Violca's Dragon (15 page)

Violca put the book away earlier. She had flipped through it and come across a section that talked about other females who had a healing touch. Reading the passage triggered memories of her sisters and AnnaBelle always telling her that she had a magic touch.

Violca also read about times they had run into other people who had different abilities and gifts. Some of them were good, others were bad. Her ancestors learned to be weary of others and trust their instincts. Everyone had the potential to be good or bad but her ancestors believed that individuals should be judged on their own actions not the group or race.

Smiling, she can hear Angyalka’s high-pitched squeal, and she looks out the window. Sari is the first one she sees, followed quickly by Angyalka. Slowly, one by one, they all appear. Going out on to the porch she smiles. “So, did you guys catch dinner?”

Brandon snorts. “Of course.”

Eva winks. “Kati caught the biggest fish.”

Raising an eyebrow, she looks over at Kati who blushes. “She did, did she?” Looking over at Chase, she smiles. “I thought you were going to help Angel catch the biggest fish?”

Chase grins. “Well apparently Kati had better skills.”

Brandon comes up the stairs with the cooler of fish. Violca grins at them. “I made you potato salad and baked some brownies for dessert tonight.”

“How about I cook the fish since you cooked breakfast?” Scott asks.

Brandon shrugs. “Are you a good cook?”

Scott grins. “I know my way around fish.”

Violca heads back in the house, quickly followed by Eva and Kati. “So did you read the book?” Eva asks quietly, once they are away from everyone.

Looking over her shoulder, noticing how the guys are all outside drinking the last of the beer from one of the coolers, Violca replies, “I read some of it. It seems so unbelievable, but…” her voice trails off, now wondering what her sisters will think when she admits that a part of her believes in what she is reading.

Eva seems to sense her thoughts and smiles at her. “It’s hard to believe and I know some of my memories are clouded, but I don’t ever remember Mom lying to us. She just always seemed to be…”

“More,” Kati finishes for her.

Chase listens from the porch. Scott and Eryk already guessing what he is doing, keep most of the conversation going. A part of him wonders what is unbelievable. What is in that book he cannot read? Did they not know what they are? Can it be possible that the earth witches who are expected to be able to find and unleash the power of the Dragon Ruby do not even know what they are?

There is a faint smell of magic coming from inside the house. Chase can tell that Scott and Eryk also smell it. While Scott preps the fish for dinner, Eryk announces he is going to take a quick walk. Chase nods at him, knowing he is going to do a quick perimeter check since they have not done one since early that morning.

When he sees Violca is in the kitchen by herself, he smiles and walks over to her. Wrapping his arms around her, he puts his head in the crook of her neck and inhales deeply, loving the way she smells. He can feel her tense up, but she looks around and realizes that they are alone and then he can feel her relax against him. “Did you have fun with Sari and Angyalka while fishing?”

Chase snorts and he can feel her shoulders shaking with silent laughter. “Oh, you find that funny do you?” When she nods, he tickles her sides, biting back a moan when she twists and turns in his arms, the sound of her laughter filling the air.

When Violca finally frees herself from his arms, she turns and looks at him. Her violet eyes sparkle up at him as her lips curve in a smile. Chase wraps his arms around her, pulling her close. Giving into temptation, he kisses her gently.

Violca pulls back, blushing. Chase sees her bite her lower lip, and says, “I think your sisters are still in their rooms.”

Violca looks a little sheepish. “Sorry, since my parents passed away I…”

Chase grins, bringing his hand up to push a stray hair back behind her ear. “Don’t apologize. I think it’s amazing you kept your sisters together.”

Hearing a throat clear behind him, Violca jumps and Chase looks over his shoulder to see Brandon in the doorway. “Scott says the fish is almost done. V, would you mind bringing out a plate?”

Violca smiles at Brandon when she sees him raise his eyebrow. She knows he was probably watching from the outside. She can’t tell if Brandon is happy or not by the development, but she knows they will talk about it later. “Sure, I’ll be right out.”

Reaching in the cabinet, Violca goes to take the plate outside and feels Chase walking right behind her. “So, what is the story between you and Brandon, if you don’t mind me asking?”

Violca looks at him over her shoulder. “Are you asking if he’s seen me naked?”

Chase smiles at her, and Eva comes outside with them, having obviously heard her answer. “Oh, Brandon and Violca both played, ‘I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.’”

Kati laughs and Violca is suddenly aware of everyone’s eyes on her. She glances at Chase and notices that out of everyone he is the only who doesn’t look amused. Brandon laughs. “Violca you told your sisters about that.”

Violca rolls her eyes, bringing the plate to Scott, smiling politely at him when he takes it. “We were almost nine years old and we did not play that game, despite the many times he begged.” Looking over at Brandon, she said, “I did not tell her, by the way, they probably have some weird memory of hearing you.”

Brandon laughs hard. “Quit lying, V.”

Everyone laughs and she notices even Chase is chuckling. Eryk grins. “So, how long have you two known each other?”

Violca grins when Brandon answers, “Forever.”

Scott, piling up the fish, asks, “How did you meet?”

Violca speaks up before Brandon can answer. “He rode his bike back and forth in front of our house until my mom finally took pity on him and invited him inside to eat cookies.”

Brandon gives her a serious look. “The entire neighborhood could smell your mom baking cookies. I was just the only one smart enough to make sure I got some.”

Laughing, Violca heads back in the house, Eva and Kati following her to get the rest of the items for dinner. Calling out for the two younger girls, they bring everything outside. Violca smiles, watching how the two younger ones insert themselves around the guys. They all laugh throughout the dinner, the girls keeping them entertained as they eat.

After everyone finishes eating, Violca smiles as the guys help clean off the outside table while Eva and Kati do the dishes. Violca sits on the floor with Sari and Angyalka while Brandon grabs a game of Candy Land for them to play. Eryk and Chase join them around the table, and Violca smiles when Sari and Angyalka sit next to them and instantly give them their version of how to play.

Scott sits back in one of the window seats, watching everyone. A small smile appears on his lips when Angyalka tells Chase he is doing something wrong. He glances back toward the kitchen, watching Eva and Kati as they clean the dishes. Scott does not have a ton of interaction with teenagers outside of Eryk and his friends, but the few girls that occasionally hang out with them always seem spoiled and he doubts they would help out so easily.

Noticing that they are almost done with the dishes, Scott gets up and walks out the back door to his tent. He reaches into his bag, pulling out the deluxe set of pencils and charcoals. Not sure if Kati will take it or not, he runs his fingers through his hair. Scott cannot understand why he is so nervous. She is a kid still, he should not be nervous. He has plenty of experience with girls. Definitely more experience than she’s had with boys.

Walking back into the house, he sees Kati putting away the last of the dishes. Taking a deep breath, he heads toward the kitchen and stands on the other side of the bar from her. When Kati turns and looks at him, her eyes widen in surprise before a small blush spreads on her cheeks.

For a moment Scott debates about what to say to her. “Eryk said you like to draw.” Kati nods and he sees the confusion on her face. Putting the pencil and charcoal set on the bar top, he slides it over to her, noticing her eyes growing wide in surprise before she smiles at him. “I thought you might like these.” He finishes lamely, wondering where all his experience with the opposite sex went.

Kati picks them up, at first not saying anything. When he starts to get nervous, she suddenly comes around the bar and gives him a quick hug. “Thank you so much. I was looking at some just like these the other day, how did you know?”

Scott hears some chuckling behind him and knows Chase is there. He stammers before answering, “Just a lucky guess,” and walked back toward the window seat.

Scott notices Chase watching him. He can still feel Kati standing exactly where he left her. Scott feels like a giant ass, but can’t figure out what to say to her. What the hell did one say to a teenage girl? Since interacting with the girls they are under the impression that none of the sisters know about shifters. How is he supposed to explain about imprinting? That fate has chosen this young girl to be his mate and she has the choice to accept him or not. Whether or not she chooses him, this young girl will be the only one for him.

Violca sees Kati head to her bedroom shortly after Scott walks back to the window seat. Sari picks up the card and jumps up and down when she wins. Clapping her hands, telling her good job, she sees Kati come out of her room with her sketchpad before curling up on the corner of the couch. Looking at the clock she smiles. “Okay girls, why don’t you go change your clothes so I can tuck you both into bed?”

Both girls pout but instantly go around the room, hugging everyone. Violca tries not to laugh as she watches the surprise on the guys’ faces as the girls hug them before heading toward their room.

Giving the girls a few minutes, she goes into their room and tucks them both in, kissing each girl. “Do you want to read in bed before going to sleep?”

“Yes,” they both answer in unison. Turning on the lamp between the beds, she goes to the bookshelf and grabs a few books that she knows they both love and lets them pick which one they want to read.

“Don’t stay up too late.” Violca turns off the overhead light.

Going back into the living room, she notices that Eryk and Scott have already gone back outside. Kati is lost in her drawing on one side of the couch while Eva is curled up with one of her new books on the other side. Brandon stands up from his chair and kisses her on the cheek. “I think I am going to go to my room.”

“Night, Brandon,” Violca replies, watching him as he says good night to the other two girls and nods at Chase.

Chase slowly gets up and walks over toward her. “How would you like to go to for a walk?”

Violca nods. “Let me just put on my tennis shoes and grab a jacket.”

Going into her room, she puts on her tennis shoes then runs her brush through her hair, before pulling it back into a ponytail. Grabbing her light jacket, she heads back to the living room.

Eva looks up and smiles. “Be back before it gets too dark.”

Rolling her eyes at her sister, Violca joins Chase at the front door. She blushes when he puts his hand on the small of her back and leads her outside.

“Did you want to go grab a jacket?” Violca asks him, looking up at him.

“No, I’ll be fine. I am usually a little warm.” They walk in silence. Violca is aware of the last time they were in the woods together and her cheeks heat up.

Chase enjoys the feel of Violca’s hand in his and the comfortable silence as they walk into the woods. Looking down at her, he sees a small blush on her cheeks and realizes where Violca’s mind must have wandered. His body hardens, remembering how she responded to his touch. Clearing his throat, he says, “Brandon seems like a nice guy.”

Violca smiles and he feels a stab of jealousy as her face softens. “He is. I’ve known him forever. I can’t even count the times he has helped me while growing up or after our parents died.”

Chase squeezes her hand. Despite his twinge of jealousy, he is glad she has someone she can lean on.

“How long have you known Scott and Eryk?”

“Since Eryk was two, so almost sixteen years.” Chase leaves the part out where he found them in the woods, fighting off some humans who had found out what they were and decided to go hunting. Scott had gotten there too late to save his parents and sister. When Chase came upon them, following the strong scent of blood, he found Scott severely outnumbered and Eryk cowering behind him.

“When I met Scott he told me he was raising his brother.” Violca looks up at him as if she is trying to see if he is telling the truth.

“Their parents and sister had just passed away when I met him actually.” Violca squeezes his hand and he sees a look of sympathy cross her face. The wind blows and Chase reaches up, brushing a stray hair back behind her ear, caressing her cheek as he does. He sees her blush a little, her breath catching, and he smiles down at her. “I think it is amazing how both of you stepped up to raise your siblings.” Chase sees her bite her lip and he smiles more at her, thinking that little habit of hers is adorable. “You’re amazing with them. You should be very proud.”

“Thank you. I don’t think they will always agree, but overall I think they are happy.” Violca eyes brighten and he sees a mischievous look on her face. Unable to help himself, he bends down and brushes his lips against her, moaning softly when she leans into him.

Violca’s lips part under his and he deepens the kiss, his tongue slowly sliding into hers. Chase feels her arms slide around his neck, pulling him closer as her tongue slowly duels with his. Breaking the kiss, he puts his forehead against hers, panting.

Chase moans softly when Violca’s tongue comes out and slowly licks her lips. Her violet eyes are a little darker when she slowly opens them, meeting his gaze. He can smell her desire for him and it takes all his effort not to take her again in the woods.

Violca smiles up at him before taking his hand, turning, and walking back to the house. She leads him back to the cabin and almost sighs in relief when she sees that only a small light is left on in the living room and the different bedroom lights on.

When they get to the stairs, Violca keeps a hold of his hand and slowly leads him up to the door. Pausing before she opens it, she glances up at him, suddenly feeling nervous. Chase looks down at her and his golden brown eyes soften as he brushes her hair back. “You know we don’t have to?”

Violca heart swells at his thoughtfulness. Turning the handle, she grabs his hand and leads him to the house. She locks the door behind them and the sound of the click seems to echo. Stopping to turn off the lamp that was left on, she easily leads him through the dark to her room. Closing the door behind them, she lets out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding, glad nobody came out of their rooms.

Violca can see Chase smile and she blushes, knowing he guessed that she was relieved. She knew they all had guessed, but having it confirmed was something else entirely.

Violca walks to her window to close the curtain but Chase grabs her hand and pulls her to him. “Leave it open,” he whispers against her lips. She feels his hand sliding under her jaw, angling her head up. “You look beautiful in the moonlight,” Chase whispers before his mouth finally meets hers and Violca feels her body melt against his as his tongue slowly slides in.

Violca’s hand slides up his chest and wraps around his neck as the kiss deepens. She sucks his tongue into her mouth and hears him growl in response, causing her to body shudder, needingly. Chase breaks the kiss and kisses down her neck while his hands slide up her sides to cup her breasts. Her fingers tighten in his hair and she feels his teeth lightly scrape her neck and she moans loudly, arching her back, pressing her breasts deeper into his hands.

Chase’s thumbs slides back and forth over her nipples and she feels them harden and press harder against the material of her bra. Chase releases her breasts, moving back just enough to quickly pull her shirt up and over her head before claiming her mouth in another kiss. Violca sucks on his tongue and she feels his hand slide around her back to unhook her bra.

Violca feels it slide off and the bra is quickly replaced with his hands. She moans into his mouth, deepening the kiss. The back of her legs hit the bed and she realizes that he has been slowly moving her back. Chase lowers her, never breaking the kiss. Violca slides her hands down his chest, grabbing the bottom of his shirt. Breaking the kiss, she quickly pulls it up and over his head, tossing it onto the floor.

When his chest finally comes into contact with hers, skin to skin, they both moan. Chase nibbles on her lips before his tongue comes out and gently licks where he bit. When her lips part in a soft moan, his tongue eagerly slides into her waiting mouth. His hands slide along her chest and cup her breasts again. Violca’s breasts are more than a handful and he gently squeezes them, loving how each time he squeezes her breath catches.

Kissing his way down her neck, he dips his head until his mouth finds one of her breast. She moans when he finally takes her nipple into his mouth and sucks eagerly. His fingers gently pinch and tease her other nipple as he carefully bites on the hard nub. Chase chuckles when he feels her hand tighten in his hair and the long moan that escapes her. Releasing her nipple, he kisses his way to her other breast and teases it with his mouth. Listening to her breath increase, he growls encouragingly when her hips rock and bump up against him.