Unquiet Slumber

by Paulette Miller

  Gabriel’s eyes opened wide and a huge grin appeared. “Excellent! Nice use of the lower split branch at the end. That one might leave a scar.” He bowed to Tianna. “Again, the student has become the teacher.” With a chuckle Gabriel added, “Remind me never to get you mad at me.”

  Nathaniel wasn’t moving so Gabriel walked over to make sure he wasn’t seriously injured. He found him unconscious but with a strong pulse so he returned quickly to Tianna’s side.

  Since Nathaniel was just knocked out, she felt comfortable asking Gabriel some questions. “Can I ask you some things about Draaks?”

  Gabriel nodded. “Ask me anything.”

  She gazed into his eyes. “Why exactly do Draaks go from bed to bed? Doesn’t it bother you to see someone you care about openly with another?”

  Gabriel sighed. He knew he would get these questions soon or later, but had hoped they would be much later. “I once told you that for Draaks to have a successful mating they need to not just be physically attracted to each other but they must also be chemically matched. They must find this match within their own Sett, so that further limits their choices. So, when the right combination of Draaks meet and they’re physically attracted to each other, they share their bed to see if they‘re also chemically compatible. Intimacy is a natural part of our culture so it’s seen differently than it is in the human world you were raised in.”

  He paused for a moment to see how Tianna was reacting. When she seemed interested in learning more, he continued. “Not just the Healer Sett is sensitive to touch. All Draak crave physical closeness so intimacy has become a part of our normal life. Even if a permanent bond isn’t formed, being physically together leaves behind a type of connection. Even these small connections help bind us together within our Sett. These encounters are encouraged to build our Sett into large families.”

  Tianna pondered on what he said. “So as I guessed, that means that Nathaniel has shared his bed with many females.”

  He wouldn’t lie to her. “Yes. Although he and Raven have known each other for a very long time, the magic has never blessed their union.”

  Tianna shifted topics. “I want to know more about Draak mating.”

  Gabriel chuckled softly. “I’ve been mated three times and have many children. I guess I know a few things about mating. What do you want to know?”

  “Can a non-Draak mate safely with a full Draak?”

  Gabriel knew he had to be totally honest with Tianna. “Yes, but it would have to be done very carefully. Draak’s often shift partially when aroused. If they don’t have complete control of their dragon, the female could be seriously injured or killed.”

  “Have you ever taken a non-Draak to your bed?”

  “Yes, once. She was a human woman that I met while traveling. I was smitten so when she asked me to stay the night, I said yes.”

  Tianna’s look turned to one of concern. “What happened? Did you hurt her?”

  “I was young then and didn’t have complete control of my dragon. I did start to lose control but my brothers heard her screams and ran in and pulled me off in time. She was injured but we had a healer nearby and he took care of her. I never tried again with another human.”

  Tianna’s shoulders drooped. “So, Nathaniel is right. It’s too dangerous for me to mate with any Draak.”

  He shook his head. “I’m not sure about that. You’re partial Draak and I’ve never met a stronger non-Draak female. With your mixed blood and healing abilities, I think you could handle more than you think.” He glanced down at her injured hand. “Take a look at your hand.”

  Tianna peeked down. She had healed her injury without even realizing it.

  Gabriel was amazed. “Your hand is completely healed like it was never injured.” He kissed her knuckles.

  Tianna watched him as his lips touched her skin and a heat started up her arm. She had something else to ask him but was hesitant. She wasn’t sure if she could say the words. “Gabriel…in Raven’s hut, I saw…” Her voice broke and she decided to skip ahead. “I didn’t recognize Nathaniel. I could only feel anger and despair coming from him, no passion at all. I don’t understand. Intimacy is for love not hate. Thoughts of mating have passed through my mind often. I’m new to sensing my inner dragon, but so far I’ve only felt extreme passion from mine when it comes to physical intimacy. Is what I sensed with Nathaniel what it’s supposed to be like?” If it was, she wasn’t sure she ever wanted to mate.

  Gabriel glared over at Nathaniel, still unmoving on the ground. If Nathaniel had taken Raven because of an attraction, Tianna would have felt pure desire from his dragon. Something wasn’t right about this whole situation. He wasn’t sure how much to tell Tianna, but he tried to explain his thoughts. “I can’t tell you what Nathaniel was feeling but the emotions you describe aren’t what Draak intimacy is like. If both parties are willing, it should be a moment of extreme pleasure. Fear and despair shouldn’t be present at all.”

  He remembered seeing Nathaniel’s injuries. “If it has been a long time since a dragon has released his passion, the act can get a bit rough but even that is done with the goal of passion, not hate. What you describe is what could happen if a dragon is forced to participate against his will. Nathaniel has already confessed that it was a mutual decision to mate.” Gabriel decided he would confront Nathaniel to discuss what really happened with Raven, but he knew he needed to calm down a lot more before he could calmly talk to Nathaniel.

  Tianna decided that it didn’t matter since Nathaniel said he still didn’t want her. She stared deep into Gabriel’s eyes. “I want to ask you one last question and you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.”

  Gabriel had a guess as to what she was about to ask. “Like I said, you can ask me anything and if I can answer, I’ll answer honestly.”

  Tianna cleared her throat. “If the situation was right and you and I were together, would you mate with me?”

  Gabriel took both her hands in his and told her the truth. “Tianna, you’ve become an extremely important part of my life. You captured a piece of my heart the moment you dropped out of that tree and threatened to shoot an arrow through my head.” He chuckled and straightened his shoulders. “If the situation were such that you would consider taking me as a mate, yes, I would take you to my bed.” He leaned in and gave Tianna a gentle kiss on her lips.

  Tianna took a close look at the male now in front of her. Although she was beginning to believe that she was destined to face her future alone, she knew she needed someone strong by her side. Gabriel cared for her and would always be there without question or hesitation. He cared enough to step aside to allow her to explore her feelings for Nathaniel. Her feelings for him weren’t the passion of Nathaniel, but feelings were definitely there. He made her feel safe, like family. If Nathaniel wasn’t to be, maybe this strong warrior was the one to be by her side, even if they weren’t a perfect match.

  She smiled up at Gabriel and gave him a gentle kiss back.

  That night she again tucked herself in with Gabriel. Her new sleeping routine included her facing Gabriel with her head pressed against his chest so she could hear his heartbeat, while his arms wrapped tightly around her with his hands pressed against her back. Tonight, she wanted to sleep like she used to with Nathaniel. She curled up with her back pressed against his chest. He tucked his hand under her shirt and pressed it tightly against her stomach and draped his leg over her hips.

  She reached under her shirt and moved his hand up so that it pressed against the bottom of her breast. She rubbed the back of his hand giving him permission to touch her if he wanted. She sighed with contentment as he accepted her gift and began to gently run his fingers along the bottom of her breast, up its side, and around her nipple. He longed to see her body with his eyes in addition to his hands, but she was covered by the blanket. He was going to have to see her with his touch. As he gently caressed her, he closed his eyes and let the picture develop slowly in his mind.

  He ca
ressed her for a very long time and when he cupped her breast again and gave it a gentle squeeze, Tianna took it to be a silent thank you.

  She could feel his now hard arousal pressed against her. She placed her hand on top of his and moved it so it covered her full breast. She pressed his hand down onto her so there was a tight connection. She tucked her other hand under the waist of his night pants and pressed it on the top of his hip. She then willed her fire to burn through both of her hands.

  The feeling Gabriel felt made him catch his breath. Besides the heat that was passing through him, his sense of touch grew to the point that he could feel her heart like it was beating inside his hand. He then felt her body vibrate with her purr. In his almost four hundred years he had never felt anything like this. It caused his arousal to calm, replacing it with a feeling of complete contentment. It was exquisite and indescribable. He kissed the back of her head and wondered how Nathaniel could’ve ever given this up.

  Nathaniel lay in his bed rubbing the wound from the tree branch and watched Tianna and Gabriel. He refused to heal the wound so it would leave a permanent scar. He deserved it. Although he couldn’t see anything, he could hear a slight purr and had a good idea of what was happening under the blankets. He longed to have her back in his arms again. He wanted to go to her side and beg for forgiveness, but the nagging voice in his head kept reminding him that he was her protector. It was his job to keep her safe at any cost, which meant he had to stay away from her. He listened to this voice and stayed in his bed. He rolled over and tried to go to sleep.

  Chapter 26 - The Gift

  The next morning Nathaniel pulled Seth to the side. His mental strain was causing him to lose a constant flow of energy and he needed to replenish before he became a liability to the quest. Since Tianna wouldn’t touch him, he needed to find someone to extract energy from. Seth checked the map and found that there was a human village not far from their path, but it was still a day away. Nathaniel asked Marcus to adjust their course so he could make a quick stop. Given Nathaniel’s condition, Marcus agreed.

  The day arrived for Nathaniel to travel to the human village. Even though Tianna didn’t want him touching her she really didn’t like the idea of him going back to using random, unknown women, but she couldn’t deny that he was very weak. If he had been human, she would’ve thought he was deathly ill.

  Nathaniel packed only what he needed. He planned to go, spend the day, and be back by nightfall. Tianna watched him as he rode away.

  Nightfall came and no Nathaniel. Tianna suggested that he was very weak when he left. He may have needed to spend the night.

  When Nathaniel didn’t return by morning, they all became concerned. Tianna came forward and insisted they leave immediately to go find him saying, “He wouldn’t just leave us. He may have made some mistakes but he wouldn’t leave without telling us.” They agreed it was time to go look for him.

  Just as they were preparing their search party, Nathaniel’s horse trotted near the camp without Nathaniel on its back. The horse sensed their presence but the camp was shrouded so it couldn’t get in. Tianna lowered the shield and Gabriel retrieved the horse. He brushed off something that was on its side and glanced down at his hand, seeing blood. He checked the horse and there were no obvious wounds.

  Seth smelled the blood and said, “The blood is Draak.”

  Tianna gasped and started to panic. “He’s hurt. We need to find him. He was so weak when he left he might not be able to heal himself.” She knew he wasn’t her responsibility any more but guilt had built up within her. She didn’t have to share a bed with him, but she should’ve let him share energy with her.

  After a quick discussion, they packed up camp and went to look for Nathaniel. Seth led the search party with his tracking senses. He was able to follow the path back to where Nathaniel’s scent still hung in the air. Given some of the damage that they could see in the bushes and tree branches, it was obvious there had been a fight.

  Seth walked around carefully to try and find Nathaniel’s trail. “Given the direction of his path, I don’t think Nathaniel ever made it to the village. His scent leads in the wrong direction.”

  Seth took off following the scent path with the rest of his group following close behind. They tracked his path for most of the day and then started to get that tingling feeling that a magical village was nearby. Tianna got off her horse, pulled out her book, and began preparations.

  Marcus spoke to his warriors. “We need to have a plan before we go marching up to the village. If they’ve taken Nathaniel against his will, they aren’t our allies. They’ll fight us.”

  Seth checked the map. The village wasn’t on his planned path. Tianna found the village in the book. “The village is called Coldrenn. Zarin has nothing written about it.” She glanced up from her book. “We’ll be going in blind. What do you want to do?” Tianna fidgeted with nervous anticipation.

  “Tianna has to do the spell since none of us can.” Marcus then turned to Tianna. “As soon as the shield drops, I want you to quickly fall back and stay hidden in the trees.”

  Tianna got angry. “No! I won’t hide. This is partially my fault and I can fight. I’m going with you.”

  Gabriel slid off his horse and walked up to Tianna. “My lady, I have to agree with Marcus. This isn’t a task for you. We don’t know what we’ll find in there. We can’t fight if we know we have to watch out for you.”

  Based on the look that was now on her face, he knew he had said the wrong thing.

  Tianna backed up without taking her eyes off of her companions. Her rage over everything that had happened to her filled her mind. Anger over the hate and fear she grew up with, the lie she lived with about who she really was, Nathaniel’s betrayal and her continued love for him, and most of all, the lack of any control she had on her own life. All these feelings caused her inner natures to come forward at once and this time she didn’t try to push them back. She embraced them like a lover and opened her mind.

  They all felt a cold chill form in the air. Tianna ripped out the ribbon holding the braids in her hair and shook her hair free. Her hair began to billow around her head like she was floating under water. Her eyes flashed white. “I’m the daughter of the Faye and carry the blood of many Draaks within me.” As she raised her hands, a wind started to whip around the area where they all stood. A feeling of immense power was building. “I’m so tired of being treated like some silly little girl. NO ONE needs to take care of me!”

  Her eyes turned pure black and she released all of her anger as she yelled and clapped her hands above her head. The Draaks were knocked off their horses by a loud crash of thunder.

  They awoke some time later to find Tianna gone. They had no idea how long they had been unconscious but, based on the sun’s position, it must have been several hours.

  Gabriel stood and brushed off his clothes. “Sorry my brothers. I didn’t think before I spoke. Looks like Tianna has learned to tap into more of her powers.” He was very concerned about the look he saw in Tianna’s eyes before he blacked out.

  “Where do you think Tianna went?” Seth asked, scanning the area.

  Marcus’ shoulders slumped. “To save Nathaniel.” Everyone knew he was right.

  Seth started to pace. “What can we do? She’s the only one that can get into the village.”

  They all stood there, staring at each other, trying to come up with a plan.

  *~*~*~*

  Tianna was led into a meeting room where several very large Drenn warriors were assembled. They stood when she entered and examined her from head to toe.

  The leader approached her, saying, “My, you’re a pretty little thing. What can we do for you?” He gave her a leering grin.

  Tianna, with a look of determination, replied, “I’m Tianna of the Faye. I’ve come to negotiate the release of my Draak.” This was the first time she had introduced herself by that title and it felt right.

  They all laughed but that laughter stopped when Tiann
a caused a mighty wind to blow through the room, knocking several of them off their feet. “Don’t toy with me, warriors, for I’m in a foul mood. Let me see my Draak so that I’ll know he’s alive and well.”

  A male with dark curly hair chuckled. “He’s alive but I’m not so sure about well.”

  Tianna whipped her head toward the one that spoke and her eyes flashed blue. “He had better be or you’ll regret getting up this morning.”

  He chuckled back. “A female with spirit. I like that.” He leered at her body. He stepped forward to try to grab her and a vine came through the window, wrapped itself around the warrior’s waist, and pulled him back until he hit the wall. He fell to the ground unconscious.

  Tianna’s anger was starting to cause sparks to shoot from her fingertips. “Are you all done toying with me? Go get Nathaniel. NOW!”