DarykRogue

by Denise A. Agnew

  “Stay close to me,” Rayder had said to her softly.

  “What if I’m bitten by something?”

  “You should be immune. I’ve kissed you.”

  She’d frowned in confusion. “A kiss protects me?”

  “A kiss, and since I’ve made love to you, you are virtually immune to all poisons here. Unless you refuse to kiss me for a very long time. Your immunity wears out.”

  She’d smiled. “Then remind me to kiss you daily.”

  “Hourly.” His rejoinder had made her laugh softly.

  One aspect of their trip brought her more security.

  The dragon Arcos kept watch. He flew the skies, never far away, always understanding what Marc wanted him to do. She didn’t ask Marc or anyone else how the dragon could know so much—she’d heard more than a couple of times since arriving on the Beast and Dragonia that dragons were mostly dangerous, stubborn and hard to train. Apparently Drakus’ followers and Drakus himself had trained dragons to destroy Daryk Ones and their fortresses. Arcos seemed positively sweet. Not that she’d ever say so to Marc or anyone else.

  Once they reached a high ridge not far from shore, runners were sent out to scout for the Beast. The rest of the group stayed behind the jungle ridge to prevent being seen from the ship. After more than an hour, the runners returned with good news. The ship hadn’t moved. Perhaps Aramus still believed Rayder would return with good news on selling slaves to Marc.

  Aknada and Marc headed out toward the ship first, on their insistence, and took half the men. Aknada wanted to take the lead, and although Rayder knew she wasn’t a war planner, he also knew she could fight. If she believed this was the only way to slay the bad memories in her thoughts, he couldn’t stop her. High in the sky, Arcos followed, always circling and watching. Xandra found it comforting, and that wasn’t something she ever believed she’d feel about a dragon.

  Rayder and Xandra headed up the other group of men. She knew Rayder didn’t feel completely confident about leading so many men he didn’t know, but he’d taken Marc’s word for it that they could all be trusted.

  Terrain gradually became steeper as they moved up the ridge. Tangled vines slapped her in the face, and creepers trailing along the ground threatened to trip her. Exhaustion threatened. She’d made a similar trip with Taris Elian, but not in this direction. She imagined making this same trip again so soon after her first trek would have almost been impossible. Her heart pounded, her body was flushed, her breath coming quickly. She drank more water at the next stop, drinking prudently—she took enough to keep her going, but not enough to pretend the supply could be replenished at any time. Men behind them traversed the same steep, winding path through the undergrowth with just enough space to hack their way through. The path was barely worn from someone else’s trip this direction. Vines already grew from the ground and threatened to obscure any trace of their passage.

  Above creature sounds of chirping and clicking and the far off call of a dragon, she heard another sound.

  “What is that noise?” she asked Rayder with trepidation.

  He didn’t stop as he led them all from the front. “The Vion River. It’s the waterfall.”

  As they walked, the waterfall’s roar became louder until conversation became harder. Not that she spoke often. She saved her breath for the climb. Finally they arrived at the top of the ridge, a vantage point where the jungle canopy fell away. The remarkable view in the spreading dawn stole Xandra’s breath. To the northwest and in every direction the jungle spread out in its glorious thickness, a profusion of lush growth that proved hard to conquer. Roaring eastward, a huge river along a plateau flowed over a dramatic waterfall. Spray sent a cloud of mist into the air. In the distance but to the southwest, she saw the beach and the Beast at the busy dock they’d left days before.

  As they stood on the ridge, she heard a strange bird’s call. Or was it another animal among the hundreds that crept and crawled and dominated this land? Standing so high above the canopy, the lush waterfall and the sound of pounding water made her life seem simple. Insignificant in comparison to all that Dragonia offered. Her world had been so small on Magonia. This continent and the people here had shown her so much more.

  But the man next to her had given her more life and love than she could have imagined when she woke up on the Beast.

  Rayder gestured to the first few men in the long snake of humans trailing behind them. “We’ll take the slope down to the beach. It’s easier from here.” He gave instructions for the battle plan then pulled Xandra to the side for a moment. “This is beauty.” Rayder’s voice held awe, something she’d never heard in his voice before. “Not as beautiful as you, but still beautiful. It’s my home, and I don’t want to leave it. But I’d leave it for you.”

  She gazed at him in wonder, a rush of happiness flooding Xandra. She’d never felt this light and unconcerned in her life. No man had done as much for her, nor had they treated her as a precious jewel like Rayder had. Love surged and overflowed within her.

  Her heart in her throat, she smiled and blinked back tears.

  His eyes widened slightly, their softness flaring into a soft red. A sign of his feelings, his physical and emotional need. He stepped forward and snatched her into his arms, his mouth finding hers. His kiss was hot, probing, tongue sinking deep to possess. She drowned in his power as it flowed through her and gave her more strength.

  He drew back just enough to gaze into her eyes. “Stay behind me. Don’t try to engage the enemy if they come at us.”

  She placed one hand on the hilt of her sword as it hung from her belt. It had taken some time for her convince him she could handle the sword if she had to. There was nothing feminine in her garb. Hidden under her flowing tunic and pants she’d worn leather and protective pads just as a man would. “I’m protected and you showed me how to use this. I’m not defenseless. You know I have to do this too.”

  “Still…”

  “I’ll be careful.”

  Resignation sealed his expression and he nodded, and as they started down the other side of the ridge, the waterfall pounding relentlessly, she wondered if her excruciating fear showed. It eviscerated her. Lanced her courage until she hung by a thread. But she’d do this for him. And for her own freedom. She’d once heard a woman say that courage was nothing more than being scared spitless and doing it anyway. So here she was, dry mouthed, heart pounding, body tired. Ready to take on god only knew what.

  A few moments later they heard explosions in the distance and plumes of smoke started to rise from the side of the ship.

  “They’ve made it,” Rayder said.

  She knew he meant Aknada and Marc had successfully created explosions near the ship. Xandra hoped to the hells the slaves on board could escape quickly. Aknada and Marc had planned to sneak on the ship and unlock the slave quarters. A risky proposition but one they’d insisted they could accomplish.

  It took considerable time to reach the area where jungle edge met the beach. She felt as if it had been ages since she’d seen the ship, even though it hadn’t. Fear had left, and in its wake came a sensation of inevitability. No turning back now.

  As Rayder’s group descended on the ship, her stomach tumbled as she witness the violence erupting on the deck.

  “Rayder…” She grabbed his arm.

  “The men will look after the slaves.”

  “How did you know what I was thinking?”

  “I was thinking the same.”

  Smoke drifted up from the deck. Shouts echoed as men fought with swords, with fists and feet.

  “They’re good men,” Rayder said, as if she needed more assurance.

  Perhaps she did. All she could do is hope for the best.

  “I don’t see Aknada or Marc,” Xandra said.

  Rayder remained silent as he stared will full concentration on the scene below. “They should be appearing on deck with the women by now.” Rayder threw Xandra a concerned glance. “Let’s go.”

  * * * *
*

  As they ran toward the ship, Xandra could see chaos continued on the deck. A full-scale fight for the ship raged.

  Hurrying toward the mess unfolding in front of them, Xandra feared so many things. For Rayder’s safety. For Aknada and Marc. But she charged ahead, determination giving her courage though she wanted nothing more than for this to be all over. Sword in hand, she tried to keep up with Rayder’s tremendous stride. As his muscles glistened with sweat, bunching and contracting, she admired everything that made him a Daryk One.

  Just as they reached the ship dock, a shout went up.

  One of the slaver’s ran down the plank toward them, no sign of a weapon at hand.

  She recognized the man, and he came to a halt beside them. “Rayder Tyrus. We thought Gampia killed you. Now you’re here to destroy us. Aramus is locked in his cabin and won’t come out to face your hoard.”

  Rayder growled his words at the man. “Leave this place or die.”

  The man complied, running as fast as he could into the jungle.

  Screams erupted from the bowels of the ship. Female cries of terror.

  “Rayder,” Xandra gasped his name. “The slaves.”

  Fierce worry filled his expression, and he raced up the plank with her following close. Her breath caught in her throat as smoke obscured the view. They couldn’t last in this long, and that worried her. How could the slaves survive? She shuddered with revulsion at the thought of them being trapped below. She knew what she and Rayder must do, no matter what. Save the women. Find Aramus second if it came to that.

  Before they could move, Aknada came out of the smoke helping a limping Marc to walk. Malena Humbola came from the smoke and assisted another woman as they stumbled through the chaos.

  Xandra waved. “This way, Malena.”

  No time to hug or shout for joy that they’d been freed.

  “Get off the ship!” Rayder gestured toward the ramp. “Now!”

  Without arguing, Aknada, Marc, Malena and the other woman hurried down the ramp.

  Rayder grabbed Xandra’s hand. “Aramus.”

  They ran toward Admiral Aramus’ quarters and reached it quickly. Rayder kicked at the door and it held. He kicked again. The door broke away from the hinges and fell inward under the force.

  Aramus lay in the middle of the floor, his face carved by horrible slashes and his torso blood-red. His eyes stared at the ceiling, his body motionless.

  Rayder hesitated at the same time she did, and the noise and chaos outside seemed to silence for one moment.

  Something close to rage filled Rayder’s handsome face. “By the god.”

  Suddenly from behind, a man dashed into the room and engaged Rayder, ramming him full force out of nowhere. The men crashed to the floor. Xandra scanned the area frantically for more attackers as Rayder and the man grappled on the floor. Heart pounding, she backed a few steps away. She bumped into the demolished doorway.

  Before Xandra could move, an arm lifted her off her feet and a hand covered her mouth. She lashed backward, bringing her heel up. The hand over her mouth closed off her air, and she struggled harder, ramming her elbow into her assailant’s ribs. A groan and grunt greeted her ears, but the person dragged her backward through the doorway and into cloaking smoke. A million thoughts shot through her head. She wanted this to be over…over…

  The grip around her throat cut her air and smoke made it worse. Weakness assaulted the strength in her limbs.

  No. Fight. Fight.

  She aimed backward with her elbow and the person cried out as Xandra’s elbow made contact. Xandra yanked from the grip and turned swiftly, her grip tight as she aimed downward with the sword, a growl of pure rage filling her. A scream pierced her ear, sharp and high.

  A woman.

  Shock reverberated through Xandra. Yoanda clutched at her side as blood seeped through her fingers.

  “Yoanda.”

  Yoanda’s eyes glazed. She stared at Xandra with surprise, with amazement. “You cut me.”

  Xandra choked as smoke filled her lungs. “Yoanda, we have to get off the ship. It’s burning.”

  Xandra struggled with her breath and tried to keep her balance. Behind her, she heard the men still fighting, the grunts, groans the sounds of flesh hitting flesh.

  “We’ll die here.” Yoanda’s pristine white dress grew redder as blood flowed freely. “Both of us.”

  “No.” Xandra refused to end it here.

  Yoanda sank to her knees. “I had to destroy Aramus. He turned me into a freak. I wasn’t always like this, Xandra. I was good and true until that animal took me. I shouldn’t have poisoned you, but I had to get money to get far away from here when I escaped. You have to understand, it’s the only thing I could do. I was almost off the ship and the admiral caught me and brought me back. I couldn’t take it any longer and I just killed him! I was so angry. It was all I could do.”

  Yoanda’s face drained of color, and she dropped like a stone to her knees.

  “Xandra!” Rayder’s voice ripped Xandra from her trance. Rayder rushed to her side. “Come on. The whole ship is going up.”

  “Forgive me!” Yoanda cried out.

  “We can’t leave her here.” Xandra resisted Rayder’s pull.

  Yoanda fell to the deck on her side, eyes wide open and unmoving. Xandra had killed her.

  Xandra dropped her sword as she choked again. “Oh Magon.”

  Rayder picked Xandra up in his arms and ran. Apparently he could see through the rapidly thickening smoke. Flames crackled around them, the air clogged with death. She held on to Rayder and buried her face in his neck. More screams echoed around her, but she didn’t look. She couldn’t. Fear sucked her dry and made a mockery of her attempt at courage. She hated herself in that moment. She’d killed a human being.

  Rayder’s feet thudded over wood, and before she knew it, they’d left the burning ship and crossed over the sand. Still she kept her eyes closed.

  “It’s over, my beauty.” Rayder said the words softly, his voice husky with promise.

  She peeled herself away from his neck and turned her head to see dozens of the slaves, including Malena, huddling on the ground coughing the noxious smoke from their lungs. Most of Rayder’s team of men, as well as the ones Marc and Aknada had led appeared relatively unscathed. Relief filled Xandra.

  Only a few feet away Aknada kneeled in the sand near Marc. Marc lay on his back, eyes closed and unmoving.

  Aknada’s dark eyes were filled with twisted pain.

  Before Xandra could speak, she saw Arcos descend on the ship, a scream of pure rage coming from the creature. Perhaps it new Marc was injured. Faster than she could blink, the dragon hovered over the ship, wings a sparkling radiance in the sunlight. The dragon’s sharp mouth opened and fire shot free, fueling the raging fire consuming the deck fore and aft. Sails were consumed and destroyed in the orange and yellow flames. The dragon rose higher in to the sky and away from the ship.

  “It is done,” Xandra whispered.

  A blinding flash lit up the sky. Rayder shoved her to the ground and covered her with his body, his arms shielding her head. The ship splintered outward in a horrendous blast, rocking the ground beneath them.

  It seemed forever before the explosion subsided, and Rayder levered himself off her body. “Are you hurt?”

  She coughed. “I’m fine.” She cupped his face, concern punching her in the gut when she saw the blood dripping down his face. “You’re bleeding.”

  “No matter. Whatever it is, I’ll heal.” He smiled, as if humor was the only emotion he could find at the moment.

  “Marc.” Aknada’s panicked voice rose above the other women chattering and the men who’d fought on the ship and huddled around them. “Marc. Answer me, you bastard!”

  Above them, Xandra heard Arcos’ cry. The slave women cowered.

  “Don’t fear him!” Xandra gestured at the women and stood up. “He is Marc’s dragon and won’t hurt you.”

  Looking doubtful, the
women continued to eyeball the animal. Xandra turned away from them, her concern for Marc building.

  Rayder had moved to kneel next to the man. “He’s unconscious.” Rayder checked for a pulse and breath. “Where else is he hurt?”

  “He’s been stabbed.” Aknada’s dark eyes swam with tears. “When we broke into the slave quarters, two of Aramus’ men attacked. Marc jumped one and killed him, but not before the man stabbed him in the side.”

  Rayder hastily ripped the bottom of his tunic and used it for a bandage. “Xandra, hold pressure to his side as tight as you can.”

  Xandra didn’t hesitate.

  “We have to get him back to the healer at Marc’s compound,” Aknada said. “But the jungle trip will take too long.”

  Xandra had an idea. “Could we tie Marc to Arcos? Could both of you ride him?”

  “Yes.” Marc’s eyes popped open and he smiled. “I can ride him. Aknada can make sure I don’t fall off.”

  Aknada didn’t look amused. “Bastard. You scared the shite out of us.”

  Rayder laughed. “Abuse him after he’s healed.”

  Marc smiled broadly and gave a loud whistle. “Let’s get Arcos and get the hell out of here.”

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  One week later

  Marc Gampia’s compound

  Xandra couldn’t hold on to her control any longer. She’d wanted to taunt and torment Rayder, but his achingly slow thrusts were driving her to the edge of madness. He lay behind her on their bed, his cock moving slowly and deeply inside her channel. She throbbed, frantic as an orgasm teased her. He’d kept her this way for long minutes, refusing to thrust harder, drawing out the insanity as his thickness pushed deep to touch her womb then drew back to caress her.

  “Come,” he said, his voice a rough command.

  She’d already come twice.

  Shaking with need, she whispered, “Yes.”

  As if that was all the incentive he needed, Rayder thrust harder, one hand clutching her hip to anchor her. The headboard banged against the wall as he powered into his motions. Climax hurled her upward, erupting through her body with furious speed. She cried out, uninhibited as her body clenched tightly over the cock still thrusting hard inside her. With one last push, Rayder stayed deep inside her, growling as his body shook. His hot cream flooded her. She gasped as the pleasure swirled in her belly and tingled with ever-spiraling intensity.