Dragon Lord (Winged Beasts Book 4) Read online

  “Now that you know everything, are you ready to come back with me? I need you Cretia. My dragon calls out for you.”

  Toreen pulled her into his embrace, kissing her until she gave in. “I liked that.” She whispered.

  Need took over as he continued to kiss her mouth both taking and giving pleasure. When he pulled back slightly, he slid his mouth down her neck. Her breath was going crazy as was her heart rate. “Do you want me?” Toreen asked. All Cretia could do was nod helplessly.

  He picked her up carrying her to the small hut. Standing her in front of him, he stripped his clothes off without a care. Next he helped her remove hers. As he lifted her and placed her on the bed, he knew he’d never look at this little hut the same way again. Now Toreen joined her on the bed. The scent of her arousal nearly drove him crazy.

  Leaning on one arm, Toreen took his other hand palming one breast as his mouth sucked on the nipple of the other breast. Cretia gasped and whimpered. Goddess, she was such a responsive female. He continued to suck and lightly nibbled on her nipples until she moaned and asked for more. Toreen did exactly that moving down further, so he could give her more.

  The delightful scent of needy female filled his schnoz as his tongue licked her from her gate to her clit. Her tangy flavor melted on his tongue as he found her entrance impaling it. Next he tongue fucked her vigorously as his fingers circled with her clit. She writhed and moaned as he sensed her climax nearing. Once she exploded he wanted it to be on his cock. Moving up her body, he got into his favorite position with his cock poised at her entrance. He pushed in as she pushed back against him to speed things up.

  “No, Mate. Let me go slowly. You’re so fucking tight it will hurt you or squeeze my seed right out of me.” She made a strangling sound and he felt a rush of her honey covering his cock.

  Impatient, she was finding it hard to wait, but he needed her to. Toreen pulled back then moved in again going forward slowly as perspiration covered his forehead. He controlled himself using all his will power because she was just so tight. Once he was fully inside, he rested a second enjoying the pleasure being inside his female caused him. Toreen started to slide in and out once more, speeding up faster and faster until he was slamming into her. Her sleeve squeezed his cock so hard he struggled to pull out. A tingle slid down his back, but he refused to climax before she had hers. She came clenching and clutching at him.

  His dragon roared and smoke came out of his nose. That had never happened in bed before. His body continued to jerk and buck even though he was sure there was no seed left to shoot. Now that she’d finally given into his sexual urging, surely that would change everything. He’d never felt so good or so full of love in his life. Finally, he was completely at peace with his mate and ready to grab life by the balls.

  “I’ll help you pack up so we can get home.” Toreen offered.

  “No. What? What do you mean?” Cretia said.

  “We’re together now. You’ll want to come home with me and we’ll mate in all ways. Right?”

  “No, Toreen. It was just sex for comfort and enjoyment. My plan hasn’t changed. I still need to figure things out.”

  “Did you not enjoy it?” He asked his face almost purple as he felt shame. No lover had ever complained, but he’d sought few out more than once.

  “It was beautiful, but it doesn’t change the situation. I’m still staying here. You took the time you needed to make your decisions and now I’m taking mine.” Cretia said and there was no give in her voice.

  “Fine.” He said abruptly and though he knew he sounded like a spoiled youngling, he felt hurt by what he saw as rejection. She was even more stubborn than he was.

  Going out to the yard naked, he changed and lifted into the sky almost straight up and was home in a short time. Few were up and about, but those that saw him quickly moved out of his way. The scent of sex was strong on his skin so no one need ask where he’d been. Yeah, he should have taken a shower first and come home dressed.

  Nothing he’d done lately was making him look like a wise leader. He was doing little right at all no matter how hard he tried. Going to his room, he showered and dried, dropping into bed and hoping for sleep that didn’t come quickly. When it finally did, he was restless all night long haunted by sweet dreams of a mate that was not truly his. So close, he could scent her need, but still she refused to submit to him.

  After that, he relived the sweet bliss his female had given him. Would he ever find that release with her again? Toreen could only hope so as he prayed the goddess would give him the strength to complete his mating. When he woke in the morning, he felt irritable. That didn’t change the next few days while he avoided her. Finally, he couldn’t stand staying away any longer so once he was done with that day’s work, he shifted in the yard and flew straight to her hut.

  How would she receive him? Would she understand how hurt he’d been or would she be angry at him? He landed in her yard where the sweet scent of her always seemed to linger, but she wasn’t there. Nor was she in the house when he looked. Toreen walked to the creek to look on the banks but she wasn’t there either.

  He heard talking and laughter further into the woods so he followed the sounds. There she was with Dori who looked big as a house and Dori’s mate who was doing the actual picking of an odd looking herb.

  “Betty will kiss you, both.” Dori said. She was turning the pages of a book as she spoke to them.

  “Why would she be handing out kisses?” Toreen asked.

  “Hey, Toreen. This plant helps dull the pain of childbirth with no ill effects for mother or child. She wants this badly for all of us. Who knows who else might need it soon.” Dori answered.

  “I’ve seen this plant before near my lands.”

  “Aren’t these part of your lands too?” Dori asked.

  “I meant my personal lands. These are in my area, but not my personal holding.”

  “Okay. I can understand that. Maybe some time Niku can look for them.”

  “You and Cretia are welcome to look as you wish.” Toreen invited. “You too Garulto, of course.”

  “I thank you for the invitation. I believe we’ll be needing them soon.” Garulto replied.

  Toreen examined Dori’s huge belly and silently agreed. “They’ll probably be there now or for next time. I think they’ve been there as far back as I can remember.”

  “It would be lovely to look about and see what herbs you might have.” Dori said then she made a startled noise.

  “What’s wrong?’ Garulto asked.

  “I think false labor. It’s not unusual when the time draws near.” Dori said bravely.

  “Are you certain?” Cretia asked not looking convinced.

  “No way to be sure, but it seems too early.” Dori said.

  “I suggest she be taken home. Is anyone there to help deliver?” Toreen asked.

  “There are few midwives these days. I hoped to get Romo’s mom and find another to help when the time came.” Garulto admitted.

  “I’ll come. I have some basic healer training.” Cretia admitted.

  “Have you delivered a child?” Toreen asked.

  “I’ve assisted several times. I’ve a cousin who is a healer.” Cretia admitted.

  He’d bet Dannia had never helped. Had he seen all the differences between her sister and her, he might be mated already with a dragonlet on the way. “Let’s go. I’ll take Cretia.” He offered.

  As a group, they walked back to Cretia’s yard since it was the closest lifting spot. Garulto took off immediately with his mate, while Toreen followed carrying Cretia. His dragon liked holding her although he might like her riding on his back better. As they followed, Garulto headed to his house.

  It wasn’t far and they set down far enough apart not to bump wings. They changed back once their mates were comfortably on the ground. Garulto picked up Dori rushing her into the house. He headed to a room on the first floor with a big bed.

  “We set up this room to avoid steps unti
l Dori got over childbirth. Betty and Bree are so close I don’t think they can come.” Garulto said.

  “Well you’ll be right here with me no matter who else is here.” Dori demanded.

  “I know, I promised you I would be. It’s just that I’d like Cretia to have more help. At times like these, I wish Kitty was here.” Kitty, Dori’s youngest was still on Earth training to be a doctor.

  “Tomi would come, but she works so hard.” Dori mentioned.

  “We should be able to handle it. I’ll help you deliver and Toreen can help with the baby. Garulto can help with your breathing and keeping you relaxed for the easiest possible birth. Let’s time the pains. Garulto will you do that while I give instructions to Toreen?” Cretia asked.

  “Of course.” Garulto agreed.

  “You need to get a blade to cut the cord. I also need things to help clean up Dori and the baby afterwards. You’ll want something handy to put the baby in once it’s clean.” Cretia said and Dori grunted rather loudly. “Sounds like the baby is on its way. Go get those items while we undress Dori.”

  Toreen took off. He never wanted to see someone else’s mate naked. He went to the kitchen where he searched until he found a clean and sharp knife. Next he found some towels and bottled some water. Last, he found the nursery and saw a little item of clothing on a chest. His assumption was it was there to be used.

  As he returned, he heard a baby crying loud. He almost dropped everything he carried when he heard the sound. Slipping in the room, Cretia held up her hand so he placed the knife in it. “Garulto? Some fathers like to cut the life line.”

  “Yes, I will.” His voice was shaky, but his hands weren’t as he cut the line. “A boy! Dori, you gave me a boy.”

  Dori lay there quietly, but she smiled. “We need to get her some juice. It’ll replace the blood she lost.” Cretia suggested.

  “Is it serious?” Garulto asked.

  “The bleeding has stopped, but she needs juice to replace the blood she already lost. No sense in taking any chances.” Cretia said.

  “I’ll go get it.” Garulto said as he left quickly.

  “Will you bathe the baby while I help Dori clean up?” Cretia asked.

  “Certainly.” He said as he took the baby from the room taking towels and the outfit with him.

  In the kitchen, he filled the large sink with water and carefully cleaned and dried the little dragonlet. Putting his outfit on him, he took him back to his mother. Garulto was helping her drink as Cretia finished cleaning up the bed. Dori looked clean and ready to get back in it.

  Chapter 4

  Dragonlets Everywhere

  Dori gave birth without trouble and soon she and the baby were resting easily. It wasn’t long before Betty and Niku with their daughter Selia, Bree, and Tomi and their mates came by to visit. Cretia stayed for a few days since she didn’t have a regular job. The baby boy, Roger, named after Dori’s father, was hale and hearty. He had a set of lungs that could be heard on the other side of the house.

  Dori had a contraption Cretia had never seen the like of. Dori or Garulto could wear it with the baby pressed to their back or their stomach in order to carry him anywhere they went. The child enjoyed it and cried only when he was hungry or soiled. Over all, he was a happy boy and Cretia stayed only a few days.

  Four days later, Cretia was called to Betty’s house where Niku paced the floor while Dori filled her in. Betty was in labor. Excitement and worry was in the air as the labor pains got closer and closer together. Finally, the first head crowned. Cretia was thrilled Dori was there to catch the baby.

  Once the little girl was delivered, she took her and cleaned her up. By the time she got back, the next baby was well on her way. Another little girl was delivered with the same dark curly hair on her head. Niku and Betty were beside themselves as Dori and Cretia stepped to the other room to enjoy a hot cup of tea and some cookies.

  “This is amazing. All these babies.” Cretia observed.

  “They are so precious. Bree’s will come soon then Davy’s.”

  “How are Tomi and Erak doing?”

  “They get close then argue. They fight then make up.” Dori observed.

  “Those two are worse than Toreen and I.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “We are bad, but yes, they are worse.” Cretia decided. “They’ve known each other longer too. Maybe her working in the castle will bring them together.”

  “How does it go with you and Toreen? You two seem fated.”

  “It’s true and yet it doesn’t seem to work. When I was at the manor house, he avoided me. Now I’m busy and can’t see him often. If someone didn’t know better, it would look like we play a game to avoid one another.”

  “I believe it will all work out. Has he tried to claim you?”

  Cretia turned red and looked at the floor. “Yes, but it is too soon. He took the time to get his head straight and now I need the time.” She admitted.

  “The time will come when neither of you have an excuse.”

  “It’s not an excuse.” Cretia denied hotly. Dori raised a brow and she looked at the floor. Okay, it was not an excuse she was willing to admit.

  They finished eating their cookies and drinking their tea. Now it was time to return to the babies and their parents. Since everyone was fine, Cretia had no reason to stay. It was time to return to her daily life. Would Toreen come to see her now? It was really hard to say.

  She was at the point where she could see her and Toreen mated someday. Her mind could even imagine babies and pets. Was that crazy? Dannia was still a real concern until she was caught, but would that ever happen? All her life, she’d been overshadowed by Dannia. Her dream was to break free and live a peaceful life of her own. Cretia had never had big dreams, she just wanted a safe home and a family.

  Cretia took her leave after lunch. She begged off Niku flying her and just walked through the woods. It was a short walk or they never would have allowed her to go. There were plants of all kinds and she picked some she thought Betty might have an interest in. The walk was calming and she made it home quickly with a bag of unusual plants.

  Once she locked her door, a new habit Niku had encouraged, she laid down for a nap. That was unusual for her, but delivering babies was tiring work. As soon as her head hit the pillow, she was out.

  The next few days took on a pattern and Toreen visited each day once he was aware she was at the hut. Of course in this air of growth, it wasn’t long before Bree called her. Romo was nervous, but that wasn’t unusual for a first time father. Bree went into labor, but she wasn’t in it long. Her labor was the shortest of all the recent ones. A lovely baby boy came into the world screaming his lungs out. The child calmed easily and the next day Cretia left as the parents had everything in hand with family members giving out a helping hand.

  Davy had her child a few weeks later, she needed no extra help. Cretia went to see her anyway and brought a small baby gift. With her mind on babies, it was easy so see why she caught her own condition. She’d been so careless, but her tiredness and queasy feelings the last few days had given her a hint. Now she went to see Martz who took care of the property for Niku. He could scent pregnancies.

  “To what do I owe this pleasure?” He asked as she drew nearer. “Ah, I see. There’s an outbreak of pregnancies, it would seem. Is this good news or bad?”

  “A child is always good news.” Cretia said.

  “I’ve been told this before by the father of your child’s cousin. Does Toreen suspect?”

  “No, he’s not come around as much as before. Of course I’ve been helping deliver the babies of others.”

  “A worthwhile activity. You’ll tell him?” Martz asked.

  “Of course. It’s his child.” Cretia planned to tell him soon, but he didn’t come around for almost a week. Had he lost interest?

  A few more days passed before Toreen finally came to visit. “It’s nice to see you.” Cretia said. Her attitude was formal as she waited to see wh
at Toreen had to say.

  “I know you’ve been busy and I was tied up too.” He replied. “Would you take a flight with me?”

  “Where to?”

  “To the manor house. I’ve something to show you.”

  Curiosity rushed through Cretia. What could possibly be at the house? She nodded as she followed him to the table in her back yard.

  Toreen changed then sat down next to the table where she could climb on. It was easy to slide on his back although it wasn’t something she did often. She was nervous when he stood and a bit scared when he lifted into the air. The wind rushed into her face as her thighs pressed against his sides hard to stay onboard and her arms wrapped around his neck as best she could. Thankfully, it was a short ride.

  The manor house was in sight growing closer by the second. It had grown familiar while she’d lived here. Possibly it was the closest to a home she had ever come. Toreen circled dropping lower and lower until he was in the yard. Once he set down, he moved to a table in the yard and settled down next to it so she could dismount.

  A feeling of homecoming settled on her, but she told herself not to get too comfortable. There were things to work out still. Dannia was like a curse that hung over her head and she couldn’t make Toreen deal with it. There was no doubt in Cretia’s mind that Dannia wasn’t through with her yet. As long as they both lived and were free, Dannia considered Cretia hers to use at will or punish if that wasn’t possible.

  Toreen changed back to his human form and as much as Cretia admired his dragon, it was the man she dreamed of. It was the man that set her body on fire no matter how much she tried to keep the feeling at bay.

  “Come with me.” Toreen held out his hand. She took it and allowed him to lead her into the manor house.

  Little had changed as she looked around where they entered. Few people were near, but those who were looked at them and acknowledged her. Cretia realized he was leading her toward his private wing of the house. Excitement and fear fought for the upper hand as she tried to figure out what he might have planned.