Spark (Clan of Dragons Book 1)

by Badger, Nancy Lee

  She said not a word, but she did nod, so he led her through the village gate. Once on the trail, he whistled. It was one of the things he’d learned to master while in his human form. Above them, the whispered thumping of wings made Vika grab him by the arm.

  “Fear not, you yourself said they be friendly.”

  Vika whispered, “Only if they be the same ones who chased the pirates, though they might not have noticed me.”

  Evan turned and pulled her into his side.

  She looked up at him, and blinked.

  Evan kissed her forehead. “How could anyone not notice such a beauty?”

  “Be I only in your arms because you like how I look? I be more than this flesh and bone. I would like to keep this body intact.”

  Dougal landed with a ground-jarring thud to impress her, Evan assumed. Dragons traveled quietly and could land anywhere without disturbing a speck of dirt. “Hello, Dougal. This be Vika MacKinnon, a friend.”

  Dougal bowed his head while a curling tendril of smoke smoldered inside his partially open maw. To a human, his glistening white teeth looked scary, but Vika didn’t step away. Instead, she reached out and ran her fingers down his black nose.

  “He be large, but so very beautiful. Can we ride him home?”

  “Aye. Payment will be required, though.” After Evan pecked her on the cheek, he helped her climb on top of his brother. When her quiver of arrows jabbed him in the groin, he shifted aside. With the deer carcass still draped over his shoulder, he felt like a portable meal, and hoped his brother would wait until he dropped the carcass.

  I would hate for him to accidently swallow us all.

  Vika looked at Evan over her shoulder. “Payment?”

  “Later,” he ordered, because Dougal extended his wings, and took to the sky. They raced above the trees, and Wynn soon joined them. His middle brother acted as backup, and Evan felt rather safe. The pirates were a problem, as was Toal. Someone tried to grab her at the tavern. Toal was in the meeting room with him, but who can say if he’d sent his men? “We be approaching your farm.”

  They landed in the pasture, and the sheep ran for cover. He hoped his brothers would not eat her beasts. She seemed to love the small white creatures. Several chickens squawked, and Wynn roared. Everything went unnaturally quiet.

  “He be scaring me flock and me hens. Can we get him to leave them be?” Vika asked.

  Evan nodded and untangled the grouping of dead rabbits from around her neck. He returned one to her, and threw the others at Wynn. The green dragon snatched them out of the air, and swallowed.

  “Oh. Payment.”

  “Aye.” He helped her to the ground, and pushed her toward the cottage. “Get inside. I shall speak with these beasts and see if I can explain about the pirates. It would not hurt to have guards that can eat trespassers.”

  She nodded, unlocked her cottage door, and disappeared inside the humble home. He tossed the deer on the ground, and Dougal sauntered closer. “Eat up. Keep an eye out for any intruders. Her life has been threatened too many times, and she might already be carrying me bairn.”

  “That be good news, brother. Glad you were up to the task.”

  “Very funny. Here be a snack. I will protect the lass from inside the cottage. However…” he paused, and clasped his hands behind his back. The air was warm and as Dougal swallowed his reward, Evan smelled the smoke of Vika’s hearth. It was a comforting smell, and as welcoming as the warm moss that filled his dragon lair. Would Vika agree to dwell in a cave with him? Would she run screaming when she discovered his true form?

  “How long will this take?”

  “Dougal, I have yet to share me true self with her. She might not be happy when she discovers who I really be. She be already upset that her horse be gone.”

  “Does she know it be you?”

  “I believe she suspects it, but so much has happened, and we need some time alone to talk.”

  “Fine. Enjoy your evening, then meet us by the waterfall come dawn. I predict a warm spell, on the morrow, the last of the good weather, I fear. Pirates be a problem. I never liked the bastards, but they have kept away from our homes. Now I fear they be traveling too close.”

  “I shall meet with you. With luck, Vika will accompany me.” He paused, as Wynn padded closer. “Brothers, one more thing. A young lass has run from the village into the forest. She be a shifter like us, but I believe wolf be her true nature.”

  Wynn perked up.

  “She was injured, and something frightened her enough to make her run from the village where she was safe among the humans. Please do not harm her.”

  “How will we know her?”

  “I did not witness her transformation, but suspect she be the wolf I kicked. She was red or dark auburn, with a white nose and a white tip on her tail. In her human form, she be petite, with pale skin, dark red hair, and blue eyes. Last I heard she be wearing a white nightdress.”

  “If she be in danger, we will try and protect her from a distance. Go talk to your woman, and good luck with the rest.”

  “Until tomorrow, then.”

  As Dougal and Wynn flew away, Evan took a deep breath, and entered the cottage. After bolting the door, he watched Vika preparing food over the hearth. The smell of roasting meat made his stomach growl, and she turned to him. Her smile was his undoing.

  Here was the woman to share his life and raise his bairns. Whether their offspring be human, or dragon, didn’t matter. Not anymore. She was the important part, and he wanted nothing more than to make love to her all night long. His body agreed, but when she spied the tenting of his kilt, she raised a cooking spoon as if to slam it against his head.

  “Vika! Calm down. All be well.”

  “You say I should calm down? I just rode on the back of a dragon for the second time in me life. ‘Twas better than captured in its talons, and I was nearly killed escaping some brutish men. Me horse has disappeared, and I believe you know why. No secrets be welcome in this relationship!”

  She was angry, and he knew the truth would either bring them closer together, or split them apart forever. “Aye, we need to talk, but I be very hungry. Can we have some supper, then speak on it?”

  “It? There be an it? Fine. Wash up, and set your arse in a chair by the table.” She returned to her cooking, and Evan did as she demanded. She slammed a tankard down in front of him, and cold, spiced cider sloshed over the sides. Before he could mumble a word of thanks, she returned to the hearth. He watched silently as she basted the rabbit meat, and whipped oats in a bowl. The scent of honey drifted up, and his stomach growled louder. This time, she laughed. Hope bloomed inside him.

  They ate in silence, and after they had consumed the welcome repast, Evan helped wash their trenchers. He had decided to allow Vika to lead wherever she wished to tread next. When she stroked his arm, and handed him a dishcloth with her other hand, his hope for forgiveness doubled.

  “Evan, your secrets will come between us if you don’t share them. Me life was much simpler, before I met you.”

  “Aye. No dragons, roaming pirates, Toal, or a disappearing horse.”

  “Orin and I once lived in peace with the pirates. Toal has been a nuisance for years, and only recently overly interested in me. However, the horse…” Her left eyebrow rose.

  Evan knew what she wanted to hear. “Aye, I shifted into the form you called Spark. ‘Twas the best way to get close to you, and learn your language.”

  She didn’t bat an eye, then said, “You be a foreigner?”

  “A good enough explanation, I assume, but I do not wish to keep any secrets from you.”

  Vika took the cloth from his hands, and led him to her bed. Standing close together, she gazed up into his face. “I appreciate knowing the truth about Spark. I will miss him, unless you would rather sleep in the barn?”

  “Nay. I wish to sleep in your bed, but if you should have need of a strong stallion beneath you…” He winked, and a delightful blush colored her cheeks. She was
beautiful, brave, and would make the perfect wife and mother for his offspring.

  Wife?

  Dragons did not mate for life, which be why he was optimistic for Dougal. He had lost his mate, Cliona, but there had to be someone who could bring happiness back to his life, and wash away his sorrows. Evan had no need of a wife. ‘Twas a human word. If Vika consented to be his mate, they would create a bairn or two, then she would return to her life in the village and farm. Evan and his brothers would raise the young dragons, while searching for mates of their own.

  ‘Tis a simple plan, if Vika agrees.

  When she pulled the plaide from his belting, and removed all of his clothing, she smiled even wider. He took in a surprised breath, glad she wanted him as much as he obviously wanted her. He was as hard as granite, and wanted nothing more than to kiss her senseless.

  Well, maybe I be wanting a little more.

  Her hand wrapped around his erection, and he exhaled. When she squeezed, his stance widened, and he prayed she’d touch him everywhere before the night ended. “Vika, I would kiss you.”

  “You would?”

  “And more, but I will not take advantage of you. We need to talk.”

  She sighed, released him, and untied the laces of her bodice.

  He swallowed, and kept silent.

  “Evan, I be tired, and sore.”

  “Your ribs be hurting you?” He helped her out of her dress and chemise, then tenderly probed her bruised flesh.”

  “Evan! ‘Tis what Mistress MacFingan did, and it hurts!”

  Drawing his hand away, he curled his fingers in her hair, and sniffed her. The scent of rain and heather lingered, even after a day of harsh realities. “How do you always smell so fresh?”

  She slapped his chest. “I use a cloth and fresh rainwater, silly, though I would love a bath.”

  Evan had a great idea. As long as the weather improved as Dougal felt it would, the stream and waterfall would be the perfect place to wash away tonight’s lovemaking scents. “If you be still talking to me come morning, we shall swim beneath the waterfall where we first met. Do you remember?”

  She smiled, then lowered her head. She wasn’t known for being a shy lass, but she was new to the art of making love, and he wanted her so much, his entire body ached.

  “I remember. A dragon appeared, as well. What amazing things have happened in such a short time! Do you want to know the best part?”

  He nodded, and took in another deep breath. His entire future hinged on this woman. She had the power to make him the happiest dragon in the Cuillin Hills, or crush him like a bug.

  “I made love to a handsome man, who turns out to be quite the stallion. Mount me again?”

  Their mouths met, and their hands swept over their bodies in a frenzy he wished would never end. He had not realized how eager he was to make love to her again. When she pushed him onto her little bed, then straddled him, his heart was pounding and his erection hardened into a velvet-covered steel shaft. Where their bodies met was warm, and he sensed moisture dripping from her most private place. She was kissing him with all she had, and running her fingers through his hair.

  When she slid her hands along his arms, gathered his wrists above his head, and restrained him, he shuddered. She would never match him in strength, but this moment was not about brute force. She wanted to be in control, and he wanted her to find her pleasure any way she wished. Making love in this human form was new to him, but he treasured the closeness of skin to skin contact, and the taste of her in his mouth. The aroma of her desire was intoxicating, and his heart would surely break if she learned to hate him and his secret.

  The hunger he felt for her was ripening into something more. Was it simply lust, or was he falling in love? Love was a silly notion, or so he thought. Dougal said he loved his mate, and the bairn she had carried. Could Vika love him enough to forgive him everything?

  CHAPTER 22

  Evan was hot, hard, and right where she wanted him. As she rubbed along his swollen shaft, christening it with her juices, she slipped her tongue between his lips. He tasted of cider and it was a sweet taste on a sweetly handsome man. When she took a deep breath, he smelled of wool and horse leather, and the reminder of his other self was a shock.

  “Evan, be you a danger to me? I mean, will you leave me on the morrow to fend for meself? I do not think I can stand being alone, not yet. If you must move on, can you not wait awhile?” She released his hands from above his head, and sat up. She set her hands on his naked chest, and gently stroked his copper-colored nipples. When he groaned, and his hips rose, she sighed. The pleasure of his hard flesh beneath her stirred her to move back and forth, stimulating them both. ‘Twas easy to desire this man, though she feared her heart would break if they parted.

  “Vika, I do not plan to leave you. Not yet. Not until I share me story with you in the light of day. We both be aching with need, aye?”

  She nodded, and prayed the morning would find them deeply in love, and Evan would never wish to leave. It could be only a dream, but she had to have faith. Faith was a big part of her life, especially after the death of her parents. Before Toal got involved, the villagers had kept them fed and clothed. The pirates bought their harvest, and paid with coins. Vika had hidden some of the gold away for emergencies.

  When the villagers assumed Toal’s interest was welcome, the outright assistance had stopped. Vika knew she would never deal with pirates again, no matter how bad things got. Orin was a wonderful, caring brother, and she would tell him where she’d hidden the coins. He had matured into a sensible young man, and even loved her horse…

  “Spark. I was just thinking of him. I miss him.” As she spoke, his frown grew, and his cock softened. The subject was painful for them both. “Let me ride you. I have only heard of such things, but I need to feel you deep inside me.”

  “Well, I have never made love in this position, but I believe it will work to our benefit.” His words inspired them both.

  She stroked the velvety flesh of his cock until it swelled and turned hard as steel. Rising up on her knees, she found his length, and lowered herself. When he filled her to the hilt, she paused to catch her breath. He was a very big man, and the power throbbing between her legs was proof. Shoving fear aside, she rose up, then lowered her body again and again. His hips joined in the hot and slick melee, and a spark detonated deep inside her. All too soon, she cried out at the magnificent pleasure caressing her body, and he shouted his release.

  She fell onto his chest, boneless and satisfied. “I love you,” she whispered.

  Evan didn’t react, so he must not have heard, which was fine with her. Until they had their talk and he shared all his secrets, how could she ask him to stay?

  “I be chilled,” she said, sliding off him, to stand beside the bed. Wrapping a blanket around her, she walked to the hearth and fed the fire. The warm glow of the peat logs, and the scent of Evan on her skin, was comforting. How would she feel in the morning?

  “I believe tomorrow will be warm. Come with me to Crystal Falls. We shall bathe together, and the cool water should soothe your bruised ribs.” Evan sat up, then slid beneath the blankets.

  “Me bruises look quite purple, but the pain is minimal.” He looked huge in her small bed, but also very inviting. A renewed sizzle burned inside her, and her voracious need to make love to him was awe inspiring. “That would be lovely.”

  “Come to bed, love.”

  Even with the endearment, and his luscious smile, weariness gripped her, dragging her toward sleep. She dropped the blanket, then slipped beneath the covers, and into his arms. Nothing felt as natural as cuddling into Evan’s chest, and she prayed it would never end.

  So, he can turn into a horse. ‘Tis so bad?

  He had other secrets, and she wanted one of them to include dragons, because so far they seemed frightening, dangerous, and…wonderful. They never actually attacked her. In fact, they had saved her life, and had provided rides on their backs. She would
ask Evan if he knew much about them. Together, they could search for them. “We ought to help in the search for Maeve. I worry that she be out in the forest with creatures…and pirates.”

  “I had an opportunity to talk with her before Orin brought her to the tavern. She be stronger than she looks, and I believe she has people in those woods. She shall survive.”

  “Orin has gone to find her. Should I worry about him?”

  “Nay. I feel he has become a friend to those dragons. They will watch over him, as they watched over you.”

  He wasn’t saying everything about the subject of dragons, but what he did say made her feel more comforted. Besides, there was nothing she could do tonight. The morning would break soon enough. They would make love again, head to the waterfall, and bathe beneath its fragrant spray. She prayed Toal, his men, and the hideous pirates were far away.

  As if reading her mind, Evan nibbled her ear, and kissed her. When he turned her onto her stomach, and mounted her, she moaned into her pillow. His hard length probed her damp folds, and she spread her legs.

  “Evan? What…”

  “Hush, love. Let me work this out. If I see your breasts or taste your mouth right now, I will not last long enough to pleasure you.”

  A giggle bubbled up, but laughing at his remarks would not be appropriate. Instead, she raised her bum, and welcomed the hot, hard length inside her chasm, still moist from their recent lovemaking. As he thrust into her, filling her core, her body quivered, and all her breath escaped. His groans spurred her into participating. Who knew that humans could make love the way horses did.

  Horses?

  She closed her eyes and buried her face in the pillow. If she cried out for him to pound into her harder and deeper, their lovemaking might end too soon. She wanted nothing more than for him to arouse her until stars filled her vision, but her love for him made her slow her movements, and wait for him to satiate his desire for her.

  When he stiffened above her, then bent forward and nibbled on her right shoulder, she exploded. The shock morphed into a glorious shimmer of pleasure that was anything but expected.