Jonah & Aubrey's Story (Uoria Mates IV Book 8) Page 8

  The women they marched out on to the stage were of varying sizes and shapes. Some old and some young, but nothing worth the fanfare this had. Just typical human females. My curiosity was killing me so I sought out one of the auction keepers near the side of the stage.

  “Hey, what’s so special about these women? You must have the whole town here.”

  “These are just the appetizers. The best is always saved for last.” stated the harker.

  “Oh yeah, then what’s desert?” playing along with this jackass.

  “Master Harlock’s greatest capture yet. Something so rare you won’t believe me till you see her. A female dragon.” said the harker, with a smile so big you could see every rotten tooth in his head.

  I rocked back on my heels, with a stunned expression on my face. No way had I just heard this moron correctly. But he just stood there grinning like an idiot so it had to be true.

  All these years of searching, I had never had even the barest of a trace of a female and these mongrels find one. Dragons used to be as plentiful as the stars, till one clan got greedy and started the bloodiest war in history. Many were killed and the females with children were sent into hiding. After the war, the slavers had continued the decimation with their damn auctions. Greedy bastards.

  I made my way over to the podium the auctioneer was using. If it was true that they had a female dragon, I wanted to make sure I saw her.

  As the sun hit noon, they brought out the most stunning creature I had ever seen. The crowd went silent as this goddess was lead across the stage in nothing but delicate gold chains that started at her shoulders and wrapped around her full breasts, then fell in layers to her waist. Now I knew why they had waited till that time of day. The gold highlights in her flaming red hair shimmered as the sun shone down on her, bathing her in radiant light. The chains seemed to make her pale skin glow as they brought her to the middle of the stage where a pedestal was set up and once she was in position the crowd erupted in activity. She never once reacted to the noise, making me think they had her drugged. Guess the keepers feared for their safety after all, seeing as how dragons were known for their tempers.

  The auctioneer was having a difficult time trying to keep up with all the bids and the price just kept rising. None of that mattered to me though. Let the bastards spend their money. I didn’t care who won, because they would either give her to me or meet their death. Either way she was mine!

  By the time the auction was complete it was late afternoon and the winner was brought up on stage to claim his prize. The pompous fool had made a grand show of lifting the chains and feeling her breasts, much to the excitement of the crowd. It took everything I had not to kill him right then and there. But I did console myself with the fact that he would die by my hand and very soon.

  After his little show, he left the stage to pay the auction master and she was taken to the holding area. There her chains were replaced with a thin dress that hung to the ground. I guess ten million deneras wasn’t enough for them to include the gold. She was then escorted to his entourage, were her owner put a thick metal collar around her neck. Even with all this going on she still hadn’t reacted. I’m not sure she was even blinking. I made sure to keep a close eye on her because in that state she would be an easy target for that asswipe. I would never be able to forgive myself if he did anything else to her.

  When they left town to make the journey home, I followed as close as I could without being noticed. To them I was just another shadow in the lush forest we were passing through. I was glad to see that she rode in a different transport than her owner. When night fall presented, they stopped to setup camp. When everything was completed an older female servant took my beauty out of the transport and lead her to a tree, where she attached a chain to her new collar. They had her chained like a fucking animal. Everything in me was screaming kill him. NOW! But I had to control it, she was in danger if I went off half-cocked. So, I got comfortable and made my plans for later that evening when most of them would be asleep.

  As the camp wound down from their meal to settle in for the night, that same female servant went to unchain my prize and lead her into his tent. When the servant left is when I made my move. I came up to the back of his tent, thankful that it was close to a bush that would hide most of my movement. I was right against the tent wall when I heard him talking to himself about how much he was going to enjoy her. Yeah right, that was never going to happen. Making a small cut into the fabric, I saw that I had a clear path. One good thing about waiting was that he was so preoccupied with her standing in front of him that he never heard me coming. It was over too soon for my taste but time was a factor. One clean slice across the throat and she was mine!

  Aleeka

  That little mealy-mouthed bastard got me before I even realized he was there. How had he gotten past the traps and alarms? Damn coward, had to dart me with God only knows what. It felt like my brain was trying to crash through my skull. As soon as I can see straight I’m going to blast that fucker straight to kingdom come.

  Why am I so cold, did I die? Maybe that dart wasn’t a tranq but something else. No, if I was dead I wouldn’t be in pain. Come on wake up already. If only everything would stop moving and spinning.

  “Come on sweet, wake up.”

  That’s not the voice I remember. Too deep and strong.

  “Fight it beauty, come on.”

  No, definitely different. The other was a high-pitched screech like his nuts were being squeezed or maybe that’s just what I wanted to do to him.

  “Ahhh, shit that’s cold!!” I screamed after freezing water hit my body.

  “I’m glad that finally worked, you had me worried for a minute.”

  When I tried to set up a wave of dizziness hit me and I slumped back to the ground. This time I just tried to open my eyes without moving. At first, everything was still blurry but as my eyes focused the most astounding creature came into view.

  Looking up I saw dark emerald eyes staring back at me with a look of concern. His wavy black hair hung to his broad shoulders and a scar ran under his left eye just along the cheek bone. Judging from that scar, he was very lucky it wasn’t a little higher or that eye would have been a goner. The only other male I had ever seen, besides my father, was that greedy little bastard that had captured me. I was so mesmerized by him that it took me a moment to realize he was speaking to me.

  “What’s your name?”, he asked as he snapped his fingers in my face, trying to get my attention.

  “Don’t do that, I have a freakin headache. You don’t have to make so much noise for God’s sake.”

  “Well if you had answered me in the first place I wouldn’t have had to. Now if you are done bitching can you tell me your name.”

  Now that he spoke maybe he wasn’t so mesmerizing after all. In fact, annoying was really starting to compete with my first assessment.

  “Aleeka.”

  “See, now was that so hard. My name is Galen. Here let’s try sitting up again, shall we.”

  When he touched my arm to pull me up, I felt a shock go through my body. Never had I felt anything like that, and it scared me. Who was this man?

  “Don’t touch me, again.”, I stated through gritted teeth, wanting to be far away from him.

  “Hey, I’m trying to help you. What’s your problem?”

  “You are my problem. I don’t want or need your help. Just leave me alone.”

  “Woman, you have got to be the most stubborn creature I have ever came into contact with. How the hell am I your problem? I saved you, bring you to a safe place and then try to help you recover. I just don’t get you.”

  “How do I know you’re not the one who paid that scum for me in the first place, huh? You expect me to what just wake up like sleeping beauty and be grateful for everything you have done for me. I don’t know you from Adam, and I sure as hell don’t trust you. I don’t even know where I’m at and …”, that is when I decided to look down.

  “WHAT THE
FUCK AM I WEARING!?”, as I stared in horror at the thin gown that covered my body. Well the fabric was still there, but cover it did not. Since it was drenched in water you could see every detail of me through the transparent slip. At my discovery, he also looked down and I noticed a slight smile lift the corner of his full lips.

  “Don’t worry sweet, I’ve seen it before, you don’t have to be so upset.”

  “You what? How have you seen me before?”, my anger starting to boil over. “What did you do while I was out? If you touched me so help me I’ll kill you! I w…”.

  “How dare you accuse me of such a thing?”, Galen thundered at me, a look of pure insult washing over his features, making him look like an avenging angel. “I saw you at the slave auction when they paraded you up on stage in nothing but gold chains and you were the star attraction. Afterwards as the man that bought you placed you in his caravan, I made sure to follow you. When they stopped for the night, I snuck in to his tent, where I might add he was preparing to fuck you, slit his throat and stole you for myself.” taking a breath and grabbing my chin so that I would be looking up at him he continued, “Hear me and hear me well fiery one, I don’t take kindly to my honor being questioned. When I touch you, it will not be while you are drugged, you will come to me willingly and it will be my name you shout to the heavens.”

  With that he turned and walked over to the camp he set up, leaving me sitting on the ground in a shocked stupor. I had been auctioned off like a piece of property, and almost raped. I couldn’t hold back the tears as they started slipping down my cheeks. Hell, I didn’t even try.

  Galen

  I was so pissed when I walked back to the campfire that I felt like I could have split a boulder in half just by looking at it. That is until I heard this tiny sound. It was so low that it took me a second to recognize it but when I did, my heart shattered.

  I looked back to where I had left Aleeka on the ground, to see her curled up with her knees to her chest, sobbing. She was trying to be so quiet but I saw her frame shake with every breath. I shouldn’t have been that harsh with her. Damn, I am such an idiot; how could I just throw it in her face like that. She had every right to be suspicious of me, I would have been if the tables had been reversed.

  Looking through my pack I found an extra blanket and walked over to her. Kneeling beside her I place the blanket over her beautiful body. “I’m sorry precious, I shouldn’t have done that.”

  When I touched her shoulder, she turned and looked up at me. Hearing her crying was one thing but to see her golden eyes wet with tears and her pale cheeks flushed from her sobs, I was hit with such pain in my chest that I almost doubled over. Then she surprised me by throwing her arms around my neck and putting her head on my chest. I held her against me as tightly as I could without hurting her. Picking her up I made my way over to the campfire and nestled down on my own blanket with her in my lap. I held her, rubbing her back until she had cried herself out.

  Suddenly she looked up from her place on my chest, looking deep into my eyes, then moving to my neck and inhaling deeply. A few seconds later Aleeka raised her head, confusion clouding her eyes.

  “Yes little one, I’m the same as you. Have you never met another dragon before?”, I asked, her eyes widened even more as she shook her head.

  “No. I was very young when my father left for the war. He never returned.”, she said softly. “Mother and I stayed hidden in our mountain home until she too passed away. She grieved for my father till her last breath.”

  “I have often heard of that in mated pairs. Were you still young when she passed?”

  “She held on as long as she could to make sure I could fend for myself. It has been two years now that I have been alone.”, lowering her head as if the tears might come back.

  “That will not happen again, you are mine now. I will take care of you.” I put my fingers under her chin to raise her face to mine. Staring into the beautiful golden depths of her eyes, I lowered my lips to gently taste of hers. When I made contact, she let out a tiny squeak of surprise. Slowly, I increased the pressure until her succulent lips opened to me. I lightly let my tongue trace the inside of her bottom lip, and was rewarded with the sweetest sound I had ever heard. At her little moan, a growl of pure masculine approval surged from my chest. I wanted her, to taste her, to feel her writhing under me. I could feel my dragon just under the surface, urging me to take what was mine, to claim her for us both. Moving from her lips, I left a trail down the side of her neck. The scent of her was driving me crazy, her dragon was close too. I lightly nipped where her shoulder met her neck then I felt her hands on my chest pushing me away. When I pulled back it was not desire that greeted me in those glowing eyes but fear.

  I let her pull away from me and stand. She backed away with confusion and fear still etched on her face.

  “What are you doing to me?”, she whispered as she moved.

  “Aleeka, I didn’t mean to frighten you. Come here darling.”, as I stood up, I held my hand out to her but she backed away further.

  “No, stay back.”, her eyes wide as she looked at me.

  Maybe I had been rougher than I though. She seemed to have been enjoying it, could I have read her that wrong?

  “Baby, tell me what’s wrong. Did I hurt you? Talk to me.”, I pleaded with her. The last thing I wanted was her terrified of me.

  “I don’t understand…”, she softly answered, “how I feel when you touch me.”

  As understanding dawned on me, I walked over to her and this time she held her ground.

  “Sweet one, your body is responding to mine. It is preparing for our mating. There is nothing to be afraid of, I promise.”, as I stoked her cheek. For all her fire and spirit, I had forgotten to take into account just how innocent she was. How secluded her life had been.

  “How about something to eat, huh? Sound good?”, as I reached for her hand. To say I was happy when she put her delicate, little hand in mine and allowed me to lead her back to the blankets, would be a complete understatement.

  “I don’t suppose you have anything else that I could wear, do you?”, she asked with a shy smile on her tender lips. I nodded and dug through my pack to find something.

  “I’ll be back in a moment, I’m going to find something for supper. You can change while I’m gone, okay.”

  I returned to find her stoking the fire and dressed in the clothes I had given her. I had to hold back a chuckle at the sight of her in my pants and shirt. The poor thing was drowning in my outfit but at least she was dry and warm. When she saw me approach she turned and smiled. I’m still not sure if that smile was for me or for the wild hog I had managed to bring back for supper but I wasn’t about to overthink it.

  Aleeka

  I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until the smell of the roasting hog hit me. My mouth was watering by the time Galen carved me up some of the meat. Oh My God, the taste was astounding, I had never had meat so tender and juicy before. My manners entirely left when that first piece hit my tongue and the juice slid down my throat. I actually growled when he accidently got too close to my plate. Where the hell had that come from? Luckily a broad grin broke out on his face and he brought me more food. When I was so full I felt like I was going to pop I finally let him have the plate back.

  “I’m sorry about my manners”, as I licked the juice from my fingers, still relishing the taste, “I can’t believe I growled at you.”

  “You have nothing to apologize for precious, you were starving. Hell, most of the dragons I knew would have taken a chunk out along with the growl.”, he declared while smiling at me. “Just let me keep my fingers and I’ll feed you whenever you want.”

  “I can live with that, I suppose.”, as a laugh bubbled up in me. It felt good to laugh and to see him laugh. I was glad to leave the intensity of earlier behind and just relax. Galen seemed to realize that I needed time to work through my feelings first. And he did everything in his power to put me at ease.

  I could list
en to Galen talk about the places he had been and things he’d seen for hours. Even though I didn’t know what some of the stuff he was talking about really was, it was fascinating to hear about it. I laughed the most at some of the antics he and his pals had pulled while in training camp for the war.

  Finally, the food and lightheartedness got to me and I was stifling a yawn.

  “Come here sweet, lay down and rest. I won’t do anything but lay beside you alright.”, as he stretched out on the pallet and lifted the blanket for me to curl up next to him.

  Laying next to him, his scent seemed to permeate my senses. It was spicy and male, of trees and something that was just him. It comforted me and overwhelmed me all at the same time. Earlier when he was kissing me it felt so good, too good. Then when he bit my lower neck, I felt my dragon right under my skin. She hadn’t done that in years. In fact, it was only since my capture that I had even felt her again. I knew that she wanted Galen but I didn’t understand what she wanted with him. Mother had never discussed such things with me, most of the time she was only physically there, her mind was back when father was still alive. I was so afraid of the way he made me feel, and of the heat that spread over my body. If I did mate with him what would he do to me? Would I even want to? My dragon was screaming yes, let him have you, surrender to him. But my mind kept saying no, I will not be owned.

  **

  I awoke with a start the next morning. It took a minute to get my wits about me and when I realize Galen wasn’t beside me or in the camp I started to panic. He hadn’t left me, had he? No, his stuff was still here, that was a good sign, right? When I heard a twig break off to my right, my dragon chose that moment to make a decision, and spit a column of fire in that direction. That was not the best decision she could have made. Especially when I heard who was on the receiving end of that fire.

  “WHAT THE EVER-LOVING FUCK!!!”, Galen screamed as he walked into view, his clothes still smoking in places. He was darkened head to toe from the flames but thankfully not otherwise hurt. A little singed yes, but not hurt.