Living among the Stars (Sky Riders #2) (3 page)

             
“She is a human female, Serelath,” he chuckled as he watched his dragon inspect his mate. “Kelly, this is Serelath, my dragon.”

              Kelly’s eyes were huge and she had gripped his arm when Serelath landed, so he could feel her trembling hand as her grip tightened. “Serelath…” she mumbled.

              He took hold of the hand gripping his arm and gently but firmly stretched it out to touch the dragon’s snout. “He’s not going to hurt you. Let him sniff your hand.”

              She struggled to pull her hand away, but he refused to let her back away. While Kelly had been at Etor’s home, she had gotten used to Rhaegos and finally realized that the big purple dragon didn’t mean any harm. He wanted her now to realize that Serelath meant no harm either and would gladly give his life to protect her.

              “No, no, please!”

              Her hand was inches away from a mouth that could quickly swallow her whole. The razor sharp teeth gleamed in the sunlight as Serelath let out a puff of white smoke that made her cough.

              “Please, just touch him. I promise he will not hurt you,” he encouraged her.

              She looked up to him then back at the rounded, orange nose. Her fingers grazed the very tip then inched upwards. He let go of her hand when he saw a smile begin to form on her face. She took a step closer and let her hand travel up Serelath’s snout. It glided up over his eyes and back down to rub his cheek.

             
I wish she would touch me like that
, he said to Serelath.

              The dragon purred and closed his eyes as the hand caressed his face. There was no doubt in his mind that Serelath had accepted Kelly without a second thought.

              “I never expected his scales to feel so soft. I was sure they would be hard and pointy,” Kelly said as she stared at the dragon.

              “Their scales are actually their armor. It can sustain a great deal of damage before it will fail. That’s probably happened to the four that died in the battle. It is a great loss when one of the dragons dies much less four.” Sadness filled him with the thought of the dragons that perished while protecting the people of Qetera.

              Kelly let her hand fall to her side. “Can he change his size like Rhaegos can?”

              “Yes. All the dragons are virtually the same except for their coloring which is distinct to a dragon. No dragon ever has the same exact pattern or coloring as another.” Serelath sniffed the air around them then puffed out more smoke. Kharis chuckled as he looked Serelath in the face. “I think he is growing impatient. Come, I will help you up.” He reached for her hand and was surprised when she jerked it back.

              “What…what do you mean? I got to get on him?” The color drained from her face and her voice shook.

              “Of course! He is our ride. It’s much quicker to let Serelath take us up to my home.” He reached for her again and took her shaking hand in his larger one. “I promise to hold on to you.”

              Kelly looked back and forth between the dragon and Kharis. She swallowed nervously then nodded her head. Hesitantly, she stepped forward until he was able to clasp her around her tiny waist and lift her up onto Serelath’s back. He quickly followed suit and pulled himself up behind her. He scooted forward until her buttocks her touching his inner thighs then he wrapped his arms around her.

              “Wha…what do I hang on to?” She tried to turn to look at him.

              “Do you see those two reddish orange scales? Take hold of those tightly.”

              “Won’t that hurt him?” She did as he directed her and took hold of the scales.

              “Not at all. That’s why they are there. Ready?” he whispered in her ear.

              “I guess so.”

              He nudged Serelath in the sides to let him know they were ready. In one fluid movement, they were up in the air and flying. They climbed higher and higher until Serelath was gliding through the lavender clouds that hung low over the city. He felt Kelly’s tense and ridged body slowly let go of some of the tension she was consumed with. Looking over her shoulder, he saw that her knuckles were white from gripping the scales so hard. Cautiously, he slid his hands over hers and rubbed them.

              “Just relax,” he said in her ear. Gods, she smelled wonderful! Her scent filled his senses as her hair blew in his face. He closed his eyes and inhaled the fresh, womanly scent. It didn’t bother him that her face was covering his face as they flew. If it were up to him, he would stay this way forever.

              Serelath’s massive orange wings waved up and down periodically to keep them soaring through the air. It was cooler higher up in the mountains, but he welcomed the chill on his heated body. Kelly squirmed somewhat in front of him and unconsciously rubbed her rear end on his cock, making it instantly hard.

              “Would you please stop squirming so much?” He said after he brushed her hair to the side so he could speak into her ear.

              She slightly turned her head so she could see him out the corner of her eye. “I’m trying not to move, but I’m afraid I am going to slide off.”

              “Little one, I promise you will not slide off. What I can’t promise is not taking you right here on Serelath’s back if you don’t sit still!”

              “What are you talking…Ohhhh,” she said. Almost instantly, her body became ridged again and pulled slightly away from his.

              He had to laugh at her desperate attempt to extract herself from his touch. She sat up straighter so she was no longer leaning against his chest. Thankfully, they were almost to his home because he didn’t know how much longer he would be able to control himself with her in his arms.

              “Do you see that mountain right over there?” He pointed in front of her at the chain of mountains that graced the landscape. When she nodded he said, “That’s where my home is.”

              “Your home is on the mountain?” she asked.

              “Yes, I built it there so that Serelath could have the freedom of living in one of the numerous caves the mountain hides. He is also much closer to the other dragons and his parents.”

              “Wow,” she replied.

              Serelath flew straight for the peak of the mountain. As they drew closer, his home came into view. He’d only been gone since that morning, but he had a feeling of completeness fill him as he returned to his home with his mate. The gods saw fit to give him his true life mate, the one he would do anything for, even die for. All he had to do now was convince her that she was made for him and the gods made them for each other.

Chapter 3

              Kelly sat in awe as they flew closer to Kharis’ home. It was a beautiful two story home built directly into the side of the mountain. Part of it actually hung over the side of a sheer drop off that didn’t seem to have an end. Lights filled numerous windows as Serelath flew close enough for her to see movement coming from inside. They flew past the grand house only to circle quickly back around for Serelath to land on a balcony that stretched out over the seer drop.

              With stylish grace and ease, the immense dragon touched down on the firm ground of the balcony. Kharis slid of its back then reached up to help her down. She turned quickly to speak to Serelath while he watched the interaction.

              “Serelath?” she called out quietly. “Thank you.”

              Serelath bent his massive head to her as a form of respect. She reached out to touch his snout again and received a loud purr in return. Serelath gave them both one last glance then dove over the edge of the balcony. She rushed forward to lean over the railing and find the dragon twisting and flipping as he soared through the air.

              “Show off!” Kharis shouted into the air.

              Kelly laughed at the pair’s antics. It was amazing to see such a wild creature be so gentle and have a personality all its own. She could stand there forever watching the grace dragon fly through the air then disappear beyond tips of the mountains in the distance.

              “Where is he going?” she asked.

              “Probably to hunt. It takes a lot to fill him up!” He stood next to her as she gazed out over his city. “Do you like your new home?”

              She immediately tensed up but refused to look at him. “This is not my home. I don’t have a home of my home yet.” She heard him emit a low growl before he spoke again.

              “Until the danger has passed, this is your home. I will not allow Zol’tsa or anyone else to harm you. The people in my city do not know of you yet, but I can grantee they will adore you.”

              She shook her head in frustration. How was she ever going to get him to realize she didn’t want a mate? All she wanted to do was live her new life in peace.
No, you don’t! You know you are attracted him!

              She ignored her arguing mind and stepped away from the railing. “Can we go inside? I am feeling tired and would like to take a nap,” she lied. She really wanted to get away from Kharis. The more he spoke to her about being his mate or wanting to be with her, the more her body responded. If he only knew how her body had reacted while sitting between his massive thighs, he would no doubt believe she wanted him, especially when she felt his rock hard cock pressing into her back. Judging by what she felt his cock had to be immense.

              “Are you coming?”

              She looked up at Kharis, who had moved a few feet away from her. “What did you say?”

              “I asked you if you were coming. Inside?”

              “Oh! Yes!” One last glance over her shoulder gave her a quick sighting of the dragon again. Following Kharis inside, she was glad to be inside where it was a bit warmer. Shew would definitely have to find a sweater or something she said to herself as she rubbed her chilled arms.

              Kharis lead her through a room that resembled a living room. It was a spacious room with all the colors blending nicely together in rich Earth tones. A dark green sofa sat in front of a fireplace that was currently unlit. The terra cotta colored floor was covered in certain areas with rugs that depicted scenes of dragons flying over the mountains. Two off white chaise loungers sat cattycorner from each other across from the sofa. In the middle stood a beautiful stone coffee table. It had to weigh a ton, but it fit the room perfectly. Above her head hung two ceiling fans that slowly spun.

              Her eyes took in everything in the room, but when her eyes came across the doorway, they stopped. Beyond the door in darkened room she could see a bed, an enormous bed. Her heart skipped a beat as she guessed whose room she was currently in.

              “Is this your room?”

              “Yes, it is. Now it’s your room,” he responded as if she wouldn’t have a problem with his answer.

              “And where will you be staying?” She knew she wasn’t going to like his answer.

              “In here of course! Where else would I stay?”

              That’s it! She was out of here. She stormed to the only other door in the room and flung it open. She had no idea where she was going but just took a right when she exited the room. Her shoes clicked on the floor as she walked as fast as she could down the long hallway. Behind her, she heard her ever present shadow closing in on her. She was just about to bolt when he suddenly gripped her arm and spun her around.

              “Where do you think you are going?”

              She could see the anger in his eyes as he stared down at her. Two could play at this game. “I refuse to stay in the same room with you! I will find a room of my own!” She jerked her arm to get him to release but failed. “Let me go!”

              His violet eyes had turned to a dark blue as his anger grew. At least she thought it was anger. She was nervous with him looking at her like that, but she wasn’t about to let him know that. No man, alien or not, was going to intimidate her and get away with it.

              Defiantly she raised up on her tiptoes so that she could more level with him, which was actually pointless since he towered over her. “Well?” she said and looked down at her arm then back up to him. What happened next she never expected.

              Kharis’ eyes darkened to they were almost black right before he lifted her up and pinned her to the wall with his body. She was so stunned that she didn’t even have time to cry out before his mouth covered hers.

              His kiss was rough and demanding. His tongue forced its way into her mouth when she dared to try and speak. The taste of him filled her senses and made her blood boil. She whimpered into his mouth when she felt his hand move up to caress the side of her breast through her shirt. She was virtually powerless to pull away. Did she even want to pull away?

              As suddenly as the kiss began, it ended. He still held her up against the wall as his eyes roamed over her. Her heart hammered in her chest as he stared at her as if he could see directly into her soul. His eyes had lightened again and were almost back to their normal color. When he licked his lips, she automatically did the same thing.

              “You drive me insane with need, little one.” His voice was deep and husky.

              She could tell he wanted her. Wanted her right there in the hallway, but she couldn’t let that happen. The best thing for her to do was to get away from him. As far away as she possibly could.

              “Put me down…please,” she asked.

              He granted her request and stood her back on the floor. She side-stepped him to get out of his arms and put some distance between them. Hell, what was she supposed to do now? She had no idea where anything was in the house and didn’t want to scare any of the people that might live there and have them thinking she was an intruder. The best she could do at the moment was wait and see what Kharis planned on doing.

              “Are you hungry?” he asked finally.

              She nodded her head. “I’m starved.”

              “Come this way.” He didn’t try to touch her when he walked past her. She breathed a sigh of relief then turned to follow him.

              As she followed close behind Kharis, she took in as much of the house as she could. It was a lovely home that anyone would be proud to live. From what she could tell, the house was made out of all natural materials. Stones, cut to size, were cemented together to form the walls, as well as the floor. Overhead, she saw wooden beams crisscrossing every which way to hold up the roof. A pleasing breeze could be felt moving through the hallway as they walked. She wondered where it came from but didn’t want to strike up a conversation with him.

              More art hung on the stone walls while scattered pieces of furniture popped up here and there until they reached a set of curving stairs. The hallway opened up into a broad expanse of open air. Below her, she could see a fountain that bubbled away in the middle of the center point of the house. Light from a huge sky light above filtered down into the room, making the small crystals in the stone wall glitter.

              “Wow!” She couldn’t help herself as she gawked at the spectacle. Kharis was half way down the stairs before she noticed he had left her standing at the top. She gripped the wooden railing and let her hand slide over it as she descended the stairs. Reaching the bottom, she looked back up to take in the view from below. It really was a breath taking sight.

              She followed quietly behind Kharis as he led her through the bottom portion of the house. They passed quickly through what had to be another living room but much, much big and decorated in the same manner as the one in his room. She was so consumed in her surrounding that she didn’t notice when he stopped, causing her to blow into the back of him.

              “Oops! Sorry,” she mumbled. Was that anger in his eyes now? His mouth was set in firm frown when he turned around.

              “The food room is in here. Marta can fix you something to eat. I have some business I need to take care. I will be back to retrieve you in a short while.” He didn’t wait for her to respond before he turned and left the room.

              Yep, he was angry with her. Now he knows how she feels. 

******

              “How are things so far, brother?” Etor asked.

              “Did you really have to ask?”

              Etor couldn’t contain the laughter that spilled out of his mouth as his took in his brother’s face. “That bad?”

              “She is going to be the death of me, but there is no way I can resist her. She is my true life mate, only she doesn’t agree.” He ran his hand through his hair in frustration. He left her in the food room so that he could inform his brother that they arrived safely in Ashme.  With all the recent danger, none of them wanted to take the chance of not knowing where the other was. “How did Maggie take it when she found out her friends were gone?”

              “Let’s just say she wasn’t too happy at first. I managed to change her mind.” Etor had a wicked gleam in his eye as he spoke.

              Kharis knew exactly how his brother changed his mate’s mind. It was something he wanted to do so badly. His cock was painfully right at the current moment and he had no way to relieve himself. Sure he could use his hand, as he did numerous times before, but it wouldn’t satisfy his need. He needed to be able to sink his cock in her pussy and feel her muscles wrap around him as he pounded into her.

              “I’ll keep in contact. Report any suspicious activity you or anyone else might see. At this point, we cannot let our guards down.” Etor’s face turned serious.

              “I will. I’ll talk to you in a couple of days.” Kharis nodded at his brother then cut the transmission.

              What was he going to do now? He wasn’t quite ready to go back and escort Kelly to their room. He needed more time to process his thoughts while he was away from her. A drink, that’s what he needed at the moment.

              The cabinet containing his collection of liquor was nestled in the corner of his office in a tall wooden piece of furniture made by his grandfather. He didn’t bother to keep it locked since trusted his staff not to steal from him. They all knew the consequences would be harsh if anyone were caught. Opening the glass door, he pulled out an amber colored bottle that contained his favorite drink. The aroma of the clear liquid filled his nostrils as it sloshed into the glass. He quickly tossed the fiery drink to the back of his throat and swallowed. The burn felt good going down then hit his stomach. He sucked in air through his clenched teeth as the burn slowly subsided.