The Lost Siren: Rise of the Drakens Book 1

by Raven Storm

  I lunged, sinking my teeth into Kieran’s shoulder, my need for his blood overpowering every other thought. He winced but didn’t push me away as I took several mouthfuls, then withdrew. It was red like mine but tinged with orange and gold. Blood wasn’t supposed to taste good, like a wine that had been expertly aged and seasoned. Perhaps it was a draken thing?

  “Was that enough?”

  My eyes went wide at the prospect of more. Ronan, sigh and offered his wrist. I fell upon him immediately, nearly moaning as his blood cleared my head and chased away the lingering lethargy. I licked the wound clean when I was done, but I didn’t need to; both were already healed.

  “Blood transfers bring an immediate boost to our healing abilities.” I tilted my head to the side, trying to fight through the smoldering fire burning through my body, demanding my immediate attention.

  “Black magic?” I managed to ask.

  They nodded as we all glowed with renewed strength. They both slid into their draken forms, discarding their few clothes in a heap on the floor. I made a low sound of need at the sight of their naked, muscled bodies, anxiety warring with my desire. Kieran laid me gently down on the bed, and I stroked one of his wings, the shimmering colors reminding me of fire. He shivered in pleasure. My hands trailed the hard contours of his chest, down his stomach and pausing as I took in the sight of him. I pulled my hand back, losing my courage.

  “You know we would never hurt you or do anything against your will.”

  And that was true, wasn’t it? My loyal, faithful Kieran. My arms hooked around his neck, pulling him down against me. His blood soared through my veins, giving me courage and a feeling of daring. I decided to embrace it.

  “If you both don’t shut up and just...get over here, I’ll never speak to you again.” Ronan’s eyebrows nearly went to his hairline as Kieran laughed, tumbling with me onto the small bed. Ronan stood beside us, his eyes shining with need.

  Those were the last words spoken as Kieran kissed me roughly, his mouth delving into mine. Ronan’s hands dipped under my dress and snaked up my legs, feeling every inch of skin before turning his attention to my chest. One claw carefully slit a line down the center of my dress, and he ripped it down, exposing my breasts to the cool air. They were going to have to buy me more clothing with the way they kept shredding it. I groaned in approval, craving more of the feel of his sharp claws against my skin.

  Kieran trailed his lips from behind my ear down to my collarbone, while the rough scales across Ronan’s hands scraped against my nipples. Between all the sensations, I was lost in rapture. I moaned, and it only increased their fervor. My hand drifted down Kieran’s body, finding him hard and ready for me. I grasped him at the base of his member, running my hands across his tip. He growled back, biting down on my neck as I writhed in delight against him. Ronan’s head went under my dress, and then I felt him kissing and nibbling between my thighs. I could have died right then and there; happy and lost amidst the delicious tingle from every part of my body.

  Kieran shifted, kneeling beside my head. Before I could lose my nerve, I reached out and pulled his hips close to my face. My hands roved across his length, marveling at how soft yet hard it was. I reached out with my tongue and gently licked his tip, and his hands tightened around my shoulders in a painful grip. If such a small touch made him do that, what would happened if I did more?

  The sound he made when I took him fully in my mouth I wouldn't forget for the rest of my life; that gasping, choked sound of complete surprise. He slowly pumped in and out between my lips while I licked around him, pausing to swirl my tongue at his tip. His hands buried in my hair at the same moment Ronan forced my legs apart and swiped lightly at my core with his tongue. I went rigid, my mind blank as this totally new, glorious feeling took over. Kieran slid himself from my mouth, continuing his work of marking every clean inch of skin from my neck to my shoulders with his teeth. Ronan’s tongue licked and swirled, then he slowly slid one finger inside of me, and then slid it back out. I went cross-eyed in frustration.

  Then his tongue replaced his fingers, and a screech left my mouth as Kieran pinched my nipples hard. The pressure was building, fast and furious as they both worked my body like a precise machine, all the parts working together to reach one final, glorious conclusion. Ronan paused, then sucked me, and that’s when the pressure shattered completely. My cry was long, loud, and animalistic. Their eyes turned feral as they watched me climax, and then the door was nearly thrown off its hinges as Benedict was there, his full draken form on display.

  Everything stopped. The three of us were frozen on the bed, no movement to be seen except the rapid rise and fall of our chests.

  “I am first,” he snarled, and the other men backed off immediately. I barely registered what was happening as he hovered above me, still reeling as I came down from my high. Reality punctured through with the first vicious thrust inside of me, and I hissed, though whether it was from anger or pleasure I couldn’t tell. Benedict didn’t even look at me or touch me anymore than strictly needed; he just pounded into me wildly, and I hated that I loved every moment of it. He came with a grunt, then withdrew to the corner of the room, snarling at the other two. I gasped at the loss of him from my body.

  Kieran snarled at him, then climbed back on the bed with Ronan. He kissed me, lovingly biting my bottom lip before nudging me until I flipped over on my stomach. His claws delicately traced a path from my neck to the base of my spine, and I sighed in happiness. Ronan sat next to me, and I reached out to grasp him in my hand, gliding up and down like I had with Kieran. Ronan growled and grabbed me by the waist, pulling me to him.

  “I am next,” Kieran hissed, swiping at Ronan. Ronan growled but backed down, sitting up as Kieran entered me from behind in one thrust, pushing me down further into the mattress. I cried out at the new angle, reveling in how much deeper and fuller it felt. Kieran thrusted into me, his hands holding my hips in place as he roughly took me. Ronan kissed me again before laying back and watching. I grabbed his thighs and pulled him closer, taking his length deep in my mouth. He groaned, and I felt that wonderful, warm tension build again as Kieran’s hand found the sweet, sensitive nub inside of me, and hit it just right—

  Kieran’s roar was loud as he spent himself into me, grunting as my inner walls trembled and convulsed around him. Ronan pulled out of my mouth and came on the bed, his harsh breathing the only sounds he made. When they were done, Benedict snatched me from the bed, and sniffed me deeply.

  “Thought you...wouldn’t touch me.” I muttered sleepily. I felt the vibrations of his voice rumble against me, his body warm and strong as I nuzzled into him. What was wrong with me?

  “I technically didn’t,” He muttered stubbornly.

  Kieran and Ronan cleaned up the bed behind me with fast efficiency, all the while glaring at Benedict.

  “Does this mean—"

  Benedict silenced Kieran with a glare. Kieran’s ears flattened against his head and he went back to his task.

  “I will take her to our chambers.”

  Before the other two could get a word out we disappeared in a wisp of darkness. The dim lighting of my bathroom greeted me next, the heat of the room a soft caress against my skin. Benedict stalked to the side of the tub with me in his arms, and gently laid me into a steaming bath, filling it with several herbs and oils. I sighed happily.

  “You can be nice to me.” I muttered vaguely, and he snorted.

  I yawned widely; it was tempting to fall asleep as the fragrant aromas from the bath wafted in the air. Benedict scoffed.

  “Just remember, we don’t mate with humans.”

  His harsh words cut through my drowsiness more effectively than a knife would. I twitched, then shifted so my back was to him.

  “No, humans are just bought and sold. You’ve made that quite clear, though clearly I’m a pretty cow indeed to attract your attention.”

  “You are not.” He hissed.

  “Pretty, or a cow?” I shot ba
ck, then pushed forward.

  “Do you know what they call a human woman who entertains three men Benedict?” My voice turned bitter, even though I knew deep down I didn’t regret any of it. I cared for at least two out of the three, which was better odds than the women at the breeding house.

  “A brave woman who is making the best of her situation.”

  Brave. Brave? My lower lip trembled, and I blinked back tears.

  “You’re all hiding something from me.” I said instead, dunking my head under the water. When I came up, Benedict was gone. After some time, Kieran and Ronan appeared, and assisted me into bed. I laid there for a long time with one on either side of me, snuggled between their warmth. It was nice and comforting, but sleep eluded me. Something was missing. Or rather, someone. That was ridiculous, I told myself.

  I tossed and turned all night.

  ELEVEN

  I snuck out of bed early the next morning, leaving Kieran and Ronan snoring gently underneath the silk covers. I quickly donned a pair of the breeches Georg got me, and a red dress that would be more fairly described as a shirt, for how short it was. The sheaths went on one thigh and my upper arm, and then I slid on my boots. After a moment’s thought I attached a small sword to my waist as well, a gift from Ronan after the debacle in the training room. Today I had one goal: I was going to talk to Bair.

  My nerves were frayed as I slipped out of my chambers, knowing it was early since breakfast had yet to be served. If Benedict found me sneaking around, it was unlikely he’d be pleased. Where was Georg when I needed him? He could probably navigate these halls with his eyes closed. The halls went on for long stretches before converging at crossroads, where more passages stretched on into the darkness. It was impossible to know where to go, and I feared getting lost.

  “Wandering dark halls alone?”

  I jerked, and D’Arcy melted from the shadows, blocking the path ahead of me. I would not show him fear.

  “I can tell you’re related to Benedict, since you both prefer to skulk around in the dark.”

  He barked out a short laugh, his black tunic effective camouflage in the dim lighting. I wondered again what the full story was behind his deadly brush with white magic. I straightened, refusing to be the same scared girl he met my first night here.

  “I’m looking for Bair, actually. Can you assist me?”

  D’Arcy’s head tilted to the side; his lips parted in surprise. “Taken to him, have you?”

  I shrugged my shoulders, noncommittal.

  “He intrigues me. He has many...ideas.”

  D’Arcy’s eyes sparked in interest, and he held out his arm to me. I didn’t really want to take it but decided to play nice.

  “Bair has always been more level-headed than Benedict; everyone knows that. What were some of these...ideas he had?”

  His sudden interest and polite demeanor had me on guard.

  “Sabien should be able to tell you; they’re friends, aren’t they?”

  D’Arcy walked at a brisk pace, unconcerned with whether I could keep up or not. Just another small thing that made him different from my men. Benedict could be an ass but was at least a polite ass. Usually. Sometimes.

  “Sabien is not nearly as pragmatic as Bair. That boy gets the wrong ideas. I am surprised Bair puts up with him.”

  D’Arcy didn’t seem on good terms with his own son; I made a mental note of that.

  “He performed admirably at the last trial. I enjoyed meeting him very much.”

  Flattery never hurt anyone, right? D’Arcy’s chest did stick out for a moment, followed by a scowl.

  “He still lost.”

  I had nothing to say to that, so we fell into an uneasy silence. D’Arcy leaned into me, much too close for my comfort.

  “Most of the drakens are preparing for the next task, which is where you should be. What would Benedict think if you were absent?”

  I rolled my eyes. “If you think I care what he thinks, then you haven’t been paying attention.”

  D’Arcy’s smile was an indulgent, condescending gesture that made me want to pull away from him. I resisted the urge.

  “Yes, I had noticed you two don’t seem to be getting along. That’s a shame.”

  His tone made it sound anything but.

  “It would also be a shame if Benedict were to find his little human late to the Games because she was dallying with his uncle.”

  I grit my teeth, his grip iron around my upper arm.

  “We are not dallying.”

  His nose was in my hair, nuzzling into my neck even as my fingers gripped the sword at my waist. Then he was gone, too quick for me to take action.

  “No one will believe you.”

  I took a steadying breath and met his eyes without flinching.

  “What will it take to omit that part of my tardiness?”

  His fangs flashed, and I had the sinking sensation that I had just made a terrible, terrible mistake.

  “I find myself bored in this mountain, as you can understand. The Games have been a pleasurable enough diversion, but they’re hardly lively enough for my tastes, especially when Benedict insists on making them safe. What if you assist me in spicing them up?”

  I didn’t have much of a choice, did I? I raised my chin, aiming for a bored tone.

  “And what do you suggest? Let me guess: pick you as the winner?” His eyebrows lifted in mock surprise, and as he smirked, I knew he was thinking back to my first night here, and the liberties he’d taken with me. I hid a snarl.

  “Not this time, though an intriguing possibility for the future.” I pretended to look mildly interested, crossing my arms in thought. My fingers rested lightly on the top of my sword, and I kept my body loose and relaxed like Kieran had taught me.

  “What did you have in mind then?”

  He leaned in, his fangs getting closer. My hand gripped the hilt, ready to plunge it into his smug face if I needed to. It wouldn’t really hurt him, but hopefully it’d give me enough time to get a head start down the hallway.

  “Wren! There you are!”

  I sank in relief as one of the drakens from last night’s dinner appeared, the same two companions in tow. D’Arcy’s sneer only lifted minutely.

  “Elders.”

  The three new drakens eyed D’Arcy with various levels of mistrust, and my opinion of them immediately rose. The first one approached me while the other two kept an eye on D’Arcy.

  “Gelf, my lady.” The silver draken bent over my hand, grasping it carefully like it was made of porcelain. His companions seemed equally reserved, both waiting patiently for their turn to take my hand and greet me. Gelf gently laid my hand back down and backed away.

  “Wyrren, at your service.” The second draken almost blended into the shadows, his dark obsidian scales gleaming and speckled with bits of red. His eyes were as black as his body, making the whites stand out even more.

  “And I’m Pirth.” The final draken was the deep yellow color of saffron, fading into black on the lower half of his body. His bright green eyes reminded me of Kieran’s, but with more gold in them.

  “What business do you have with the lady?” D’Arcy’s tone aimed for imperious but came off condescending.

  “Our business, which is no concern of yours.”

  D’Arcy growled, baring his fangs. The three other drakens immediately went into a practiced defensive form, gently moving me behind them while flaring their large wings. D’Arcy hissed at the three of them, and they took a step towards him. He backed away, tucking his wings into his shoulders.

  “Benedict will hear about this.”

  Gelf snorted and swiped at the walls with his claws, and sparks flew.

  “Your nephew doesn’t give a shit what you think anymore, so go ahead.” D’Arcy disappeared in a huff, and the sea of wings in front of me deflated.

  “May we escort you to the Games?”

  I sighed; Bair would have to wait until later.

  “Of course.”

  T
hey took the lead, and I relaxed as my impromptu guard surrounded me. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but these drakens didn’t set me on edge like the others did.

  “We were all mated before the war, so our instincts are not screaming at us where it concerns you, they’re simply yelling.”

  I shot a look to Pirth, who merely grinned back. Gelf gave him a light shove.

  “Don’t mind him; he’s over a thousand years old but acts like he’s in his first few centuries.”

  “You are Elders then, like D’Arcy said?”

  “Make that the only bit of information you pick up from him if you don’t mind. That draken has changed since we’ve been trapped here.”

  “What do you mean?”

  We paused at a crossroad of passages, and Wyrren pointed at a series of three horizontal lines etched at the level of my head on the wall. I’d never noticed them before.

  “The more lines you see, the further away from the entrance hall you are. If you keep taking passages with less lines, you will eventually find your way back.”

  I ran my fingers over the crude markings, impressed with the genius of such a simple system.

  “Thank you, that’s quite helpful.”

  We went down the hall marked with two lines.

  “To answer your question, yes. We are the eldest remaining drakens who were fighting in the war yet didn’t perish in the eruption on Lyoness.”

  “For all the good it did us; no one listens to us anyway,” Wyrren snorted.

  The concept of Elders was fascinating to me; I had never seen any elderly humans before, and the vampyres had immortal, un-aging bodies. lykos did age, but I’d never seen any in person to make any judgements.

  “We simply wish to warn you about those who would seek power for themselves.”

  I frowned.

  “You seem like a strong young woman. I want to encourage you not to let anyone push you around. Including a certain king.”

  They all chuckled as if sharing some secret joke. My lips thinned.

  “That certain king seems to regret ever bringing me here.” The ground beneath me began to slope, so I knew we were close to the arena. Gelf gave a soft laugh, pushing me gently ahead.