by J. S. Wilder
“Kohl!” Isabelle rushed forward, dodging her escort’s tail as best she could despite her ankle.
The dragon beside him turned and hissed. Isabelle skidded to a stop.
“Please, is he okay?”
“Is this the human you found with him?” the dragon answered in a female voice.
“Yes. She was wading in the river pulling him along.”
Dread tightened a vice on Isabelle’s heart. Was the dragon who tended his wounds his mate? Would she turn Isabelle to charcoal when she found out she had had sex with Kohl and was now pregnant? Isabelle swallowed down bile and forced her hands at her sides.
“Have you healed him or given him medicine?” She’d no idea how they dealt with the demon bites on his planet, but she knew he needed help and soon.
The female dragon stared at her a moment, then narrowed her eyes as it inhaled. Then she looked to Kohl and back to Isabelle again.
Shit, she knows.
A smoky tendril curled out of the dragon’s nostril and Isabelle backed up a step, bumping into the other dragon. Panic swelling her throat closed.
“Taurian, leave us. I want to talk with the human alone.”
“No, she might do more damage to him or hurt you,” it rumbled.
The copper-colored slanted pupil eyes that matched her scales stared at Isabelle for a long time and made it feel like ants danced along her skin. “I think not. Wait outside the chamber if you must, but you will not like our discussion.”
With a snapping of teeth that made Isabelle jump, the first dragon turned and scraped its body out of the opening and stomped away.
“I’m D'Kohralx Vorian Churgo Desmonda.”
Wait. D’Kohralx wasn’t that what Kohl had told her was one of his names? He’d said it first like this dragon…did that mean it was a last name or family name? Isabelle swallowed and held out her hand. “I’m Isabelle Marie Givens.”
When the female dragon didn’t move, Isabelle lowered her hand and scrubbed her palm down her wet jeans.
“So, Givens, how are you involved with my brother?”
The tightness in her chest eased. Then again, was this like Game of Thrones where brothers and sisters mated and married? “Uh…it’s Isabelle.”
“Answer my question.”
“I-I met Kohl in a bar…we had a few drinks.” Had Kohl actually drank anything that night? She couldn’t remember.
“Then why do you smell like him?” The dragon paced around her in the chamber.
“Listen, I care about Kohl, but I need you to help him rather than give me the third degree.” She glanced past the dragon to Kohl laying lifeless and pale. “Please, do whatever you want with me later. Help him first.”
“You speak truth.” The dragon nodded. “You do care for my brother.”
Isabelle nodded, unable to speak. If Kohl died because of her, she’d never be able to look their child in the eyes and tell them she didn’t have feelings for the dragon shifter.
“The medicine takes time to counter the poison and he’s lost too much blood.” She stopped her pacing. “All we have now is time to wait.” At the chamber opening, the dragon paused. “If he recovers, I will expect you to tell him the secret you carry. If he perishes, then our father the king will demand your life as retribution.”
“But I—”
“It doesn’t matter if you are innocent or not.” The dragon shrugged, her voice dipping down into a low whisper. “The only thing that will save you then, briefly, is that you carry his grandchildren. Take care how you proceed. Perhaps father will have mercy and only banish you back to Earth after the children are born.”
Children! Isabelle sank to her knees and wrapped her arms around her chest. Just how many kids was she pregnant with? Four, Five…Seven? Kohl was another species so would she have a litter of babies? Terror clawed up her insides, and she shook both from being wet and cold to the unknown crashing into her.
* * *
The next morning, Isabelle woke to find Kohl drenched with sweat and thrashing.
She sat up and pushed her hands down on his shoulders to comfort him.
“Shhh...We’re safe now.” Though she wasn't, especially if something happened to him.
His seizure increased, and she couldn't hold him down.
“Help! Someone help.” Isabelle raced to the doorway and was met with tunnels and a labyrinth of caves that she could wander for days and never find her way back.
“Hush human,” the dragon from the river yawned. “It won't bode well for you to wake every dragon here with your screeching.”
“Kohl's having a seizure. Hurry!” Panic filled Isabelle, and she grasped his talon, pulling him toward Kohl.
Inside the chamber, Kohl twitched and twisted. The dragon marched to his side. “Peace, brother.” When he reached out for Kohl, he turned back to her. “He still has some of the blasted venom in him. I'm going to have to suck it out him...it’s too close to his heart.”
“T-that doesn't work.” She swallowed and back peddled when it growled at her. “At least, that's what I've heard a-and you could infect yourself as well.”
“I'm not as puny as my brother nor half-human so my immune system is stronger. More able to handle small amounts of poison.” Without awaiting her response, the dragon grazed Kohl's chest with a claw. Then it sucked at the wound, spitting every few seconds at the cave floor in a corner.
Isabelle twisted her hands as she watched. Please let Kohl live. Hollowness filled her at the thought of him dying. She couldn't take a deep enough breath.
Deep in the caves below her, a roar echoed sending a vibration of terror snaking through her. “What was that?”
The dragon spat out Kohl's blood and wiped his maw. “A warning. Tryns must be nearby. Stay here.” He pushed passed her.
“What about Kohl?”
“I've done all I can for him, but he would want me to protect our family and not worry about him.” The dragon left and Isabelle fell to her knees at Kohl's side seeing his breathing labored and his skin even shallower than before.
“Please, Kohl, live.” She clasped his hand in hers. “I want to see your bright eyes and hear all about your world and your life. Find out what your favorite ice cream is, if you've had any, and what you think of my world...of me. Most importantly, I want to witness your reaction to the life—lives we created.” She swallowed against the lump pressing against her throat.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Kohl felt something heavy on his arm. He blinked, raising his head to see Isabelle laying across his arm and chest. They'd made it to his family's hideout, but how? One of his siblings must have found them. Last thing he remembered was getting attacked, and his mind fell blank after that.
“Don't wake her yet,” his sister, Desmonda said from the doorway. “She's been tending you nonstop for over a day.”
Kohl nodded. “You're not surprised I'm in human form?”
She brushed aside a tear. “I pick up on a lot of things, brother, just don't tell anyone unless I think they should know. Doesn't matter to me if you are half-human or half-Valiruc, you are still my brother.”
“Thanks. Why are you crying?” He rubbed a shaky hand over his face. “Where is everyone? It's too quiet.” Even though they were in hiding, he would sense his family near or even hear the snores of his father or one of his brothers. Due to the Tryns, his family took turns sleeping and keeping watch.
“Desmonda, the Tryns aren't what we thought. I mean they aren't small creatures only, there are huge ones and they can create illusions to appear like us if they taste our blood.”
She pursed her lips. “I know. One followed you here. Taurian fought the big one along with Symon and others as more came.”
Kohl lifted his head but dizziness washed over him and he laid back down. “Are they okay? Where are they?”
“Taurian and a giant Tryn clashed in the sky when a lightning bolt struck them.” She looked away and wiped her tears. “Both vanished to another planet, we
don’t know which, and neither have returned. Talia and Jerian were killed. More were injured. I'll bring you both food in a bit, I was on my way for bandages when I heard you.”
His gut twisted. “I can't eat right now. Not when my actions have wrought this.” All of this was his fault…his decisions…his mistakes. They would be alive if he hadn’t cared for Isabelle and tried to save her. Shit, none of them would be in this mess if he’d been able to walk away from the human when he met her. She’d be safe, his brothers and sister would be here and well and they wouldn’t have to worry about an invasion to their hiding spot once again if it hadn’t been for him.
“You must eat to regain your strength if you hope to avenge them.”
He nodded, but his mouth tasted like sandpaper. “Bring something back for the human, please. Berries if you have any. Don't know that raw meat will be to her liking.” Get Isabelle fed and then send her on her way. When his sister left, Kohl placed a hand on Isabelle’s head and smoothed her dark hair from her face.
She stirred. “W-what...you’re awake?” She blinked at him, and he fought the urge to kiss her right here and now because of the sleepy, sultry look she had of just waking up and her hair askew.
“Yes.” He wanted to wake up every day with her, but that wasn't feasible. Would she be happy away from Earth and here among his kind? His breath lodged in his chest at the thought of her hurt in any way. It was too dangerous for her with the Tryns here. It would take time for them to infiltrate Earth.
The thoughts of his loved ones dying sent a spear into his heart. He clenched his fists. This was all his fault. Because of his actions, his words, and not being able to push Isabelle aside hurt his family. And it was just a matter of time before she died too if she stayed around him, like everyone else.
Isabelle had to go back home. “Time to get you back to Earth.” While he dealt with the monsters here, knowing she'd be safe was all that mattered.
Kohl stood and Isabelle gasped. “No, you need rest. Your wounds—”
“Are almost healed.” He held out his arms. Someone had fashioned a leather robe and dressed him in it while he was unconscious. “My kind, once the venom is removed, heal fast.”
“Nice. I’d like to help, however I can.”
“It’s too dangerous here.” His voice caught. “You need to be among your own kind.”
She crossed her arms. “If it wasn’t for me, you’d have burned in the flames with the other creatures…unless you’re resistant to fire in your human form?”
“No.” He shook his head. “You need to leave.”
A crease marred her forehead. “Wait, that’s why you stole the crystal isn’t it? It has something to do against your enemy, right. Let me help. I can get more for you and your people somehow.”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “No, you have to go and I’ll help you get home, then I must face the Tryns and stop them before they kill everyone.”
“But he still won't be ready for battle for another few days,” Desmonda said bringing in a tray of food. “Both of you eat. And there is more salve in the silver tin for your ankle.” She left them with the food between them.
“Please, you don’t have to handle all of this alone.” She wrapped her arms around him and his heart yearned to give in to his desires, but he couldn’t. It was too risky and his loved ones had died because of him.
He pulled away and at Isabelle’s scowl, he bowed his head. “We’ll discuss the plan on getting you home later.” Like after she was stuck and safe on Earth with no way of returning to his planet and direct harm’s way.
Her stomach growled. “Since I’m starving, I’ll give you a reprieve for now, but I’m not giving up on my idea to help you and your people.”
“How is your ankle?” he asked to change the subject and sat across from her.
“Better. Just tender if I put too much weight on it.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “So what's safe for an Earthling to eat?”
“Vonsur berries should be okay. And the rishj bread is sweeter than buttered rolls.”
“Great.” Isabelle gave a half-smile. “And the meat?”
“It's raw wild boar and skiltekx.”
She wrinkled her nose. “I'll stick with the berries and bread.”
“Suit yourself, but boar is the best meat in three galaxies.” If she wouldn’t go willingly to Earth, he’d arrange for a sedative to ensure she was back on Earth and safe. He had to find that giant Tryn leader though and kill him. The monster had kidnapped her once before, he could do it again.
She shook her head and popped a handful of the yellow berries in her mouth. Then her eyes lit up. “Oh, these are good. They taste like banana-strawberry candy.”
“Wait until you taste Taurian’s dessert with them. You won't want to eat anything else.” He could get Taurian to rig a crystal gun with the meteorite he stole from Earth and give it to Isabelle. Then she could blast any Tryn who came near her.
“I'd like that.” She finished the berries and moved onto the bread.
He chewed on a boar leg.
“I have a question.”
“Anything you wish to know, I will gladly tell you if it's within my knowledge.” Except not to ask to stay with him. He couldn’t handle it if she got hurt because of him.
“How is it that you're half-human? Did your mom come here too?”
An old ache blossomed in his chest and spread through his middle. “No. At least I don't think so.” He glanced down and Isabelle reached over and placed her hand over his. “She died giving birth to me and Father refuses to talk about her. It's because of her that I can shift.”
She squeezed his hand and warmth shot up his arm. “I'm sorry. I wish there was something I could do.”
“Thanks.”
When Isabelle pulled her hand away to grab a slice of bread, he longed for her touch, feeling suddenly cold and without it.
She chewed on her lip as she tore the bread into smaller and smaller pieces.
“You okay?” he asked, nodding to her pile of crumbs.
“Uh, sure.” She glanced away and a knot formed in his gut. “Is it okay that I call you Kohl? I mean, I don’t think I can pronounce your full name correctly. Doesn’t it start with a D though?”
“Yes. We introduce ourselves with what you humans would call the last name.” He raked a hand through his hair knowing that this wasn’t the discussion that weighed on her mind. “Like you would say, Isabelle—”
“Givens.”
“Right. Isabelle Givens. But what if there are five Isabelle’s in the room? Your family name is the most important. Then your mother’s family name, then your name.”
“Ah. That makes sense.” She squirmed and shifted her weight on the straw mattress. “C-could you write out your names in English for me?”
He wanted her happy, even if it wasn’t with him. As long as she was safe and content then he could breathe again. Just being in her company, despite her unease, brought him a measure of peace. He wanted to be the one who calmed her fears. Who she trusted with her secrets and to help her. The only one he wanted to kiss and make love to all night long again. Everyday. For as long as they lived.
But he couldn’t have that…not now…perhaps not ever. “If you’re finished eating, we need to get you home.”
“I’d like to stay for a bit. I’ve something to tell you.” She glanced down at her hands.
“Sorry, it’ll have to wait. You need to leave. Desmonda will take you back.” He stood and marched to the edge of his chamber.
“Will you listen to me first?” She stood and placed her hands on her hips. Her eyes shiny with unshed tears.
Best that she hate him and leave rather than ponder and pine. “I can’t be with you. You’re a human and I’m only half.” Seeing her look of disbelief killed him seeing her hurt and that he was the cause of her pain, but he couldn’t be with her or she’d get killed.
She took a deep breath and looked up at him and his heart stopped
.
The air between them thickened. If she touched him, he wouldn’t be able to lie to her anymore. He had to keep the distance between them. Inside, he crumbled, wanting to take her hand and tell her he didn’t mean any of what he was said.
“Are you saying you don’t care for me? Like at all?”
He choked back a cry, making it sound like a cough. If he admitted his feelings, she could get hurt. More than she already had. His heart ripped in two and he forced out the words that scarred his soul. “As much as a pet can be cared for, sure, I guess.”
Her face flushed red. She stormed forward. “You’re lying.”
“Think whatever you want. This is for your own good.” His mouth tasted like dry sand paper and he swallowed back the words pressing against his throat.
She barked a laugh at him that ended with a hiccup cry. “And I’m an idiot for ever sleeping with you, because now I’m carrying your children.”
Shock smacked him and he took a few steps back, hitting his cave entrance and banging his head. She’s pregnant?
Chapter Twenty-Three
“W-what?” Kohl's voice boomed through the chamber and made Isabelle cringe. His anger coming off him in waves.
She hadn't expected to blurt out that she was expecting a baby, but her nerves had been clawing on thin ice since she arrived on this planet.
“That's not possible.” He turned a split-pea shade of green.
Damn, she'd known he'd be shocked and surprised, but didn't think he'd have this reaction. “Actually it only takes the one time.”
Especially in our case.
He met her stare and pain filled his gaze. “We have to get you back to Earth. Now.”
“Why?” Was he ashamed that she was pregnant? Maybe it was taboo or something. “I'm sure your family and mine will accept our child. He or she won't be an outcast or unloved.” Not if I have anything to say about it.
