In silence, Aaron dropped from the ledge, directing himself downwards towards the trees. A stream of flame flowed from his mouth, and when the rustling amongst the trees grew more frenzied, she knew that whatever it was had been alerted to the hunter plunging through the air. Aaron soared silently above the trees, his tail streaming out behind him as he followed his prey. A stag broke into a small glade as Aaron’s roar broke the silence, sending a shiver down Keira’s back. His huge body slammed into the animal, flames curling from his mouth as his jaws clamped over the neck of the majestic creature. Keira saw its body turn limp, and she watched as the dragon ripped the flesh open with his wicked talons, lapping up the hot blood that poured from the body before tearing off huge hunks of blackened meat. All other sounds fell quiet as his growls rumbled through the air, every other creature having hidden itself away from the dangerous predator. Once, he looked up, his gaze resting on Keira for a moment as she stared back in awe, before he turned to his meal again with a loud growl that reverberated around the mountains.
His snout was red with blood when he had finished, and he launched himself into the air, turning towards the river that ran through the trees. The water was frozen, but he brought his tail down on the surface with a mighty whack, causing the ice to shatter. He drank deeply as she watched, and it was only then that he turned around and faced her direction once more. Even though she was too far to make out more than his shape, she knew his eyes were intently trained on her. His golden scales glittered and glowed in the early morning sunlight, throwing a thousand rainbows into the air, and she stared back as a slow burn started in the pit of her stomach. The most powerful creature in all the world yearned for her, and he was the only thing she wanted. He was the most dangerous hunter in the world, but for her he was the most sensual lover. He could hold her gently, whisper to her tenderly, or love her with more passion than she had believed was possible, losing himself in her as she lost herself in him.
He did not stop looking at her as he rose silently into the air on golden wings, and a tremor ran through her at the sight of him. He flew towards her slowly, and as he drew near she could see his flaming eyes. He transformed in midair, turning from a dangerous beast into a beautiful angel that angled towards her with intent. The angel seemed no less dangerous, and she shivered again as excitement spread through her, making her stomach clench. She took a step backwards as he landed on the ledge, wings outstretched behind his glowing body, his eyes intent on her. His body was hard against hers as he roughly pushed his hands into her hair and pressed her against the stone wall of the cave. He was savage and wild, and his kiss took her breath away as he claimed her as his own. There was no escape from him as his body pressed around hers, dominating her, but she wanted no escape, and claimed him like for like. Her hands wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer, and she opened her mouth to his kiss. She moved against him, demanding her own satisfaction, knowing that he needed her just as much when she heard him groan.
He started changing as he pressed against her, becoming a curling flame that wound around her body, hotter than before. She moaned when the flames swept up her legs and swirled around her thighs. He stroked her neck with burning fingers and pushed fiery tendrils through her hair. She opened her mouth and he filled her, immersing himself in her. He was consuming her, and she no longer knew where she ended and he began. Flames moved along her shoulders, brushing over the edge of her gown as she heard a growl run through her mind.
“Take it off.” She shrugged her arms, and the gown fell in a heap at her feet. She moaned his name when wisps of flame brushed from her neck to her legs, filling her and consuming her. She opened her eyes to see herself surrounded in a fiery, flaming blaze that twisted around her. She reached for him, but her fingers moved unchecked through the insubstantial wisps. The flames started pulling together, taking shape and form as she watched. His eyes, blazing white, stared into hers as fingers still rippling with flame trailed over her cheeks.
“I love you,” she whispered. She saw his lips move, but his voice was in her mind.
“I love you more than life,” he said. “This beast is completely at your mercy. I could not survive without you.” His mouth closed over hers, even as his voice sounded again, so soft she wondered whether she imagined it. “I wish I didn’t love you so much.”
His lips claimed hers and she pushed the words from her mind as she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer as he led her to height after height, until they finally lay panting in each other’s arms, their legs tangled together as he stroked her thigh. Keira ran her fingers over his chest as they lay in silence. There were no words to describe the depth of what she felt, and she didn’t even try. A long time had passed when Aaron gently pushed her away and rose to his feet.
“There is much still to be done before we leave Storbrook,” he said. “We should get going.” He rose to his feet, and reaching for Keira’s gown, tossed it over to her, turning as she pulled it over her head. She folded the quilt as he stood at the entrance to the cave, and when she had slung the satchel over her head and shoulder, he transformed.
He said little on the flight back to Storbrook, grunting at Keira’s attempt to make conversation, until finally she, too, lapsed into silence. Once, when a small deer broke through the bush, he stopped, waiting for Keira to slide off his back before he ripped it apart and seared it for her. They were on their way again soon after, and as Aaron glided through the cold air, Keira’s mind wandered over the events of the last few days. She was overwhelmed by what Aaron had shown her, and a little in awe of her inhuman husband. That he had chosen her, and that he loved her, still astonished her, and there were times when she wondered when she was going to awaken from this incredible dream. For how was it possible that the most powerful creature walking the earth could really love such a simple, weak and unsophisticated woman? A sense of foreboding passed over her, like a shadow passing over the sun, but then it was gone, and she shook her head at her foolishness.
Chapter 16
Anna shifted on her saddle, trying to find a more comfortable position. They had been traveling for two days, and she was saddle sore and weary. She glanced down at the road, but it was a morass of melting snow and mud. Already the hem of her gown was stiff with mud, and she knew that if she descended into the mire the mud on her gown would soon stretch all the way to her knees. It would be another five days before they reached Drake Manor, the home of Aaron’s cousin, and she shuddered to think of the condition she would be arriving in. She glanced up at the sky, looking for Max. He was up there somewhere, but when she could not see him, she returned her attention to the road. Ahead of her rode Thomas, the two packhorses close behind carrying provisions for the trip. Thankfully they had not had to use many of these, being able to find room at an inn for the last two nights. As the time dragged on, Anna felt herself being lulled by the motion of the horse, rise and fall, rise and fall. The light was starting to fade when she started at the sound of a voice.
“Don’t fall asleep, Anna,” Max said, “unless, of course, you would like to go bathing in the mud.” Anna pulled herself upright and shot him a glare. “That was a positively evil look for someone bringing you good news,” he said. She raised her eyebrows at him, waiting for him to continue, but he met her stare in silence.
“Very well,” she snapped, “what is the good news?”
“For such a beautiful young woman,” he said, “you can be quite insolent.”
“And you –” she started, pausing when he raised his eyebrows. Straightening her back, she turned her head away and stared into the distance in silence as he laughed.
“The good news, darling Anna,” he said, “is that there is an inn only a few hundred yards up the road. We will be stopping shortly for the night.”
“At long last,” Anna said, relief making her turn towards him with a smile – before she hurriedly looked away again when she saw his amused grin.
The inn was timber-framed, built around a
courtyard that was open on one end. The hall was smoky and reeked of unwashed bodies, as well as the tallow and dung that had been trampled into the floor, but the room was warm and Anna entered gratefully. It appeared that Max had already attended to their affairs, as the innkeeper nodded in recognition and gestured for them to sit at the table. Thomas joined them a few minutes later, reporting that the stables were clean and the hay was fresh; a sign of a well-kept inn, he assured her. Cups of ale and plates of stew soon appeared before them, and Anna dug in with enthusiasm, the smell of the food making her suddenly hungry. She glanced around the room as she ate, watching the patrons of the inn. At the table behind them sat a small party, eating in silence. The group included a middle-aged man, dressed simply but in clothes cut from quality cloth, and a prim and stern-looking woman that Anna took to be his wife, dressed in somber brown. A young man sat next to the woman in sullen silence, his brightly contrasting tunic and hose making the woman’s gown seem drab and dull. He wore shoes that stretched into a long point, and Anna looked at them with interest. She had never seen shoes such as these, which seemed very impractical for a winter journey through the countryside, and she found herself searching the young man’s face, wondering what kind of man he must be. A friar completed the company, his tonsured scalp gleaming in the candlelight. His gaze wandered between his travel companions with a frown, but he kept his silence.
There was another table pushed into the corner of the room. The light of the tallow candles did not reach into the shadows, but even so, Anna could see two men sitting hunched over the table, facing in their direction. She felt a shudder of fear pass through her as she looked away.
“What is it, Anna?” Max asked. He was sitting across the table from her, his back to the two men.
“It’s … nothing. I just don’t like the look of the men at that table.” She paused. “I think they’re watching us.”
“Describe them to me,” Max said, dropping his voice.
“I can’t really see them,” she said. “It’s too dark.” Max nodded.
“Ignore them,” he instructed her. “Don’t make them aware that you have noticed them.” Anna nodded. “And smile,” he whispered. “Don’t look so tense.”
Anna glared at him, and he laughed out aloud. He stood and walked around to where she sat, glancing in the direction of the two men before taking her by the hand and hauling her to her feet. “Come, my darling,” he said, loud enough for the others in the room to hear, “let’s to bed.” She opened her mouth to protest, but he quickly covered her lips with his own, startling her. The kiss was light, but when he moved his lips to her ear, his tone was hard. “Don’t say anything,” he said. “If the men have ill-intent, then it is better that they believe you are not alone. If they are just innocent travelers,” he shrugged, “you will never see them again. And who’s to say I am not your husband.”
She pulled back to look at him with narrowed eyes, unable to refute his logic. He cocked his eyebrow at her with a grin, and she bit her lip in annoyance. Taking her hand, he led her from the room and up the stairs, where he stopped outside a wooden door. Lifting the latch, he pushed it open, and stood back to allow her to enter; following on her heels, he closed the door behind him.
“Don’t worry,” he said, seeing her look anxiously at the closed door, “I don’t intend to stay. I will make my escape out the window as soon as those rogues are no longer about.”
“Did you see them?” Anna asked.
“I did. They reek from a mixture of fear and excitement, which makes me think they are up to no good. Do not leave this room until I fetch you in the morning. Understand?”
Anna nodded, and Max sat down on the woven leather chair in the corner.
“What are you doing?” Anna asked. “I thought you were leaving.”
“And so I shall. But it would not do you any good if I left now and ran into our friends. If they know you are alone, it may give them some ideas.”
“Fine! But make sure you stay on that seat. I’m not sure I trust you.”
“Anna. Do you think I created a ruse just to get you alone? I am wounded at your lack of confidence in me.” The thought had crossed Anna’s mind and she blushed, turning away as he gave a dry laugh. “I can have my pick of women, Anna. Do you really think I would want to bed a shrew?”
“You are so –”
“Yes, I know,” he said wearily. “Arrogant. Rude. Insolent. Anything else?”
Anna stared at him before turning around and flinging herself onto the bed. She could feel tears pricking at her eyes, and she turned her face into the thin covering that lay over the straw mattress, hiding them. She tensed when she heard Max get up, relaxing once more when she heard a log being tossed onto the fire that burned in the grate. She continued to lie on her stomach, refusing to turn and see Max’s derisive look.
The inn started to grow quiet, and after a while she heard Max rise again and move over to the window. She heard the rustling sound of his tunic being pulled over his head, and she resisted the urge to look at the man in her room. There was a creak as the shutters opened, and then a few moments later she heard them being pushed closed from the outside. Anna rolled over on the bed and looked around the room, her eyes falling on the chair where Max had been sitting. Suddenly the tears were spilling from her eyes again, and she scrubbed at them furiously. What did she care what Max thought of her, she thought angrily. She pushed herself up from the bed and walked to the window, opening the shutters slightly to look outside. There was nothing there, of course, and she was suddenly angry at herself for even looking. Removing her gown, she lay back down on the bed in her chemise, pulling the quilt up to her chin and closing her eyes. Sleep was a long time in coming, though, and when she finally did fall into a fitful sleep, it gave her no rest.
Chapter 17
It took a few minutes for the knocking to penetrate Anna’s sleep, and when she finally opened her eyes, she closed them again immediately. The thumping on the door seemed to mirror the timing of the pounding in her head.
“Anna,” she heard Max’s voice calling through the door. “It’s time to wake up, darling.”
With a groan Anna pushed herself from the bed and stumbled towards the door, lifting the bar and pulling up the latch. She barely had time to step aside before Max was entering the room.
“Anna,” he said, closing the door, “what took so long?” He ran his eyes over her. “You look terrible,” he said, taking her by the hand and leading her back to the bed. “Couldn’t you sleep?”
“No,” Anna said. She lay down on the bed and placed her hand over her eyes. “My head,” she moaned.
“What you need is a good meal and fresh air,” Max said. He picked up Anna’s gown and threw it in her direction. “Get this on. I will wait for you outside the door.” When Anna didn’t move, Max stepped over to the bed. “Come on,” he said, pulling her to her feet, “let’s get you dressed.” He pulled the gown over her head and deftly did up the laces, then gently pushed her back to the bed. A pile of linens sat on a table next to a jug of water, and wetting a cloth, he sat down beside her and carefully wiped the cloth over her face. The touch was gentle and tender, and Anna opened her eyes to stare at him. He returned her gaze for a moment, before glancing around the room. Her leather satchel lay on the floor beside the bed, and leaning down, he pulled a hairbrush from within its depths. Carefully, working a few strands at a time, he pulled the brush through her hair, laying the silky tresses over her shoulder once they were smooth. She could feel his fingers teasing out the knots and tangles, gentle and soothing, and she closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation. She opened her eyes when he was done, pulling in a breath when she saw him gazing down at her intently. There was a faint flicker of light at the back of his eyes, and she stared back, held by the glow, until he closed them. When he opened them a moment later, the glow was gone.
“Come along,” he said, “no time for loafing. Let’s find you some nourishment and be on our way.” He was o
ut the door before she had time to respond, his footsteps echoing on the wooden stairs. She stared at the door in confusion. His soothing touch had helped to ease her headache a little, but she could not understand what had prompted him to act so tenderly.
She rose and followed his path down the stairs, pausing to glance around the hall to see who else was about as she entered, but it was already empty, the other travelers having started their day’s journey at the break of day.
Max was right, she reluctantly thought to herself a short time later. A hearty meal and fresh air had done much to relieve her headache. Soon after leaving the small village, Max had disappeared behind the trees, reappearing in the sky moments later, a huge fire-breathing dragon. He soared through the air, disappearing into the clouds for a moment, as if relieved to be free from the bonds of his human form. Flying as high as he did, it was difficult to tell that he was not some bird of prey, unless he breathed fire, which he seldom did. Anna knew that if she hadn’t been looking for him, she would not even have known that a dragon was there.
The temperatures had dropped overnight, and the path they followed was covered in a layer of ice, making the going slow. The sky was clear, however, and Anna knew that the conditions would be less treacherous once the sun had a chance to thaw the ground. They were about an hour beyond the inn when she saw Thomas hold up his hand to call a halt.
“What is it?” she called, but he quickly turned in his saddle, his fingers to his mouth.
He turned his head back to the path, and then Anna heard it as well, the sound of feet crunching through the snow. She turned in the direction of the sound, drawing in a breath as the two men she had seen at the inn the night before stepped from behind the trees, followed by two more. Her eyes opened wide as the man in front turned to her, quickly covering the ground between them, his mouth pulled into a leer.
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