Dragons Live Forever

by D'Elen McClain

  We didn’t meet Dmitri, for hundreds of years. Dmitri wasn’t such a great guy when we first came across him. But for some reason, he wanted a group of humans rescued. We agreed and brought them to our realm as servants. They were starving and in deplorable health. After they crossed, their health improved. The only side effect was their inability to speak and later we discovered their inability to pro-create. We knew deep inside our hearts that the failure to create children was so that we couldn’t use them as brides. The Goddess was holding us to her rules.

  But, the story of Dmitri’s humans came much later.

  We learned a lot in the first hundred years, or at least we thought we had. Even though a Goddess brought us to our knees—arrogance, stubbornness, and thinking we could somehow cheat the curse kept us from understanding what we had to do to break it.

  I always knew it was me who deserved to suffer and my brother dragons were brought under the curse to cause me greater pain. The four of us went through so many stages of grief for the family we lost—anger, depression, and revenge kept us from seeing the truth. And, we also blamed our brides. We held them responsible for loving us and making us care for them. We did almost everything we could to push them away. Rape and terror became our way. I’d like to think we did it because we knew no better. But that isn’t true. We all remembered our mothers. Women who also had no choice and were stolen by dragons to be mates. Our fathers were no longer alive to tell us the ways of dragons. We could have changed and allowed our mothers’ remembered love to lead our hearts. We chose the path of the dominant species with the power to rule worlds.

  We took.

  Chapter Eight

  Pepper

  I awake feeling rested. My legs are a little unstable, but I manage to get myself to the bathing chamber to take care of necessities. My breathing is heavy by the time I make it back to Tahr’s bed. I hear a noise and I look up expecting to see Tahr. I’m relieved that it’s Betty bringing food. I need thinking time to put my thoughts in order about the dragon. Betty looks over me closely and only when she’s satisfied that I’m okay does she give me a gentle smile. I’ve imagined her smile for weeks and answer it with my own.

  The soup she brought is heartier than the earlier broth. My stomach growls loudly and our grins widen. Using sign language, Betty asks how I’m feeling.

  We converse for a short time until she wants me to explain why I was punished. I look away, unable to meet her eyes and unwilling to share my transgressions. I had no right to touch Tahr. Even Meagan would have been upset. Thankfully Betty doesn’t push for an answer. Instead, she wraps me in her arms and pulls me close knowing exactly what I need most.

  When she releases me and moves away, I sign that I want to return to my room in the other tower.

  She vehemently shakes her head.

  With decisive hand movements, I respond, “Yes, I must.” What is wrong with her? I can’t remain in the dragon’s rooms. I need to be as far away from him as possible.

  In her normal bossy manner, Betty signs that I will stay put and await the dragon’s return. She leaves shortly after that because I’m no longer in a talkative mood and I immediately climb from the bed. My legs feel sturdier as I make my way to Meagan’s garment room, which is next to Tahr’s bedroom. Though I hate taking one of her gowns, I don’t want to return to my rooms in a robe and nightdress. I remove the plainest dress I can find. I will wash it and ask Betty to return it after I’m back in my room with my own clothes.

  Slowly, I begin my journey. I travel down the stairs of this tower, which is far easier than what is ahead. Carefully placing each foot, I make it across the courtyard and manage to remain standing. I gaze up at the spiral stairs that lead to the wards. “One step at a time,” I silently tell myself. It’s a challenge. I stop often and lean into the cold stone walls to catch my breath. I have no idea how long it takes to climb the stairs to the women’s ward, but I manage. I receive reserved smiles from everyone I pass, but they shuffle about their day and no one offers help. Their behavior is so very odd, but I’m too tired to analyze it. By the time I make it to my room, I want nothing more than to sleep for a week.

  Sweat covers my skin and my legs shake so badly that staying upright is nearly impossible. I enter my room and freeze. My safe haven, the space I’ve occupied since moving into the women’s ward is empty. My bed and belongings are gone. Too weary to do anything else, I collapse and curl up on the floor.

  “What are you doing in here?” Tahr demands from the doorway.

  I gaze up at his luscious body and burst into the tears I’ve been trying to hold back. He easily lifts me against his warm chest and carries me back the way I came. I’m so confused and too tired to fight.

  “Stop your tears,” he commands. “I’ve had your bedroom items moved to my tower. You will no longer be living in this one.” He carries me past my friends and now I understand the strange looks they gave me.

  He takes me to a small room beside the suite that belonged to Meagan. It contains my bed and small nightstand with a newly added standing garment cabinet. Meagan told me this room was meant for a child. A child she knew she would never have. There’s a large window with a small child-sized perch outside.

  Tahr pushes back the covers and settles me on the bed. He finishes by tucking the covers around me. “You will stay in here and not return to the human tower. Do you understand?”

  He seems almost angry and in complete bewilderment. I can only nod.

  “Good, now sleep.”

  That’s exactly what I do.

  ***

  The dream is so real. Too real. The woman from my cell appears before me flying on Pegasus. His mighty white wings flap noiselessly as she stares down at me. “You have the heart of a dragon. To prove yourself, you must fly. Go to the perch and cast yourself from the tower. If you believe, your greatest wish will be realized.” She fades away as I blink rapidly several times.

  Dreamily, I stand from the bed and walk to the window then outside onto the perch. Peering over the edge, I’m not frightened and a tingling sensation spreads around my shoulders. Without thought, I lift my arms.

  “What the hell are you doing now?” Tahr shouts before grabbing me back from the edge.

  My foggy brain clears and I realize I almost walked into thin air and a deadly fall. My entire body begins shaking as Tahr pulls me away from the window and out of my new room.

  “You’re nothing but trouble,” he says gruffly. “You’re a stubborn woman with no sense. First you walk to the human tower and now you think you can fly. What were you thinking?” He rests me on a couch in his outer room and begins pacing.

  Meagan’s desk is in the corner. He watches me with stern eyes when I stand and walk over to grab a pen and paper. Very slowly I write the words I need to say.

  I am sorry for being a burden.

  I must return to my room in the human tower.

  Thank you for all you’ve done.

  I promise not to bother you again.

  Tahr is now standing beside me and peering over my shoulder. He rips the paper from my fingers when I try handing it to him and crunches it into a ball. He grasps my shoulders with his large hands and the undeniable energy that exists between us visibly sparks. He looks stunned for a moment but shakes it off quicker than I do. The light is so beautiful and the feel of it incredibly comforting.

  “You are not returning to the other tower.” His teeth are clenched and I don’t think the light is as soothing to him as it is to me. He releases me and steps back. The loss of his energy is disheartening and I force myself not to reach out and touch him. He runs his fingers through his hair and sadly it reminds me that I have none. At least my headpiece is in place and I don’t suffer the indignity of him seeing me without it again.

  He takes a few long breaths and seems to calm. “I have need of a servant and Henry will not be returning to his former job. You will fill his role and do his duties. Betty is too old.” He glares at me. “This is a command.
You will not return to the human tower, you will never return there. Your former rooms are off limits. Do you understand me?”

  I guess if he repeats the command enough times it might sink into my small human brain. The thought irritates me. I don’t understand Tahr and wonder if he’s crazy. There is no way I can take care of him. I know nothing of the job Henry performed. It doesn’t matter, though. Looking into Tahr’s determined eyes, I know I have little choice. The memory of Meagan’s sweet voice requesting I watch after her dragon fills my mind. Slowly, with a racing heart… I nod.

  Tahr snorts and a small trail of smoke escapes his nostrils. “Good. Now that this is settled, you will join me for lunch.”

  I almost laugh—first, because the smoke doesn’t intimidate me. Next, because I know for certain that Henry never joined the dragon for a meal. Tahr marches to the dining room where a very nervous Betty is setting the table. This will not work. With my legs still shaking, I walk over and help Betty lay out the silverware. Betty nervously signs that she will return with our meal as Tahr glares at the both of us. I ignore him and finish preparing the table. For two. This is absurd.

  I’m sitting quietly with my head lowered and feeling ridiculous when Betty returns. I’m so uncomfortable, but Tahr doesn’t seem to notice. He actually fills my plate with food before filling his own. What is he doing and what does he hope this will accomplish?

  “You will eat it all. You went too long without food and you’re too skinny.”

  My irritation turns to anger.

  He continues speaking with no regard to anything I might be feeling, “You will not begin your work until you have gained weight. I want you taking it easy and regaining your strength. I am a demanding master.”

  Surly he jokes, I think sarcastically.

  “When you are completely healed, I will train you to properly care for me. You will clean these rooms and take care of my clothing. You will communicate in your strange hand language with Betty and see that my meals are prepared to my liking.”

  I began to contemplate strangling him. The “strange hand language” comment almost takes me over the top.

  He doesn’t stop there, “You will eat with me and keep me company at each meal when I am here.”

  How am I to keep him company? I can only communicate in a “strange hand language.”

  “Now eat,” he demands as he takes his first bite of food.

  It’s difficult not to toss my entire plate at his head. Would he kill me for doing so?

  “This will not work,” he finally says. I haven’t touched a bite as I silently simmer. Tahr gets up and retrieves the pen from earlier and a blank sheet of paper. “I can see anger in your eyes, but I have no clue what could possibly upset you. I am giving you a great gift in allowing you to care for me and you should be smiling.” He lays the paper and pen beside my plate. “Now tell me what has you looking constipated.”

  I eye the knife lying beside my plate then shift my gaze to the paper. The thought of picking up the knife and sticking it up one of Tahr’s nostrils is much too enticing. I calmly move my plate aside so I can write comfortably. I scribble three words. My hands aren’t even shaking when I slide the paper in front of him.

  His roar of laughter surprises me. He crumples the paper and tosses it to the floor. “Eat. I command it.”

  I eat. The food is wonderful and I can no longer deny my hunger. I refuse to look at Tahr. He doesn’t seem to care and tells me about the last treasure he stole. A lump forms in my throat as I realize, without Meagan, he must be very lonely. He should go visit his dragon friends or travel to another realm and visit with people capable of speaking aloud. No, I must stop thinking about his rudeness. He is a dragon after all.

  Betty returns when we’ve finished and begins clearing the table. I stand to help but the dragon bangs his fist and I freeze. His glare pins me to my seat. When Betty is finished, she hastily leaves the room. Tahr stands and stomps out without looking back. I reach for the crumpled piece of paper on the floor and slowly unfurl it.

  I hate you!

  Chapter Nine

  Tahr

  She hates me. What a joke! And I can’t help my large grin at her feistiness. I like when a bride challenges me. No! Not a bride and I must remember that.

  I’ve decided the best way to care for Pepper is to have her care for me. That way I can keep an eye on her. Seeing her standing so close to the ledge terrified me. I slice my fingers through my hair wondering what the hell she was thinking.

  Then, there is the magic that flows between us when we touch. Magic, I can no longer overlook. I wonder if her parents were more than what they appeared. As far as I know, earth shifters and vampires don’t become ill. There’s no denying she was very sick when Meagan and I fetched her as a child.

  I pull a large section of my hair in frustration this time. I really need to visit Sarn and his mate, Sierra. It took a long time to forgive what he did to Roxy and Ashrac. Now I’m just relieved he’s finally happy. And living in the earth’s realm, he or even his mate might understand what Pepper is. Because I know she’s more than human.

  I smooth my mussed hair down as best I can. I can’t seek out answers in earth’s realm until I’m sure Pepper is fully healed and ready to take on her responsibilities to care for me. I’ve decided to wait on allowing her to choose a husband. Her duty to me comes first and I like the idea of her serving me.

  I walk to my perch and dive. I need to spread my wings and spew some fire to relieve this pent up energy. I don’t like the uncertainty I feel—I have no idea what Pepper is, I’m drawn to her in a way that is improper. And, most of all… I’m lonely.

  I return to my tower a few hours later. Pepper has fallen asleep on the sofa with a book in her hands. It reminds me of Meagan and I can’t stop the sadness that fills me. I also realize since I found Pepper, I haven’t thought of Meagan as much. That in itself is sad.

  Pepper’s body jerks in her sleep and her eyes open. I haven’t put on clothing, which is of no consequence, but I expect her to at least take notice. I like when her eyes travel over me and her face pinks. It’s very strange that she’s staring through me but doesn’t see me at all. She stands from the sofa and heads into my room. I follow closely as she goes straight to the window and walks out on the ledge.

  She lifts her arms and actually dives off. I launch myself from the tower, shift, and grab her in my talons. A moment later, I feel her small fists hitting my inside claws. I fly away from the castle and find a soft patch of grass. She rolls to the ground when I spread my talons.

  I shift for the added pleasure of yelling in human form. “What the hell do you think you’re doing? You can’t fly and you can’t possibly hate me that much!”

  Her hands fly in rapid response. Of course I don’t understand a word. Her eyes are incredibly large and her anger evident by her expression. What the hell is she angry for? I saved her life… again.

  I also know I’m being unreasonable. She wasn’t awake when she threw herself from the perch. Well, not exactly threw... she dove with the grace of a dragon. This crazy human may be the death of me.

  I place my hand out and grab one of her fists, which is creating a sign that isn’t so hard to interpret. I ignore the instant energy that flows between us. “Okay, I get the point. I think you were sleepwalking.” I give her a moment to absorb what I’m saying. “Is sleepwalking a problem you’ve had before?”

  She shakes her head sharply. The damn stupid headpiece is slightly askew. I reach out to remove it, but she jerks away when she sees where my hand is heading.

  “Just let me adjust the damn thing,” I grumble my patience at an end.

  Obviously that was the wrong thing to say because she kicks my shin. I’m surprised fire doesn’t burst from her throat she’s so angry. She immediately starts hopping on one foot and my ire rises to match hers. She’s hurt herself and the foot could possibly be broken. I sweep her off her feet and lower her to the grass. She tries wiggling away, bu
t I don’t give her the chance. I have a tight hold on her uninjured leg and move her dress away with my other hand while pulling her foot to my chest.

  “I only want to check that it’s not broken,” I snap as I run my fingers over her soft skin. She huffs out a breath and stops fighting. Her skin has an effect on me that I didn’t expect. I silently count to twenty then thirty to tame my cock. This shouldn’t be happening. I’ve shouldn’t see her as anything more than one of my humans. What the hell is wrong with me? “I think your foot and ankle are uninjured, but kicking a dragon isn’t wise,” I add as soon as I have myself under control.

  She rolls her eyes and my cock gives a jump. I’m certifiable.

  My anger is gone, my desire a steady throb but the eye roll helps. She’s quite entertaining. “Teach me one of your hand phrases so I can learn what you are saying to me.”

  She stares at me for a moment and then does something absolutely ridiculous. Her fist comes up in the same sharp motion she used earlier.

  I can’t help the laugh that roars from my throat or the smoke that comes with it. She’s priceless. I watch as her lips curve in a very small smile. She points to her chest, touches several fingers together, and lifts those fingers to her temple.

  I try making the same sign and for something so simple, my fingers decide to rearrange the order. Merriment shines in her eyes as I fumble it again. She holds her sides in silent laughter when I repeat it once more, this time getting it correct, I think. It feels good to make her happy.

  “Teach me another,” I demand once more.

  She thinks for a moment and then her hands roll one over the other, twice, and then she brings one finger to her nose. I follow her lead and soon I combine both signs. She lies back in the grass and curls on her side because she’s laughing so hard. I wish she had a voice so I could hear the sound.