The Water Dragons Box Set: Books 1 - 4 (Complete)

by Charlene Hartnady

  “I wanted to ask,” he leaned in, speaking softly, “what are you? I scent…” He narrowed his eyes. “You look female, but I scent male as well. It makes no sense. The female scent is stronger,” he frowned, like he was thinking it through, “quite delicious actually.”

  She laughed, watching as his cheeks turned a light shade of pink. This male was shy and sweet. Not just sexy as sin. Most of the males of her species were downright arrogant. There was a vulnerability to this male she found appealing. “Are you enquiring about my sex?” She narrowed her eyes at him. “Don’t I look like a female?” She pretended to be put out.

  His gaze dropped to her breasts and his cheeks reddened. His Adam’s apple worked as he swallowed. Then his eyes widened and he sucked in a breath as they locked back with hers. “No, I mean, yes…you look feminine. You look really good.” He squeezed his eyes shut and swiped his hand over his face. “I was just wondering what species you were…that’s all.”

  This male was adorable. “What’s your name?”

  “Bay,” he responded immediately. “And yours?”

  “You must be a shifter,” she blurted.

  His jaw tightened and he shrugged. “Good guess since shifters are the most common of the non-humans. I’m certainly no elf.” He touched one of his ears.

  “Yeah, but which kind of shifter?”

  “I didn’t say I was a shifter. When did this become about me?” He raised his brows.

  He hadn’t denied it either. She didn’t scent dog or bear or…it was puzzling. Maybe he wasn’t a shifter. That couldn’t be though. Like he had pointed out, he wasn’t sporting elf ears ‒ so, not an elf.

  Most shifters knew the scent of a vampire when they smelled it. This male didn’t. Ceri didn’t think he ventured out often.

  He leaned in again. So close that his breath tickled her ear when he spoke. “I’m a dragon.” Her nipples tightened.

  Ceri inhaled deeply, taking his scent in. “Of course you are.” How had she missed that? The chili was fiery. The scent of smoke was very much at the fore. The dark chocolate made her mouth water for a taste.

  He straightened up. “Your turn.”

  Disappointment rushed through her once again. This was the part where she told him and he high-tailed it out of there. Their species was not well loved. “I’m a vampire.” She held her breath.

  His whole frame tensed. Then he nodded. “You drink blood?” He frowned.

  She smiled. “Yes, regularly. Although my last feed was two days ago ‒ from my best friend, a male. That’s who you scent on me.”

  His eyes lit with realization. “That makes sense.”

  “This is the part where you excuse yourself and run.” Such a pity. He would make a good lover, she was sure.

  “Is it?” He lifted his brows.

  She pushed out a sigh. “Yes, humans and non-humans alike are either afraid of us or put off by our…food requirements.”

  He looked amused. “What is your name?”

  “You can call me Carmine.” Maybe this would go her way and if it did, she didn’t want him knowing who she really was. He couldn’t ever find her, or…Hold on, Ceri! Calm yourself! Nothing had happened. Nothing might happen. She was getting ahead of herself. One thing was for sure though, she did want him. Very badly.

  He quirked a brow. “I can call you Carmine. I take it that’s not your real name?”

  She shrugged. “We don’t need names, do we?”

  He shrugged. “I guess not. I am neither afraid nor put off.” He put out his hand and she took it. Strong, firm…and very warm. They shook. “It’s good to meet you.”

  “You too.” She smiled. “I was just headed back to my hotel. It’s a block or two up the road. Would you like to walk me back?” Normally she wouldn’t dance around something quite this much. If she wanted to rut someone she came right out and said it, but she had a feeling she might spook this one. This, despite him being handsome. He oozed confidence, but at the same time there was a shy edge to him. She would even go so far as to say that he was a little awkward. Ceri found that she liked the combination. Liked it a lot.

  “Yeah, sure.” He put his beer down on the bar. “I was about to leave anyway.”

  She walked ahead of him, feeling his eyes on her. The air was crisp. Ceri sucked in a deep breath as they walked outside. “I’m a couple of blocks up the road.” She pointed to the five-story building not far up ahead. “You take the next right and it’s about a block down.”

  “Ocean view.” He raised his brows.

  “Yes, it’s right on the beach.” She nodded.

  “Nice.” He smiled and they began to walk.

  “What brings you to Beachhaven?” The male frowned. “It’s a little far from your neck of the woods…Sweetwater, right?”

  She nodded. “Very good, you know a little about us.”

  “A little.” He nodded. “So, what brings you here?”

  “Even vampires need a vacation.”

  His smile widened.

  “I love the ocean. Love lazing around on the beach in my bikini. I love swimming. My absolute favorite,” she raised her brows, “don’t laugh.”

  He shook his head. “Never. Why would I laugh? There’s nothing wrong with downtime.”

  “I love snorkeling as well.” She licked her lips. “I discovered it a few years ago. Now I take a beach holiday every chance I can get. I know,” she rolled her eyes, “a vampire who loves to swim and snorkel.” She made a face. “It’s especially laughable considering the myth that we turn to ashes in the sun.” She pushed out a nervous-sounding laugh, realizing that she was nervous. Very much so.

  Bay shrugged. “I think it’s great. I happen to be a Water dragon. We have a natural affinity with water, especially with the ocean.”

  She frowned. “A Water dragon. Forgive me, I don’t know much about your kind.”

  “That’s because we don’t get out much.” He grinned. So cute! He wore a black button-down shirt, top two buttons open, a pair of dark jeans. His blue eyes glinted in the streetlight.

  “You don’t.” She shook her head. “You’re the first dragon I’ve ever met.”

  “You’re the first vampire I have met, so I guess that makes us even.”

  She nodded. They arrived at the entrance to her hotel. “I would love to hear more about…Water dragons…your species in general. Can I entice you up for a drink?”

  He seemed hesitant. Why? By the way he’d looked at her earlier, she could tell that he was interested. He’d openly admitted to liking what he saw when she’d asked him, and yet…he was still hesitating. “It’s just a drink. I won’t bite or anything.” She laughed at her stupid joke, wishing she hadn’t made it. Especially considering how he barely smiled.

  “Yeah, why not.” He finally shrugged. “One drink and then I must go.”

  His lack of enthusiasm both irritated and excited her. Ceri was used to getting males she wanted. Never for anything other than a rut though. She was not able to bear children, so male vampires tended to steer clear of anything that smacked of commitment. Not that she’d actually met anyone she wanted to spend any real time with. Please! She used her keycard to gain access to the building and made her way to the elevator.

  The shifter followed close on her heels. She pushed the button for the fifth and highest floor. “You said you don’t get out much. Is that the case for dragon shifters in general, or specifically you?”

  “Both.”

  Cryptic.

  The elevator dinged as they reached her floor. The door opened. Ceri put her hand on the edge of the door as it opened. “Both? As in…?” She raised her brows, moving into the door of the elevator and essentially closing him in.

  “Dragon shifters are only permitted to…mingle with humans twice per year.”

  “Otherwise you’re homebound?”

  “Yes.” He nodded, stepping towards the exit. Towards her. His scent was incredible.

  “Why do your males mingle with humans?” It
seemed an odd thing to do. She could guess but hearing it from him would be way more fun.

  “We have very few female dragons.” He shrugged.

  “So ‘mingle’ is not the right word?” She smiled to show she was only teasing.

  Another one-shouldered shrug. His eyes glinted with mischief. More of his scent enveloped her. Drool-worthy. She swallowed down her need to drink from him. Her gums itched. She’d eaten just two short days before. She didn’t need blood. Not so soon. She wanted it though. Wanted his blood.

  “You said you don’t get out much and that it’s not only because you’re a dragon shifter. There’s more to it then?”

  “I haven’t been into town for a couple of years now. Single males go on the Stag Runs religiously.”

  “Stag Runs?” She laughed. “I guess it’s a good name. Why don’t you go on them?” She knew she was prying. If he had wanted to tell her, he would have. Then another thought occurred to her. “You’re single, aren’t you?”

  “Yes, very much so. The Stag Run is not my thing. Males come into towns like this one to rut and…” He let the sentence die.

  “You don’t like rutting?” She frowned.

  Bay smiled, he had this strange look about him. His eyes seemed clouded. His demeanor, down somehow. “Don’t answer that.” She put up her hand. “It’s none of my business,” she laughed, trying to shove aside the heaviness that suddenly filled the space.

  She waited for him to say something. To answer her or to change the subject… something, but he just looked uncomfortable. Ceri stepped out of the elevator and into the hallway.

  She didn’t have to walk far. “This is mine.” She stopped at the first door, using the keycard to open it. “Come on in.” She pushed the door open and leaned against the jamb, allowing him plenty of space to enter in front of her.

  His eyes locked with hers. They heated. He was definitely interested, so why was he acting like being there was the worst idea? More importantly, why did that intrigue her so much?

  Chapter 2

  What the fuck was he doing there?

  What was the point?

  To chat. There was no way this stunning, beguiling, utterly sensual creature only wanted him there so that they could chat. A human? Maybe. A Vampire? Forget about it. He didn’t know much about the species, just that non-humans saw things differently.

  Bay didn’t feel like chatting much himself. In fact, the more he thought about what he wanted, the more upset he felt. He wanted to give this female pleasure, wanted to see the expression on her face as she let go. Wanted to see her beautiful green eyes hazy with passion.

  He could scent her interest in him. Could see it. Pity, she was barking up the wrong tree. He should just wish her a good night and leave. Except his feet carried him further and further into the hotel room.

  Bay swallowed thickly as his eyes landed on the bed. The room was spacious with a desk and chair, as well as a lounge area, but all he could see was the damned bed. He really should leave. “Take a seat.” Carmine walked in beside him and gestured to a sofa. “The minibar has a nice selection, unless you would prefer a tea, coffee…soda maybe?” He watched as the column of her neck moved. She was nervous. A female like Carmine should not be nervous. She was sure to get plenty of offers and on a daily basis. Then again, he’d seen it with his own eyes. Those human males had been falling over their feet just to get near her. Non-humans would be no different. Just look at him as an example. He really shouldn’t be there and yet he couldn’t help himself.

  He did as she said, choosing the single wingback chair. Why was he torturing himself? Torturing them both? “I’ll have a whiskey. Neat.”

  She nodded once, taking two tumblers from the cupboard. Then she leaned right over, ass in the air, as she opened the small fridge. Her long legs unveiling even more as her dress pulled up, all the way up.

  Holy fuck.

  Giving him a spectacular visual of her pussy. Pink and oh so fucking pretty. Bay put his hand between his legs and gave his cock a squeeze. He didn’t know what he had expected to find. In truth, if a female was going to bring life back to his shaft. This was certainly the one to have done it. But there was nothing. Not a stirring. Not a rumbling. Only a familiar hunger, deep down inside. Did he enjoy rutting? Yes. Did he want to rut? Abso-fucking-lutely. Could he do it? Did he have the physical capability? No, that basic function was taken away from him years ago. Whether he deserved it or not was a debate he had with himself on a regular basis. It wasn’t important right then though. Bay shuffled in his seat, trying to get comfortable. Trying to quell the raging need that coursed through him.

  Carmine straightened up and air could fill his lungs once more. He pushed out a heavy breath. She uncapped the tiny bottles and poured them into the tumblers. Whiskey for the both of them. Then she sauntered to Bay in three easy steps and handed him one of the glasses. Their eyes locked. The need in hers was apparent, he was sure it would match his own. Her delicious scent wrapped itself around him. Funnily enough, the masculine scent was all but gone. It hadn’t really bugged him, but she scented way better right then. Too damned good.

  Bay tipped the glass in her direction and then downed the contents. The whiskey burned its way down his throat.

  She raised her brows in question but did the same, licking her lips and placing the glass on the table.

  “So, we’ve had our drinks,” Bay said. He should leave. He didn’t want to.

  “Are you going to leave now?” She could obviously sense his hesitancy.

  “No,” he fingered the hem of her dress. “I’d like to stay a little longer and I think it’s time we cut to the chase.”

  “Agreed.” Her eyes were bright with excitement. Pity she was going to be disappointed in the end. Disappointed in one way maybe, but he’d leave her very well sated. That much was for sure.

  “Do you want me to make you come?” Bay just out and said it. Screw all this dancing around.

  She laughed, tilting her head back slightly. Even that was as sexy as fuck. “Most males would have used the word fuck or rut. I like you, dragon, and yes, I would like it very much if you would make me come. I would’ve been more upfront from the start, but I got the distinct impression that you would have run a mile.”

  Bay couldn’t smile back. Disappointment ate at him. The female was right. He should have run, should run now but he couldn’t. He needed this, even if no physical pleasure could be derived from this for himself. He wanted the vampire to have pleasure. He would at least enjoy giving it to her. Bay nodded. “I’ll make you come. More than once if you would like, but it needs to be on my terms.”

  Her eyes widened and she pushed out a breath, clearly startled. Then the one side of her mouth quirked up. “You have got to be the most interesting male I have ever met. Most would have had me on all fours already.”

  He had to hold back a cringe. Given the opportunity, she would have been on her knees. He felt arousal deep in his belly. Felt a zing of need but there was no rush of blood to his groin. No erection. “Here’s the deal.” He leaned back in the chair so that he could take her in. “I give you pleasure. I touch you.”

  She frowned. “So, I don’t get to touch you back? Is that what you’re saying?”

  “You get to feel.”

  “I think I might enjoy touching you though—”

  He shook his head. He didn’t want this beautiful vampire to know his greatest shame. To see pity instead of need written in her eyes would fuck him up. “I touch you. That’s the deal. Otherwise, I walk out.”

  She licked her lips. “Can we kiss?”

  He shrugged. “If I kiss you, then yes, you can kiss me back.”

  “What if I want to suck your dick? Or ride you?”

  Bay had to squeeze his eyes shut at the images that accosted him. His damned cock remained just as flaccid as ever. This was such a bad idea. Bay shook his head. “No! Take off your dress and lie on that bed.” He pointed at the king-size. “You can touch yourself, or
clutch the bedsheets, I don’t care either way. The only thing I want you to do is come. Can you do that, Carmine?”

  She nodded once and cleared her throat. “I think I can do that.” Then she took a step back and peeled the dress from her body, pulling it over her head.

  Bay drank her in. He didn’t need a working cock to know she was sexy. Didn’t need one to know that he wanted her with every fiber of his being. “You are beautiful,” he murmured. Her breasts were pink-tipped. Ripe peaches indeed. Not too big and not too small. Utterly breathtaking. Her skin was like porcelain. The scent of her arousal made his mouth water. Nectar and honey. She turned, giving him a fantastic view of her ass. Two globes of perfection. Tight and spank-worthy. Not that he was into that kind of kinky shit, but a female like this could convert the fucking dead.

  Well almost.

  She lay down on the bed, her throat working. She chewed on her lower lip, eyes on the ceiling.

  He was going to make the most of this. The most of her. “Open your legs.” His voice was a rough rasp. It wasn’t like he did this sort of thing anymore. Not like he would do it again any time soon.

  Her breathing hitched and the edge of her mouth turned up, just a fraction. “Are you always this bossy?”

  “Only when it counts.”

  She smiled and did as he said, sliding her legs open, revealing utter perfection. Soft pink folds, already glistening with her need. Carmine planted her feet on the comforter. Her chest heaved.

  “You’re already turned on and I haven’t even touched you yet.” A fact.

  The vampire nodded. “We’re receptive and a highly sexual species. I haven’t had sex in a good couple of weeks.”

  “Weeks.” Bay snorted out a laugh. Then he put up a hand. “I’m sorry.” He didn’t want her asking questions. Didn’t want her to know how long it had been for him.

  “So you—” she began. Her eyes flared and she made a soft yelping noise as he closed the space between them and pushed his tongue into her channel. Deep inside.

  Fuck!

  By scale and claw, she tasted better than she scented. So damned sweet. Carmine made a keening noise and grabbed at the comforter. There was a ripping sound as her nails tore through the material. She moaned as he tongue-fucked her. All out groaned as he moved to her clit. It was plump as fuck. Fit in his mouth, against his tongue perfectly. Bay licked and sucked, alternating between the two. He’d let her come quickly this time. Just this time, though.