Smolder (Clan of Dragons Book 3)

by Nancy Lee Badger

  Why not? Who wouldn’t want to go?

  CHAPTER 3

  “I don’t want to go!” Dougal roared, and swung his tail, slamming it against the nearest cave wall.

  “Dougal, you don’t need to shout. Everyone from here to the pirate ship anchored in the bay can hear you,” Evan said.

  His youngest brother crossed his massive human arms over his chest and glared at him, but it was Vika who stole his attention.

  “Dougal, I beg of you to listen to your brothers. They want nothing more than to keep me safe.” Vika rubbed her palm over her protruding belly.

  Dougal sank to the cave floor, and belched. Smoldering ash scattered toward her feet, but the proud lass did not move. When the hem of her dress began to smoke, Evan knelt and patted it until it was out.

  “I suggest you take care around me mate, Dougal. If you dare injure her or me offspring, I will kill you.” Evan stood, and looped an arm around Vika’s waist. The seriousness in his expression made Dougal close his eyes. When light footsteps grew close, he blinked. Vika was beside him.

  “I beg your pardon, lass. I meant no insult and have no wish to injure you. Evan, please believe me. I be just so …lost.”

  Vika glanced at Evan, then back at him. Was that pity in her green eyes? When she knelt by his snout and rubbed him behind his left horn, Dougal sighed. She smelled of fresh air and sunshine, and her touch reminded him of Cliona. Everything reminded him of Cliona.

  “What be this? Why hasn’t Dougal shifted? He cannot protect the women, or hold a sword in this form.” Wynn grinned at the others, and stopped at Dougal’s head.

  Dougal didn’t move, even when Vika stood and embraced his other brother. Wynn wore a green and white woven plaide over his human form. His green eyes flashed with amusement, and he tossed his thick golden hair. Vika smiled at him, until Evan wrapped an arm around her, and pulled her farther from his brothers. When Vika reached up and tangled her fingers in Evan’s long copper-colored hair, Evan leaned down and kissed her.

  You used to kiss me like that, though not with human lips.

  Dougal growled at the sound of his dead mate’s words, and rose to his feet. If she wished to haunt him, why could she not stick to his dreams?

  His wings swept along the cave ceiling as he turned to leave. Domestic bliss was no longer a part of his life. His one chance at happiness was gone, and the cruel pangs of lost love were driving him insane.

  “Dougal, where be you headed? We need to discuss the trip to Morbhan.” Evan appeared at his shoulder as he reached the cave entrance.

  Dougal stopped, because he would get no peace if he did not agree to the trip. If anything should happen to Vika or Kera or their unborn babes, he would never forgive himself. He did not need any more ghosts haunting him.

  “What do you need of me?”

  Evan sighed, patting his scaly neck. “Brother, you be our clan’s protector. I want Vika to enjoy herself, which means I need to stay by her side, so that no harm comes to her, or our offspring. Someone needs to watch over Orin. The lad be worried about his sister, but he be a lad on the cusp of manhood. If he imbibes too much drink, he could inadvertently let our secrets out. Kera be a warrior, and Wynn will have his hands full keeping her from mischief. We need you to watch over everything.”

  “Everything? You want me to protect the entire village?”

  Evan nodded. “Kera overheard the pirates. They said once the trails cleared, they planned to attack the village. They need supplies, food, women…”

  Dougal gasped. Humans were an odd lot, but he understood the need for sex. Grabbing an unwilling lass was not the way to go about it, however. If Evan let him use his sword, and he kept to the perimeter of the village, circled by a tall fence made of huge pointed logs, he might go unnoticed.

  “I forgot about the pirates, though I remember that Toal MacMorgan be still at large.”

  Evan spat on the ground, and growled like the dragon he was born. “That bastard attacked Vika, and Kera told us how he had hurt her when she was but a child. He should die, but he disappeared into the fog like an evil Elf Lord. Do you suppose he be an otherworldly?”

  Dougal shook his head, then paused. He usually could tell if others had mystical powers or the ability to shape-shift. Could Toal be more than a human? “Nay, the man be despicable, but a threat nonetheless. Whatever nefarious reason might bring him near our caves or the village, I know his scent, and will watch for him, as well as the pirates.”

  “I thank you, brother. Would you care to practice with me sword before we leave?” Evan asked.

  Dougal grunted, and shook his head. Weaponry of any kind made him sick. He would carry the sword, but not until they entered the village, and he was required to look the part of a warrior. “I believe I shall gather me plaide and belt, and some gold, then shift into a horse. I tried it a few times, and the form be suitable for traveling the distance to the village.”

  Evan grinned at him. “A horse? Like the one I will shift into so that me mate can ride in comfort?”

  “Be you sure ‘tis safe?” Dougal asked.

  “Aye, Orin shall saddle me and cover the leather with soft blankets. Vika can ride with both legs to the side, and we can tie our belongings and me plaide, to it. If we can convince Wynn to shift into a horse--”

  “Nay, brother,” Wynn said, as he joined them near the cave entrance. “Kera wishes to run, so we will head toward the village as wolves. If you be so kind, carry our belongings as well?”

  Dougal understood Wynn’s need to run free. His brother loved his wolf form, and Kera had come to them as a golden wolf. Together, they could meet them outside the village gate to dress.

  “When shall we depart for the village?” Dougal asked. The sun was high overhead, and the village wasn’t far.

  “Orin has already left to inquire about lodging. He said villagers from outlying farms would soon arrive, and I do not wish to have me mate sleeping on the ground. She has complained of pain in her lower back. So, as soon as you gather your belongings, Kera or Wynn can tie your traveling satchel over your rump.”

  An intense foreboding made Dougal tremble. Orin might be heading for trouble, or the pirates might be closer to the village then they thought. “We must make haste. Your sword and me arm might be needed this night.”

  Evan glared at him, as if Dougal meant to upset his perfect ordered life. His little brother had found a mate, yet no one knew if she could survive the babe’s birth. Heading to the village, while so close to the birthing, was dangerous. Even though they had no idea when the lass would deliver their offspring, her belly was huge and her skin? Too pale.

  Living in a cave throughout the winter could have had a hand in keeping a healthy glow from her face, but other indications worried all the brothers, such as Vika’s craving for barely cooked meat. Kera appeared fit, yet her condition was only a few months along. Wynn treated her like a queen, and the two of them ran and leapt through the heavy snow like wolf pups. Dougal tried to keep an eye on them, but they usually found a cave, crevice, or heavily treed spot to make love. Once they returned to their caves beneath the Black Cuillin Hills, the scent of their lovemaking stirred Dougal to head far away.

  “Dougal, your feelings be usually spot-on, so we shall be wary. Vika be gathering her necessities.” He chuckled, and kicked a small rock out of the cave. “She be excited to visit Mistress MacFingan. The tavern owner’s wife has been a great help, making sure Vika has all she needs to deliver our bairn.”

  “And if Vika’s birthing pains start while we be in the village?”

  Evan took a deep breath, and wouldn’t meet Dougal’s gaze. “I pray she does not have to birth our babe among humans. If she delivers a live dragon, or an egg, all Hell will break loose.”

  Dougal swallowed.

  Danger lurked. It burned, deep in his gut, but he couldn’t be sure if Vika and the babe were the ones in danger, or if the pirates would descend upon the village and hurt Vika’s friends. All he could d
o, was do his best, by playing the warrior.

  Not what he’d planned.

  ***

  Fiona had planned on chilly weather, since spring had yet to arrive. However, the cold air that blew over her thick fur, which kept her warm, still tickled her nose.

  Warmer than wearing nothing over me naked flesh.

  Beneath the budding rowan trees, she paused to revel in the breeze. Her hooves stomped the mushy ground, and she inhaled the fragrance of wildflowers from the meadow she’d crossed. The trees were her refuge, since hiding from flying dragons was imperative. From the shadows beneath the forest’s mantle of budding leaves and thick pine branches, she would watch for humans as well as beasts. She doubted a wolf would cross her path. She worried more about the pirates the dragon had mentioned.

  Fiona wasn’t sure how a pirate differed from a human male, but the rage in the female’s voice meant she should be wary. After the treatment she had endured from Grady, she thought it best to keep her distance from any male.

  A rustling noise from beyond thick brambles sent her racing away. She jumped over a downed log, and slid to a stop in the muddy ground beside a large boulder. Hiding behind it, she waited and listened. A rabbit raced past her, before the forest quieted.

  She shook herself, leaned down, and munched on a few blades of grass. They were too muddy to be edible, and she hoped what little she’d heard about the village, and its upcoming celebration, meant she could actually fill her stomach. She’d have to shift into a human in order to do that, and find garments.

  When the thundering sound of hooves grew closer, Fiona edged farther behind the boulder, but leaned her head out far enough to see what approached. She was yards away from the trail, and didn’t have to wait long. A female’s laughter arrived first, and she was surprised to recognize that it belonged to the human called Vika. She came into view, riding a large horse the color of sun-warmed earth.

  She’d seen horses, usually grazing in meadows, but this one was superb. His dark brown mane and tail flew behind him, like fairy wings caught in a storm. His coat was sleek and shiny, with not a scrap of a winter coat to mar his rump or withers. Vika sat on a pile of blankets, with both legs off to one-side. She laughed and smiled, then threw back her head to scream with delight. The horse barely loped, as if careful of her condition.

  After they passed, Fiona realized she’d been taking her time heading toward the village. She should have reached it before them, since they had headed toward the mountains while she finished her bath.

  Upset at her lack of commitment toward finding her friend, Cliona, Fiona bounded through the forest while keeping the trail in sight. When the horse and rider were far enough ahead, she jumped onto the open trail. It would be quicker to follow along the cleared trail even though she worried others might follow, such as a dragon.

  Before she could finish chewing a tiny branch from a bush at the side of the open trail, the thunder of more hooves approached, and she raced to find another hiding spot. Luck was not with her, and a huge black horse reared above her head. Its eyes blazed like fire, and it snapped its teeth at her.

  Frozen in awe, she realized he was rider-less, yet carried a satchel tied to his back. Was he a pack animal following the horse and rider? Though magnificent, he was frightening to behold.

  When he neighed and returned his hooves to the muddy ground, mud splattered Fiona’s white fur. Mortified, yet fearful of what he might do next, she leapt into the heavy brush and thickly treed forest, and ran.

  When he didn’t follow, she relaxed, but kept running, until she smelled the village and its outbuildings. Several farms surrounded the walled village, and the gate she spied had several large men standing guard, with weapons on their backs. Two held hunting bows at the ready. Arrows had brought down many of their herd, over the years. A shiver raced along her back. Had Cliona met her death because a hunter had found her?

  I cannot think like that.

  Turning her attention to the problem at hand, she knew she had to get through the gate, which meant walking by the human guards. Garments were in order, so she kept hidden until she spied a small farmer’s cottage. Smoke drifted up from the chimney, and the lowing of a cow made her relax. Keeping her distance, she circled the barn and came across a water trough. A large round container made of woven strips of bark, or dry grass, was filled with garments. Several others hung from a rope someone had stretched between the cottage and the barn.

  Quietly trotting toward the clothing, she sniffed one item that resembled the flowing garment the female, Vika, had worn. Though threadbare, this one’s colorful material reminded her of green grass, and was dotted with decorative images of brown and blue butterflies. As a breeze buffeted the clothing, she drew closer and took a bite. It smelled and tasted fresh, as if recently washed in lavender-scented water.

  Another scent filled her nose. A cow lumbered closer, chewing a mouthful of spring shoots. Its huge horns reached out to the sides like wings, and its shaggy hide was sunset red. When it stopped beside her, and snorted, she jumped. Before it got any closer, she resumed her search.

  Stockings that might fit her human legs hung beside the garment. Sitting on the back porch was a pair of small foot coverings. Taking these things seemed wrong, but she needed them. She vowed to either return them or repay their owner as soon as she could.

  Pulling the garment and stockings from the line, she tossed them onto her back. She trotted over to the porch and clamped her teeth on the footwear. When the backdoor swung open, and a young human female walked outside, Fiona froze. Long black hair tumbled over the lass’ shoulders. When her blue eyes widened, glaring at the deer in her dooryard, Fiona swung around and barreled toward a small fence. As the human cursed, lifted the hem of her brown dress, and gave chase, Fiona ran.

  ***

  Dougal ran like the wind, trying to clear his head. Things had deteriorated, fast. How could he let the white doe escape again? He’d last seen her on Vika’s farm, the day Kera had saved Wynn by shifting into a golden dragon. He’d searched the northern forests and along the southern beaches, but never saw her again.

  Until today.

  The sight of her, standing in the middle of the trail, had surprised him. In his horse form, he’d reared up, but once he came to his senses, she had fled. He wanted to follow, but the forest was thick, and he’d promised his brother to follow him and Vika, to keep them from harm.

  The doe’s scent was the same as the one he’d chased, but lost track of, too easily. Something about the beasty called to his inner red stag, and he hoped to find her again, but not here.

  Not when in the form of a horse!

  She’d run away in terror, just like when he’d chased her months earlier, as a dragon. If only they could meet as deer. She might pause long enough for him to introduce himself.

  As he spoke, a white blur raced past him, and bounded into the trees. It was the white doe, yet she carried clothing in her mouth! A human female raced past, cursing up a storm, with her long black hair flying behind her, like dragon’s wings. He wanted to shift into a dragon and chase them down, but the white doe was the only one worth catching.

  “Control yourself. She be not for you.” No one could replace Cliona. Even when he witnessed her shift from her dragon form into a human female, he’d wanted her for his mate. Her human form she kept a secret, but he’d seen her and had not told her. At the time, he had no idea that he could shift into a human male and walk among humans. Evan had changed all that by learning their language and enough of their customs to walk as them, talk like them, and fall in love with one of them.

  Love?

  The lad was besotted, and Dougal had sworn never to give his heart away again. Cliona was gone, as was their unborn offspring, and the pain leeched into everything he did, and everywhere he traveled. He thought he heard her speak inside his cave, which be why his brothers usually had to search for him on a distant peak.

  Dougal galloped down the trail, but a brilliant light
up ahead stopped him in his tracks. He stomped his hooves, and realized that his brother must have shifted. Had they arrived near the gates of the village?

  He stood still and willed his horseflesh to shift. Closing his eyes against the brilliant light, he let the euphoria flow through him as bones reshaped and his horse’s hide turned to human skin. His cargo dropped to the earthen trail. His mane and tail disappeared, replaced by long black hair that tumbled around his shoulders. Once he stood on two legs, he took a deep breath. When he sensed someone watching him, he spun around and faced a young lass.

  Her light brown hair was long and unruly. It covered half her face, as if she’d been running. One brown eye widened, then lowered, taking a long look at his manly bits. Her berry-red lips opened in surprise before she turned on her heels, and disappeared into the thick brush like a mist-shrouded sprite.

  Dougal stared into the woods, but caught only a momentary glimpse of her naked backside.

  Cliona?

  “Wait! Come back here!”

  Nay, Cliona be not here. Your eyes play tricks on you, the same way your ears hear her calling you.

  ***

  The naked human male was calling to her! Instead, Fiona ran like the wind, which wasn’t easy on two legs, and her arms filled with garments. She had witnessed another shifter transforming, and she was in awe of what she’d seen. One moment, she was staring at the silky-coated stallion’s long black tail and the next, she was blinded by the light of a shifting beast. He stood facing away from her, so she stepped closer to get a better look. When she spied the outline of a black-winged dragon on his back, she gasped. It reminded her of the dragon at the fairy pool. Why did a human male have such a design on his back? Was he human?

  When he must have heard her gasp, he’d turned so quickly, she froze. He was magnificent, with long black hair, deep blue eyes, and a large, swollen…

  She’d regained her faculties, turned on her heels, and ran.