“For a quick dip in the lake.”
“What?” Her fatigue left in a rush. “That water’s cold!”
“Invigorating,” he countered, drawing her closer to where the clear waves lapped against the pebbly shore. “We need to clean you off or you’ll be uncomfortable.”
Her heart melted at his soft words. She realized then that he was caring for her again. He was the expert at sex and knew what was best for her. So far he had proven that he always put her pleasure and comfort before his own and that was a good quality in a man, she decided.
“Okay, but let’s make this quick. I don’t relish freezing my butt off.”
He let her precede him so he could noticeably leer at the butt in question.
“No, that would be a definite shame. I’ll make sure that your beautiful butt doesn’t go anywhere, okay?”
He grabbed her ass in his warm hands and pushed her toward the clear water of the lake. They splashed in, laughing and smiling as he pulled her close. He took them only waist deep into the water before tugging her to a halt. Holding her eyes with his, he swept one hand down over her body and into the water, cupping between her legs. His calloused fingers teased through her folds. As he cleaned her, each sweep growing bolder, a fire kindled and leapt in her womb.
He plunged two fingers up into her sore channel, but backed off when she winced just the tiniest bit.
“I’m sorry,” she said softly as he drew back.
“No, I should have realized you’d be sore after all we’ve done today.”
“But I want more.”
He shook his head with a soft smile. “You can’t have it. Not that way at least.”
“What other way is there?”
Now the fire returned to in his eyes. “There are many other ways, my sweet innocent.”
“Not so innocent anymore, thanks to you, sir knight.” She knew she was blushing from the heat rushing up her neck, but couldn’t help it. Besides, he seemed to enjoy it as he touched the flush on her cheeks with one strong hand. His other hand lingered below the water, tracing her folds and soothing her aches with gentle touches.
“I doubt there’s anything in this world that could take your innocence completely from you. It’s part of your soul, shining out through your lovely eyes.” He bent down and kissed her eyelids so softly it brought a tear to her eye.
She started to shiver but it wasn’t from the cold.
“Let’s get you out of the water. You’re right. It is kind of chilly.”
Instead of letting her walk out, he hoisted her up into his strong arms and carried her to shore. After drying her with his towel, he laid her down on the soft pile of their clothing and settled himself on his haunches between her bare legs.
“What are you doing?” She was just a bit nervous, lying there, so exposed to his gaze. Her eyes followed his every move, her mouth going dry and her stomach clenching in anticipation that was mixed with just a hint of fear. This was all so new to her, but this man, this moment, felt so right. The smile in his eyes reassured her, the passion in his gaze heated her blood.
“Just enjoying the view. You’re gorgeous, Belora.” He leaned forward and placed a smacking kiss on the soft swell of her tummy as she laughed. “And while I’m here, I might as well show you one of those other ways of giving pleasure. What do you say?”
He raised his gaze to meet hers and smiled in that devilish way of his that made her insides clench.
“I’m all for it. I think.”
“Oh, don’t worry. You’re going to love this.”
He moved downward, shocking her as his hands spread her pussy wide open and his tongue delved inside. She nearly bucked off the ground, the pleasure was so intense. He laved her most intimate places with his hot tongue, stroking down her slit and back up, pausing to seek inside the sore areas that had never known such passion before that day.
All pain was forgotten as shivers of delight danced up and down her spine. She’d never felt so wanton, so desirable as she did with this knight. He soothed her with long licks, exciting her with the odd foray to circle and tease her clit. Her legs trembled and her muscles went weak, anticipation building as he stroked her higher and higher.
“Gareth?” She didn’t know how she could stand the sensations running through her body. It was frightening and profound at the same time.
“Shh, sweet. Just enjoy. This is for you.” His whispered words brushed in soft puffs of heated air against her, making her even more eager. It wouldn’t be long now.
She looked down and saw Gareth’s sparkling eyes gazing up at her from between her legs. Something about the sight of him, pleasuring her so thoroughly and seeming to enjoy it, sent her soaring higher. When he bit down gently, but unexpectedly on her clit, she screamed and convulsed in yet another orgasm. He rode her through it, keeping his warm mouth on her.
“Gareth! Oh, Gareth.” Whispered pleas escaped unnoticed from her lips as he curled her into his arms, much, much later. She could feel his hard cock against her, but he made no move to relieve his own tension.
When reason returned, she sat up and pushed him backward onto the bed of clothing. The surprise in his eyes made her bold.
“Surely if you can give me such pleasure with your mouth, I can do the same?”
Gareth placed his hands on her arms. “You don’t have to do this, Belora. This last time was for you. I don’t expect anything.”
“Nonsense. I want to learn you the way you’ve learned me.” She moved closer, settling closer to his thick erection. “I would take you in my body again, but I’m too sore. Let me do this for you, Gareth.”
He let go of her arms and lay back with a silly grin on his face. “If you insist.”
“Tell me what to do.”
“Just touch me, Belora. Wrap your fingers around the base and suck the tip into your mouth. Use your tongue.” She followed his instructions and was gratified to hear his harsh groan and feel the fingers tightening in her hair. He obviously liked what she was doing so she sucked harder. “Yes, just like that. Oh, Belora!”
She began to move her mouth on him in time with the tugging motions of his hand in her hair. He wasn’t controlling her, but coaching her, she realized, and she took full advantage of his lesson to bring him to the brink of ecstasy.
At the same time, she was learning intimate things about him. His musky scent, his salty taste, the rhythmic way he liked to be licked. She felt wicked and divine at the same time, learning how to pleasure a man such as this. She sucked lightly, then harder, following his cues as she learned the new landscape before her. Never had she imagined, even in her wildest dreams, taking a man in her mouth this way. It was something out of her realm of experience, but something she knew she wanted to do again. With this man, and this man alone.
“Let go now if you don’t want me to come in your mouth,” he warned. “I’m close.”
But she wanted his come. She wanted it all. She wanted to taste him, to swallow him down, and take his essence into herself. She wanted all she could get of this noble, magnificent knight. For all too soon, she knew they would part and she might never see him again.
She sucked harder, and he gasped. That was all he could take. He tried to back away as he came, but she wouldn’t let him. She hadn’t expected to enjoy making him come as much as she had. Pleasing him had given her a sense of her own feminine power and allowed her to express the softer feelings she inexplicably had for this hard knight who had stolen her heart with only his smile.
They lay down together again for a while, basking in the lethargy that she was learning came after incredible sex. She enjoyed watching the late afternoon sun glinting off the lake and the dragon flying low over the forest in the distance. She felt secure and protected, held securely in her knight’s embrace.
Belora turned in his arms to look up at his chiseled face. “You know, I’ve never seen a dragon in these parts before, much less a knight.”
“You’ll see more of us soon. We’ve founded a Lair jus
t to the north of here by the king’s command, and will be patrolling the border from now on.”
“That sounds like trouble. Your dragon friend said we might see war from Skithdron.” She really didn’t like the implications of their presence on the border, though she was glad to have met this gentle, strong knight.
He nodded once. “It’s true. There’s unrest to the east. More skith attacks than usual for one thing, and political maneuvering between the kings and politicians.”
“My mother said she’d heard rumors in the village, but we were hoping it was just talk.”
“Unfortunately not.”
She lay back against him, staring at the sky and thinking hard while he idly drew soft circles on her bare skin with his fingertips.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, Gareth knew it was time to take her home. He didn’t want to, but he had to do the right thing. She had family waiting. A mother who would worry if she didn’t return that day.
What he wanted to do was kidnap her. Tie her to Kelvan’s back and steal her away to the new Lair. But keeping her against her will wasn’t the smartest way to begin what he hoped might be a long-term relationship. He had to let her go. For now.
Gareth shifted his weight and stood, sorting out their clothes. Belora stood as well, obviously taking her cue from him. They dressed silently, the oncoming chill in the evening air speeding their movements.
“Will I ever see you again?” Belora’s tone was curious, not possessive, but the words caused a tightening in his heart.
“I hope I’ll see you often.” He took a chance, knowing he was rushing things. “In fact, I’d like you to come back with me to the new Lair, Belora. I want more than just this. Will you come with me?”
She took a moment before answering. Gareth didn’t breathe, waiting for her response.
“I want to, more than you can know, but there’s more to consider than just my desires.” She looked down at her hands, wringing them with what looked like true regret.
“What could be more important than this?” He took her into his arms and skimmed her back with his fingers, bringing her close to his heart.
“My mother relies on me, Gareth.” Her voice was small against his chest. “I can’t just leave her.”
Gareth set her back slightly so he could look into her eyes. “You are a noble creature, my Belora. Kelvan and I will take you home and speak with your mother. As Kel is fond of saying, the Mother of All will find a way.” He stroked her cheek. “You’re truly not afraid of him, are you?”
She gave him a puzzled smile. “Why would I be afraid of a dragon? They’re noble creatures, especially those who serve the king and fight to protect us.”
“And you can really hear him when he speaks to you?” Gareth held his breath. So much depended on her answer.
“Well, yes, of course. Can’t everyone?”
He shook his head and laughed lightly. “Not everyone, Belora. Only a few are blessed with the ability.”
She tilted her head, thinking. “That’s strange. I thought everyone could. My mother can, I know that for certain. She was friends with a dragon when she was little.”
He kissed her lightly. He looked forward to meeting Belora’s mother. Women who could bespeak dragons were rare, in deed.
“Then the Mother of All has definitely put you in our path for a reason. If we are meant to be together—and I feel certain we are—then it will all work out. All I ask is that you at least agree to visit the Lair. I want you to see it and learn a little of our ways.” He stroked her hair back from her face, his heart shining in his eyes. “If you think you could live there, well, then I’ll have another question to ask you, but we’ll take first things first. We’ll check on your mother and then go for a visit, okay?”
“Okay. A short visit.”
Adora watched in awe as a mighty dragon landed in the small clearing in front of her cabin in the woods. She’d not seen a dragon since she was a little girl, and this one was a beauty. Blue and green with the iridescent sparkle of his kind, this dragon reminded her of her childhood friend. Even more amazing, this dragon bore a young knight on his back along with her daughter! She wiped her hands on her apron and rushed out to greet them.
“Bel, my dear, you’ve brought guests.” Adora smiled as her girl raced from the dragon’s side to hug her.
“This is Gareth and Kelvan.” Belora’s excitement was evident as she took her mother’s hands in hers, pulling her forward to meet them. “Gareth, Kelvan, this is my mother, Adora.”
Adora surprised them all by bowing low to Kelvan in the old way first, before she even acknowledged his rider. The dragon preened openly at the show of respect and stood to his full height, returning the courtesy with a formal sweep of his wings.
“You honor my humble home with your presence, Sir Kelvan. Be welcome here.”
“The honor is mine, Madam. Your daughter claimed you once knew one of my kind and I am pleased to see the old ways preserved in your memory. You do both our peoples proud.” Kelvan included them all in his silent speech.
Adora blushed prettily as she straightened. “You are a handsome dragon, Sir Kelvan, and a pretty talker.”
The dragon rumbled in a way resembling laughter and all the humans smiled as he laid the dead stag at the lady’s feet.
“An offering for your table, madam. Courtesy of your daughter.”
“And Kelvan too, Mama. That’s how we met. I shot the stag, but he didn’t see me and snagged it from above for a snack. I disputed his claim to the stag and he brought me to Gareth to see who was in the right.”
“Ah yes, you bring me not only a dragon, but a knight as well.” Adora clapped her hands together in joy, though her tone was mischievous. “You are Sir Gareth?”
The young man strode forward to stand before her. “I am.”
“Welcome to our home, sir. It has been many years since I last saw a dragon and I must admit complete ignorance of the knights who work with them. The dragon I knew as a child had no partner at the time.”
Gareth smiled kindly down at her. He was very tall and built on a large, sturdy frame.
“We are not much different from normal men, Lady, except that we can hear the dragons as you do and partner with them to protect the innocent.”
“It is a noble calling,” Adora replied. She liked the look of this knight, though his presence portended danger to her home…and perhaps to her daughter.
Gareth inclined his head to acknowledge her words. He was very polite and well spoken.
Adora continued her train of thought. “Your being here is worrisome, though. If you are here in my forest, trouble must not be far behind.”
“You are perceptive, madam.” The dragon’s powerful voice sounded through all their minds. “Trouble brews on the border and the king has dispatched us to create a new Lair not far from here. You must be cautious in your travels and dealings with strangers. The skiths are growing restless.”
Adora gasped but did not otherwise show the fear his stark words brought to her soul. She thought through the dire news as she made her guests welcome and turned the subject to more pleasant matters. At least on the surface.
She asked them about the new Lair they were building and prepared refreshments while Kelvan, in an uncharacteristically thoughtful move for a dragon, dragged the stag away into the forest to prepare it for the women. A few strategic swipes with his razor-sharp talons, and the meat was dressed and ready for cooking.
When he came back, they were sitting around the outdoor fire pit in front of the small cottage, talking amiably. Being certain he had everyone’s attention, Kelvan covered one nostril with an overly large digit and exhaled a burst of flame over the meat. When the flame subsided, it was fully cooked, just right for human consumption.
“Dinner is served.”
They all laughed and Adora passed around plates and utensils while Gareth carved and served each in turn. She also served drink and some of the tubers she’d been preparing befo
re they arrived. It worked well as a side dish to the feast of meat.
Kelvan had already eaten, but he’d saved a few raw tidbits to nibble on while the humans ate. He was surprisingly neat for such a large beast and he reminded Adora again of the dragon she’d known as a child.
They talked of general things. The building of the new Lair and how far it was from the village. Gareth talked a little about the areas they would be patrolling and the warning systems they were setting up. Adora found it fascinating. And disturbing.
After dinner, Gareth and Belora took a walk down to the stream to gather water and steal a few moments alone together. It was growing increasingly obvious to Adora that her beautiful daughter was deeply in love, as was the tall young man at her side.
His heart was in his eyes as he looked down at her girl, and she knew it was a long-lasting kind of love that filled his heart. Though she had never known a knight before, she knew dragons. Her childhood dragon friend had taught her that the men they chose to fight with had the highest qualities of nobility and honor. She had little to worry about as far as her daughter’s match was concerned, but still her heart grew heavy watching them.
“He loves true and deep, milady. It’s the nature of knights to decide what they want quickly and pursue it with all haste. Many recognize their life mates within moments of meeting. The Mother of All guides them in every facet of their lives. Fear not for your daughter.” The dragon settled across from Adora by the fire, his wings folded loosely against his sides as he reclined.
“I fear not for her, though I thank you for your words of comfort. If anything, I fear for my own future, selfish as it seems.” Adora shook herself and changed the subject before the dragon had a chance to ask questions. “It’s not important. Belora told you I knew a dragon when I was a child. I used to bring her melons from our garden and she would always slice a little piece for me as a treat. You remind me of her, Sir Kelvan. You have similar coloring in your wings and around your eyes. Her name was Kelzy.” She sighed, lost in memory. “She had a scar running near her left ear.”
Maiden Flight (Dragon Knights) Page 3