"I can't believe how easy that was," she said. But she didn't go another step farther.
Brenna didn't respond.
She tore her attention from the portal and faced her partner in crime--who was twisting her hands, her expression tortured. "What's wrong?"
"Joachim needs me."
Ah, crap. The nymphs had brainwashed another one. She didn't need this now. If Brenna backed out... "He's healing nicely. You said so yourself."
Brenna bit her lip. Probably a nervous action, since she did it a lot. "Shivawn is sweet."
Expelling a sharp breath, Shaye pushed a hand through her hair. "You really want to stay with them?"
At first Brenna said nothing, did nothing, but then she slowly nodded. "I think I do. I thought to leave, but now..."
"What about the little love triangle that scared you so badly?"
Her cheeks colored a rosy pink. "Would rather deal than leave."
Great. Just great. "Fine. Stay." Shaye frowned and whipped to the portal. Before, she'd been afraid to enter it on her own. She'd drown, Valerian had said. The thought of entering with Brenna had given her courage. They would have fought the ocean waves together. Now that she had to enter all by herself...
She reached out, but stopped herself before actually touching it. I survived once. I'll survive again. I'm a good swimmer. I can kick my way to the surface. She nodded, drawing on her courage. Fighting her way through the ocean was better than staying here. Right? God, her chest hurt.
Slowly she reached out. Almost...there...she jerked back, stopping before contact yet again. She flicked Brenna an irritated glance. The girl was watching her attentively. "I don't know why I'm hesitating. I've wanted to leave since I got here. Valerian knows that."
Brenna nodded in understanding.
Damn it. Valerian might be injured or killed during the battle with the dragons, and she would never know it. She might never see him again. "If he gets hurt," she said, "will you patch him up?"
Brenna gave another nod.
She should have been overjoyed by that, but she wasn't. She didn't want Brenna touching him, even to doctor him. What's wrong with me? Staying here was stupid. She would have Valerian for a while, true, but he would soon pawn her off on one of his men, like he'd done with the others.
"Leaving is for the best." She squared her shoulders, lifted her chin--nervous actions she resorted to a lot, she realized. She gathered her resolve and reached out again. Her hand began to shake, and the vibration of it swept through the rest of her body. Ow, ow, ow. Her chest was throbbing so badly now, it almost doubled her over.
What if he kept you? What if he wanted you forever, like he said? She stilled. What if he loved you?
Her heart fluttered at the thought. I don't believe in love, she reminded herself. Love was for people like her parents who needed an excuse to do foolish, selfish things. Love had no place in her life. Love sucked. Love...
Would be so nice if it came from Valerian.
Shaye raised her hands and dropped her head into her waiting palms. "I'm not ready to leave him," she admitted brokenly.
Brenna patted her shoulder.
She rubbed a hand over her eyes and pushed out a frustrated breath. "You heard Kathleen. I'm just his flavor of the week. I'm so stupid for staying."
"Afraid?"
Of losing him? "Yes."
"Time to conquer your fears. Time for me to do the same."
"Yes." But she comforted herself with the thought that she didn't have to stay here forever. She could allow herself a few more days with Valerian. She could get to know him a little better, perhaps finish what they'd started in his room. If he treated her badly, well, she now knew how to find the portal.
From prisoner to willing guest, she mused. She snorted in disgust and turned away from the fog-laden portal. All of a sudden the ache in her chest died.
"I don't want to go back to the cell," she said. "Do you?"
"No."
"We can't go into the palace, though." Valerian had asked her to stay down here, so stay down here she would. She didn't want to distract him, placing him in unnecessary danger. Nor did she want to accidentally place herself in enemy hands, thereby giving them the advantage.
But the desire to help him, even to protect him, was strong. Ignoring it was damn near impossible.
Sighing, she led Brenna through the cave and into the cavern next to the cell. "We can stay here." The guards wouldn't hear them because the drip drip of water was too loud, and they couldn't leave the women to come look for them--if they even noticed she and Brenna were gone. Wouldn't Valerian get a nice surprise when he came to get her and she wasn't in the cell? Thwarting him, however slightly, brought a smile to her lips.
If he survived.
She lost her grin.
As time ticked by with agonizing slowness, she studied the cave walls to distract herself. She traced her fingers over the images there. "Pretty, aren't they?" Something caught her eye and she studied it more closely. When she realized the images told a story, she motioned her friend over. "Brenna, come look at this."
The first picture showed a group of...gods? They were sitting high above an empty world, looking down upon it. The second picture showed a world filled with terrible monsters forming from a sprinkling of blood and a mixture of the four elements. In the third, the creatures were being thrown into a hidden prison. She saw a portal--the portal. Two of them, actually.
The pictures went on to show the creatures adapting to their new land. Yet the very next image showed an army stomping through one of the portals and slaying everything in its path.
Humans? They carried swords and guns, an odd combination of past and present. Perhaps two different armies had marched through the land. Several of the monstrous races rose up in retaliation and destroyed the enemy army.
"Scary," Brenna said.
"Yes." What a violent place Atlantis was. Did she really want to stay, even for a little while? Valerian's face swam into her mind, reminding her exactly how he'd looked poised over her, about to enter her. His hair had fallen in disarray over his strong shoulders. His eyes had gleamed with desire.
Yes, she thought, she wanted to stay. Despite the violence, despite the circumstances, she wanted to stay with Valerian.
For a little while, she reminded herself. Only for a little while. Besides, she kind of liked the Outer City.
The corner of her eye snagged on a particular grouping of rocks on the far wall. "What's that?" she asked, pointing.
Brenna's brow crinkled, and she moved forward.
Shaye kept pace beside her. The closer they came to it, the chillier the air became. A tremor racked her spine. Once they reached it, she realized it was an opening, a doorway. She looked to Brenna. "Should we?"
"Not sure."
Heart racing, Shaye stepped forward and found herself standing on the precipice of another prison. She heard the shuffle of feet and her ears perked. Who did Valerian have inside?
The first day she'd entered this cave, she recalled how he'd discussed "prisoners" with one of his men. Curiosity propelled her farther, and she slowly inched around the corner. Her eyes widened. Several hulking warriors paced inside a cell. They didn't look like nymphs, for they lacked that air of raw sexuality. These warriors were dark and strong, obviously young, and all had golden, glowing eyes.
One of them spotted her, and she jerked backward with a gasp.
"You," the man said. "Let us out of here. Please."
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
VALERIAN PACED THE PARAPET. The rhythmic pounding of army footsteps reverberated in his ears. He could see the dragon army at last, hundreds of them, cresting the violet horizon. That they'd chosen to walk to the palace instead of flying in dragon form meant they were not overcome by rage--yet--and did not mean to attack--yet.
Waiting for their arrival was maddening. He was a man of action. More than that, he was a man eager to finish the fight and return to his woman.
He stum
bled forward, one boot snagging on a branch. He caught himself with his hands, bracing them on the wall. He drew in a shaky breath. The wait had drained more of his strength. What he needed was sex. With Shaye. His might wasn't at an optimum level, and he was now feeling its absence.
"My king," Broderick said, concerned, suddenly at his side. "Are you well?"
"I'm fine." He straightened. He was not fine, and he knew it. He'd gone two days without sex, without self-pleasuring, and weakness was unfurling insidious fingers through him. He was well enough to fight, he hoped; well enough to lead, he knew; but for how long?
His arm injury had increased the speed and intensity of his weakness. Had he managed to get inside Shaye earlier, he would be completely healed. "If the dragons come within a hundred yards of the palace, shoot them down," he said.
Broderick nodded. "Archers," he called. "Prepare."
The men knelt and pulled their bows tight. Waiting. Waiting. Time ticked by slowly. Surprisingly, Joachim stepped onto the parapet and approached Valerian. The man limped and his features were tight with pain, but he managed to stay upright.
"What are you doing?" Valerian demanded.
"Fighting," was the harsh reply. "There is to be a war, is there not?"
"You have yet to recover."
"That does not mean I should remain in bed while my brothers fight."
Valerian searched his cousin's face, seeing determination, the need to make things right. He nodded in approval. "Very well. Take your place in the lines below."
Joachim turned, ready to do as he'd been commanded. Then he paused. "I will not apologize for challenging you," he said stiffly, "but I will tell you that I respect your skill and your leadership."
The words were unexpected and surprising. But more than that, his cousin's tone was unexpected and surprising. He'd spoken with affection, as if they were the inseparable boys they'd once been. "Thank you," Valerian said and clapped him lightly on the shoulder. He assumed a battle stance at the wall, overlooking the clear field that led to the palace. Ever closer the dragons came. Their armor glinted in the day's light. Trees rattled behind them, the ground visibly shaken. Colorful petals floated from flowers.
His hand curled around the hilt of The Skull as Darius, king of the dragons, claimed the lead position. He, too, clutched a sword, a long, menacing blade stained crimson from his many kills. Yes, Darius was a lethal killer, an unfeeling warrior with no conscience that Valerian knew of. A worthy adversary, to be sure.
The dragon soldiers came to an abrupt halt.
"Hold," Valerian told his men. "Hold until I give the signal." To the dragons, he called, "Welcome to my home, fire-breathers. You will understand if I do not invite you inside."
Darius scowled. "You know very well the palace belongs to me."
He tsked under his tongue. "If you wanted to keep it, you should have sent a stronger battalion to guard it."
"What did you do with the dragons inside?"
"I locked them away, of course. They will make powerful bargaining tools."
"I have your word of honor that you did not kill them, then?"
"You have my word of honor that I did not kill all of them."
Darius nodded, the action clipped. "My wife has asked that I not slaughter your entire race for daring to steal what is mine. I will heed her wishes--for now-- if you do the two things I require of you."
"And what are those?"
"Release my men and leave the palace."
Valerian laughed. "I'm rather fond of it. I think I'll stay."
"You are inviting war, nymph."
His eyes narrowed, and he gave up all pretense of humor. "As are you, dragon."
"Yes, but you invite the wrath of the gods, for you know not what to do with the surface travelers. Already you have allowed one human male to slip into Atlantis, a human who captured our Jewel of Dunamis."
Valerian shrugged, unconcerned. The jewel was better off in human hands. When an Atlantean owned it, they became all-powerful, undefeatable.
"Do you know what happens when humans learn of Atlantis, Valerian? They tell others of their kind, and soon armies of humans are marching through our land, trying to kill us all."
"I must disagree. None of my humans have been allowed back to the surface, so they are unable to lead anyone here. They are too busy occupying our beds." Several of his men chuckled.
"So other humans have come through?" Darius growled.
"Did I not just say so?"
The dragon king's eyes glinted sharply. "Tell me you slayed them. Or tell me you at least wiped their memory."
"I did no such thing. I told you, we bedded them."
"You truly do curry the wrath of the gods, Valerian."
"The gods have forgotten us. Surely you know that. Now, we are done with this conversation. I find I am bored."
Smoke curled from Darius's nostrils, the first sign he would soon morph into his dragon form. "You wish to pit your army against mine, then, for I will reclaim the palace and I will take charge of the humans you so foolishly hold."
"Try," Valerian said, his jaw clenched, "and I will kill you myself. The portal and everyone who has come through it belong to me. They are mine."
Darius paused, as if he hadn't expected such a forceful response. "Why do you want charge of the portal so badly? You cannot survive on the surface."
He opened his mouth to give a flippant reply but stopped. Why not give the truth? "I do not care about the surface. I care about my people, my home." His voice rose with the ferocity of his conviction. "The nymphs have never possessed a home of their own. Since the dawning of our time, we have traveled from one place to the other, living with one race or another, sleeping in their beds, eating their food. We were good only for pleasuring and warring. Our women deserve a home of their own."
"As to that..." Darius's lips curled in a gradual, arrogant smile. "I have your women."
Crackles of fury ignited inside him. "What did you say?"
"They were on their way to this palace, and we captured them."
"Have you hurt them?"
"No. They are safe."
"Thank you for that," he allowed. What Valerian really wanted to do was beat the dragon king until his blood flowed, a river of pain. Those women were his responsibility.
"I know your men are weak without sex. And since I have the female nymphs, I can guess the lot of you will be easy to destroy. Are you sure you want to war?"
"We are plenty strong, Darius. I told you, the surface dwellers have occupied our beds."
Darius uttered another growl, smug no longer. "How shall we do this, then, to keep it fair?"
A fair fight from a dragon? Inconceivable. And yet, if Darius meant to fight dirty he would have done so already, sneaking in at night for a surprise attack. However, Valerian wouldn't doubt if Darius had an alternate plan of action. "I suggest a battle of sword skill."
"Very well. Shall we meet on the battlefield in the morning?"
"Why wait?" Valerian didn't want Shaye locked away for longer than necessary. He wanted this over and done with as quickly as possible. "We can settle this, you and I. No others need fight."
"I accept." Darius grinned as if that had been his hope all along, his sharp teeth gleaming. He wore no armor, but then, he couldn't. Not if he wanted to transform into a true dragon. "Winner takes the palace and everything inside."
"Agreed."
"But, my king," Broderick said at his side, speaking in a low, whispering tone. "You have not--"
"Worry not, my friend. I will prevail."
Broderick was not convinced. "At least go to Shaye. Let her suck you or welcome you into her body, but do not go down there without--"
"Silence." He held up his hand. He would not have Shaye's first time be nothing more than a quick tumble meant to strengthen him. No, their first time would be slow and tender. She would be mad with desire for him. He would show her the most pleasurable place on her body, then introduce her to his. "I will be
down shortly, Darius," he called.
The dragon king nodded.
Valerian turned to Broderick and the men even now circling him.
"This could be a trap." Joachim clutched his sword hilt. "Once you go down, they could close in on you and kill you. That is what I would do."
"Keep the archers in place," Valerian instructed. "If a dragon warrior appears to step out of rank, kill him."
Broderick nodded.
"There is something I must do before I meet the dragons." None of his men said a word as he strode away from them. They knew what he meant to do--at least, they suspected. They were partly right.
He exited the parapet and found an empty corner room. While he would not visit Shaye, neither would he fight the dragon king without first doing something. He conjured his mate's pale face in his mind, saw her lips parted, saw desire in her velvety-brown eyes. As he imagined sinking inside her body, he slipped a hand inside his pants and wrapped it around his cock. Up and down he stroked the thick, hard length.
He could almost feel her hot, wet tightness. Could almost hear her breathy moans and eager purrs. He'd increase his tempo because she'd be wild with need and would crave a hard slamming. His testicles would slap her, and even that would be arousing. Wildly so.
When he heard her shout his name in climax, he roared with his own. Seed squirted from him. And with the release of his seed came a wave of strength. Not as intense as if he'd been with Shaye, but enough.
He cleaned himself and stalked back to his men.
"Here is your shield," Joachim said. The change in his attitude was remarkable, and more than Valerian could ever have hoped for. "The Skull is inside."
"Do you require your spear?" Shivawn asked.
Valerian gripped the shield and cast a glance to Darius, who now stood in the center of a half circle, dragons flanking him. Darius held only a sword. Because they'd fought before, Valerian knew that was not the man's only weapon. Darius would use his teeth, his claws and his fire, and Valerian in turn would need every weapon at his disposal.
"Yes," he said. "Spear. I will need a dragon medallion, as well."
Shivawn gathered the items and handed them to him. "May the gods be with you, my king."
Valerian anchored the necklace around his neck and slapped Shivawn on the shoulder. "I finally have something worth fighting for. I will not allow a dragon to keep me from her."
Broderick arched a brow. "Her? Do you not fight for the palace?"