Single Red Dragon: A Dragon Shifter Fated Mates Novel (Space Dragons Seek Mates Book 2)

by Michelle Ziegler

  Eadric wouldn't have been a bad place to start, she thought. Only, he hadn't tried again. He'd given her the distance. Let her call the shots. Like now.

  Or almost like now. He had reached for her in the hall. Why had he reached for her? Maybe he was worried she'd run again? It had occurred to her, but then the fact he would just find her again surfaced. A small part of her had recognized that he was safer than her father.

  Gently, she raised her hand to her neck. The pain was much less now. Whatever these guys did, the wound was almost healed. Now if she could just get rid of the residual of the poison.

  Blinking, Lilly realized that the woman, Aisha, was presenting her hand. She looked at it. Crap, what was she supposed to do? No one had ever offered her their hand for anything. Well, except her mother when she'd been knocked to the ground by a guard. And then she remembered the horror of her mother's screams.

  Right. Why she never touched anyone. She almost forgot.

  "Hi," she said. And pulled her hand back.

  "Hello. Is this the girl then?" Aisha looked at Deo in confirmation.

  "Yes. The chip was in her neck."

  Eadric's hand slipped down her arm to where her hands now clasped together.

  "Her name is Lilly," Eadric said.

  "Yes. Of course. Lilly. Hi. I'm Dr. Aisha Bail."

  Lilly nodded. "Right. Hi. Okay. Well, you'll have to understand if I don't touch you? It doesn't usually go well for the other person."

  Aisha nodded. "Of course."

  Redirecting her attention to Deo, Aisha continued to speak. "You have the chip as well?"

  Eadric and Deo both nodded.

  "Great." She turned back to Lilly. "We only need a few blood samples.”

  Wait. What?

  "I'm sorry?" Lilly asked.

  Aisha smiled. "A few drops of blood. Deo believes that the key to the antidote is within you. I need your blood to figure that out. Why don't we head to my lab?"

  Lilly tried to step back only to be stopped by the wall of man.

  She couldn't breathe. She pulled her hands free, one flying to her chest. She couldn't get the air in. Her chest hurt. The thudding of her heart seemed to be trying to punch a hole through her.

  She needed to swallow air, calm down. Breath through the fear. Calm down. She hated needles. Hated to be poked.

  "Calm, Lilly. If you don't want to, we won't."

  Closing her eyes, she tried to tell herself this was different. Eadric's voice soothed something within her, and she believed him. She believed that she had a choice. They wouldn't hurt her.

  "No. It's fine."

  Memories or her father's millions of experiments ran through her.

  She pulled Eadric's hand back into her own, pulling it to her check. Maybe to remind herself that he was real. That this wasn't just some sick dream.

  She repeated that this wasn't the same in her head. She knew it wasn't.

  "Lilly, are you okay?" Eadric asked, a warm whisper in her ear.

  "I will be." Keeping the waver out of her voice was impossible.

  "I can hear your heart racing. What's wrong?"

  She turned to him, standing on tip-toe and still not able to meet his ear as she motioned for him to come closer. He did as she asked, and Lilly had a feeling he always would.

  "I'm afraid of needles," she whispered.

  A small smile crossed his lips, but it wasn't out of jest. No. Somehow on him it was reassuring. "I won't let anything happen to you," he whispered in response.

  Instinct said she should scoff at his comment, not trust. But damn if she didn't go against everything she'd ever learned. There was nothing in her that didn't trust him and she couldn't explain why.

  "Okay."

  The only thing that made this any better was the thought she could maybe save another person. Maybe give back a life for the ones she'd taken.

  "You really think this will work?" she asked, as Eadric helped her follow Deo and the woman.

  Silence followed for a brief moment before he spoke.

  "I don't know. But I am willing to do whatever I can to keep you safe. You said you were afraid to go back. Deo believes in science. He found a witch that specializes in chemistry, both magical and human. The complication is the alien piece. This isn't something we've seen, not here on Earth and not on our planet either."

  Stepping out a side door, they walked in silence. The feel of the fresh air on her face was something still so new. She hadn't been allowed outside in what felt like years. The last time had been to help capture something, or rather someone. Always an angle with her father. Never just to be kind. She closed her eyes, letting Eadric guide her as she tried to memorize everything.

  A niggling feeling wouldn't leave her. The feeling that this wouldn't all last. Nothing ever went her way.

  A creak of a door brought her back to reality.

  "Calm yourself. No one will harm you. I promise."

  She nodded, but how could he promise something so impossible. Wiping the palm of her hands on her pants, she tried to focus on the fact that if this did work, she was free. She would never have to go back, except what about her sister?

  First thing's first, she thought. Walk through this door and take it one step at a time.

  Eadric took her hand.

  "We need to try something. This is the best option. Please, Lilly. My brother's mate depends on it."

  A few hours later Aisha swirled around some tubes and frowned.

  "There is nothing typical about any of this. The poison has a foreign substance I can't identify. It's not magic, and it isn't anything human. Her blood has some oddities in it as well. I think they might be the key."

  Lilly chewed on her lip. This was going to take forever. The tension practically rolled off Eadric and Deo. She had nothing to live for. What was running ever going to fix? Nothing. Nothing would be fixed because her life wasn't anything to fix. Eadric, on the other hand. He had so much to live for. More than she could ever imagine.

  "Eadric, this is taking too long."

  He turned to her. "But, I think we have a chance."

  "No. We don't. You've implied that much."

  He stood, knocking the chair to the floor. Aisha jumped, nearly dropping the tube.

  "Calm down, please. I can't afford to waste any of these samples."

  Lilly gave a halfhearted smile.

  "Sorry."

  Lilly turned to Eadric. "Take me back to the cave so we can talk."

  He studied her. "Why not the ship?"

  Shrugging, she really didn't know. Other than she didn't want to be confronted with the reality of a poisoned wife, mate, whatever. She also didn't want anyone else involved in this decision. It was hers, and hers alone.

  Confusion battled. Then why did she want Eadric involved? She knew why. He was the only one to care enough, or at all, to keep her from suffering. No one ever looked out for her.

  If she didn't do this though, she'd suffer in the end. She couldn't have another person die because of something she did or didn't do. No more death. No more guilt. She needed to do the right thing.

  Lilly turned and walked out. This was wasting time and all because he promised to keep her safe.

  Fine. Promise kept.

  "Please, just take me back," she spat over her shoulder.

  She caught a nod of Eadric's head and some motion from where Deo stood as she stormed out. She couldn't look at Deo. This was already hard enough. Eadric would force Deo to do whatever was right for her, and she couldn't have that guilt on her shoulders. She already hated that they took care of her, found her clothing that didn't combust on contact, and food that didn't taste like cardboard.

  Fresh air hit her face, and she nearly lost her well-practiced control.

  Eadric pulled her along, behind buildings where he took one last look at her and shifted.

  Guess he wasn't wasting any time. Fine. It was better this way.

  Lilly grabbed onto him, slipping her legs over his back and holdi
ng on for dear life. As they took off into the evening sky she tried to ignore the questions circling in her head. She tried to lose herself in the freedom of the wind as it caressed her. Whispering words only it knew. Closing her eyes, she imagined being like this forever. Spreading her own arms out, all her trust in the strength of the animal and the man beneath her.

  Perhaps this was the entire purpose of her escape, to finally understand what it was to be cared for. For once she wanted to give back, to return the feeling.

  This is what it must have been like for Mr. Darcy and all the men. She didn't understand what the women all needed, but she did understand staying away from someone who wasn't what you knew. Wasn't what you were brought up to expect. And she was glad that her choice, in this one instance, was taken away from her.

  She was glad Eadric had felt the need to protect her, because until now she didn't know what was good for her.

  No. Until now she understood nothing except that she was a freak, and that no one would ever want her.

  8

  Eadric landed near the cave. Although at this point, he almost felt wrong being here. She wasn't a threat. Lilly had come with them to the scientist woman and had given blood willingly, although Eadric did have to hold her while doing so. He hadn't minded that part one bit.

  On top of everything, she hadn't burned anyone, not on purpose anyway. The squirrel had been asking for it.

  Eadric chuckled. Yes, if they remained here much longer, he'd need to ask Deo for books or something.

  Right now though, he was still trying to hold in the protective anger. Maybe it was best for them to leave the lab for now. Get a break. The need to slap the needle from that scientist's hand had almost taken over Eadric as Lilly had clung to him. Her free arm hooked around his much larger one. Her nails digging in. He'd love'd holding her, but hated knowing she was afraid. Twisted thing this mating was.

  The moment her feet hit the ground, Eadric shifted. There was no fighting the need to check on her, protect her. And he still worried about why she'd nearly begged to leave.

  "You're okay? What's wrong?"

  He gripped her shoulders, studied her face, and then pulled her in. Fate was a bitch. The shitty stuff, love, that ruined it for any man and made him powerless to turn away. Breathing her in, Eadric doubted that he'd ever get enough of her.

  "I'm fine, Eadric. You can let go now."

  He smiled and simply held on tighter.

  "No. I don't want to."

  She laughed quietly.

  "I won't run."

  He leaned back, just enough to see her face.

  "I am aware. Besides. We already established I am faster than you."

  Lilly rolled her eyes. "Yeah, whatever. If you'd been cooped up in a lab, your whole life you wouldn't be fast either."

  This time, she took an opportunity and ducked out of his embrace, and he let her. He didn't stop watching her though. What was she up to?

  "But, let's just say," she said as she continued to back up, "that the chase is more fun. Come and get me."

  Her hair fluttered in the wind as she turned and started to run.

  The playful grin on her face the only invitation he needed. His dragon's interest perked up.

  She wanted them to chase her, and they wanted to catch her. His muscles tightened and released as he took off after her. He and his dragon worked together to track their mate. What would she do once caught? The delicious thoughts aroused more than just his instincts?

  Ducking under and around low trees, they slowed, stalking their prey as quietly as possible. Eadric could hear each footfall crunching on underbrush as she attempted to hide. Eadric smirked. His mate wasn't much of a hunt, and he couldn't have enjoyed it any less.

  Sniffing the air, he waited for her scent to carry on the wind. Perhaps he should slow a moment, let her think she had challenged him.

  He paused mid-stride. His dragon liked this game, but the scent that wafted through the air was unexpected and implied that his little human female enjoyed it as well.

  He licked his lips. How would she expect this little game to end?

  He sniffed the air again and nearly purred at the scent of her arousal. Her heartbeat thundered in his ears. Enough waiting. Following the scent of her, he stood behind the tree that separated him from her.

  Slowly he came around the other side, silent to not alert her. In one quick motion he grabbed her, twirling her around and pressing her into the tree.

  He leaned into her neck, drinking her in.

  "How did you-" he cut her words off with a kiss.

  At first she squealed in surprised and then as he pressed the kiss deeper, she relaxed into him.

  Instinct took control over him. Goddess, how could he stop himself now.

  She didn't fight him as he ran his free hand down her side, to her hip.

  Her own arms wrapping around him as the kiss deepened.

  Mine.

  All he wanted was her. There was nothing else.

  There was no stopping the itch in his hands to touch her, feel her.

  He pressed his pelvis against her, praying she would no longer deny him. He couldn't get close enough.

  She pulled her lips away.

  "Mine," he whispered.

  Her breathing was heavy, her words barely making it out between pants.

  "Wait, please," she said.

  Blowing out some air, he tried to release the tension within him. Fuck. He was wound up and desperate for a release and then she tells him to wait?

  He could and he would. He would wait. But damn it if he didn't blow up in the process.

  Closing her eyes, she finally continued. "I need to go back."

  He pulled away, and her eyes flew open at his retreat.

  "What?" he yelled.

  She swallowed. "To the lab. That scientist, witch lady, she won't find the antidote in time."

  All the air on the damn planet had just disappeared.

  "No!" he shouted.

  Eadric closed the space, locking her between his arms and the tree.

  She tried to pull away, but to hell with that. He wasn't letting her go.

  "I have to go back to save your brother's mate. Isn't that why you needed me?"

  A tremble settled on her lips, and his heart broke.

  Leaning down, he tried to kiss away the sadness. She let him at first, and then she turned her head away.

  Eadric took her chin between his thumb and forefinger, gently pulling her to look at him.

  "No. Maybe that's what I've been telling myself. But, no. I need you because you are mine. Because my world will fall down without you."

  Her eyes grew wide.

  "I assumed that I was merely a tool, but you've been so kind to me. You've watched out for me. Even these clothes, enchanted to not catch fire. I've never been shown so much kindness. I figured I owed you."

  His dragon snarled within, ready to battle himself if Eadric didn't step it up. Biting back the anger from his own soul, he tried to calm himself.

  "You owe me nothing. I saved you before you were mine, before I knew we would need your help. Even then I was enchanted with you before any of this. But I saved you without any promise or guarantee that you would agree. It was just bad timing that my brother's mate was poisoned. You are free to leave should you wish, but I will warn you." His gaze bored into hers. "I will be very honest. That without you I will cease to exist. Maybe I saved you from that place, but truly you will save me from myself."

  He didn't move. He'd said he would let her go, but could he? Every word he said was true. Every word he hadn't said though, perhaps now was a time to say anything he meant. In fear that this could be his last chance.

  "Lillyanna. My soul knew you the moment it scented you at the lab. But my heart has grown to love you. Your stubbornness, your fire. You owe me nothing, I will beg you to not leave me, to not break me. But you are free to go."

  Her breath shuddered, and her lips moved without words coming. Years may
have passed in those seconds. He died every second she did not give him the answer he wanted. The answer he needed.

  Her intake of breath was audible.

  "Well, dang it." She paused.

  Well what? That wasn't an answer. He could be a mind reader if she'd just mate with him. Damn it, these earth women.

  "What? Well, you what?" he nearly begged.

  She patted his chest. "Calm down. I'm thinking. How in the heck can I say no to an offer like that?"

  Eadric's head raced with confusion.

  "I do not want you to say no."

  She smiled, placing her hand on his chest.

  "Calm down there, big guy. I guess I've just never been wanted before. Well, wanted versus needed. I still feel like I need to go back. I want to save your brother's mate."

  His heart stopped. Anger filled him. He stopped himself from punching a hole in the tree.

  Logic. He needed logic. This was good, right? Yes. This was good. They needed to save Maddie. But, fuck. He needed her. Would she come back for him?

  He held her tighter and gazed down her upturned face. He didn't want to let her go.

  But, shit. He sucked at pretty much everything, except being there for his brothers. Nothing came before that. His dragon snarled within. Yeah. Okay, nothing until now. Now his soul was torn.

  "Eadric?"

  His dragon nearly purred as she said his name, pulling him from the darkness of his mind.

  "Yes, Lilly?"

  He didn't want her to go though. Maybe he could go with, storm the fucking lab in one swoop.

  "How exactly did you think you could protect me?"

  Protect her? Yes. They would protect her. But could he let her go once she was truly his?

  He cleared his throat.

  "By offering myself."

  She seemed to shiver within his arms.

  He sniffed the air and growled as the now familiar scent of her desire came to him.

  "How-" she paused, giving an audible swallow. "How do I accept you?"

  His own need grew, and he buried his nose in her hair, lost in her. His voice a low growl as he answered her. "I think you know."