Dragon's Lust (4 page)

Kiana clung to him as he fucked her, soft moans coming as his cock thrust repeatedly into her burning pussy. In his passion, Ranehz bit the soft flesh of her shoulder. She cried out and went taut beneath him. Her pussy rippled around his cock as spasms rocked her body. The feeling of her clenching around him tore away his last remaining bit of control. His body stiffened and with a primal howl, he shot spurts of soothing seed deep inside her pussy.

When she stilled beneath him, he pulled another hide over their sweating bodies. Curling up beside her, he drifted off to sleep, his arm thrown possessively around her.

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Dragon's Lust

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* * * *

Ranehz woke from his nap with her still lying quietly beneath him. The sensation pleased him. Again, he considered his dilemma. He knew the potency of his dragon saliva would last until shortly after they returned from their trip to the village. He'd have until then to decide whether or not to brand Kiana once more. A part of his heart he'd closed off long ago hoped it would not be necessary, but the cynical part of his brain thought it would be the only way to keep her with him ... and he had no intention of her being anywhere else.

His thoughts were broken by Kiana's melodious voice. "Did your father continue to use women after he took you in?"

He looked at her, an eyebrow raised as the question cut through the fog in his brain. "Yes he did, and he went to great lengths to make sure I knew it. So much so that I was actually given lessons."

"Lessons?"

"How do you think I learned that dragon saliva has such an interesting effect on human women?" Ranehz knew if she thought enough about what he'd just said, she'd figure out the result of the branding did not last forever. It was a risk he would have to take. "He took great delight in showing me the dragon way of using women. Brutal, he was. Never showed them any mercy. Oh, they got pleasure out of it, but that wasn't his intention. He branded them so they would beg for it. He loved hearing a human woman plead for his cock."

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A visible shudder passed through Kiana. "He didn't transform?"

"He couldn't. Full-blooded dragons can't take human form."

"So he..."

"Fucked them with his huge dragon cock? Yes. I told you it was possible. I wasn't lying. Something you will likely find out for yourself soon enough."

"But why?" she whispered. "Why would you when you could transform to a man?"

To keep you from getting too close
, he thought. "Because I'm sure there will be times my need for you is so great that I do not have time to change."

The look on her face cut him to the core, but it could not be helped. He could not survive another loss like Arabella. It was too much for him to endure. Hurting Kiana was not his intention, but he couldn't afford for her to realize she meant anything to him except a body to use for his pleasure. "We're going to the village to stock up on supplies. I cannot expect you to live as I do. There are things you will need. Clothing, food supplies. If anyone asks, you're my wife."

"But people in the village know me. How are you going to explain your sudden appearance as my husband?"

"When was the last time anyone from the village saw you?"

"Shortly before Father left. After that, everyone was too busy harvesting to go visiting and once winter comes, no one ventures out as far as our farm unless there's good reason."

"Don't worry. I'll have an explanation ready."

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* * * *

The rest of the day's journey was spent in silence. Kiana let her mind mull over Ranehz's words. As she was thinking, something occurred to her. If each woman was able to leave Mohar at the end of the season, how did they keep from going mad? From what Ranehz said about his mother, she seemed to be in possession of her faculties.
It must wear off
, Kiana thought.

For a moment, she felt as though a weight had been lifted from her. The relief only lasted a few seconds before it came crashing down again. He could smell when she became aroused, so he would know when the saliva began to wear off. He'd not let her go. He'd simply re-brand her. Her mind drifted back to the first time he branded her, a thrill of pleasure shooting through her body.
It wasn't so bad
, she thought as a smile played across her face.

What am I thinking? Being kept against my will is not a
good thing!
The protest surfaced in her mind, but Kiana had already resigned herself to the fact she was bound to the dragon forever. Discovering it might not be true was hard to comprehend.

As Bartholomew carried her down the path, she watched Ranehz. His posture was almost regal, his shoulders square and proud. Staring straight ahead, his gaze never wavered as he studied the road ahead of them. If he was aware of her eyes fixed upon him, he showed no signs of it. His behavior confused her. At times he was gentle, almost loving. Then he would seem to catch himself and the hardened, uncaring man 35

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would return. Sometimes, she would get a glimpse of wounded sadness in his silvery eyes before the flintiness stamped it out.

He's known nothing but hurt.
Her heart went out to him, but she couldn't reconcile the dragon with the man. The man attracted her, but the beast frightened her.

* * * *

Kiana could feel eyes boring into her as they entered the square. Vendors lined the perimeter as villagers mingled in the center, some only there to visit and others checking out the merchandise. Children laughed and ran through adults'

legs, while their parents gossiped and shopped. The jovial mood of the gathering seemed to drop several degrees as she and Ranehz approached the stall of a farmer selling fruit and vegetables.

Almost as one, the chattering voices dropped to a whisper.

The farmer's distrustful eyes reflected what Kiana suspected the entire town felt. Until she'd been detained by the dragon, she had been one of them. No one had reason to question her absence as she lived well away from town and almost never had visitors during the harsh winter season. Now, because she accompanied an outsider into the village, she had become one, too. The only way to win back the acceptance of the people she'd known since childhood would be to come up with an explanation they would believe without misgiving.

She nodded politely at the farmer as Ranehz selected the best and fattest produce offered. Though she appeared to be watching her "husband" intently, Kiana saw nothing of his 36

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actions. Instead, her mind raced as she attempted to fabricate a story that would explain both her survival and her

"marriage" to an outsider and would be accepted by the townspeople. She dared not look around, for she knew the women and men would be congregated in small groups around the square, each one discussing her crime of marrying outside the village. They'd gossip non-stop, but not approach her for an explanation until their business with the vendors was done.

As they meandered, occasionally stopping at a stall to gaze upon something that had caught Ranehz's eye, Kiana didn't avoid the stares of those who passed them. Projecting the aura that she belonged was important. She was amused to discover looks of jealousy by some of the other young women of the village. Many dreamed of marrying a handsome stranger, but few ever managed to fulfill such a dream. Most ended up with a widower who already had children, or the son of a neighbor.

As they neared the last stall, the midwife approached her.

Kiana was not surprised. Wrenna led the small group of women who made everyone's business their own. Helping to bring new life into the world earned her much respect. She was often called upon for advice that had nothing to do with childbirth.

"Kiana, my dear," she exclaimed as she grabbed Kiana's hand tightly. "We feared you dead by the dragon. Tomas reported your home and lands destroyed by fire."

Kiana did her best to hide the shock that rocketed through her. If it were true, she knew Ranehz was responsible. It was 37

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another spike in the chain that bound her to him. As if sensing her thoughts, he turned toward the women.

"Good day, fair ladies," he greeted as he bowed to show respect.

"This is Ranehz. My husband."

The confirmation of their suspicions shown clearly on the women's faces. Disapproving looks abounded as each reproached her with their eyes.

"Please do not bear my beloved bride ill will. Her father felt it was the only right decision he could make, considering I saved her life."

"Saved her from what?" asked Wrenna.

"Why, the dragon, of course."

Kiana barely managed to stifle a surprised gasp. Saved her from the dragon indeed.

Kiana noticed they had begun to attract quite a crowd as Ranehz's words about the dragon drifted across the market place. She saw many nodding their heads at his question.

"It attacked Kiana's home. I was passing through on my way home and saw the smoke. Alas, I arrived too late to save her brothers, and her father was stumbling on dying legs.

Much damage had already been done to the beast by the brave warriors. I joined in the fray and landed the fatal blow.

As it limped off to die, her father crumpled to the ground. He only had breath for a few words by the time I arrived at his side. In payment for killing the dragon and saving his most beloved daughter, I was given her hand in marriage.

Considering he was dying and the poor girl would be left alone, what could I do but accept his most gracious offer?"

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"But what about the dragon? No one has reported seeing the carcass."

"It fell in the forest. The scavengers probably picked it cleaned before the body cooled."

Kiana stared at him in amazement. Her mind was a jumble of confusion. Was his story simply a tale wrought to appease the villagers or did the golden dragon truly destroy her home and meet his end at the hands of Ranehz?

"I'm very sorry we cannot stay and visit, but it is several days' journey back to our home in the forest, so we must leave now."

Before any of the villagers could protest and offer a night's lodging, Ranehz had led Kiana to Bartholomew. He helped her mount the steed and then secured the purchases before grabbing the reins and heading out of town. Kiana turned and waved goodbye and felt relieved to see hands raised in return. The amazing tale had been accepted, and they would be welcomed any time they returned to the village.

* * * *

For awhile, Kiana remained silent as she swayed on Bartholomew's back. Ranehz had not said a word since they left the village. His back as he walked gave no indication whether he was deep in thought or only quiet because he enjoyed the beauty of the day.
Do dragons even notice that
kind of thing?
she wondered before reminding herself that he was at least half human. Perhaps more than half, for he had a depth she had never before noticed in another man.

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As she watched his fit body stride in front of her, his muscular legs and sculpted ass within his tight-fitting trousers, Kiana felt a familiar stirring in her pussy. It took her a moment to realize the tingling was not a product of the branding, as no warmth accompanied it. She worried over her reaction for a time, confused as to why she felt what Ranehz called arousal if it wasn't caused by his mystical saliva.

Kiana's mother died while giving birth to her. There had been no one to inform her about these things.

Unable to figure out the answer for herself, she decided there was no harm in asking. After all, he wouldn't know why she inquired about it.

"Ranehz..."

Dropping the reins, he slowed his gait until he walked beside Kiana. "Do you need something, wee one?" She missed the knowing sparkle that twinkled in his shining eyes.

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Of course."

"That feeling ... the one I get from your, umm, dragon tongue. Does anything else cause it?"

"Oh, yes. The saliva just causes an extreme form of arousal."

"But what normally causes arousal?"

"Being with someone you are attracted to, someone you have feelings for. Being touched in certain places. Other things can cause arousal, but that should be enough explanation for you to understand what I mean."

"And it leads to ... what we do to ease the burning from the saliva?"

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"Yes. Even without the aid of the saliva, it's an act you would enjoy. Being one with another person can bring you pleasure beyond anything you've ever imagined." He paused for a moment, his silver eyes watching for any sign on her pale face that she understood why she felt the achy sensation of arousal in her pussy. "Was there a particular reason you asked?"

"Umm, no ... just wondering."

She hid it well, but the knowledge she felt attraction for him widened her eyes, though no hint of realization showed upon her face. It was enough of a sign for him, and he moved back in front of the horse.

Kiana pondered over what she'd just learned. Apparently, her body hadn't listened to her mind's advice about getting involved with the man who held her captive.

* * * *

Kiana awoke to warmth between her legs. At first, she thought it was simply time again. But as she came to wakefulness, she noticed the soft whoosh of breath against her thighs and the undulations of something inside her.

Immediately, she sprang the rest of the way into consciousness. "No! Ranehz, please ... don't."

The great beast lay on the soft ground, his snout buried against her sex. Even though he didn't stop, his eyes met and held hers. The force of the loneliness radiating from his silver orbs quieted her protests. Being bound to him in this manner still angered her, but they were kindred spirits in a way. She was alone in this world as well.