Heart Of The Dragon (Her Dragon's Bane 3) (2 page)

His hand held her in place while he rose to meet her, thrusting hard and fast. He was coming, his cock jerking its thick warm seed inside of her. Her body responded, as though they communicated at a molecular level, so in tune with one another.

He fisted her hair, dragging her head forward so he could claim her mouth. She threaded her arms around his neck, and kissed him fiercely.

“I love you,” she whispered in his ear.

“And I love you too, Serena. More than life itself.”

They lay together until the morning was late, and the sun high in the sky. In this room, they were in a haven of peace; they could shut out the day, shut out the world outside. However, they couldn’t shut out the thoughts that invaded their minds, reminding them of what was before them. Neither of them put those thoughts into words.

He stroked her arm absently, and she rested her head on his chest, her eyes half closed in contentment. However, this couldn’t last. He still had some things to discuss with Zoah. Reluctantly he rolled out of bed, allowing her to settle into the spot that his body had warmed.

“Why don’t you take a bath? I have to talk to Zoah, and we’ll meet for a late breakfast in an hour.”

“OK. Maybe if I soak in a hot bath I might be able to let go of some of this tension.”

“Don’t let it worry you so much, Serena. The trip might turn out to be fun.”

“Tara is coming with us. That woman is warped where her sense of fun is concerned.”

“She is the one who knows where to go.”

“You’re telling me that it wouldn't be easy to find those dragons in Spellholm without her help?”

“Maybe, maybe not. Remember how secretive Zoah and I are. No one in the city right outside our gates has any idea that two dragons live here. They think were just eccentric mad men.”

“In Zoah’s case they wouldn’t be wrong.”

“That’s not fair.” Connor was pulling on his pants, leaving his chest bare as he usually did.

“Come on, Connor. You must agree that since we rescued Charlotte his behaviour has been a little deranged. He can’t sleep; he sits outside her room all night. I’m not sure he eats well either. I never thought a creature with so many years of experience could be floored by love.”

Connor laughed. “I would have to admit I never thought he would meet his match. I don't know why he doesn’t tell her.”

“Because he is willing to set her free. He doesn't want this life for her.”

Connor was at the door, he stopped before opening it and turned to her. “Is this life so bad?”

“No, Connor. I wouldn't change a thing.”

“And do you think they can change a thing?”

“What do you mean?”

“If we are fated to be together, then I don't think Zoah has the choice of whether he sets her free or not. I believe they are already bound together, they simply don't know it yet. Or at least Charlotte doesn't know it.”

“You know he’s planning on leaving once we come back?”

He looked at her sadly. “Yes. He told me. It’s tearing him in two already.”

“She’s fifteen Connor. I’ve already told him what I’ll do to him if he hurts her.”

Serena didn’t need to spell it out to him. Charlotte was under the age of consent, and Zoah would respect that. For the first time in his life, Zoah was actually thinking of someone else’s happiness above his own. Trying to push the thought of his brother leaving out of his mind, he said, “Let’s get this trip out of the way. He has sworn to look after Charlotte while we are away. He will stick to his word even if it kills him. And I have the feeling it will. A teenager. That is something Zoah has never done battle with before.”

“They’ll be OK though? I can trust him to look after her?”

“That's one thing you can depend on him for. He won't let anything happen to her.” He finally opened the door. “I will see you in about an hour. I’ll talk to Zoah, and then make breakfast.”

Serena lay still for a few minutes, going over the events that had brought them here. It was hard to believe, that only a couple of weeks ago, she had been under the control of an evil man called Samuel. Now here she was, pregnant and in love.

Then the dark shadow of Tara spoiled her daydream. Why they had to take the witch with them was beyond her, but Connor insisted. Serena slipped her hand under the pillow. Searching until her hand closed around the small rose coloured stone hidden there.

She pulled it out and examined it closely. Sometimes, if she looked at it just right, or if the light caught it in just the right place, she could see a shimmer of movement. Then it would fade so fast she thought she must have imagined it.

Overall, it looked like any other piece of rose quartz you could buy cheaply enough in a market. So why had this been locked in Samuel’s safe, and why had Tara made Zoah go and get it?

He had delayed rescuing Charlotte because of this. Afterwards, instead of handing it over to Tara, he had given it to Serena. The only thing was, they weren’t sure, if that was what Tara wanted to happen, or if they had deceived her.

Tara, just to make herself more dislikeable, could see the future. Therefore, Serena had no idea if she knew the stone had been found. Serena hoped not, something told her they would need leverage over the witch at some point, and this might just be it.

A knock at the door made her jump guiltily. She pushed the stone under the pillow, grabbed a robe, and went to open the door.

“Charlotte, I thought you would be in school.”

“I skipped it for the day.” She looked at Serena slyly. “I didn’t think you’d mind, since this is the last day I’ll be able to spend with you for a while.”

“I don’t mind at all. I was just about to take a bath.” Serena looked down; a small fluffy cat was rubbing against her legs. “Hi, Hope, I wondered where you were.”

“She loves being outside. But I think she knows something's going on too, so she’s come to say goodbye.”

“Hey, Charlotte, are you sure you’re going to be OK? You look a little upset.”

“No. I’ll be fine. I have Zoah to look after me. Although, despite the fact he’s like hundreds of years old, he still hasn’t mastered the art of tidying up after himself. I guess I’ll be on dish duty while you’re away.”

“He’ll look after you, though. Make sure no harm comes to you.”

“Now who’s worrying? I’ll be fine. Samuel is dead, and I’m back at school, life is returning to some kind of normality.”

“Speak for yourself,” Serena said, stroking her stomach.

“Wow. I still can’t get used to the idea I’m going to be an aunt. To a dragon. How cool is that?”

“I wouldn’t mind not being cool. A normal life would be nice.”

“Don't kid yourself. You love Connor, and everything about him.”

“I know, but what about this little one?”

“I hope he doesn’t breathe fire until he’s older. Can you imagine? He’ll burn the place down.”

“I don't think he will be able to change until puberty.”

“I can’t wait to see him. I asked Zoah to change for me, but he wouldn’t.”

“You saw Zoah as a dragon.”

“I know, but it was all a bit of a muddle. I asked him when he was showing me the grounds, but he refused. Then went off in a huff.”

“You’ll see Connor tonight, when we leave.”

“I know. But Zoah’s blue, and I don't know ... I just wanted to see him.”

“Charlotte, please be sensible when we're away,” Serena blurted out.

“What do you mean? I’m always sensible.”

“I know, but you’re growing up. You’re not a child anymore.” Serena looked at the young woman in front of her. The few months spent as Samuel’s captive had changed her, made her grow up too fast. She had seen things, experienced things no one ever should, yet alone a teenager.

“Oh, you mean boys? I thought I wouldn’t be interested. But there is someone...”

“Oh, Charlotte. Be careful. You should wait until you're older.”

“Serena, we’re fifteen.”

“We?” Serena asked, confused.

“Yes. Malc. He’s a boy in my class. He’s asked me on a date.”

Serena couldn’t say a word. What was there to say? You can’t date a boy; you’re the mate of a dragon. An arrogant, conceited dragon who’s wandering around like a lovesick puppy.

“Don’t look so shocked. I’m not that ugly.”

“Of course You’re not. You’re beautiful.” Serena searched for something to say, and found nothing. She had to let this play out. If there was such a thing as fate, it would play its hand and things would work out for the best. If not, Zoah was going to be the one with the broken heart. “It’s just happened so fast. You’ve only been back at school for a few days.”

“I decided ... after what happened ... you know, that I wasn’t going to hang around waiting for life to happen.”

“A date?” Serena asked, trying to forget about how Zoah would take this. “What kind of date?”

“Oh, I don’t know. A movie, I’ve never done this before. I thought you would be pleased. We can’t all have a dragon.”

Serena smiled at Charlotte, and then went to hug her. “I only want you to be happy, Charlotte.”

“That’s all I want for both of us, Serena. Isn’t it time we both had a chance at being happy.”

“Just don’t rush into anything.”

“It’s a date. I have no intention of having sex or anything.”

“I hope not, you’re so young, Charlotte. Make sure you wait for the right person.” She couldn’t say man. She wanted to say dragon. Maybe this might do Zoah some good, wake him up to what he was all too willing to lose. Yet she was torn. All she really wanted was for Charlotte to have a normal life. “But more than anything please have fun. Forget all about what’s happened.”

“That’ll be hard when you’re not here.”

“I’ll be back before you know it. I could always leave Tara here. Perhaps you could persuade her to stay behind. I wouldn’t mind at all if she didn’t come with us.”

Charlotte laughed. “There is no way she’ll stay here. Her bags are packed. In fact, I think she’s already moved them up to the top of that tower. I’m not sure if it’s the thought of going to see the other dragons, or just the fact that she can’t wait to ride on the back of your dragon. That has to be the coolest thing.”

“Argh, don’t remind me.” Serena turned away from Charlotte to hide her distaste. “It feels like she's making him cheat on me.”

“Serena, he would never do that. You need to chill a little. You do know that the more she sees how much it gets to you, the more she enjoys winding you up?”

“I know. I’m an idiot. It’s just the way she looks down on me. As though I really am a dumb whore. That it’s only because of some unknown force that Connor even gives me the time of day.”

“You are the one giving her that power over you. Let it go. She has her own reasons for wanting to go to Spellholm. And I’m damn sure it’s not to steal your dragon. She’s been planning this her whole life.”

“Her whole life? How do you know that?”

“When I was being held by Samuel, she used to come down and talk to me. Sometimes I would be asleep, but her voice would wake me, and I’d listen to her. Whatever is in Spellholm, she needs it. You and Connor, all of us, have just been a stepping stone to that.”

“And that woman would step on anything that would get her what she wants.”

“So what I’m saying is, the way she makes you feel is like the icing on a cake. She doesn’t actually mean to make a play for your dragon, but if she can make you miserable along the way, then it entertains her.”

“She is foul.”

“I think she’s jealous of you.”

“What? Why?”

Charlotte shrugged. “You have something she hasn’t, and that something is the one thing she can’t get.”

“A dragon.”

“Love," Charlotte said. "She’s lonely.”

“Don’t expect me to feel sorry for her.”

“I don’t. Now let’s not spend our last day talking about Tara.”

“You’re right.” Serena turned back to Charlotte, studying her face. “When did you get so wise?”

“I spent a long time thinking when I was kept prisoner. There wasn’t an awful lot else to do.”

“I’m so, so...”

“Stop.” Charlotte held up her hand. “No more. Let’s spend the rest of the day thinking happy thoughts.”

Hope sat purring on the bed; Serena sat down next to her, kissing the top of her head. “I am sure going to miss this little bundle of fluff.”

“Are you going to cope?”

“I thought it was you who was taking off on some stupid quest for something that doesn’t exist.”

“Zoah, we’ve been through this. I have to take the chance. And just think if it does turn out to be real, you will have the knowledge to pass on to your mate.”

“I don’t have a mate,” Zoah said, turning angrily towards Connor, fists clenched.

“Fool yourself if you need to, but I can see it in your eyes. You yearn for her. That is never going to go away.”

“No. I am going to go away instead. Far away, to live out her lifetime high on women and adrenalin. In a blink of a dragon’s eye she’ll be dead and gone, and I can return to normal.”

“I don’t think it’s that easy. She will haunt you through the rest of your life. You’ll regret it Zoah, like nothing you’ve ever experienced.”

“I’ll take my chances.”

Connor looked at the set expression on his brother’s face, and let the subject drop. Perhaps the weeks they were to spend alone together would change his mind about Charlotte. Perhaps not, but Connor had other, more pressing, things to worry about. Zoah had a few years on his side, years in which Charlotte would reach womanhood. Before then he trusted his brother not to do anything rash.

He smiled to himself. Before Zoah met Charlotte, Connor would never have thought his brother had any self-control, now he felt proud of him. At least they could go away and not have to worry about any harm coming to Charlotte. No one would dare lay a finger on her while Zoah was around.

“We leave tonight,” Connor said, taking the conversation back to the present. “Is there anything you need before I go? I have left you instructions about what needs to be done if we don't return.”