There are other species, like vampires, who live on earth, but we are the only ones who can transport back and forth. We hold the power. If humans knew what really walked among them, they would treasure each other, rather than kill each other. I try to focus on my work, but keep seeing that girl Cess, pissed at me for walking her off the property. Her arms were so soft, and I could feel her anger. It’s nice to have someone challenge you outside your family. I give orders in my land, and if they are not followed I take something, and it’s always something vital like a wing or some claws. I have only had to put four down for death, but they pushed my buttons. Most of my people are kind and gentle, living among one another in harmony.
“Draken, we are going out to eat. Do you want something?” Showken asks. I can feel my other brothers at the door.
“Bring me something back, work needs to be done,” I say, knowing my brothers and Showken are going looking for the females. Gemi and Layern will go with whatever Showken says, because he will make sure they all have a good time.
“I guess I’ll order in,” Showken says. I know this is a way to get me out with them, and I will not fall for it.
“When you order, make sure it’s enough,” I say, hearing the growls of the others, and Showken chuckling.
“Okay… I was wondering would you mind if I go down and check on Cess.” Why would he want to do that? I go to the door to see his face. I open, and he and Layern are right there. Gemi is probably in his room.
“Why?” I glare.
“Why not?” Showken says, smiling hugely. I glare at Layern, as he already knows, and is waiting for my answer. That girl got under my skin, as soon as I saw her I wanted her.
“I think you should order some food and let me know when it’s here,” I say, walking smoothly between my brothers and heading for the bar. I need a drink. The bar is already stocked and ready. The gift of being a dragon shifter is that once we have everything in the home, we can use our powers to place everything where it belongs.
“Hmm . . . I think you want her. Layern, what is the verdict?” Showken says.
“He wants her to scream his name,” Layern says, shaking his head. He only has sex with humans to pass the time, not because he enjoys it. He says they are too fragile, and he gets tired of being gentle so that he won’t kill them by accident.
“Draken, just for once, do what you feel, and not what’s proper. If you want Cess to scream your name, make it happen. I mean, my name is screamed by many lips, and these human women enjoy being pleasured just as our women do,” Showken says, shrugging his shoulders.
“Well, if I do want her I won’t act on it, and besides, she would not be able to handle me,” I say, wondering again, what if she could be in my bed. Those beautiful legs wrapped around me while her perfect lips open for me.
“Such a vivid, clear picture, Draken. I’m with Showken, you should just have that human and be done with it,” Layern says.
“Stay out of my head and leave me alone about that girl, and if she sets one foot on this property I will send you back. Gemi and I can fix the issue and be back home. I’m done, Showken, and don’t challenge my decision,” I growl, and my brothers know that is the heir to the throne speaking and that conversation is over. Showken starts ordering food. Layern bows, showing respect, and leaves the room. I hate having to use that tone, but they keep pressing. That woman had better stay away from me. I’m not like some other guy. I walk over to the window and sniff. I can smell her from here. Her scent is so beautiful and enticing. Ravla is waiting for my return, to fulfill all of my desires. She knows not to expect any attachments. I’m already bound to marry someone, and nothing will change that. Ravla is just what I need; I may have to send for her, to get this Cess off my mind.
“Prince Draken, heir to the throne, dinner has arrived,” Showken says. Showken is trying to make me feel bad; I will not.
“Thank you, Prince Showken; I shall be there in a minute. No one eats until I’m there,” I say, to get a reaction. Showken will always disobey when I do things like that.
“Draken, when you come down I will be eating, so hurry your ass, or I might eat your meal as well,” Showken says. I glare and he glares back. I can’t help but smile. I will always need Showken. He reminds me to stay humble.
“Come on, I promise not to say anything about her,” Showken smiles.
“Do you think Layern is angry, brother? I don’t mean to offend, but that gift of his is too personal, and he should keep his mouth closed about certain thoughts,” I say.
“I’m sure he is upset, nothing that you can’t be forgiven for, just remember we are your brothers,” Showken says, patting my back. I look at my brother, and wish I could be as laid back as he.
“I could never forget you all are my brothers. I just like privacy in my head,” I say.
“You know he can’t control it,” Showken raises his brow.
“I know,” I say, walking to the table and bowing to my brother, Layern, silently letting him know I’m sorry. We eat in silence. I look over and see that Gemi is uncomfortable. Gemi can be the nicest dragon you will meet, or he can be one of the meanest, it all depends on his mood. It comes in handy when we have to fight, when a challenge for the throne comes up. These six months cannot pass quickly enough. I will get Draglen Enterprises on the right track and get my brothers home. It’s not always safe on earth; there is always the chance of being exposed. Usually humans stay away from us. The predator within us frightens them, even if they have no clue why. Showken uses his smile and mind control for the human females. My thoughts are interrupted.
“Draken, you know you meet your bride when we go home?” Gemi says. I can’t keep up with this brother. Gemi is so confusing, switching from being shy to just talking out of the blue.
“Yes, I know,” I say. I hear she has been groomed for me since birth. I wish she came with some experience; I have no patience for teaching.
“Brother, don’t worry, she will be able to satisfy that hunger you have, I’m sure . . . unless-” Layern stops himself.
“Unless what?” I say.
“Unless you find that human too pleasurable to give up,” Layern says, not looking up from his meal.
“Who said I-” I try to speak, but Showken is speaking.
“Draken, I know you, brother, you will have that female,” Showken says. I glare at him.
“Ravla will come visit,” I say, and I hear the chuckle.
“Are you still going to bang that female?” Showken murmurs. My favorite brother is pressing his luck. I glance over my shoulder, and can smell her scent again. She must have her window open. I will have Ravla come and occupy my time when I am not at the office. That will keep my mind away from this Cess girl. I hope.
CESS
I can’t believe him. That Draken guy is the rudest guy I’ve ever met. He had no right to march me off the lawn like I’m a thief. He is gorgeous, but that attitude needs to go. Showken was way friendlier. This is why the promise is in place, men can be a distraction. I’m already spending too much thought on this Draken, whose light purple eyes are so extremely hot, and the body, with that long hair. Yikes, Draken smells like trouble and he most definitely looks like trouble. I will stay away from those brothers, even though Showken tried to say something, it’s obvious who is in control. I need to get some studying done, anyway, my dream career and vacation are so near. I have just opened my statistics book and begun to do some homework when my phone rings. I look at the screen on my cell and see it’s my best friend, Suzy.
“Hello.”
“Cess, I think when we graduate I need a break from everything. Going to school, working and trying to party is too much work. I need to just relax for a year,” Suzy says. Suzy is such a great friend. We have been friends since pre-school. Our parents are very close, and Suzy and I have been inseparable since we met. She always wants a break. I have basically coached her through college.
“Really? I think you would break from everything, exce
pt partying,” I say, laughing.
“No, Cess, I’m serious this time. My parents are planning a huge vacation when I graduate in 3 months, to Europe. I was thinking I should do the same, except make mine a year,” Suzy replies.
“Are you kidding, your father can afford to do that, he owns one of the biggest packaging factories in the world. You, on the other hand, have money because of your name only.”
“Well, it doesn’t matter why I have the money, as long as I have it.” We both laugh, because Suzy is one of a kind. She is really smart, beautiful, and crazy.
“I get it, this all came on when you heard Luke and Cassie were getting married after college. I really hope not, Suzy, you can do so much better than Luke,” I say. Luke and Suzy dated for the first two years in college, not to mention all through high school. I never liked Luke. He is a jerk and thinks he is God’s gift to women. He always treated Suzy like crap, and I was happy when they broke up. She is so much better than him. I know she is still in love with him, and just hope she meets a great guy.
“You have no idea how that hurts, but I have been thinking about this for a while, and maybe . . . I might find a great guy on my vacation.”
“Suzy, I hope you find a guy to get over Luke, even if it’s an ‘in the meantime’ type of guy. I do think running away would not be good, and before you say you’re not running, you are totally running.”
“Whatever, what’s new with you?”
“I was studying stats when you called, but we have new neighbors in Paradise Valley.” I pause, remembering Draken and how much he pissed me off, yet I can’t stop thinking about those beautiful eyes, light purple eyes. Why did he have to be such an ass?
“If you mention some neighbors, that means men! Do you finally have a date, because Cess, I think you need to move on from Travis.”
“Yes, its men, fine, sexy-as-hell men, all brothers and by the way, no mentioning his name, remember?”
“Wait, how many brothers?”
“I saw four, but don’t get your hopes up, the one in charge, Draken, is an ass. I will not be talking to them.”
“Ohh, he already got under your skin, an ass huh? That may just mean you need to sleep with him, and everyone knows you have had no sex since Travis. This would be good for you.”
“I don’t do sex just because, you know that, and like I said, he is not just an ass. He is a gorgeous ass, which makes it worse, because I can see him being all cocky after he got the goods. Besides, I have made a promise, no men or sex. I’m staying focused on graduating with honors and starting my career.”
“Ha! Cess, I think I need to get the girls together and we come over tonight to see these men. Are they all asses, or just the one you like?” Suzy says, laughing.
“Very funny, and no, the others were nice, and hot, but like I said, that Draken runs the show.”
“We will see! I will get the girls and we will be at your house later, and maybe we can get them to come over. Your parents are still out of town, right?”
“Yes, but D is here, and you know how he gets.”
“I can handle D. I want to meet the man that has caught your eye,” Suzy says, with a sneaky laugh.
“I guess there is no getting out of this, I’ll see you later. I need to get to working on these statistics.”
“Okay, see you soon.”
This is going to be a crazy evening. Why did I tell Suzy? She has no idea who she is dealing with. Draken walked me off the property. He has no sense of being a gentlemen in him. Besides, there is something weird about him and his brothers. They simply moved out of the way almost like a command was given. I might be crazy and just need to forget about Draken. My eyes need a break from working. I’m so glad I have this huge room with an area for dancing. Dancing always helps me relieve stress. I push out my chair and head towards my dance area. It has mirrors against the wall, with top of the line flooring. I dim the light and push the remote that controls the music. The song of choice comes on, and I start my dance. I close my eyes, feeling the beat, and let my body flow like waves, turning, spinning and twisting in a sensual way. My parents think I use this area for ballet, but my art is dancing from the soul, giving myself to the music and allowing my body just to move, without thought. I love dancing, and if I thought I could make a career out of it, then I would do it. My parents expect me to be a scientist and discover something great. I hear the money is good in being a scientist, yet my heart screams dance. I have an offer at one of the big research corporations in Arizona, working in a science lab. I would come in as a manager… amazing what my last name can get me, even if that is not what I want. The Lamil name is well known around the world. My great-grandfather was a very driven man, he acquired much land, starting wineries in Europe and expanding in the U.S. Durant Luke Lamil made sure that his hand was in everything. Today, the extent of the family wealth is unknown to the public, but I know we are worth well over a couple of billion. Money is not an issue with having a career, and in fact saving money is my idea. I don’t want to get everything without working or saving, learning the value of money is important to me. That is why I choose not to go in the family business like my brother, but do something different, and although dancing is my true love, it would not be acceptable in any way, so science it is. This is really going to be a long day. I get back to work and finish the study I had planned for today.
“Hey, Suzy and the girls are coming over soon, can you please go put a shirt on?” I ask D, my nose tilted in disgust. My brother is a very handsome man, but the problem is he knows it, and right now his entire life is sleeping with everyone he can. I’m just glad he uses protection.
“Why sis, scared your friends might start drooling?” D laughs, as he eats his sandwich. The day has passed, and now it’s four in the afternoon, and I’m sure D has been eating and playing games the entire time.
“Just put a damn shirt on.”
“Ohh, somebody is still grumpy. Hey, Cess, you should feel alright, besides, getting involved after you-know-who would just make you miserable. Do I have to remind you of the scene you caused at the movies when you spotted that person?”
“How does any of that have to do with you putting on a shirt? And I was just being nice to the new neighbors.”
“Right, and I didn’t see you totally smiling at those guys with that “I’m available” smile,” D says, in a girly voice.
“You get on my nerves, put the damn shirt on,” I say, smiling. My twin is so annoying at times. He knows me so well, but I still have to give him a hard time.
“I will make sure I’m covered for your friends, who want me,” D says laughing.
I decide to head to the pool house and get ready for a swim. I’m sure everyone will be up for swimming. I pass Gloria, the maid, and make my way to the pool house. I undress and take a shower before getting in the pool, I always do this, not a real reason behind this habit. The shower is perfect as I let the water cover my body, wetting my hair and face and just enjoying myself. I close my eyes, doing my meditation, until I feel a presence. I open my eyes and see no one, yet the feeling is strong. I shake off the weird feeling, and continue to relax under the water, until I smell the most intoxicating smell. It is amazing. I feel happy and curious. I look around again, and nothing. I turn back and it’s like the presence is gone, but the smell remains, giving me a reminder. I wonder whether new flowers planted, or a new scent Gloria is using is what I smell, though that would not explain the feeling of being watched. No one is that stupid to come onto our property without permission, especially roaming the grounds. My father has ordered the guards to shoot first. The Lamils are not that nice about safety. I decide to forget the entire thing and get in the water. I put on my bathing suit and head to the pool, which is pretty impressive. Living in Paradise Valley does have its perks. As I get into the water and do a few laps, my mind drifts back to Draken. His long black hair and his beautiful eyes. I mean, the purple is so defined. I’ve never seen eyes like that, and his body i
s perfect. I know he has to be 6’6” at least, and all muscle. I wish I could have seen his smile, I bet it’s gorgeous. I need to forget about Draken. Look at me, I can’t even forget his name. I should not think about him, walking someone off your property makes it pretty clear where they stand with you. I just feel the need to know more. Why did his brothers let him do that, and why did they leave when he began to speak to me? I know it’s not my business, but I’ve never been treated like that. He is probably just a miserable person. I will have fun with my friends; they should be here shortly. Gloria will send them this way. I will just relax until my friends come.
“Cess…” I hear Donna Marie calling my name. I turn, and see they are all in their bathing suits. Donna Marie, Suzy, Jamie, and Kelly look like models. I smile and shake my head.
“Yes, I see you all made it.”
“Of course, when Suzy said you had men issues. I knew you needed an intervention. Now, where are these hot new neighbors?” Jamie says, smiling a wicked grin. She really has no shame at all.
“A man has your eye, Cess, yes, I want to meet this guy too,” Donna Marie says. I love her so much. She is our party girl. She always has a reason to celebrate. If Donna Marie has her way, she will find a way to make a party out of this, and invite the new guys. I wonder if Draken would come. I’m pretty sure the others would if they knew.
“There’s nobody who has caught my eye, besides, just one brother is a meany,” I say, remembering the march off the property, which really pissed me off. He must not have a clue about who I am.
The Draglen Brothers - DRAKEN (BK 1) Page 2
