Fire Chronicles

I noticed two things at once. Cold stone beneath my body that has me shivering and a loud clicking noise that irritates me to death.Click. Click. Click.My foggy brain quickly noticed something else.The smell. It's bad.Putrid, death. It was horrible and I couldn't figure out why I hadn't noticed it immediately.Click. Click. Click.There it goes again, argh. I wiped my hair from my face and nose wishing I'd left the strands to filter the odor. The smell fully entered my nostrils, almost knocking me over. Hell, I was lying down so that wasn't true. Puke. That was it, I needed to puke.Click. Click. Click.What the hell? The noise rang through my aching head. I made it to my knees and forearms. Maybe I could avoid some of my vomit. My stomach rumbled, intestines rebelling. I spewed. Oh god, the smell of putrid wine mixed with the odor of death landed between my hands, splattering my skin and the white gown that hung from my body sweeping the floor.Click. Click. Click."Oh,

She wasn't like Bethanne. She didn't cringe from me or cry. My new bride was fearless, or maybe crazy. I'd actually laughed when she threatened to puke on me again. She didn't know it was a laugh, which I was grateful for. But nonetheless, I threw back my head, bellowing like a fool. I believe it's been hundreds of years since a bride entertained me so much on the first day I'd claimed her.This one was different, and if I didn't guard my heart, it would break again. I couldn't live through that pain. But, gods, I was lonely.Acasia. I said the name in my mind. A beautiful name for a beautiful woman. Her hair was so blonde it was almost silver. Her tiny body reminded me of a pixie. Her face, delicate with small features, made her blue eyes seem larger and almost disproportioned. But it worked, making her even more desirable. I'd felt her as I flew nearer to the claiming field. The pull toward this one human woman. My mind zeroed in on hers. It was always like that. One stood out... o

His fingers sliding across my arm woke me up. I didn't open my eyes; I knew it was my dream man. "Is it really you?""Do you want it to be?"A touch of recognition in his husky voice startled me, but this had to be a dream. "Yes, I do.""May I touch you?"I sighed, aching for his warmth. "Please."His hand moved up past my shoulder to the curve of my neck. I moved my head, giving him better access. A roughened finger trailed lightly across my skin, skimming over my jaw until it ran along my lower lip. I caught the finger between my lips and heard his sharp intake of breath. I opened my eyes slightly."Do not. Leave them closed, my lady."His insistent voice was almost pleading, and for some reason, I obeyed. I remembered what he looked like, and fantasized that he moved downward, touching me lower."Like this?" His fingers left my lips and traveled to my breasts.I covered my eyes. Oh, gods, no; in my dreams he could hear my thoughts. He cupped my flesh, laughing huskily at my

I lay in bed and practiced keeping my breathing as even as possible. Where did he stay while I slept? I wondered. For my plan to work he needed to stay in the room next to mine. It was hours later that I heard someone open my door. I completely froze. The door closed softly. I waited another hour before slipping through the bathing and garment rooms, entering his chamber. In the soft glow of light from the moons, I could see he slept on his side, facing away from me, a powerful arm cast over his head. The bedding dipped at his waist, and a firm ass cheek caught my attention. This was only the second time in my life I had seen a totally unclothed man. Him standing naked and watching me in the bathing chamber being the first. As a claiming bride, the male body was hidden from me. When older women spoke quietly of erections and the changing male body, I could only imagine the phenomenon. It was almost like I was born with a brand on my forehead.No self-control; cannot see naked man, mig

Her uncertainty was precious. "But a moment of pain-a lifetime of ecstasy."She looked around the field. "Will you take me here?""I leave the choice to you. Here, or in ten minutes, a bed."Her smile grew and I would swear it blocked the sun. She was my sun... bright, beautiful, mine."Here, dragon.""My name is Bastian.""Here, Bastian. I fear this, let us get it over with."I walked forward and cupped her face, my thumb running across her chin. Soft... calling to me. I stepped closer so only inches separated us. Lowering my hand, I used both to lift her gown over her head. She was bare beneath."So beautiful." Each curve was soft and delicate.Desperation showed in her eyes. "Hurry, Bastian, please."I would not give in until she was ready. "No, my sweet. Your first time is better slow. Did you like your finger?" I loved the red flush that traveled over her breasts, up her throat, blossoming on her cheeks.I would never forget her look of need. "No... it wasn't you."I t