Dragon Ugly (Dragon New Year)

by Selena Illyria

  Carissa managed to ring everything up, bag it and send the customers on their way before she responded. “I want to tie you to my bed, tease you with ice, and suck you off.” She didn’t know where the courage to say those words had come from—in public no less—but she let them go. Her reward was a ragged groan from Brent.

  “Gods damn it, I need to get back to work, but I swear, when I get you alone tonight I’m going to spank your ass and fuck you blind.”

  Carissa’s knees almost gave out at that promise. “I’ll be looking forward to it. I’m getting wet just thinking of it.” She tried to ignore her tightened nipples and the cream that dampened her panties.

  “Oh, gods, honey, I want to lift your skirt, take off your panties and eat you out until you come all over my mouth. You are so in trouble,” he mumbled.

  She grinned. “And I may let you do that, if you behave. I’ll see you later and you can explain why you weren’t up to dinner.”

  Carissa hung up before she said anything else inappropriate.

  As she dealt with the customers, her mind drifted to her conversation with Brent. Never had she felt so comfortable with a man. She had flirted, and even engaged in a bit of dirty talk over the phone. And she barely knew him! It was a foreign, yet welcome, feeling.

  Closing time finally came, and the last of the customers shuffled reluctantly out of the shop. Carissa’s mouth hurt from the smile that refused to leave her face. Brent’s desire for her bolstered her self-esteem to new heights. She couldn’t wait to see what else she was capable of doing. She’d always had a fantasy of fucking in her favorite bookstore while it was open. A smile curled on her lips as she felt a loss of breath. Would Brent be into that? What other little things could his wicked mind come up with besides spanking? And what could she convince him to do?

  She felt a wicked thrill at the thought of finally being comfortable enough to tell someone her wishes, desires, and needs. She wanted to rush through the inventory and hurry home, but decided to take her time. Brent would probably be late, since the Dragon’s Lair was so busy. She knew Tiberio De Lorenzo was performing there tonight. She’d heard Jez and Anna gushing over him. Carissa had a few of his records. He sounded sexy, and some of his songs were quite suggestive. The para community considered The Snake to be a combination of Barry White and Jim Morrison.

  Carissa replayed her conversation with Brent in her head. She wanted to explore her attraction to him, for her own sake, and not just for her wolf’s. Tonight would definitely be the start of something. She went through inventory, restocking the shelves and making note of what she needed to order. She also surreptitiously selected a few products to try out on Brent. She grabbed some of the items that would induce relaxation.

  She decided that the first thing she’d have him do was take a soak in a bath. That would begin the winding-down process. Then she would move onto the massage—and it would be full body. She’d control the pace of his pleasure. Excitement shimmered along her spine. She couldn’t wipe the grin off of her face. After putting everything in bag, she did one more check to make sure the doors were locked and the security system was on. She locked up and headed out.

  Her wolf paced, and nervous energy drowned out any arousal and anticipation she’d felt. She steered her wolf toward the thought of the full moon in a few days. A thought slammed into her mind: she hadn’t given him directions to her place. Once she got to her car and was safely inside, she dialed his number and left a message on how to get to her home, then started her car and took off.

  Carissa wasn’t going to set up candles. She didn’t think he’d appreciate it. Instead, it would be simple, with food and beer and some music that would help him relax. Enigma, maybe. Once she got home she started an easy meal of a skirt steak and baked potato, with a side of broccoli. Carissa took a quick shower and cleaned up while things were cooking. Thankfully there wasn’t much of a mess. Once the potatoes were in the oven, there was nothing to do but wait.

  As the minutes ticked by, butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She fidgeted with the hem of her shirt. A few times she got up and sat back down. Doubts began to form, but she refused to entertain them. It wouldn’t do to back out now. And besides, she wasn’t sure her wolf would let her.

  Every time she heard a car drive near her house she got up and checked to see if it was him. She tried to squash her disappointment when it wasn’t. She even checked her phone a few times to see if he’d called and she’d missed it or if the battery had died. Her cheeks warmed with embarrassment at her actions. If Jez and Anna were here, they would be teasing her mercilessly.

  She checked on the status of the dinner. The potatoes were done, so she set the table and then went back to the sofa to wait. She tapped her foot in impatience. When the phone rang, she jumped into the air and almost fell off her seat.

  Carissa juggled the phone and answered. “Hello?”

  “Carissa, I’m on my way. Should be at your place in ten minutes. Although, judging by the traffic, it’ll be fifteen. Can’t wait to see you, love.” Brent hung up before she could respond. Annoyance filtered through her anticipation. Not even a good-bye. She gritted her teeth. That was rude! He was going to pay for that.

  At last, she heard a car pull into her driveway, and her heart picked up the pace. With a deep breath, she smoothed down her shirt and the front of her pants before she went to the door and waited for him to walk up the walkway. When the doorbell rang, the sound ricocheted up her spine. She grabbed the doorknob and flung open the door.

  One look at Brent told her what his night had been like. His tan seemed to have seeped from his skin, leaving behind a bluish hue. Even his eyes had dulled to the color of watered-down blue paint. There was no spark or life in him, which worried her. She almost forgot about him not saying good-bye to her—almost.

  “You look awful,” she said. “Come on in. Let’s see if I can help you.” She held out her hand to him.

  A look of relief fell across his face. He walked toward her in a stutter-step and grabbed her outstretched palm. His energy seeped into her in a wash of heavy emotion that threatened to pull her under. She sucked in a breath; it tasted like frost slipping down her throat. When she exhaled it came out in a glimmering milk-white cloud. Her tongue felt cold and her mouth felt like it had just been filled with ice water. She shuddered as her wolf whimpered in worry and fear. Her body was the next to feel the chill, as it seeped all the way down to her toes.

  Brent’s emotions kept rushing into her, overwhelming her own feelings until all she knew was him. Memories flashed in front of her eyes. She could see a beautiful blond woman with sky blue eyes, a man with black hair and teal tips with sea green eyes. They both smiled at her, pure pride in their gaze. The next image was of a young man with onyx eyes that flashed red as he shifted into the form of a black dragon with red veins lining its wings and black and silver scales along its skin.

  Fear shot through her veins, pushing its way into her blood cells, chilling her to the core of her being. Sweat beaded on her brow. Pearls of moisture slid down her temple and traced her jaw. Pressure lay on her chest, making it hard to breathe. Brent stepped through the haze of memories like he was appearing out of a mist. His eyes glowed with a blue light. The atmosphere was heavy and humidity swirled around them. Strands of Carissa’s hair flew this way and that as cold sweat bathed her face.

  “What…what was that?” she reached up and brushed her hair out of her face.

  Brent leaned down and scooped her up in his arms. She felt his strength flowing into her, imbuing her with the ability to push back the fear and weariness. He kicked the door closed with the heel of his shoe and they collapsed onto the couch together. Brent peppered her face with small kisses in between murmurs of apology.

  She cuddled into him, feeling his body shake against hers. He stroked her hair. “I’m so sorry, honey. I didn’t mean to show you that. That was Tor, on a partial shift on New Year’s. You felt what I went through that night when I saw him almo
st change. That was when he…” He sighed and changed the subject. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to let it get into you too. It’s been a shitty day.”

  Carissa moved closer, trying to soak in the solidity of his presence. “That’s why you’re here. So I can take care of you.” Then her lips twisted into a wicked smile. “But don’t think that this excuses you from not saying good-bye to me on the phone.”

  She reached up and caressed his jaw, feeling the slight roughness of the stubble she found there. It must have been a long day if he hadn’t shaved properly.

  “Huh?” Brent gazed down at her, confusion in his blue eyes.

  “You didn’t say good-bye when you called to let me know you were on your way. That was rude. We must rectify that.” Carissa let her touch trace down the column of his neck. She paused over his pulse-point and felt the strong, sure beat of his heart.

  “Oh, I’m sorry honey. I was under pressure to get done and get out. The Snake being at Dragon’s Lair was just…gods.” He wiped a hand across his brow. Great weariness showed through the relaxation on his face.

  “That bad, huh?” She moved away from him. “Tell me. But first you have to eat.” She got up and held out her hand, which he took. He rose and allowed her to lead him to the table. “Sit down and talk to me.”

  He did as she ordered, a huge grin spreading across his face as his gaze roamed over the table. “Just what I need, comfort food.” He glanced up, a thick black brow rose in question. “Aren’t you going to join me, honey?”

  Relief swept through her. He liked the food. She went to the opposite chair and sank down, ready to dig in. “I didn’t do much, just some basic spices. I wasn’t sure what your taste buds would like, so I didn’t try to get fancy.” Rather than cut into her steak, she watched Brent eat, taking in his facial expressions as he put the piece of meat into his mouth.

  Bliss relaxed his features and she let out a sigh of relief. Carissa began to cut her own steak.

  “It’s delicious, sweetheart. Just what I needed. So, yeah, The Snake. It wasn’t like panties being thrown at the stage or craziness. Nothing like that. It was just… How do I describe it? Just listening to him, just being in the same space with him, it was like I’d been turned into prey. Does that make sense?” he asked. Brent looked at her, apprehension and confusion on his face.

  She nodded. “Yes. It happens when I listen to his music. You get hypnotized, right? I’ve never been to a concert of his, but I understand. It’s the sensation that all there is in the world is him. It’s great music for focusing your emotions, but it’s dangerous if you slip too deep into it.”

  He blew out a breath. “Yes, that’s it exactly. I was attracted to him, honey. There’s nothing wrong with that. He’s a good-looking guy. But to feel like he could crush me? I’m a fucking water dragon; he’s a snake. There shouldn’t be a contest there.” He let out a chuckle and she couldn’t help but laugh at him.

  “So basically it’s fine to find him good looking, but not to think he could hurt you? Snakes do have venom, sweetie.” The endearment slipped out so easily she didn’t even question it.

  A crimson flush appeared in blotches on Brent’s cheeks. “Um, well, I could drown him.”

  “But you’d need to be near water for that,” she pointed out.

  “There’s water everywhere.” He puffed out his chest in pride.

  “Tell that to the desert,” she said, before digging into her baked potato. She felt so at ease that she let her walls down and completely opened herself up to him. It felt wonderful to just let go and not worry.

  He growled. “Fine, you have me there. So explain to me what a werewolf would do to defeat a dragon.”

  Carissa’s head shot up and she narrowed her eyes at him. “Ooh, you’re playing with fire, reptile boy. First of all, we wouldn’t come at you from the front.”

  He nodded. “Uh-huh. But last I checked wolves can’t fly and we can.”

  “Yes, but dragons are solitary creatures. You only live together if you have to. We wolves hunt and live in packs. We have the edge in numbers. But you, little dragon, I think I could defeat all by myself,” she purred.

  His eyebrow rose again. “Oh, and what would you do to me?” His voice dropped becoming deep and rough, intoxicating and dark.

  She shivered as her nipples puckered and her stomach muscles tightened. Her body heated as goose bumps rose on her skin. A heavy pulse began in her groin and her inner parts tingled. Fire danced at the base of her spine as the room grew hotter. She met Brent’s gaze, finding the normally bright blue orbs had turned as dark as the night sky, with flecks of light blue glowing in the depths. Arousal was so swift it stole her breath. She could feel him pulling the control of the situation away from her, but Carissa refused to let that happen.

  “First of all, I’d get you to take off your clothes,” she whispered. She wanted him to strain to hear her. Before he could respond she continued. “I’d have you take a long, hot bath to relax those sore, overworked muscles, and get you to forget all about the pub and The Snake. Then I’d get in with you, wash your back, your front and everything, and then I’d help you dry off.”

  She paused, letting the silence draw out between them as she ate. The tension stretched until it became unbearable even for her. She felt the weight of his gaze on her. He wasn’t eating; he was just staring at her. Without even meeting his gaze, she knew she’d find expectation on his face. She had him.

  “And?”

  “I’d lead you to my bedroom and have you lie face down on my bed.” She stopped and allowed his mind to fill with fantasies. He gripped his fork and knife so tightly that his knuckles had become white. The tension between them increased until it was a taut line that felt like it could snap at any minute.

  “Once you had relaxed on my bed, I’d blindfold you and then I’d begin to massage your back. Just your back at first.” She finished off her steak and then put the side plate with the baked potato on top of her steak dish. She dug into the potato with relish.

  “And?” he asked, putting down his utensils.

  Carissa felt a devilish thrill add to her desire as her arousal increased. “Well, you’ll just have to finish your food and get in that tub won’t you? But I’ll promise you one thing. We won’t have sex, not yet anyway.”

  Brent pouted. “Why not?”

  She shook her head. “This isn’t the third date.” She giggled at his outraged expression. “Besides, that’s not what you need. You’re feeling out of your element, not yourself. I can see how tired you are. As much as I’d love to sleep with you, that wouldn’t help either of us. Anyway, you’re my guinea pig, remember?”

  He mumbled something under his breath, a small sound of disappointment. Then he said, “Fine. It’s true, I’m still not myself.” He sighed and went back to his food, finishing off his steak and potatoes in record time. “I’ll help you clean up,” he offered.

  She shook her head. “Tonight is about you. Strip and get in that tub, mister, or you’ll get a spanking.”

  His eyes sparkled with mirth. “I’d rather be the one doling out the spankings.”

  At those words, a fever spread through Carissa’s buttocks as her sex clenched and her panties dampened. “Well, I haven’t been bad enough for that. Besides, what if I’m not into spankings?”

  Brent’s gaze took her in from head to toe. “Oh, I know you are and I’m pretty sure we like a lot of the same things.” He gave her a wink as he stood up and stripped off his shirt, letting it fall to the floor. He strode off, shedding clothing as he went. Next to go were his shoes, then his socks, and then his belt. The harsh tearing sound of his zipper coming down split the air. The sound sent a jolt of electricity through Carissa. He had his back to her, but her mind supplied the image that was blocked from her view and she licked her lips. A thin strip of midnight curls would be visible between the silver teeth of the opening. The ruddy head of his cock would peek out, with a bead of desire already at the slit.

  S
he watched as his thumbs hooked into the waistband of his jeans. He pushed down a little, showing off even more golden, tanned skin. Not a line to be seen. It confirmed her idea that he She in the nude. She thought about all that glorious flesh exposed to the kiss of the sun.

  She could picture them on a secluded beach, her exploring his body with her hands and mouth, his hand tucked behind his head. She pulled herself out of the daydream to focus on the present. Brent shoved down his jeans to expose only his boxers.

  She giggled at the little smiley faces that looked back at her as he walked away. She shook her head, gathered up the plates, and headed for the sink. Arousal simmered in her veins, heating her body and clouding her thoughts. All she could think of was Brent in her bathtub, lounging against the side, bubbles and water sluicing over his chest, his brown nipples already tightened into tempting nubs. His inky black hair, tipped with blue, would be slicked back as he relaxed. His dark lashes would form a fan on his cheeks as his eyes closed and the stress of the day drained from his face.

  She hurried through the dishes and headed into the bedroom to make sure everything was ready. Then she joined him in the bathroom. He was just as she’d imagined. One arm rested in the water and the other was settled on the rim of the tub. Water dripped down on her floor in slow droplets. He didn’t even stir when she entered.

  She took in a deep breath and closed her eyes. He looked so perfect there in her tub. All she wanted was to join him. Her skin tingled and prickled with the urge to touch him, to feel his limbs slide against hers under the water. Carissa reminded herself of their earlier banter, of his compliments and desire for her. But she was nervous. She stood for a moment, not quite able to bring herself to undress.

  Like a Band-aid, she told herself, just strip. She undressed quickly and stepped into the tub before she had a chance to change her mind. She settled across from him, with her knees up to her chest. To her relief, the water was still warm. She was worried it might have become tepid while they’d been eating.