Chapter 3
Is This Love?
Cretia felt weak, but she vibrated with need. Toreen held her as his lips consumed her. For months she’d waited for any sign from him that he wanted her and now after she’d given up, this. Life was crazy and she’d just been flipped upside down. Was she dreaming? Life had just gotten even crazier and what was happening now was so hard to believe.
She felt hot and needy. Toreen had been cold to her for months, but one kiss and she melted. This was not, in her mind, the way to give in. Cretia felt the need to make Toreen suffer at least a little bit. How was it fair for her to be on ice for months and he decided he wants her and she gives in immediately? What was wrong with her?
“What’s wrong?” Toreen asked. “Are you okay?”
“You think me easy? You turn from me for months and now you decide to turn back thinking I’ll jump on you?” Cretia accused.
“I don’t know any other way to approach you. I’m sorry for not claiming you sooner. What do you ask of me?”
“I need time to be on my own and think things through.”
“Can you not do your thinking at the manor house?”
Cretia gave him a hard look. “No, I can’t. I need to be by myself. While I fish is a good time to think and plan one’s future.”
“So you were thinking through things when I found you?”
“Yes, and I was looking forward to catching a big fish to cook in my fire pit.”
“Could I help you catch our supper?” Toreen asked. Before she answered, her line pulled taunt and she lifted her pole finding a big blue fish hanging from her hook.
“Looks like I have mine.” She removed the fish from her hook and placed it some distance from the water. Cretia rebaited the hook and handed the pole to Toreen.
He began fishing as he watched his mate grab her large fish and hurry off. There was little doubt she would be preparing to grill her supper without him. Toreen prayed to the goddess he would catch a fish quickly or his mate would retire for the night without him. Feeling a nibble, he jerked his rod, but the fish stayed out of reach. This had seemed easier as a young boy.
Pulling his line up, he moved it to another spot hoping for a less savvy fish. Lacking brains wouldn’t hurt the taste of his fish. If it was small, he might need more than one. Sweet Cretia had her fish grilling, but had come back to see if he had any success.
“There’s a sneaky one nipping at my bait.” Toreen admitted.
“They are a mix of sneaky and dumb. You’ll catch one in time.”
Just as she said it, one bit hard and he pulled it up. It was a silver fish not quite as large as her blue one. “It’s not a big one.” Toreen admitted.
“I’ll fix it for you while you attempt to get another one.” He handed it to Cretia who bustled away with it.
Baiting and casting again, he prayed the goddess would help him. Right now he’d prefer to sit around the fire with his mate getting closer. The choice wasn’t his as he waited for another fish to bite. Maybe the goddess would help him, he could only pray for divine intercession. The fish cooking on the grill tempted his dragon as he thought through everything as he waited for just one more medium or larger fish to bite.
His dragon was such as he was always hungry and when he smelled food, it was worse. A nibble hit his bait so he moved it while he sat and relaxed near the spot he’d found Cretia. That she fished for her meal and knew how to prepare and fix fish was amazing. Few females could use a grill, of course few on this planet were ever in a position where they would have to. They had either a mate, father, or brother as grilling in the pits was left to males.
While Toreen rarely grilled, his home had a lovely pit large enough to fix several huge animals at once. He’d cooked there, although not often and he enjoyed it. His employees were the ones most likely to be found fixing meat, for a party or gathering, in those huge pits that had been there for so long, no one could say how long.
Yes! Toreen jerked the line and the fish, a larger one than Cretia had caught, hung there. Its color was purple which was unusual. He couldn’t say with a certainty what kind it was, but it was a welcome catch. Since he had no idea where she kept her pole, he unhooked the fish and carried it and the pole to his mate.
“Wow, that’s a big one.” Cretia praised.
Toreen flushed with pleasure. Fishing might be an activity to do more of. Handing it to her he observed as she expertly removed the head before filleting the fish. He was aware she did that so they weren’t still alive as she cut them up. The other two fish smelled ready to eat, so once the big one was grilling, Cretia began to set the small table she had near the grill.
“I see you have a lot of food.” He observed. The table was set with salad and several sides as well as sliced bread and dessert.
“I’m a fair host. Never would I let a guest starve.”
“You’ve just arrived today. Few would be ready for an unexpected guest this quickly.” Toreen explained.
“I just went shopping for my weekly supplies. It’s a good thing I did.”
“Thank you for setting such a good table.” He noticed his mate was a bit prickly. Maybe it was just him, or maybe she was always this way when she lived on her own. “The food smells delicious.”
“Thank you. I’m hoping it will taste just as good.” Cretia admitted.
They sat down beginning the feast with the biggest fish still grilling. While dragons loved meat and fish, they had adjusted to some of the foods Dori had made. It seemed that his mate had learned to cook them as well. The barbequed beans had small chunks of meat in them and were delicious. The salad was just a small amount he ate happily for the sour flavor of the dressing appealed to his dragon. Even the ears of what Dori called corn where grilled and delightful.
She fixed a noodle salad and a potato one that he also ate willingly. Dragons weren’t used to eating much besides small amounts of grains and large amounts of meat. This was a change from the way things had always been, but they were willing to give it a shot. The flavors were good and the food satisfying. Dessert was amazing, he couldn’t deny it.
“Is everything alright?” She asked sounding worried.
“You’re a good cook.” He admitted.
Cretia blushed prettily. “The other fish is done.” She hurried over removing it from the grill and unwrapping it from the large leaves she’d placed around it. Toreen had believed himself full, but now his dragon was hungry again. His mate placed it on his plate.
It cooled quickly as he gobbled it up. Once it was gone, he joined his female in cleaning up the mess. When that was done, they both sat relaxing and pretending not to look at each other. All he and his dragon could think about was how much he wanted her. He began to speak, but she did too at that precise moment.
“Go ahead.” He assured her.
“No, you go on.” She said. He shot her a commanding look.
“Fine. I just wanted to say you don’t have to pursue me. I understand sometimes fate makes a mess of our lives.”
Was she talking about Dannia or the fact that fate had matched her with him? “Things can go wrong in life. That’s true. But fated mates should always be together.”
“Hmm, looks like you’re changing your view.”
“It was always my view. Sometimes life messes with you and it has to get straightened out so you can move to the next step.”
“Your dad and stepmother?”
“Yes, they tore up my land and made things hard on me. I was so busy working harder I forgot to work smarter. My brain overlooked the serious things while I messed around with trivial details. If not for you, I’d still be doing that. Now I’m ready to move on to the important things and the important people. I need you in my life and my home. How I missed seeing that was my biggest step and needed to be done first, I don’t know.”
It was his biggest hope that his mate understood him and would be willing to accept him. Looking at her, all he saw was a nod, but what did that mean? ”You can come see me again tomorrow if you wish.”
Disappointment rolled over him, but there was always tomorrow. “A small kiss to say goodbye until then?” Toreen asked. She’d both rejected him and given him hope. Now he would try to take a little more. Cretia nodded as he moved closer to her.
Toreen pulled his woman into his embrace giving her a kiss that both delighted and terrified her. He seemed to enjoy it completely. His hands moved over her as she started to protest the moves and opened her mouth to object. This allowed him to access her mouth and seduce her fully. His tongue drove into her mouth and dueled with her tongue. He tasted her flavor like a forbidden dessert. Tempting, full of everything he’d ever wanted, but it was too late.
Had he had the slightest doubt, there was none now. This woman was his. There would be no joy in his life without her at his side. No one and nothing could ever replace her and he would do anything in his power to make her see they belonged together. Still holding her, he tried to calm his breathing and slow his heartbeat so he could speak.
“Tomorrow? I’ll see you tomorrow for supper? And tell me what should I bring?” Toreen questioned.
“Bring what you wish.” Cretia answered and he was delighted her breath was no calmer than his. His smile toward her was welcoming and he enjoyed the blush that came to her cheeks. “Be off with you now, Toreen. I’ve work to do.”
It thrilled him that the aroma of her need scented the air. His dragon was ready to hunt her down not understanding that they had to go. Maybe tomorrow or the next day they’d push their claim and she’d accept them. The important thing was she was giving them another chance to win her. They’d not lost their mate, they simply had to woo her back.
As Toreen lifted into the air spreading his wings wide, he saw Cretia watching him fly with admiration on her face. His dragon rolled through the air putting on quite the show and Cretia’s lifted face followed every move until he reached his lands and had to come in to land. He breathed deeply and sighed heavily as he thought about how close he’d come to losing her forever.
He’d never lose her again. This time he’d do everything right and she’d be at his side. They would have dragonlets, a whole houseful. There would be love and happiness for them and every child they had. Money would never come first, his mate and children would. Finally he’d realized what was important and who he could trust and he’d never forget it. The sky was growing dark and he would want to be up early in the morning. It was time to go to sleep.
Nearly a week passed with supper every night at Cretia’s. He’d bring ale or wine, whichever he grabbed as he left his home and each night the kisses got hotter and the embraces tighter. Cretia’s feelings seemed to grow as she realized he was willing to spend time with her and date her in the way Dori had described.
“So, my beautiful one, have you decided to come home with me yet?” Toreen asked as her cheeks grew red. His dragon scented her arousal and he was drawn to the look, red cheeks and heavy eyelids. His woman could have been his months ago.
“You tease me, Toreen.” Cretia accused, but did she truly mean it?
“I have a lovely and large sized suite at the manor still decorated the way it was in my parent’s day that you can fix as you will. All you have to do is come home with me. I can even find someone who’d enjoy living here so you wouldn’t have to.”
Finding a boarder for the hut would be the least of his problems. The place was suited perfectly for a single male dragon. It made him hurt to think about Cretia living out here alone after what had happened only months before.
“I have things to work out before I even consider leaving here.” She said as she stared at the floor.
Things? “Could you give me a hint? Perhaps I could help you with them?” Toreen asked desperate to convince her to go with him.
“My life has been difficult at times and I need to work through things. You say you’ve already done that, but I haven’t.”
“Any idea of how long it might take?”
“No and I’d understand if you gave up on me.” Cretia admitted. “You know my parents never cared much for me. It was always Dannia they thought of. I’ve never had anyone to count on except my future mate and then Niku for a short while, but Dannia took both of them. Niku came back and he brought me my first true female friends, Dori and her girls. I’m grown and I just now have friends. But I still worry that Dannia will come back. She’s still nearby and she still could come after me. It’s best that I’m on my own until that danger is gone and my head is on straight.”
“I could help you with all that. Don’t turn me away. Dannia may never come back, but I want you. I’ll make you the happiest woman on Draconis.”
A half-smile lit her face. “You would give it your best shot. I believe you would. If only you could see the future.” Cretia said.
“And you can? Why is your guess of the future better than mine? You could make me so happy.”
“I could also bring you pure misery. Over the last few months I had time to think over things. You resisted me because you feared Dannia coming back.”
“That wasn’t the only reason. It wasn’t even the main one. I feared love. My father didn’t set the best example.”
“Niku overcame that example immediately.” Cretia pointed out.
“He’s not the lord. His position wasn’t used against him. He’s the best brother you can imagine and he always tried to help, but his position wasn’t the same. You can’t imagine how many times I wished I was him instead.”
“Tell me!” Cretia demanded.
“The title, lands, and wealth were all on my mother’s side. It’s very unusual for a female to be the only child, but law supported her taking over until I was eighteen. Back then, you wouldn’t have recognized my father. He was a different male entirely. They were fated mates and he loved her completely. He was the type of father that stories are written about. We went swimming and fishing in the summers when we didn’t have to do as much schooling. There were family trips and once in a while, we stayed home when our parents went on short trips for romance. Maybe it was too perfect. Things like that can’t last, can they?”
“They can, but sometimes they don’t.”
“Our mother got ill. No one could do a thing and she wasted away one day at a time growing worse until she died. I was ten and Niku was eight. For three years father ran the estate, but at thirteen, he turned it over to me. A year later, a whirlwind courtship and he was mated. He stayed until I was sixteen and when he left, everything of value and any money in the accounts went with him. Oh, he denied taking anything, but he was gone and so was everything of value that could be easily cashed in.”
“I’m so sorry, Toreen. I know how it feels to be treated poorly by parents.”
“Well it was worse in light of how good he’d been before the floozy. Niku came and helped me whenever he could as we tried to get on top of things, but it was like there wasn’t enough income to catch things up. We worked hard, but I guess we weren’t smart.”
“You should have hired an accountant.” Cretia suggested.
“Maybe so, but my mother had always run her own books and so had my father. I thought the trouble was in the income not covering the expenses. I saw those expenses you found, but thought they were for food or uniforms, There are so many small expenses. I just ignored them and looked to the income as not where it needed to be. Ten years and finally you look at the books and discover I’ve been paying for my horrible stepmother’s fancy lifestyle. Finally, it’s enough and I spoke with the king and an accountant that works for him is looking into it. She’s a female so I have no concerns she’ll be influenced.”
“Influenced?”
“Yes, my stepmother has my father wrapped around her little finger.” Toreen explained.
Was it his imagination or did Cretia look relieved. She must not realize they knew about Dannia and her kind. If he thought about it, he couldn’t blame her for keeping it quiet. It wasn’t like he’d told anyone about his father and his mate. That’s why these things happened and no one knew. They blossomed and grew in the dark because those around and those who knew were embarrassed.
He’d let things go for now. Cretia wasn’t needed to bring an end to things anymore. His mate had been through enough. His mate was strong, stronger than he’d ever thought once he considered all she’d been through.
“Now that you know everything, are you ready to come back with me? I need you Cretia. My dragon calls out for you.”
Toreen pulled her into his embrace, kissing her until she gave in. “I liked that.” She whispered.
Need took over as he continued to kiss her mouth both taking and giving pleasure. When he pulled back slightly, he slid his mouth down her neck. Her breath was going crazy as was her heart rate. “Do you want me?” Toreen asked. All Cretia could do was nod helplessly.
He picked her up carrying her to the small hut. Standing her in front of him, he stripped his clothes off without a care. Next he helped her remove hers. As he lifted her and placed her on the bed, he knew he’d never look at this little hut the same way again. Now Toreen joined her on the bed. The scent of her arousal nearly drove him crazy.
Leaning on one arm, Toreen took his other hand palming one breast as his mouth sucked on the nipple of the other breast. Cretia gasped and whimpered. Goddess, she was such a responsive female. He continued to suck and lightly nibbled on her nipples until she moaned and asked for more. Toreen did exactly that moving down further, so he could give her more.
The delightful scent of needy female filled his schnoz as his tongue licked her from her gate to her clit. Her tangy flavor melted on his tongue as he found her entrance impaling it. Next he tongue fucked her vigorously as his fingers circled with her clit. She writhed and moaned as he sensed her climax nearing. Once she exploded he wanted it to be on his cock. Moving up her body, he got into his favorite position with his cock poised at her entrance. He pushed in as she pushed back against him to speed things up.
“No, Mate. Let me go slowly. You’re so fucking tight it will hurt you or squeeze my seed right out of me.” She made a strangling sound and he felt a rush of her honey covering his cock.
Impatient, she was finding it hard to wait, but he needed her to. Toreen pulled back then moved in again going forward slowly as perspiration covered his forehead. He controlled himself using all his will power because she was just so tight. Once he was fully inside, he rested a second enjoying the pleasure being inside his female caused him. Toreen started to slide in and out once more, speeding up faster and faster until he was slamming into her. Her sleeve squeezed his cock so hard he struggled to pull out. A tingle slid down his back, but he refused to climax before she had hers. She came clenching and clutching at him.
His dragon roared and smoke came out of his nose. That had never happened in bed before. His body continued to jerk and buck even though he was sure there was no seed left to shoot. Now that she’d finally given into his sexual urging, surely that would change everything. He’d never felt so good or so full of love in his life. Finally, he was completely at peace with his mate and ready to grab life by the balls.
“I’ll help you pack up so we can get home.” Toreen offered.
“No. What? What do you mean?” Cretia said.
“We’re together now. You’ll want to come home with me and we’ll mate in all ways. Right?”
“No, Toreen. It was just sex for comfort and enjoyment. My plan hasn’t changed. I still need to figure things out.”
“Did you not enjoy it?” He asked his face almost purple as he felt shame. No lover had ever complained, but he’d sought few out more than once.
“It was beautiful, but it doesn’t change the situation. I’m still staying here. You took the time you needed to make your decisions and now I’m taking mine.” Cretia said and there was no give in her voice.
“Fine.” He said abruptly and though he knew he sounded like a spoiled youngling, he felt hurt by what he saw as rejection. She was even more stubborn than he was.
Going out to the yard naked, he changed and lifted into the sky almost straight up and was home in a short time. Few were up and about, but those that saw him quickly moved out of his way. The scent of sex was strong on his skin so no one need ask where he’d been. Yeah, he should have taken a shower first and come home dressed.
Nothing he’d done lately was making him look like a wise leader. He was doing little right at all no matter how hard he tried. Going to his room, he showered and dried, dropping into bed and hoping for sleep that didn’t come quickly. When it finally did, he was restless all night long haunted by sweet dreams of a mate that was not truly his. So close, he could scent her need, but still she refused to submit to him.
After that, he relived the sweet bliss his female had given him. Would he ever find that release with her again? Toreen could only hope so as he prayed the goddess would give him the strength to complete his mating. When he woke in the morning, he felt irritable. That didn’t change the next few days while he avoided her. Finally, he couldn’t stand staying away any longer so once he was done with that day’s work, he shifted in the yard and flew straight to her hut.
How would she receive him? Would she understand how hurt he’d been or would she be angry at him? He landed in her yard where the sweet scent of her always seemed to linger, but she wasn’t there. Nor was she in the house when he looked. Toreen walked to the creek to look on the banks but she wasn’t there either.
He heard talking and laughter further into the woods so he followed the sounds. There she was with Dori who looked big as a house and Dori’s mate who was doing the actual picking of an odd looking herb.
“Betty will kiss you, both.” Dori said. She was turning the pages of a book as she spoke to them.
“Why would she be handing out kisses?” Toreen asked.
“Hey, Toreen. This plant helps dull the pain of childbirth with no ill effects for mother or child. She wants this badly for all of us. Who knows who else might need it soon.” Dori answered.
“I’ve seen this plant before near my lands.”
“Aren’t these part of your lands too?” Dori asked.
“I meant my personal lands. These are in my area, but not my personal holding.”
“Okay. I can understand that. Maybe some time Niku can look for them.”
“You and Cretia are welcome to look as you wish.” Toreen invited. “You too Garulto, of course.”
“I thank you for the invitation. I believe we’ll be needing them soon.” Garulto replied.
Toreen examined Dori’s huge belly and silently agreed. “They’ll probably be there now or for next time. I think they’ve been there as far back as I can remember.”
“It would be lovely to look about and see what herbs you might have.” Dori said then she made a startled noise.
“What’s wrong?’ Garulto asked.
“I think false labor. It’s not unusual when the time draws near.” Dori said bravely.
“Are you certain?” Cretia asked not looking convinced.
“No way to be sure, but it seems too early.” Dori said.
“I suggest she be taken home. Is anyone there to help deliver?” Toreen asked.
“There are few midwives these days. I hoped to get Romo’s mom and find another to help when the time came.” Garulto admitted.
“I’ll come. I have some basic healer training.” Cretia admitted.
“Have you delivered a child?” Toreen asked.
“I’ve assisted several times. I’ve a cousin who is a healer.” Cretia admitted.
He’d bet Dannia had never helped. Had he seen all the differences between her sister and her, he might be mated already with a dragonlet on the way. “Let’s go. I’ll take Cretia.” He offered.
As a group, they walked back to Cretia’s yard since it was the closest lifting spot. Garulto took off immediately with his mate, while Toreen followed carrying Cretia. His dragon liked holding her although he might like her riding on his back better. As they followed, Garulto headed to his house.
It wasn’t far and they set down far enough apart not to bump wings. They changed back once their mates were comfortably on the ground. Garulto picked up Dori rushing her into the house. He headed to a room on the first floor with a big bed.
“We set up this room to avoid steps until Dori got over childbirth. Betty and Bree are so close I don’t think they can come.” Garulto said.
“Well you’ll be right here with me no matter who else is here.” Dori demanded.
“I know, I promised you I would be. It’s just that I’d like Cretia to have more help. At times like these, I wish Kitty was here.” Kitty, Dori’s youngest was still on Earth training to be a doctor.
“Tomi would come, but she works so hard.” Dori mentioned.
“We should be able to handle it. I’ll help you deliver and Toreen can help with the baby. Garulto can help with your breathing and keeping you relaxed for the easiest possible birth. Let’s time the pains. Garulto will you do that while I give instructions to Toreen?” Cretia asked.
“Of course.” Garulto agreed.
“You need to get a blade to cut the cord. I also need things to help clean up Dori and the baby afterwards. You’ll want something handy to put the baby in once it’s clean.” Cretia said and Dori grunted rather loudly. “Sounds like the baby is on its way. Go get those items while we undress Dori.”
Toreen took off. He never wanted to see someone else’s mate naked. He went to the kitchen where he searched until he found a clean and sharp knife. Next he found some towels and bottled some water. Last, he found the nursery and saw a little item of clothing on a chest. His assumption was it was there to be used.
As he returned, he heard a baby crying loud. He almost dropped everything he carried when he heard the sound. Slipping in the room, Cretia held up her hand so he placed the knife in it. “Garulto? Some fathers like to cut the life line.”
“Yes, I will.” His voice was shaky, but his hands weren’t as he cut the line. “A boy! Dori, you gave me a boy.”
Dori lay there quietly, but she smiled. “We need to get her some juice. It’ll replace the blood she lost.” Cretia suggested.
“Is it serious?” Garulto asked.
“The bleeding has stopped, but she needs juice to replace the blood she already lost. No sense in taking any chances.” Cretia said.
“I’ll go get it.” Garulto said as he left quickly.
“Will you bathe the baby while I help Dori clean up?” Cretia asked.
“Certainly.” He said as he took the baby from the room taking towels and the outfit with him.
In the kitchen, he filled the large sink with water and carefully cleaned and dried the little dragonlet. Putting his outfit on him, he took him back to his mother. Garulto was helping her drink as Cretia finished cleaning up the bed. Dori looked clean and ready to get back in it.