Daughter Of The Dragon Princess Read online

  Chapter 14

  When Lily awoke, daylight was streaming in through the open curtains. She lay wrapped in Mal’s arms, her legs entwined with his. As she wriggled, her body shuddered at the remembered pleasure, and she purred low in her throat.

  Someone coughed from the doorway.

  She jumped, scrambling to pull the sheet over their naked bodies. Cole stood just inside the room, staring at the two of them on the bed. She couldn’t quite understand what was in his eyes, longing perhaps. Then he blinked.

  “Why aren’t I dead?” he asked.

  Lily dragged herself into a sitting position, pulling the sheet with her. She glanced at Mal. His eyes were still closed, but she was sure he was awake. She nudged him with her toe. He ignored her. She frowned and turned to peer down at him, entranced by his beauty. The clean lines, the long sweep of his jaw, the thick lashes that lay against his golden skin like lace. His sensual mouth, normally so stern, now curled upwards. She couldn’t resist reaching out a finger and caressing the line of his lips. When they opened, her finger slipped into the moist heat of his mouth, and she shivered.

  Cole coughed again, and she withdrew her finger and turned to face him.

  “Sorry, what did you say?”

  Cole shook his head. “I’m going downstairs. I’m going to make some coffee. I expect you and Sleeping Beauty there to meet me in the kitchen with some answers in five minutes.” He paused. “Or I’m calling the cops.”

  “You are the cops,” a voice growled from beside her, and Lily smiled.

  “Well, I’m calling some more cops; lots more probably. So just be there.” Cole gave another grunt of irritation, whirled around, and stomped from the room.

  Lily turned to Mal. Inside her, something unfurled as she looked at him. Mine. The word ran through her mind. Mine forever. She bent down and kissed him with leisurely delight, her tongue slipping into his mouth, tasting. His arms came around her, pulling her down, and she pressed herself against him, wanting to imprint the feel of his body on her own. Dragging her mouth from his, she stared down into the glowing gold of his eyes. Words of love hovered on her lips, but it was too soon and she needed time to understand the feelings coursing through her. “I want you,” she murmured.

  His mouth was fiercely gentle as he took hers in a long kiss. Her body was singing when he released her lips.

  “You’re mine,” he said. “Mine for eternity.”

  Lily trembled at the words. Laying her head against his chest, she let the tears trickle from her eyes. This is what she had wanted all her life, what she had searched for and never found. To belong. Mal lifted her face and licked away the tears, then kissed her again.

  “Come on. We have to see Cole. Or he will call the cops.”

  “You could always order him back. Tell him we need half an hour. I thought he had to do what you told him.”

  “And I think I’m not going to let Cole in on that secret unless I have to. I have a strange feeling that he wouldn’t be happy. So move.”

  She sniffed. “I’ve got no clothes. Again.”

  “Wrap yourself in the sheet. We’ll pick up your things on the way down.”

  Cole sat at the big kitchen table. He’d found a clean shirt from somewhere, probably the same place she had. For a man who had taken two bullets the previous evening, he appeared amazingly well. He was drinking coffee, deep in thought, but he glanced up as they came through the door.

  “At least you’ve got some clothes on,” he muttered.

  She smiled and poured herself a coffee before sinking down into the chair opposite. “How are you feeling?” she asked.

  “Bloody marvelous, considering I was sure I was dead only twelve hours ago.” He frowned and rolled his shoulders. “Actually, I take that back. I just feel marvelous. Period. Never better, in fact.” He narrowed his eyes at Mal. “So, what the hell is going on?”

  “Well,” she said. “Mal’s a dragon, I’m a dragon princess, those men last night were sorcerers, and we opened a gateway between two worlds.” She turned to Mal, who was standing behind her, one hand resting on her shoulder as though he couldn’t bear to lose contact.

  Cole sighed. “I saw it.”

  “What?”

  “I saw the other world. Through the archway. That was it, wasn’t it? Lots of flames and smoke. Didn’t look too hospitable.”

  “Not for a human, perhaps,” Mal said. “For a dragon, it’s home.” He sat down in the chair next to her, poured himself a coffee, and topped off Lily’s.

  “You know,” Cole said, “when you first mentioned dragons, I thought I’d got mixed up with a load of nutters, some sort of cult. And those guys in their long, robey things last night just seemed to confirm it. But I saw you set fire to some guy, no weapon, nothing, and I saw that place. And…” He rubbed at his chest. “I know I took a bullet. I should be dead. And there’s nothing.” He glanced down. “Maybe a faint scar, but it shouldn’t be possible.”

  “Two bullets,” Lily said. “One went straight through. Mal took the other out, and he healed you.”

  “How?”

  “Dragon’s blood.”

  “Right. Dragon’s blood. Powerful stuff, no doubt.” He sighed. “I don’t suppose I’m going to wake up and find this is all a dream, am I?”

  He sounded so hopeful that Lily reached over and pinched him on the arm. “There. Did that do any good?”

  “No,” Cole said morosely. “I guess I’m just going to have to become a believer.” He shook his head. “Fucking dragons. What next? Fucking fairies, no doubt.” He glanced at Lily. “Sorry.” Then he gave Mal a suspicious glance. “Do fairies exist?”

  Mal lips curled into a smile. “I don’t know. I’ve never met a fairy, but I have met other things that don’t belong in your world. I think perhaps the portals aren’t just gateways between your world and ours, but between many other worlds, and that the creatures of your legends are just visitors here. So you might yet meet your fairies.”

  “Great, just great.” Cole said. “I don’t get it. If you belong in the other world, what are you doing here? Why aren’t you wherever it is that archway leads to?”

  “Ankesh,” Mal said. “I suppose you’ve earned the right to understand what you’re involved in.” He repeated the story he’d told Lily the night before. Cole listened through to the end without speaking.

  “So,” he said. “This Cara sent Lily here through time. Is that something you dragons do a lot of?”

  “Never. It’s beyond our magic. I believe she had help from the Goddess.”

  “Right, the Goddess.”

  “In our language, she’s known as ‘the Creator,’ but it translates better as ‘Goddess’ in yours. I think from what Cara said before she died that the Goddess had contacted her.”

  “And so there’s a whole load of you dragons stuck here just waiting to get home? And you’ve been waiting what, two thousand years?” He shrugged. “Is that any harder to believe than dragons?” He turned to Lily. “And you, Princess, how are you taking all this? Are you a believer?”

  “I have to be. With what I’ve seen, I can’t not believe. And let me tell you, I tried very hard.”

  “So what now? The pair of you open this portal and you all go home? Happy ever after, just like a fucking fairy tale.”

  “Not quite,” Mal said. “There are a few complications.”

  “And they are?”

  Mal stood up and paced the kitchen for a few minutes, then turned back to face them. “I’m supposed to hand over Lily to my King. He’ll take her as his mate, and together they will open the portal.”

  “Your king?” He gave Mal a look of disbelief. “That’s this Vortigen guy, in your story. The piece of shit who drove his last mate to suicide. You’d do that to Lily?” He glanced at Lily, then reached across the table and took her hand. “You okay with this?” He shook his head and answered for her. “Of course you aren’t. Don’t worry, Princess. I’m on your side. This guy’s not going to hand you
over to any megalomaniac monster while I’m around.”

  Lily heard a soft growl from behind her. She glanced up. Mal was staring at the point where Cole’s hand held hers.

  “Let go of her,” he snarled.

  Cole stood up and glanced across at Mal. His eyes widened at what he saw in the other man’s face. He’d dropped her hand when Mal spoke, but he didn’t back away.

  “Why the fuck do you care?” he said softly. “You’re planning to give her away anyway. So, better get used to some other man touching her, buddy.”

  Lily glanced between the two men. Cole stood his ground and Mal was smoldering, tiny sparks shooting from his fingertips. She smiled at Cole. “Thank you,” she said. “But there’s no need to worry. Mal’s not going to hand me over to anyone.” Cole continued to look skeptical. “Are you, Mal?”

  ***

  Mal shook himself. He couldn’t believe how close he had come to losing it there. Lily sat gazing up at him, concern clear in her green eyes.

  “Mal?” she asked.

  He forced himself to relax, eased the tension out of each muscle. Well, that had told him one thing—even if he’d wanted to, he couldn’t hand Lily over to another man. He’d probably spontaneously combust, taking the whole world with him. “No. I’m not handing her over to anyone. Lily is mine.”

  Cole searched his face, and then relaxed. “Not very politically correct. But good enough.” He sank back into his chair and picked up his coffee, took a sip, and made a face. He got up, poured it away, and poured himself a fresh cup. “Hate cold coffee,” he muttered. “Right, then, what happens now?”

  “Lily and I will open the portal for my people, and we’ll all go home.”

  “And Vortigen will be happy about this.”

  “I’m not going to lie to either of you. It will be dangerous. Many of our race have”—he paused as if searching for the right word— “mellowed during our time among humans. Vortigen hasn’t. If anything, he’s become more intractable. But we’ll find a way. We have to.”

  “I guess you can’t just take Lily away to this Ankesh place, forget about all the rest, and just leave them here.” Mal stared at him. “No, I guess not.” He sighed. “So what can I do to help?”

  “Your presence at any meeting with Vortigen would enrage him. In his eyes, it would be further proof of my weakness and unsuitability. It’s best if you return to London, but maybe you can help us out before you go. I want to lay low for a while.” Like forever. “At least until we’re sure the sorcerers have left the area. I also want time to prepare Lily, but we need supplies, clothes and food. Could you get them for us before you leave?”

  “Sure, no problem. I’ll do that this morning. But I do have one more question before I go.”

  Cole sounded almost nervous. Mal had never known him to show fear before; it was one of the things that had drawn him to the detective. “And that is?”

  “This dragon’s blood; can I expect any side effects?”

  “There may be,” he said cautiously.

  “And are you going to tell me what they are?”

  “Sure you wouldn’t just like a nice surprise now and then?”

  “I don’t like surprises. And I’m not sure ‘nice’ is the word you were looking for there. Come on, Mal—I can take it.” He paused. “I think.”

  Mal shrugged. “You’ll be stronger. You probably already are. You’ll heal faster. Not as fast as last night, but faster than a normal human would—you’re pretty hard to kill now. You’ll live longer. I’m not sure how long; I’ve never given my blood to a human before, but the aging process will be slowed.”

  “That all sounds good so far. What am I missing?”

  Lily snickered, and Mal glanced at her warningly. Cole caught the look. “Right,” he said, “I’m not leaving this room until you tell me the bit that I’m not going to like.”

  Mal sighed. “You have to do what I say.”

  “You’re kidding, right?”

  Mal shook his head. But probably a demonstration would be the only way to convince him. “Stand on one leg,” he ordered.

  Cole stood on one leg. “Fuck this,” he growled. “You have to reverse this shit.”

  “Sorry, no can do. But on the bright side, with any luck, we’ll be back on another world soon. I won’t be around to tell you what to do. And put your foot down. You look like a dickhead.”

  Cole put his foot down. “I’m out of here. I’m going to get my stuff. You have five minutes to do a shopping list, and then I’m leaving.” He strode from the room.

  Lily stood up.

  “Where are you going?” Mal asked.

  “To find a pen and paper. I need things. I need underwear.”

  Mal smiled. “No you don’t.” He pulled her to him and ran a hand down her back, under the shirt. It dipped down inside the waistband of her jeans to stroke the warm, naked skin of her bottom. “I like you like this.” She melted against him, pressing her hips against his groin and he hardened against her. Then she pulled away.

  “And chocolate,” she said. “If you want me to get ready to fight a horde of angry dragons, then I need underwear and chocolate. Otherwise it’s all off.”

  Mal released her reluctantly, his eyes not leaving her until she was out of sight. He sank down into the chair. He had to think, make some sort of plan. But maybe most of all, he had to pray. He had no expectation that Tannith would listen to his prayers, but he knew she was involved in this somewhere. He just didn’t understand how.

  It was ten minutes later when they watched Cole drive out of the gates. Mal slid his arm around Lily, pulled her against him, and kissed her.

  “We have at least two hours until he gets back,” he murmured against her lips. “Let’s go to bed.” She nodded and he lifted her in his arms and carried her cradled against his chest into the house and up the stairs.

  ***

  “Tell me about dragons,” Lily said a long time later when they lay replete among the crumpled sheets. She was sated, languorous, but not sleepy. She’d caught glimpses during their lovemaking of scales and wings and she knew she was seeing his dragon form, feeling the exultation of flying free.

  Mal lay on his back, one arm flung above his head. He appeared relaxed and she realized how tense and on edge he normally was. She ran a finger through the fur of his underarm and smiled as he twitched. A ticklish dragon. Then she traced the same finger over the golden dragon, following the lines to where she could feel the steady beat of his heart beneath her fingertip. “What’s it like to be a dragon?”

  Mal closed his eyes. When he opened them, they glowed with ruby glints. “You know what we look like. You’ve seen the marks. But it’s far more than appearance. We’re not like our human forms. We feel more than we think. That’s not to say we can’t think, just that most of the time, a dragon will act first and think later, and we very rarely regret our deeds. There’s a feeling of rightness to being a dragon.” He smiled. “Probably because we’re so close to the Goddess. Gods never question their own rights to do as they please and we don’t tear ourselves apart with questions of right and wrong as humans do.”

  “But what do you do? How do you live?”

  “Fundamentally, we want the same as humans—wealth, power…”

  “Love, happiness?”

  He smiled. “Maybe not quite the same as humans then, but we form allegiances. I have friends, brothers I would die for, who would die for me. It’s one of the things I’m counting on to help us when we face Vortigen. Not everyone will be on his side.”

  Lily shivered. Lying here, it was easy to forget what lay ahead. She rolled closer and buried her face against his warm skin.

  “So flying, tell me about flying.”

  “Flying is like making love with you. Like rising high above the Earth and exploding into a ball of fire. I’ll take you flying when we return. You can sit astride my back while I fly over the Fire Mountains.” He was quiet for a moment. “I think flying is what I miss most about A
nkesh.”

  Sadness laced his voice. Lily tried to imagine what it would be like to be cut off from your home for thousands of years. She couldn’t even begin to conceive of that sort of time. “Do you miss Ankesh a lot?”

  “Yes, but not as much as many of the dragons. Those created, rather than born as I was, will not accept their lot here on Earth. I spent my first thirteen years here with my mother Shula. I liked many things about my human form. Like eating.”

  “You don’t eat on Ankesh?” Lily was quite aware she sounded dismayed. The time thing was hard to conceive. Not eating was impossible.

  “Dragons get their energy from fire.”

  “Hardly a substitute for chocolate, though,” Lily muttered.

  He laughed. “We’ll get a supply in just for you.”

  “Sounds like it would melt.”

  “Probably.”

  She thought for a moment. “So, I couldn’t actually live on Ankesh?”

  “No, it’s why the Dragon Princesses lived on Earth. Just as we are not supposed to stay in human form long term. But you can visit. And I’ll visit you on Earth.”

  “And I’ll never know whether you’re coming to see me or coming to get a pizza.”

  He pulled her to him so she lay across his body. “You’ll know.”

  “This is getting to be a habit,” Cole said from the doorway. “As soon as my back’s turned, you jump into bed. You could at least have waited until I was on my way home.”

  Lily peered up sleepily from where she lay curled in Mal’s arms. “Did you get my chocolate?” she asked. She was obviously a little concerned about this no food in Ankesh business. She was going to make the most of Earth, just in case they ever got stranded there.