by Lisa Daniels
Callie wrapped her arms around Caden and pressed her face into his chest. “Only if you promise not to leave me.”
He pushed her away. “Callie, I can’t. I cannot remain as your guardian. You heard him. I made so many basic mistakes they were able to track us. I can no longer be objective with you, and that means you are in danger with me.”
Callie sat up and frowned at him. “I will give you that. You very nearly walked right into his trap.”
Caden sat up next to her. “Are you alright? Are you cold?”
Callie swatted at his hands as Caden tried to put a blanket around her. “No, you don’t get to say you are leaving me, then pretend to care.”
Caden looked back at her, his eyes showing how painful her words had been.
Callie folded her hands over her chest. “You had to know that they couldn’t be trusted. You were so quick to suspect Caspian, but you fell for an even more obvious ploy and nearly gave them what they wanted.”
At the mention of Caspian, Caden seemed to be shaken back to himself. His eyebrows knit together. “What does Caspian have to do with any of this?”
Callie threw her hands up. “You see him as a threat when he isn’t, and you ignore the obvious ploy of the men you knew were after me. If I hadn’t pushed you out of the way, they would have killed you and taken me. Surely you know that was what they wanted.”
Caden seemed at a loss for words at first. Finally, he hung his head. “You see, that is exactly what I mean. For the last day, I have been feeling… jealous. Jealous about the way you looked at Caspian, and the way you kept sticking up for him. You don’t know him like I do, so I should be able to just shrug it off. But with you I can’t. I can’t.” He sounded defeated. “You will be much safer once we finish crossing the ocean, but there will still be threats, and I can’t be the reason for your death.”
Callie placed a hand on his. “Then stop being my guardian.”
He looked up into her eyes, the resignation clear in his own. Giving a feeble nod, Caden moved to get out of the bed.
“No, that isn’t what I meant.” Callie grabbed his hand. “With you, it has never been a mystic and her guardian, because I could never treat you or anyone like that. I don’t want a guardian, but I’m not saying I want you out of my life.”
Caden looked at her, clearly uncertain of what she meant. And this was where Callie knew she was out of her depth. Her ability to string sentences together suddenly failed her as she tried to make her point. “I’m young. Yes, we both know that. But there are more types. Kinds. Look, I don’t know that much, but, um, Jade made it sound like her husband was a guardian.”
The word cause Caden to move back with a sharp intake of breath. “You can’t suggest that.”
Surprised that he was able to understand anything from her babbling, Callie asked, “Why not?”
“You—you hardly know me!”
Callie hung her head, trying to find the right words. “I have only known about you for a handful of days, but I have known of you much longer. You were the one to help me save Michechel, the man I thought I loved. Then you helped me through the grieving process. The flowers on the table. The meals. That was all you.”
Caden looked away. “When did you figure that out?”
“While eating the last breakfast sandwich. I don’t remember much about those days, but the smells and tastes remain. You used the same ingredients and strange bread back then, too.”
Caden nodded. “I should have realized it, but under the circumstances I wasn’t in my right mind. I have no idea how to look at you after what happened.”
Callie placed a hand under his chin and forced him to look at her. “Look at me any way you want. In the way that feels most natural.”
He shook his head slowly, her hand still resting under his chin. “That is inappropriate.”
“Not if you aren’t my guardian.”
“Then I would be someone else’s guardian.”
“You are over 120 years old. Don’t you think it is time to settle down?”
Caden’s eyes opened wide, then quickly narrowed. “He told you that?”
Callie smiled and nodded. “He told me that you would never act on your own and that you were old for a guardian. I can’t imagine living without you, and I don’t want you risking your life. It is precious to me, and I don’t want to go back to life without you. I don’t need to be old to know that.”
Caden’s eyes shone. “I shouldn’t—I mean, I don’t—”
Callie moved forward and rested her head against him. “I know, I feel the same way, but I think we can figure it out.”
His arms moved around her, and Caden’s voice was gentle as he muttered, “Well, shit. It looks like I may owe Caspian. Not quite sure how I will live that one down.”
Callie turned her face towards his, “I’m sure you will find out, but I will make sure he doesn’t demand a payment that makes you uncomfortable.”
“Do you really think you have that kind of leverage over him?”
Callie rose up and kissed him on the cheek. “I convinced you to stop fighting your emotions.”
He rapped her on the head. “Corrupting a guardian is not something to be proud of.”
Callie rubbed her head. “Ouch. No, but taking you out of the game is. Even Caspian seemed to be in awe of you. In his own way.”
There was a low grumble from Caden’s chest. “Can you stop bringing him up? He has no place in here.”
Callie giggled, “No, there is only one cat that belongs in my bed. Wait!” She sat up and looked at Caden. “Did you say we were crossing an ocean?”
Caden laughed, “You just now noticed? Yes, that’s why we are moving. I mean, obviously you aren’t riding a horse or me.”
Callie looked at him, and the words escaped her lips before she realized that she had thought them. “I can think of a way to make that happen.” She clapped her hand over her mouth as Caden laughed.
The look in his eyes changed as Caden began to look at her the way he had the night at the Hidden Gem. Hesitantly, he moved a hand to her hip. He then moved forward and kissed her tenderly. With his hand behind her back, he lowered her onto the bed and his hand slid down her leg. “I think that it’s my turn to be on top. You’ve had a couple of days on me already.”
Callie’s giggle turned into a moan as his hand slipped under her dress. He took his time, removing her dress, kissing every inch as he exposed her body. By the time the dress was off, Callie was begging him for more.
“There’s no need to rush,” he murmured in her ear.
Callie slipped her bare leg between his thighs and gently pressed into him. She could feel that he was already hard, but Caden was also still fully clothed.
Panting, she asked him, “How long do you plan to torture me?”
His mouth enveloped her nipple, and if Caden answered, Callie did not hear it. A minute later, his mouth was near her ear. “You want to celebrate forcing me to retire, so it looks like it will be torture for the rest of your wicked life.”
Callie giggled, but she immediately stopped as he grabbed her wrists and held her hands over her head. Without warning, he pushed all the way into her, and it was only his mouth that stopped her from screaming out the pleasure as she orgasmed. As soon as he felt her body start to rest, he pulled out so that just the tip was at her lips, lightly pressing into her in a steady pulsing motion.
Callie’s body shook with his taunting. “Please, Caden!”
He plunged inside of her again, and she felt her body tense then tighten. For several hours, Caden seemed to have complete control over her body and her desires.
As he reached his peak, Caden began to back away, but Callie wrapped her legs around him, pushing him further into her. He placed his head on her neck as he spilled into her. The sweat from their bodies mingled with their labored breathing. Callie reached up and brushed his wet hair from his eyes. “You don’t ever need to do that. I will give you as many children as you want beca
use I already know what kind of father you will be.”
Caden stroked her cheek, their bodies still entwined. “We should wait a few years. Wouldn’t want you setting the place on fire during childbirth.” He kissed her forehead. “Which, by the way, is not a problem most mystics have to worry about. And those kinds of surprises are something I look forward to learning with you. And a cheerful birthday.” He kissed her tenderly before slipping out of her and resting beside her.
Callie turned and looked at him. “What do you mean? There are still a couple of days before—”
“No, you have been unconscious for a while. I was terrified that I was bringing back—” His voice cut off and he pulled her to him. “I have never been more scared in my life.”
Callie held him. “Well, we should find a nice little place and make arguments over chores our most dangerous activity.”
Caden shook his head, “It will never happen. You will have to argue with yourself, or our children, because I will always do whatever you ask me to do. I love you.”
Callie shuddered with happiness. “I love you too, Caden.” Her eyes met his. He moved against her, his hands seeking her. “Wait, don’t you have to—oh!” Whatever she had learned about humans did not apply to Caden as he slid into her.
He looked down at her, amusement clear on his face. “I’ve never been asked so nicely to do something I desperately wanted to do.”
Callie let him take complete control of her body again. The effects from the fireball still kept her from feeling at full strength—and even if she had been, she loved the feel of Caden exploring her.
***
Over the next few days, they did not leave the cabin often, so it was only on the last day that Callie got to see the ocean. It was stunning, but she preferred to return to the cabin. They would be docking soon though, so they needed to prepare for the future. A hand slid into hers, and the desire that flitted through her was definitely inappropriate for their location. With a sigh, Callie kissed the hand.
Without warning, she was swept off her feet. Caden’s voice whispered in her ear, “I know you will regret not taking more time to enjoy the ocean, so I will buy us a place right here so you can look out over it and enjoy the beauty from our side. It might distract you from the ugliness of the politics that you are entering. You are too strong for them to ignore, but remember, I will always be here for you. If you need strength, you have but to ask.”
Callie kissed his cheek. “As long as you are with me, I have all the strength I need.”
He stepped off the ship and walked toward a building three times larger than where she had previously lived. Her eyes were like saucers. Looking at Caden, she couldn’t miss the amused smile. “That way we don't have to move with all of the kids we will have.”
Callie smiled as he stepped up to the door. “But you haven’t had time to buy it yet.”
“Sure I did. All I had to do was send word forward and it was done for me.” He pushed the door open. As soon as they were on the other side, Caden began pulling her dress off. Callie didn’t have any desire to resist as he pinned her against the wall. “That was the most tortuous 10 minutes of my life. I can’t wait any longer.”
Callie undid his pants. “And you don’t have to.”
“A very cheerful birthday to you, my heart.” Caden stopped to admire her for a moment.
“You are a few days late now.”
“I'm going by the day you think it is.”
She gave him a playful slap. “I know what day it is now, so—” Her words disappeared as he slid her down the wall and over him. With no reason to remain quiet, Caden began to explore the range of noises she could make.
Annora’s Dragon
Dragons of Telera
Book 1
By: Lisa Daniels
Chapter 1
Competition and Criminals
Annora looked around, her blue-green eyes taking in the picturesque landscape. Had she been anyone else, her breath would have been taken away by the way the rising sun reflected against the ocean and the brilliant colors of the sky. Annora noticed none of these things as she scanned the horizon. Her thoughts were focused on one thing only – finding the dragon that had burned down the villages of King Salmon and Marked Tree. The inhabitants of King Salmon had largely escaped with their lives, but the people of the small town of Marked Tree had not been so lucky. She had known many of those who had died. While she hadn’t been exactly friendly with them, the people had always treated her well, despite her profession. Dragon hunters were not popular. They were considered boorish, brutal, and generally cold. The people of Marked Tree had not felt that way; they had always been understanding that you did what you had to do to make a living. It was an easier sentiment for the people of Marked Tree to understand since that was the way most of them lived.
Initially, she had refused the request of King Salmon to hunt down the dragon, but after it decimated Marked Tree, she took up the contract. What Annora did not tell her employers was that she would go after the dragon with or without their payment. After all, if you could get paid while getting revenge, it provided a little extra incentive. Dragons were among the toughest creatures to kill, and there were times when the fight didn’t seem worth it. The odds of dying were significantly higher than surviving. It’s probably why dragon hunters were so wild and unpredictable. And they were incredibly expensive. You had to be either a certain type of desperate or a large amount of crazy to join this profession.
Annora was neither of these. Dragons had destroyed three of her homes by the time she was 12 years old, leaving her an orphan after the second attack. She never questioned what she should become. For her, the job was a vendetta.
That had been 15 years ago.
As the woman stood on the cliffside scanning for the familiar outline of a dragon, a few strands of her wavy, chestnut-colored hair passed over her vision. She seemed not to notice, her attention too intent on finding the one thing she was after. Standing there, any passerby would have thought she was a strange statue – a fair woman wearing men’s clothing and carrying a pair of weapons. The sword was angled up so that she could quickly remove it from the scabbard. A dirk was located slightly higher on the right side. Men who saw her often laughed, believing that she didn’t understand that real sword wielders carried the sword on the left side to make it easier to remove with the dominant right hand. Their laughter lasted only as long as it took Annora to level the sword at their throats, her left hand firmly grasping it with a level of expertise that few others had.
Annora’s eyes sparkled as her cold smile told the men she knew how to use the weapon just as well as they. “Yes, it should be on the opposite side of the dominant hand. Why do you think it’s on my right side?”
No man who ever tried to challenge her during these encounters was ever able to use a weapon afterward.
Men were easy when you were accustomed to dealing with dragons.
The breeze on the cliffside caused her dark-brown braid to sway, the only sign that she wasn’t a statue. The dragon hunter didn’t feel it gently tapping against the small of her back as she took in the horizon.
Then she saw it. The creature was smaller than most she had seen, but that didn’t mean anything when it came to dragons. Females tended to be smaller than males, but they were far more vicious. Of course, the dragon may have been young still and was testing out its strength and power for the first time. Annora watched the graceful arch as the dragon soared over the water in the distance. A wry grin spread across her face as she imagined how much fun the dragon was having. Probably the same look it had when it decimated Marked Tree.
She was about to move when a movement at the bottom of the cliff caught her attention. For a second, she thought she had seen wings. If there were two dragons, she would have to reconsider the agreement. Either she would require more money or turn it down.
Shaking her head, Annora knew that she couldn’t do anything without confirming a second dragon.
The fact that the dragon on the horizon was playing indicated that it did not realize that another dragon was nearby, and dragons did not tend to be stealthy. With that kind of power and size, stealth was hardly a necessary (or practical) skill to have. Considering how territorial they were, there were only a few reasons why two would appear in the same area together. This kind of distance between them made no sense. It was likely that the wing belonged to something else, perhaps a griffin or siren.
Taking a step forward, Annora looked over the cliff. To her surprise, a human was walking along the beach, his eyes also on the dragon in the distance. Her eyes flicked up to watch the movement of the dragon on the horizon, then back to the man. He was tall with curly black hair that moved with the breeze sweeping along the beach. For a moment she stared at his figure as he moved along the edge of the waves in the same direction as the dragon. It was obvious that the man was a fighter. The way his muscles pressed against his clothing was easy to see even from the cliff top. Even if she hadn’t been able to see the tensed muscles in his arms as he stood and folded them to watch the dragon’s progress, the broadsword on his back left no question that he was a warrior.
She completely forgot about what had caused her to look over the edge in the first place.
Competition.
It was the only thought that mattered amidst the jumble of other words floating through her head as she gazed at him.
Her eyes swept over his figure one more time, taking in the details. Best to know the competition, she thought, unable to admit even to herself that he was rather pleasing to watch from such a distance. He quickly unfolded his arms and turned toward the cliff face. Annora was startled for a moment and backed away where she would not be seen. Giving her head a shake, the dragon slayer turned and quickly moved back into the woods following the same direction in which the dragon had gone. She was going to have to work fast with someone else also after it. There was no way she was going to let anyone else take this kill because it wasn’t just about the money. Annora was going to make it suffer for what it had done to the people of Marked Tree.