by Lyndi Lamont
“That should not be a problem, but why Klosterlupe?”
“There is always a contingent of the Brotherhood of the Wolf stationed there. He can gather the knights to ride to the king’s rescue, but it will take time. Someone must warn the king as quickly as possible.”
“Yes, that is my job.” He crossed his arms over his chest and gave her the look that had frozen many an underling in their tracks. It had no effect on her.
She glared back at him. “But if you go alone, what is to stop the king’s archers from shooting you down? Or at least driving you off. If a human is with you, they will not dare fire.”
He heaved a sigh and ran a hand through his hair. “True enough, I suppose. But why you?”
She caressed his face. “Because I am the only one besides Rolf who is not afraid to fly with you.”
He drew her to his breast and wrapped his arms around her. “My brave warrior maid.”
She looked up at him, her eyes soft and dreamy. “Make love to me, Kane. One last time.”
Desire stirred in him, but he groaned and pushed her away. “I do not think that is such a good idea, Tova.”
“Why not?”
He turned and walked back to the window, afraid to look at her lest he give in. “I have said I would not leave you with child.”
He heard her steps as she moved toward him. “But that isn’t all, is it?” she asked softly.
He spun around to face her. “No. There is a reason why dragonfolk seldom mate with humans.”
She sighed. “I know your abilities must be kept secret. You are afraid you will leave me with a shifting child to raise.”
“No, Tova. Shifting is handed down from mother to child.”
She turned her head to one side. “Then why does it matter?”
He gripped her by the shoulders. “I care about you too much already to leave you with a child to raise alone.”
“Let me worry about that,” she said. “If I do conceive, know I will treasure our babe whether we are together or not. I’ve longed for a child for years. Do not deny me the chance.”
“I cannot stay here in Velosia,” he warned. “Once I have cleared my name, I must go home to my people.”
“Because you are the dragonlord.”
“Yes,” he murmured.
“And you have a duty to produce an heir.”
“No, I already have an heir, a daughter.” He winced inwardly at the look of shock on her face. “I beg your pardon. I should have told you sooner.”
She managed a smile. “It is of no import. I like the idea of a lady dragon being in charge one day. Of course, you must return home to your child.” But her tone was wooden, and his heart ached. If only she were of the dragonfolk, too.
“You will find another love, Tova.”
She shrugged, attempting nonchalance, though he saw the hurt in her eyes. “I suppose I will. In the meantime, there is nothing to stop us from pleasuring each other.”
“Ah, Tova, I would not take advantage of you.” Though he did want her, he feared he was too close to caring for her. Leaving her would not be easy.
Her smile was saucy. “Who says it would not be me taking advantage? ’Twill increase my magic, if naught else.”
Unable to refuse her request, he said, “Well, if ’tis in the cause of magic, how can I say no?”
She took his hand and led him to the small bed. He untied the ribbons binding her hair and finger-combed the long, silky strands. “I love your hair. The color is rich like the most fertile soil, but soft as the finest silk.”
She sighed as he massaged her scalp. “You flatter me, sir.”
“Not at all,” he murmured, pushing her heavy mane aside and pressing a kiss to her exposed nape. “You fascinate me,” he whispered. “Strong and brave, yet soft and loving.”
She turned to look at him. “You fascinate me, too. I have never known anyone like you.”
It was her turn to run fingers through his hair, combing it back from his face. The look in her green eyes was slumberous with desire. “Gods help me, but I want you inside me, Kane.”
He closed his eyes. “Tova, I explained—”
“What difference does it make?” she asked. “Odds are we won’t survive the next few days.”
His eyes flew open at her words. A flush bathed her cheeks, but her gaze was steady. “Are you sure?”
She nodded. “I am.”
He shook his head in wonder. A man might spend his life with this woman and never cease to be surprised by her.
She removed her shoes and pulled up the hem of her gown.
“Let me,” he begged.
She let go of her skirt and waited for him to kneel in front of her. He ran his hands up one calf, feeling the curves of her leg. He untied her garter and smoothed the stocking down to her ankle, enjoying the feel of her strong, supple muscles and smooth skin. Then he did the same with the other leg before lifting each foot to remove the stockings. The pulse in her ankle pounded, and he knew she was growing as excited by his touch as he was. His cock was aching now, demanding to be buried in her heat, but he took a deep breath, not wanting to rush this moment.
Standing, she pulled the gown over her head. At last she stood before him clad only in her shift. Her nipples and the triangle of hair at the apex of her thighs were visible through the fine linen. Her dark locks flowed around her shoulders. Without speaking, she undid the ties of her shift and removed it. Wearing only a satisfied smile, she climbed onto the bed and lay on her side facing him, one hand supporting her head.
He let his gaze wander over her body. Her breasts were perfect, larger than a handful, but not too big, and tipped with dusky pink nipples. Her aura blazed with intertwining red, gold and green lights, and her knowing smile was like that of a practiced courtesan. No, more like a primal goddess. Venus personified.
“When you are finished looking,” she said with a raised brow, “’tis your turn to undress.”
He almost tore his tunic as he pulled it over his head, his movements clumsy and hurried. His shoes and hose followed, left in a pile on the floor. Joining her on the bed, he stretched out and drew her to him, skin to skin, her breasts pressed against his chest, his groin to her stomach, their legs tangled. When he kissed her, she opened her mouth to his eager tongue. The kiss was long, wet and languorous, with each seeking pleasure. Her hands gripped his shoulders as he stroked her back. He moved one hand to her waist and down her hip to her round bottom. She arched into him.
When the kiss ended, both were breathing harder. Pushing her onto her back, he cupped her breasts in his hands and lowered his head to take one pebbled tip into his mouth. He lavished attention on one breast, then the other as she panted and squirmed. He moved a hand between her legs and found she was wet and slick. When she opened her legs to give him better access, he palmed her mound and caressed her.
“I want to taste you,” he whispered.
Her only response was a murmured agreement.
He kissed his way down her belly, feeling her muscles tighten in anticipation when he stopped to tease the soft skin of her inner thighs.
“Now, Kane,” she pleaded.
Smiling, he lowered his head and kissed her, inhaling her unique scent. He traced her inner lips with his tongue and blew gently on her pleasure bud. Using light touches, he alternately licked and fingered her until she was writhing with need. He inserted a finger inside her, adding pressure, until she came in a rush.
When her climax ended, he cuddled her in his arms for a few minutes until her breathing grew normal. “Would you like to sleep?”
“No, not yet. You have not found release.”
Leaning forward, he kissed her neck and shoulders, drawing sighs of pleasure from her. He loved the scent of her hair, the taste of her skin, the sounds she made during lovemaking.
“Ready, sweeting?”
“Now, Kane.”
He eased into her, stopping to let her adjust to him. She pressed back, taking him farther i
nside. He rocked forward and back in a slow, easy rhythm, taking his time. Savoring every moment of their joining. Her hand moved between her legs to touch herself. He heard her breathing quicken and his own arousal spiraled higher.
“You feel so good, so hot.” You feel like home.
In truth, he couldn’t remember wanting a woman as much as he wanted her, needed her. He felt the pressure of his climax building, radiating throughout his body, shaking him to the depths of his soul.
CHAPTER 5
Kane neared the Old Keep just as dawn was breaking, painting the sky gold and pink. He had been flying for hours, with only a short break to drop Sir Rolf at Klosterlupe. The knights had welcomed the unexpected company, providing a hearty breakfast for the weary travelers. Tova, clad in men’s clothing, received not a few disapproving stares, but she paid them no attention. After a brief rest, he and Tova took to the sky for the last leg of the journey.
Once again, he had tried to talk her into waiting at Klosterlupe, but she would have none of it. She had agreed to wear the breastplate for protection, though, and a royal pennant streamed behind her, secured at her waist. He prayed she would be safe.
As he cleared the last strand of trees, Kane spotted the old tower of gray stones at the edge of a river, surrounded by the tents of the king’s archers and huntsmen. Colorful pennants flew from their center poles, fluttering in the cool breeze. The scent of meat roasting over the fires teased his nostrils, and his stomach growled. Flying always made him hungry.
He circled the area, looking for a place to land. The men below were awake and staring up at him, voices raised with excitement. Dogs barked and horses whinnied in fright.
As he had feared, the archers ran for their bows and one of them fired. Kane dodged the arrow and beat up out of range, seething with anger.
“No, fly lower,” Tova urged him. “They need to see me.”
Gritting his jaw, he complied, gliding downward. If one of those arrows harmed a hair on her head, he’d kill the man responsible. Hell, he’d tear the bastard limb from limb.
“Do not shoot,” Tova shouted. “I bring a message for the king. Queen Clothilda sent us.”
The king appeared at the top of the tower, his fair hair faded to gray. “Give the outlaw room to land,” he ordered.
The king’s men backed toward the keep, forming a defensive circle around it, bows still at the ready and pointed at him.
::If you are sure…::
“What other choice do we have? Bruno must be stopped.”
Kane landed as close to the forest as he dared and crouched to let Tova scramble off his back. ::Be careful, sweeting.::
“Will you shift?” she asked.
::Not just yet. Speak to the king first. He needs to know what is coming his way.::
Wrapping her arms around his neck, she gave him a fierce squeeze. Then she let go and walked toward the keep, her hands raised to show she carried no weapons. “My king, I must speak with you. You are in danger.”
“Aye, from yon dragon,” one of the men yelled.
“Quiet,” barked out the king. “What are you talking about, girl? And who are you?”
Tova bowed, and then straightened to shout up at the king. “I am Tova Svensdottir of Waldheim. My father, Sven Nilssen, was once in your service.”
“So he was. What in blazes is going on here?”
“It is Bruno of Grimmdorn, sire. He comes this way with a force of mercenaries.”
The king’s men erupted in excited chatter, but the king just stared down at her for a moment. Then he disappeared from the top of the tower, only to emerge a few minutes later. He and Sir Eberhard, the head of his personal guard, walked up to Tova.
“What are you talking about, young woman?” the king asked in a quiet tone.
Tova explained about her grandmother’s vision and what had happened since. “Sir Rolf flew with us to Klosterlupe to rouse the knights there. He hopes to arrive by nightfall.”
The king raised an eyebrow. “And I am to take the word of an old woman, a young girl and, gods help me, an outlawed dragon?”
::Let him see with his own eyes.::
“Sire, they are not far off. Perhaps you would like to see for yourself?”
The king stroked his graying beard. “And how am I to do so? In a scrying mirror?”
Tova straightened her shoulders and stood her ground. “Do you doubt the power of Velosian magic? After what Bruno did to you?” she asked pointedly.
“Why you impertinent chit,” Sir Eberhard sputtered. Reaching for his sword, he took a step toward her.
Alarmed, Kane let out a roar in warning, and the grizzled old knight quickly withdrew his hand. If that old fool touched a hair on the head of that brave girl…
Tova flashed him a reassuring smile, then turned back to the king. “Sire, there is no time for this kind of debate. You and your men are outnumbered. If I am not afraid to ride on the dragon, surely you will not hesitate to join me. And think of the tales your men will tell of the day the king rode a dragon.”
“Sire, no,” Sir Eberhard protested in a gruff voice. “What guarantee do we have that this is not a trick? What is to stop them from carrying you into captivity?”
The king stared at Kane, a panicked look on his face. Kane tried not to enjoy the man’s discomfort, but failed.
“He will not harm you,” Tova told the king. “He needs your pardon to remain in Velosia, to clear his name.”
King Helmut folded his arms over his chest. “So you say.”
::Tova, you must stay here as guarantee for the king’s return. I would never abandon you, sweeting.::
Tova wheeled to face him. “No, I will not be parted from you.”
“There is no choice, child,” the king said.
“But you need me,” Tova said. “I can hear his thoughts.”
The king quirked a brow. “So can I, sweeting.”
Tova flushed, as the king chuckled.
“Then I see I am not needed.”
::Get some rest, Tova. I will find you later.::
She walked to him and removed her pouch, stroking his neck. “Do not be long,” she whispered. “You need to rest, too.”
His heart swelled with emotion. That was his Tova, always more concerned about others than herself.
Kane crouched as the king approached. The older man paused, a dubious look on his face, but then squared his shoulders and climbed awkwardly onto Kane’s back. With the king desperately clutching handfuls of his mane, slowly, he rose into the air and headed in the direction of Bruno’s army.
::This had better not be a trap,:: the king said in warning.
::Do not fear, sire. I have no intent to harm you.:: Kane reminded himself that King Helmut had been bewitched when he outlawed the dragonfolk. Bruno was the real villain.
Kane was no longer certain he wished to be pardoned. Now that so many had seen him in dragon form, his people would not be safe in Velosia or the surrounding countries. What warrior or nobleman would not like a dragon-steed to ride into battle? His people would be hunted down and enslaved, just as Bruno had intended.
He’d have no choice but to leave as soon as Tova was safe. The thought of parting from her sent a pain through his heart. But he had sworn to keep her safe, and that was what mattered. There was no future for them together—not here—and he doubted she would leave her home for an outlawed dragon.
His strong wings ate up the distance. Kane stayed low, hovering above the treetops, in hopes of not being noticed. Soon he spotted a line of soldiers crossing a meadow in the direction of the Old Keep. They appeared well armed, but carried no banners proclaiming for whom they fought.
“There they are, just as you said. Mercenaries, by the look of them,” the king observed out loud.
At the head of the army rode several mounted men, one dressed entirely in black and carrying a magician’s staff. His dark hair gleamed in the morning light like a crow’s wing. Kane knew his heart was just as black.
&
nbsp; “Bruno,” the king said, his voice filled with disgust. “I have seen enough.”
Kane made a sweeping turn, grateful none of the men below had noticed him. There was little enough time to prepare, and surprise their only hope.
*****
Tova leaned against a tree and ate some bread and cheese from her pouch. She scanned the sky for signs of a storm, but saw only white clouds in a hazy blue sky. She should be tired after the overnight flight, but she wasn’t. Since meeting Kane, her magic had grown, and she knew she had made the only decision possible. Her magic always steered her in the right direction, no matter how terrifying the prospect might be.
Sir Eberhard had set a guard to keep an eye on her until Kane returned with the king. It rankled to be treated thus, and she began to comprehend how Kane and his people must have felt living in Velosia. Tolerated, but not trusted. Always different; always apart. No wonder they had left.
And Kane would do the same.
The realization troubled her. She’d come to care for him with a ferocity she’d never experienced. How did one fall in love so quickly? It seemed impossible. And yet, what else could it be but love filling her heart, banishing the loneliness and longing that dwelt therein? She acknowledged it now, knowing she dare not think such thoughts around him, lest he read her mind. Their connection was too deep.
She could scarcely believe it had been but two days ago that she’d stumbled into Kane’s lair. And his arms. She’d had lovers before, but none to match him. It wasn’t just his ability to make her body convulse in ecstasy, though that was considerable. He combined strength with kindness and protectiveness with respect.
And sometimes he was a dragon.
She couldn’t stifle a smile. Goddess, but it was amazing, the way he changed form, and the sensation of flying through the air on the back of such a powerful creature was beyond compare. Impossible even to explain to mere earth-bound people. But she was a daughter of earth, as Kane put it. She could not transform into a dragon, never be a true match for Kane. Never be his true mate.
Her smile faded as sadness washed over her. Their time together was destined to end, and soon. The only question was whether either of them would survive the coming battle. It mattered not, if Bruno’s evil was defeated.