TEMPEST
The full moon has risen high in the sky and I have been running from Sam most of the night. He’s determined to catch me, but he is not taking me in wolf form until he’s at least made love to me in my human form.
As I try to conceal myself behind a large bush, I hear Sam’s paws pounding the ground, heading toward me. I push off with my back legs and take off in a sprint. I run and run until I reach the front porch of my home. I look to either side, waiting to see if he has followed me. I hear movement from the side of my house and know it must be Sam. I stand perfectly still, waiting for him to attack, but when Sam rounds the corner, he’s in human form… and completely naked. Oh my!
I feel my wolf becoming agitated as he walks toward me. She backs away and growls. Growls? What the holy hell?
“Shift into your human form, Temp. I know you don’t want me to take you in wolf form and obviously, your wolf doesn’t either. I just wanted to chase you and have some fun, baby.”
I will my wolf to shift but for some reason, she resists. I try harder and she still refuses. What the fuck is wrong with her? Sam stands there naked, waiting for me to change but I can’t get my wolf to obey me. Domlen told me I should teach her to behave and I didn’t listen. Damn, there I go again, thinking of Domlen when I should be thinking of only Sam. Then I feel her do something I’ve never felt before. She reaches out to Domlen and tries to contact him using her thoughts. Shit! I want to scratch her eyes out. I don’t want to think about Domlen and I don’t want my wolf trying to contact him. Who ever heard of such a thing? It’s not even possible. The only time it would be possible is if we were mates and we’re definitely not mates. Besides, Domlen has already decided I’m not worth his time. He could have had my purity but he didn’t want it, so now I’m giving it to Sam. I rage at my wolf from inside and she finally submits, allowing my shift back to human form.
It feels like it takes forever and once I finally finish, I collapse onto the floor, naked and trembling violently from the trauma of my forced shift. Sam is instantly by my side, helping me to stand, and we walk inside.
Sam and I both look around in shock. I’d asked Dawn earlier to help me out but I never expected all this. There are tiny shimmering lights strung around the room and on almost every surface, I see tealights and scented candles. I think I even see rose petals scattered down the hallway to the bedroom. Holy shit! Dawn really outdid herself.
Sam takes it all in, then turns to me in confusion. “What’s up with all this, Temp?”
“I…I… was wondering if you would make love to me tonight?” I ask shyly and quickly lower my head, unable to meet his gaze. I’m not sure I can take another rejection.
Sam places his finger under my chin and lifts my head, then lowers his mouth to mine in a soft kiss.
“It would be my great honor, Tempest Shellin,” he whispers against my lips.
I look up at him with a silly grin, overjoyed by his reply. He begins to pull me toward the bathroom.
“Where are we going, Sam? This is not the bedroom,” I say playfully.
“Let’s take a quick shower and wash off all the dirt and then I’ll be yours for the night, baby,” Sam replies lovingly.
We shower together, touching, kissing and exploring each other. I’m ready for the part of my life with Domlen to be over and done, closed forever. This will solidify my relationship with Sam, proving once and for all that I’m over Domlen.
Once we finish our shower, Sam and I walk down the hall, his arm wrapped tightly around me, holding me possessively to his side. We reach the bedroom and he kisses me again, then picks me up and lays me on top of the bed.
“I have to make sure you’re ready for me, Temp. You need to be wet so you take me without it being painful for you. Don’t worry, baby, I promise to make it good for you.”
I feel my body becoming aroused by his words. I’ve waited so long to give my purity to a deserving male but suddenly I’m not sure if this is what I really want. This doesn’t feel quite right. Why am I in such a hurry to do this? Sam has said nothing yet about us becoming mates. Maybe I shouldn’t do this. Maybe I should wait until I’m sure Sam is the one.
Sam climbs onto the bed beside me and I begin to feel nervous. I turn to him with tears in my eyes.
“Wait, Sam. I’m not sure if I’m ready to do this.”
And just like that, I hear his voice. No, not Sam’s voice, Domlen’s voice.
“Stop, little wolf. Please, don’t do this. I understand now what you were trying to tell me and I’m coming for you.”
Oh god, what the hell is Domlen doing? Why is he doing this to me now? Sam leans over and places another kiss on my lips, but I push him away.
“What’s wrong, Temp? I thought this was what you wanted. You asked me to make love to you.”
“I know I said I was ready, Sam, and I really thought I was, but I’m not sure anymore. I’ve saved my purity all these years for someone special. I wanted to give it to the man I would be with for the rest of my life. Is that what you want, Sam, to be with me for the rest of your life.?”
“Why all these questions now, Temp? We’ve only been seeing each other a few weeks. Don’t you think it’s a little early to be talking about forever?”
“Do you love me, Sam?”
“Temp, I don’t want to hurt you. You know I care about you but neither of us has had time to know if we love each other. That’s why tonight is important, to see how it feels to be together. I don’t think you can honestly say you love me, can you?”
“I…I… I think I need something to drink. I don’t feel well, Sam. Could you please get me a glass of water?”
“Yes, baby. I’d be happy to get you anything you want. Maybe it’ll make you feel better. Then we can pick up where we left off.”
Sam gets up and goes to the kitchen to get me something to drink. I only wish it were a gallon of whiskey. I could really use a stiff drink. Tears burn my eyes as I whisper to the empty room.
“Domlen, you promised to leave me alone. Why are you doing this? Please don’t ruin this for me.”
I feel a sudden breeze and I know it’s Domlen. I can smell him. The tears break free and stream down my cheeks as I try to swallow back my sobs. Domlen had his chance, not once but twice. He doesn’t want me, so why is he trying to ruin this for me.
I hear Sam coming back down the hall. I know I have to stop this. I don’t want Sam to be hurt. He gets to the door as I stand and wrap myself in a robe.
“Are you feeling better, Temp? I brought your water.” Sam asks with a goofy grin.
“No, Sam. I’m not feeling well at all. I think I need something to eat. I burned a lot of energy tonight…running from you.”
“Okay, we can eat something first. We did burn a lot of energy and, hopefully, we’re about to burn a lot more. Do you smell anything, baby? I smell something strange.”
“Yeah, I smell that salami and cheese sandwich I’m thinking about. Would you mind going to the kitchen and making us a couple of sandwiches while I go to the bathroom, Sam?”
“Sure, I don’t mind. I’ll be waiting in the kitchen when you finish in the bathroom.”
I try to plaster on a smile as Sam turns to leave. I make my way to the bathroom and quickly close the door.
I look around frantically and ask, “Domlen, are you here? Can you hear me?”
Nothing. Not a single word. Now he decides not to talk.
“Please don’t do this, Domlen,” I beg.
I stand there for what seems like forever and Domlen finally answers.
“My lips, my body, my pussy, my Tempest. You are mine, Tempest, and I will be coming to get you soon.”
I burst into tears. My chest heaves with the force of my sobs. I’m crying for two reasons. One, I’m going to break Sam’s heart, and two, I realize I want Domlen to come get me.
***
The next day I feel awful. Every muscle in my body hurts from running for hours and the forced shift didn’t help. I’d asked Sam to leave after we ate, so he gave me panty-melting kiss at the door and went home. Poor Dawn. All her hard work for nothing.
I climb out of bed and start to walk over to my closet when I see a note on the floor by my bed. It’s a black envelope and I know it must be from Domlen. Inside is a handwritten note on a piece of beautiful red paper that has been neatly folded in half. I know I should probably flush it down the toilet but I can’t.
I open the letter and it reads:
I accept your gift, Tempest Shellin. Your purity belongs to me. I’m coming for my pussy soon, my lovely little wolf, my mikayo. Be ready.
Domlen Draglen
I want to run and hide. He can’t do this to me again. I fold the note and hide it in my dresser. I refuse to allow Domlen to hurt me again. I’m going to spend the weekend with Sam and forget about Domlen Draglen. Sam is a sweetheart and I don’t want to hurt him. I should not have acted the way I did last night. I know Sam was confused and hurt. Hell, so was I, but I have to get Domlen out of my head…literally.
I dress and go to the kitchen for breakfast but hear someone knock at the door. Shit! I almost jump out of my skin. At first, I think it might be Domlen but then remember Sam is supposed to pick me up this morning so we can head over to Corbin’s to help clean up the mess from the party. Dawn recently found out she’s pregnant and Corbin doesn’t want her to strain herself trying to clean up after a pack of wolves. I can’t stop the little giggle. I don’t know what I’m worried about since Domlen never knocks.
I open the door for Sam and he walks in, giving me a quick kiss on the nose.
“Are you feeling better this morning, Temp? I’ve been worried about you.”
“Yes, I feel a little better. I think I was just tired from the run and my wolf hasn’t been feeling well either. I think everything that’s happened the last several weeks has finally caught up with me and I just needed some rest.”
“Are you ready to go? I was hoping to catch you before you got dressed. I wanted to help you, baby.” Sam laughs and wraps me in his arms. He is a nice guy.
“I haven’t eaten breakfast yet, so let me grab a glass of orange juice real quick and we can go.”
“Yeah, you probably need to eat something, Temp. I don’t want you feeling sick again.”
“I’ll just grab a protein bar and eat it on the way.”
I race to the kitchen, pour a glass of orange juice and gulp it down, then grab a protein bar on my way out.
Sam and I leave the house and he suddenly starts talking about making me his permanently. What? Why is he talking about this now? He’s singing a different song than he was last night. Why the sudden change of tune? I can’t think about this crap right now, much less consider it. When a wolf bonds with a mate, they are connected always. If I bond with Sam, he would die trying to protect me from Domlen. No, no, no, this can’t happen. I may not love Sam but I do like him a lot, and I don’t want anything to happen to him. I don’t want anyone in my pack to be hurt, especially Sam, and I certainly don’t want to upset anyone more than they already are, but I’m afraid the shit’s about to hit the fan. Domlen has already threatened my family and my pack and I believe he would actually hurt anyone standing in his way of getting to me.
I don’t know what to say so, as usual, I take the coward’s way out and say nothing.
When we arrive at Corbin’s house, Dawn is stretched out on the couch with a bag of peanut butter cups in one hand and a bag of popcorn in the other. Yuck! Pregnant women and their cravings.
“I didn’t expect you two to show up for the clean-up but now that you’re here, Tempest, get over here and tell me the juicy details about your date last night. Did Sam catch you?” Dawn is like a bouncing ball of sexual energy since she’s become pregnant. All she talks about is sex, wanting sex, or someone getting sex.
Sam looks at me and smiles, then gives me a kiss on the cheek and walks away.
“I’m going to find my boy.” He yells over his shoulder. I walk over and sit down beside Dawn on the couch, pushing all her goodies over so we could talk.
“Okay, what’s wrong, Temp? You should be grinning but you look worried. Did something bad happen? Was Sam too rough? Shit, I should have told you about how they get rough…”
“Dawn, calm down. It’s okay. Nothing happened. Well, we did fool around a little bit but then Sam went home,” I confess to her.
She pops some popcorn in her mouth and narrows her eyes at me.
“What? You didn’t have sex with Sam? Why the hell not? I know there’s something wrong, Temp, and I suspect it has something to do with a man.”
Dawn is so in tune with herself and everyone around her but I still can’t tell her about Domlen, though. She would tell Corbin who will then tell Sam and then there goes Sam’s heart… and afterwards everything turns to a big fat pile of steaming shit.
“On the way over here this morning, Sam said he wanted to make me his mate but I’m not sure I want to do that. I thought I was ready to give myself to him last night, Dawn, but something stopped me. I couldn’t do it. I know now that Sam is not my true mate. I don’t want to hurt him. He’s a really nice guy and I like him a lot but his true mate may be out there waiting for him.”
“Oh, fuck her Temp. If you want Sam, take him. You do not want to pass up a guy like Sam. He’s a good guy. He can be freaky, but still a good guy.”
“How do you know about him being freaky?” I ask. I sure as hell hope Corbin and Dawn haven’t done some nasty threesome with Sam. That would just be weird.
“Oh, Corbin has told me about how the two of them were before he and I got together. They used to pick up chicks and party together, and I do mean together, if you catch my meaning. Two wicks and two chicks always made a party for Corbin and Sam. Now, tell me what’s really got you all in a twist. Is it the dragon boy?” Dawn winks at me.
My eyes almost roll from my head. Dawn has no filter at all. I look around the room and hope no one has heard her but she just laughs. I think this woman has lost her mind. She needs to have this baby because she’s not thinking clearly.
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about, Dawn,” I reply, trying to regain my composure.
“If I tell you something, will you promise not to say anything to anyone? Then, I want you to tell me about this dragon.”
“I would never betray your trust, Dawn.”
She leans over and whispers in my ear. “Corbin told Sam to be with you so they could get the dragon to leave you alone.”
WHAT THE FUCK!
My mouth drops open and my heart falls to the floor. I cannot believe what I just heard.
“How do you know this, Dawn?”
“I overheard them talking. When I peeked around the corner, Corbin saw me and later told me everything if I promised not to tell.”
“So why are you telling me?”
“Because I think a woman should know if a man has good intentions. I think it started out as only a request from Corbin. But now, I think it’s turned into something more for Sam. I still think you guys would be great together, but you need to know all the facts first. Now, tell me about this dragon. God, I’ve always wanted to see a dragon.”
I’m so angry I could burst. My wolf is clawing at me. How dare Corbin do something like this! My own cousin gave an order for Sam to date me. How sick is that? He’s no better than my brother Lanny when he tried to make me marry a total stranger. And it cost me everything. I lost my home and my family when I left, simply because I refused to do as he ordered. He said I had to leave. When I came here five years ago, it was before Corbin became the Alpha but Corbin said he understood why I had to leave my family’s pack. Now, Corbin has betrayed me. And don’t even get me started on Sam. Sam should have told me the truth. I was going to give him my purity and he was going to take it, knowing he was only doing it because Corbin ordered him to. I could just die. I feel like I’ve lost everything again. I look at Dawn and she is waiting for me to say something.
“I like being around the dragon and I want to see more of him. I’ve never been in love, but I could be.”
Her eyes get big and I pop one of her candies in my mouth. This is not going to end well. I can feel it, but for now, I’ll wait for Domlen to come get me.
***
Sam helps Corbin while Dawn and I continue to chat. We leave several hours later and Sam walks me home. Naturally, he wants to come inside. I guess he wants another go at me, hoping I’ll give in this time, but it ain’t gonna happen. I need time alone to think about what Dawn told me, but most of all, I need to figure out what I’m going to do.
If Sam had really cared about me, he would have told me about Corbin’s order. But what I don’t understand, is why did Corbin think me having a boyfriend would discourage Domlen from wanting to see me. Actually, it’s had the opposite effect. I bet that really pisses Corbin off, especially since dragons and wolves don’t mix – ever. Dragons have always thought they were superior to wolves. It’s a crock of shit, but that’s how they’ve always acted. But I get the feeling my being a virgin isn’t the only problem Domlen had. I think his family didn’t want him involved with a lowly nobody wolf. Domlen is not just any dragon; he’s a Draglen dragon and has royal blood pumping through his veins. And believe me when I say, the Draglens are a vicious tightknit family. I don’t even want to think about what they might do to me to prevent us from being together.
“Baby, you seem like your mind is far away. What are you thinking about?” Sam says, interrupting my thoughts.
Shit, I almost forgot Sam is standing with me on the porch. I look at him and my first thought is to punch him in the throat, but then I’d have to explain why. I don’t want to betray Dawn. That would only cause trouble between her and Corbin.
“I’m thinking about how much fun I had with Dawn. I really need to do something special for her for looking out for me,” I reply.
“I had a good time too, but you know I’ll always look out for you, Temp, and I want to do forever,” Sam replies with another hint of us being together forever.
I don’t love Sam and don’t want to be with someone who has been forced to spend time with me, even if he does like me now.
“Umm…I was going to relax and eat ice cream, so if you want to go hang out with your friends, I won’t mind,” I say, opening my door.
“Temp, it sounds like you’re trying to get rid of me. What’s going on? You know you can talk to me about anything.”
“I just don’t want you to feel like you have to be with me every minute of the day. Besides, I think I’m having pre-period cramps.”
I wish he would just go home or wherever, and not make this a big deal. I need to be alone and I need to cry. I almost started crying in front of Dawn, but I shoved it down. I didn’t want Dawn to see how upset I was. Now that I’m home, I want to sit on my couch, eat ice cream and watch sappy Lifetime movies.
“If we’re going to be together, I need to take care of you when you’re not feeling well. I’m supposed to be with you, baby, and not with friends, even if the reason is pre-period cramps.”
Shit, he’s making this hard. If I didn’t know the truth, I would think he actually means the words coming out of his mouth, but I know he doesn’t. I know the truth, but I’ll have to give him credit, Sam knows how to act.
“Sam, I just need some time alone to think. You and I are happening really fast and ….”
Sam frowns and interrupts, “Temp, I understand what you’re saying, but I like being near you, even if we’re in different rooms. I’ll stay in the living room while you sleep, think, or whatever you need to do, but I’m not leaving.”
I really don’t want to argue. I was telling the truth about wanting to think but I also don’t feel that great. Obviously, he’s determined to stay, so I might as well just give in.
“Fine! I don’t like it, Sam, so stay out of my way. I don’t even want to know you’re here.”
I storm inside and get undressed, slip on my comfy fat girl pants and a shirt with no bra. I go to the kitchen and take out my chunky chocolate ice cream and sit on the couch. Sam goes to the bar in the kitchen to use my laptop.
As I dig out my first big hunk of ice cream and stuff in my mouth, I feel a sudden gust of wind and I know it’s Domlen. Damn, I’m a little disappointed he’s decided to come now. I’m really comfortable with my ice cream. I know I said earlier I wanted to go with him but it’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind. Besides, I’m not sure if I want to go with him or not. All he wants to do is tie me up, spank me, and lick my hoo-hah. I don’t particularly feel like being spanked, although the licking part might be okay. The thought of Domlen giving me another orgasm makes me smile.
“Tempest, why are you smiling?” I look up at the sound of his voice as he appears in my living room looking fucking unbelievably handsome.
My mouth falls open and some of my ice cream drips out. I thought maybe he was just going to talk to me without appearing since Sam is here. Oh shit! Sam is here. Domlen is here. This is not going to be good.
“Tempest, you still haven’t answered me,” Domlen speaks again.
I look at him and finally find my voice. “You’re in my house when Sam is here,” I mumble.
Double shit! Sam comes rushing into the living room and jumps between me and Domlen. Sam is blocking my view of him so I lean to the side so I can see the expression on Domlen’s face. Triple shit! I hear the loudest and most ferocious growl I’ve ever heard coming from Domlen.
“Temp is with me now and whatever twisted obsession you have with her, you need to get over it. She’s mine, you sick fuck!” Sam yells.
I can hear the other wolves crashing through the woods as I’m sure they also heard Domlen’s growl. It was certainly loud enough. Unfortunately for Sam, I don’t think they’re going to make it in time. Domlen reaches up and grabs Sam by the throat and begins to squeeze hard.
“You dirty little dog.” Those are the only words Domlen says as he dangles Sam above the floor. I can see the life draining from Sam eyes and no matter how angry I am with him right now, I can’t let this happen.
I jump up, trying to pry Domlen hands away from Sam’s neck, but I’m not strong enough.
“Domlen, please put him down. Sam can’t harm you, so please don’t hurt him.” I plead.
Domlen finally drops Sam to the floor. I look down at him and realize Sam is in bad shape. If Domlen had held him a moment longer, he would be dead.
“Why the fuck are you trying to kill Sam? You could have had me, but you and your stupid ass rules fucked that up,” I scream at Domlen.
“Tempest, the other pups will be here in a few seconds. Either you leave with me now or I promise you the next pup who tries to challenge me will end up dead. I will rip off their head and, literally, throw it to the dogs.”
I can tell he’s serious about ripping off heads. Domlen doesn’t make idle threats. He takes a deep breath and holds out his hand for me to take. I should stay and be loyal to my pack, but my alpha has betrayed me. I can no longer trust anyone. At least Domlen will be truthful, even if he hurts my feelings.
“I need to get my bra,” I say, trying to run past him to the bedroom, but he grabs my arm and pulls me to his side.
“No time,” he says urgently as Corbin barrels through the door throwing a bottle of something at Domlen. Domlen already has his portal in his hand and we quickly disappear from sight.
Once we arrive at Domlen’s home, he stumbles forward and falls to his knees.
“Domlen?” I look down at him and he doesn’t look good at all. I say his name, not knowing whether he will be able to answer.
“Shit, that fucking dog got his hands on some dragon powder,” he wheezes as his eyes close and he collapses.
Shit! This is bad, really bad. I stand there for a few seconds looking at Domlen on the floor. I bend down to see if he is still alive and feel a pulse. It’s faint and thread, but it’s there. I grab his arm and start pulling him toward his room when I hear another male voice.
“Domlen, what the fuck happened to you. Layern said you were in trouble,” the strange man shouts.
I quickly realize this is another dragon, one who could easily kill me on the spot. I drop Domlen’s arm and start to back away. I should just leave right now but I have no idea where I am or how to get home. I don’t have any money. Hell, I don’t even have on a bra. I stand behind the wall and wait for the footsteps to come around the corner.
The man steps into view, moving slowly like a predator. He looks at me, then at Domlen on the floor and narrows his eyes at me.
“I should ask who you are, but I really don’t care at the moment.”
“Domlen brought me here, I’m an invited guest,” I say meekly.
He looks me up and down. He’s tall and thin, but built. He has the most amazing orangish eyes I’ve ever seen. His hair is tousled and the most unusual bronze color. He’s rather handsome and not bad on the eyes,
“I don’t care if you were invited or not. My brother is passed out on the floor and that’s a big fucking problem, especially for you.”
He’s right. He walks in to find Domlen on the floor, completely unresponsive… and no one else around but little ole me. I know this is because of Corbin, but I will not sell out my pack for anything, even if he did betray me.
“Oh, and by the way, I’m Fewton, the best looking Draglen brother.” I immediately hate and love him. I bet he’s a real charmer. Even in this serious situation, he slides in how good looking he is, and I must admit, he’s not telling a lie.
He gets on the phone and starts talking to someone. He explains how Domlen is unconscious and unresponsive and, of course, he has to mention he found me here alone with Domlen. Shit! He could have left that part out. I know it’s about to get a whole lot more dangerous when I hear another pair of feet stomping toward us. My heart starts to beat faster and I want to run. Maybe Fewton knows what I’m thinking because he looks at me and shakes his head no.
When another dragon comes around the corner, I want to shit my pants. I know he must also be one of Domlen’s brothers and he’s some kind of pissed. And when I think things can’t get any worse, another damn dragon shows up and he’s like Hulk big. I’m surrounded by huge and very angry dragons who look like they want to eat me for a snack.
“He still has not awakened?” the really mean looking one asks.
“No, Warton, he has not,” Fewton replies. Don’t judge! I know who Fewton is because he’s the only one who introduced himself, not because I think he’s handsome or anything.
So, this huge hulk one is Warton, the great warrior of the Draglen family. Shit, did he come to kill me? I panic and in my need to survive, I try to sprint past them but the really big one grabs me by the shirt. I knew I should have worn a bra. If I’d had on my bra, I would have totally let him rip off my shirt and I would have kept running. He shoves me over to one of the others.
“Brumen, hold onto the dog,” Warton snarls. Again, don’t judge. I only remember him because his brother called him by his name. It’s not because I think he’s sexy or anything… which he is.
He leans down and checks Domlen’s pulse. “You’re coming with us, dog,” he growls, lifting Domlen and throwing him over his shoulder.
I want to scream, or kick, or something. I need to get the hell out of here. Remember when I said I wasn’t the sharpest crayon in the box? Yeah, I’m not, but I’m not stupid so I do what my body knows how to do, I shift into my wolf. At first, I think I may have the upper hand because the big guy suddenly releases his grip on me. I race around the house looking for a way out and snapping at them every time either of them get close.
Okay, maybe I am a little stupid because I should have known better than to shift around a bunch of huge dragons who can move a helluva lot faster than me, even in their human form. Fewton grabs me and picks me up by the scruff of my neck and pulls out his portal. I howl in fear but he wraps his tree trunk size arm around my body with his hand around my muzzle and away we go. Shit, they could be taking me anywhere. I want to go back home to my pack where, at least, I’m safe. Domlen is lights out and could be dying, and from the looks of things, they think I did this to him. I have no clue what’s going to happen to me.
I feel everything finally stop swirling and open my eyes. One of them snaps a collar around my neck, then chains me to a wall. Well, if they’re going to kill me, it’s better to die in my wolf form, especially since I have no clothes.
And the hits just keep on coming! Once again, when I think things can’t get any worse, I get another shocker. I see her walking toward me. Who’s her? Well, I’ll give you three guesses and the first three don’t count. Yup, you guessed it. I may never have seen her before now, but I would recognize her anywhere. Queen Nala. She’s tall, I mean like Amazon female warrior tall. (And yes, they really exist, too, just like dragons and wolves.) Her hair is thick, long, and lustrous, flowing like silk across her shoulders and down her back with a prism of colors reflected through its strands. Her gown is white and encrusted with jewels. She’s elegant, majestic, almost ethereal, and walks with an air of confidence, authority, and power. And make no mistake, this woman has an abundance of power, it radiates from her like a blinding beacon, steady and constant. She’s one of the most breathtakingly beautiful women I’ve ever seen in my entire life. Unfortunately, she currently has the ugliest and most frightening look directed right at me.
She gracefully glides to face me, stares down malevolently, and slaps me across the face. I may still be in my wolf form but it hurts like a bitch, or I should say witch since that’s exactly what Queen Nala is. I know I should try to be brave and not allow this dragoness to intimidate me, but I’m well and truly afraid.
I feel the body of my wolf trembling violently as she issues her threat.
“Shift into your human form and tell me what you’ve done to my son. If he does not awaken soon, I’m going to skin you alive, dog,” Queen Nala spits out.
Her eyes are pure evil and I have no doubt, she would enjoy torturing me before my death. I know by ignoring her command, I risk her wrath but as long as I stay in my wolf form, I’m not obligated to talk. I won’t allow her to see me naked and vulnerable. Plus, I get the feeling nothing I say will make them believe I didn’t do this to Domlen. I would never have allowed Corbin to harm Domlen had I known what he had planned.
The queen throws up her hands and walks out, along with Warton, Fewton and Brumen. I know I must be at the palace on Domlen’s home planet of Kalin. You’re certainly not in Kansas anymore Dorothy. I just want to go back to my little house in Michigan, but in my heart, I know that’s no longer an option for me. I look around the room and see a window on one side. The chain attached to the collar around my neck is long enough to allow me close enough to look out and it is so beautiful. My wolf would love to run free here but she’ll never have the chance if Domlen doesn’t awaken soon. I know Domlen is here somewhere and I want more than anything to see his beautiful eyes. I want him to be okay. I’ll never forgive Corbin if Domlen dies. He had no right to interfere, but if my suspicions are correct, Corbin contacted a coven of witches who live near our pack lands and made a deal with them to procure this dragon powder I heard Domlen mention before he collapsed. I want to see Domlen so badly. I want him to be okay and I want him to rescue me from this room and this family. Please, Domlen, come save me!
I’m not sure how much time has passed when I hear the door open and see several women walk inside.
“Well, strip me naked and paint me blue! That’s no fucking dog, that’s a big ass wolf,” one of the women says as she looks down at me.
“Jazz, I told you earlier, they call wolves dogs here. That actually is a wolf,” another young woman says. At least, I know one of their names is Jazz.
Another one cautiously approaches. She’s short but beautiful with long black hair and the most gorgeous purple eyes I’ve ever seen. At first I thought she was human but I now realize she must be something more, but what really gets my attention are the two baby dragons draped across her body, one in a carrier on her back, and the other she’s holding on her hip.
“Hi, my name is Cess and I’m here to help you. Can you please turn back into a human?” Cess asks me.
She seems kind, but I can’t afford to trust anyone. This could be nothing more than a trick.
The one named Cess waits several moments then continues, “Tempest, yes, I know your name. My Molla told me. In case you’re wondering, Molla means husband, or for you it probably means mate. I told you my name is Cess and the one with the blonde hair like yours is Marilyn. The short sassy one is Jazz, and this is Bree. Oh, and the babies are mine, they’re twins.”
They’re all staring at me like I’m some kind of freak show. They seem nice enough but I’m not sure I can trust them.
“Come on, Tempest, please change into your human form so you can talk to us. We’re not going to hurt you and we can protect you from that bitch of a queen,” Marilyn says in a pleading voice.
Could they be telling the truth? Do they really hate the dragon queen, and if so, how are they still alive?
I may be making a mistake but I begin my change back to my human form. My wolf is afraid, making my change difficult and she howls in pain. I feel the collar adjust and tighten around my throat with the chains still attached. When I open my eyes again, the women are staring down at my naked body on the floor.
“Bree, go look in that closet and see if you can find something she can put on,” Marilyn says, walking closer.
“Please, don’t come any closer. I don’t know any of you and don’t trust you. I would never hurt you intentionally but my wolf may try to harm you,” I say, shaking violently from the force of my change.
The door opens and two more women walk in. Damn, how many more are attending the Tempest peep show? Are they selling tickets or something?
“Hey, Temp, I’m Shalisi and I’m the witch in the family. I did a spell to find out more about you, so I already know everyone calls you Temp,” Shalisi says with a grin.
“I’m sure you’re all nice ladies but you don’t know me. Why would you want to help me? Besides, unless Domlen wakes soon, the queen is going to murder me,” I say.
“Look, we all have an issue with the queen, well, except Bree. For some sick reason, the queen likes her and Bree doesn’t think it’s weird. But don’t worry, we all hate her, so you can come stay with me and my Molla. You may hear lots of sex, but you’ll be safe.” This one has red hair and she also appears to be more than human. I’m pretty sure I see her eyes change slightly.
Marilyn walks over to me and hands me a white gown made out of some flimsy material and completely transparent. I look down at whatever this is and back up at her. There’s no way I’m wearing this weird thing.
“I can’t wear this. You can see through it. I’m not walking around with my merchandise on display,” I say to them.
Jazz bursts into an uncontrollable fit of laughter and you know what happens when someone can’t stop laughing. Yeah, everyone laughs so we all start giggling. These women don’t seem all that bad. Under different circumstances, I could actually see myself being friends with them but I’m not from this place and if I stay, I could end up dead.
“Tempest, have you really looked at what we’re wearing?” Cess asks.
I take a moment to really look and realize they’re all wearing either transparent or very revealing clothing. The ladies here sure know how to dress, but I’m a shorts and t-shirt kind of girl. Unfortunately, at this point, I don’t have a lot of options, so I step into it and pull it up over my hips and shoulders. It would have been easier to slip it over my head, but this damn collar and chains make it impossible. I look down at myself and instantly want to barf. This isn’t me at all.
“Thank you, ladies. I appreciate what you are trying to do, but I’m hoping to go home soon. This place is not for me. I just want Domlen to wake up and take me home.”
And almost as if the universe is listening, my handsome dragon prince opens the door and walks in.
“Tempest, you’re not going anywhere,” Domlen announces.
Oh shit!