Dragons of Mars Box Set

by Leslie Chase

  He swept Ashley into his arms, holding her tight against him and feeling her heart beat against his chest. For a moment she was stiff in his embrace, as though unsure whether this was a hug or an attack, and then she melted against him. Her arms wrapped around him and he felt her body shake with a sobbing release of tension.

  "They will not harm him," Kosar growled, stroking her hair. "I swear it by the Dragon Throne and the Thousand Suns, your family is safe. Anyone you love is kin to me as well, Ashley Warren, and no harm will come to them while I draw breath."

  Another sob wracked the fragile form in his arms, and Ashley clung to him. "You can't promise that, Kosar. How can you possibly help Michael?"

  "You've seen the wonders of dragon medicine, my mate. You know what we can do. If you bring him to Mars, he will be fine — and out of the reach of these monsters. All that we need to do is get him there, and we will work that out. The Conglomerate has every reason to help, and I have resources too. Your brother will be safe with us and will get the help he needs."

  He wasn't sure that it would really be that simple, but he did know that he would find a way. He had to. There was no way that Kosar was going to fail his mate's family.

  Ashley shivered against him, and despite the situation he felt his body responding to her closeness. Looking down at the fragile human female he swore that he would not let her down, no matter what.

  Shaking her head, Ashley wiped tears from her eyes. He could feel the tension draining out of her, the pressure of keeping up the deceit gone. But the fear was still there. Fear for his safety, not her own.

  "You still have to get out of here, Kosar," she said. "They're coming for the Grace of Herendar and the stardrive, and they'll be here before any rescue ships can make it. You have to leave — I might be okay if they find me still aboard, but they'll kill you!"

  "No." Kosar smiled, or at least bared his teeth. "They will not. That might be their plan, but I will not let them succeed. Ashley, I love you. I will help you and protect you. But I will not abandon my duty to the emperor or to my people. This act of piracy must be stopped, and the stardrive protected."

  Pulling back from his embrace, Ashley looked at him as though he'd grown an extra head. "You don't know what's coming for you."

  "Neither do you," he pointed out, feeling a surge of anger rush through him. The prospect of having enemies he could fight was almost cheerful, despite the long odds against him. "And they don't understand what they are going to face when they meet me."

  Ashley's expression made it clear that she wasn't similarly enthused, but Kosar didn't let that deter him. Raising her hand to his mouth he kissed it. "I promise you, Ashley, you have no idea what a dragon warrior is capable of. Whoever they've sent, I will defeat them and keep you safe."

  17

  Ashley

  Kosar's refusal to be afraid was infuriating, but his confidence only made him more attractive. Ashley hadn't realized that was even possible. She felt a weight lift from her shoulders, the weight she'd carried since she left Earth. Finally she was being honest with the alien warrior — and he accepted her despite everything.

  It didn't change their situation, not really. He was still in danger, they both were. He couldn't simply ignore that. Could he?

  "I don't want to be the cause of your death, Kosar," she whispered as she held him close. "Please, it'll be hours, maybe even days, before they reach us. You can escape, meet the rescue ships, get away to safety."

  "No."

  He drew her close, one hand gently taking her chin and guiding her face to look up at him. A soft moan escaped her lips at his touch, at the sheer power of his presence, and she tried to keep her mind on the problem at hand.

  That wasn't easy. He was right there, and she wasn't lying to him anymore. The reasons for ignoring how much she wanted him were gone. And God did she want him. Her body ached, and his touch made her tremble.

  "You are not responsible for what you were forced to do," Kosar continued, and when she opened her mouth to object he put a finger to her lips, silencing her. "No, Ashley. I will not hear you blame yourself. It's the people who took advantage of your need and put you in this position that I am angry with — and they are coming here, where my talons can find them."

  "You might—"

  "—die?" he finished for her. "Yes, I might. But I am a warrior. I have never let fear of my fate decide my actions, and I won't start now. I will fight for what is right, and if I die in that battle then I will go to meet my ancestors with only one regret."

  His eyes narrowed, the intense violet of them filling her vision. Ashley's heart pounded as she stared at him, and the warmth between her legs intensified as his fingers trailed down her neck. Her question came out a wordless sound, but he understood.

  "I regret that I never laid with my mate," he rumbled. The words vibrated through her, making her gasp. Wordlessly she pulled herself closer, feeling his heat as her fingers dug into his skin. His cock pressed against her, hard in his pants, and she moaned at the feel of it.

  There was no longer any reason to deny herself, or him, what they so badly wanted.

  There are men coming to kill him, a small part of her mind insisted. Ashley told it to shut up. That was a problem they would have to face, yes, but they could face it later. For now, losing herself in physical sensation seemed like a better idea than wallowing in pity.

  And Kosar was right. If the worst did happen, she didn't want either of them to regret something they hadn't done.

  Her fingers stroked through the dark mane of his hair, pulling him closer as he lifted her easily. His lips were hot, almost burning hers as their mouths met in a hungry, eager kiss that drove every doubt from her mind.

  Whatever doom was coming for them, it could wait. They had something better to concentrate on.

  Pressing her against the nearest wall, Kosar hungrily kissed and bit at Ashley's lips, and her breath came in quick gasps. His fingers tugged at her clothes, frustration evident as he pulled at unfamiliar fastenings. Growling into the kiss, he tugged hard enough to tear them open.

  Ashley gasped and squirmed, a thrill running through her as he pulled her top open. Her hands pulled at his tunic, impatiently trying to open it, and he chuckled. Somehow it turned to mist in her hands, vanishing along with the rest of his clothes.

  Suddenly she was trapped between the hard wall behind her and a naked alien in front. And it felt better than she could have imagined. Grabbing hold of Kosar, she pulled herself against him again, kissing eagerly and desperately. Stroking down over his sculpted muscular body, she found his cock with her right hand as their tongues pressed together.

  It was harder and bigger than she'd imagined, even feeling it through his clothes. Now that there was nothing between them, she could feel the ribbing on the skin, bumps that she could only imagine inside her. Gasping, she stroked it gently, rewarded by a groan of need from her alien lover.

  He stepped back, setting her down on the decking. Ashley groaned with disappointment as he let her go, but the view made up for that. Kosar stood before her, tall, naked, glorious, and Ashley stared, eyes wide. Now that she was able to look at him without guilt overwhelming her, she couldn't stop.

  Everything about him made her desire him more. The achingly beautiful muscles of his chest and torso. His powerful arms. His strong features and the mane of hair that surrounded them.

  And his proud, erect cock. She felt her cheeks heat as she stared at it, her breathing speeding up.

  Kosar stared at her in turn, his eyes traveling up and down her body. His naked interest made her melt, and she shivered as she pulled off her clothes as quickly as she could.

  As she threw them aside, Kosar bared his fangs in a predatory growl that sent a shiver of delighted terror through her. No one had ever looked at her like this, and Ashley realized how much she wanted it. Needed it.

  A grin spreading across her face, she turned and ran for the door. He was on her before she could go more than a few
steps, sweeping her up from behind and sinking his teeth into her shoulder in a bite that made her cry out. The pain and pleasure mixed into a marvelous sensation that drove all thought from her mind in a wash of joyful sensation.

  Squealing and writhing in Kosar's arms, Ashley shut her eyes to let the feelings take over her senses. The next thing she knew, Kosar was putting her down on the bed in the room he'd taken as his own. Powerful hands rolled her onto her back and pressed her down into the firm mattress as he kissed his way down her body. His lips and tongue left a burning trail of pleasure down her neck, across her breasts.

  Moaning eagerly, she slid her fingers into his hair, guiding his head. Feeling the pressure of his cock against her, Ashley spread her legs, wanting nothing more than to feel him inside her.

  But Kosar took his time, kissing his way down her body. His mouth moved down to her pussy, and his hands teased her as he looked up along the length of her. Ashley arched her back and bit her lip, refusing to plead but wanting him so desperately.

  The sparkle in his alien eyes told her that he knew just how desperate she was. And that he enjoyed seeing her like this. She tried to say something, but all that came out was a little whimper.

  Chuckling, he lowered his mouth to her, kissing firmly, his tongue lapping at her sex. Ashley threw her head back as a jolt of joy rocked her body, her fingers tightening in his hair. Kosar groaned at that, licking steadily, slowly enough to drive her mad with need as his rough tongue danced across her clit. The moan that escaped her lips filled the room as she arched under him, pressing herself against his wonderful mouth. Kosar seemed to know exactly what she wanted, what she needed, and how best to give it to her.

  His fingers pressed into her as his tongue moved faster, and Ashley cried out at the new sensation. It sent wave after wave of heat pulsing through her and Kosar chuckled, a deep and somehow male sound that made her cry out again. Her breathing came quicker now, almost panting as he drove her closer to orgasm.

  She shouted something wordless and grabbed fistfuls of the sheets beside her, hips lifting and bucking as the orgasm took her. It washed over her with an intensity she'd never felt before, leaving her a shuddering mess as she gasped for breath. Clamping down hard on his fingers Ashley wished that it was something else of his inside her.

  He didn't stop until her climax was complete, her body limp and strength spent. Only then did he lift himself from her, stretching out beside Ashley and pulling her to him, cradling her against his chest.

  Ashley had no idea how long she lay there, floating in a dreamy bliss with all her worries washed away. Kosar's scales were surprisingly soft and comfortable to lie against, and the heat of his body felt so good under her. But eventually the real world intruded again, and she opened her eyes, fingers trailing across his body. Now it was Kosar's turn to groan, a sound that made Ashley bite her lip and shiver as it re-awoke her lust instantly.

  His cock was still hard, standing erect when she glanced down at it, and she blushed at the sight of it. Looking up to meet his gaze she slid a hand down to grip him gently and stroked, winning another rough groan from him. His self-control was stretched to breaking point already.

  Good, Ashley thought with an eager grin, running a finger around the head of his amazing alien dick. He might be an unselfish enough lover to please her without expecting anything in return, but she still wanted him. Wanted him more than anything she'd ever imagined.

  With a little shiver of need, she pulled herself up and kissed him, stroking him faster. Kosar's moan turned into a growl, hungry, predatory. His hand took hers and he rolled over, trapping her under him as he pushed her to the bed beneath him.

  Yes. God yes. Ashley looked up into his eyes, feeling his hardness press against her sex, her breath catching. Pulse racing. Mouth opening.

  He didn't need any more invitation than that, thrusting into her with an unstoppable force. The feeling was incredible, the ridges of his alien cock stimulating her over and over as he drove deep inside her. But it was more than a merely physical joy, he felt right inside her. His expression told her that he felt it too. They were made for each other.

  She couldn't deny it anymore. Didn't want to. Clenching around him she cried out as he thrust again, his body pressed against hers, mouth lowering to bite at her neck as he pinned her. The scales of his torso rubbed against her with every motion, stimulating her nipples, making her squirm and whimper.

  Ashley felt the tingling warmth of another orgasm building in her and clutched at Kosar, drawing him closer. Pulling him hard against her as his thrusts sped up, his control slipping, his body responding to her. Inside her she felt him swell, growing even harder inside her as his own orgasm approached. His wings spread wide, beating the air and steadying him as he pushed her closer. Closer.

  The climax hit her in a wave of sensation, making her scream in pleasure and buck under Kosar's thrust. As though that was the signal he'd been waiting for, Kosar roared and let his own orgasm overcome him. Ashley felt him explode inside her, which only made her climax more intense. She ground against him, losing herself in the shared feelings.

  It seemed to last forever, but finally they collapsed, spent and exhausted, clinging to each other. Breathing in quick, sharp pants, Kosar wrapped her in his arms and held her tight.

  "You are so beautiful, my love," he whispered, quiet enough that Ashley wasn't quite sure she was supposed to hear. A blush spread over her and she chuckled.

  "You're one to talk," she said, recovering her breath. "Have you looked at yourself recently? Because you're a lot prettier than I am."

  "Pretty?" His eyebrow raised as he looked down at her. Ashley laughed again, a little louder. "Is that how you see me?"

  "Okay, okay. Handsome? Gorgeous? Awesome?" she shook her head. "Are those manly enough for you?"

  "For you, I'm happy to be pretty," he said, smiling and stroking her hair gently. She shivered at his touch, delighted. Nice to find a man who's secure enough to take that as a compliment.

  Sinking back down to his chest, she rested against him, feeling his slow and powerful heartbeat. The niggling feeling that they should be preparing was creeping up on her, but for now she only wanted to savor the short time they had. A moment of quiet in the arms of the alien she could finally admit she loved.

  18

  Kosar

  Kosar could have lain in his mate's arms for hours. Days. He finally had what he needed, and so did Ashley. But Kosar knew as well as she did that their time was limited. Soon, whatever pirates her employers had hired would be on them. He had to be prepared by then or they would lose everything.

  Rising from the bed, he washed quickly before calling back his clothing from the nano-storage his implants sent it to. Looking down at the sleeping form of Ashley he decided to let her rest a while longer. There was no need to disturb her, not when she looked so peaceful, and he didn't think that would last once she was up, awake, and face-to-face with the danger they were heading into.

  Leaning down to kiss her cheek, he pulled the covers over her and tucked her in. Seeing her relaxed and happy was enough to bring him peace too, and it took an effort to tear himself away and go to the bridge where his equipment waited.

  Unsurprisingly the communications set was lit up like some festive display. It looked like everyone in the solar system wanted to talk with him.

  He looked through the messages quickly, making a mental list of who he needed to reply to. He already knew which call he was going to return first.

  "Boss!" Davenport answered instantly, managing to look surprised, unhappy, and amused all at once. "You're still there! We were worried you'd been eaten by the Great Galactic Ghoul or something."

  Kosar's confusion must have shown because his deputy laughed and shook her head. "Never mind. Obscure human space joke, don't worry about that — just tell me everything's okay."

  "I'm afraid I can't," he answered ruefully. "This isn't a malfunction, we've been hijacked."

  Davenport grim
aced but didn't look too surprised by that. "Yeah, okay. I guess I win the bet, then. I said the ships waiting near your new course weren't a coincidence. They aren't answering our calls, and there's no reason for anyone to be out that way. They're pirates, right?"

  "Yes," Kosar said, taking a deep breath. "At least you've spotted them — when are they going to intercept us?"

  "Six hours from now, unless something changes. A little longer if you cut the thrust from the tugs now, but it’ll take at least twelve hours for a rescue ship to reach you. Honestly, your best bet is abandoning ship. If you switch on an emergency beacon once you’re clear of the Grace of Herendar, the rescue ships will pick the two of you up."

  Kosar grimaced. That was the problem with space — it was big. Once their ship had turned away from the well-traveled routes between planets, they'd moved away from anyone who might rescue them. Changing course took time and fuel that most ships simply didn't carry.

  "I didn't think there was much chance of help reaching us in time," he admitted. "I’m not going to abandon the last ship in the imperial fleet. I'm just going to have to deal with the pirates on my own."

  Davenport looked dubious but didn't waste any time on trying to talk him out of it. She knew as well as Kosar did that he had no options, the cold equations that governed space travel simply wouldn't let anyone reach him before the pirates. And Kosar’s sense of duty wouldn’t let him give up the ship without a fight.

  "Okay, at least I can update the situation board," she said after a moment's pause. "Everyone wants to know what's going on. I've had the emperor call me, the representatives of half the Consortium are hounding me, and the Olympus Colony Coordinator wants a briefing. You could have saved me a headache if you'd briefed me earlier; what kept you?"