Breathless, Illarion pulled back to stare down at Edilyn in utter disbelief of her innocently sweet kiss. One so inept that it drove home just how inexperienced she was. More touched than he wanted to admit, he smiled at her. He placed a tender kiss to her forehead, then started away.
Once again, she stopped him.
What are you doing?
Biting her lip, she placed her hand on his chest. “I know what it means to be chosen by a dragon. I’m ready.”
He ground his teeth. You keep offering yourself to me like this, Edilyn, and one day I won’t say no.
“Illarion.” She caught him about the waist.
He drew his breath in sharply at the sensation of her hands on his skin. The fact that she ran her right hand up his abdomen to his neck, where the wretched scar of his captivity remained, didn’t help his mood.
“Do you really want me to leave?”
No, he didn’t. It was the first time he could remember that he craved the presence of another.
Do not play with me, Edilyn. Dragons are fierce, unforgiving creatures. Passionate in all things. We are not like your people. If I claim you, it is eternal. I won’t ever let you go. You need to understand that and be willing to accept the fact that I can’t mingle with mankind. While I can agree to bring you and your brother into my world, I refuse to widen my tolerance further. This would be your life. Lonely and secluded. Forevermore.
Edilyn brushed her hand through his damp hair as she considered his earnest words. The fact he was being patient and selflessly explaining it to her made her decision just that much easier. “I’ve been among my people the whole of my life and I’ve been lonely most every day of it. You say that I’ll be giving up something I never had. If you can promise me more days like this, I swear there is nothing I’ll ever miss about my village or people.”
This time, he lowered his lips to capture her mouth in the most passionate kiss imaginable.
Edilyn sighed as his tongue swept against hers and her blood ran thick through her veins.
With a frightening ease, he scooped her up in his arms as if she weighed nothing and carried her to a shaded spot that was softly cushioned by moss and grass. He manifested a fur blanket before he lowered her down on top of it.
Closing her eyes, she savored the way his muscles flexed and moved beneath her hands. His skin was so soft, yet beneath that his muscles were rock hard. It was so different from her body. Especially his whiskers that scraped against her lips and cheeks, and left them tingling.
Playfully, he nipped at her chin before he opened the front of her strange suit to expose her body. His gaze locked with hers and he watched her carefully as if waiting for any sign that she’d reconsidered. With an agonizing slowness, he slid his hand inside to gently cup her breast.
Edilyn hissed at the warmth of his hand that sent a strange heat through her entire being.
A slow smile spread over Illarion’s handsome face as he lowered his head to taste her. She buried her hands in his hair as he moved back and forth between her breasts, carefully laving each one until she was writhing from his exquisite torture.
She didn’t think anything could feel better. Not until he used his powers to remove her suit and kissed his way over her belly, down to the part of her that ached the most.
Edilyn cried out loud as he began to gently tongue and tease her down there. “Illarion?”
Mmm?
“Are you supposed to be doing that?”
He used his fingers to stroke her in time with his tongue. Are you enjoying it?
She answered with a loud, soul-wrenching moan of pleasure.
Do you want me to stop?
“Nay!”
Illarion laughed at the desperation in her tone as she clutched at his hair. His little morsel was every bit as passionate as he’d predicted. She gave herself to him fully. It was the first time he’d ever taken a woman who knew who and what he really was.
For some reason, that made her all the more dear to him. Made this more tender and intense. They weren’t merely rutting as she’d called it. She was sleeping with the real him—with the full knowledge of his broken heritage and curse. And he was the first one to touch her. She’d never allowed any other this right.
She was his alone.
And when she came a few minutes later, he realized that that too was a brand-new experience for her.
In fact, she pulled away from him and stared at him in utter terror. “What did you do to me?”
That was an orgasm, my lady. It’s the ultimate goal for coupling.
Edilyn tried to catch her breath, but it was difficult. Her body was still pulsing inside. “Is it supposed to feel like that?”
Illarion grinned at her. Aye.
“Did you feel it, too?”
Not yet. I wanted you to have your pleasure first, as I’m told it’s often painful for a woman her first time. I was trying not to frighten you. But that plan went to hell.
His dry tone amused her. “Sorry. I’ve ruined the mood, haven’t I?”
He ran his gaze over her naked body. Not for me.
Snorting, she scooted back toward him. “I won’t be afraid.”
With a doubtful grimace, he slowly peeled off his breechcloth.
Edilyn regretted her statement as she took in the size of him and his earlier words about pain made total sense now.
Illarion held his hand out to her. Are you ready for how my species bond?
She had no idea what he meant until she slowly closed the distance between them. Illarion had her kneel in front of him with her back to his front. He rose up on his knees and pulled her against his chest so that he supported both their body weights.
Nuzzling her neck, he breathed softly in her ear as he ran his hands over her skin. They stroked and teased until she was molten in his arms.
That’s it, my precious. Just relax and enjoy it.
Illarion sank his fingers inside her to make sure she was ready to receive him. Arching her back, she reached over her head to bury her hand in his hair again.
More hungry than he’d ever been, he used his knees to open her thighs wider before he slid himself deep inside her body. She cried out instantly.
Worried, he froze. Are you all right?
Edilyn bit her lip at the strange fullness of him buried deep within her body. “I’m fine. It was just a bit startling.”
But as he teased her ear with his tongue and his hand returned to stroke her, she began to relax again. After a few minutes, he slowly began thrusting against her.
Edilyn couldn’t believe how quickly the pain fled and gave way to more pleasure. Now she understood why so many sought this. She felt so incredibly close to him right now. And when she felt him tense and release himself inside her, she smiled.
“You are mine, Lord Dragon.”
His breathing ragged, he kept himself buried deep within her as he covered them both with another blanket. I will always be yours, Edilyn. Lifting her hand, he pressed it to his lips so that he could nibble her fingertips. Then he gently kissed her. And here the last thing you wanted was a dragon.
“True, but you’re nothing like I thought you’d be.”
He made a strange noise before he manifested something in his hand. When he opened it, she saw a peculiar gold whistle.
“What is this?”
Brushing her hair aside, he placed it around her neck. So that you can call me should you ever need me and I’m not near you. Or if something happens to me, it will summon my brothers to protect you. It’s called a Bane-Cry. Once sounded, all dracokyn are honor-bound to answer.
She glanced up at him. “Thank you.”
He inclined his head, then kissed her. I told you, I voraciously protect everything that is entrusted to me. That now includes you.
“Should I be afraid?”
Nay. As my dragonswan you, alone, will never have cause to fear me.
“Your what?”
Dragonswan.
Biting her lip, she smiled up at him. “I like that. So that makes you my what?”
Dragonswain.
Leaning back against his shoulder, she fingered his stubbly chin. “My dragonswain.”
Illarion closed his eyes and savored those words, along with her gentle caress and the scent of her skin. Honestly, he never wanted to bathe the scent of her off him. But sadly, he would have to eventually.
A light frown creased her brow.
Is something amiss?
“Nay. I was just trying to imagine what kind of children we’ll have. Will they be dragons or human? Do you know?”
Now was the time to find out exactly how she truly felt about him and his kind. Unless the gods decide to bind us at their own discretion, whims, and time, I will never be able to impregnate you. As with all Were-Hunters, I’m sterile, Edilyn. The Greek Fates took that from me after they cursed our newly made kind.
Sadness darkened her eyes. “Nay! That’s not fair for you!”
Happiness flooded him at her honest sincerity. She was truly upset and indignant on his behalf. I would have thought you’d be relieved.
Tears glistened in her beautiful eyes. “Then you would be wrong. Nothing would have pleased me more than to have borne your children for you. But you said that there is a chance it could happen?”
There is.
“Then I shall hope for that day.”
Something inside him shattered at those words. And if I said they’d be dragons?
“You would have to show me how to care for them. I have no idea what they’d need. But I’d learn.”
He brushed his fingers along her cheek. Could you love such creatures?
“They wouldn’t be creatures, Illarion. They’d be my children. Just as my brother isn’t human and I love him no less for it. I’m told my mother had quite a bit of a surprise when I was born and my father had to teach her how to care for a human baby. Apparently, we’re very difficult compared to the Kikimory. Yet it didn’t stop her from loving me. Nor did I love her any less when I found out she was a nightmare demon. Rather, I found it strangely comforting as I never had to worry over my dreams so long as she was alive.”
Illarion couldn’t fathom the miracle that had sent her careening into his world. Honestly, he’d never thought to mate at all. Never thought to find anyone who could make him feel the way he felt in this moment.
Like he was human, while she knew for a fact that he wasn’t. Neither man nor beast scared her. She saw both sides of him and faulted him for none.
It was perfect.
At least until he felt her stomach rumble from hunger. Sighing, he knew he needed to find her food. While he could go days without nourishment, humans were different. They didn’t store meals the way dragons did. Her body required constant maintenance.
I shall have to rearrange things for you in my cave.
“What do you mean?”
Just thinking out loud of what you’ll need to live there. I have no kitchen. Not even a pot for you to make the most basic of meals. I’ll need to make you a place to store and prepare food. And you’ll need more clothes. What else do humans require for sustenance and happiness?
She lifted her head to scowl at him. “Do you eat your food raw?”
He grinned and shook his head. I can cook it instantly. Benefits of breathing fire. And once I eat, it takes days for it to digest. A single meal can sustain me for almost a week—longer if need be, and depending on the size of it.
“That must be nice.”
He rolled over with her and gave her a light kiss. But you are not a dragon, my rose. And you, I need to feed. Come, let us bathe and I’ll see you fed.
Edilyn felt the strangest wave of weakness sweep through her at his endearment. She couldn’t believe how tender her dragon was.
How kind.
Or playful, she realized as he swept her into the water to frolic more than bathe.
This time when he conjured clothing for her, it was the finest shimmering dark green samite she’d ever seen. Truly, it was fit for royalty.
“It’s beautiful,” she breathed as she ran her hand over it.
His eyes darkened. Nowhere near as beautiful as the one who wears it. Personally, I’d rather keep you naked. But I know you would protest such extremes … so this shall have to suffice to please us both.
Heat rushed into her face at his words. “You’re the only one who’s ever thought that of me, I assure you.” Most men had turned their noses up at her approach, preferring women like Morla and Nesta.
Only a fool would not think you beautiful.
Edilyn smiled as she quickly dressed. The moment she was finished, Illarion returned to his dragon’s body and flew them back to his cave to retrieve her brother.
They had no sooner landed inside than she felt the sudden tenseness of his body. “Is something wrong?”
Illarion didn’t respond. Rather, he shifted from dragon to man with an alarming swiftness, and without warning. He did it so quickly that he almost caused her to fall. But he caught her and set her on her feet, then rushed through his cave.
“My lord?”
Still, he didn’t respond. Instead, he began searching through his chests and chambers.
“Illarion?”
Finally, he turned on her with rage blazing in his eyes. He pinned her with a murderous glare. Was this your ruse?
She stepped back from the hatred he pinned her with. “What ruse? What are you talking about?”
Where’s your brother, Edilyn?
“He should be where we left him.” She headed for the stone steps that led up to the bedchambers. “Virag!”
When her brother didn’t answer, a bad feeling went through her. One that wasn’t helped by the accusatory suspicion in Illarion’s eyes.
You betrayed me!
“What? No! Why would you think that?”
I think nothing. I know it for a fact. You had no interest in taking me out of here except to give your brother time to pilfer through my chambers and take from them!
Those words slapped her. “That is wholly untrue! Virag would never do such a thing and I damn sure didn’t!”
Don’t lie to me! Think you I don’t know every single item I keep? That I can’t smell every place your brother snooped in my absence? My whole cave reeks of his stench. Illarion raked her with a cold, lethal stare that would have infuriated her in turn had she not seen the tormented pain behind it. I commend your acting abilities. You took me for a fool entirely.
“Illarion…” She reached to touch him.
He pulled back sharply. I hope whatever he took was worth the price of turning his sister into a whore for it.
All sympathy for him fled at the harshness of those words. “How dare you!”
How dare you! he snarled in return. Get out! Never let me catch either of you here again or so help me, I will be the beast you fear most.
He’d barely finished speaking before she found herself standing out in the middle of her village—still dressed in the samite and with her bow and quiver resting at her feet. Everyone there turned to stare at her.
Including Brenin Cynfryn and Morla. Their amused, judging gazes all said they knew that her dragon had repudiated her. A few, including Nesta and Morla, even went so far as to snicker and smile in smug satisfaction.
Too horrified and humiliated to speak, she retrieved her bow and quiver with as much dignity as she could muster, and headed back to her hovel, all the while choking back her tears.
Nay, this day had not turned out the way she’d planned at all.
As bad as she’d thought it could be, this was so much worse. Where was Virag? Could he have really pilfered from Illarion’s treasure? Why would he have done such a thing?
She didn’t want to believe her brother capable of such a dastardly deed and yet …
Everything had been like a dream with Illarion until then. His anger had been too real to be feigned. His wrath too absolute. For whatever reason, her brother had betrayed them both and abandoned her to Illarion’s fury. He knew the one rule her dragon had made for them—they could use any item there, but were to leave with nothing.
Why, Virag? Why? Why would you have done this to me?
Heartbroken, she sat on her bed and cried.
* * *
Illarion cursed at the absence of his dragonstone. Without it, he lacked the ability to heal himself. And it wasn’t like he could get another. Between mankind and other fey creatures, they’d stolen them, down to only a tiny handful. Slaughtered his brethren for them until the world was all but devoid of what had once been in abundant supply.
He’d been one of the very last drakomai to possess one, and only because Max had given his to him out of guilt over what had happened to him as a dragonet.
Dammit! He knew better than to trust anyone, especially a human and a sneaky kikimora. Was he really so desperate for kindness that he’d be such an easy fool for her?
The answer was obvious. He was all kinds of stupid. Max would be the first to beat him over this.
And he deserved it.
Sick to his stomach, he wished he could still roar. Anything to vent the fury inside him that craved blood.
Trying to calm himself, he focused on the one bright spot of the day. At least the kikimora hadn’t stolen …
Shit!
Complete and utter horror went through him as he realized that for all he knew, Virag had taken it. The worst it imaginable.
Please be here. Please be here. Please be here.… That frenzied litany raced through his head as his heart pounded and his breathing turned ragged with panic.
If that bastard had taken that, all manner of hell would be unleashed.
And his father would mount his worthless and stupid ass to the walls of Olympus.
Illarion teleported into his chambers and ran to the guarded wall where he kept the most sacred possession in his collection. It was so rare and dangerous, not even his brothers had been trusted with the knowledge that he kept it.
No one knew about this.
His hands shaking with trepidation, he slowly opened the ancient carved oaken chest and held his breath.
He didn’t release it again until he saw the enormous white teeth that lay on a bed of red satin. If one didn’t know what they were, they could appear to be insignificant pieces of smooth tusks or innocuous bits of ivory.
But they were not innocuous and definitely not insignificant.
With this handful of teeth, any creature could destroy or subjugate the world. Conquer any nation.
Unravel the fabric of the very universe.
Thank you, gods, they’re safe.…
Sitting back on his heels, Illarion was giddy with relief. No one had disturbed the Spartoi. All twenty were here and accounted for. Grateful beyond description, he secured and locked the chest, then hid it again in his chambers. That was the one thing he could never allow anyone to find.
Originally, there had been three sets of teeth. One set had been used in ancient times by Kadmos to found the city of Thebes. The second, Jason and his Argonauts had sown in the fields of Colchis when he’d sought the Golden Fleece.
Both times, the invincible army that had risen up from the drakomas’s planted teeth had almost destroyed the world. After Jason’s experience with the second set of warriors, who’d only been defeated when they’d turned on each other, Ares had brought the remainders to Illarion and bid him keep them far from the world of man. Since he was the war god’s son and unable to speak—and took antisocial to a radical level—Ares had thought Illarion would be the safest guardian for them.
So far, his father had been right.
Yet this had been too close a call.
Let no one close to you. How many times had Falcyn told him that? He’d always agreed with his brother. Unlike Max, Illarion didn’t believe in the good of others. Nor was he under the delusion that man or anyone else deserved to be protected or saved.
Honestly? He didn’t give a shit. Let them all burn.
He was done with this world. Never again would he concern himself with the matters of other species. Today had taught him a vital lesson. Every time he left his home and dared mingle with them, it ended badly for him.
And as he settled himself down to rest, he tried not to notice the lingering scent of a woman in his cavern. Nor remember the gentle caress of a hand on his skin or scales.
He was drakomai. Solitary. Since the dawn of time, his kind had been bred to live alone. To die alone.
They needed nothing. They wanted nothing.
Ever fierce.
And ever protective of what fell under their protection …
Most of all, they were devoutly loyal and once their word was given, they would die before they broke their oaths.