Dragons of Zalara Box Set, page 60
“I always used to feel like I was running around blindly in the dark, never knowing how to control my ability, but now, I feel different. Like my eyes are opened for the first time.”
His gaze turned serious. “I have heard there is a power when mates have sex for the first time. I’ve been told things will never be the same.”
“Wow. You should bring an instruction manual.”
He lifted an eyebrow.
She rolled her eyes. “Get your mind out of the gutter. I’m not talking about sex, but what happens afterward.”
“It’s different for every couple.”
She frowned. “Really?”
He ran his hand down her arm. “Our human mates are not ordinary women. They are gifted women, and their gifts become stronger after we mate.”
“But it sounds like you dragons are changed as well.”
He smiled. “Of course, we’re hornier.”
“God, will you stop?”
“I can’t help it. You tempt me like no other woman has.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “You’re mine.”
His eyes were filled with passion that warmed her heart.
Mine…Mine…Mine.
Her hot flesh prickled. The word repeated in her mind like a broken record, but what did this mean?
She frowned. “What do you mean by mine?”
“You’re my mate. I will not share you with anyone. You’re mine to protect.” He lowered his forehead onto hers, then nestled his head in the crook of her neck.
Thoughts of being controlled or threatened or hurt raced through her mind. What if she escaped one evil man, only to fall in the arms of another? She needed to find out. For the first time, she concentrated. Her heart beat wildly. As if by magic, tingles swept over her fingers and up her arms. But this time it was different. She was in control. She wanted this to happen.
She softly entered his mind. He was a jumbled mess. His anger was at a low simmer but she doubted it would take him much to explode. But what was behind the simmer nearly broke her heart. Loneliness, sorrow, and fear swirled around him, but guilt beat down on him. He blamed himself for his sister’s death. His grief nearly choked her, but his fear that he would lose another person he loved scared her. He would do anything to protect them, including sacrificing himself.
Now that she’d found him, she didn’t want to lose him. She didn’t know if she loved him, but she wouldn’t lose him either. The thought was too terrifying. She flashed out of him and trembled.
“You just went into my mind, didn’t you?”
She blinked. “You felt that? No one has ever felt it when I’ve scryed before.”
“I told you, it’s different with mates.” His voice was a little chiller.
“Are you mad?”
“You need to ask before you do this. I don’t like my privacy being invaded, even from you.”
“I’m sorry. I promise I’ll ask.” She thought about his raw pain that fed his anger. It wasn’t something she could keep silent about. “It’s not your fault your sister died.”
He stiffened. “Yes, it is.”
“Drake, there wasn’t anything you could do.” She laid her hand on his shoulder.
He jerked away. “Yes, it is. Her death isn’t a subject for discussion.” His hard tone returned and he pulled out of her, then laid on his side. “We need to get moving.”
Not wanting to anger him, she decided to play it safe and not mention his sister again. He wasn’t ready. She sat and looked down at his stony face. “How are we going to defeat the Kamtrinians?”
He rested his forearm over his forehead. “It won’t be easy.”
The juncture between her legs was sore, but she’d never felt so alive. A cold breeze brushed through the cavern and she shivered. Goosebumps broke out all over her skin. She missed having Drake’s warm body on top of hers. She sighed and grabbed her swimsuit then quickly wiggled into it, painfully aware that Drake was watching her every move with his hooded eyes.
“Drake, the Seps said there would be weapons here.” She quickly put on her shirt. “We need to go look for some. I’m sure the Kamtrinians have been busy gathering them.”
“Maybe. The Kamtrinians are confident about being stronger than a Zalarian and definitely stronger than a human.”
“That could be their undoing.”
“True. I have some ideas on how to kill them and get back to our ship.” He snatched his trousers and dragged them over his muscular legs and his magnificent cock. She busily braided her hair to keep her eyes looking anywhere but him.
She hoped it didn’t mean he was going to do something stupid. Like really stupid. “Your idea is?”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “Like I told you before, the main genetic make-up in Kamtrinians is calcite. Carbon dioxide has a corrosive effect on calcite.”
“Go on.”
He dropped his hand. “It’s dangerous, but we have to start a fire. A very big fire.”
“What? Why?”
“The Kamtrinians won’t burst into flames, but they’ll undergo physical and chemical reactions when the forest is burned.”
“And then what happens?”
“Their skin will heat up faster than their insides, and crack and will then fall off. They’ll be weakened, weakened enough for me to engage in hand-to-hand combat.”
“If they’re in a weakened state, you’d be strong enough to defeat them?”
“Yes, if I had a weapon that I could bash them with, I think I could destroy them.”
She frowned. “Drake, there are two of them. You can’t possibly defeat both of them. You’re going to need help.”
“No, there’s no way in hell you can defeat the female, even if she’s weak. She’d kill you. I won’t allow that.” His voice sounded like she didn’t have a choice in the manner.
“I’m not a helpless female.”
He opened his mouth.
She put on her palm. “I understand I’m not strong enough to fight her, but maybe I can do something else.”
“Like what?” he asked warily.
“My ability. Maybe I can use it to control her emotions.”
He crossed his arms over his chest. “Have you ever done that before?”
She shook her head. “No. But I told you my ability feels different. It’s more powerful. I think I can do more than just watch someone’s emotions while I’m inside, I think I could control them.”
A muscle twitched in his cheek. “You will not do this with me.”
She stood and marched over to him, not caring if she pissed him off. She jammed her finger into his hard chest, wishing it were his thick skull. “Did I say I would do this? Don’t put words in my mouth, Drake. Ever!”
He grabbed her wrist. “I don’t like being controlled.”
She met his angry gaze, refusing to cower beneath him, even though her gut was quivering. “Neither do I.” She jerked on her wrist. “Now, let go of me.”
“Fine.”
He released her, but a wall had gone up between them. She’d invaded his personal space, just like Tom had invaded hers. The trust that had been slowly building like a fire between them was dying, and she’d no idea how to rekindle the flame.
Chapter Ten
Drake slipped on his shirt and thought of what his mate had said. As much as he wanted to believe he could take on two Kamtrinians, it was insane, even if one was female. If the damn Seps would have allowed him to transform into a dragon, he wouldn’t have hesitated, but he couldn’t transform. Even though he was ten times stronger than a human, he was no match for two Kamtrinians.
He sat on a rock across from Chloe. She was quickly braiding her hair. Her skin glowed and was scratched where he’d kissed her. She was beautiful, but she’d been inside him and peeled back a layer he didn’t want to share with anyone–not even her.
“Do you really think you could control the female Kamtrinain’s emotions?”
She stopped braiding her hair. “Maybe. But I would need to practice. It’s not like my ability will work the first time. This is a new power, and I’m still trying to figure out how to control it.”
He gritted his teeth. “As much as I hate this, I think you’re right.” He ran his hand through his hair. “Since I’m the only one here, you’re going to have try to control my emotions.”
She lowered her hands. “I thought you didn’t want me to go inside you.” Her gentle voice was hesitant, and she looked at him warily.
“I told you I don’t like it, but we don’t have a choice. You’re right. I can’t take on two Kamtrinians at the same time. One would be hard enough, but two would nearly be impossible.”
“I know this is difficult for you, Drake, but we have to work together to survive.”
He snorted. “I get this.” He folded his arms across his chest. “Make me happy.”
She furrowed her eyebrows. “What?”
“You heard me. Make me happy.”
“Well, I don’t know if I could do that with you scowling.”
He drew in a sharp breath, then released. “Look, Chloe, the Kamtrinian isn’t going to help you control her feelings. She’s going to be intent on killing you. I’ll be easy compared to them. Now, try it!” His voice came out loud and reverberated off the walls.
She jumped. “Fine.” She put her hands on her hips. “You don’t have to shout.”
Blood pounded between his ears and his vision turned red. His nostrils flared, sending smoke into the air. He kept his arms pressed to his side to keep from shaking her.
Chloe took a step back and put a shaking hand over her mouth.
If she couldn’t do this, he was going to tie her up in here to keep her safe. He couldn’t take on the damn Kamtrinians if he had to worry about her.
She slowly sat and crossed her legs. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, inhaling and exhaling. His dragon smell detected her warm breath, which soothed him.
A prickle edged up the back of his neck and he stiffened. He felt the same sensation when she’d entered his mind earlier.
His pulse elevated. He narrowed his eyes, his vision blurring to red. He clenched his fists tight.
Her eyes flew open. “I can’t. There’s so much rage.”
“Try again.”
She put her hand on her sweating forehead. “I don’t know if I can.”
“You’re going to give up on after one lousy try?”
“No.” Her small voice didn’t convince him.
“Then try again.”
She dropped her hand. One knee bounced up and down. She moistened her lips then closed her eyes.
Soft tingles swept up the back of his neck, massaging the stiffness. Her slow breath drew him to the rise and fall of her breasts. His fists slowly unclenched.
Be at peace.
He frowned. Not sure he heard right. It wasn’t his voice. Was it Chloe?
Let go.
The soft voice was subtle, slowly blocking out all his angry thoughts.
Trust me.
The knotted cords in the back of his neck unwound and the tension in his face lessened.
She lifted her head. “Do you feel happy?”
He shook his head but looked at her with wonder. “No, but I’m relaxed.”
Her face went slack and paled. “Damn, I was going for happy.”
“But you did good. It’s not easy turning down someone’s rage. It’s a start.”
Her eyes brightened and she smiled. “You think so? You think I did good?”
“Absolutely.”
Her voice was low, and her skin was still a little gray.
“How are you feeling?”
“To tell you the truth–drained.” She rested her shaking hands on her knees. “This takes a lot out of me to manipulate someone’s emotions. It’s not easy.”
Not willing to give up, he asked, “Do you think you could try one more time?”
“I could try.” She rubbed her stomach. “To be honest, I’m starving and I think I need fuel to do this.”
His gut growled as if to remind him he was just as famished as she was. “I’ll get something to eat.”
She frowned. “How do you know what’s edible on this planet? We could eat something that could be poisonous.”
He shrugged. “I’ll know. Our noses are more sensitive than humans. I’ll return shortly.”
She stood. “I’ll come with you.”
“No!” He pointed toward the ground. “You stay here.”
“I’m a prisoner now?”
“Of course not. But we don’t know where the Kamtrinians are. They could be waiting outside the cave.”
She looked nervously toward the entrance of the cavern as if waiting for a Kamtrinian to jump out.
He walked over and rested his hands on her shoulders. He kissed her on the mouth, drawing in on her softness to his hardness. “I’ll be back shortly.”
She stood on her tippy-toes and wrapped her arms around his neck. She pressed her breasts against him, which made him want her all over again. “Be careful.” Her voice was soft, but he detected her worry.
“I will.” He forced himself to unravel himself from her warm embrace and left before he couldn’t resist her charms.
He hurried down the winding path back to the outside, but suddenly stopped in the darkness. His breath caught in his chest. His dragon hearing picked up something disturbing––silence. The creatures had been noisy all day and now, there wasn’t anything.
He pressed his back against the cold rocky wall and moved slowly to the entrance, careful to stay in the shadows. He inhaled deeply, trying to detect a scent, but all he could detect were the creatures that were hiding in the trees, and the flowery fragrance of the jungle.
But something was wrong.
His heart accelerated while everything else in his body slowed down. He gritted his teeth and tried to transform, but all he did was break out in a hot sweat. Whatever the Seps were doing, he was trapped in this vulnerable form.
He went to take a step out of the cave when a twig snapped. He slammed back against the hall, breathing hard. The breaking twig had been at least a stone’s throw away.
Another twig snapped, but this one was closer. Whatever was out there was getting closer. If he remained hiding, the thing might come inside and discover Chloe’s hiding place. Delias’s pleas echoed in his head, begging him to save her. He couldn’t let that happen to Chloe. She was his mate, and it was his job to protect her.
He peered around the cave wall. The Kamtrinian female hid behind a thick pink bush, but he definitely could see her. Where was the damn male?
His breath rose up and down on his chest. Although it was the Kamtrinian female out there, she’d still be incredibly strong. He needed to start the fire to weaken her. If he was a dragon, it would have been extremely easy, but thanks to the Seps, he wasn’t.
Another snap drew his attention. But this wasn’t coming from where the female was hiding. It was to the left of the cave. The male was coming. He had to draw him off, away from Chloe.
Cursing the Seps, he bolted from the cave, drawing on dragon speed, his heart nearly exploding from his chest.
“There he is!” The Kamtrinian male yelled. “Ifea, go to his left.”
Drake sprinted through the jungle. His adrenaline soared through him like a speeding rocket. His feet barely touched the ground and his arms pumped harder and harder. He leapt over fallen logs and small bushes. Leaves slapped him, and twigs and branches tore at his clothes and flesh.
Heavy footsteps tracked him from behind and to the side. He poured on the speed, drawing the Kamtrinians farther and farther away from the cave. They were closing in on him, but he didn’t care. As long as he kept moving away from the cave, Chloe would be safe.
The sound of roaring water rumbled ahead. Drake headed straight for it. His harsh breathing echoed in his ears. Out of the corner of his eye, the white alabaster skin of the Kamtrinians moved in out of the green, purple, and pink foliage.
He jumped over a thick flowery bush and landed on the edge of an embankment that looked down on a raging river. Swimming wasn’t his strong point, but his mate was in danger. Water crashed onto rocks and logs were crammed against the rocky edge. He’d no idea what was in the river. Predators could be lurking, ready to tear him apart, but he didn’t have a choice.
The thundering of footsteps was right behind him. He scrapped his hand through his hair, his muscles twitching. He took a step back and then leapt into the river. Water beat on him like an iron fist, forcing him under, slamming him against sharp rocks. He gulped in water and his clothes dragged him down deeper. His lungs squeezed shut begging for air and his eyes bulged. His heart pounded harder, sending adrenaline thrashing through his veins. Drawing on his dragon strength, he kicked his powerful legs and clawed his way to the surface. He burst out of the river, tossed his head back, and greedily sucked in air.
An angry splash made him spin around. His hair fell across his face, blinding him, but he knew what it was, even before long fingers closed around his throat. His precious air was robbed. He closed a fist and slammed it into the Kamtrinian’s face again and again. He rammed his knee into his enemy’s middle, but it was like hitting stone. The Kamtrinian forced him under. Water gushed into his throat, filling his lungs. He twisted, kicked, and pounded, but it was like fighting a wall of granite. White lights blinked in his vision, and he lost focus. His arms and legs lost their strength. His chest tightened. The warmth escaped from his body, replaced with an eerie coldness.
His death happened so quickly. He thought he could defeat his enemies, but they stole another woman from him, leaving him to die in hopeless misery and defeat.
Surprisingly Drake slowly woke to spitting up water on to his shirt. He lifted his heavy head and blinked, trying to focus. Where the hell was he? He pulled on his arms, but realized his hands were bound behind a tree.
“Fumes,” a female said. “He’s awake.” She sat on a rock, watching him with no pity in those soulless black eyes.
“Good.” The Kamtrinian male walked over and slapped Drake across the face.
Pain exploded on his left cheek. Silver dots clouded his vision. He shook his head, trying to gather his wits.
