This time she tried to remember the route they took. She had to get her bearings in this great house; if ever she needed to leave her room without him, she would get lost. Probably end up in the dungeon. "Do you have a dungeon?" she asked, following that train of thought.
"This isn't a castle," he said sharply.
"I know. But the house is so old. I wondered if you ever had the need for one."
"Not yet. But there's always time." He looked at her pointedly, but she refused to shrink from him. "There are cellars, mostly filled with wine. We have enough here to drown in."
"Another thing you collect?"
"Yes. It's how we earn a living. Occasionally a really old bottle will be ‘discovered’ and go up for auction."
"Wine?" she said, disbelieving. "Is this a joke at my expense?"
"No. There are plenty of wine investors. It's done discreetly; no one asks questions as long as they are authentic. Which they are. When there is a particularly good year, we invest, keep it for a decade or more, and then sell it."
"That is the craziest thing I've ever heard," she said, falling into step with him. "But then you must have seen some pretty crazy things."
"Nothing like today's world. Before, men have killed themselves for land and religion. Now the world seems to have gone mad. They live their lives at a thousand miles an hour. Never pausing to see what they're doing to the planet. Buildings as tall as mountains, forests destroyed."
"And you sit in your house and watch it happening. Do you ever feel like being part of the world?"
"No. If the general population found out about us we'd be locked away in a zoo. Which is why I would like you to tell me who told you about dragons. Someone sent you here, didn't they?"
She stopped abruptly. "Connor. I..." What could she say? It was the truth, but a truth she couldn't share with him.
"I'm hoping in time you'll tell me of your own free will, Serena."
Her face paled. It was a veiled threat. "Connor, please believe me if I..."
"So here she is. The little whore."
"Zoah," Connor growled, "Be polite."
"That was polite," he sneered.
Serena shrank away from the two men standing in front of her. She sensed danger. Connor, all tensed muscles, ready for a fight, and the man she now knew was his brother with a spiteful look on his face. If she had thought Connor had shown arrogance, it was nothing compared to Zoah.
"If you are looking for a fight, you're going the right way about it, Zoah."
"I wasn't. I was looking to get laid. I don't usually like your cast-offs, Connor, but perhaps when you've stuck a child in her belly I could have a little fun with her."
The insinuation had not been lost on Serena. All her thoughts of trusting Connor disappeared, along with her appetite. "I'm not hungry any more. If you don't mind, I'm going to my room."
She didn't wait for him to answer. Instead she turned and walked quickly away, holding herself together. Desperately she tried to remember the way back to her room, only once taking a wrong turn. In the distance she could hear raised voices, she covered her ears and ran, wanting to grab Hope and get out of there as fast as she could. But she couldn't do it, couldn't abandon Charlotte.
When she got to her room, she opened the closet and sobbed into Hope's fur. The little cat purring furiously, rubbing her body against Serena in a bid to comfort her. "Oh, Hope, what have I got myself into?"
Her mind whirled. Was that what they intended? When Connor had finished with her she would be given over to his brother to do as he wished? While the child grew inside her she would simply be used for entertainment. It sealed her fate, and Connor's. She would give him the potion; she was lucky Zoah had come along when he did, she had been so tempted to tell Connor the truth. If she had done so, she would have been finished.
So wrapped in her anguish was she, she didn't hear the first light knock on the door. The second knock was louder. "Serena. Serena, can I come in?
She picked up Hope, bundling her into the closet just as Connor walked into the room. He looked dishevelled, and angry. Backing away, she placed herself instinctively between him and Hope. "Connor."
"I wanted to apologise to you. I told you Zoah makes trouble."
Serena wiped the tears away from her eyes. "No. He's right. I am a whore. You're paying me for ... sex. That's what a whore is."
"Serena, don’t say it like that."
"It's the truth, we all know it." She took a long, shuddering breath. "I'd like some time alone, please."
Behind her, a muffled meow came from the closet. Hope always wanted to comfort her mistress when she was upset. Serena didn't flinch, she tried to ignore it until it came again, and Connor stepped forward.
Desperately, Serena planted herself in the way of his big bulking body. He grabbed her wrist and held her against him while he reached to open the door. "What do you have in there?"
"Nothing. Please Connor, it's nothing."
He yanked the door open, and out spilled Hope. "A cat. You brought a cat with you?"
"Please, Connor," she said struggling against him. "Leave her alone, please." He reached down and scooped Hope up as if she were no more than a piece of fluff. Hope purred loudly, and pushed her head against his bare chest. "Connor, please."
He looked at Serena, and then at the small cat in his hand. "She's been in the room the whole time?"
"Yes. I couldn't leave her at my apartment."
"Why? Because whoever put you up to this would hurt her?"
"Connor, please. Whatever you want, I'll do. You want your brother to fuck me when you've finished, fine."
He flinched at her words. "What do you think I'm going to do?"
She shook her head, big tears rolling down her cheeks. "I don't know," she whispered.
"Do you think I'm going to wring her neck? Or drown her, is that the kind of beast you think I am?"
"I don't know who you are. But I'll do anything, just don't hurt her. Please. You want me to beg, I'll beg."
Hope now had her paws on Connor’s chest, kneading his skin, her claws leaving red marks as they dug in. She was in ecstasy; the poor creature had no idea the danger she was in. Serena had been foolish thinking he cared for her. This gave him power over her, but she couldn't bear to lose Hope. Damn, why did she let herself care for anyone, they only got hurt.
"I don't want you to beg. I want you to trust me." He held her wrist tightly, and still carrying Hope, he left the bedroom, Serena trailing behind him.
She didn't speak, a lesson hard-learned from Samuel. Keep your mouth shut; don't make things worse. However, that did not stop the tears running down her cheeks, or the sobs she tried to stifle. He was so strong, there was no way she could fight him. If only she had given him the stuff in the vial already, but she had been told to wait until after the five days. Now Hope's life was going to be lost too.
Connor took her back towards the kitchen, and then down a long, dark corridor, before opening a heavy wooden door. The light hit her eyes, blinding her. It took a moment for Serena to get her bearings and see they were in a completely enclosed courtyard. Connor bent down and put Hope carefully onto the ground. Hope looked stunned.
Serena bent down and Connor released her too. "It's OK, Hope." She looked up at Connor, finding his expression unreadable. "What are you going to do?"
"Make breakfast." He turned around and went back inside, pulling the door to behind him, leaving a confused Hope and Serena in the bright sunlight.
She stroked Hope. "Well at least we're not going to be his breakfast today." Hope simply looked at her with her knowing eyes, and then hopped off after a butterfly.
Chapter Twelve – Connor
Connor needed time to calm down; he wanted Serena to trust him, needed her to. And he had been so close, but Zoah had put his damn foot in it. Connor glanced down at his fist, the knuckle bruised from where it had made contact with Zoah's face. Serves him right if he had a black eye for a few days; he should mind his
manners. He behaved like a spoiled child, too used to getting his own way. Perhaps it was time they both found women to settle down with for a while.
The idea both excited and frightened him. To have a companion, one that was not his brother, was so enticing. However, he knew what made Zoah act in the way he did towards women. They both were aware of the sadness that would inevitably come. It may have been millennia ago, but the sadness of watching their mother die, and the heartache their father felt had put both of them off relationships.
To live forever was a gift, and a curse. And they had both silently sworn never to let love interfere in their lives, which is why they had stuck to casual relationships. Connor’s idea of bringing a child into this world was twisted. The plan had been for Serena to have the child, and then leave so that their son would never know his mother. So he would never be able to miss her.
He had planned to pay the Serena the money and then raise the child himself. Yet now he knew her, and in only such a short space of time he had been reminded of the love and compassion a woman had to give. So much more than he could ever lavish on a child.
Why was it so complicated? If only there was a way she could live a long life too. But their father had searched for a way of prolonging their mother's life, and it had evaded him. The memory of the broken man crying over the grave of the woman he loved still haunted him, and he knew it was the reason Zoah pushed everyone away. It was the reason for his outburst this morning. In his own stupid way he was trying to protect Connor. From love.
"How's the nose?" Connor asked, hearing Zoah enter the kitchen behind him.
"Not broken. Although my eye is a lovely shade of violet. Thanks for asking."
"You deserved it."
"You're getting too close. She's trouble. And for what? So she can spawn you a child that will grow up lonely and unloved."
"I will love it, Zoah."
"We're a dying species. Neither of us have been able to make a child. We're supposed to be the last of our kind."
"Maybe it only happens with the right human."
"Now you're talking romantic gibberish."
"So what do you suggest, we fuck around until we die?"
"Sounds good to me. Hey, the ladies might find me even more attractive with this black eye. Especially if I spin a good tale."
"Zoah. At some point you have to grow up. We are not the only dragons left."
"Really, and where are the rest hiding?"
"I've heard there are more over in Spellholm."
"You've been asking around,” he accused. “No wonder she suddenly turns up and wants to bear your child. You led them to us with your questions."
"I'm fed up of hiding. Of being afraid of who we are."
"I'm not afraid of who I am. But I'm sure as hell scared of who you're becoming." Before Connor could answer, Zoah stalked out.
His words troubled Connor. If Serena had not found him, he would have carried on the same, never looking for love. But she had come here, into his house and into his life, and it had woken something inside him that he wasn't sure he could put back to sleep.
To keep his mind occupied her took out pans and a skillet, and made breakfast. It had been a long time since he had cooked for anyone other than himself, or occasionally Zoah, but they rarely ate together. Soon he found himself whistling a very old tune, and thoroughly enjoying himself. He even opened a can of sardines for that damn cat.
Chapter Thirteen – Serena
They had explored the garden, Hope because she hadn’t been outside since Serena had found her, and Serena because she wanted to make sure there was no chance her cat could escape. There wasn't, but in her search she had come across roses, old-fashioned roses that smelled wonderful. There were herbs too, and Hope was enjoying herself, rolling around in the mint, despite Serena constantly picking her up.
"Catmint. They can't get enough."
She turned to see Connor carrying a tray loaded with food and placing it on the stone bench. "No table, I'm afraid. I never eat out here."
"That's OK. We can sit on the grass, like a picnic."
"A breakfast picnic."
"Any time of day is great for a picnic, and the sun is already warm.”
He went back inside and came back with a blanket, which he spread out for them to sit on. She helped set out the food, there was a lot of it, and her stomach rumbled in appreciation at the variety of smells. Even Hope came over to eat, rolling on the floor when she had finished, licking her paws and purring contentedly. At least one of them didn't find the whole thing awkward. After the outburst earlier, she didn't know what to say. However, the brothers intrigued her, and she decided to find out how Connor's relationship with his brother worked.
"It's not the first time we've fought, and won’t be the last. Unfortunately, when we argue it tends to get physical."
He offered her bacon, which smelt wonderful, crispy on the outside, just the way she liked it. There was also toast, and eggs, mushrooms and tomatoes. Serena had never had a breakfast like this. She settled down, watching Hope, while the sun warmed her skin. In the shelter of the courtyard, with Connor by her side, she felt safe. Content. If the threat to Charlotte hadn’t been hanging over her, she would say she was happy.
"Will he forgive you?" she asked, pulling herself back to reality.
Connor laughed. "He has to. We live too long to hold grudges."
"I'm sorry if I've come between you two. I never intended that to happen. I had no idea he was here."
"So did you think I was some lonely old dragon who must be in need of a mate?"
"No. It wasn't like that. And I can see that women would fall over themselves for you."
"Long ago. But now I keep to myself, it's different. People are different. Although Zoah enjoys the fact women are more promiscuous than they used to be."
"So tell me," she said, trying to get away from any awkward questions he might ask her. "If you have lived through all the ages of man, which was your favourite time? You have seen man evolve from simple farmers to, well, I'm not sure what we are these days."
“I don’t know if I ever had a favourite time. I suppose when the land was empty, before towns and cities. The freedom we had to fly, to hunt. Now we have to be careful not to be seen, all those phones with cameras. I think it’s one of the reasons we will leave here soon.”
“This house?”
“Yes, it’s too crowded, and now we know there are people who know our secret and want to exploit it, it’s time.”
“I’m sorry.”
He looked at her, and smiled, a sight that took her breath away. His eyes lit up and his face brightened. “I’m not. I think we’ve been dormant too long.”
“Dormant? Sleeping dragons.”
“We’ve sat back and watched the world grow and change. Hidden away here. But the houses are encroaching faster and faster. Soon they’ll be up to the walls, and then questions will be asked about who lives in the big house. So we’ll go.”
“Where?”
“I don’t know, somewhere with mountains. There’s nothing like perching on the highest peak and surveying everything below you. On top of the world, and then to swoop down, riding the updrafts as you circle lower. The quiet of it, the peace.”
“It sounds fantastic. To be able to fly away.”
“I would take you with me, Serena. Away from whatever made you come here. I could make you happy.”
“No. You can’t. There are some things you can never run from.”
“I could make you.”
“I know.” With eyes full of sorrow she looked at him. “But I’m asking you not to.”
“Then will you at least tell me what keeps you here? Who has a hold over you?”
“I will. But not now. Can we simply enjoy the sun on our skin and the breeze in the trees.” She lay down and closed her eyes, so tired she couldn’t keep awake any longer. In the warmth and safety of the courtyard she slept. Hope came and curled up with her, and the big dragon s
at protectively close, deep in thought.
***
On waking, it took a few minutes for Serena to put everything that had happened back together in her confused mind. When all the pieces were slotted into position, she opened her eyes, not knowing what to expect. How long had she slept, and was Connor still with her?
He was. Although everything had been cleared away, and he had fetched a blanket to cover her with, the sun had begun to creep out of the courtyard, leaving it in shadow. Stirring, she found her body stiff, and had to flex her arms and legs to get them working.
"How do you feel?" he asked.
"Uhh. Hungover. But give me a minute and I'll feel better." She sat up, and brushed her hair from her face. Looking for Hope, she saw her exploring the flower beds, no doubt using it as a toilet. Connor had better not mind. Her thoughts returned to him; she studied his face carefully, trying to read what he had in store for her now. This was probably not how he had envisaged their time together. She had expected sex, sex and more sex. If he wanted a child in her belly, that was all that mattered. How had he realised she was not being honest?
He smiled down at her. "Feeling better?"
"A little." She reached out a hand and stroked his bare chest. "Do you ever wear a shirt?"
"Not so much at home." He looked down at her hand, his skin tensing where her fingers trailed. Slowly she moved them down to run along the top of his pants, feeling the wiry hair against her skin.
Raising herself up, she pulled herself closer to him, her hand cupping his face. Lightly, she kissed him. He responded, returning the kiss. Leaning forward, she kissed him deeper, her tongue playing along his lips and then searching for his tongue. He allowed her to go at her own pace, not hurrying her, but she saw his pants bulge and knew she was arousing him. To help him with that, she slid her hand back down to cover the bulge, feeling him groan against her lips.
Connor cupped her breast in his hand, his thumb brushing her hard, taut nipple. The sensation connected with her sex, her clit throbbing with need. She wanted to be touched there, to feel him inside her. Serena had never expected this, never expected to want him to make love to her, she had always assumed it would be forced, that she would have to make herself be with him intimately, Now she was the one instigating sex, and to show how much she wanted him she began to unzip his pants.
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