His voice invaded her head, profound and sure. That deep voice of comfort filled her consciousness.
Amber release it and give it to me, he said. Give me the pain and hurt. Rest, dear Amber. Rest.
Unable to fight him or the raging intensity of everything, Amber gave into the darkness. Finally, she was going to fight no more. Fresh, crisp air filled her chest cavity as her body overrode her ability to process anything else.
Then nothing.
6
Noran
Standing outside, Bladorn looked past him to the entrance of Noran's private, secluded Lair. Remote from the others and ensconced in the depths of territory, the Lair was more of a modern human home than any cave or earthen structure. Quiet and not too easy to locate, Noran chose this location to get him the tranquility he needed when it was time to still away and seek the quiet. Unlike his lodging at the communal main Lair, Noran had built this home with his specific tastes in mind.
"That's correct. I have the female here in my Lair."
Noran waited for Bladorn to rebuke him with incredulity at his apparent carelessness.
Instead, all his leader said was, "I see."
The female, Amber, was still in a deep sleep in the recesses of his sleep chamber.
Noran didn't need to ask to know he should offer the necessary information for his leader to understand the events leading up to his bringing an outsider into the territory.
"Bladorn, before you command her to leave, let me explain why I made the decision that I did."
Noran knew his leader had to be uneasy with a human female this far into Dragon land. Despite the worry that settled on his face, Bladorn remained outwardly passive.
"I wasn't going to suggest she leave, but do tell. What made a reclusive, even by Dragon standards, like you bring a human female that you just met into the sanctuary? She must be fascinating."
Noran didn't too much like what his leader implied. The female had no sway or power over his decision to help her. Noran wouldn't allow Bladorn's words to irritate him.
"If you must know she is—very fascinating, that is. As for why I brought her here, she suffered a debilitating panic attack. This was after she fearlessly helped me recover from a nasty lightning strike that grounded me for quite some time."
"What? She saw you in Dragon form?"
"Yes. That's another reason I opted to keep her close. I haven't gotten enough information from her to discern what exactly she was doing out there." Bladorn's interest increased. This would be the perfect time to show him the wisdom of keeping the female within the confines of the Sanctuary. Stepping closer to his leader for emphasis, Noran lowered his voice. "She has technology that was able to track my flight."
Eyes ancient and wise widened with the revelation. Noran kept quiet. Bladorn paced as the information and subsequent ramifications of what that meant settled into his understanding.
"Let's take this to link," was Bladorn's thoughtful reply as he stopped and refocused on Noran.
"Agreed."
Noran opened his neural link that allowed Bladorn to communicate with him telepathically. This information warranted that precaution. No measure was too far to protect the ongoing safety and security of the Clan's territory.
They'd already seen an uptick in humans looking for Dragons based on a popular fantasy show that included fanciful renderings of what humans believed Dragons were like. The show's influence on the human population was laughable on the one hand but serious enough to be monitored and given attention on the other. Human curiosity knew no bounds.
Proceed with your debriefing on how the female came to rest in your bed. Bladorn's internal voice held no more emotion than his speaking one had. This didn't mean it wasn't there, though.
Noran gave pause to form the best thoughts and answer. That old Dragon would dissect everything he said in ways that would make Noran second-guess his own wisdom if he weren't sure with how he presented his reply.
Let me start by assuring you that I made sure she was still unconscious before bringing her into the territory. True, she slept in my bed, but I did not. At no time did I waver from the utmost decorum of Dragon civility or forget what is at stake. As part of that unwavering understanding of my station in this circumstance, I feel it my duty to assure you that we did not engage in sexual activity or anything besides introductory level interaction. I found the female was direct and forthcoming in her pursuit—to share what she learned with the world.
Noran didn't like the look on Bladorn's face, the kind the older leader got when he knew more than he was letting on. It was as if he knew an exciting secret about Noran that only Bladorn was privy. The old Dragon would hold onto things like this as an act of wise torment, driving Noran a little mad with the tease of withholding information that pertained to him.
It would have been better if the leader wore a look of smugness. Instead, his ancient wisdom and actions were hard to comprehend or criticize. Noran always sensed when higher Dragon wisdom than his own was at work. This occasion was one of those times.
Ignoring the desire to probe Bladorn about what the leader knew and wasn't revealing, Noran pressed on. He filled in the blanks of how they happened to be at this point with an invader sleeping in the depths of the Dragon Sanctuary.
He continued the tale of how the female came to be here.
I brought the female here last night as a last resort. When we were in her van, I noticed a Dragon's hoard of equipment and technology. Most of an entire side of the van was filled with it.
Bladorn’s face betrayed reaction to that startling information. Were you able to make out what any of it was?
I didn't have time to investigate much before she passed out. One thing I did notice was a newer model digital camera with long-range lens capability and an attachment that looked like homemade technology. I suspect that camera may have my image in very states of Dragon to man and the new technology she used to track me. I was out of it for some time, so I can't be sure all that happened. There's no telling what she was able to collect during that period.
Was it her technology that caused you to pass out?
No, it was that wallop I got from a direct lightning bolt hit. I'm still healing and can feel my body doing the internal repair from the electricity's entry and exit point.
Are you well enough to deal with your female when she wakes?
Yes. Noran didn't like how Bladorn assigned her as his female. Amber was a trespasser who was determined to unmask the lot of them.
Bladorn, with due respect, she's a potential security risk, nothing more. She's here for me to investigate. When she passed out, the opportunity presented itself to separate her from her technology until I could figure out how much information she has on us.
Yes, I agree with your choice. Wise and appropriate action on your part. Then Bladorn asked, Do you believe she knows about all of us here?
I have no information one way or the other. She didn't refer to anyone but me in our brief interaction. I can confirm that she knows I'm a Dragon, that she's extremely curious and tenacious, and that she's not one to give up so quickly on getting what she wants.
It sounds like she'd make a great Dragon with those attributes.
Maybe, but she's a nosy "scientist" as she called herself. We have to remain diligent in treating her as the intruder she is.
You are exceptional at your duty to protect the sanctuary, and I would never dare tell you how to go about doing your duty. On the other hand, I would offer this when dealing with the female--try to use diplomacy and kindness as much as possible. Human females may appear fragile in comparison to our physical strength, but they can be formidable if riled and ruffled. Tread cautiously with this one, Noran.
Noran sensed Bladorn contemplating his next question. Thus, Noran remained in silent respect and waited.
Bladorn spoke again, Do you think she's alone or part of a unit of humans?
In the eight days I observed her, it appeared she was alone.
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Alone? Isn't that unusual for human females to be in these conditions alone for so long?
To be frank, I couldn't say one way or another. This female appears to be determined in her quest. Her being alone might be normal where she is concerned. I plan to learn more about her when she wakes.
Do you plan to tell her about the rest of us?
Not at this time. I won't share more than necessary. My goal is to dissuade her from her course of action. If an appeal to her humanity and compassion doesn't work, I'll consult with you for other prudent options to proceed.
I'll make myself available to whatever you might need.
Thank you. I hope to find out more very soon.
I trust you will perform to your usual standards. Of that, I have no doubt. As for your private affairs regarding your sexual activity, I have no concern or need to know. You have proved your wisdom and honor many times over. Whatever you did or do in the future will be in keeping with your integrity and character, which is of high standard and quality. That part of your life is the least bit of concern. Do as you will, protect the Sanctuary, and keep me posted on what resources you require. You are an exceptional Warrior Guardian, one I regard with respect. I perceive nothing about that statement has changed, his leader said, paying Noran a compliment and show of respect.
Noran pushed back the slightest bit of guilt for what he didn't reveal to Bladorn. Noran didn't disclose that he'd bathed Amber before putting her to bed. The truth was, it had been a pleasure taking care of her in that intimate manner. Noran had fought his beast throughout the interaction to ignore how much he loved her softness and the effect she had on him. His beast clawed just beneath the surface to be with her. It had been hard, but needful to ignore those primal urges.
Reason prevailed. It was her hurt that drew him to her, nothing more. He wouldn't confuse that hurt with his deep-seeded desire and mourning over the mate that never materialized. As soon as he finished with interrogating her and getting to the bottom of what she was up to, he'd get Amber out of here.
Yes, this was simply him doing his duty, nothing more.
The bath was a necessity. That was all. The female had been covered in grime. Although he loved her primal essence and scent, he didn't like how dirty she was and abused her clothes were. As soon as she rose, he'd get proper clothes for her to wear and start his mission to find out why she was out there alone, looking for him and his kind.
The day was full, and she was still out. If not for his assurance that her vitals were within normal range, he would have taken her to the Sanctuary's human contacts to get her to a human hospital.
Breaking into his thoughts was his leader's voice.
I trust you, Noran. Please, keep me posted on her recovery. When she wakes, find out if anyone else knew of her whereabouts since coming to our territory. I wouldn't want a human search party snooping around.
Understood. Noran had already thought of the same and had that and a few other questions for Amber to answer when she woke.
There was something else in Bladorn's eyes that Noran couldn't quite put his finger. Instead of outright asking, he paused to see if the leader would speak freely. Bladorn turned to leave and then turned back.
A kind smile adorned his face as Noran's leader said, I am happy for you, my brother. This occasion reminds me that with the Goddess, her timing is always perfect and right.
Excuse me? What does that mean? Noran asked, confused.
If you don't know, you will soon enough. As for your... guest, please see about collecting that meddlesome van of hers before others find it. We wouldn't want news crews and the human media latching onto this if she is missed by anyone looking for her.
Yes, will do, was all Noran could manage in reply. His mind stuck on processing what Bladorn meant with the Goddess's timing remark.
Give me an update on what you learn from the female this evening. I'll keep the link available for your convenience.
Yes, sir. Noran itched to get back to the female and check on her. She might be awake, and the last thing he wanted was for her to have unsupervised free reign in his Lair.
Showing understanding about Noran's need to check on the female's sleeping status, Bladorn seemed satisfied with his debriefing, ended the neural link, and took his leave.
Bladorn gone, Noran stretched his senses out to test his ability to find the female back inside. A moment to scan and the Lair remained quiet. Good. One thing Bladorn had said that needed immediate attention was Amber's van.
Moving with the urgency required for this priority situation, Noran headed back toward the van. Thankful for the first time that it was less than a couple of miles from his private Lair.
7
Amber
Her stretch was long, languid, and refreshing. This was the best sleep she'd gotten in a very long time, the kind that came after a protracted, relaxing bubble bath. The scent of clean freshness cradled Amber as comfort and rested peace nestled her into the warmth of the bed. She could stay here for the rest of her life.
Wait, she was in a strange bed?
Her body shot up as she sat ramrod stiff in a plush but foreign bed. And, save one of the softest sheets that rivaled silken decadence, she was naked as the day she was born.
The room was dark, but hints of daylight played with the edges of window trimmings on the six windows she counted from her perch in the middle of a huge bed. She was alone in the room.
Looking around for any identifying pictures or items of where she was, Amber came up with zilch—no photos, mementos, or personal effects, just comfortable high-quality accommodations.
The vibe the room gave off wasn't a hotel or bread and breakfast. Tasteful in a practical way, the place still managed to be inviting and warm. Despite the lack of personalization, this room belonged to someone. Based on the choice of color, furnishing, and decoration, there was a strong possibility it was a male someone. Who that was, remained to be seen.
Amber did a mental and internal check to see if her mind and body felt violated in any way. After a quick internal diagnostic, she concluded no signs of molestation appeared to present themselves, but she wouldn't completely rule it out.
It was time to figure out where she was. Drawing the sheet up to cover her nakedness, Amber strained to remember events leading up to her being here. That's when the threat of a headache played at the perimeter of her consciousness. She knew that type of a headache. It was the one she got after a doozy of a panic attack. It was also an indicator that most of the events leading up to it would be wiped out of her accessible memory. That sucked.
Since she was a little kid, Amber suffered from debilitating panic attacks that knocked her out and could keep her in bed for a day recuperating afterward. One of the biggest drawbacks was the time gaps suffered. Amber hated having snatches and pieces of her life missing.
She blamed these time lapses as one of the main reasons BMEG was able to fire her. Her panic attacks and lengths she'd gone through to keep their side effects hidden had been the weapon they used to take her research and kick her out of the company. She worked on eliminating the attacks, learning as much as possible to stave off triggers for them. Judging by the intensity of a dull headache she fought to keep at bay, this latest episode had been one of her biggest. What had she gotten herself into to cause one this extensive to erupt?
She hadn't had an attack like this in a while, though. Still, the evidence was plain. She'd had one recently and needed to figure out what led to it.
Amber was in full-on mental strain despite a mounting headache when a soft tap on the room's door snatched her attention back to the bedchamber.
Unable to reason who might be on the other side, but not willing to stay in here alone if the person could shed light on her current predicament, Amber offered a rather feeble, "Come in?"
The door opened slow and measured. Amber waited, breathing shallow, and hoping the person on the other side was a friend, not foe. In the dimness of the room, she pres
sed back, scooting up the bed to plaster her back against the sturdy wood headboard of the bed. For the first time noticing the coolness of the air, she shivered and gathered the bed sheets up to her chin.
A figure stepped inside. Thankful for fairly decent eyesight in the dark space, Amber made out the form of a man in casual clothing. Still on guard and her muscles tense, Amber watched his every move. He moved with a grace that could mesmerize with how fluid it was. She continued to watch as he took his time closing the door behind him. The deliberate motions he used to complete his task gave her a view of his back.
Based on the height of the bed and her position and distance to the door, she made out that this man was unusually large. He wasn't fat. No, the guy was extremely tall and looking at the play of muscles that rippled through is back and arms, extremely athletic and fit.
Who was he? Too fast to stop it, the thought that she might be a prisoner of his whizzed through her mind. The acrid taste of anxiety about that possibility began to pepper her mouth with the flavor of fear. No, she wouldn't go there. Anxiety, be damned, she wasn't going out like that again. Whatever he wanted and whatever had happened to get her to this point, Amber would fight to make sure she withstood his plan—if he meant her no good.
Determined to protect herself, Amber refused the urge to hide under the cover. She was naked in all interpretations of the word, alone in a strange place with a strange man in what might be his bedroom. The thoughts were moving too fast. She had to slow them down.
She'd keep her focus on him and what he was doing instead of all the crazy scenarios churning in her hyperactive mind.
Stealing a deep breath for courage, Amber watched.
He turned around.
The first thing she noticed was a set of eyes that glowed like an animal's at night. She blinked to clear her sight. They found her across the distance and stared. These eyes still had that weird night glow to them, but they belonged to a man. He blinked, and she didn't scream. Okay, she could deal with this.
Dragon's Curvy Invader Page 5