Several yards away, flames leapt in some kind of fire-pit made of stone, smoldering orange coals glowing beneath wide, burning logs. She snuggled into the fur blanket wrapped around her, taking in her surroundings. Am I alone? Hard to tell in the dim lighting, although it seemed she rested in a cave.
A heaping pile of dried-out bones abutted one side of the pit. Despite the rather ominous skeletal collection, her stomach cramped with hunger.
As she sorted through the jumble in her brain and attempted to figure out what—and where—this strange place was, a tall, slender woman with upswept black hair moved to the fire, holding a skinned carcass.
Lily stared, half in horror and half in fascination, as the woman laid the carcass on a set of spits that stretched above the flames. Pulling a cloth from her voluminous skirt, she wiped the blood, and God knew what else, off her hands. Tucking the cloth away, she moved closer.
Lily slammed her lids shut and pretended to be asleep.
“I know you are awake, child.” The admonishment hovered on the air like wind chimes.
Gathering the scattered remnants of her courage, Lily opened her eyes, and attempted to sit up. On silent feet, the woman sprang to her side, catching her under the armpits to steady her.
Heart pounding, Lily stared into the woman’s face. She’d never seen such beauty, and that included any celebrity she’d spotted in the movies or on TV. Pure white skin. Eyes like smoky quartz. Hair richly lustrous and densely black, dainty winged brows above that gorgeous gaze. Full, red lips curved into a dazzlingly white smile. She smelled of roses and cinnamon.
Lily glanced around. “Who are you? And where am I?”
“My name is Rosamunde. It is my pleasure to welcome you and see to your comfort.”
Lily gaped, noticing the tips of the woman’s pointed ears. Like an elf.
“Dragon,” Rosamunde supplied, an amused lilt in her voice. “There are no such thing as elves. Well, not any longer, I’m sorry to say. Though it’s probably just as well. Devilish little tyrants, all. They became the masters of their own demise.”
The woman sat on the edge of the furs next to Lily, and grasped her hand, giving it a comforting squeeze.
“Although I can sense your mind, I do try not to intrude.” One corner of her mouth quirked. “Most of the time, I succeed.”
Lily licked her dry lips. “Where’s Kord?”
“With his father, my mate. I’m Kord’s mother.”
Lily’s eyes widened. “You seem so young.”
Smiling, Rosamunde patted Lily’s cheek. “Sweet girl. Our existence has been hidden from the human realm for thousands of years, and for good reason. Our kind was once hunted mercilessly for meat, for magick. For sport. Sold into slavery, forced to carry warriors on our backs into battle, with no thought to our wellbeing whatsoever.”
Emitting a shudder, a single, crystal tear slid down Rosamunde’s cheek. The woman caught the shimmering bead on one long, slender finger, then held it out.
Lily stared at the sparkling gem as Rosamunde tipped the teardrop-shaped jewel into her palm. “Oh, my God.” In the glow from the fire-pit, it shimmered like a fiery rainbow. “What is it? I’ve never seen anything so exquisite.”
“When a dragon cries, their droplets form a gem more precious than anything on Earth. Rare and priceless to those who know their worth.” Rosamunde rose to her feet. “Now, ask your questions.”
Lily held the faceted stone tightly in her fist. She swore it pulsed like a heartbeat. Am I asleep somewhere? That has to be it, because this can’t be real.
She turned to Rosamunde to demand some much-needed answers.
Only to find a fearsome dragon crouching where the woman had been standing. Its scales were shiny in some spots, creamy in others, tinged with variations of dark greens and vivid blues. Slender horns graced its head, with limbs rounder and sleeker than Kord’s. Translucent wings held glittery overtones in the same soft green as the dragon’s scales.
In the depths of its eyes, she could see the reflection of Kord’s mother. Gorgeous and frightening at the same time.
Lily scrambled to put distance between them. As the dragon glided forward, she backed away further, then jumped when two muscular arms wrapped around her from behind.
Choking on a cry, she pivoted and slapped her palms on Kord’s chest to keep him away. No, not Kord. Too familiar. Dragon-man.
For now she’d play along, until she could figure a way out of this mess.
His possessive gaze pinned her. “Now do you believe? My mother is queen of the Draconian Realm. My father, king. I’m Prince of Battle Draconian. And you, little one, belong to me.”
Her spine straightened as her courage reasserted itself. “I don’t know who you think you are, but I’m no one’s property.”
Kord’s lips twitched as he nodded. “Poor choice of words, I’ll admit. Doesn’t change the fact that you’re my mate.”
“Says you,” she snapped, narrowing her eyes, longing to smack that smirk right off his handsome face. Obviously not my day. She’d gone from the frying pan with a creepy stalker, straight into dragon fire.
Rosamunde, back in human form and wearing a red satiny robe, stood next to her son. “Your wooing skills could use a little work.” Amusement laced her voice. “Perhaps you should speak to your father for some guidance.”
Kord frowned. “Not now, Mother.” His gaze remained on Lily. “My father wishes to meet you. As king, his knowledge is vast. If witchery is responsible for your presence in our realm, he’ll know.”
“What?” Lily’s head whirled dizzily. “Witchery? There’s no such thing.”
“Witchery is very real, my girl,” a booming voice sounded from behind her.
Lily spun around and almost passed out when her gaze landed on yet another dragon, this one twice the size as Kord’s mother and ten times more intimidating. Its scales were fiery, its eyes burning with flames, its fangs immense; an image straight out of a nightmare.
She froze as the enormous dragon lumbered closer to sniff her, much as Kord had done earlier. She tried not to hyperventilate as it inspected her for what felt like forever.
Finally, the dragon nodded. “She is human as far as I can tell. Although there is something else, too.”
The dragon shimmered brightly. With a burst of color, a handsome, older, naked man appeared. Lily hastily averted her eyes as he stepped behind a jutting rock, and after a moment of rustling, emerged wrapped in a deep-blue robe.
To Lily’s utter amazement, he approached her and dropped to one knee. Clasping her trembling hands in his, he brought them to his forehead. “Lily Kiers. Daughter of the human realm.” He stared deeply into her eyes. “Do you remember much of why you came to us?”
Lily shrugged helplessly. Should she lie, or be honest with them?
Honest, the small voice at the back of her mind whispered.
She licked her lips, meeting the king’s kind gaze. “I know my name. I remember where I live. Trying to recall anything else makes my head hurt.”
Kord stepped up behind her and began to rub her temples. She stiffened, though the gentle ministrations soon had her relaxing against him. His warmth surrounded her.
“I sense more than a human female in the first flush of maturity,” his father continued. “I vow we’ll sort through your questions and worries. For now you must let us protect you. Will you allow this, Lily?”
“What could I possibly need protection from?” Lily’s voice was the merest thread of sound, and she almost moaned from Kord’s soothing touch.
Then a memory of running through the woods in the frigid air slammed into her. Tearing up an endless hill, petrified at the danger looming behind her as she climbed, and climbed.
In her panic, Lily tried to twist away.
K
ord’s arms swept around her, holding her fast. "Easy,” he murmured against her ear.
“Please let me go. He’ll come for me. He’ll find me.” Her head felt like it would split in half, the ache growing worse.
“Who?” Kord turned her to face him. Anger boiled in his fiery gaze, but his voice remained calm as he quietly asked, “Who’ll come for you, little one?”
Shoulders slumping, she gripped his shirtsleeves and lowered her forehead to his chest. “I don’t know.”
The king swiftly rose and placed a comforting hand on her back. Lily fought her tears, hating the weakness brought on by trying to force memories her brain obviously refused to release.
Yet she needed to warn them. Evil was out there. She could feel it like a foul mist. If it somehow found a way to follow her . . .
“Hush, now.” Kord’s father made small circular motions against her back, the action incredibly soothing. “Whatever frightens you cannot harm you here. Mystery clearly surrounds you, and it may take time to sort through the reason for your abrupt presence in Battle Draconian. In the meantime, you are to be treated as one of us.”
I don’t understand,” she mumbled against Kord’s chest.
His mother spoke. “It is all right, Lily. We’ll help you piece everything together. This I pledge as queen.”
The king stroked a hand down her hair. “This I pledge as king.”
Kord tipped her face up to his and pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. “This I pledge,” he murmured, staring deeply into her eyes, “as your mate.”
Chapter 4
Kord truly believes I’m his mate. Lily rubbed at the back of her neck.
Just ludicrous.
Instead of acknowledging the tickle of excitement that fluttered through her at the thought, she studied the room they’d given her. Its expansive size, like everything else she’d seen here, formed another section of the main chamber that went on forever.
Where is here? Was she really in a different world? Or realm, or whatever the hell they called it? She huffed in frustration. Turning in a circle, she viewed her surroundings. Rock walls. Colorful rugs scattered over the cool stones beneath her feet. A thick slab of wood creating a kind of door.
On a raised platform an enormous mattress sprawled, piled high with furs and pillows. Lily eyed the gown Rosamunde had laid out for her, touching the lush, deep-emerald fabric. Ruffles trimmed the short sleeves and plunging bodice, and a thigh-high slit ran up one side. Absolutely gorgeous, the style sensually bold. Dare she try it on?
Lily glanced at her own dirty and tattered clothes. Well, she didn’t really have a choice. Lily headed over to an adjourning door Kord had indicated was a bathroom, and stepped inside. In awe, she stared at the exquisite décor, so unexpected, with granite walls in varying shades of browns and reds.
What immediately caught her attention was the tub, sitting smack in the middle of the room, completely round, made of a burnished toned wood, possibly cedar, and rimmed with metal. It resembled a wine barrel, twice the size of the soaking tub in her place back home. Pipes ran from the bottom rim to the doorway, then snaked beyond.
Curious, she went over to investigate where they ended, and discovered another room containing a large natural basin, complete with a cascading waterfall. She could visualize Kord as a dragon, standing beneath the spray. And he’d been striking like that, all muscles and wings. Such power.
Moments later, realizing she was drooling over a dragon, she smacked herself on the forehead. Stop it.
Returning to the other room to bathe, Lily stripped, fiddling with the single faucet and handle, climbing in the tub as it filled with steamy water. Nestled gracefully on the edge was a modest-sized shower nozzle and hose she could use to wash her hair.
Okay, this might work.
Half an hour later, clean and refreshed, she dropped the gown over her head. Turning to peer into the full-length mirror affixed to the wall nearest the bed, she didn’t recognize herself. The material clung to her every curve, her breasts half naked thanks to the bodice’s plunging neckline. When she shifted a hip, her leg peeked out under the split in the skirt.
Lily had to admit, she’d never felt sexier. The thought of Kord seeing her in this dress made her pulse race. Her nipples rose to taut peaks, pushing against the material.
Damn. Well, it’s not like I’ve got anything else I can wear.
Her wild hair hung in damp reddish-blond curls past her shoulders. Her cheeks held a flush, her bare feet visible beneath the hem of the ankle-length gown. She looked every bit like a woman anxiously awaiting her lover.
Not good. Kord already thought she was his mate. Double damn not good.
A knock on the door indicated she’d run out of time, and she slowly crossed the room to answer it. By the time she got there, she’d gained some semblance of inner balance. Or so she hoped . . .
When Kord’s gaze landed on her, his eyes darkened, his posture tensing as his strong, square jaw tightened. His heated gaze was fierce and a bit scary as it slowly moved over her with predatory hunger.
A soft moan escaped her lips. Warmth growing between her thighs, Lily cursed the way her traitorous nipples peaked again. Get it together, damn it. She didn’t know this man, and she wasn’t property to be claimed like baggage from the airport.
Lily lifted her chin, refusing to be cowed.
She wasn’t a woman who’d submit to the demands of others. When she chose to love someone, it’d be on her terms, and nobody else’s.
His expression immediately softened. Once again, he transformed into the perfect gentleman as he presented his arm.
“Are you ready?”
“For what?” Stalling for time, she glanced down at her bare feet. “I have no shoes.” There was no way in the world she’d mention her lack of clean underwear. It would have been too mortifying.
Kord moved past her to a cabinet built into the stone wall. Retrieving a pair of beaded flats the same color as her gown, he returned and bent to one knee, reaching for her foot. The grin that slid across his face was pure sex, the gleam in his eyes teasing. “My lady.”
He was so charming, he made her feel like a princess instead of a half-dressed stranger lost in an incomprehensible world. Her tension faded away as fast as a balloon caught on a swift breeze.
Laughter bubbled up inside her, and she lifted her foot so Kord could put the slipper on. Then gently gripping her other heel, never breaking eye contact with her, he slid that shoe onto her foot as well.
Each satin slipper boasted ties made of thin ribbon which he fastened around her ankles. Like in the fairytale, they were the perfect fit. Her breath caught, his touch sending sharp bursts of awareness through her veins.
Kord’s eyes darkened, as though reading her thoughts. Being the perfect gentleman, though, he stood and smiled down at her, once more offering her his arm.
Lilly tentatively placed her hand at the crook of his elbow. She nibbled at her bottom lip, pausing when she caught the way his piercing gaze followed the action. “Where are we going?”
“To show you my realm.” The words were spoken with Old World formality. Then he chuckled, his eyes crinkling, and he looked every bit a modern-day hottie. “And grab a bite to eat.”
Kord couldn’t keep his eyes off Lily. The erection he’d been sporting since the first moment he’d inhaled her sweet scent hadn’t eased in the slightest.
Gods, he was supposed to play the gentleman, when all he wanted to do was get her naked and beneath him, screaming his name as he took them both to the edges of pleasure, and beyond. Before holding the door open for her at the entrance of Draconian Towers, he discreetly adjusted his pants to relieve the pressure.
Though the enormous tower housed other venues, Kord couldn’t wait to introduce her to his favorite eatery. As she passed throu
gh the wide doors, his gaze lingered on her exquisite ass. His palms itched to cup those rounded globes so temptingly displayed under the soft material of her gown, and he barely refrained from doing so. It wouldn’t be a good move on his part. As high-spirited and independent as Lily appeared, he’d better tread cautiously if he wanted to win her. So, he prudently kept his arms glued to his sides.
Upon entering, Kord glanced quickly around. On the walk over he’d warned her there would be others of his kind—in both human and dragon form—dining inside. With a frown, he noted it was more crowded than usual. The enormous, high-ceilinged room rang with chatter and growls.
Over the years, he’d found a preference for cooked meat, especially as he’d begun dealing with humans on a more businesslike level. Though many of his contemporaries assimilated several human customs, others remained dragon most of the time, a preference that extended to dining out.
Viewing the scene through Lily’s eyes, he could understand her trepidation. On one side of the room Draconians occupied tables, gracefully eating as if they dined at one of the finer restaurants in the human realm. Others, in dragon form, crouched on the opposite side of the vast space and happily munched from piles of raw meat. A growing stack of bones, to be saved for later snacking, filled the shallow pits set at intervals over the granite floor.
Kord leaned down and whispered into her ear, “It’s all right, Lily. You’re completely safe.”
At her heavenly scent, his cock jerked. He hoped his reaction to her nearness wouldn’t alarm her. Yet he couldn’t resist brushing his lips across her slender neck. Kord only needed the tiniest of nibbles to satisfy his craving. Pressing closer, he vowed, “I’d never let any harm befall you.”
Her tremble filled him with satisfaction, as the perfume of her arousal drifted up to him. They affected each other the same way, though she didn’t seem to realize it yet. It was up to him to help her understand.
Realm of the Dragon (The Soul Mate Tree Book 1) Page 3
