
I lick my lips, covering his hand with my own.
“I... I want you to stay safe,” I say, focusing on the most immediate issue.
Nothing else will matter if...
His eyes soften.
“Battle is a part of life on Tajss,” he says, his voice gentle. “I am a skilled warrior and Archion will be there as well. We will watch out for each other.”
I take a deep breath, letting it out slowly.
“I know. I just... Be careful.”
No amount of assurances will get rid of this knot in my stomach, the tightness in my chest.
“I shall,” he vows, his face serious. “I will come back to you, Ashlee.”
I nod, turning into his chest, feeling too vulnerable with my face exposed and my heart on my sleeve. I’m not used to feeling this way, not used to the lack of control, if I’m honest.
We stay like that for a few more minutes, but it’s borrowed time. We have to leave the pallet, leave the corner of this place where we are playing pretend it’s just us. Our mood is somber as we clean up and pull our clothes back on.
Before opening the door, Khal tugs me in against him, hugging me tightly. I wrap my arms around him, leaning against his strength. Then time is officially up.
Khal turns to the door to open it but stops at a brisk knock. We turn to each other, confused. Who could it be?
Khal opens the door, revealing a robed Zmaj I don’t recognize. He glances between Khal and me, but doesn’t say anything, his neutral expression firmly in place. I appreciate that. Especially since my face feels like a furnace.
I step to the right a little to shield the bed and the rumpled covers on it that tell the tale of what went on in here, not that it isn’t already obvious.
“Tashak asks that you and your... companion... please meet him near the first tunnel entrance.”
Khal frowns deeply. I have no idea what the “first” tunnel is.
“The first tunnel?” he asks, as if he isn’t sure he heard correctly.
The other Zmaj nods.
“Yes. Quickly, please,” he adds, stepping back to make room.
Khal reaches behind him and takes my hand in his, gripping my hand tight, then pulling me closer to him.
“Thank you,” he says, leading me away.
“What’s the first tunnel?” I ask, trotting to keep up.
He notices and shortens his stride so it’s easier.
“When this outpost was built, the original architects started with tunnels that branched out from the center, exiting far enough away that they would lead to safe points should we be under attack.”
“Escape tunnels?” I ask and he nods.
“Essentially, yes.”
Escape tunnels.
There would only be one reason for Tashak to want us to meet him there—he’s expecting them to be used. But by whom? For what? Surely the battle isn’t that bad…
We take a few winding turns then run into Nora and Archion before we reach our destination.
“Tashak summoned you?” Archion asks as they fall in step with us.
“Yes,” Khal confirms. “Do you know what this meeting is about?”
“No,” he says, his face and voice grim. “We will find out soon enough.”
Well, he fits right in then with my and Khal’s mood. I have no idea what to expect. Apart from anxiety, that is. I’ve been dealing with a consistent level of that since we got here, so nothing new really.
The tunnel entrance isn’t much farther. I know we’ve reached it when Tashak’s distinctive jewel-toned robes come into sight. He’s standing in front of an already-open hatch with stairs leading down, three other Zmaj flanking him. I stare at the opening.
I’m pretty sure I’ve walked past this spot before and not noticed there was a door in the floor. They did a good job camouflaging it.
“...tell them we must strike from the rear only after they pass the ravine. Otherwise they will have too much room in which to maneuver,” Tashak dictates to another Zmaj, this one dressed in the standard sand-colored robes.
Tashak turns to us as the other Zmaj hurries away.
“We do not have much time,” he greets all of us, his face tense. “We are currently adjusting our strategy to fight the Invaders. If we do not accomplish several counterstrikes quickly, the Invaders may very well travel close enough that they discover this Outpost. We cannot allow that to happen.”
“Yes,” Khal nods. “That can’t be allowed, but Councilor—why did you want to meet here? Why are we not out there fighting?”
“The Council Seers were justifiably struck by Nora’s abilities,” he says, nodding at her. “Her ability to
warn us indicates a prescience. One that is perhaps linked with Tajss itself.”
“And?” Archion asks, eyeing the tunnel. “What does this mean?”
“It means we will entertain an alliance,” Tashak says, gesturing to the open hatch. “Which also means you are free to leave.”
Leave? Staring down at the open tunnel I rub my lips as my chest tightens and my stomach flutters. Going back to the city sounds great, but...
“Nora cannot go alone,” Khal says, his expression still and voice deadpan.
He’s voicing the same thoughts I’m having, though more diplomatically than I think I could say them right now. Tashak stares at Khal, his face a mask that might as well be carved of stone for all that it gives away. The two men match each other as seconds tick by, then Tashak smiles.
“Do you think so little of the Order that you serve?” Tashak asks at last. “Are we truly so monstrous? You and Archion will escort the females back to their homes.”
“Thank you, Councilor,” Khal says. His brow furrows and there is no doubt he has more he wants to say but he doesn’t.
“No,” Archion says.
No? What? My mouth falls open as I start to say something but no words come out. What does he mean no?
“No?” Tashak asks, calmly meeting the storm raging on Archion’s face. The remaining two Zmaj guarding him stiffen but don’t reach for their weapons… yet.
“Councilor,” Archion says, his voice tight, his eyes hard. “Nora is my mate. I cannot leave her. I request…” He pauses, swallows, and at the same moment I see Khal’s eyes widen. He reaches for his brother but Archion speaks before Khal moves. “I request I be exiled so that I may be with my mate.”
“No.” Khal’s voice is barely a whisper, but it falls into the stunned silence and echoes off the close stone walls.
Tashak watches Archion closely, his head tilting thoughtfully to one side. His lips purse, his brow furrows, and the moments drag past as if time itself is fighting against moving, unwilling to see what comes next.
“Exile?” Tashak asks, also speaking quietly.
Dragon’s Temptation: Red Planet Dragons of Tajss Book Fifteen Page 15