Dragons Live Forever

by D'Elen McClain

  Acasia’s laugh echoes through the canyon walls where we’re flying. “You may try, Tahr. Bastian threatens to do the same, but I like the humans knowing we would never harm them. Meagan’s memory will make your plan more difficult than you think.”

  I grumble a bit under my breath because Acasia makes a fair point. Meagan loved the humans and thus spoiled them rotten. We continue our flight without much talking among the adults. Of course, Ashrac is rarely quiet.

  “I want a traveling vehicle next. Father says a car won’t be easy to transport across the realm divide. I have mathematically worked out the technical difficulties and know it can be done.”

  Ashrac is still rambling on about the technicalities when I see an image that stops my heart. “Hell,” I shout. Pepper is standing at the edge of my perch. We are too far away for me to catch her. My heart clenches and I can’t breathe.

  Acasia yells, “Pepper, no!”

  “She’s so beautiful,” Ashrac whispers. “She’ll make a lovely splat.”

  I can’t take my eyes from Pepper, but I’m aware that Acasia wallops Ash with her tail.

  “Sorry, Mother,” comes an unrepentant voice from somewhere below me.

  Acasia whispers into my mind. “Speak to her, Tahr. Tell her not to jump.”

  I throw my thoughts to Pepper. “Don’t jump you idiot female.” I order. This time Acasia’s tail slams into the side of my head and a grunt escapes my throat.

  Pepper’s head comes up and she stares straight at me while slowly placing one foot over the ledge.

  I lower my voice and plead. “Pepper, listen to me. Step away from the ledge… please.”

  She shakes her head and this is when I realize she’s wide awake and she knows exactly what she’s doing. I add an even greater burst of speed pumping my wings with everything I have. I’m not sure if I’m near enough when she raises her arms, leans forward, and dives. “Noooo,” I scream as I attempt to intercept her fall. I grab her within my talons no more than twenty feet from the ground. The magic between us is so intense that I can barely breathe as I rise higher. What is this connection that exists when we touch? Her magic flows through me and I feel more alive than ever before.

  My friends swoop down when I land in the shadow of the tower. I open my talons and Pepper falls out. I feel the loss of our connection immediately. She squeezes herself into a tight ball and her shoulders shake. With one sharp claw, I gently roll her over.

  Tears. She’s sobbing after I’ve saved her life?

  “Mother, why do humans cry so much?”

  Acasia gives a loud sigh. “Hush, Ashrac. She’s sad and humans cry no less or more than anyone else.”

  “She should be thankful that Uncle Tahr saved her. Father says women are rarely thankful for anything.”

  I’m not sure where to look. Bastian is about to get blasted with angry female dragon fire and Pepper’s chest is still heaving while tears stream down her cheeks. At any other time, watching Bastian get his ass kicked would be my primary choice, but Pepper’s tears split my heart in two. What does she think would happen if I hadn’t caught her? Not so lovely splat covers it better than Ashrac’s rendition.

  Seeing her this way brings me unaccustomed internal feelings. I want Pepper happy. I want her beside me each day. Hell, I just plain want her. How could this happen so fast? She isn’t a bride.

  I can hear Acasia and Bastian bickering, but I’m completely focused on Pepper. I shift and walk forward and bend down beside her. “It’s okay, Pepper,” I say as I rub her shoulder. She looks up and I see grief so bare that I want to wrap her in my arms and never let go. I adjust her headpiece so it rests evenly on her head. “I cannot allow you to fall. Don’t leave me like Meagan and all the brides before her. I need you in my life.”

  The talking behind me stops. I know what I’ve said. I know the rules for our humans. They are in our care, they do not have free will. We do not take advantage of them. It’s one of the promises we made Dmitri and in return we have servants to care for us. What we do with our brides is wrong. It’s the instinct and our selfishness that guides our need to possess and steal treasure even if it’s a terrified woman from the human village. So, we have a deal with a vampire and do not force ourselves on the humans we bring over.

  And I can’t stop the longing that swells within me now that I’ve given it voice. I want her… need her… and I dare anyone to take her from me.

  Bastian grabs my upper arm. He has shifted, though I wasn’t aware. “You cannot, Tahr. It’s forbidden for a reason and we swore an oath.”

  My gaze is locked on Pepper, who continues crying. I don’t look at Bastian, though my question is directed his way. “Tell me the reason so it makes sense,” I say as a low snarl escapes me.

  Bastian breathes heavily and I know he’s trying to contain his smoke. “Don’t you realize how much Sarn has suffered for going against the curse? He’s lost everything. Do you want that?” Bastian continues without giving me time to answer. “These humans are not meant for us—not to pass the time, not to have sex with, and most definitely not to love. You are stronger than that, my friend. If she tries to jump again, it’s the Goddess’s will and you need to let her go.”

  That turns my full attention to Bastian. He’s serious, I can see it by the tense set of his jaw and red sparks shooting through his eyes. “You don’t understand. She will make the days and nights easier to bear. She suffered at my hands and now I owe her.” I move a bit closer to Pepper while keeping my gaze on Bastian. “At least Sarn is happy. Yes, he suffered to get there and I don’t agree with what he gave up for love. You cannot deny he’s at peace with his decision even if it’s not the one we would make.”

  Bastian looks to Acasia and his eyes blaze a deeper red. “I would have made the exact same decision as Sarn.” He turns back to me. “This is wrong and you owe this human more than a passing tumble. Leave her be and allow the Goddess to decide her fate. You’re confused and lonely right now, Tahr. You must abide by the curse or you will never break it.”

  Bastian would truly give up his ability to shift to dragon for his mate’s love. I see it in his eyes and I don’t understand. I want Pepper near me. I want her taking my mind from the loss of Meagan. I don’t love her as Bastian loves Acasia. I would never give away my ability to shift. I return my gaze to Pepper. Bastian is right; she is not meant for me.

  “I hear you, Bastian, and I will do my best.” I pick Pepper up into my arms and carry her around to one of the lower doors of my castle. The others don’t follow.

  “But, Mother, I want to meet this human and see why she’s so special. The Goddess has chosen her for some reason.”

  Ashrac’s voice fades and I focus on the beautiful crying woman in my arms. “You cannot do that again. We will discuss this and I will even learn your hand language so I can understand you. If you jump, you will die. Please don’t leave me,” I beg in a gruff whisper as I squeeze her tighter.

  Her face is wet with tears and her eyes puffy. She adamantly shakes her stubborn head. And damn but she’s alluring. I’m pulled to her and I can’t do as Bastian says. I will not allow her to jump. Ashrac made a point, though. The Goddess chose Pepper for a reason. Could it be so I suffer more than I already do? I’m the last dragon without a mate, so now her focus must surely be entirely on me. Caring more than I already do for Pepper could be my undoing. “Tread carefully,” I tell myself and then I look down at the woman in my arms.

  Too late.

  Chapter Twelve

  Pepper

  The dragons speak of me as if I’m not present. Just because I cannot use my voice doesn’t mean I can’t hear them or understand what they’re saying. I have no way to convince Tahr that the woman on the Pegasus is no dream. She came to me while I was awake. For some reason I don’t think she wishes me harm. I feel more alive beneath the light she casts.

  The young, red dragon mentioned a Goddess. Is that what she is? I agree with him—what makes me so special? A yearning for s
cales and wings is not enough.

  Tahr’s arms comfort me. He says he wants me in his life; so what exactly does that mean? I’m here and fully healed. It’s time to begin my duty and serve him.

  What if he hadn’t caught me? As I fell, a painful burn erupted across my back along with the pressure under my skin. When Tahr grabbed me, his energy burst between us and soothed the pain. And I was devastated. Something waited and it was so very close. How stupid is that? I’m nothing to a Goddess.

  “You will begin teaching me your hand language immediately so we can communicate. You will not allow me to stop even if I become frustrated. If humans can learn this language, so can a dragon.”

  He carries me up the high flight of stairs while speaking the entire time. What has changed? I can feel the strength of his arms, the power of his thighs as they lift with each step. A vibration travels through my skin. He’s also naked. I’ve seen him thus so many times, but now, it’s affecting me more. I enjoy the feel of his skin against mine. My dress is hiked up and caught between me and his arms. His skin is in direct contact with my upper thigh. I shouldn’t have these thoughts. The older dragon was correct. Earth humans are not meant for dragons. We have our place and that is serving the dragon’s needs while putting our own needs second.

  The human wing of the castle is fine-tuned so the dragon and his bride are kept happy. Pride is rampant when the dragon casts a smile our way—hard earned and greatly cherished. We worship him and I am but a blink in his never-ending universe.

  We reach Tahr’s private rooms and I don’t see Betty. I instantly become worried about what the dragon will do to her for falling asleep. He has a temper and Betty doesn’t deserve his scorn. He releases my legs and I slide against him until my feet touch the floor. I wipe my tears and then place my palm flat to his chest and push back slightly. My fingers tingle. He’s immovable.

  Dropping my hand, I walk to the table and take the pen and paper. My fingers shake as I write.

  I was awake. The woman on the Pegasus caused Betty to sleep. It was not Betty’s fault.

  He reads the note before looking up at me again. “I will not punish Betty for her lapse of duty. We need to talk about this woman who keeps appearing before you. This is not a good thing, Pepper. If you jump, you will die. Is that what you want?”

  I can only shake my head no. There are so many things I want to say to him. I turn when I hear Betty’s footsteps. Her eyes are huge and glued on Tahr.

  He speaks before I can explain what’s happened and put her at ease. “I’m aware this is not your fault, Betty.” Her eyes shift to mine and back again when he continues speaking, “Pepper will no longer be serving me. You will go to the human tower and choose someone to help you up here. I don’t care who it is as long as it isn’t Henry.”

  My stomach tightens at his words. He’s casting me aside and breaking my heart. Betty quickly shuffles from the room after a quick, sad glance in my direction. She warned me but she knows how this must hurt. My dreams come crashing in around me as I realize this is a greater punishment than being locked in the cellar. I love my dragon and I will pay for these feelings until the day I die.

  I turn and walk to the door with my head down. I don’t want Tahr to see me cry again.

  “Where are you going?” he asks as his large hand circles my upper arm. He’s still holding the pen and paper. I place my trembling hand out without looking up at him. I must get through this and allow my heart to completely crumble in privacy. He hands the writing utensils to me and tries to see what I’m scribbling so I cup my hand slightly and block him. Then I hand the note over and gulp in a breath of air to hold back sobs. My lower lip quivers so I bite it between my teeth and wonder how I will survive.

  I’m returning to the human tower. I will find a proper job and serve you from there.

  His hand tightens fractionally and his voice lowers. “You will no longer be serving me, Pepper. I wish for you to be my…” He looks around the room before returning his gaze to mine. A brief flash of silver alights within his eyes. “Your job is to be my friend.”

  His friend. My heart rate increases until it’s a steady pound within my chest.

  He speaks again while his word swirls through my mind. “I want you to teach me your language. I don’t wish for you to serve me in any other way. I won’t ask anything more of you, I promise.” Now the silver in his eyes shines brightly and doesn’t dispel. “No, I demand that you stay away from high ledges. I cannot bear for you to leave me.”

  He pulls me closer and I want so badly for him to kiss me. The blaze of his silver eyes intensifies the longer I take to answer. I place my hand out and he slowly rests the pen and paper on my palm. I write fast and wonder if he will even understand my scribble.

  I wish to be your friend.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Tahr

  For the next two weeks, I keep Pepper so busy she falls into bed each night and sleeps soundly. I know this because her ankle is now tied to mine and I feel every move she makes. Betty has found a young man to help her serve me. Mikael, the young man who delivered the rope, irritates me to no end. Pepper acts shy around him and I don’t like the way he looks at her. He is far too friendly. And even though I know in my heart that I should allow their feelings to blossom, I cannot. Pepper is mine. It’s entirely unreasonable. She deserves a human to grow old with and one who makes her happy.

  I don’t care!

  Pepper shakes her head causing the headpiece she’s never without to tilt to one side. My frustration rises. I’ve grown to dislike the thing and want to see her beauty uncovered. I want to slide my hand over the smoothness of her scalp and her large expressive eyes to close in delicious anticipation of where I will touch her next.

  As I stare at her, a bewildered expression replaces her slight smile. She is teaching me her confounded language and I try the hand signal again. She grabs my fingers, stopping me. The tingle of magic is still there, but I ignore it. It’s not just the magic I ignore—heat rises in my blood whenever she touches me. I’m failing at pretending it doesn’t affect me. I’m no good at this bloody speaking with my hands and it only adds to my frustration. Pepper carefully bends two of my fingers and brings my hand to my mouth and then to my shoulder before releasing me. I try again and judging by her smile, I finally get it right. Now I wish I could remember what the hell it means.

  Oh right. Would you like to go outside?

  I successfully make the sign again and when she smiles I speak aloud, “I’m actually asking if you want to go outside. We need to get away before I go crazy.”

  She looks longingly out the window. Her heartbeat and breathing increase and this propels me to add even when I know it’s a bad… no, horrible idea, “Ride me. I will fly you to the lake.”

  Her face is always expressive, but now it lights up from within and I’m able to push aside all the reasons this is so wrong. Brides ride dragons, only brides.

  Well, until today.

  I’m a dragon on a mission and I march into Meagan’s old room and enter her garment chamber. The saddle I had made for her sits in the corner. The saddle itself is small; built for Meagan. The long, thick leather straps are rolled up and secured beneath it. I would whisper a plea of forgiveness to Meagan, but I know this wouldn’t bother her. She always wanted me happy and I can’t deny the thrill I feel at having a woman on my back again. A special woman—friend. And if I repeat the word enough times I might believe it.

  I walk from the room and almost run into a smiling Pepper. She’s wearing another of her ugly, scratchy gowns. I need to have clothes made especially for her—soft, colorful, revealing. I stop my thoughts there. I don’t need the added temptation.

  I toss the saddle through the window onto the ledge and began undressing. Pepper turns her back, which I find cute. I’ve noticed her doing this these past two weeks. I am quite at home with nudity and I didn’t notice it bothering her before. Now her cheeks pink and she spins away. She’s charmingly cute.


  I carry the saddle outside and unwrap it. I can’t help remembering the last time I did this for Meagan. It was a short ride because she’d grown old and frail. She wanted a last look at the surrounding mountains. Even knowing how badly it would tire her I couldn’t deny her request. The ride was bittersweet because we both knew it was the final time she’d sit atop me. I shake off the sad memories and look at Pepper. “You will need to climb up my tail once I have the saddle on. You also need to adjust the straps so it doesn’t slip. Stay in the seat and hold on tightly.”

  I look up and can’t believe that she’s admiring my backside. She blushes brightly, but doesn’t look away. I shouldn’t want her to see me as more than a friend, but there’s no denying that more than friends is exactly what I want. The hardest part is not acting on my feelings. I won’t. Or at least I tell myself this a hundred times a day. Pepper is not making it easy on me and her innocence only attracts the dragon inside of me more.

  I enjoy watching her take in life here within my tower. She becomes animated about the smallest things and her expressions enthrall me. I’ve been teaching her to play chess. She’s horrible at it and she bites her lip while concentrating. Her puffy lower lip, after she bites it, keeps me interested even when the outcome of the game is a forgone conclusion. She takes her sweet time and analyzes each move and what will happen after she makes it. Her expressive eyes run back and forth across the board in calculation. Then, for some reason I can’t fathom, she makes the dumbest move ever. When I take advantage, she gives me one of her sexy grins and a slight shrug. I actually wonder if she does this on purpose.

  I finish the task of sorting out the straps to the saddle and my heart beats faster in anticipation. Our brides riding us is extremely intimate. Before the curse, it wasn’t done because our mothers became dragon after the first bedding.