Dragons of Zalara: Books One - Four, page 55
“Is it a private island?”
“No, it’s a rocky beach the resort owns, but hasn’t developed yet. There will be less prying eyes.”
The waiter came over with two more beers. He raised his bottle. “Tomorrow.”
She laughed. “Tomorrow, it is.”
And on Friday, she could pay her mortgage. Maybe life was looking up.
Chapter Four
Drake sat back on the motorboat. Water sprayed over him, leaving a hint of salt on his lips. Warmth caressed his face, easing the turmoil inside him. Last night, he’d gotten on Earth’s internet to find out more about Chloe and suddenly, his world was turned upside down. A man named Tom Burrows, had posted naked pictures of Chloe.
Drake had paced back and forth all night, battling to control his dragon. He couldn’t get the image of Chloe, lying naked on a lounge chair. She was asleep, her hair covering half her face.
But it was definitely her.
He folded his arms across his tight chest. His nostrils flared. He took a deep breath, pushing back the anger ready to burst out and destroy.
Chloe glanced over her shoulder. “Don’t worry. It will be all right. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
He frowned. “What?”
“You look tense.”
“Just didn’t sleep last night.”
“I promise you’ll sleep tonight.” She slapped her ass. “I’ll work your butt off.”
He forced a smile. She went back to steering the boat. Her white blouse billowed in the wind. Underneath she had on a simple one-piece black bathing suit. But based on the damn pictures, he knew she had a black birth mark just below her right nipple and her bellybutton was pierced. The suit covered her bellybutton. His stomach hardened. Everyone in the world knew about her birth mark and bellybutton.
She was his mate, and he didn’t like sharing her with the whole world. If he could destroy the damn pictures, he would, but once on Earth’s internet, only the Fates could remove the sexy pictures that gave him a punishing hard-on.
He closed his eyes, trying to keep his dragon under control. All he wanted to do was rip apart the man who claimed Chloe had thrown herself at him. Burrows’s article said Chloe had not only tried to seduce him, but that she had tried to steal his notes for a book. He thought she was better than that. The Fates hadn’t said his mate was a manipulator and a thief.
Under Drake’s rule, she would never reveal herself again. Not unless she wanted to find herself locked up in a tower.
She shifted, and he noticed her brown sandals showed off pink toe nails. She had strong legs, and an amble ass that he could grip hard when he slammed his cock inside her. Her curly blue-black hair rustled behind her. She was the sexiest captain he’d ever seen.
Mine.
She belonged to him. No damn agent would ever see his mate naked again.
He ran his hand through his hair and gritted his teeth. He took deep breaths and leaned his head back, soaking up the sun. Birds soared in the air. He wished he could transform into a dragon. Flying always calmed his brewing anger, but he was on Earth, and strictly forbidden to unleash his dragon.
Something rubbed against his thigh. He glanced down. Colorful beach towels were rolled up into a nice bundle and had slid next to him. Two paddle boards were stacked neatly on top of each along with four paddles. Near the boards was a cooler. Chloe had said she’d packed water, beer, sandwiches, and fruit, but the last thing he wanted to do was eat.
Not after staying up all night surfing the internet, hunting for pictures of Chloe.
He really could care less about paddle boarding, but he needed a way to get her alone. Abducting her at the resort would lead to too many questions. In his bag, he had a can of ragon gas, which, unfortunately for her, would knock her out until he got her to his space ship. He’d landed and cloaked the vessel in a vacant lot next to the resort. If the resort had been on the main drag, he’d have had a devil of time landing his ship.
She glanced over her shoulder, her sunglasses hiding her beautiful silver eyes. “We’re almost there.”
“Can’t wait.”
She pulled the boat into a small cove that had long, black cliffs looming over a rocky beach. The water was calm and flat. She aimed for a wooden pier. No one was on the pebbly beach except for birds that hopped on one foot. Stairs were carved into one of the cliffs that led down to the beach, but no one was on it either. “Not a lot of people come here,” she said. “Because the beach isn’t as smooth as the others.”
This was going better than he had planned. “I can see that, but it’s beautiful.”
Chloe took off her shirt and folded it neatly on the captain’s chair. His mouth went dry as he caught a glimpse of her cleavage. Fates, she was exquisite.
She got out of the boat and hopped onto the pier. “I have to tie the boat.” She finished tying the rope and clasped her hands. “Ready for your lesson?”
“Yeah, I’m ready.” He should douse her right now with the gas, but it was a sunny day, and he wanted to enjoy his time with her before he totally pissed her off. Besides, the Fates told him to be gentle with her because she had a lot to overcome.
“Good.” She got back into the boat and picked up her paddle board. She tossed it into the water along with the two paddles. She jumped into the water. “Come on.”
“I’m coming, teacher.”
He tossed his paddle board and oar then dove into the water. Chloe’s legs pumped to keep her afloat, and he clenched his fists to keep from caressing her silky thighs.
He burst out of the water and grabbed hold of his board and oar.
Chloe easily swung her leg up and saddled her board. She held a paddle in each hand. “Get on your board.”
“Sure.” He easily imitated her.
“Wow, you did that easily.”
He shrugged. “I’m not a total klutz.”
“Now, let’s stand. The water’s flat here, so it should be easier for you to stand without having to worry about a wave crashing into you. Once you’re up, I’ll hand you a paddle.”
“Makes sense.”
“Watch me. First put one knee on the board, suck in your gut, and stand.” She did this in one fluid motion. “Now, you do it.”
Drake put one knee on the board, sucked in his gut, and stood. He smiled. “That’s wasn’t so hard.”
She frowned. “Keep sucking in your gut. You seem to be losing balance.”
“I don’t––” He wobbled and tried to correct himself. “Whoa.” The board wiggled, he flew off the side, and splashed into the warm water. He sucked in a bunch of salt water and kicked his way to the surface. He grabbed the board and hacked up half his lungs.
“Are you okay?”
“Do…I look okay?” he growled.
She scowled. “Geez, you don’t have to get so mad. I was just asking.” Her voice scalded with anger.
He winced. “No, it’s my fault. I just hate making a fool of myself.”
“You’re not making a fool of yourself. You’re a beginner.”
He rolled his eyes.
“And soon you’ll be a pro at this.” Her voice softened and she winked. She gestured with her arm. “Now, try again.”
He grinned and shook his head. He leapt up on the board and concentrated. He sucked in his core, then put one knee down on the unstable board. He shifted his weight, which made the board stable. Very slowly, he knelt on one knee and then stood.
“Good job.”
Her encouragement made him more determined. He positioned his weight evenly and the board stilled.
“Now, you’re getting the hang of it. The next step is to move.” She handed him his paddle, while still holding her own. “Alternate from side-to-side nice and slow.” She was steady in her movement and made it look so easy.
But he knew different. It was far from being easy.
He stuck the oar on the starboard side and then alternated to the port side.
“Good, slow strokes.” She paddled in front of him. The sun glistened off her moist skin and her ponytail swayed as she moved.
Fates, she was becoming more and more tempting. He wanted her. He wanted to possess her. His stomach growled, and he wasn’t sure it was from hunger. His dragon was tired of waiting.
He gripped the oar tighter, trying to get a grip on his emotions. But the image of her being naked for the whole world to see popped into his head. A pounding erupted in his ears. His vision clouded. Adrenaline rushed through him. All he wanted to do was break Tom Burrow’s thick neck.
Suddenly, the plastic snapped in his hands. He wobbled and fell off to the side, splashing into the water.
Chloe paddled over to him. Her face had turned ashen. She frowned. “Did you just break the oar in half?” Uneasiness crept into her low voice.
Crap, he must have scared her. He couldn’t see her eyes behind those sunglasses, but he bet they were huge.
“I started to slip and didn’t want to fall,” he lied. He clasped the board, dangling his arms over the side. “Sometimes I don’t know my own strength.”
“Apparently not.” She sighed. “Well, you can’t paddle board without a paddle. We’ll have go back and get another one.”
“I could borrow yours.”
“No, I think it’s best we go back.” She looked nervously around as if she were going to ask for help.
Time’s up. Forget the beautiful day.
She paddled quickly over to the boat and climbed inside. He climbed in behind her and carefully lifted the board and laid it next to hers.
Her hands were on the wheel, but he could see they were shaking. “Could you untie the bowline?”
“Sure.” He untied the rope and tossed it onto the wet floor.
She started the engine and pulled out of the cove.
He reached into his bag and pulled out the ragon gas. Fates, he hated doing this, but he was sure she’d never go anywhere with him again. Once again, his anger got him into trouble again.
“Chloe,” he said softly.
She glanced over her shoulder. “Yes.”
He sprayed the gas into her face.
“What are you doing?” She slapped him and staggered back. “Stay away from me.”
He snatched her glasses off her face, her eyes were so huge, that he hesitated in spraying her again.
She screamed and beat on his chests with her fists. She reminded him of when his sister, Delias, died in his arms. She’d the same terrified look and his heart broke.
He grabbed her wrist. “I’m sorry.” He sprayed her again.
Her eyes fluttered back. She tilted her head back and her legs caved. He caught her and lay her on the back of the boat. He kissed the top of her warm forehead. “Forgive me.”
He steered the boat down the coast until he came to where he left his cloaked space ship, the Leo. The Leo was a small fighter ship, but she had speed. He’d rather have taken the much bigger Excalibur, but Topaz had refused. How could he blame him? Ever since his sister died, he’d been reckless in flying small fighter ships. He’d already destroyed three. The captain obviously didn’t trust he’d bring back the Orion’s prized shuttle back in one piece. He beached the boat, then carefully lifted her out.
Her breath warmed his heart. He held her close. What was he going to do when she woke up? She’d be panicked and scared out of her wits.
He needed to do something nice for her. He doubted she would want to travel through space in a swimsuit. He’d heard that Ysam had brought extra clothes for his mate. Well, he could do the same thing.
After he had Chloe secured, he hurried over to the resort. He knew where she resided there. Using dragon speed, he raced until he found her private residence. When using the speed, humans had a difficult time tracking him. Not all Zalarians possessed this ability, but he did.
No one was in the hallway. He put his hand on the lock and turned until it busted. He used his shoulder to bump open the door. Her room was nothing but an oversized hotel room. She had a neatly made queen bed, a flat screen television, and a dresser. A kitchenette didn’t have a single dirty dish.
The desk was a disaster. Books, a laptop, papers, and pens littered the small space. This was obviously where she spent her time and must be important for her. He put the laptop, books and papers into a nearby backpack. He opened her dresser and pulled out her undergarments and some shirts and shorts. He quickly stuffed them into a small suitcase he found in her closet.
Someone knocked on the door. “Chloe, are you in there? Are you okay?”
He grabbed the backpack and suitcase, then leaned against the other side of the door.
“Chloe?”
A man entered the room. Drake recognized him. He was her co-worker at Breezy’s.
He turned around. “What the hell?”
Drake punched him. He slammed onto his back and didn’t get up. Drake touched his neck and felt a pulse. He was alive but stunned. Drake raced out of the room as fast as he could, clutching the suitcase and backpack.
“Stop him!” the man yelled.
Damn, he hadn’t hit him hard enough. He burst out of the building. People were racing after him and a group of men who had guns blocked the way to his ship.
Topaz wouldn’t be happy, but Drake didn’t have much choice. He immediately transformed into a dragon and snarled.
“Dios Mío!” A man made the sign of the cross.
One of them fired. Bullets stung him but didn’t hurt him. He released a stream of fire. The men jumped to the side. He flew into the air and toward his ship. He had to transform into a human.
“There he is!”
“Fire.”
Loud bangs hurt his ears, then sharp pain slammed into his shoulder and lower back. Bullets flew past him. The hatch door opened. He stumbled into the ship, then pushed the button. Chloe’s backpack and suitcase fell at his feet. The hatch slowly shut. Blood dripped onto the floor. He clutched his burning shoulder and pulled away his reddened hand. The ship spun around him. He couldn’t pass out. He shook his head.
Drawing on his dragon strength and ignoring the hot pain, he stumbled to the cockpit. He had no idea that human bullets would hurt so badly. Chloe was strapped to a chair, her head tilted to the side. It would be some time before she woke.
He coughed and spit up blood. He wiped his palm over his mouth and smeared crimson onto his hand.
He wiped his palm on his pants, then forced himself to focus on the panel. He plotted a course for Zalara and the ship lifted off the ground. He steered it out of Earth’s atmosphere, but his vision kept skipping back and forth to tunnel vision. He hacked again and again and blood dripped out of his mouth. Fates, he was about to pass out.
He contacted Topaz.
“Topaz here.”
He held his shoulder. “Captain.” His voice was rattled. “I’ve been…shot.”
“What happened? Do you have your mate?”
“I was forced to transform–”
“You know that’s a violation of my orders.”
“Yes,” he gasped. “Captain, I’m about to pass out.”
“Where are you?”
“I’m sending you coordinates now.” But the console went fuzzy. He set a course for Zalara then everything turned blurry. His arm dropped to his side, and he passed out.
Chapter Five
Chloe slowly came around and lifted her head. She winced. Pain throbbed between her temples. She shook her head, trying to clear the fog in her mind. What was happening? Oh, God. It happened again. She pulled on her wrists and like last time, she couldn’t move.
The nightmare of what happened with Burrows slammed into her chest. She gasped to breathe, but air refused to fill her starved lungs.
Come on, wake up.
She shook her head hard. This time, her mind cleared. Holy Mother of God, she was having a nervous break-down.
She stared at large black screen which had stars swooshing around. Was that a computer? Different colored buttons blinked. Cold flushed over her body and she shivered. She glanced down, afraid she was naked again, but she still had her one-piece on and her white cover-up.
In the corner of the room, her backpack and suitcase were slumped over on each other.
A man was slouched over a chair that faced the screen and blood drizzled down the metal onto the floor. She knew him. “Drake?”
He didn’t budge. She struggled to move, but she could barely shift. Her chest tightened. She couldn’t take another humiliation. She leaned her head back.
Think.
First, things, first. She had to get free, but obviously she wasn’t strong enough to break her binds.
“Drake, Drake!” she yelled. “Wake up!”
He slowly stirred. “Chloe?” His voice was low and groggy.
She was done being patient. “Release me, you bastard.”
He rubbed the crease between his brow. “I can’t. You’ll try and escape, which is pointless.”
“Why?” she asked slowly.
He twirled around in his chair. She gasped. Blood trickled down his shoulder and pooled on his thighs. His face was ashen and pinched.
“What happened to you?”
He leaned his head. “I got shot, which was more painful than I thought possible.”
“Who shot you?”
“If it makes you feel any better, the security guards at your resort.”
She tilted her chin up. “You didn’t answer my question. Where am I?”
He lifted an eyebrow. “You don’t know.”
She gritted her teeth. “If I did, I wouldn’t be answering.”
“Outer space. We’re on a course for Zalara.”
Her heart skipped a beat and her eyes widened. “You mean that’s really outer space?”
He grinned. “Yes. It is.” He cleared his throat. “How are you feeling? Sometimes the ragon gas makes humanoids woozy.”
She rolled her eyes. “Oh, so now you’re concerned?”
“You’re my mate. Of course, I’m concerned.” His husky voice softened, but he wasn’t fooling her. He’d lured her in once only to betray her.
“I’m your what?”
“Mate.”
