Page 13 of Claimed by the Savage Dragons
It’s not long before I hear her breathing even out and I know she’s succumbed to her exhaustion. Not yet tired, I delve into my pack and grab a well-read thriller that I swiped from the mountain library before I left. There are few things I truly miss from before, but one of them is the sheer amount of literaturethat was produced. Sometimes I still venture into their old cities, trying to find texts that have evaded destruction, whether that be by the elements or by the hands of the humans who burn books for fuel these days. Most can’t read and I’ve noticed that when I have ventured into their villages and camps, the ones who can guard their knowledge like wolves with their pups.
I lay on the bed next to the female, mostly because I don’t want Orin to lay there when he returns later. I’m going to have to keep a very close eye on my pupil. He grew up with Morcai’s edicts. He might not understand that taking a human against their will is wrong, and I haven’t had reason to teach him any different because he’s never shown any inclination toward the humans in the settlement. I’ll have to have a talk with him when we get back home.
After a few hours, I begin to doze, and I vaguely feel the novel fall to my chest. I dream of a small blond boy who smiles at me, and a fair-haired woman who loves me. They fade to darkness before my eyes, but I don’t wake up, not even when I hear their screams in my head.
I never do.
Chapter Two
MARI
Breakfast the next morning is quick because the dragons want to get on the road, or I guess it would be ‘in the air’. I’m glad we don’t linger, though. The men at this inn stare at me, their eyes move over me like I’m still in that tiny dress and I hate it. I’m kind of thankful I have the dragons to protect me because I have a pretty good idea of how last night would have gone.
I shiver as I remember the one who came out of the shadows like he was waiting for me. He launched himself at me as soon as I was close enough. He hit me across the face without warning and I was being half carried half dragged into the barn before I knew it.
‘I didn’t thank you,’ I murmur, glancing up from my eggs and bacon to find the older dragon man already watching me.
‘For…’
‘Saving me.’ I flinch a little because it was my own fault that I was in danger. I should never have tried to escape here. It was a half-cocked attempt, and I should have waited.
But I didn’t know it was going to take another two days to get to wherever they’re bringing me.
The dragon snorts, and I take in his straight brown hair, the angular jaw. I can’t say I’ve seen many handsome men in my time, but this one is definitely a looker despite being a giant reptile. I glance at the younger one. I already know he’s staring, mostly at my chest, although the other one gave me a knitted sweater this morning that covers me there, so he can’t see anything. Doesn’t stop him looking though, and I resist the urge to cross my arms over my tits.
I finish my food and see they’re already done, too.
‘What’s your name?’ the younger one asks.
I don’t look at him. The older one told me not to encourage him and the last thing I want is for him to get the wrong idea and decide to rape and thenaccidentallykill me.
Hell of a first time. That would be some bullshit.
‘I asked you your name,’ he says, his voice sharper.
‘Marigold,’ I whisper. ‘Mari.’
‘I’m Orin and this is Torvial. Tor.’
I nod and glance at the older one.
Tor.
If I had to trust one of them, it would be him. There’s something in his eyes that I don’t think I’ve ever seen before. A quiet honesty. I doubt he would lie to me if I asked him a direct question. It’s a ridiculous idea, but I’m sure I’m right. He’snoble.
‘It’s time.’
‘I’ll take the female,’ Orin begins, but Tor shakes his head.
‘You carried her yesterday and we’ll be passing close to the edge of the Barelands. It’s best I take her today. In case there’s trouble.’
Orin deflates a little, reminding me of a younger boy with a crush on his teacher. I just hope his regard is as benign.
We leave the inn and hike up and down a couple of hills along the trails until we’re out of sight. As soon as there’s a clearing,Orin strips out of his clothes quickly, bundles them into a sack and changes within about ten seconds. He jumps into the air, soaring high.
My heart is pounding hard as I turn to Tor who’s still in his human form. ‘Are you going to carry me the same way as Orin did yesterday?’
‘Yes.’
