Dragon in Distress

by Crystal Dawn

  Julio seemed to want it more so with him being the bigger beast, she let him have it. Herk’s and Julio’s manners needed improving, but she wasn’t the one that would point that out. Maybe being with Pru would be a help for Herk. He belched and then made a joke about it. Maybe not.

  “Have you two planned your wedding yet, Knossos?” Herk asked mischievously.

  “Maybe I should be asking you instead.” Knossos observed.

  “We’re nowhere near that point having just met. You, in the other hand had a lot of time already to make such decisions.” Herk teased.

  “Once Knossos asks and I accept, it will become a minor political event and others will plan much of it. Yours and Pru’s will be the much larger event.” Sophie informed.

  “Why would that be?” Herk asked.

  “Sophie is our cousin, but my father is the leader of the witches.” Annie replied.

  Herk paled. Maybe he shouldn’t have been told, at least not yet. “It will work out, Herk. She’ll be a lovely bride.” Knossos said. It didn’t sound like he was being mean or teasing. Herk nodded in reply.

  Sophie would never understand males. One minute they were poking each other looking to aggravate, the next they were being supportive. She did get a feeling Knossos had known Herk and Julio for a long time. As long as they’d been alive, that could be eons. There seemed to be a bond between the three of them which hopefully would woo Herk and Julio to their cause.

  “What’s the plan for tomorrow’s mission?” Knossos asked. She could see Herk and Julio were paying attention even though they pretended not to.

  “We were concerned about questioning the prisoners in the hopes of getting a lead to pursue. There are more leads, but they aren’t strong and we couldn’t verify them.” Ram admitted.

  “How do you verify a lead?” Herk asked.

  “We send in a spy, basically. They look around to see if there are any signs that something improper is going on.” Dae explained.

  “How can they be sure?” Julio wondered.

  “There’s no way to be positive, but the people who check out the tips are well trained professionals.” Dae explained. “Without more information, we wouldn’t be sure of exactly where to go or who was involved. Most tips are vague.”

  “I’m not much for asking questions so just let us know when you need us for some action.” Julio declared.

  “Same here.” Herk added.

  “We’ll have something to act on the next day, I’m sure of it.” Knossos mentioned.

  “Fine. We’ll see you then.” Julio said right before he and Herk disappeared.

  Now only she and Knossos, Annie and Ram, and the two sergeants were left. “I think I’ll have an extra dessert since they left before it was served.” Annie said with a giggle.

  “Me too.” Everyone seemed to say at the same time.

  Needless to say dessert was eaten in no time. Dae and Nite left right after they had their dessert. Now it was just the four of them. “You know the only reason an engagement ball hasn’t been announced yet is because my father isn’t feeling well?” Annie said.

  “Is he not better yet?” Knossos asked.

  “He’s not ill so much as out of sorts. Absent minded and confused might be the best description. Is that not to be expected?” Annie wondered.

  “To be honest, I’ve never heard of anyone being bespelled for so long. Most people break free after a few days or weeks. The strength that went into that spell was immense and it leaves me thinking it was recharged regularly. I would be careful to see it’s not put back on him.” Knossos suggested.

  “Why would they bother since we would notice immediately now?” Annie asked.

  “You might not if the spell was milder. You can’t say what’s normal for him anymore.” Knossos mentioned. Sophie thought about that and realized Knossos was correct. Annie seemed to draw the same conclusion.

  “I’ll let Mom know.” Annie agreed. “Meanwhile, Ram and I are going upstairs. Goodnight.”

  A chorus of goodnights later and they were alone. “Whatever can we do now?” Sophie asked.

  “I’d prefer if we go to my room for privacy.” Knossos said with a glint in his eyes. He held out his arm and she put her hand on it so he could escort her from the room.

  Bedrooms were upstairs so he took her there. His room was a few doors past the first one. She remembered it well from the last time she’d been there. It was a comfortable if cozy room. The headquarters had a large number of similar rooms for when other guests or employees were on town. The place had been full when Ram’s and Annie’s wedding had taken place.

  There were rumors about what Ram’s people were, but no one seemed to know for sure. When Annie’s father was asked, he simply said they were magical folk. No one was happy with the answer, but neither were they in a position to complain. Those the most bothered by it were generally the ones that needed to know the least.

  He pulled her in through the door in such a rush to claim her it made her dizzy. He began to strip making her mouth water. He looked at her as if he was waiting for her to follow his example but she just stood there staring at him with a glint of appreciation in her eyes. Unable to wait, he moved to her with the grace of a predator dragging her into his arms kissing her with need and skill while she fell apart in his arms before he pulled her shirt up and over her head as he moved back tossing it to the floor before kissing her senseless once again.

  The bra opened easily as he pulled it off letting it fall next to the shirt. His hands reached up squeezing her breasts as he lightly pinched her nipples until they were stiff needy peaks impatient for more. He dropped his mouth to one then the other as he hungrily devoured them. She moaned with arousal as she writhed wanting more. Next he unzipped her pants moving his hands around to the back where he cupped her ass cheeks feeling the silky panties she wore.

  Since the panties were unneeded she supposed that was why he ripped them off and pulled her pants down. Knossos was aching and hard as a rock. He needed her now as much as she needed him and he’d best take her or she feared she would go nuts. She liked him taking her against a wall as much as in bed so she didn’t stop him from pressing her against the wall and slamming his needy shaft deep into her welcoming heat. The dragon groaned low and deep as the pleasure of being inside her rolled over him and she was sure he was already on the very edge of release as he started to jack hammer into her not holding back.

  Sliding his hand to her sensitive spot he made sure she came with him when he exploded. She came just before him and her body spasmed around him clamping him in a near death grip forcing him to shoot his hot load inside her. She felt it as jet after jet of his seed going deep inside her.

  He would surely be the death of her. She heard his breath escaped him as he jerked against her. Once they calmed, he carried her to his bed forgetting about anything else except sleeping. He wrapped around her and she forgot she should go home. Tomorrow and all she had to do at work, would come soon enough.

  No alarm woke her and she overslept. As she rushed around the room, she was glad Annie could loan her something to wear since they were a close fit. Ram’s place was close to the store, so she’d grab breakfast and hurry so she might make it on time.

  Chapter 7

  Vacation Time

  Two weeks had passed since someone had first brought up the engagement ball. Since then, Knossos had thought of nothing, but claiming his mate. Life was funny that way. Now he stood here pacing in the hallway of Ram’s place hoping and dreading that Sophie would finally arrive. Diner for the two of them had been set up in a secluded and romantic alcove probably available for just such and occasion.

  There were flowers, beautiful rare lilies that sent a sweet aroma throughout the room. Candles of various sizes gave the room a dramatic effect. The finest table cloth and china was in use adding charm to the overall effect. The antique furniture and the huge chandelier in the room, not to mention the old hardwood floors covered by a valuable Oriental
rug, added even more depth.

  Pulling the box out of his pocket, he stared at the antique gold ring with the gorgeous ruby surrounded by diamond. His mother thought Sophie would prefer that to new diamond ring he’d thought to buy her. This ring had been in his father’s family for eons. It was rumored to bring good luck to the female it was given to. It was heavy, even though it was small.

  His female was due anytime since she was usually done with work by this time of day. It was Friday and she didn’t work on the weekend. If she said yes, they would have a romantic weekend away from here, alone. They might even look at some possible homes from a list Ram had given him yesterday.

  Knossos was feeling like anything was possible, even for him to find happiness with his fated mate. Sophie had made him understand so much he’d never realized before. She could really make his life complete. He heard a car pull up to the building and his stomach rolled with nervousness. It was almost funny, a nervous dragon!

  The door opened and he scented his mate as she headed toward him almost as if someone had pointed her in his direction. A smile broke out on his face as she came into view. A matching smile appeared on her face. “Knossos!” she called out.

  “Right here waiting for you. Are you hungry?”

  “You know I’m always hungry.”

  “Be prepared to be spoiled.” He said as he escorted her to the table pulling her chair out so she could be seated. Once he pushed it in he seated himself.

  “You went to so much trouble.” Sophie exclaimed as she looked around with a wide eyed look.

  “Not so much trouble when it’s for you.” He admitted as he lifted the cover from her plate.

  “Oh, my! Is this rouladen?” She asked amazed.

  “I heard you might like it.” He smiled happy she was enjoying it.

  “Nan strikes again?”

  “Maybe.”

  “I’m sure it was her and I appreciate the effort to serve my favorite foods.”

  “You are important to me.” He admitted.

  They finished their meal and he could tell she’d really enjoyed it. Without any directions, dessert was brought in at the perfect time. Gooseberry cheesecake, it was amazing. As they were near the end of dessert, Knossos could feel his breathing speed up and beads of sweat breakout on his forehead. A feeling he rarely felt manifested itself, but he recognized it from childhood. It was fear. Knossos was afraid his mate would reject him.

  They ate their dessert slowly chatting about this and that while the important matter on his mind weighted him down. The moment was coming and it would be soon. Dessert was done so Knossos got up stepping over toward Sophie’s side of the table. She looked up with questioning eyes. When he dropped to one knee, a look of shock was on her face. He pulled out the beautiful ring and took a deep breath.

  “Sophie, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

  Tears rolled down her cheeks as she nodded. “I would be honored to be your wife.” She replied before she threw herself at him. Her arms clung around his neck as she peppered kisses over his face.

  “Gods. I was afraid you might refuse.” He admitted.

  “How could I when I love you so?”

  He picked her up in his arms and practically ran up the stairs to his room. Once he had her in his room, he set her on her feet in front of him before he pulled her into his loving arms. He brushed his lips lightly across hers, feeling the heat of her breath against his face. Nibbling on her bottom lip, he could taste her sweetness, the dessert, and the wine she had just drank.

  Knossos nipped her lip causing her to gasp in surprise. It gave him the opening he had waited for and his tongue slid into her mouth exploring every corner and dueling with her tongue. Knossos always dreamed about kissing her exactly like this. Now he just wanted it all. His hands roamed over her gorgeous body sliding under her blouse to handle her sweet breasts.

  He plucked at her nipples making them instantly harden. He leaned back slightly to lift her blouse up and over her head dropping it on the floor without a second thought. Knossos unsnapped her bra taking it off too, before dropping his mouth to suck a light pink nipple into his mouth. Sucking hard, he made her groan and wiggle as she pushed her breast against his mouth. He leaned back and she whimpered, but he only removed his shirt before he moved his mouth back to suck in her other nipple until it, too was hard.

  Knossos was removing the rest of her clothes as his hands roamed over her sexy curves. Stripping himself of the rest of his own clothes quickly so he could return his attention to her completely. Kissing her again, passionately he started working down her body. She was so silky and smelled so wonderful his cock was rock hard and dripping from his hard to control desire. He licked and nipped her neck scraping it with his teeth as he worked his way down to play with her breasts once more before he continued down to lick her stomach circling her belly button then moving lower still.

  Once his face was between her thighs, he enjoyed her potent desire. His mate was drenched and ready for him, making him need to taste her so badly his mouth watered. Knossos ran his tongue down the seam of her pussy before he licked it again and again. He plunged his tongue into her channel as she raised her body to meet him. As he slid up to her clit, circling it, she was driven crazy. Now he nipped her bud making her moan with desire. Knossos circled faster and faster as he felt the tension in her grow before she finally came screaming his name as she bucked under him and her hands grabbed his hair pulling his face closer to her.

  Once she began to relax, he crawled up her body impaling her on his hard cock. Sophie made a strangled sound of surprise as he filled her. He was big, but she should be used to it by now, but she struggled to take him all in. Knossos stayed still not moving as she wrapped her legs around him then arched against him.

  Her pussy clutched him tight and he feared he wouldn’t be able to move, but he managed to pull out and slam back in. Losing all control pounding in and out of her wet hot vessel, he felt her freeze then contract as she found her pleasure. There was no way he could hold back as his seed shot out and his fangs sank into her neck claiming her as his mate. He knew he would never let his mate stray far from his side ever again. They were now fully bonded.

  He had never felt such pleasure before in his life. Knossos had a better understanding of what fated mates were now. Knossos was sure he would die if he lost the female that lay quietly in his arms. Hoping she wasn’t too tired because he could make love to her for hours and still not have enough, he proceeded to show her several more times how much he wanted and loved her.

  Knossos wrapped his body around her keeping her safe and warm. Peace descend on him as he had never known before. She was his, he was hers, and together they were everything. It made him wonder how long it might be before his seed took and she swelled with his child. A silly smile came to his face that he couldn’t wipe away. A little girl just like her pretty mama would have him twisted around her fingers. He fell into the most peaceful sleep he had ever had.

  He woke warm and relaxed, an unusual thing for him. Knossos was getting back to his usual personality which was always disrupted by the long sleeps dragons took at times. Acknowledging he’d been a bit grumpy when he’d first met his mate, this weekend would help make up for that. “Wake up, Beautiful!” He whispered in Sophie’s ear.

  “Don’t wanna.” She fussed.

  “We’re going on a magical weekend trip.” He informed.

  She sat up suddenly looking at him. “We are?”

  “Yes, we are. You’re going to love it.”

  “I didn’t pack a thing.”

  “That’s okay because they have lots of stores and I’ll buy you anything you need.” Knossos offered. “Meanwhile, let’s eat breakfast and get on our way.” He couldn’t hide the excitement of going on their first getaway.

  As soon as they were done with breakfast, they headed outside where a new SUV was waiting. “Where did this come from?” Sophie asked as he opened the door for her.

&nb
sp; “It’s mine.” Knossos said before he closed her door and headed to his. Once he had them headed in the right direction, he started telling her about recent events. “Ram got me in touch with a better accountant. Her name is Menet. I’m not sure what she is, but she went through my books and discovered some discrepancies. My old accountant promised to pay me back for some funds that were misappropriated and Menet will be handling my accounts now. She pulled out some my funds so I have money available to live on.”

  “Your accountant ripped you off?”

  “Yes, but he’s putting the funds back.”

  “What if he doesn’t?”

  “He’s already started to do so. His mistake was assuming I’d be asleep for a thousand years. He invested funds that were supposed to be left available in order to make extra money, for him not me.”

  “So he borrowed it without permission and saw nothing wrong with that?” Sophie asked.

  “Exactly. In his opinion it was alright because he intended to have it back before I woke.”

  “It’s good that you got rid of him.”

  “Now I have money to show you a good time.”

  “I don’t expect that, you know that right?”

  “I know you don’t, but I want us to have fun together.” Knossos explained.

  “We will. What kind of place are we going?”

  “A place where we can shop, swim, fish, and do lots of touristy things.”

  “I haven’t been on a vacation in several years. I can’t wait until we get there.” Sophie admitted.

  “We’re staying on the beach.”

  “I didn’t think dragons liked water.” Sophie mentioned.

  “In my dragon form, I don’t. In my human form it’s no problem.”

  They ate up the miles quickly and a ferry hauled them over to the small picturesque island. It was everything he’d hoped for and he saw the excitement on Sophie’s face as they drove down Main Street. He pulled into the parking lot of a quaint café and hurried to open her door. They walked in hand in hand. After a nice meal, they headed out to find the hotel he had made reservations at. It was on the other side of the island which was more private.