Dragonmark

  "Ugh!" She threw a muddy dirt clod at him. "You're such a horse's arse!"

  Disgusted, she wiped at the perspiration on her forehead as more rolled down between her breasts where it itched to an unbearable level, and fought the urge to strangle him. If she gave in to that need, he'd just overpower her and make her angrier, anyway. And what really didn't help her foul mood was the fact he used his powers to clean off the mud and be impeccably dressed again. Meanwhile, she was covered in filth and sweat. Her arms coated to her elbows in mud, her dress, and in particular its hem, mired with muck from her chores. She smelled so bad, even she was offended by her stench. Every strand of her hair was caked and plastered with field dirt and sweat.

  She didn't want to think about what was stuck on the bottom of her worn leather shoes. That pungent odor choked her every time it wafted up on the scarce, stifling breeze.

  Damn oxen.

  And damn her for not paying closer attention to where she put her feet.

  "I can see that you're upset--"

  She cut his words off with a murderous are-you-kidding-me glare.

  "We'll discuss this later."

  "Aye, preferably while I'm armed with something sharper to throw at you!" she called after him. Grumbling, she returned to watering the shoots that were just beginning to jut up from the soil. But in all honesty, she wanted to stomp on them until her anger was spent.

  Actually that wasn't true. She wanted to stomp her brother's head. They would just make a nice, non-sentient substitution.

  Sighing, Edilyn blinked as her tears returned, and she hated those even more than her anger. Fury sustained her. She could work with that. It was this unrelenting pain, the desolation that came with the knowledge she'd lost her dream and future that hurt so much.

  The hopelessness that there was nothing more for her. She'd had her one chance.

  Now it was gone.

  For such a needless reason. Such a selfish reason.

  Heartbroken, she picked up her empty bucket and headed back to the well at the same time she saw a rider approaching.

  Shouting and screaming, the other workers fearfully rushed to the village walls. Edilyn didn't bother. She knew from experience that they'd lock her out. They always had. There was no need in giving them the amusement of watching her run for it anymore.

  So she walked casually toward the well while the rider approached her.

  To her surprise, it was a woman on the horse. Normally women didn't travel alone. For that matter, men didn't normally travel alone, either. Too many wars had broken out over these last few years, leaving behind enemies who wanted the throats of their rivals, and displaced bandits who would prey on anyone they could find.

  The woman slung one long, graceful leg over her mount and slid to the ground beside Edilyn. Dressed in black ring armor and clothes that said she was a hooded Saxon, she was a woman of exquisite beauty. Surely she had to be a princess or queen, if not a goddess. Her olive skin was flawless and contrasted sharply with vibrant green eyes that were sharp with her intelligence. As she approached Edilyn, she lowered her hood to expose a wealth of flame-red hair she'd intricately braided and coiled around her head. "Is the water fresh?"

  "It is."

  "May I have some?"

  Edilyn drew it up and offered her a cup, then she took her field bucket to the horse for his refreshment.

  The woman quirked a brow at her actions. "That was kind of you."

  Disregarding the praise, Edilyn stroked the horse's black mane as he drank. "He's beautiful. What's his name?"

  "Samson."

  She smiled as she admired the great warhorse. "A fitting name for one so handsome." She gave him a gentle hug, then returned to pull up more water. "Would you like another drink?"

  "I'm good, thank you." When the lady warrior went for her small leather purse, Edilyn stopped her.

  "There's no payment necessary." She retrieved the bucket so that she could fill it and return to work.

  The lady cocked her head to watch her while she labored. "You've been crying."

  It was a statement, not a question. Edilyn cleared her throat. "'Tis the sweat rolling into my eyes. Nothing more."

  "So I see."

  Edilyn scowled at the way she said that. There was a peculiar note in her voice. "See what?"

  "Why Illarion chose you. You were innocent in the deed, weren't you?"

  "Pardon?"

  A gentle smile spread across the woman's face as she tucked her hair back behind her left ear to show that it was quite pointed. "I'm Xyn. Illarion's older sister."

  She sucked her breath in sharply. "He didn't tell me you were Arcadian."

  Xyn let out a sinister laugh. "Not Arcadian, love. Something far, far worse. And much older than their breed."

  Suddenly frightened, Edilyn stepped back from her. "What do you want from me?"

  Before she could blink, thick storm clouds rolled over the sun, darkening the sky to pitch. The color faded from Xyn's eyes, turning the green to a ghostly white that shimmered and glowed. Her skin faded as strange markings appeared to bisect her cheeks from hairline to jaw. Spiny and jagged, they reminded Edilyn of bleeding thorns, or claws. Morbidly pretty and absolutely terrifying. A set of black wings sprang from her back as she closed the distance between them.

  "Innocent or not, makes no never mind. For what you've done to my brother, little human ... you will die."

  6

  Unwilling to lie down and die without a fight, Edilyn ducked as Xyn flew toward her. She ran for the closest thing she had to use for a weapon--an old hoe someone had cast aside before they'd fled for shelter at Xyn's earlier approach.

  Aye, it was only slightly better than throwing her dung-encrusted shoe at the demon, but it was better than nothing. She broke the end of it off over her knee to use the handle as a fighting staff, and stood her ground, prepared to battle to the end. Granted, she'd most likely only be able to soil her opponent's clothes with her own blood. But by the saints, she'd ruin Xyn's wardrobe if nothing else!

  Yet as Xyn flew in for her, something snatched Edilyn off her feet and cradled her against a solid leathery wall. Her attacker jerked the staff from her hands and cast it to the ground.

  Edilyn started to fight until she realized it was Illarion in his dragon's body, holding her. Stunned, she froze as he carefully landed a few feet away and set her down with a startling gentleness.

  Transforming into his male personification, he turned to face his sister with a mask of fury that should have sent Xyn fleeing in terror.

  What are you doing? he growled at Xyn.

  "Protecting you."

  From what? She's a harmless human.

  Brazen and foolish, his sister laughed out loud. "Bullshit. So long as she lives, she's a weakness ... as I just proved. Now, man up, dumbass. Either let me kill her or you two make nice, and you take her back home and stop your infernal moping."

  I can't do that.

  Xyn snorted dismissively as she closed the distance between them. "Then you have a big-ass problem, don't you? Yes, yes, you do. 'Cause you can't leave her out here where your enemies can use her to lure you to her defense any time they want, can you? No, moron, you can't." She poked her finger into his chest to emphasize her angry words. "You're so lucky I'm the one who stumbled upon her when I wasn't even looking. Because I thought she was you. I mean, hey, I thought it weird you were out and about after I left you curled up and pouting in your cave yesterday, but hey ... possible. You could have come to your senses or gotten hungry. Then, lo and behold, the scent I caught a whiff of wasn't you. Damned if it wasn't the little sweet-cheeks you were pining for, out on her own, who reeks of you and your unique powers. Voila!" She gestured at Edilyn. "And that has disaster written all over it."

  I hate you. His tone was every bit as sullen as his sister had said.

  Xyn reached up and pinched his cheeks together like a mother might do her toddler child. "Hate me all you want, punkin', just don't make me have to spank yo
u. I'm getting too old for this shit. And so are you."

  Tilting her head, she met Edilyn's gaze over Illarion's shoulder. "Sorry I had to scare you. It was the only way to get Sour Sally out of his hole and show him what an idiot he was being. I swear. Take my word on this. Wise up. Get a girlfriend. Men are so not worth the effort, most days."

  And still Illarion glared at both of them, refusing to reverse his opinion. I can't trust her.

  "Yet you still knew when she was under attack from another dragon and came rushing in to protect her...'cause what? You don't care at all? Yeah, bud, your actions belie those words." Xyn rolled her eyes and pressed the palms of her hands to her temples as if she had a massive headache from dealing with him. Honestly, Edilyn knew the feeling.

  Though to be fair, it was her own brother who most often gave her that particular look of frustrated agony.

  "And you can't live without her ... at least not happily. You're so screwed, baby. Whatever are you going to do now?" She gestured at Edilyn. "Now turn around and apologize to her. Grovel if you have to. Tell her you're an ass and take her home where she belongs."

  Edilyn was so confused about their peculiar exchange. And even more perplexed by her own conflicted emotions where Illarion was concerned. While she understood his feelings, she wasn't too sure she wanted to go back with him.

  Not after all this.

  She, too, was still angry over what he'd done.

  Xyn let out an exasperated breath. "Tell me the truth, Illy. Do you want to be like Max? He's miserable. He's celibate," she said in an evil, demonic tone. "Cranky bastard. Really, is he better off?"

  His dragonswan almost killed him.

  "Aye, she did. However, your dragonswan is innocent in this, and you know it. She didn't do anything. Her douche of a brother did it. We all have assholes for relatives.... I'm yours."

  He snorted.

  Laughing, Xyn cuffed him on the arm. "You know it's true. Falcyn's even worse. One day, you'll have to introduce them--shudder the horror of that nightmare. He might actually eat her whole." She playfully wagged her hand between them. "You come into this with a lot more baggage than she does. She only has the one dickhead you've already met. You got a whole herd of us. I don't have a clue how you're going to explain our mother or Blaise to her. Never mind that thing you call a father. Good luck with that."

  Grinding his teeth, he met Edilyn's gaze over his shoulder.

  Her breath caught at the accusation in his steely gaze.

  "I didn't know Virag was going to do that, Illarion. I would have stopped him from it, had I known."

  At first, he didn't seem to care. Not until his gaze went to her cheek. Then he moved to stand in front of her. With a feather-light caress, he brushed his fingers against her skin. His eyes darkened to a furious glower.

  Who struck you? That calm, deadly tone was even more terrifying than his sister's earlier attack.

  So much so, that she hesitated to answer.

  Edilyn? he demanded emphatically. Who dared to lay a hand on you?

  Xyn answered for her. "One of the townsmen. He wanted to sample a piece of dragon ass, even if it was cast off."

  He made a sound the likes of which Edilyn had never heard, an instant before he stormed toward the village.

  When she started after him, Xyn caught her arm and stopped her. "Let him go. This is a matter of honor."

  "I already took care of it."

  Xyn grinned. "I know. But Illarion is about to take better care of it and ensure that no one ever disrespects you again. Contrary to what you're thinking, this isn't about him and his male ego. It's about your safety and making sure they understand you are never to be threatened or harmed. He's doing this for you, Edilyn. It's to ensure that they give you the respect you're entitled to."

  She turned toward Edilyn and let out a long breath. "My word of advice to you? Think of him from this day forward as a vicious guardian who's barely restrained. You have at your command your personal house dragon, Lady Edilyn. Not a man. Never lose sight of that. He isn't human. Never fool yourself into thinking that. That is not his body you see. It was one forced on him by an ancient god and he resents everything about it. The fact that he wears human flesh around you is a miracle and should be cherished for the rarity that it is. I assure you, he doesn't do it lightly."

  Suddenly, Edilyn heard screams and shouts from the village. Then the sound of large, flapping wings filled the air an instant before Illarion rose up into the sky to return to them.

  Xyn let out an irritated laugh and shook her head. "Point made with a flourish.... My brothers are never subtle. But then, neither am I." She clapped Edilyn on her arm. "By the way, your brother stole Illarion's dragonstone. It's what heals him whenever he's wounded. We need that back. Get it and I won't cut off your brother's head. Fail to do so and I'll send my older brother after him ... you don't want to know what Falcyn will do to retrieve it. He is indeed a bitter, nasty bastard."

  She didn't have time to comment as Illarion swooped down to pick her up and cradle her in his talons. Edilyn closed her eyes and held her breath so that she couldn't see how quickly the ground receded under her. Still, she felt it as her stomach sank and heaved. Along with the wind that rushed against her while Illarion climbed higher and higher into the sky.

  Her breathing labored, she knew he wouldn't drop her, but it didn't stop the overwhelming panic that seared her, through and through. She was not acclimating to this flying business at all.

  By the time he returned to his home, she was no happier about it. She was, however, relieved to be back on solid ground. Panting and weak, she stumbled against the wall while he lumbered away.

  "Don't!" she snapped in a sharper tone than she'd meant.

  Still in his dragon form, he turned back toward her. Though it was hard to say for certain, she swore he cocked a disbelieving brow at her command. Pardon? There definitely was no mistaking the incredulity of that tone.

  Steadying her breath, she straightened. "What did you do in my village? Did you kill him?"

  Not sure you want me to answer that. Suffice it to say, they will treat you with the utmost respect should you ever venture there again....

  Or run screaming to the hills.

  She let out a pain-filled groan. "Very well. I can't go home."

  You are home.

  No sooner had he spoken than her bow and quiver appeared at her feet, along with the small chest of her clothing that she'd kept in her room.

  Her jaw fell open, not just that he'd known they were hers, but that he'd fetched them for her.

  Your brother is not welcome here. Nor are you to leave.

  "I'm a prisoner?"

  I prefer the term protected guest.

  "You've got to be kidding me!"

  Indeed, I am not. Seems you are the nightmare fairy tale of the brave damsel carried off to the dragon's lair--there to be kept among his treasure and never seen again.

  She didn't appreciate his dry recitation of her situation. Rather, it made her want to kick him. "Is that all I am to you?"

  Aye. Another burden I'm charged with caring for and protecting.

  Those words stung a painful blow to her heart. "Well then, can I at least have a bath?" She gestured at her filthy clothes.

  He jerked his spiny dragon's chin toward the stairs. Bathroom's above. Good luck with it.

  And with that, he left her alone.

  *

  Illarion did his best to pretend he was still alone in his cave. That there wasn't a bit of feminine fluff naked upstairs in his shower. But he could hear the water running.

  Worse, he could imagine it sliding over her voluptuous body and dripping down her breasts. Pooling in the dark hairs at the juncture of her thighs ...

  Supple thighs that had cradled him. Succored his entire being.

  In agony, he rolled to his side and cursed.

  Surely, she was doing this to torture him. She had to know he could hear her. That he knew she was naked underneath her
clothing and that it drove him mad with lust.

  Yes, he was being unreasonable and his random stupidity made no logical sense whatsoever. The truth was, he was too horny to have enough blood left in his brain to think with. And it was all her fault.

  Dammit! The scent of her was back and it was worse than before. It permeated his cave. Without the opening he'd made, there was no ventilation whatsoever.

  No escape.

  She was everywhere!

  And before he even realized what he was doing, he'd transformed back into his man's body and was standing outside the shower where she leaned with her head underneath the flowing water. She was even more beautiful than he'd remembered. Her delectable curves far more lush and inviting.

  With a contented sigh, she lifted her head, opened her eyes, and screamed.

  Loudly.

  Illarion jumped back, but didn't retreat as she glared at him in fury.

  Turning the water off, she grabbed for a towel and covered herself. "What are you doing?"

  He backed up as she came out of the water in a soggy huff. Staring.

  Her eyes blazing, she tucked the towel in between her breasts. "Well at least you're honest. Do I want to know why?"

  If he'd thought his body was hard before, it was nothing compared with now. Now, he could practically taste her.

  It was all he could do not to jerk that towel off and pin her to the wall behind her until he was sated. Only the knowledge that she'd never forgive him for it kept his feet planted and his manners in place.

  His breathing ragged, he ran his gaze slowly over the length of her. I think you know the answer to that.

  "After the way you insulted me, forget it. Lucifer will sit on icicles before I do that with you again."

  Even if I grovel?

  She snorted at his offer. "Do you know how?"

  No. He'd never begged for anything. But his sister had been right about how he felt toward his dragonswan. She was a bit different. I might be willing to learn.

  Edilyn growled at Illarion's playful tone. In spite of her anger, he was charming her, especially with that boyish expression. It was hard to remember why it was important to stand her ground. "I'm not the forgiving sort. I can hold grudges for a very long time."

  Good thing I'm immortal, then.

  She frowned at something she hadn't known. "Are you?"

  Barring a grisly death. Aye.