by Naomi Lucas
He takes a bite of his own fruit, and I realize that’s the sound I hear. Behind him is the ocean, calm and beautiful.
Pulling my gaze away, sitting up—watching him watch me—I adjust my chest coverings and begin to feast on the meal he brought. I’m tickled he sought to provide for me, and as I go through several fruits, I’m happy he did so.
“Thank you,” I say when I finish, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand.
The glow in his eyes darkens. He crawls to me, pushes me down, tugs my skirt up, and forces my legs apart. He presses his thick girth to my opening and rams in.
I’m already ready for him.
Though I still burn from the abrupt stretch.
“Say it again,” he orders.
“Thank you!”
He slams home, deep and devastating.
Gasping, spreading my legs, hooking them over his hips. It drives my butt into the ground. Each time the thick middle of his prick slips in and out, I moan.
Grunting, he bows his spine and pulls my chest covering down, taking one tit, then the other in his mouth to suckle. I throw my head back, grabbing his horns, and finding the right leverage there—I come.
I cry out, and Zaeyr’s rutting grows frenzied.
My core clenches wildy. His grunts turn to ragged bellows—then roars. He roars when his seed bursts and floods me. Clamping hard, I take it all, arching my hips and clinging to him for more.
My dragon gives me everything.
Hard, possessive, savage—everything.
Some time later, his thrusting stops, and I’m back to being an exhausted, weak mess beneath him. Rising, he stares down at me, licking his lips. My belly jumps and I tighten my legs around him. Somehow I’m still wanting more.
“Delicious,” he rasps.
He carries me to the ocean until the water is up to our chest. Still planted inside me, he uses one hand to wash the dirt and dried cum on my skin. I touch him everywhere I can in return. There isn’t a place he doesn’t allow my hands to go.
And when the first gulls squawk above us, he releases me, and we walk back to the shore.
“You want to go back?” I ask, curious. I like this time alone with him. Perhaps a little too much.
“It is your home, is it not? Where your family lives?” He runs his fingers through his hair, pushing it back. The action makes me melt. His gaze trails over my body. “Is it where you are most safe?”
“Yes.”
“Then we go back.”
Though I will miss this time with him without the others, I nod. Going back is the right thing to do.
My tribe needs me. And with Zaeyr by my side, I have everything I want. Everything they tried to take from me.
I keep reminding myself of this as we make it to the mouth of the jungle river, as I climb onto Zaeyr’s back and he swims us across at great speed. As he enters me again on the other side, mounts me against a tree, pulls my hair, and grazes his teeth over my flesh, I remind myself of this.
But I’m nervous. The elders don’t like having their power taken away.
Will they accept me as Zaeyr’s choice? Will they banish us?
Will they try to convince him there’s another who is better?
My thoughts drift to Delina—Leith—a surge of anger slices through me. Will she leave us alone?
I don’t know if I can forgive my sister for what she tried. I understand she’s been raised differently from me, but she knows better. Whether she is the chosen female or otherwise…
She knows better. I love my sister and am part of the problem with how she’s been raised. There was too much focus on me, and I had always suspected that Delina must’ve been hurt, overshadowed by the attention on me. Now that I’ve been in her sandals for a time, I can understand her more.
But even so, Delina’s always been spoiled. Chastised when she misbehaved, but never facing consequences. If my sister didn’t want to do something, no one forced her to.
While I had to brave dark dangers alone…
Shoving Delina from my mind, I study Zaeyr’s back before me. It’s toned and strong, like the rest of him. Whatever happens, I know he won’t leave me. Whatever my tribe and the elders decide, we’ll be together.
I’m not alone anymore.
I reach out and take his hand, clasping it tight. He stiffens, glances at my hand, then clasps mine back. His hand swallows mine.
I’m used to being one of the tallest females in the tribe, one of the strongest… His hand swallows mine.
Walking next to Zaeyr like this, I find I have to look up to see his face, straining my neck to take in his striking horns. Even when we mate, my feet don’t touch when my legs are curled around him. It’s a little unsettling that I can take his cock when I probably shouldn’t be able to. I eye the hard appendage coyly. Though Zaeyr’s put a loincloth back on, his cock is visible.
I purse my lips. To the deepest waters with you, Delina. He’s made for me, not you.
Lost in my thoughts, time passes quickly. We avoid the few crocodiles we encounter, Zaeyr points out the large fin of a giant mako shark sometime later, and by the time the sun is far past its zenith, the howls of swing monkeys return to our ears.
There hasn’t been a dragon’s roar or mating call in days. Despite the comet’s red hue, everything is returning to normal. Growing antsy, I’m relieved to see Sand’s Hunters cliffs in the distance, though my stomach drops too. Now that the animals are returning, so will the deadlier predators. They’ll be hungry.
Facing Delina and the tribe is safer than facing a hungry jungle cat or prowling naga seeking a nest to lay their eggs.
My fingers twitch, wishing for a spear or dagger, instead feeling Zaeyr’s hand.
“Do not be afraid, Aida,” he says as if he knows my thoughts.
I groan. “I’m not afraid. I’m tired.”
“Have I worn you out so?” he purrs. A dragon purr? The sound goes straight to my heart.
I shake my head. “It will take a lot more to wear me out.”
“Good—”
“But I am still tired.”
He stops and turns to me. “Why?”
I kick at the sand. The scouts of my tribe will be able to see us on the beach. There’s no turning back now. I consider it anyway—for a second.
Already, the lift lowers in the distance.
“I don’t want this to end,” I finally say, pointing between us. “I… like us being this way.” Selfish, I am so selfish. “Not having to worry about anyone else, just us. Just you and me. I can’t remember a time where I have not worried—greatly—for my tribe.” I glance at the rocks, the coming tribemates with torches. “I still worry,” I whisper. “But it’s been different lately. It’s been easier.”
Finding the words to convey why I’m hesitant is difficult. Who am I joking? Relaying my feelings at all is a tremendous effort. I’m not used to having someone ask after them.
Zaeyr moves to stand in front of me, blocking my view of Sand’s Hunters and grasps my chin with his fingers.
“You are a great huntress?”
“Yes…”
“You were once the chosen female of your elders?”
Where is he going with this? I nod.
“You stood up to an alpha dragon when no one else dared?”
Tears threaten to fall. “I wanted you,” I tell him honestly.
The side of his mouth twitches. “Is that all, little Aida?”
Ugh. “No. I wanted to make sure my people made it to the caves alive.”
He leans forward and rests his brow upon mine, moving his hand from my chin to cup my nape. Shivering, I give in.
“There is nothing for you to worry about,” he says softly. “Nothing at all.”
“Halt! Aida and dragon, the elders demand to see you! Do not fight us. Lay down any weapons you hold.”
I wince—the tribe comes to collect us. Our time together ends.
“What if my family doesn’t accept us?” I ask, hurriedly.
“Then we will run away together.” Zaeyr doesn’t let go of me. Instead, his lips brush my ear. “You have already proven yourself tenfold. If they do not see that, they do not deserve you.” He lifts away and turns from me. It’s all I can do not to whimper from the loss.
The scouts on the beach move closer, eyeing us with suspicion.
“We will come willingly,” he tells them. “We carry no weapons.”
A tear slides down my cheek, and I swipe it away at once. My strength returns. Moving to stand beside my dragon, I stare down my female tribemates before us.
17
Accusations
Walking through the village at twilight, no one comes near us, and those who escort keep their spears trained on Zaeyr. Whispers abound, but none that I can make out.
It’s not the reception I expect. I expected a fight with Delina, my mother, perhaps the elders. But this? It’s so much worse. I tighten my hold on Zaeyr’s hand, glimpsing his face.
Unlike me, he doesn’t look the least bit worried.
When we reach the elders’ hut, I release his hand and enter first, he follows immediately after.
Father, Stagie, Nata, and Drea are sitting around a low table, talking. Mother is there as well—and Leith. Between them is a weeping Delina. Her eyes lift to mine and she cries louder, burrowing in our mother’s outstretched arms.
Leith shoots Zaeyr a look of murder. “What is he doing here?” He stands, points, demands.
“Sit, Leith! It is not you who decides who is allowed entry when the elders convene,” Tabach snaps. He turns to me and Zaeyr. “Aida—daughter—and Zaeyr, yes? Please sit and join us.”
Leith growls but lowers back to Delina’s side.
Zaeyr and I join them at the table. Those on either side slide away, rearranging so no one sits directly next to us.
“He attacked me,” Delina cries out. “He tore off my coverings and pushed me to the ground! I was so scared.”
I gape, staring at my sister.
Finally, I realize what is happening.
“Liar!” I hiss. Betrayed again, by my own family this time.
“Enough,” Tabach bellows. Delina sniffles, turning now to Leith. I glare daggers.
A terrible, foreboding noise emanates from beside me. We all look at Zaeyr as he rises back to his feet, muscles strained, eyes blazing. He’s focused on Leith, and only Leith. “You,” he rasps.
Leith cowers but stands, face going hard. “Do you want to fight, inhuman beast?”
Father tries to settle us again, but his words go ignored.
I’ve never seen Zaeyr look more savage and predatory. It’s not how he looks at me in heat or when he rams himself between my legs—no, he reels with fury. Only fury. Grabbing his wrist, tendrils pulsate beneath my fingers. His fury enters me.
“Zaeyr, don’t,” I beg, confused. He hates Leith with such passion.
“You, male, I know your smell! It was on Aida!” he roars.
The next instant, he’s across the table on top of Leith, pinning him to the floor. He’s twice the size of boyish Leith, twice the size of me! He could break him in two.
Screams ring out, the elders jerk back, and guards surge into the hut to press their spear tips to Zaeyr’s back. His tail swipes them away.
The kiss, I realize. He knows of Leith’s kiss. My stomach pits.
“See! This is what he is,” Delina shrieks. “A beast!”
“Let go of Leith!” one of the scouts shouts.
“No!” I scream, jumping up and throwing myself between him and the scouts, flinging out my arms. They scowl at me.
Unhindered by the chaos, Zaeyr growls. “I tasted you on Aida’s lips. Why?” A hush falls over the group. Everyone is poised to make another move but afraid to follow through. Zaeyr’s deep voice commands that much intimidation. “Why!?”
Smoke plumes the air.
Rasping sounds come from Leith’s throat.
“Do something!” Delina wails. “He’s killing him!”
“Don’t you dare,” I warn the scouts nervously shuffling. Turning to Zaeyr, I place my hand on his shoulder. “He kissed me. That’s all. Let him go,” I plead.
Zaeyr sneers. “Death!” Leith begins choking.
Delina’s crying turns to sobs.
I drop to my knees and grab Zaeyr’s hands on Leith’s throat. “Please,” I beg. “This isn’t how humans react,” I tell him, trying to keep the desperation from my voice. “If you kill him, you and I are done. We are done.” I pull at his hands. “I should’ve told you. It happened when I ran. But I forgot to tell you. I’m sorry.” I see Leith’s eyes begin to water. “He’s a good male, a kind male. A close friend. Do not do this.”
Zaeyr’s hands stiffen, and more smoke pools from his mouth and nostrils, but my words make it through to him. Leith’s coughing returns as Zaeyr’s grip eases. Slowly, he rises and I rise with him.
Delina falls to Leith’s side, crying over him.
Curling into Zaeyr’s side, he wraps an arm around me, and it’s all I can do to not cry as well.
“This way,” one of the scouts says to us, and they shuffle us toward a corner. In my periphery, I see the elders relax where they stand by the wall opposite us. His tail comes up to curl around my leg.
“I’m sorry,” I tell him quietly. “It happened so fast. I didn’t think much of it after you began pursuing me. It meant nothing, nothing.”
His fingers slide into my tousled hair. “I will not kill him… as long as it is nothing.”
“Kill him!” Delina snaps, sniffling. “You’re the one who should die.”
I snarl at her. It’s been years since our last squabble, and I’ve grown so much stronger.
“Stop!” Father yells. Delina clamps her mouth shut. Zaeyr holds me back from attacking her. “We are not acting civilized.” He slides back into his spot at the table, palming his face. “Delina, take Leith away and make sure he gets what he needs for his throat.”
“But—”
“Go!”
I watch as she helps Leith to his feet and they quickly leave the room. The tension recedes once they’re gone. Taking my first full breath since entering, I pull back from Zaeyr, just enough to glimpse his face.
He stares at the door with barely contained murder in his eyes. Swallowing, reaching up, I cup his cheeks and pull his face down to mine, telling him all the things I need to say in my eyes.
When he finally looks at me, he softens, but his words are laced with warning. “You are never to be alone with him again. If he attempts to touch you, he will die. I may not be a dragon anymore, but once we have nested with a female, we are not bothered. Once the seeding has been accomplished, we are left alone. Honor,” he hisses. “Honor is lacking in this room.”
Before he lifts his eyes to the elders, I lean up and kiss him. Zaeyr melts in my hold as he groans and kisses me back—as if everything that had just happened were a bad dream. Soft and desperate and possessive, the kiss is more than just our lips wetting and rubbing against each other. We speak with our motions and so much is said with such a simple action.
Love. My heart expands. I convey it as I did with my eyes, needing him to understand, needing it in return just as much.
Does a dragon love? Does he even know what it is?
Silly questions. I know the answer; I sense his affection and admiration. The warmth of our bond pulsates, grows. My knees weaken. He tangles his hands into my hair and grasps my head. I need our connection as much as he does.
This time together and these moments.
Father coughs and Mother sighs. We finally separate.
Turning, I find them staring at us. Mortification hits and I blush, wiping my lips. But I’m not sorry.
I’ve never given myself away to affection easily, and here I am… Hard Aida falling. Pulling away from Zaeyr’s grasp, I move to the table and sit awkwardly. He joins me at my side completely nonplussed and I kind of hate him for it—jealous of his coolness.
&nbs
p; Silence falls as everyone resettles at the table. The two scouts with their spears move to stand stiffly by the door. My heart thunders in my ears.
But my spine straightens, and I level my gaze at those sitting across from me.
Mother eyes Zaeyr questionably.
“You summoned us,” I snap when no one speaks.
Nata frowns. She looks at Zaeyr. “Can you assure us that you will not attack anyone else in this room?”
“Unless you try to harm Aida or take her away from me, I will not hurt you,” he mutters.
Mother coughs. Nata licks her lips.
Father’s brow furrows. He looks directly at me. “Aida, are you safe?” he asks.
“Yes. Yes, I’m safe.”
He turns back to Zaeyr. “Then we will not take her away from you at this time.”
18
Mine
“Delina has accused Zaeyr of assault.” The male elder says this, and I scoff. He is Aida’s father, I know. I can smell the similarities between them.
Tabach is his name, I remind myself.
He studies me. “Do you deny this accusation… dragon?”
Aida mumbles angrily beside me.
Taking her hand, I stop her from coming to my defense. “I deny it.”
“Can you prove you did not do this?”
“She’s lying, Father,” Aida snaps anyway.
My human, who does not even take commands from me. If I did not still smell the other male’s scent in the air, I would smile. My instincts urge me to chase him down, punish him, but it is Aida and her clansmen who convince me otherwise.
There is also a more pressing need to slam Aida to the floor and mount her in front of everyone, show them who she belongs to, who I belong to. My shaft—though ever hard under the comet—grows harder at the thought.
But logic tells me that will not go well. Not with humans, anyway. Especially not in front of her sire and mother.
If we were dragons, it would be different…
Young femdragons in heat were given to the strongest male dragon by her sire and mother to seed, to learn the proper course of mating. I am that strong male here—the strongest perhaps in all the wilds.