Ember (The Dragao 1)

That purring noise started up again, although it was softer, as if he were trying to hide it.

“Why do you make that noise?” I whispered, a flush moving over my body, this heavy ache settling between my thighs.

“I can’t help it, Emma. It’s the sound I and my dragon make to let you know how much we desire you. When you’re around, all rational thought leaves.”

I lifted my head so I could look into his eyes, and we held each other’s stare for long moments.

“You please my dragon and me immensely.” His voice got deeper, harsher.

I breathed out slowly, my entire chest seeming to shake from the force. More wetness spilled between my thighs, and I clenched my legs together, hoping to hide that fact from Azar. Although a big part of me wanted him to know how much he turned me on.

We were silent for a long time, and I continued to move the hide over his shoulders and down his arms, careful of the small cuts that littered his flesh.

“That was a Draco,” he finally said, answering my question about who or what that other dragon was. “I haven’t seen them in ages. They keep to themselves on the other side of our world.” His voice seemed distant but hard. “They are Dragao, but… different. A subspecies. They have evolved over the millennia so they’re able to shift into their dragons without their mate.”

I remembered what Azar said about a Dragao only being able to shift into his dragon form once they found their mate. But apparently a Draco male didn’t need to find their fated mate before they could shift. And I hadn’t thought much about it as I watched the fight.

“So his kind don’t have fated mates? They don’t have the Cord?”

He shifted his big body slightly as he got into a more comfortable seated position in the water. The steam rose up, causing beads of sweat to line my forehead and temples.

“I don’t know the answer to that. Being a subspecies, some of the rules that govern the Dragao may not apply to them. It’s said the Draco are the ones who originally brought humans into our world, taking them and forcing them to do unimaginable, unspeakable things.” Azar’s voice dropped lower, vibrating with unrestrained anger. He had his hands under the water, but I could see how tightly he had them clenched as they rested on his strong thighs.

I sensed the aggression growing from him, and I didn’t want him slipping into that mind frame. I wanted my dragon who looked at me as if I were the first breath of air he’d taken. I was startled at that thought, not understanding how I could feel so strongly about this. But it was there, moving around in my mind, and I welcomed it.

“I don’t know why he encroached on my territory, but I wasn't about to try to speak responsibly with him in my human form. I couldn't scent his intent, and he was far too close to you for me to care whether he lived or died.” His lips peeled back from his teeth, and I watched his fangs extend. “I can only assume he thought to take from me what was mine, whether that be our den or you.” The growl that left him literally shook the entire cavern, small pebbles raining down around us. “And I will not allow either.”

He turned slightly around in the grotto and lifted his hand to cup my cheek. My lips parted from that small touch, his skin so warm, his palm so large that it encompassed the entire side of my face. His gaze settled on my lips, and he leaned in a fraction until our mouths were a breath away. I couldn’t find the strength to move or stop what I knew was about to happen.

“My Emma,” he groaned a second before he pressed his mouth to mine, his kiss so gentle it went against how big and strong he was.

I made a soft, needy sound against his firm lips, the feeling of his tongue stroking along the seam of my mouth sending sparks of heat through me.

“My sweet, perfect Emma,” he groaned again. “Come in here with me. Let me hold you.”

He broke the kiss, and we stared at each other. Azar was still cupping my face, his thumb brushing my lower lip and causing tremors to move through me.

Getting in the grotto with him was a bad idea. A really bad idea.

So then why did I whisper, “Okay”?

13

Emma

I took off everything except the fabric that bound my breasts and the small strip of fabric that acted as an undergarment. I covered my chest with my arm and placed my hand between my legs despite both of my private areas being fully dressed. But the way Azar stared at me made me feel like I was completely bare.