Reluctant Hearts

DRAGON RIDERS 2:

RELUCTANT HEARTS

Marty Rayne

www.loose-id.com

Warning This e-book contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language and may be considered offensive to some readers. Loose Id® e-books are for sale to adults ONLY, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts Marty Rayne This e-book is a work of fiction. While reference might be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Published by Loose Id LLC 1802 N Carson Street, Suite 212-2924 Carson City NV 89701-1215 www.loose-id.com

Copyright © August 2008 by Marty Rayne All rights reserved. This copy is intended for the purchaser of this e-book ONLY. No part of this e-book may be reproduced or shared in any form, including, but not limited to printing, photocopying, faxing, or emailing without prior written permission from Loose Id LLC.

ISBN 978-1-59632-743-6 Available in Adobe PDF, HTML, MobiPocket, and MS Reader

Printed in the United States of America

Editor: Ellen Tevault Cover Artist: Christine M. Griffin

www.loose-id.com

Chapter One

With the exception of a few youths he passed, Bane’s presence was mostly ignored. He couldn’t blame the curiosity of the young ones, their eyes widening slightly as they watched him walk by. Even living in Central, how often did they see a dragon this close? His kind made it a point to only come to Central when they absolutely had to. Dragons were much more comfortable in the country, where they had room to spread their wings…literally. Not some crowded, busy city full of hustle and bustle. Already he felt as if the walls were closing in on him, and he’d just arrived. Bane’s stride was long, full of graceful movement. The closer he came to the Grand Council’s chambers, the more his mind wandered into the past. How many times had he walked these same corridors with his rider by his side? Living six hundred fifty-seven years, having outlived four riders, had given him ample opportunity to walk this way many times. But that didn’t mean he liked it. Especially being here alone. Too many memories, both good and bad, popped up. The last time he’d come to these chambers was to inform them of the death of his rider and to release all responsibility of his territory to a younger dragon and rider team. That was over a season ago, and he’d sworn to never return. Yet, here he was again.

2

Marty Rayne

He stopped in front of the closed doors at the end of the corridor, the ones that would take him into the chamber where the Grand Council received visitors. He put one hand on the door as if to push it open, but stopped. His head dropped, and he exhaled. He knew what they wanted. What they always wanted. But he wouldn’t give it to them. Couldn’t give it. Not anymore. He was finished. Straightening his posture and filling his lungs with a deep breath, Bane pushed open the door and strode into the large room as if he owned the place. He ignored the surprised looks and gasps from the slaves and servants. He only concentrated on the seven sets of eyes that had turned to him the moment he walked in. Bane didn’t gape at the high ceiling or the worldly art littering the room. He wasn’t in awe of the brightly colored metals decorating the tables or the fireplace across the room that was large enough for a man to stand in. Human materialism was a bore. Stopping before the semicircular table the Grand Council members sat behind, Bane placed his right hand over the middle of his chest, fingers balled into a fist, then bowed at the waist. It was supposed to be a sign of respect and note of their authority. Bane did it out of habit. “Dragon Gaius,” Elder Scrad acknowledged, nodding slightly. He was the youngest elder on the Grand Council, having been inducted three seasons before. His hair hadn’t begun to gray with age yet. Bane straightened as his gaze glided over the seven men who made up the Grand Council. Some of the gazes were expressionless, while the remainder showed annoyance at his intrusion. Being an elder was the highest honor a human male could hold on Ketall. It gave the man and his family honor, fortune, and prestige. The position was inherited from male to male in the seven bloodlines. It was a highly political position, but that was human business, not dragon.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

3

“What brings you before us?” Elder Richter questioned, his tone a little too haughty for Bane. But then, it always had been so when he appeared before them. Richter was the one member of the Grand Council who, even as a young man, had thought he was superior to dragons or even their riders. Bane had never liked the man. “That is my question to the Grand Council. I’ve received twenty summonses in the past five cycles.” His gaze focused on Elder Richter’s red hair. His dull gray eyes seemed to bore a hole right through Bane’s heart, as if he could kill him with just a stare. “Your mourning time has long passed, Dragon Gaius. Your services are needed. It is time for you to locate your next rider,” Elder Meher announced, his wise hazel eyes locked on Bane. Bane shook his head. “I will not take another rider. I told you the same the last time I was here. I’ve served the Grand Council since I was a hundred and two years old. My time is through.” “If it were up to us, we would submit to your wishes. However, there are problems in the Zaire Forest. You are the only one that has knowledge of its mazelike interior.” Elder Scrad tried to soften their insistence. It was true. Bane had spent most of the years with his fourth rider, Rylin, in that territory. It was a forest not many wanted to get lost in, though it had a host of occupants living along its borders. “Last I heard, Dargo and his rider, Tyrus, were assigned there.” Bane’s stomach tightened in foreboding as his eyes scanned each face of the elders. “Rider Tyrus Paige has missed his last check-in. No one has seen or heard from either he or his dragon for nearly two cycles.” Bane’s heart paused mid-beat. Dargo was his second sired offspring. Dragon males had little to do with their offspring’s youth until it was time to leave the nest. Only then did the

Marty Rayne

4

father or surrogate male step in to train the youth. Dargo was Bane’s fiercest student. He served the Grand Council and his rider well. His first instinct was to abide by the demands of the Grand Council and start toward the Zaire Forest. But Bane was no yearling. His mind was able to override the wants of his heart. “Dargo is a strong, intelligent dragon.” He wished he felt the confidence that accompanied the words. “During his last check-in, Rider Tyrus informed us he was investigating several mutilated animals found near the outskirts of the forest. There were also reports of a number of the villages’ youths missing. We need your expertise of the area to take up where Rider Paige left off and discover what happened to him,” Elder Meher said. He was the oldest of the Grand Council, his hair white and falling down his back. He’d aged well; his wrinkles weren’t deep like that of others his age. Bane believed he was the most compassionate of the seven. Bane shook his head. He ignored the fact they weren’t really interested in what had happened to Dargo. But then, knowing his offspring, he wouldn’t have left his rider. “Even if I wanted to go in, I couldn’t. I would need time to locate my rider, then to train him or her. Not to mention the time it takes to form the bond. It’s not something to be rushed. Taking an untrained rider into the Zaire Forest would get both of us killed.” “Dragon Gaius --” Elder Richter started, scowling. “No.” Bane’s voice carried deep and loud through the room. The slaves near the table jumped from fright. “It isn’t possible. You may regulate those who have human bondmates, but not lone dragons. I won’t be forced to search out a rider that may not even be born yet.” He couldn’t endure the pain of dealing with a rider again. He continued, his tone softer, “You will have to find another to send.”

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

5

“They will be as lost to us as Rider Paige and his dragon should we send someone unfamiliar with the forest.” “Find one willing to go in. I will share my knowledge of the territory with the dragon and rider. That is all I can do.” His voice was stern, leaving no room for argument. They didn’t have to know that he would follow the pair as he investigated Dargo’s whereabouts on his own. Bane bowed again and turned to leave the room. His heart pounded wildly in his chest. He fought the urge to immediately set off to search for Dargo. Fought the parental instinct to protect his offspring even though he was fully grown. The internal battle was so strong he didn’t notice the woman racing down the hall outside the Grand Council’s chambers until she nearly bowled him over. He automatically reached out and caught her arm before they both tumbled to the floor. She gasped as she straightened, her mouth dropping open and eyes widening as she got her first sight of him. Bane was too busy trying to force air into his lungs while heat doused his body to care about her gawking. His gaze was glued to her beautiful full lips. They weren’t the usual red like most human women he’d associated with, but a dark pink. He was fascinated by the way the tip of her tongue flicked out and wet them. Her scent enveloped him. His sensitive nostrils could smell the sweet honeyflower that made up her soap, but beneath that was a scent uniquely her own. It was like a newly discovered spice. He briefly wondered why she covered it up with such a sweet soap. She suddenly jerked her arm from his grasp as if his touch burned. His gaze rose from her mesmerizing mouth to her eyes. They sparkled brightly with emotion, a beautiful cornflower blue. The same shade as his dragon form. “Dimwitted dragon,” she grumbled angrily. “Watch where you’re going.”

6

Marty Rayne

Not waiting for his reply -- his tongue was too tied to speak anyway -- she spun on her heel with her fiery red hair swinging over her shoulder. She pushed on the doors before her and entered the room he’d just exited. When she was out of sight, Bane was able to inhale gulps of oxygen. His pulse raced. Sweat beaded on his forehead. And his cock…it was rock hard and aching. “No,” Bane whispered in denial. “Lord Ezra above, don’t do this to me.” His trembling hands balled into fists at his sides and he took several deep breaths. But the image of her lips and her spicy scent still lingered within his mind. The tip of her tongue. The feel of her skin. It was all a torturous pleasure. Everything about the woman was tantalizing. Bane turned and ran down the hall, ignoring all the gasps, grumbles, and stares. At the first available window, he pushed open the glass and jumped. The minute his feet left the sill, his clothing dissolved and his body shifted to his dragon form, flying from Central.

***** Sianna rushed into the Grand Council’s chambers, breathless. Not from her quick stride, but because of the man she’d encountered just outside the doors. His image was etched forever into her memory. His black hair, as dark as midnight, fell recklessly around his face and over his shoulders. His cheekbones were high, his nose straight and narrow; his lips demanded to be kissed. The chilled blue hue to his skin made her shiver and wonder if his flesh would be cool or warm. However, his eyes had been what captured her attention. They were deep green and sparkled like jewels. Living in Central, she’d seen several dragons in both human and beast form. They fascinated her and, unlike some of her friends, she’d never thought them frightening. In either form, they were the most beautiful creatures she’d ever seen, whether male or female. She was often envious of their beauty, as she thought herself very plain.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

7

This was a first to be affected this way, though. When the stranger touched her, she’d felt as if she would burst into flames. Lust and the need to be near him filled her like she’d never experienced. The intensity of the emotions that had rolled through so suddenly scared her. Using the only defense she could, she’d berated him with the haughtiness she’d learned from her father and left his presence as quickly as possible. “Daughter, is everything all right? You’re flushed.” The voice of her father brought her back to reality. For a moment, she forgot why she’d even come here. Sianna give a quick curtsey to the elders. “Forgive the intrusion. If I may speak with my father a moment?” Elder Richter sighed. “What is it now, daughter? The day is not yet halfway over and already there is a crisis?” For some reason, her grounds for barging in now seemed petty. Inconsequential, really. But she refused to look the fool. Gathering her wits and lifting her head high, Sianna spoke to her father. Nothing had happened out in the hall. All was as usual. At least that’s what she kept telling herself. “I demand that you move my slave to a position better suited for her…skills. You must find me one that is of better use than lying on her back and spreading her legs for every male that comes into our household.” Okay, she was being a bit abrupt and crude for a lady of her station, but this had to stop. Lately, every female her father brought into their house was useless except for one thing. If her father wanted a harem, he could keep them away from her. Sianna found her anger and voiced her complaint, the emotion fueling the disagreement she was having with her father. This wasn’t the first and wouldn’t be the last. Her mind, however, couldn’t stop the image of her mysterious dragon kneeling between her

8

Marty Rayne

legs and spreading them wider. A sliver of heat slipped up her spine, spreading warmth inside.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

9

Chapter Two

Bane closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. The air filling his lungs was coated with her scent, saturating him with longing. Flames of desire licked along his nerves; his yearning grew. He let out his breath in a whoosh of smoke, yet she still clung to him. Bane knew he shouldn’t be here, but still his gaze roamed the room. His mind commanded that he run. To get as far from Central as he could. To expunge her smell from his body. To destroy the image he held in his head of her. He should rid himself of all that was connected to her. He needed to be out searching for Dargo and his rider, not dallying here, stalking. He had flown away. Started toward the Calcus Mountains. Back toward his solitary life. It had been his intention to never look back again. But he only got as far as the edge of Central before he’d turned around. His instincts and preservation of his sanity were too strongly embedded in his genetic makeup to resist leaving without her. Bane had encountered his next rider. He found the one fated to bond with him until she died, too. The thought of her death made his chest constrict with grief. He didn’t want to live through another loss. He didn’t think he had the strength to let another rider die without him going with her. And he wasn’t prepared to die just yet.

10

Marty Rayne

Bane couldn’t help himself. He stood in the middle of her room, needing to feel close to her. Desperate to know who she was. After discreetly questioning of some acquaintances he’d formed through the years, he’d been shocked to find that this woman who would be bonded to him was the only child of Elder Richter. The prospect then became extremely appealing. What better revenge on the man who thought he was above dragon or rider? He would bond with the uppity Elder Richter’s only child and bring her fully into the world of dragons. She would also be the first rider from an Elder’s bloodline. The cream of the crop. After seeing Sianna, he knew why they were referred to in such a way. He picked up a discarded scarf from the foot of the bed and lifted it to his nose to inhale her scent. Her spicy fragrance once again permeated his nostrils. It couldn’t be masked by the sweet perfume and soaps that the human women of Central were determined to use. Bane had to admit that some needed it, but not his bondmate. Not Sianna Richter.

***** Sianna closed the door behind her and laid her forehead against the cool wood. What was wrong with her? She had tried to go about her day as normal, seeing to her duties once she left her father’s presence. Her mind, however, had another agenda. Instead of concentrating on the tasks at hand, it kept wandering back to the man she’d encountered outside the Grand Council’s chambers. Over and over, she remembered those deep green eyes. The irresistible draw of them. The eyes from her erotic dreams. How his skin had suddenly heated beneath her touch. Becoming so frustrated by her lack of concentration, Sianna called it a day and stomped off to her rooms to sulk in private. Perhaps a long exercise session later would work out the annoyance she felt from allowing herself to be so distracted by the stranger. It was bad enough that dragons easily distracted her when she knew one was in Central, but to feel like one of the wanton wenches her father kept bringing into their home was new.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

11

“Blasted dragon. I hope he rots in his own dung,” she seethed as her hand slapped the door. “That wouldn’t be me you’re cursing, would it?” a deep, husky voice asked. Sianna jumped, startled by another’s presence in her room. She turned swiftly, wishing for her weapon against the intruder. Because it was hidden under her mattress, she widened her stance and held her hands in front of her, ready for battle and pissed that someone would dare enter her private rooms. The physical attack never came. The same dragon from earlier was across the room. His lean body rested casually against one of her bedposts, posture nonchalant, completely relaxed, but she could feel the aura of strength surrounding him. It radiated throughout the room, entwining with the very air she breathed. Though he looked slender, she knew there was real power under the clothes he wore. He could move across the room in the time it took to blink her eyes. No amount of training would ever give her the advantage over one of his kind. Sianna shivered, feeling as if his hands were slowly caressing her body when his gaze swept over her form. Her breath hitched as his eyes glowed eerily. Her knees trembled as his tongue swept over his lips, wetting them. Goddess forgive her, her underwear was soaked with the wetness seeping from between her thighs. Swallowing hard, Sianna managed to make her voice work, and was impressed that it didn’t tremble…much. “How did you get in here?” “You should be more careful about leaving your balcony doors open.” Sianna narrowed her eyes on him, deliberately ignoring her body’s obvious arousal by his mere presence. “We are ten floors high. Who would dare to risk that climb?” His brow rose, the gesture making his face even more handsome. “Who said anything about climbing?”

12

Marty Rayne

She made a strange scoffing noise to cover a moan of arousal. Her blood felt as if it was on fire, warming with every second he stayed. “So you think it’s appropriate to fly into whatever room your feel like? Regardless that no invitation was issued?” The man actually had the nerve to laugh at her when he pushed away from the bedpost. Her eyes followed the ripple of muscles under the tight azure-colored shirt. Her gaze lowered to roam over his chest and abdomen, mouth drying as her body sent all fluids to her lower region. Snapping her eyes back up to his, Sianna refused to look below his waist. No matter how much she wanted to. She had been, after all, raised a lady, better than a wanton whore. At least that’s what her father would say. “I’m a dragon. I need no invitation.” Sianna opened her mouth to disagree at his conceit, but quick as lightning, he stood in front of her, his body pressed boldly against hers. She gasped and took a step back. He followed, not letting his body part from hers. She took another step, her gaze locked with his, and a lump stuck in her throat. The brief impulse to cry for help evaporated. Her back hit the door. Trapped. His body pinned hers. Large hands rested on the door, one on each side of her head. She didn’t need to look down to see his arousal. Sianna could feel the hardness of his erection pressing between her legs, seeking the dampness. Their clothing was the only thing preventing his entry into her slick, throbbing pussy. A groan of pleasure erupted from Sianna’s throat. She’d often envisioned feeling this wondrous pleasure when she met the man she would marry. The women of her family habitually lectured to the unattached ladies and told stories of love and attraction as if it occurred simultaneously. However, she had yet to come across a man in Central who’d made her feel even remotely aroused in all of her twenty years. She’d nearly given up on the fairytale visions the older women had embedded in her mind.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

13

Now here was a dragon, bearing the eyes of her dream lover, who sent sensations beyond her imagination coursing through her virginal body. She didn’t love him. Mother Frayland, she didn’t even know his name. But that didn’t stop the lust from growing stronger than she’d ever imagined, shocking her system. “You can’t…” Her words turned to a gasp when he ground his hips harder against her. The throb became an ache and she wanted him closer. “I fly where I please.” He spoke quietly while his lips brushed over hers, shooting small shocks of electric current along her nerves. “I see who I please. Elder dragons such as I are not easily deterred when we want something.” Sianna had no control over her hands as they rose from her sides and reached for his waist. From there they slid up under his shirt where her fingertips stroked every curve and ridge of his muscular form. Her breath became raspy as her hands traveled higher, taking his shirt with her progress. The glowing of his eyes intensified, nearly blinding her, but she couldn’t look away. The jeweled color was mystifying. He stood absolutely still, body tense. Was he waiting? She hadn’t told him to leave. She hadn’t told him not to touch her, or had even uttered the word no. Was he giving her the opportunity to do so? Did she want to? Sianna was a virgin. Pure in body, but not in mind. She’d only kissed one boy, but that was many years ago. And never had she touched a man so intimately…the exception being in her dreams. Those were an entirely different story. Filled with fervor and passion, those dreams often caused her to wake covered in sweat and her body aching with the need for a release she wasn’t sure how to accomplish. Not once had she seen her lover’s face, but his green eyes had glowed brightly as he brought her pleasure over and over. Then there was the dragon. It lurked in the background, mostly hidden in the shadows, watching, waiting. Odd, but erotic.

14

Marty Rayne

Sianna never spoke of the dreams she’d had since passing into her womanhood. Neither did she dare let others know of the draw she had to dragons, fearing her father would forbid her from any contact if he knew of her fascination with the creatures. He despised dragons and had no respect for their riders. She always thought it strange since he often had to come in contact with them. “Name,” she choked out just as her finger brushed over one of his nipples. He trembled. A finger slid over his other nipple and his chest rumbled with a deep growl. The sound was so animalistic that it gave her goose bumps along her skin and sent quivers to her pussy. She was mesmerized by the way he was reacting to her touch. “Bane,” he whispered, a second before his mouth closed over hers. Her lips opened without thought. This is where I belong. The most right thing I’ve ever

done in my life. The sensation was intense, demanding. She shuddered and gasped into his mouth. His hands traveled down her back until he cupped her ass and squeezed. She sobbed, but he quickly swallowed it, not allowing her to pull away. As if she wanted to. At that moment, even had her life depended on it, Sianna couldn’t leave his embrace. Wouldn’t. Some small part of her mind that was still aware of what was happening was confused by her desire and longing for this dragon, as well as her behavior. Being this easy was not like her at all. Another piece of her distorted logic said Mine ! But how could that be? From her research, dragons and humans only interacted intimately when they… The thought didn’t finish as an icy shiver sliced up her spine and mixed deliciously with her overheating body. Never in her life had she dreamed her fantasy would become reality. With brazen intention, Sianna’s hands crept lower. Her fingertips again grazed the hard ripples of muscles that made up his abdomen. She would never underestimate this man’s strength, as his power literally pulsed under her hands. His skin was initially cool to

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

15

the touch, but the moment her fingertips skimmed over it, he warmed. Bane inhaled sharply when she touched just under the waist of his pants; his cock jumped, reaching for her wetness. Her stomach fluttered with excitement as the kiss continued, Bane devouring her mouth. The emotions flowing from his kiss were welcomed and frightening at the same time. Never feeling so coveted in her life, she didn’t want this moment to end. Bane jerked his mouth and body from her as quickly as he’d pinned her. Sianna whimpered as her hands reached for him. A torturous moan of need escaped her throat. He shook his head. His chest heaved as if he couldn’t get enough air in his lungs. The blue tint to his skin appeared darker, seeming to glow. Strange, yet bewitching. “No.” His voice choked. He took another step away, but Sianna was positive it was only a hesitant step as his foot hovered a second longer in midair before landing on the floor. She would have stepped toward him, but was unsure if her legs would hold her weight since they felt as wobbly as a newborn foal’s. “Please.” She’d been reduced to pleading and it humbled her. Never had she felt this helpless. She wanted him to stay. To continue what he’d started. However, Sianna knew he would leave. Face expressionless, his radiant eyes told her what he was about to do. Her throat closed from the anguish of sorrow. In a blink of an eye, he turned and ran toward the balcony. Sianna stood frozen in awe, watching as he jumped and his body shifted into a blue dragon, his scales reflecting the moonlight, illuminating the room for a blinding instant before he was gone. Sliding down the door, Sianna sank to her knees. She sobbed and couldn’t understand why. Nothing made sense. The way he occupied her thoughts. The way he could arouse her senses with just a look. And what about the way her body felt like it was on fire when he touched her? What was happening to her? What had he done to her?

16

Marty Rayne

Chapter Three

Bane somehow managed to avoid Sianna after leaving her room the night before. It had taken every single ounce of control he’d possessed not to rip her clothing away and take her right there against the door. To leave her alluring presence. He had wanted nothing more than to start the bonding right there, to join bodies and chant the words that would bind them until death. Death. That was the sobering point of the night. Enough to knock the sense back into him and leave Sianna before the bonding lust took control. Was it so wrong that he only wanted to live out the rest of his life alone without seeing another loved one die? Why wouldn’t the troublesome Grand Council allow him that one little bit of respite for all his years of service? Instead, they’d harassed him into Central, demanded he find his new rider, and drafted him to help them discover what happened to one of their teams. That was another problem unrelenting in his mind. He made sure everyone in his brood was well trained. And Dargo was anything but a young pup. So what had really happened to him? Bane desperately wanted to find out and spent the day gathering information on the happenings around the Zaire Forest. It was a good distraction to keep him from Sianna, but not enough to keep her off his mind. If only he’d stayed in his dark cave.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

17

Bane was now perched on top of a building looking down into a small courtyard, hidden by the shadows of the night, like a thief scouting his next job. Below was a small gathering of women enjoying drinks and small bite-sized treats in celebration of the coming marriage of the guest of honor. One of Sianna’s cousins. His gaze easily found Sianna and locked on. Prim and proper according to a lady of her station, she sat just outside the circle, as if she were putting distance between her and the other women. Not quite belonging. Or did she think she was too good for them? He didn’t know her well enough to judge. He didn’t like the way her body was hidden beneath the billowy green folds of the dress she wore. That specific shade didn’t flatter her coloring, making her skin appear too pale and probably clashing with her lovely blue eyes. He realized the color must be some part of the tradition since several of the other young women were also wearing similar dresses of the same hue. The memory of her body wickedly pressed to his haunted his senses, creating a neverending ache deep in his gut that radiated to his groin. The way her skin was so sinfully soft, the heat seeping to warm his cooled heart. They were a perfect fit. A match made by the gods. A small smile curved his lips when he thought of how he’d made Sianna breathless with his kisses. The way she’d made small growling noises in the back of her throat when he touched her. They had been animalistic and seductive. “You are getting careless in your elder seasons, Bane Gaius.” “No, Jax Syrus. You are reckless in your youth.” He turned and took in her curvaceous human body as she sat next to him. He made an obvious sniff of the air. “I smelled you three buildings back. Plenty of warning to draw my sword or plan my own attack. If you are to surprise another dragon, even in his human form, you must approach from the direction so the wind won’t announce your presence.”

18

Marty Rayne

Jax sighed. “I thought that’s what I was doing. Guess it didn’t work so well.” “Next time,” Bane said encouragingly. She was still learning. She knew the importance of her responsibility. It was a great burden to have a rider. Jax, so far, handled it quite well. They sat in silence for several minutes, concealed by shadows, and surveyed the gathered group below. “What has you in Central, Jax?” There was no fear of being heard as they were too high above and the gentle breeze would carry their words away. “I’ve brought my second bondmate before the council.” “Ah, yes. I’ve heard tales of your gaining a second rider. An off-worlder. An interesting predicament.” She raised her brow in question. Just because he wanted to be alone didn’t mean he was ignorant of his world. “Yes, Nick. Nicholas Montgomery, actually.” “And how fares it with two riders?” Jax smiled wickedly. “Deliciously fun.” Bane laughed. It felt good. It had been too long since he’d felt real laughter coming from his throat. Jax was still young and had many years before she was of age to reproduce, to take the responsibility of bearing an offspring, which was the only thing to override the urge to find a rider. Bane was glad she was enjoying her life. Ica, the dragon Goddess of fate, was being kind. “I’m happy for you, Jax.” Comfortable silence fell between them again. By nature, dragons weren’t always the most talkative of animals. They were creatures of action.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

19

“I mourned when I heard word of your loss.” Jax’s voice had turned too solemn for one so young. Bane nodded. Kel was her first rider. Now with a second rider, her responsibility had grown. She had yet to discover the heartache that would come one day. “Take care of them. Protect them. Love them.” Sadness laced his voice. “I do,” she said quietly. Bane continued watching Sianna interact with the others around her. He could almost sense her discomfort. She also appeared distracted, not really paying attention to the other women or their unusual ceremonial rituals. He watched her fidget again in her seat while her gaze darted around the courtyard, almost as if she searched for something…or someone. Sianna’s gaze finally rose to search along the rooftops and stopped where Bane and Jax sat. He knew she couldn’t see them. They blended too well with the darkness, but could she sense him already? Had their moment of intimacy the night before already started the bonding process? His heart jumped at the prospect even if he didn’t want a new rider. It was biological to be attracted to his bondmate, but dragon’s breath, did it have to be this intense? This consuming? “Your new rider?” Jax asked quietly. Bane grunted. “Elder Richter’s daughter. Do you know anything about her?” Jax gave a snort. Very unladylike, yet not undragonlike. “She’s a spoiled, selfish, overpampered human who thinks she’s better than dragons. Just like her father.” “Being spoiled is bad, huh?” Bane’s lips twitched in a smile. He knew Kel doted on Jax, giving in to her every whim. But then, his first rider, Yanta, had acted similarly with him. It was hard to say if it did a dragon more good or more harm to have such a close relationship with the first rider. The considerable misery of loss when the rider died was nearly unbearable. Bane hoped that Jax would be strong enough when the time came.

20

Marty Rayne

Jax punched Bane in the arm, bringing him back from his dismal thoughts. “I’m not spoiled. Just…happy.” She gave him another wicked smirk. Bane automatically returned the smile, remembering how it was to be so young -- and somewhat naive. “So, about Sianna.” He brought the conversation back around to the object of his desire. He didn’t really believe Sianna was anything like her father. He’d seen the wonder in her eyes each time she looked at him. And the kiss they’d shared…yeah, that wasn’t dislike for his kind. Jax sighed. “There’s really not much to tell. She’s actually a very private person. She can’t seem to keep a personal maid, always finding a reason to dismiss them. Her mother died when she was two seasons and has been mostly raised by her father instead of a helpmaid. She is articulate in her speech, very well-educated, and is outspoken of her opinions.” “That’s a lot of information, Jax.” He raised a brow at her in question. Jax shrugged her shoulders. “I like gossip. And I get lots of it when I’m here. The servants really like to talk most about the elders and their families. Lots of fun. Oh, and if you need to rid yourself of human pests -- perhaps a certain annoying prejudiced elder -- just say the word.” She licked her lips as she winked. Bane chuckled and shook his head. “I don’t think that will be necessary. His personal views are just that. Personal. I think I can handle him. But thank you for the offer.” He would never understand the female sex of any creature. Especially Jax, who took too much pleasure in eating the people she didn’t like. It was a trait she most likely got from her mother. Bane knew her father and he was never one to devour his prey. Luckily, she had Kel to guide her and keep her out of trouble. “Take care, Bane. If you need anything, just ask.” He nodded his head and turned his eyes back to Sianna, not wanting Jax to see the tears welling in them. At one time, dragons were more social, having times of gathering. But as the years passed, and the need for them to spread out across Ketall policing the land, the

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

21

more solitary their lives became. Their world was ever-changing. Perhaps that too would change. Jax was a prime example of transformations happening. She now had two bondmates, an event never known to have happened before. And Sianna, his new rider, was born of elder descent. Again, a never-recorded occurrence. Bane could only hope that these changes would make life better for them all.

22

Marty Rayne

Chapter Four

Sianna fumed. She was full of restless energy and felt she would explode if she couldn’t get rid of this frustration that had been building all day. It had been awful sitting proper and reserved for Elsie’s marriage celebration. Forced to paste a smile on her face and act happy in front of the other women in her family. And that dress. She hadn’t been able to get it off fast enough. Too much fluff for Sianna’s taste, and whoever thought of such a horrid color for the unattached women? How could a woman ever attract a man wearing such a ghastly hue? Only an old, bitter maid would have set these distasteful traditions. Sianna had watched the other women obnoxiously fawn over Elsie. She vowed this would never happen to her if she ever found a man to marry. She thought the traditions stupid and unbearable. If a woman loved a man, they should just join, not have to deal with the clutter of ceremonies and silly rituals. Who wanted to wait two weeks to see each other before the marriage? And let’s not forget the offensive creams and oils that had to be applied the day of the ceremony to ensure fertility and happiness. Just thinking about it made her nose itch and long for a bath.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

23

Of course, when she thought of Bane, marriage was the furthest thing from her mind. Her thoughts focused more on visions of him lying on a bed in wait for her. Nude. Hard. Ready. Like her dream lover. The way his gaze would rake over her body made her quiver with pleasure. That direction of thinking, however, made her body react with a clenched belly while her pussy trickled creamy wetness; a shiver of excitement climbed her spine. Even now, as she stood in the open balcony of her bedroom, her body fiercely heated as if he was still nearby. The memory of her time with Bane had become an infernal torture. Then there had been the feeling of being watched. Not by any of the women surrounding her, but the kind that made the hair on the back of her neck prickle. Since it was past nightfall, it was impossible to see into the many shadows around the courtyard. Sianna hadn’t felt as if she were in danger, but was profoundly aware of someone or something out there regarding her. The knowledge was deep in her bones, but there was little she could do about it without worrying her family. Not then. Not now. “Mother Frayland.” She couldn’t wait any longer. Most of Central was down for the night. It was time to rid herself of this fiery frustration slowly eating away her sanity. She grabbed the scabbard by the door and cautiously slipped from her room and into the hall. She’d done this hundreds of times, knowing the routine of the guards. It gave her an opportunity to practice her stealth as she slipped easily past the roaming security until she was out in the night air and using the shadows to conceal her trip across the courtyard. “General Glaus.” Sianna bowed, fisted hand over her heart, her tone respectful. “Lady Sianna.” The general returned the salute of respect. “You’re earlier than usual.” “It’s been a harrowing day and I couldn’t wait much longer, sir. I am sorry if I’m inconveniencing you.” Glaus smiled and shook his head. “Child, even when you were trailing after me every afternoon at the age of eight, you never inconvenienced me.” Sianna chuckled. “I believe you called me a pest back then.”

24

Marty Rayne

“Yes, but you’ve proven to be more.” “Thank you, sir.” Sianna’s smile broadened and her spirits lifted. “Shall we begin?” Sianna pulled her sword from its scabbard, gripping the hilt with both hands, relaxing into the heaviness of the metal. “Don’t expect me to be gentle tonight.” “You never are,” Glaus said, taking the first swing, forcing her to block.

***** Bane couldn’t believe his eyes. Sianna moved almost as gracefully as any dragon when she dodged a swipe of the sword aimed at her neck. Her movements were smooth and sure and she handled the sword as if it weighed no more than a feather. He was surprised at her skill and impressed with her technique. She’d been trained well. So why was she sneaking out in the middle of the night to do so? Bane hadn’t meant to follow her. He’d remained on the roof long after Sianna left the other women to battle his conflicting emotions on taking another rider. Not that he really had a choice. Genetically, once a dragon found his fated bondmate, there was only one thing that could keep the dragon from eventually claiming his mate -- death. Bane could hold off from his claiming, but not for an eternity. The longer he ignored the powerful urge to bond with his rider, the higher his intensity grew until his control broke. He’d seen dragons go nearly insane from denying the joining. Not a pleasant sight. Bane had secluded himself away for a reason. To lessen the chance of being drawn to his next fated. Or so he’d thought. A short visit to Central hadn’t caused him much worry. There had never been a rider who’d been part of the aristocrat society or elder descent before, let alone an elder’s direct offspring. The dragons’ god, Ezra, Lord of Air, apparently had other plans for him.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

25

A shadow moving about in the courtyard had drawn his attention. He’d silently slipped from his perch and followed the possible intruder. Bane had assumed it was someone on the way to a secret rendezvous, but once he was closer he caught wind of Sianna’s scent and had to follow her and watched unseen from the darkness like a voyeur. Sianna’s flushed skin was beaded with sweat from her exertion. He ogled her heaving chest with appreciation. She was a worthy opponent, but how would she fare against another whose moves weren’t so easily discerned? “You are indeed a fine teacher, General Glaus. One who lives up to his reputation.” Bane stepped out of the shadows, bowing to the man who led Central’s military and had trained many riders in the art of battle. The general was a friend of Bane’s last rider, Rylin, making him a friend to Bane. Sianna gasped and took a step away; her expression was frightened, as if she’d been caught in an illicit act. “Dragon Gaius.” The general returned the bow and smiled. “I heard you’d returned to Central, friend.” “I’m sorry I didn’t visit sooner. I’ve been…” His gaze locked with Sianna’s. “A little distracted.” Silence settled over the three. Sianna’s eyes were still wide and mouth slightly open. “Well, um.” Glaus’s voice shattered the stillness. “May I introduce --” “We’ve met.” Bane took hold of her free hand and lifted it to lay a kiss in her palm in a formal manner. Despite the harsh areas in which he’d lived, his riders had taught him human refinements. Of course, that didn’t mean he had to always use them. Sianna shuddered; an identical one traveled through his own body with her nearness. “You are skilled. General Glaus has taught you well.” Sianna finally broke out of her stupor and straightened her spine, lifting her head. “Of course he has. One would expect no less.”

26

Marty Rayne

He felt a lopsided grin slip over his lips. “But how would you fare against a man who would not take mercy upon the fact that you are a female?” The trembling of her body nearly shattered his control as the double meaning of his words was realized. “I have defeated many of the guards here.” Her chin rose in arrogance. “That may be, but have you ever bested a dragon, my lady?” He still held her hand, and his thumb caressed small circles where his lips had kissed. She jerked her hand from Bane’s grip. He let her step back and noticed both her hands now gripped the hilt of the sword. “Dragon, man, makes no difference.” “I think I’ll just…” Glaus backed away from the two. His gaze shifted from Sianna to Bane and back to Sianna. “I’ll be in the…well, shout if you need anything.” Bane watched the general make a quick retreat. Smart man. The footsteps faded, but he knew Glaus was still near in case…what? Bane took advantage of Sianna? That was what he planned as he challenged his soon-to-be rider to more than just a duel of the iron. It was time to see how good she really was with the sword…and her body. For Bane knew without a doubt that he’d not leave her side this night. His bonding night.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

27

Chapter Five

Sianna raised her sword. The weight of the metal stilled her trembling hands. Damn this dragon. She couldn’t even escape him during her most private and enjoyable activity. She mentally cursed him again as her arms raised the sword into a battle ready stance. Bane raised a brow at her, and the corner of his lips twitched as if holding back a smile. The arrogance shining in his eyes ate at her ego. She wouldn’t let Bane get the best of her, her own sense of self demanding satisfaction. She watched as Bane carefully withdrew the sword from the scabbard at his waist. His movement was deliberate so she saw the sleek grace in it. Sianna knew much about dragons from her studies. They had the speed of the wind, strength like no human could imagine, and their senses were much more sensitive than her own. If he was trying to impress her, it was working. Bane struck without warning. Sianna almost moved too late to block the downward blow. And when the iron clashed together, it felt as if a boulder landed in the middle of her sword. Strong was an understatement. Damn, he’d deliberately distracted her. “Goddess,” she murmured, quickly retreating to prepare an attack. She had to get her head straight.

28

Marty Rayne

Bane lunged forward, his blade aimed at her stomach, making her jumped back. He wasn’t giving her time to contemplate her strategy. He forced her to react, not think. So be it. It was clear very quickly that Bane was battle savvy. He had techniques she’d never seen, especially in such strange combinations. But then, his experience came from being in

actual battles, not practice scenarios. Everything she tried to throw at him was easily blocked or countered in some eccentric fashion. While she was nearly breathless, her skin soaked with sweat, Bane barely had a light sheen of perspiration on him, and his breath was as even as when he’d started. It angered her that he was showing off. Sianna allowed the frustration of her shortcomings, attraction to the trying man, and Bane’s attitude in general affect her concentration. She lunged forward with the tip aimed for his heart and found herself flat on her back, her sword dislodged from her hand, and the tip of Bane’s sword pressed into her throat. She hadn’t seen that coming. In fact, she couldn’t seem to remember what he’d done to get her in this position. “Dragon tricks,” she hissed at him as he loomed over her. She wasn’t a petite woman, like many of her relatives. She could hold her own, but the power that radiated from Bane kept most challengers at bay. Why hadn’t she done the same? Oh, that’s right, she wanted to prove she was no weakling to a creature that could transform into a forty-foot dragon in a blink of the eye and kill her with a swat of his tail or even a sneeze. The same creature that could also set her body on fire with just a glance. Frayland above! Despite the exertion it had taken to fight him, she felt the heat already building in her belly. The wetness of arousal slipped from between her legs. Desire flooded her body and mingled with her aggravation. It was a heady feeling she wasn’t sure she liked. All in all, she wanted this man. It was more than fascination with the cool, soft blue tint to his smooth skin. It was more than the thrill as the memory of his kiss lingered just on the edge of her mind. She had been drawn to him at first sight. She needed him like he was the air she breathed. No escape.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

29

That didn’t stop the niggling fear playing in her mind as the intense emotions swirled dangerously in her chest. Sianna knew Bane was a chief dragon, a powerful warrior most looked upon with awe and respect. Tales ran rampant throughout Central of his feats. Even the General hadn’t dared to challenge his presence or argue that she wasn’t safe in his presence. Yes, she could easily give her body over to Bane. She’d already experienced how his touch turned her into a smoldering, wanton woman. But could she join in a bond with him? She wasn’t naive. Sianna had done her research. She was aware of the bonding between dragons and riders. It was an intimate process. The riders she’d had contact with loved their dragons. Could she give her heart to a creature she had been raised to detest, despite the need Ketall had for them? He pulled the sword from her throat and shrugged. “There are no rules when you are in a battle of life and death. You use whatever means are necessary.” He held his hand out to her. The male actually wanted to help her up as if she were a child who’d fallen and scraped her knee. Pushing past the turmoil of her emotions, she took the offered hand and smiled. She would show him he needed to be on guard, too. When Bane pulled to lift her from the ground, Sianna grabbed for the dagger at her waist. At the same time, she used her foot closest to his leg to sweep him off balance so he would fall. In the span of a breath, she straddled his body with her dagger pressed against his jugular. “Any means necessary,” she announced with triumph. “Yes, but always be aware of your opponent’s reaction and always be conscious of their hands.” He pushed his own dagger into her side so she would finally notice it. “Frayland’s witch!” Sianna cursed, but still didn’t move. “Do you admit defeat?”

Marty Rayne

30

Oh, how she hated that haughty tone. Especially since it made her chest constrict with physical need. A lump clogged her throat as she gave a slight nod to acknowledge her surrender. Her hand withdrew, leaving behind a faint line, evidence of the pressure she’d held to his skin. After her next breath, she was once more on her back, and this time Bane’s body covered hers. His cock, hard and prominent, pressed at the apex of her thighs, making itself at home. Her arms were raised and held above her head by his hands. “Surrender can be sweet, Sianna. If only you’d let me show you.” His eyes smoldered, boring into her soul. Bane lowered his head and nipped her collarbone. Her back arched of its own accord as her body once again reacted to him. Her fingers curled to make fists, aching to tangle in his thick, mussed hair. Her legs spread wider to ease Bane closer to her throbbing center. Her lips opened, releasing a sigh of pleasure mixed with a small grunt of need. She sent a silent plea to her Goddess that her body wouldn’t burst into flames as his tongue soothed the burning skin. “Will you submit to your body’s desire, my sweet warrior?” “Do you know what you asked of me, dragon?” The words came out harsh. “No more than what is being demanded of me.” Sianna closed her eyes and struggled to clear the lusty haze in her mind. If she gave in, her acquiescence would launch the bonding process. If she said no, how much longer could she resist and stay sane? The mad ramblings of a potential rider echoed darkly through her murky thoughts. The screams and torturous cries for the torment to end still filled her nightmares. It had been a dreadful scene for a girl in her tenth season to see. A small piece of her life she’d never forgot. She shook away the unpleasant images of the past and concentrated on the present.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

31

This was what she’d dreamed of since she was no more than a child. To be free from the social restrictions placed on her. She wouldn’t have to dress a certain way, act the courteous aristocrat. No more being forced to attend dances or listen to boring callers for the sake of appearances or to please her father. No more sneaking around to train. She could shed the rules and expectations of the tedious society in Central and start a new life. Bane could free her of those invisible bonds she had detested all of her life. He offered her what she always sensed. That there was more out there for her. She had but to say one word.

32

Marty Rayne

Chapter Six

“Yes.” Bane felt as if he’d been given the greatest gift bestowed to him by Ezra himself. His cock leaped for joy, pressing tighter against the wetness soaking through the thin material covering the one place he wanted to be. He also felt relief at her acceptance of what he offered. But he worried if she realized exactly what it entitled. Should he explain? Sianna apparently had other plans when she distracted Bane from all serious thoughts by pulling his head back down and boldly kissing him. She quickly took the lead, which surprised him. He got the sense Sianna had little experience in the way of intimate relationships as he’d heard she rarely allowed males to court her Reluctantly, Bane broke the kiss, and his hands framed her face. She was so

beautiful…and innocent, he reminded himself. Had she ever been with a male before? “My sweet warrior.” He brushed his lips across one of her cheeks. “We must have some privacy, lest a bystander happen upon us.” Sianna’s breath was rapid, and her body clung to his. “My room.”

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

33

Bane thought of shifting to his dragon form, knowing they’d reach her room faster. However, he didn’t want to scare her and ruin this opportunity. He found it harder and harder to resist the bonding the longer he was with her. “Lead the way.” He took her hand in his and helped her up. She was swift for a human. Bane wasn’t sure if it was from excitement, arousal, fear of being caught, or perhaps all three as she expertly led them through the shadows, dodging roaming guards. They couldn’t get back to her living quarters fast enough. Bane’s body, overheated from their grueling match and the passionate bonding lust flaring within, demanded he join with his bondmate. He could only clench his jaw and wait. The minute the door locked shut behind them, Bane drew Sianna in for a kiss to renew the desire that may have cooled. The minute their bodies met, lips locked, and tongues tangled, he knew she’d lost none of her earlier raging passion. He held back a snarl as her clothing blocked access to his touch. She looked delicious in the obscenely tight masculine clothing clinging to her womanly curves. However, Bane decided she would be even more delectable out of them. It was no wonder human men forced their females to wear dresses that hid the enchantments of a woman’s body. He didn’t like sharing the sight of his female either. Pulling back, he used a small amount of his dragon strength to rip open her shirt and push it off her shoulders, tearing a sharp rasp from her. The material soundlessly fell to the floor. She wore no harness for her breasts as many did. Nor did she wear a corset. Of course, one couldn’t expect a woman to move as gracefully as she’d done while wearing such restrictive clothing. Bane’s hands cupped her breasts. They barely filled his palms. The skin soft, creamy white, without blemish. It reminded him how young she was. How much older and experienced he was. He could only trust Lord Ezra and Mother Frayland that this was meant to be.

34

Marty Rayne

“How old are you, my dangerous sweet?” He couldn’t help but ask just before his mouth suckled on the pert, hard nipple in one of his palms. She tasted as exquisite as she smelled. Sianna exhaled sharply, and her nails dug into his shoulders. Probably not the first of marks before the night was over. She had a feisty nature. One he would relish as he bedded her. Her words were only garbles of moans and sighs as he switched to her other waiting breast. His gaze lifted and waited for Sianna to respond while his tongue continually twirled around the hardened peak, not yet having his fill. Her hands moved from his shoulders to his hair so her fingers could tangle and pull him closer. “How old?” He nipped at the tip, enjoying the way the nipple darkened with arousal. “Twenty seasons. Nearly twenty-one,” she managed to say with a gulp. “So young.” His hands slipped from her breasts, sliding down her sides to her waist. His fingers nimbly released the button so his hand could dip inside. One finger glided between her folds and found a hot, wet treasure. “So tight.” Sianna moaned, throwing her head back when his finger entered her body and stroked the slick walls. “I bet your nectar tastes as sweet as you look. Or maybe as spicy as you smell.” Bane removed his hand from her and fell to his knees. Sianna moaned in protest. Her fingers were still tangled in his hair and the pain of his movements only enticed his arousal, feeding the bonding lust. It had been a long time since he’d been with a woman, for his last rider had been male. Even longer since he’d wanted one as desperately as he needed Sianna. Bonds were strong between riders and dragons, but each bonding experience with a rider was unique, as were the emotions involved. Despite being one of a small number of older dragons, Bane felt like a reckless youth. His body thrummed with life, and his energy seemed never ending. His senses intensified

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

35

when her spicy scent wafted by his nose as he pulled down her pants. Yes, she would taste delightful.

Sianna let out a small squeal when Bane’s tongue touched the swollen flesh between her thighs. Her first instinct was to push him away, never having had a man touch her as he did now. Thankfully, her hands refused to listen to her brain as they gripped his hair tighter and pulled him even closer, while her legs spread as far as her pants wrapped around her ankles would allow. What they were doing was unbelievably dangerous. She was of aristocrat blood, and her ancestors were part of the original elders of the Grand Council. Having sex with the dragon race just wasn’t acceptable for one of her heritage. Yet here she was. Nearly begging a gorgeous dragon to take her. “Yes,” she moaned as his tongue dipped into her body. The fire that had been simmering, slowly growing in her lower belly since she’d first laid eyes on Bane, was out of control. She felt as if her insides were being incinerated as the fire grew more intense with every second that passed. Bane growled, a sound she would have thought impossible for a human throat to create. The rumble vibrated through her entire body, sending tremors echoing along her nerves. He did it again directly on her clit and this time she exploded; her climax came hard and fast. Feeling as if she’d been catapulted across the sky. “Bane!” she screamed as the inferno raised another degree before calming to a more bearable heat. Her knees gave out, and he easily caught her. She slowly came back to herself and whimpered as his clothing scratched her still-heated skin. “More,” she panted. Sianna was familiar with what happened between a man and woman in the marriage bed. Her aunt had educated her when she’d turned of age. Although her aunt had told her about the duty of a wife to her husband, she’d failed to inform her of its explosive nature.

36

Marty Rayne

How intense and addicting the intimacy could be. Or maybe it was because Bane was a dragon? Bane carried Sianna to the bed and gently laid her upon the soft covers. The cool air coming from the open window was a small relief to her sweat-drenched body. She felt drugged. She lay in her body, yet had little control over how it responded. All she knew was that she wanted more of what Bane had to offer; only she wasn’t sure she would survive the exquisite thrill he induced. With hooded eyes, she watched Bane strip from his clothing. He was amazing. Though a bit thin, there was no mistaking the power simmering within. There wasn’t an ounce of fat on him. His muscles shaped to form sleek, smooth curves on his body. His skin held a light blue hue as if he’d gotten caught outside in a winter ice storm. As her gaze skimmed over every inch of his body, she saw that his skin -- or was his skin considered hide? -- was smooth. The only hair that covered him was on the top of his head and a patch of dark curls at the base of his… Sianna quickly diverted her gaze, and Bane chuckled. The deep sound resonated along every nerve, making her quiver. Bane easily finished removing her pants that still clung to her ankles. She was now as naked as he. And she suddenly felt very vulnerable under his intense green gaze. She trembled, from excitement or fear, she wasn’t sure. Maybe a little of both. Did he realize this was her first time with a man? Should she tell him? Panic clenched her stomach as Bane knelt between her legs. His eyes glowed with lust and his tongue licked his lips, those very talented red lips, as if he thought of devouring her. Did dragons really eat humans?

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

37

Chapter Seven

Bane sensed hesitation in Sianna. He was too far gone into the bonding lust to stop, but he reined in some of his control and slowed down. Keeping his gaze locked on hers, he lowered his head and took a deep breath. Her scent, musky and pungent, acted as an aphrodisiac. His cock twitched with anticipation. Unable to wait a second longer for a taste, Bane looked away from Sianna and focused his attention to the very core of his coming pleasure. She was wet, and her juices already glistened on the fiery red curls. His tongue slipped from his mouth and started lapping lightly at the wetness. She jumped and gasped, startled. She was the most divine thing he’d ever tasted. “Has anyone ever kissed you here, Sianna?” His voice was so deep, resembling his dragon rumble, but his words were still clear. “No,” she moaned as his tongue flickered over her swollen clit. This pleased Bane. Somehow knowing he was the first was a gift beyond any worldly treasure. He would make sure this was as memorable for her as it was precious to him. With careful but deliberate motions, he once more teased and sucked her clit until Sianna was in a thrashing frenzy. Two of his fingers buried deep into her tightness, her slick juices covered

38

Marty Rayne

his hand, and his fingertips brushed over that special sweet spot he’d found that made her tighten. “Please, Bane. Oh, Goddess…” she moaned. As Bane suckled harder, his free hand crept up to tug at one of her hardened nipples. Sianna shattered a second time as her orgasm contracted around his fingers, and her body leaked even more of her delectable juices. Once her climax calmed, he slid up her body and lay next to her, holding her trembling body in his arms. “I never knew it could be so…” She trailed off with a sigh. Bane lifted her chin using his index finger. He gently kissed her, even though his body demanded his own release. His blood boiled, and every cell ached to join with this woman, the intensity wild. “There’s more to come.” Sianna nodded and sat up so that she looked down on him. He watched as she reached out a hand and slowly skimmed her fingertips over his chest and down his abdomen. He shivered and realized then that the slightest touch from her could break his age-earned control. He couldn’t understand why this one mesmerizing slip of a woman was so different from his other four riders. “Tell me, Sianna.” He found pleasure in saying her name. It had a way of perfectly rolling off his tongue. “Is this your first time with a male?” He’d already speculated she was a virgin by her surprised responses and slight hesitations. But he wanted to hear it from her mouth that he was her first. Sianna swallowed hard and nodded. Her face flushed even more and her gaze diverted from his. Dragon’s breath, she was tantalizing. A domineering arrogance flowed through him in his correct assumption. He would be her first and only male as there was no infidelity once bondmates joined.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

39

“My sweet warrior.” He gently brushed aside a red lock of hair that fell over her face. “I will make this the most pleasant experience for you.” He dipped his head and brushed his lips lightly over hers. Sianna nodded, and a tremor wracked her body. Was it still fear or just nerves of what was to come? Taking her mind from the conversation to his body, he guided her hands lower and helped her wrap her fingers around his cock. It filled her palm. “You are so thick.” Her thumb slipped over the tip of his cock. It was filled with blood, the tissue stretched to its maximum and weeping for release. He watched, scared to move, and was surprised when she fearlessly lowered her head and licked at his leakage. “Sianna,” he groaned, pushing her onto her back and then rolling to straddle her. There was a quick shot of panic in her eyes, but as if she swallowed it, desire thrummed, bringing those blue eyes to life. “I need you. I can’t wait any longer to take you.” She opened her legs wider, inviting him. Her body still trembled, so Bane forced himself to be slow. She’d had no other lovers. Nor would she ever have any other after this night. She would be tight, and it would be painful as he broke through her innocence. The urge to plunge in and complete the bond competed with wanting to make this an extraordinary experience. Bane stopped himself just before he pushed the head of his aching cock into her. Yes, she would be his. They would bond. But not because he wanted to. He would give her protection. He would see to the completion of her training so she could fulfill her requirement as a rider. He would even enjoy their physical joining now and until death broke their bond. But Bane would never freely give his heart or love again. He wouldn’t be hurt again. He was doing this out of duty and the inability to fight genetics. “Goddess…Bane…please.” Sianna’s hips thrust upward, oblivious of his internal struggle. With a dip of his head, Bane partook of his rider’s succulent mouth.

Marty Rayne

40

The knowledge that he was the one about to break her barrier brought a strange sense of pride. It would be egotistical of him to think she had saved herself just for him. But maybe that was the case since she was about to become a dragon rider. Who was he to question the ways of Ezra, the Lord of Air, and god to all dragons? With a ragged growl, Bane pushed into her…and froze. She cried out in pain as her nails dug deep into his skin. He uttered a curse, yet relished the pain. It made him aware of his lover, in turn refusing to allow the bonding lust to swallow him into oblivion. Bane focused on his breath, keeping it slow and even. Looking down, he found her eyes squeezed shut. A tear trickled from the corner of one eye. His chest tightened. Bottom feeders be damned. He gently wiped the tear from her cheek. “Sianna. Sweetling.” His voice was as smooth and calm as he could make it while he lay hard and throbbing inside of her. Damn, this wasn’t the easiest of times to be tender. His fingers soothed the lines on her forehead before caressing her cheek. “The discomfort is short-lived.” She opened her eyes, and he was relieved to see that the pain had faded in her expressive eyes. Instead, he saw vulnerability in her for the first time, tears gathering, but not falling. It hacked at the barrier surrounding his heart. He relaxed a little and felt her do the same, as she grew accustomed to his size. His fingers continued their stroking motion. “Better now?” He placed a tender kiss on the tip of her nose. Sianna nodded, then gasped as he moved slightly in her. Yes, this was the way he wanted her. Hot, fiery, riled up. He wanted that passionate, stubborn woman back. Bane withdrew almost completely from her body then slid gently back into place. It was a slow, torturous pace for him, but he didn’t want her first time to be brutal because he couldn’t keep his hormones in check. Still, sweat beaded his forehead, and his arms trembled at the effort it took to hold the bonding lust at bay just a little longer.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

41

“Please, Bane. More.” Sianna’s voice was higher in pitch, and her hips bucked up off the bed meeting him with half strokes. He was still a little frightened of hurting her this first time, but then he felt a heat blooming from her left breast. She moaned and writhed beneath him as the source grew warmer. There, on the top of her left breast was a small light. As the warmth rose and her grinding grew harder and more urgent, the light took shape. It was a dragon. Small and feminine, but still the mark of a rider. No one knew where the symbol came from, only that when a rider bonded with his or her dragon, it appeared someplace on the body. There was no doubt now that Sianna was meant to be his next rider. Lord and Mother had once more chosen a pair for the good of Ketall, whether either wanted it or not. Bane quickened his pace, no longer able to hold back. His most basic instinct required him to claim what was his. To connect with his bondmate in the most intimate way. There would be no stopping now. “Yes,” she hissed when he raised her legs higher, over his shoulders and holding them steady as his hips thrust back and forth. “Yes, Bane.” “Till the last breath, you are mine.” The words rushed from his lips as if they were embedded in his memory. “Together we are bonded in life and in death. Your essence is a part of me forever.” Fire and light flooded his body. The bonding took complete control of him. A door to his mind burst open, and foreign emotions flooded in. It was almost too much, but still he kept going, the last words said through clenched teeth. “Two souls combined as one. Forever.” A burst of illumination surrounded them as they both orgasmed, screaming into the night.

42

Marty Rayne

Chapter Eight

“What was that?” Sianna’s body felt sated for the first time in her life, but she tingled all over and a spot on her left breast burned. “The start of the bonding process.” Bane had collapsed on top of her and had yet to move. Somehow, he didn’t feel too heavy on her despite his larger physique. “We bonded?” She grew very still, almost rigid as she waited for the answer that she already knew. It was odd. She could feel him inside her mind, yet he was somehow muted, like a shield was around whatever part of him that occupied her mind now. He let out a sigh before speaking. “Yes. I’ve made you my rider.” Sianna put her hands on his chest and shoved him as hard as she could, surprised that she was stronger than before as he easily tumbled off of her. But then, from the way he wouldn’t look at her, he’d probably allowed her to push him away. “Sweet Frayland.” She sat up and stared wide eyed at him. Her cheeks were hot with a flush, but she wasn’t sure if it was from the recent sex or the uneasiness boiling inside. She knew going in what was to happen, but now to actually have it done, to feel the foreignness inside like another had stepped inside her head… She wasn’t sure now. Only there was no going back.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

43

“You were chosen for me, Sianna. I didn’t want another rider, but…” His words dropped off as he brushed away the hair falling into his eyes. “Or I go mad.” Sianna closed her eyes, and her voice came out softly, remembering the man she’d witnessed killed when she was just a child. She could still hear the man screaming incoherent pleas. The tormented madness in his eyes. “When I was ten seasons I snuck into the Grand Council’s chambers and hid. I’d heard that the great black dragon was coming to Central. I just had to see him. Even at that time, he was one of the oldest active dragons. Instead…” Her fingers twisted together. She’d never told anyone what she saw. No one knew she had hidden in a small closet in the far side of the chambers. “What did you see?” He reached out to touch her shoulder only to hesitate and hold back from actually touching her. “The dragon never came that day. The guards instead brought a man before the elders. He was raving mad. Foaming at the mouth, tore at any clothing he had on, and had scratches all over his body. They had to restrain his hands before he gouged out his eyes. I was terrified.” Sianna rubbed at her neck. She didn’t want to think about this, but the words fell from her mouth. “He was a potential rider. Something terribly wrong happened during the bonding process. The dragon died.” “And when a dragon dies, so does the rider,” Bane said quietly. She could almost feel his sadness. She shivered, but wasn’t cold. “That’s only if the bonding between dragon and rider is complete.” Sianna sighed and shook her head. “His body was like a festering blister. Oozing pus. It made me sick to my stomach. I almost vomited. Somehow I was able to hold back and keep my presence a secret.” She knew that was a possibility when she said yes to Bane. Taking this step had sealed a fate she’d only sensed on the edge of her dreams, for she knew dragons rarely consorted with

44

Marty Rayne

humans sexually. It was rumored that unless the human was a bondmate, he or she wouldn’t be able to completely sate a dragon’s sexual hunger. Strangely, none of the risks had gone through her head before she and Bane had sex. “He was put to death.” She shivered again. Opening her eyes, she looked down at her body. On her left breast was a dark mark. It wasn’t very large, but it was very noticeable. She’d seen the mark on many of the riders that had come to Central. Legend said the mark was from the Goddess’s kiss to the fated bondmate of a dragon right after birth. Then when a rider found his or her dragon, it flared to life, forever marking them. With a trembling hand, she reached up and touched it. That area of her skin was warmer than the rest, but just as smooth. She was in awe of the calmness that suddenly flowed through her. She always knew there was more for her than the dreaded, boring Court life. Adventure waited for her beyond the walls of Central. She just had to bide her time and wait for her knight in shining armor to sweep her away. Only, in reality, it was a dragon who’d come to take her from this dreary life she was beginning to hate. “I’m really a rider?” she whispered more to herself than Bane. “You know what this means, right?” He lifted her chin with his index finger. “We’re a team. There’s no turning back.” Numbly, Sianna nodded. A quick tumble with a dragon. That’s all she’d wanted, no matter her innocent nature. Her journey to quench her lust had bound her to this being until death. In a sense, she was reborn. The life she knew was over. Crawling from the bed, she needed to put some space between her and Bane. Her mind was too busy trying to process what had just happened to bother covering her nakedness. Sianna walked to the window and stared out. Her arms crossed over her chest so her hands could rub away the chill she felt creeping up them.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

45

Darkness blanketed the city beyond Central’s walls. All was quiet. Only the occasional shadow moved as the guards patrolled the walls. How many nights had she stood here and let her mind wander to the skies? How often had she imagined what it would be like to have the wind rush across her body as she rode the back of a dragon? Now those late night fascinations were coming true. Could she take on this responsibility? She didn’t really have a choice, did she? Strong warm hands touched her shoulders, making her jump, unaccustomed to being touched so freely. “Do you have regrets?” Sianna shook her head. Tears flooded her eyes, but she refused to let them drop. This had been her dream. Her escape from the life she often detested. How could she regret it? Bane’s hands slid down her arms until they embraced her. Without thought, she leaned back into his warmth. He felt good. So right. Letting out a sigh, she forced her body to relax. “When will we leave?” With Ketall’s army based out of Central, there was no need for a dragon to be present. They were dispatched across Ketall to patrol and keep law in those territories outside of Central. “After daybreak. To the Zaire Forest. My offspring, Dargo, and his rider, Tyrus, haven’t checked in. I dare not delay much longer with my search for them.” Sianna nodded. “I understand.” Her emotions were a jumbled mixture of excitement and fear. Everything had happened so quickly. Closing her eyes and resigning herself to an unknown future, she turned in his arms. Her nerves tingled and a fresh surge of wetness fell between her thighs. Despite the sudden change in her life and her stomach clenching in fright, she wanted Bane. Her pussy ached to feel him inside of her again. “Bane.” What was she to say? How did a woman tell her man when she wanted more sex? “My needy warrior. Do not worry yourself. I know your needs.”

46

Marty Rayne

Sianna gasped. His words had echoed in her mind, not from his mouth. “How…?” “We’re connected, Sianna.” His voice held amusement. “It goes deeper than our

physical attraction.” “So, we can communicate like this any time?” She gazed up at him. Bane only stood a couple of inches taller than she. She never knew that a bond went that deep. “Yes, whether we are near or far. Don’t worry. I will teach you all you need to know.” His head lowered so his lips brushed over hers. She shivered, and the fire in her lower belly reignited. “But now, I believe there are other things you require of me instead of talk.” A shy smile touched her lips. She was amazed how free Bane made her feel. She could actually be the real Sianna for the first time in her life. “We have a lot of time to talk -- later.” Without another word, Bane swept her into his arms and took her back to bed.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

47

Chapter Nine

Bane stopped just outside the door leading into the Grand Council’s chambers. “Are you ready?” Sianna met his gaze. She felt as jittery as a newborn foal. Her stomach was tight, her nerves on edge. She still had trouble believing this was the start of a new life. It wasn’t an easy step, but she wanted nothing else other than to follow where Bane led. “As ready as I’ll ever be.” He took her hand and gave it an assuring squeeze. She would have preferred a kiss or even a smile, but she could live with this. He was beside her. That’s all that mattered at that moment. The doors opened with a slight push from Bane. Hand in hand, they walked in. Apparently, they were interrupting a meeting between a female dragon and -- two men? She realized it was the dragon called Jax. There was only one female dragon of her green coloring in Ketall. There had been a lot of gossip about the dragon who now had two riders. The Grand Council’s attention turned from the trio to her and Bane. Sianna curbed the impulse to run. She’d walked into these chambers hundreds of times. This time should be no different.

48

Marty Rayne

“Only it is,” Bane’s soothing deep voice injected. Sianna swallowed her gasp, wondering if she’d ever get used to the ability to communicate like this. Or if she’d ever be able to block him from her thoughts. “I will always be able to sense your moods, see inside of you if I choose, but I will teach

you to calm the transference,” he assured her. “Forgive us, Grand Council, for the intrusion.” He bowed to the seven members before turning to Jax. “And my apologies to you, Jax Syrus and your riders.” Jax smiled. “All is well, Bane Gauis.” She gave a quick bow with her head along with the formal greeting, but she eyed Sianna, who fidgeted at the scrutiny. “Daughter!” Elder Richter’s voice boomed through the chamber. Sianna jumped and jerked her hand, but Bane squeezed her palm, preventing her from pulling it from his grasp. “Release my daughter, dragon,” Elder Richter demanded, standing from his chair to look down on them. “Sianna, you will return to your rooms and stay there until I come.” She bowed her head and almost did as he instructed. But Bane’s warm grip reminded her of her purpose. She was no longer a child. She was a rider now. A woman bonded to a dragon. Her destiny finally upon her. “We have business here, Father.” Sianna raised her head and met his gaze. “I have come to inform the Grand Council that I have claimed my next rider, and we will be departing to Zaire Forest before midday.” “Have you truly bonded with your rider, Dragon Gaius?” Elder Meher spoke up as his brows arched. “Yes.” “And who is your newly acquired rider?” Elder Gether questioned, fidgeting in his seat. He was seated next to Elder Richter. However, these questions were all part of the official query and approval custom.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

49

“I am.” Sianna stepped forward, glad her voice was steadier than how her insides felt. “No!” Elder Richter slammed his hands down on the table. “It’s not possible. She’s my daughter. My heir. Blood of the original elders run in her veins. She won’t lower herself to be with a -- beast.” The last word was said with a sneer. An inhuman growl rumbled from Bane’s throat. The sound made Sianna very conscious that her lover was more than human. “Yes. I am your blood, Father. However, because I’m a female, I’m not your heir. I can’t inherit your place on the Grand Council. That privilege goes to my cousin Pascal. So there is no reason I can’t fulfill my duty the sovereign Goddess has set before me.” “What proof have you that the two of you bonded?” Elder Meher asked calmly. He ignored Elder Richter’s violent outburst. “This.” Sianna used her free hand, pulled the top of her simply designed sky blue dress down, and exposed the mark brandishing the top of her breast. Gasps echoed from the Council members. Her face heated with a flush. “Not possible,” Elder Scrad hissed. “It has to be a fake,” Elder Richter argued, his face red. Sianna mused that if he were a dragon, smoke would’ve come from his mouth with the rage he displayed. She bit back the smile at the comparison. Her father wouldn’t find it as amusing as she. One of Jax’s riders stepped toward Sianna, his gaze locked on the mark. “I’m Kel Targus. Rider to Jax. May I verify the mark?” Jax was a lucky dragon. The man was handsome with his long ash blond hair falling around his face and down his back. His stormy gray eyes were intensely scrutinizing her mark. But Sianna didn’t feel a single spark of desire when she looked at him. She looked to Bane, who gave a slight nod, before she gave the same. Awareness of Bane’s focused attention on the other man fluttered about in her head. “Stop. I’m nervous

enough. I don’t need your jealousy on top of it.”

50

Marty Rayne

Bane huffed in her mind. “Jealous? I think not. He’s just a human male wanting to

touch my bondmate.” Sianna was stunned that her demand to Bane had actually gotten through.

“Of course, sweetness. It will become as natural as walking.” “Stop distracting me.” Sianna tried not to scowl as she turned her attention back to the rider in front of her. Kel reached out and gently touched her mark. It was now her turn to gasp as it flared, recognizing the other rider. “I won’t tolerate this.” Elder Richter rushed off the platform and started toward them. Though she was petite in her human form, Jax stepped into the elder’s path. He skidded to a halt with a huff. “I command you to get out of my way, dragon.” Jax put her hands on her hips, her eyes glowing red. Elder Richter took a step back, but not without an unhappy glare. Sianna watched the scene play out with awe. Her father despised dragons despite their role in Ketall’s society. He thought they were lower than the lowest creature on the planet. And he was frightened of them. But neither trait had passed to Sianna. In fact, Sianna thought the complete opposite of the often-mystical creatures. “The mark isn’t false. See how it reacts to me? It is identical to the one I bear, as does my partner, Nicholas,” Kel announced. Without a word, Nicholas pulled the waist of his pants down to his lower abdomen to show the Council where an identical mark, shaped as a dragon, lay on his skin as proof he too was a bonded rider. “They’re true bondmates.” “This can’t be. I demand it be undone!” Elder Richter shouted, but he didn’t try to move closer. The other elders said nothing, seemingly stunned. Elder Meher moved first. He stepped down and approached Sianna. No one stopped him. “Never has one of elder blood been claimed as a rider. How is this possible?” His tone wasn’t hostile, but inquisitive. Legend had it that the original elders were the founders of Central and had set up the government for all of Ketall. Not to mention setting up the treaty

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

51

between dragons and humans in the early days of civilization. Most of the first riders were believed to have been witches and sorcerers. “I don’t know,” Bane answered. “This is a scam. That creature has brainwashed my daughter. I won’t stand for it.” Bane stepped toward Elder Richter, growling. It was Sianna’s turn to keep him by her side as she kept hold of his hand to prevent him from going to her father. “Stay,” she hissed. “I’m not a dog to be kicked around and humiliated, Sianna.” His anger reverberated in his voice. The other elders spoke to each other as well as to Sianna and Bane, questions flying from all around, and the noise rose until it was hard to understand the words. “Enough,” Kel butted in. Amazingly, everyone quieted down. “I’m new to this world, Elder Meher. To the way of things here in Ketall,” Nicholas started. “But from what Kel and Jax have taught me, the thought of a dragon having two bondmates at once was unheard of also. Why not this?” Elder Meher nodded with a thoughtful expression. “You have a point, young rider.” “This dragon took my daughter without permission. If they are bonded, they would have had to have…” His words dropped off as if he couldn’t stomach saying the words. His expression twisted with disgust and shook his head. “There must be retribution and a way to undo what he’s done. He can’t take my only child,” Elder Richter raged. “Only death can separate our bond,” Bane answered. He placed his body slightly in front of hers as if there was an actual threat to her life. “I call for this dragon’s death. He’s stolen what is mine.” “I am not a piece of property, Father.” Sianna pushed past Bane, finally dropping his hand, and confronted her father. His dominant nature annoyed her. In fact, both men were pushing her limits. She was a woman made of flesh and blood, not some artifact or pet. Her

Marty Rayne

52

own irritation mingled with the anger she felt vibrating from Bane through their newly established bond. The target -- her father. “What’s done is done.” “Besides, killing me would only serve to kill Sianna as well.” Bane actually smiled at her father, but it wasn’t one of pleasantries. Elder Richter was speechless. He stood there; face red with fury and mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. Sianna felt at a loss as to how to soothe his anger and disappointment. She knew coming in he wouldn’t be happy. But there was little choice left. “It is my honor to serve the Grand Council and Ketall in my duty as a rider.” Sianna placed her right fist over her heart and bowed, just as Bane had instructed her. “I, Sianna Richter, claim Bane…” She paused and looked to him. Here, she was about to go off to unknown danger with him, and she didn’t even know his surname. “Gaius,” he whispered in her mind. “Bane Gaius as my dragon.” She paused and swallowed. Was this really happening? “My bondmate.” Elder Meher bowed. “As Goddess Frayland has chosen, it is well.” “No, it’s not. I won’t have my daughter traipsing around the land, being intimate with this beast.” Elder Richter said the words with disgust. This time Jax joined in Bane’s growl of disapproval. “What of training, Dragon Gaius?” Elder Narona spoke up, diverting attention from Elder Richter’s words. “You said before it would take time to train a new rider.” “Sianna is as adept in fighting as any man in Ketall’s army.” “Not possible.” Elder Richter butted in, this time crossing his arms over his chest. A smirk played on his lips. “She’s never handled a sword in her life. She’s incapable of being a rider.”

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

53

“On the contrary, Elder Richter. Your daughter is more than competent with a sword and dagger. I myself have had the opportunity to spar with her, testing her skill. She’s very proficient as a warrior.” Elder Richter huffed in disbelief. “I’m sorry, but Sianna never had an interest in swordplay. Her head was always stuck in a book or what dress she would wear to what party. She would never dirty herself. She’s too good for the likes of battle.” Sianna took offense to her father’s words. Is that how he saw her? Did others see her in the same light? A rich, spoiled girl? Okay, maybe she was a little spoiled and a lot pampered. But that didn’t mean she wasn’t capable of actually doing something meaningful with her life besides chasing the next fashion or belittling those not as fortunate as herself. She’d only done those things because it had been expected of her. She was viewed as an aristocrat. As if her blood was better than any others. She hated that way of thinking. Looking to Kel, still standing within arm’s length, she bowed in formal greeting, rider to rider. She’d seen it done many times and hoped she was doing it correctly. “Rider Targus, it’d please me if you would accept my challenge. In doing so, I would prove my worth to my dragon and the Grand Council.” “Sianna, you don’t have to do this. You have nothing to prove to me.” Bane’s voice, ever soothing to her nerves, comforted her. She could sense his confidence. Only this wasn’t really about him, but standing on her own in front of those who thought so little of her abilities. “I know, but let me do this. Please ?” Speaking to Bane like this was becoming easier the more she did it, though it was still awkward. Bane sighed, and his shoulders dropped slightly. He nodded. “Rider Targus?” Kel nodded. “If we are to spar, call me Kel.” He surprised her by smiling; his face lit up at the challenge he’d been given.

Marty Rayne

54

“And I am Sianna.” She looked around for a sword. She’d left her weapon under her mattress where she always kept it. She hadn’t thought to bring it with her. Really, where would she strap the thing while wearing a dress? “Take mine,” Nicholas offered. “Thank you.” Sianna thought Jax was a very lucky dragon indeed for having such good looking and kind riders. Perhaps one day, she would get the opportunity to know them better. “Not too much better,” Bane whispered in her mind. She chuckled and noted his tone of jealousy. He would be a handful. The last thing she needed was two more men.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

55

Chapter Ten

Bane was amazed by Sianna’s bravery. Not only was she willing to show the Council her worth, she was willing to challenge Kel to do so, and in a dress, for that matter. He wondered if she knew Kel was one of the best swordsmen on Ketall. Best not to tell her. “Be careful, sweet,” he whispered to her mind as she kicked off her slippers and Kel started circling her. Jax and Nick had managed to wrangle Elder Richter back, giving them all room for the upcoming swordfight. Moving over to join Elder Meher, Bane leaned against the platform, arms crossed over his chest. He looked the picture of ease, but inside, he was a wreck. His own emotions struggled with Sianna’s strong feelings fluttering over their connection. After they left Central, he’d teach her to dampen their flow or he was bound to go a little crazy trying to constantly filter her ramped emotions and thoughts. Sianna took the first lunge. Kel was able to avoid the sword’s tip plunging into his side by sidestepping her and quickly countering. The fight was on. Pride swelled in Bane’s chest as Sianna held her own against Kel. Both riders superbly advanced and retreated, round and round, each attack parried, then countered. Bane found himself eyeing her elegant movements. Remembering how lean and muscular her legs were.

56

Marty Rayne

Their smooth lines wrapping around his waist as he pumped in and out of her. Her nails had raked sharply across his back as her hands had roamed his body. He was sure there were marks still there as their passion had risen through the night hours. A grunt from Sianna jerked Bane from his recollections. She lay on her back, the tip of Kel’s sword pressed to her throat, but not causing harm. Kel, his skin coated with sweat and breath coming out as pants, looked over at Bane. “She is well trained.” He smiled. “It’s been a while since I’ve had such a workout.” “Hey,” Nicholas cut in with a frown, but Bane sensed playful banter between the two riders as the corner of his lips twitched. Kel glanced over his shoulder and smiled at his partner. Bane didn’t miss the wink he gave Nick. Withdrawing his sword, Kel held out his hand to help Sianna up. “I wouldn’t…” Bane tried to warn Kel as Sianna grasped his hand. It was too late. He couldn’t hold back the chuckle when Kel lay on the ground, stunned, blinking up at Sianna, whose sword’s blade now lay across his neck. “Nice.” Kel smirked when he got his breath back. “Thank you.” This time it was Sianna who offered her hand. Kel wisely bypassed it and got up on his own. “As you can see” -- Bane turned his attention to Elder Meher and then gazed at the other members of the Council -- “my rider is very proficient in the art of battle. I have little doubt that any other training won’t take long and can be done as we go about our mission.” “It appears you are correct, Dragon Gaius.” Elder Meher looked to the other members. “All who agree?” Five of the six members raised their hands. Elder Richter glowered as his hands balled into fists at his side.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

57

“As is our way, majority rules.” Elder Meher turned to Sianna. His head bowed in respect to her. “Welcome, Rider Sianna Richter. May Mother Goddess bless and protect you on your journeys.” “Thank you,” Sianna responded with a respectful bow. “Father…” “You are dead to me. I have no child that I raised,” Elder Richter announced and turned his back on her. Bane wanted to tear the man’s head off as Sianna’s pain of rejection ripped through him. He saw the tears flood her eyes as she stood gazing at her father’s back. Bane took a step toward her to comfort her, but as if she snapped out of a daze, Sianna’s posture turned rigid, and her head lifted. She returned the sword to Nick. “Thank you. I hope to see the three of you again one day.” “Our paths will cross again,” Kel said with a sad smile. “I will be ready to leave within an hour. Meet me in my rooms.” Sianna’s voice was cold. Dead. Bane could feel a part of her wither, as if dying. Before he could voice a response, she left the chambers without another word.

58

Marty Rayne

Chapter Eleven

Sianna’s emotional trail pulled at him as he walked the halls toward her room. There was no denying the pain and grief she was going through. Bane wanted nothing more than to beat some sense into her father. How could a father disown his child just because she did something he didn’t like? He must know the humans’ Goddess had chosen her. Was she not doing this for the good of Ketall? Assuming a heavy burden despite the consequences? Humans were so confusing. Some had little honor for their blessings. Without knocking, Bane entered her room. She stood by her wardrobe, gazing down at a picture in her hand. Sianna had changed into pants and a loose-fitting tan shirt. The boots she’d worn the night before adorned her feet and her hair was pulled back at the nape of her neck. She didn’t appear to notice his entrance, but he knew she did. “I wonder sometimes if she would have also been disappointed in me.” Her voice was so soft, if it weren’t for his acute hearing he would’ve missed what she said. Bane approached; still she didn’t turn. He reached his hand out, but withdrew it before he touched her. Now that they’d bonded, her emotions snaked through him. The first time he’d laid eyes on her, he knew she was different. She’d proven him correct with every word and action.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

59

“Sianna.” That’s all his throat would allow as her sorrow swept over him in a crashing wave. She finally turned with a frame cradled in her hands. Inside was a portrait of a young woman, beautifully drawn. He could clearly see the resemblance Sianna had to the woman. “I often wonder what she was like. If I would’ve turned out different if she’d lived.” Bane didn’t know what to say. He might be over six hundred years old, but human emotions and their ways still bewildered him. A dragon’s feelings toward those who sired and birthed them was of respect and affection. The relationships were a lot less complicated than those of humans. She shook her head and walked to the bed where she tucked the frame into a bag. “Never mind. It’s foolish to spend time on the what-ifs.” She closed and slung it over her shoulder. Her sword was tucked in its scabbard and attached to her belt. “I’m ready.” Bane looked around the room, seeing how little she took with her. He’d expected more. “That’s it?” Sianna shrugged. “I don’t need this other stuff. It won’t do me any good in my new life as a rider. Who’d ever heard of a rider wearing a dress? Not practical, wouldn’t you say?” He nodded. He took her hand and started for the door. “Then let’s be on our way.” “What? No jumping out of windows?” Bane chuckled. “Not this time. We can try it later when you’ve got more flying time.” “Flying.” Her voice was soft and held awe. Most riders felt the same before their first time on their dragon’s back. His lips twitched as a smile tried to emerge. With every rider, he experienced everything anew. Everything was fresh and filled with wonderment. This time was no exception, no matter how much he fought it.

*****

60

Marty Rayne

Sianna’s stomach lurched, feeling as if she’d fallen when it bottomed out for the third time. She swallowed a scream as Bane turned sharply to the right. Her grip on the saddle tightened until her knuckles were white. She squeezed her eyes shut and wondered why she thought flying would be fun. Oh, because Bane had said he’d be nice. She huffed and tried to remember the marvel she’d felt as she’d watched her lover shift to his full dragon form in a blink of an eye. He was beautiful. His cornflower blue scales reflected the midmorning sun around him, wings spread wide as he stretched, while his gorgeous emerald eyes appeared to gaze directly into her soul. Then the saddle had materialized on his back.

“You’ll need this until you learn to go without.” She’d thought he was being considerate. Now she knew the reason he’d insisted upon it. Riding a dragon wasn’t as easy as it looked. “This gets easier?” Sianna murmured as Bane tilted to the left. Inside her head she chanted, “I will not vomit. I will not vomit. I will --” Bane’s laughter echoed in her mind. Be damned, she forgot he could hear her. “We’ll have to work on that, too.” He was having too much fun at her expense as she tried not to fall off or regurgitate the heavy lump in her stomach she’d called breakfast. “I’m glad I’m causing you so much amusement.” Bane dipped lower to the ground and slowed his flight. Slowly, she opened her eyes.

“I’m sorry. I get a little carried away when I fly. Besides, it has been some time since I’ve had a new rider.” A twinge of guilt seeped into Sianna’s conscious. Bane had lost his rider a little more than a season before. This piqued her curiosity. She knew so little of him, yet she was bound to him for the rest of her life. However short or long that may be. No, she wouldn’t think about that. Not yet. So, she let her mind wander to Bane.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

61

Letting out a long breath, she forced her grip to loosen, and her shoulders relaxed. Only a little. “How long were you with her? Your last rider, I mean.” Sianna sensed a hesitation in Bane. She visibly saw his great muscles tense. “It was a he.

And Rylin was with me for seventy-five years.” He? She forgot that a dragon’s bondmate could be either sex. She just couldn’t picture Bane with another man. Were his other riders men as well? Surely not. Not with the way he made her feel, knowing exactly where to touch her, how to touch her.

“You are my fifth rider, Sianna. The fourth female rider.” “Oh.” She nibbled on her bottom lip as her mind took in the information. “So --” Her brows drew together.

“We’ll finish this later, baby. Business first.” The discussion had distracted Sianna long enough that she’d lost track of the time. Looking down, Bane started a slow descent just outside a small village. “Here we go.” She sighed.

62

Marty Rayne

Chapter Twelve

Bane materialized black pants, boots, and a teal shirt onto his body as he smoothly shifted to his human form. He rolled his shoulders and neck, releasing the stiffness. The older he got the more he felt the tension from his shifts. Bane was comfortable in both forms. However, the dragon form was his natural form and had been his primary form during his time of solitude. He briefly wondered if there would come a time when he didn’t want to shift from dragon. Pushing those thoughts away, Bane turned his attention to Sianna. She looked around, her brows drawn in confusion. He held back a sigh and reminded himself to have patience. It wasn’t easy to break in a new rider, especially doing it on the run like they were. Under normal circumstances, he and Sianna would have months to get to know each other, train together, and teach each other the ins and outs of their bond. Until they found Dargo and his rider and solved these mysterious disappearings, he would have to improvise. Something he did quite well. “Where are we?” “Graspus. That is where the Zaire Forest begins.” He pointed to the tree line in the distance.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

63

Sianna rubbed at her left temple. “I guess I should have studied Ketall’s geography a little more.” Bane resisted the urge to draw her into his arms and kiss away her disconcertion. From what he understood from his many years in the human world, those born of elders rarely left Central, as it was the center of Ketall, where the high-power positions were held. Females were often married to those of similar society positions and continued their lives at Central. Dragons didn't marry those they mated with. They had no such structure. At least not since Ezra had deemed them to bond with humans and protect Ketall from those of evil intent. A dragon was categorized by age, not by bloodline. Yearlings were under the care of their mothers. Juveniles trained under their fathers. Chiefs were mature enough to bond with a rider. Ancients were dragons who’d lived more than seven hundred years. There were only a handful in Ketall now. Though they were bonding, Bane didn’t want to feel deep emotions for Sianna. He didn’t want to experience the painful loss and loneliness when she joined her Goddess in death. He inhaled slowly and reminded himself he would take her body, use her skills, and be her friend and protector, but she’d never have his heart and soul. Too many chunks were already missing. Bane felt that if he lost more, there’d be nothing left of him. Just a shattered shell of who he once was. He would miss her when she was gone, but he would still be intact. “Bane?” a familiar voice called, the tingly sound filled with surprise. A smile flowed freely to his lips. “Tulla.” He turned to be wrapped in the older woman’s beefy arms. “You’re a sight for these sore ol’ eyes.” Bane gazed down at the plump, five feet tall human. She neared her fifties, with rosy cheeks, a button nose, and hazel eyes that glittered with laughter. A pale blue scarf matching her plain dress covered her salt-and-pepper hair.

64

Marty Rayne

“You’re looking well,” he said when she finally let go. “Not a day over twenty-five.” Tulla giggled like a little girl and her cheeks darkened with a blush. “You’re such a charmer.” Her gaze traveled his body. “You look as good as ever. Haven’t aged a day since I last saw you.” Bane lowered his head in a slow nod. Dragons aged with extreme slowness. In human form, he looked in his midthirties. Now that Sianna was bonded to him, she’d age much slower than other humans. “Come. You must be tired. Hungry. I’m sure I have a goat that will sate your hunger until you can hunt.” Her eyes finally wandered to Sianna. “Oh. Is this your new rider?” “Tulla, this is Sianna --” He paused before deciding against using her last name. Some of Graspus’s residents weren’t so friendly toward the Council Elders. He didn’t need disgruntled villagers in his search for Dargo. “My bondmate.” “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sianna. Please, be my guests. I have an empty room.” “Thank you, Tulla.” Sianna smiled. “It would be our pleasure to dine with such a wonderful hostess.” Leave it to his new lover to be as courteous as a noble. He reminded himself that she was indeed a noble. Bred for the life of luxury, yet here she was, out of her realm without a single complaint. Tulla gave Bane a raised brow, her expression full of interest, but she didn’t ask. She turned and led the way to the inn near the outskirts of the village. “Dharma will be so excited to see you also.” “Dharma?” Sianna inquired in a whisper. “Rylin’s great-niece.” He wouldn’t go into details. Bane was sure she’d find out soon enough.

*****

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

65

Sianna rubbed her bare arms though the air was warm. Goose bumps rose still. She hadn’t expected to be around people who actually knew Bane just yet. People who knew more about her bondmate than she. She thought they’d go traipsing through the Zaire Forest looking for clues. Searching for the missing dragon and rider. Guess there was still a lot for her to learn of Bane and how to be a rider. Sianna followed Tulla and Bane into the village. As they passed several of the local women, they smiled and greeted Bane with enthusiasm, lust gleaming in their eyes as their gazes roamed his body tightly encased in his clothes. A bitter emotion emerged and she felt like blinding the women. She made a mental note to speak to Bane about the clothing he wore. She couldn’t have others gawking at her… Holy Mother! She couldn’t think like that. Yes, Bane was her lover and now bondmate, but that didn’t mean he was her man. Dragon. Whatever he was to her. No. She had to keep her mind on the mission and her training so she wouldn’t get killed. It wouldn’t do anyone any good if she died on her first assignment. Nor would it prove to her father that she could make him proud. “Have a seat. I’ll bring you some drink and food.” Tulla pointed to an empty bench in the corner of the inn’s tavern. “When you’re finished, a room will be ready.” Her smile lit up her face, and Sianna couldn’t help but like the older woman with her cheerful nature. No wonder Bane had smiled when he’d seen her. Tulla left them in the near-empty tavern. Sianna sat across from Bane with hands clasped on the table. “So.” She felt a little awkward. What did they talk about? She didn’t know him well enough to start a conversation. Even her lessons of social etiquette failed her. The night before was mostly spent having delicious sex. That didn’t seem to be the place to start asking questions. “Frayland’s sake! It really is you.” A woman’s voice vibrated Sianna’s nerves. There was a blur of pink then there was a young woman sitting in Bane’s lap, hands and lips all over him.

66

Marty Rayne

A rush of dark emotion flooded Sianna’s veins. Her fingers tightened until her knuckles were white. She clenched her teeth so hard her jaw ached. Sianna suddenly wanted to gouge the woman’s eyes out and twist that long neck until she quit breathing. Only then would she run her sword through her heart before laying it over a fire to burn to ashes. The emotion was so intensely violent it frightened her. She knew the bond with a dragon was intimate, but she’d never dreamed it would draw out so much possessiveness. This was so unlike her. Sianna hadn’t known she was capable of such dark emotions. Did all riders go through this? “Dharma. Dharma. Please.” “Think peaceful thoughts,” he whispered softly in her mind, his voice a caress that made her shiver. “Don’t let the darkness take hold.” Had she thought that loudly?

“Your volume is just another thing to add to the list of things to work on.” Sianna groaned and dropped her head into her hands. She tried to think happy thoughts, but the image of the woman in Bane’s lap kept materializing in her mind. Damn, damn, damn. “Oh.” The woman finally took notice of Sianna. “I didn’t know someone was with you.” Her smile appeared to have lost some of its joy and sincerity when she looked at Sianna. Good. “Sianna, this is Dharma. Rylin’s great-niece. Dharma, this is my new rider, Sianna.” While he spoke, Bane pulled the other woman’s arms from around his neck and pushed her onto the bench next to him. It was smoothly done while her eyes seemed to bore into Sianna. “Another rider? That means you and her --” Her voice dropped off, as did her smile. Sianna felt the urge to gloat, but she bit her tongue. The anger and jealousy eased to a lower level now that this tramp was off her Bane.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

67

Tulla came out before either woman could say more. A variety of food on one plate and a pitcher was placed between them. “There you go, dearies. Dharma, sweet, be a dear and get room number three ready for Bane and Sianna, while I take care of the Browan brothers.” The corner of Sianna’s lip twitched as she suppressed a smile. She couldn’t put her finger on the emotion streaming through her, but it felt good. There was a power behind it that could be addicting. “Sianna, please.” It was a plea. He sounded as if he were in pain. She gasped as heat floated over her nerve endings. Wetness seeped between her thighs, and her nipples hardened to tight peaks. Bane’s nose flared. She lowered her eyes to hide the flush to her cheeks from her sudden arousal. But did it originate from him or her? Tulla rounded the table and sat next to Sianna. “Dharma.” Her voice was stern. Dharma sulked off just as Sianna raised her head. She didn’t miss the way the young girl’s fingers brushed across Bane’s shoulders. The heat turned to a dangerous fire in her gut.

“Imagine a wall being erected around those emotions, sweetness. Block them in.” Sianna closed her eyes and did as he bid. Slowly a rock wall rose in her mind surrounding the dark jealousy. It helped her deal a little better with the wild emotions and she felt a sigh of relief flitter across her conscious. “You really couldn’t have come at a better time, Bane.” Tulla broke through Sianna’s insight. Bane turned his attention to their hostess. “Tell me what’s going on around the forest.” Tulla let out a loud sigh and shook her head. “Things have been crazy. Frightening, really. Young men go missing in the middle of the night. It’s like they vanished into thin air and never existed. The best trackers around haven’t been able to pick up even a starting trail. Whatever took them came in without a sound or seen by a living soul. “What about Dargo and Tyrus? When was the last they were here?” Tulla tapped her index finger to her bottom lip. “It’s been a while. At least two cycles.”

68

Marty Rayne

“I know they investigated the disappearances. Did they talk to anyone here? Say anything about any leads?” “They sat over there the last time they were here.” She pointed to the corner on the opposite side of the room. “Tyrus acted different. Nervous. Dargo watched everyone who entered. They talked in hushed tones. Neither acted like their usual selves. Especially after a stranger came in.” “Stranger? Have you seen this person since then?” Bane leaned closer to Tulla as she spoke because her voice got lower as if she spoke of something forbidden. Sianna followed suit, intrigued by the information this woman had and the clues she could possibly give. “I didn’t get a good look at her. She kept her cape and hood on the entire time she was here. She had a bit of an accent I couldn’t quite place. Not like those who live here.” “Did they leave with her?” Sianna finally got involved with the questioning. She once had an interest in mysteries and puzzles. Enjoyed the attempt to solve them. She would look at this the same way. Tulla shook her head. “No. However, they left not long after she did. It was a stormy night now that I think of it. That was the last time I saw either of them.” “Is that all you can remember, Tulla?” She took a moment and thought. Sianna’s gaze watched her closely, hopeful for more information. “Yes. I wish I had more to tell you.” She shook her head and gave a little sigh. Bane smiled at the older woman. The sight made Sianna’s heart flutter strangely and her breath hitch. How could one smile make her body react so? “Thank you, Tulla. You’ve been a lot of help already. If you think of anything else, just let us know.” “Of course. Now, eat and get some rest. You can go about your business later.” “Thank you.” Sianna echoed Bane’s gratitude as Tulla rose and left them alone.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

69

“Something’s off,” Bane said aloud as if speaking to himself. “What do you mean?” Bane shook his head. “I’m not sure. It’s like something is sitting right in front of me, and I can’t quite see it.”

70

Marty Rayne

Chapter Thirteen

Bane finished off his drink and pushed the mug aside as his gaze settled on his bondmate. She picked at the last of the fruit on the platter. His stare fixed on her hand as it picked up a plump red berry and placed the lush treat to her lips. The deep red of the fruit stood out against her pink lips. With a flash of white teeth, she bit into the berry and juice exploded, leaving a trail from her lips to drizzle down her chin. It also dripped over her fingers, coating them with the sweetness of the berry. The entire scene was erotic, bringing Bane’s cock completely awake and throbbing with need. It had been too many hours since he’d last been inside of her. A new bonding was usually very demanding, which was why a rider and dragon spent months together training and adjusting before taking on an assignment. However, he’d pushed aside his own ache that morning, knowing she was sore from their bonding the night before and tired from the lack of sleep. Add to it the stress of the way her father treated her and this journey. At the time, he couldn’t bear to add to her burden of the sudden change in the direction of her life. Watching her tongue flick out and lick the juice from her lips, Bane was positive he could make her forget all else for a time. In fact, he thought it was a very good idea and the perfect time.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

71

He took hold of her wrist and pulled it to him. She half-heartedly tried to pull from his grip, but otherwise didn’t protest. He lowered his head and used slow, sensuous strokes of his tongue to rid her skin of the toggleberry juice. While her taste slipped down his throat, he opened his desires to her. Sianna gasped and her body jumped as he let his entire arousing hunger sweep through her. “Bane.” His name was only a whisper on her lips, but it was the sweetest sound he’d ever heard. “I want you, Sianna.” Her eyes widened as his voice became so deep it was almost that of a dragon’s growl. Bane hadn’t meant to react in such a way, but something about this human woman drove his lust into a frenzy. Could he ever get enough of her? Her hand trembled, and he could feel her own desire rising quickly. The scent of her arousal flooded his nose. His conceit neared bursting knowing she wanted him so much. “Now.” He used his uncanny speed to stand and sweep her into his arms in a blink of an eye. His features, light blue skin, and green eyes as bright as jewels, told all who saw him that he was a dragon. One sweep of his glare dared anyone to meddle in his dealings. The patrons in the tavern all looked away. A growl vibrated his chest with his show of dominance. Bane had them at the stairs in three long strides, then took the steps two at a time. He nearly knocked over a female when he reached the landing. “Oh!” He recognized Dharma as she recovered and steadied herself on the wall. In the next breath, she batted her eyes at him and smiled. He felt like a slab of meat while she looked at him as if she could actually devour him right there.

72

Marty Rayne

The girl, for that’s how Bane thought of her, was about Sianna’s age, but nothing about her had ever interested him. Now that the two women were all but side by side, he saw she was nothing compared to the treasure he held in his arms. Dharma’s hair was blonde, nearly white in color. Her skin was pale, as if it saw little of the sun. Her eyes glittered with her attraction, but they were a dull hazel color. She was a pampered child, never seeing a hard day’s work in her life. Yet, her mother worked until she fell exhausted into bed to keep the inn running smoothly and to keep her daughter happy. Some would say Sianna was the same, but Bane learned otherwise with each hour he spent with her. Dharma reached out and gently touched his arm. The urge to jerk away was sudden, nearly insuppressible. Sianna growled. The sound came out low and a bit frightening. It was Dharma who snatched her hand from him as her easy smile evaporated. Bane was proud of his lover and grateful she took a stand against the pest Dharma had become. “We’re busy.” Sianna shifted in his arms, so her fingers could delve into his hair. She obviously showed the signs of possessiveness riders often had toward their bondmates. It often went both ways with the dragons being a bit more aggressive than the humans. “Aren’t we, Bane?” Bane stared at her with wonder. Something more than pride trickled in. And the idea of those feelings might continue to grow scared the hell out of him. He quickly pushed the emotions away and nodded. “Yes. Yes, we are.” Without another glance to Dharma, he turned and stalked to room three. Luckily, the door was wide open. He entered and slammed it shut with the heel of his foot. Sianna drew his head down and kissed him. Bane went without resistance, the lust shared through their bond feeding upon each other. The sensations that wracked his body were agonizingly sweet. It felt as if an eternity had gone by since he’d felt this closeness to another being.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

73

Bane gently set Sianna to her feet and broke from the kiss. Their gaze locked and a quiver rocked his body. “I feel you.” Her words hushed as if she’d told a secret. He tamped down his side of the connection, and she gasped. “No. Don’t. I want to feel it.” Bane lifted his hand and cupped her face. “It takes some time to get used to. I don’t want to overwhelm you. A little at a time.” He glanced down at his groin where his cock painfully bulged hard against the restriction of his pants. The state of discomfort left his face in a grimace he would rather like to cure as soon as possible. He was hard as stone and ached to plunge into her body. “And we have to work really soon on getting yours to be less.” “Is this physical attraction always like this?” She reached down between them so one finger lightly traced around his groin. “I mean, does it ever lessen the longer we’re together?” Her voice hitched as he growled and more of his lust slipped past his guarded emotions. “Let’s hope not,” he groaned before his lips crashed down, capturing hers. His tongue easily invaded her sweetness. Though he doubted the logic of Ezra and Frayland’s plans of putting them together, Bane was going to take full advantage of her succulent body. Sianna moaned and rubbed her body against his like a feline. Exhilarating didn’t give the sensations rushing Bane’s nerves justice. There was so much more to it. Something different. Her fingers ripped at his shirt, causing him to quickly dissolve the clothing before she shredded them. She shuddered then jerked her head back. The kiss broke. “Beautiful.” Amazement filled her voice as she trailed her fingers along his chest. “No hair.” He watched as her hand made a slow slide to his lower abdomen. His cock twitched when she was just a flick of the wrist away from touching it. He took a step forward and she took a step back, which kept the slight distance between their bodies. Her legs came in contact with the bed.

74

Marty Rayne

“Does that disappoint you?” he asked, though he already knew her answer. He liked hearing her speak. After so long spent in solitude away from most human contact, he found her voice comforting. Sianna shook her head. “I like it.” Her lips twitched as if to smile. She removed her hand from his body to lie down though she was still fully dressed. The dragon side of him roared with displeasure at having her warmth removed. It wanted more of her. Bane agreed with the beast. Bane lowered himself to the bed to lie beside her, and one hand dipped immediately under her shirt to cup a breast. “Good.” He had to touch her. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that.” “You’ve got a long time to do so.” He bent his head and sucked a material-covered pert nipple into his mouth. “Please.” Her back arched from the bed. Bane moved his hand from her breast to slip under the waistband of her pants and found her pussy wet and ready. “Tell me what you want. Say it without speaking aloud.” Sianna groaned. “Do it,” he commanded. His fingers twirled teasingly in the patch of hair between her legs. “Fuck me, Bane. I need…” Her breathing quickened. “I need you now.” Her thoughts came through crystal clear. And just as sweet as when she spoke aloud. How could he deny her? “What language from a Lady.” Bane discovered he took great pleasure in bringing out a feral side of Sianna. Gone were the proper manners, leaving only the untamed vixen lying next to him.

“Blame it on the soldiers at Central.” “Remind me to thank them.”

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

75

Bane sat up and practically tore the clothing from her body. He was impatient, he knew, wishing she could rid herself of the material as he. Despite giving her longer life, more strength, and the ability to communicate with him, dragons couldn’t pass all their powers to their riders. Instead of positioning himself between her legs, Bane lay on his back and pulled Sianna on top of him. He helped guide her body onto his stiff cock and groaned in heated pleasure as her warmth encased him. “This is a new way of riding me, my delicious rider.” With his hands on her hips, he directed her how to move and grind so they both received the fullest gratification possible from this position. His gaze stayed locked on her face as a show of emotion crossed her face and danced through their connection. It was blissful wonder, as if experiencing this all for the first time rather the thousandth. “Let go, Sianna,” he growled, holding off until she was fulfilled. “Dragon’s breath, please.” Sianna screamed as her orgasm washed over her and took Bane with her. He was so lost in their mingled bonding lust that the sound of a third voice in the hall didn’t register a warning.

76

Marty Rayne

Chapter Fourteen

Sleep wouldn’t come. For Sianna, it hovered just out of reach, and no matter how desperately her body craved it, the ability to drift off into the peaceful plane was unattainable. Instead she stood at the window with a blanket to cover her nudity, and stared out into the dark, quiet night. Her mind drifted, still trying to comprehend all that had happened. Her fingertips absently caressed the rider marking on her left breast. In the course of two days, Sianna had gained a dragon partner, a lover, and the adventure she’d always longed for. But she’d also lost her father and home, as many of her family had similar views as his. She wasn’t sure their welcome would be warm when she returned to Central. At least she didn’t have to worry about being escorted to Elsie’s joining ceremony by that bore of a man, Hugher, or that sinfully ugly dress her cousin had picked for her to wear. But she would also miss the birth and blessing of another cousin’s first child. Not to mention the Autumn Jubilee. Or her father’s birthday shortly after that. “Life is about sacrifices.” Bane’s drawl was one filled with sleep. “Couldn’t sleep either?” She didn’t want to face his words though she knew they were true. She couldn’t have it both ways. “I was until you started thinking and feeling way too loud.”

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

77

Sianna sighed and kept back the tears. “Sorry.” The rustle of sheets and the creaking of the bed frame indicated that Bane stood. Then his arms wrapped around her. She stiffened, not used to having comfort readily at her disposal, then settled back into the warmth he offered. “Close your eyes.” She hesitated, but did as he wanted. “Look inside yourself, Sianna. Find your emotions. Then build a wall around them. Something strong. No door, no window. The only way they may escape is for you to make an opening for them.” Sianna concentrated. She built a room of stone. The strongest boulders she could think of. After a couple of minutes, Bane’s breath brushed along her neck in a sigh, and his body relaxed. “How old are you, Bane?” She wanted to know more about him. “Six hundred and fifty-seven seasons.” Sianna was stunned. She knew dragons could live a long time, but to be the lover of one so old… Bane chuckled in her ear. “I prefer the word experienced rather than old.” Turning in his arms, she looked up at him with the realization she could see him despite there being no light in the room. “I have a lot to learn, don’t I?” “Every rider does after they’re first bonded.” He nuzzled into the crook of her neck. “All my research, the books I’ve read, hasn’t really prepared me.” She let out another sigh and laid her forehead on his chest. His skin was cool, almost refreshing, like a cool drink from the river on a hot day. “Better than some.” The fingers of one of his hands were now brushing through her hair. “Tell me.”

78

Marty Rayne

Bane was quiet, and Sianna thought maybe he wouldn’t speak. The vibration in his chest from his speech startled her. “Maris was my second rider.” He smoothly moved Sianna toward the bed, and before she knew it her head lay on his chest while he stared at the ceiling. “She was but eighteen seasons when I found her. I was already two hundred and seventy-three. Sire to three offspring and thought I knew everything.” “A cocky dragon. Who’d have thought it?” She lifted her head and smiled at him. He scoffed. “Maris’s father kept her well sheltered. She only knew the farm she lived on. Never saw a dragon before I came along and thought they were the ferocious beasts of childish fairytales told long ago.” Sianna studied his troubled expression when he closed his eyes as if the memory pained him. Personally, she couldn’t relate to the fear many had of the dragons of Ketall. Yes, they could be fierce and powerful. And yes, they sometimes were known to eat humans, but they helped keep the law of the land. Protectors of sorts. “She had no fighting skills, no knowledge of life outside her little village, or even a formal education. The people called her a witch because she was apt with herbs and their healing qualities. The only time others came near was when they were so sick or in need of her help.” A smile grew on his lips, and his expression softened. “I was surprised to find so much spunk and fierce determination in such a small physical body. Even when she was terrified of me, she stood up to me, looked me in the eye, and defied my demands for her to come with me.” “She did though.” He nodded. “Eventually. The bonding lust was a slow build, as if it knew that rushing would only conceive bad results. It took me a full cycle to actually physically bond with her.”

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

79

“Her father?” Sianna felt an ache in her chest and knew it was jealousy. It was becoming a familiar emotion. However, she reminded herself it was the past. Personal experience was teaching her that being bonded with a dragon was a very intimate occurrence, so it was natural for him to have feelings toward his past bondmates. “He was a handful and didn’t like me. I believe he suspected she was special long before I came into the picture, which is why he kept her secluded. But he finally conceded to his daughter’s fate and blessed us.” Sianna yawned. Finally, her mind calmed and caught up to her body. “You had to teach her a lot.” “Yes. How to fight, the history of dragons and riders, and how to survive as we do.” She laid her head back on his chest; the whoosh of breath soothed her enough to close her eyes. His hand petted her hair. “How long were you together?” “Twenty-seven years.” His voice was flat. Her eyes snapped open and body tensed. Was that to be her fate? An early death?

Marty Rayne

80

Chapter Fifteen

“Why are we walking instead of flying?” Bane glanced over his shoulder at Sianna. She struggled through the mass of roots covering the forest floor. He made sure his amusement didn’t show as her aggravation grew with every ten steps. Her emotions leaked through again, but she did better at blocking them. “The forest is too dense to fly safely in. If I just fly above, we won’t get any clues, will we?” Sianna huffed then snarled with frustration as her foot got snagged in another root. It was obvious she wasn’t used to trekking through difficult terrain. “Let’s rest.” Bane found a fallen tree and removed the pack of food Tulla had provided before they left the inn. “About time.” She sighed and followed his lead by removing the bag she’d brought from Central. Bane eyed her as she leaned against the tree and closed her eyes while her hand swiped at the hair that had come loose from her tie. Dirt smudged her face, and she looked exhausted. Still, Bane wanted her. It took quite a bit of control to keep from taking her right

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

81

now against the tree. He silently cursed the bonding lust and how it hadn’t eased up one ounce. In the past, after several bouts of sex, the lust usually settled somewhat, making it easier for him to cope. Not with Sianna. At least not yet, as if the bonding had yet to be completed. Sianna raised her second hand and was about to use it to swipe at more hair when she opened her eyes…and screamed. Jumping up, she shook her hand furiously, shaking the insect from it. Her screams continued. The noise was enough to unsettle the birds from the trees around them. Bane laughed. He couldn’t help it. Here was a woman who’d stood up to her overbearing father, faced the Grand Council, and could fight with a sword as fine as any warrior he knew. Yet, she was terrified of a small -- all right, not so small -- bug that innocently crawled on her. “It’s not funny!” she huffed with a physical shiver. He stifled his amusement, calmed his laughter, and gazed adoringly at her. She was a wonderfully complex person. “A warrior scared of insects. I’m sorry. It’s the first time I’ve come across someone with that affliction.” Sianna stomped her foot, her hands snapped to her hips, and her face flamed an attractive red matching her hair. The block to her emotions crumbled, and he was swamped with her emotional mixture of humiliation and anger, still tinged with fright. “Tell me, Sianna. Have you ever stepped outside the walls of Central before yesterday?” He leaned against the fallen tree, his arms crossed and his piercing gaze focused on her heaving chest. He’d not yet managed to wipe the entire smile from his lips. She glared at him. With brow raised, he waited. When she still didn’t respond to his question, he shook his head. “I should’ve known.” He bent and rummaged through the bag of food. “What do you mean?”

82

Marty Rayne

“You’re a female.” She took a step closer. “And?” Her sites narrowed on him more closely while her anger grew. He could feel her trying to erect her walls again, but she was too distracted. Bane prodded a little further. He couldn’t resist. Shrugging, he pulled out a small loaf of bread and broke it into two pieces and held one piece out to her. She didn’t take it. “Females like to be pampered. They don’t fit in to places like this so easily. Especially one brought up in such comfortable surroundings as yourself. Did you ever do anything without the help of servants?” He knew he went too far, but the stirring in his chest felt too good. Too familiar and he didn’t want to feel those emotions with Sianna. He wouldn’t. “Why, you…” Sianna closed the distance between them with two steps and went to punch him. Bane caught her fist, but barely, as he wasn’t prepared for a retaliation this violent. A slap maybe. Not a full force, fingers curled, right on target punch. “Ungrateful, egotistical, stubborn…” He cut off her words by sliding one foot behind hers and sweeping it out from under her. She gasped and started falling while his arms wrapped around her, twisting them so he landed on the ground. The second his back touched the forest floor, he quickly rolled them so she lay beneath him, pinned by his body. He dipped his head and slammed his lips to hers. Sianna’s mouth opened immediately so his tongue could explore her spicy flavor.

“I hate you.” Bane moaned and deepened their kiss. His hips began grinding between her thighs as blood rushed to harden his cock. Damn, this female got him burning hotter than he’d ever imagined possible.

“You love my body.”

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

83

Her nails dug into his shoulders as if she hung on for dear life. “Arrogant dragon.” She whimpered when he thrust up, and his cock pressed against her pussy. Their clothing was the only thing preventing entry. Though Bane thoroughly enjoyed turning her anger to desire and liked the idea of completing what he started right there, a sound to his right caught his attention. He stilled; his mouth rose from hers. Cocking his head to the left, he listened. “What…?” “Shhh.” He quieted her. There it was again. Closer. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. One by one, he separated the different scents normal to the forest. There it was. The smell of rotting flesh. It was hard to distinguish sometimes from natural rotting vegetation of the forest, and only the most sensitive noses could pick it up. “Get your bag.” Bane jumped up and gathered the food bag, stuffing the discarded bread back in.

“What’s out there?” “Maggies.” A screech ripped through the air. It was a few feet from them now. He grabbed Sianna’s hand tightly. “Run!”

84

Marty Rayne

Chapter Sixteen

Sianna clenched her teeth and forced her feet to move. Terror seeped in. She didn’t know if it was hers or coming from Bane. Adrenaline coursed through her veins, powering her speed to keep up with Bane. With her heart racing and her breath panting, she was surprised she actually kept up, not stumbling over the ground as she had earlier. But then, they apparently ran for their lives, right? However, she couldn’t envision Bane running from anything, so these creatures must be bad. “Bane,” she gasped when he abruptly stopped before turning left and dragged her along. Their bearings were a blur as he continued to switch directions; curses sounding like growls followed in their wake. He was scaring her. Bane stopped again unexpectedly and stood stock-still as his gaze darted around them. “We’re surrounded.” “What? Wait, who are ‘maggies’?” “Not who, but what.” He dropped the bag of food and drew his sword. Only now did Sianna take notice of how silent the forest had become. No birds chirped. No insects hummed. The wind didn’t dare to blow. The muted light gave nothing away.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

85

Sianna followed his example, let her bag drop to the ground, and removed her sword from its scabbard at her waist. “What do I do?”

“Beheading them is the only way to kill them. I smell at least six.” She looked around and still didn’t see anything, though a bush to her right shook slightly. Moving so her back was to Bane’s, as was taught when fighting with a partner, she dared to look up. “Can’t we just fly out of here? I mean, these things can’t fly, can they ?” She’d never heard of a maggie. Hadn’t a clue as to what they even looked like.

“No. The tree canopy is too thick. We will both be seriously injured if I try it. I can’t risk it with these creatures so close. If we stay back to back, we should be all right.” His words encouraged her, telling her that he believed she was capable of defending his back properly. She set her gaze back to the bushes. Several others started to shudder. Her grip tightened on the hilt of her sword. With a deep breath to fill her lungs, she waited. At first she was surprised when a maggie finally made itself seen. It was about two feet tall and looked like a brown fuzz ball. Then it opened its large black eyes, not a hint of white in them, and its mouth was filled with three rows of razor sharp teeth. The thing hissed at her. The creature’s fingers were little more than long, jagged spears. Four on each hand. “Holy Frayland,” she said beneath her breath. “Uh, Bane, the entire thing is a head. Where do I chop?” “Right through the middle,” he said just as one shot from the bushes in front of him, flying right for his neck. With lightning quick reflexes, he swung his sword and sliced cleanly through the furball. There wasn’t time for triumph as the first one’s attack cued the others into action. Sianna came out of her stupor and fought off the two that had decided she looked like a delicious meal. That left three for Bane.

86

Marty Rayne

Together, as one, Sianna and Bane danced swiftly in a circle fighting the quick, dodging, hissing creatures. Not once was the other’s back exposed. Sianna whooped a cheer when she finally killed one, but that was short lived as the other jumped on the tip of her sword then toward her neck. She didn’t have time to make a single noise. Her eyes closed, waiting for the pain of the bite, but only the soft breeze of a sword gliding very close to her face disturbed her consciousness. Bane cursed and her eyes snapped open. The maggie that had jumped for her lay in half at her feet. Glancing over her shoulder, she caught sight of Bane landing a blow to the last living maggie…and blood coming from a bite on his forearm. “You’re hurt.” She swirled and took hold of his arm, trying to discern its severity. He fell to his knees, panting. “Salt. Get me the salt in the bag.” She scuttled over to where he’d dropped the bag of food and found the small sack of salt. Her hands trembled as she handed it over to him. He looked pale and wore a pained expression. There was a black void in their connection that disturbed her. He opened the sack, but his hands shook even more than hers. “Rub some in the wound. Hurry.” Without question, she did as he wished. His jaw clenching was the only other physical reaction she saw, but she finally felt a sliver of his pain as if it were seeping through his own barricades. “What else?” Her gaze jumped wildly around them. “Just give me a minute. The salt will pull the poison from my system.” “Poison? What exactly are these things?” She kicked a dead maggie with her foot. “Fetchers.” Bane slid across the ground until he leaned against a tree, his arm cradled against his chest. Sianna gathered both bags and brought them to where he sat. Kneeling, she watched with concern. Did his coloring look a little better or was it just her imagination?

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

87

“I’ve never heard of them.” “Few have as one rarely escapes from them.” He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. “They are essentially servants, controlled by a witch or sorcerer. It takes strong magic to even call upon them. They smell of death.” “Do their bites kill a person?” She took a shirt from her bag and ripped a strip of material from it. Pouring a few drops of water on it, she began cleaning the blood from around the edge of the wound. “No. The poison in their saliva paralyzes their victim. Allows them ample time to drag the victim back to their master.” He swallowed hard. “They wouldn’t have attacked unless their master told them to.” “Someone knows we’re out here. But how? And who’s their master?” Only Tulla knew they were going into the forest. “I don’t know. But I think this is how Dargo and his rider were taken. We have to get away from here. The maggies’ master is sure to know by now that they’ve failed and will send more.” “More? How many more?” Bane shrugged. “When they are called upon, it’s usually an army of them.” Sianna was speechless. An army of those furballs? That didn’t sound too good. With a sigh, she helped Bane up and allowed him to lean on her. She was surprised to see how he accepted her help so easily. A dragon as strong and courageous as Bane actually took what a human had to offer. A new side to him. “Back to the village?” She lifted both bags to her free shoulder. “No, this way. I know a place.”

88

Marty Rayne

Chapter Seventeen

“And here I thought you were taking us somewhere safe.” Sianna scowled. Bane threw her a glare and bit his lip to keep from saying something he would regret. He calmly reminded himself that she had stepped out of the only world she’d known just the day before. She was used to the lap of luxury and a warm, safe bed. Not a dark, damp cave. Letting out a slow sigh, he led her deeper into the darkness before leaning against the wall and sliding down. The maggies’ poison still worked its way out of his system, but took its own sweet time of it. He felt weak and knew it would be best to rest while he could. “This will be safe for the moment. It’ll take a new set of maggies time to pick up our trail.” The bags Sianna carried fell with a thud to the cave floor. His enhanced sight allowed him to watch as she slumped to the ground across from him. The space in which they sat was narrow, so if she stretched her legs, her toes would touch where his hand lay at his side. “And how long is that?” “Hard to tell. Depends where they come from.” He laid his head back and closed his eyes. “Get something to eat and rest. You didn’t sleep much last night. I’ll keep watch.” “What about you? You’re wounded.”

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

89

He heard her rummaging around in the bag of food and she placed a piece of bread in his palm. “This may be our only time to rest, so I’d advise you to do so.” His tone was harsher than it should be. “I just need to rest for a bit. Dragons heal quickly. Already my body, with the help of the salt, has extracted over half the poison. I’ll be back to normal in about an hour.” Sianna didn’t respond, and he couldn’t discern her emotions. It was good that she was learning, but bad as he couldn’t tell if she was angry with him or hurt. But why should he care? His job was to teach her the ways of dragons and riders. To protect her. To train her. Being babied now wouldn’t help her become a better rider in the future. Especially not while they were on a mission. You sometimes had to reap unpleasant things to stay alive. She was learning the hard way…just like Maris. Taking a bite of the bread, he pushed the sad, disturbing thoughts away. Now was not the time to dwell on the past. He had to think of their present situation, and how he was going to get them out of this mess. Bane knew it wouldn’t take long for the maggies to find them. But that’s why he’d brought them to this cave. He only hoped it would prove to be the right move.

* * * * ** “Make me a promise, Bane.” Bane lifted Persia’s hand and laid a kiss on the tender flesh. “Ask anything, love.” How could he deny her? Not the day she sought him out, not now. “When I’m gone, don’t go into seclusion. Don’t hide from the world. Promise me you won’t.” He swallowed hard, the lump in his throat not moving down as it should. He closed his eyes against the tears forming. How could he make that promise when his grief was already

90

Marty Rayne

near overwhelming? Even now, they were away from others, tucked in peaceful solitude. This was where he wanted to stay…with Persia. But he wasn’t a yearling any longer. He knew better. “Bane, please.” He turned his attention to his rider. She lay in the bed, too weak to even get up. Time was catching up with her. He cupped her cheek with his palm. Her blonde hair held streaks of gray. Wrinkles had popped up on her face seemingly overnight. Her amber eyes weren’t as bright as her life force faded. “I don’t want you to leave me.” She smiled and nuzzled his hand, taking a deep breath. “We’ve shared one hundred and thirty-five years together. I couldn’t have asked for a better life, my dragon.” A tear fell from the corner of her eye. That was the only sign of her emotion. “Go and mate with some beautiful female dragon. It’s been a long time. Visit your offspring. Do whatever you wish. Just don’t close yourself up here.” Bane nodded and tried to give her a reassuring smile. It didn’t work. “I’ll miss you.” While his first rider, Yanta, had spoiled him, he had done the same to Persia. Given her all she could ever want, making their life the best he could offer. “Tell me, Bane.” He let out a long sigh and spoke despite the lump still clogging his throat. “I promise, Persia.” Bane climbed into the bed, gathered her in his arms, and held her close. “I love you.” She looked up at him and smiled. “I love you, Bane.” With a smile on her lips, she closed her eyes and took her last breath. Bane’s eyes snapped open. He couldn’t believe he’d dozed off, but something had disturbed him. He listened. Nothing; no sound could be heard. He took a long, deep breath. There it was. It was faint. Maggies. Damn! He shifted so he knelt beside Sianna. Gently, he woke her. “Sianna.”

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

91

“What…?” He quickly shushed her. “We must go. Now.” She nodded and reached for her bag. “Have they found us?” He grabbed hold of the bag with food. “They will shortly. Follow me.” Bane took her hand and led her farther into the cave. Darkness completely engulfed them. Even his enhanced vision was of no use.

“How are you feeling?” “Back to normal. Thanks.” The poison was cleansed completely from his system and his strength had returned. Bane stopped them when the cave passage came to an end. “We’re trapped,” she whispered. Her panic was heavy in her words and tingled his spine. “No, we’re not.” He held out his hand and touched the cool rock. He moved it to the left, right, down, and back up, until he found the spot. The place that made his hand vibrate. He began the chant, words from an old dead language. A spell taught to him by a witch long ago. A bright light flashed in the darkness, making Sianna yelp with surprise. It was followed by a high-pitched screech not too far off in the distance. “Dear Mother.” She gasped as a doorway appeared. “No time for prayers.” Bane walked through, pulling her behind.

92

Marty Rayne

Chapter Eighteen

Sianna was dazed, and her legs felt weak. Whatever they’d stepped through had thoroughly disoriented her. She leaned heavily on Bane to keep from collapsing. “Where are we?” “I’m not sure yet.” She pushed away from him and the world swirled slightly, but she managed to stand on her own and her stomach intact. “What do you mean, you aren’t sure? And what in dragon’s name was that?” She looked behind her, relieved the doorway had closed and there was no sign of the maggies…or the cave. They stood in an open field surrounded by another forest, less dense than Zaire Forest. In fact, she gazed all around her and knew they were far from where they had been. The sound of water floated through the air. They were near water, butfrom this distance, she couldn’t be sure if it were a stream or the ocean. “That was a portal. A few are accessible around Ketall if one knows where they are and how to activate it. Lucky for us, I’m one of the few.” He gave her a sharp gaze.

Grouch.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

93

His lips curved into a menacing smirk. “I tend to get that way when being chased by maggies.” Sianna scowled at him. She hated it when he did that. She couldn’t wait for the time she could do the same to him. She secured her stone barricade with frustration, effectively blocking him out. How could he be so caring and loving one moment, then turn around and be an egotistical, sarcastic ass? She refused to believe it was part of his allure. “Fine. How do these portals work? Do they take you to the same place every time?” Bane shook his head, while his gaze took in their surroundings. “No. No one knows who created them. Perhaps they’ve always existed, built by the magic of Ketall. But they adjust to each user.” “Adjust?” When Bane started walking toward the sound of the rushing water, she followed. “Whatever magic the portal uses can read the needs of the one using it. It takes the person to where he requires being most.” “And it believed being in the middle of nowhere is where we needed to be most?” He glanced over his shoulder, that damn sexy smirk still on his lips. It made her want to kiss it away. “We are safe from the maggies, yes?” She sighed and nodded. He had a point. So, she silently followed him through the open field and into the tree line. Two days as a rider and already she’d witnessed more danger and interesting things than in all of her life at Central. She wasn’t sure this was exactly the adventure she’d dreamed of or if it was going to pan out to be more than she could handle. Either way, it was too late to go back. Not that she wanted to as her gaze settled on Bane’s ass. Tight and firm. She loved running her hands over those cheeks and up his muscular back, feeling his strength under

94

Marty Rayne

every caress. Just thinking of him naked made her wet, craving his closeness, instead of this cold shoulder routine. The closer they came to the water, Sianna realized it wasn’t a river, but the ocean. “The Quinto Ocean,” Bane said aloud as they broke through the tree line onto a beach. “Why would we need to be here?” Her confusion deepened. The Quinto Ocean was at least a day’s ride from the Zaire Forest. Or that was what she’d read in her textbooks. If she remembered correctly, villages littered the eastern shore, that land perfect for farming. The western shore had more rocks and the soil was not as fertile. It didn’t sustain many inhabitants besides a few fishing families. “I’m not sure, but the portal is never wrong.” Sianna turned around, shading her eyes from the glare of the sun. To the south of them, she saw a glint of something reflecting the sun. “What’s that?” “Let’s find out.” After a short walk they found a small cottage, tucked back off the beach surrounded by rocks. A small garden bloomed off to the side. How plants so lush and green survived among rocks, she couldn’t fathom. Looking around, Sianna saw nothing that would’ve reflected the sun to catch their attention. Strange. But that wasn’t the first, and probably not the last, odd event if this day was any indication as to her future. Bane was quiet. Cautious. She followed his example with a watchful eye. “Welcome, dragon.” Sianna jumped, startled that they weren’t as alone as they appeared. A figure stepped around the shaded area of the cottage. Bane used his body to block hers from harm, while his hand went to the hilt of his sword. Sianna went to protest and reprimand him for his overbearing ways, when a mysterious woman stepped closer to them. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

95

“I don’t know you,” Bane said, as Sianna slid over to stand on his left side so their shoulders nearly touched. “I’m not useless in a fight, Bane,” she reminded him when he started to order her behind him, not taking his eyes from the stranger. “Of course you aren’t. Just be careful.” He sighed within her mind. She didn’t know what to think of the tone he used, as if resigned to the fact that he had to let her take a stand beside him, instead of cowering like a defenseless infant. Hadn’t she proven her worth with the maggies? She was discovering that dragons weren’t the easiest creatures to be with. “No, we’ve never met. But I’ve dreamed of you, Bane Gaius. As well as your rider, Sianna Richter. I welcome you both to my home.” “Who are you?” Sianna narrowed her gaze on the woman. Shorter than herself, the stranger radiated an aura that made Sianna unsure of her intention. She found it hard to know who to trust in this world more foreign than anything she ever knew. A gentle smile lit her face. “My name is Zeva.” The woman’s golden hair hung loose to her waist, and her eyes gleamed a bright violet. Mixed with her dark olive skin, Zeva’s features were remarkable. Unforgettable. Sianna almost wondered if she had dragon genes in her blood, but dragons didn’t reproduce with humans. It was impossible. “What do you know of our needs for this journey, witch?” Bane questioned her. His expression was blank, and Sianna felt nothing coming from him.

“How do you know she’s a witch?” “She hides her coven’s mark on her wrist, and those aren’t only vegetables in her garden.”

96

Marty Rayne

“Oh.” That was all she could say. Sianna had never met a witch, as they rarely came to Central. There were a few sorcerers since they didn’t form covens, but since Elder Merrill had turned on the Grand Council, they were looked upon as enemies more and more. Zeva tilted her head, and her eyes shifted from Bane to Sianna and back to Bane. “I have no harmful intentions toward you, dragon. I’m guided to help those of your kind.” “You aren’t the first to utter those deceitful lies. Which coven are you from?” Sianna truly wished she’d studied her history more as Bane’s words confused her. Had he encountered a bad run-in with a witch? She prayed to Frayland she wouldn’t be this clueless throughout her time as a rider. But hadn’t Bane told her that when a rider and dragon first bond, they spend many months learning their bond and educating each other? She apparently had a lot to learn that her history texts had avoided. Zeva lowered her head, and her smile faded. “You’re correct. But I speak the truth. My birth coven is of the Blood’s Fire. However, in recent years, I find I don’t take to their goals. My visions lead me to help dragons and the mission Lord Ezra has set forth, rather than taking what dragons can do for me for granted. Allow me to prove my good will.” “What is she speaking of, Bane?” “The coven of the Blood’s Fire was once a dragon’s fiercest ally. Together, evil stood little chance. Many were the first riders to bond with the first line of bonded dragons.” “Yes. But it has been nearly a thousand seasons since one from my birth coven has been chosen as a rider to a dragon.” “Ezra has turned away your coven for its deceitful nature. For finding greed and power more appealing than protecting those of this planet. Material possessions became too much of a temptation.” “You’re correct, and that is a shameful part of my ancestry. But, dragon Gaius, I concur with those who Ica first fated to be with dragons. She guides me with my visions.”

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

97

“I have heard of one who deserted her coven. One who tried to fight for the old ways. You are that witch.” Zeva nodded. “I’ve come here for sanctuary since I’m an outcast to all my people, but I believe Ica has plans for me.” Sianna sensed Bane’s distrust of the woman. Eyeing the blonde, she wanted to believe her words. Something about the sincerity in her tone. But then, witches were known for their persuasive ways. “I have what you need to avoid the maggies,” Zeva spoke quietly. “How could you know?” Sianna stepped forward, intrigued by this woman. “As I said, Ica gives me visions. I have a brew that will cover your scent from the maggies. However, it’s not quite complete. I was just on my way to search for the last ingredient.” She turned her gaze on Bane. “Your bond is new. Please, accept my hospitality and use my home.” Sianna opened her mouth to thank her, but Bane spoke first. “That isn’t necessary. We will wait here.” Zeva shrugged. “Your choice. I will return shortly.” She started to leave, her brown skirt swaying in time with her hips. “There’s a private alcove just over that mound of rocks,” she said over her shoulder before disappearing into the trees.

98

Marty Rayne

Chapter Nineteen

“Your manners were greatly lacking, Bane,” Sianna scolded him as soon as Zeva was out of sight. Bane’s teeth clenched so hard he thought some would crumble under the pressure. The damn witch knew how bad the bonding lust ate away at him, threatening to explode with every breath. The ease of her knowledge was as frustrating as the ache claiming his body. He grabbed Sianna’s arm, ignoring her surprised gasp, and pulled her in the direction Zeva had pointed to before she left. His instincts told him to trust the witch, but his logic overrode it with suspicion, sensing that she hid more than she let on. He didn’t want to corner himself and Sianna in a small cottage. The alcove was there, just off the beach as the cottage was. Only this green grassy patch had rocks secluding it well, making the spot difficult to reach. There were even a few bright yellow flowers that littered the edge. Bane would be able to hear the approach of an intruder should they be interrupted. And Lord of dragons help the being that did so. Bane swung Sianna into his embrace. A second later, his mouth claimed hers. The minute his tongue delved to tangle with hers he felt her relax into him. Open to him. Her willingness was his undoing. His strong shields cracked, and his lust seeped through.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

99

Sianna’s body stiffened a moment as his emotions hit her none too gently. Her hands rose and threaded through his hair, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss. Bane growled deeply as his body burned with the aching need to bury himself within her.

“Goddess, Bane. I feel as if I’m on fire. What are you doing to me?” He laid her down on the soft grass; his clothes disappeared, and his hard cock pressed between her thighs. She tasted so sweet and spicy. He could never get enough of her addictive flavor. “Our bond is new. Bodies adjusting. Flare ups of the bonding lust.” He couldn’t describe it any other way. Deep down it scared him how intense this bonding was. The lust was demanding like never before. But then, he’d had many seasons between the death of one rider and the bonding of another. It had only been a little more than twelve cycles since Rylin was killed. Bane’s mother had often said he had a sensitive soul. He’d always denied it; however, now he wondered if it were true. His hands groped her breasts, and his hips ground hard into her. Still, her clothing blocked him access. He cursed, pushing up her shirt while yanking at her pants. Sianna jerked away from his kiss. Her breathing was heavy. “Let me.” Her hands slipped from his hair to push on his shoulders. An animalistic growl vibrated his human throat, but he forced himself to lift from her…not too far though. His gaze stayed on her hands as she clumsily unbuttoned her shirt and shoved her pants from her hips. He wanted to help. Oh, how he wanted to tear that material from her flesh. Only he knew it would probably frighten her as the lust rose an octave higher. His limbs trembled with his weight. Itched to touch her. Kiss her. Mark her. The urge to possess rode hard on his ass, no sign of letting up. “There’s so much I don’t understand, Bane. So much…” She paused as she pulled him back toward her. Skin to skin. “Shouldn’t the bonding lust be over?”

100

Marty Rayne

Her body shuddered when his tongue lapped at her cleavage. It darkened the hunger within him. Sianna was partially correct. The strongest part of the lust should have dissipated, leaving only the potent urge to continue strengthening the bond with each intimate, sexual act. But each time he was with her, it was like their first time. The overwhelming attraction used him like a magnet at every available opportunity, making him want to mark her once again. “All I know right now is that I have to be inside of you.” As he said the last word, he plunged deep into Sianna’s body. She cried out, not with pain, but carnal pleasure. With her legs trapped beneath his body, and her nails digging into his shoulders, Bane was ferocious in his lust, taking her rough and hard. Animalistic. True to his primary nature. Sianna lifted her head, sinful mewls sounding from her vocal cords, and bit his chest. He growled in delight as her teeth gnawed on the flesh above his left nipple. The pain buried under the thrill of rutting her like the dragon he was. “Yes. Harder. There,” she encouraged with her mind when she released her hold on him, too breathless to speak. Sianna arched her back, eyes closed, and was completely open when her orgasm rushed through her body. Bane slammed his mouth to hers and swallowed her scream as his release rushed into her, deeper than he’d ever reached. The world dimmed, making him panic. He rolled quickly to his side and gulped in oxygen until his vision cleared. He didn’t know how long it took, but when he turned his attention from his breathing to his lover, he found her lying still beside him. Smiling. Her chest rose and fell in an almost steady rhythm. Bane reached out a hand, but stopped before he touched her shoulder. His gaze went to the red marks on her shoulder. A similar set rested on her stomach, sliding off to her side. The pit of his stomach roiled, threatening to relieve itself of the little contents.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

101

He cursed. Sianna opened her eyes and turned so she could see him. Her eyebrows lowered in confusion. “What’s wrong?” Bane slammed shut his emotions. “I hurt you. I’m sorry. I didn’t…” Sianna looked down and saw the marks. Her worried expression softened before she turned her gaze to his chest. Her fingers reached up and traced the perfect imprint of her teeth. “That’s nothing compared to this.” He hid his wince as she touched it. She was right. He could smell the droplets of blood from her nail marks. The bonding lust had affected her as much as him. He wanted to take her in his arms. Smooth away anything he may have done wrong. Maybe say a few loving words. But Sianna wasn’t his other riders. He would not get that close. “Still.” He swallowed hard. Rylin was the only one he’d ever lost control with. But as a male, Rylin could endure more. Tolerate the roughness. Sianna shook her head and propped up on her elbow. She had a just-fucked expression on her face. All aglow. Almost serene. “I like them. They make me feel…” Before she could speak further, a familiar scent drifted in the air. “Get dressed. We’ve got company.”

102

Marty Rayne

Chapter Twenty

Sianna watched, envious of Bane as his clothes materialized on his body. It was bad enough she hadn’t gotten any sweet words after such an intense sexual encounter, but now she had to hurriedly tug material on her sweat-laden body so she wasn’t caught indecent in front of whomever approached. “Dung-headed, arrogant…” she murmured, yanking her pants up.

“Don’t forget sexy.” She growled with irritation at the amusement lacing his words. “Stay out of my head.” Walking out of the alcove, Sianna found Zeva handing Bane a cup, another being stretched out for her reach. “Drink this. The maggies won’t smell or sense your presence even if you’re standing right behind them.” She peered down into the dirty-looking liquid in the cup and grimaced at the awful odor. There was no way this was going down her throat; the thought left her feeling as green as a dragon. “No, thank you.” Sianna tried to hand the cup back. Zeva gave her a gentle smile but refused to take the brew.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

103

“How do we know it will work? Or that it’s not poison?” Bane asked with a raised brow. “It will do as I say.” Her gaze drifted from Bane to Sianna and back to Bane. “Trust. That and faith is all you have to go on.” Sianna wished she had Zeva’s confidence in those two words. She once thought like that, believing that all she had to do was have faith in the trust she gave people. Oh, how wrong she’d been when her father had turned away from her. When she wasn’t sure laying her life in Bane’s hands was the correct thing to do. Or where to allow her heart to wander. Bane studied Zeva before slowly nodding. His shields were up strong. Not a hint as to what was going through his mind seeped through. Sianna watched him raise the cup and drink the liquid the witch gave him.

“Drink, Sianna. We have wasted enough time.” Wasted time? Taking time to be intimate, to slake the bonding lust, was wrong? Irritation flared. Throwing the cup at his head might ease some of it, but she knew a temper tantrum wouldn’t solve the problem. Reluctantly, she drank, gagging on the awful, bitter taste. Somehow she managed to drink it all without vomiting. Only then did Zeva take back the cups. “How long will this last?” She coughed and fought back the vile acid trying to exit her body. “One sunset. Maybe a little longer. It’s hard to say exactly. Will that be ample time or would you need more?” “Let’s hope that will be plenty of time.” Zeva nodded. “I can open a portal if you wish. Save you time.” “Is that wise? It could drop us anywhere. Maybe even farther from the Zaire Forest.” Sianna worried her bottom lip.

104

Marty Rayne

Bane wrapped his arm around her waist. The first affectionate touch since they’d finished their sex session. “Have faith, Sianna. The portals are never wrong.” She sighed and nodded. There was nothing she could argue with to change his mind. “It would be much appreciated, Zeva, if it’s not too much trouble.” “No trouble at all. I’m glad to help. I chose this location because of the strong pull of Ketall’s energy. Though little grows here, there’s an abundant amount of Ketall’s life force.” Bane smiled. “It’s a gentle song on the breeze.” “Yes.” Zeva turned and kneeled on the ground. She closed her eyes and began a chant with both hands held out in front of her.

“Are portals anywhere?” “No. Only those with strong blood ties to magic and the perfect place can create temporary portals at will.” Though she couldn’t feel Ketall’s energy as dragons could, Sianna was allowed a glimpse of it through her connection as Bane let some of it flow from him. It was beautiful. Like watching the sunset, all its colors in their glory. The portal opened before them and Zeva stood. “Thank you.” Bane bowed his head to her. “Good luck,” she said just before Bane walked through it, loosening his hold on Sianna’s waist. She was about to step through when Zeva grabbed her arm. Panic shot through her as she wondered if Zeva would keep her from following. Instead, she placed a chain around Sianna’s neck, a key dangling from it. “What’s this?” “A tool you will need before your adventure is through.” “What does it open?” Sianna’s fingers brushed the metal.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

105

“What needs to be opened.” Before she could ask any more questions, Zeva stepped back from the portal. “Go now before it closes.” Uncertainty settled in her gut, but Sianna walked through the portal.

***** “Don’t move,” Bane commanded as soon as he felt Sianna behind him. He hoped her small intake of breath went unnoticed. They were directly behind a group of six maggies. So far, their presence remained unnoticed. That meant the potion Zeva gave them was working…for now. He silently thanked and cursed the portal and its mysterious ways. He wanted to follow maggies to their master. What better way than to be right in the thick of a group of them? It was also riskier. “Enough time has passed after losing us in the cave. If we stay silent and follow behind,

they should be headed back to the one who controls them.” At least he hoped so, but he wouldn’t let Sianna know he doubted his own plan. Sianna turned her attention from the maggies to him. Those beautiful blue eyes, the same shade that reflected back at him when he flew over a glistening body of water, were mesmerizing. He wanted nothing more than to draw her into his arms and keep her safe forever. To tell her everything would be all right and that monsters didn’t exist. But he’d be lying. Some would say he was one of those monsters. Danger and evil existed. It was his duty to fight it. It actually pained him to drag another innocent human into this mess.

“These creatures make me nervous. How in the world can we follow and they not hear us?” Bane sent her a slight touch of reassurance through their connection. It was all he could do right now. “Just follow my steps. You’ll be fine.”

106

Marty Rayne

She nodded, but he sensed her uncertainty. Turning his focus to the maggies, he waited for them to start away from the area before following. The process was slow as it appeared the maggies were still searching for them. Trying to catch their scent or some sign of their presence. Luckily, Bane had learned to be patient when stalking prey. He just hoped they were leading them where they wanted to go. Why else would the portal drop them into the middle of the fray? Glancing back, he saw that Sianna was alert and steady. This pleased Bane. She was a quick learner and hadn’t complained once, though he did feel her frustration. He assumed it was due to the sticky heat, almost suffocating sometimes where the trees were the thickest. He focused on another connection within him. The one that linked him to his offspring they searched for. He’d been doing this off and on since they’d entered the forest, hoping for the faintest hint that Dargo was alive. Somewhere near. The line had continued to stay dark…until now. A spark in his mind sent chills down Bane’s spine. He reached out like a hand trying to grab hold of another. “Dargo?” “Father !” It was weak but the tone urgent. The spark died as quickly as it had come. Bane cursed.

“What’s wrong?” Of course, Sianna sensed his unguarded irritation. Their bond grew by the hour and his shield seemed to be lacking of late as the urge to take her body again and again still pushed at him. “We’re getting nearer. I sensed Dargo.” His tone was deadpan, hiding the mixture of excitement and caution battling. Was his offspring injured? Why hadn’t the connection held? Bane’s stomach tightened. Something was off about all of this. It wouldn’t deter him from saving Dargo now that he knew his son was still alive. Sianna remained silent.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

107

Chapter Twenty-One

The air around her almost crackled with electricity, shooting goose bumps over her arms and a shiver down her back. The forest was so thick here that Sianna had trouble discerning which way was which. There was very little light and she realized that without the extra boost that bonding with Bane had given her, she would be in total darkness. Not really a place she wanted to be, but this was where the maggies led. It took her a couple of minutes to comprehend that the maggies had disappeared. Goddess, had they lost them? Or maybe the potion had worn off already, and they circled around them for an attack. She hadn’t a clue as to how long they’d tracked the creatures. “They’re gone.” She didn’t trust using her voice yet. “No. There’s an entrance,” Bane said as he eased closer to the last place she’d seen a maggie. “Can you hear Dargo ?” Her legs shook from the stealthy pace they’d kept. The low position had taken a toll on her back, making her sore. She’d give almost anything for a hot, scented bath.

“I can’t communicate with him, but I can sense his presence. Faint, but we aren’t too far now.”

Marty Rayne

108

But what waited for them once they found him? What kind of shape would he be in? Bane had explained about the connection a sire had with an offspring. Similar to a bonding connection with a rider, but it worked from the blood they shared. Sianna silently prayed to the Goddess for her guidance and protection as they neared the entrance of what looked like a cave. “Stay closest to the wall on the left side,” he instructed, drawing his sword. She did the same and stayed two paces from him. Five steps into the cave, Sianna stood completely engulfed in darkness. The sweat on her skin cooled instantly, making her shiver. Her fingers grew cold, barely holding her sword with a steady grip. The dark pulsed around her, squeezing tighter and tighter until she thought her breath would stop. With her eyes closed, her mouth opened to a silent scream.

“Bane!” “It’s dark magic. Don’t let it take over you. Reach for me. See my brightness in all the dark.” His voice in her head was calm and soothing like a balm. Sianna let the sound of it swirl within her, freeing her from the tightness and dark fear rising. She had no experience with magic. Never imagined it could feel so evil. Slowly, she opened her eyes. The dark still surrounded her.

“Find me, sweetness.” Focusing on the strange connection, she searched for the warmth she associated with Bane, though his skin was cooler than a human’s. It came from deep inside of him. She longed to feel it again as he made love to her. The mark on her breast throbbed and heated. Ahead of her was a faint outline the shape of a man. Bane. “I don’t like it here.” An understatement.

“I know, my brave warrior. It’s a spell that keeps most intruders out or will drive one mad with its darkness.”

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

109

“How is it that you aren’t affected ?” She started toward him, keeping her eyes on only him. This kept the panic at bay even as it strummed her nerves. “I have lived long, Sianna.” The sound of her name sent her heart fluttering. Arousal lingered just on the edge of the fear within her. “I am familiar with magic and those that

wield it. But don’t mistake my calm for being completely unaffected as I feel it pressing at me as well. You must believe you’re stronger and have the faith to conquer.” It was hard for Sianna to imagine someone as strong and competent as Bane weakened by anything but took him at his word. The farther into the cave they journeyed, Sianna realized the less the darkness pushed until it was just a tingle on her skin. “Which way ?” They came upon two tunnels. It was surprising how adjusted her eyes became to the darkness after they passed through the spell. “Dargo is this way. His presence is stronger now.” Bane led the way into the tunnel on the right. It curved left then right several times with smaller tunnels branching off from the one they stayed in, until Sianna had thoroughly lost all sense of direction. She didn’t know if it was the dark or another spell. Again, panic welled up, but this time she was able to hold it back. What worried her most was that they came across no human or creature. Where were the maggies they’d followed? Wouldn’t there be some sort of noise? She knew they were going underground because they’d walked in a downward angle for some time now.

“It’s too quiet.” “Yes. Another spell. Creates silence so that not even our footsteps can be heard.” “So, what about the maggies? We can’t hear them if they decide to turn around on us?” “They went into the other tunnel.” Well, that was comforting, but she glanced over her shoulder, now uncomfortable that they could possibly sneak up from behind. It was more than a relief for Sianna when a dim light could be seen up ahead. She wanted to run to it and wallow in the brightness, but

Marty Rayne

110

squelched the urge quickly. In addition to the sword defense, the general had also taught her about military strategy. All of which Bane had done since they’d entered the Zaire Forest. She felt like an idiot for not realizing it sooner. “Close.” There was excitement in his voice. Her heart beat faster the closer they got to the light. Before she could stop him, Bane turned the corner and entered the room without slowing down. She let out a huff of breath as she watched, surprised at his actions. And she’d thought he was an experienced warrior. Still, Sianna followed with her sword held in both hands, ready for whatever came at them. “No!” A hoarse voice filled the cavern they stood in. “I told you to stay away. That it was a trap.” She stopped, frozen in her steps, and stared. This was some sort of prison. Built into the rock were bars that made up cells. Several lit sconces were the only source of light. Small places had never bothered her before, but this place gnawed on her nerves. There were two entryways into the chamber. They had no cover if someone came through the opposite entrance. “Dargo.” There was relief in Bane’s voice. He stepped toward the one cell occupied. The man inside stepped back. “Go. Go while you can.” Sianna got her first glimpse of Bane’s son. He was tall like his father, but very thin. Obviously fed just enough to keep alive. His hair was as dark as Bane’s, only long and knotted. As a red dragon, his skin should be normally an odd shade of red, lighter than in his dragon form. It was evident that his health wasn’t well as his coloring was more of a pink hue. Even in the flickering light, and how he tried to hide in the shadows, Sianna saw his gray eyes. So stormy and filled with pain. Bane moved and grabbed the bars. “Not without you.”

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

111

“Drop the sword,” a female voice spoke icily into her ear a second after a blade was placed on her throat. Damn it all. Sianna had been so involved in Dargo and Bane she hadn’t heard anyone else approach. But then, that was the purpose of the spell. Before Sianna could react or warn Bane, a figure in a black cloak entered, moving at a speed she’d never seen a human move. A thick metal band the width of four fingers locked around Bane’s neck and gave off a flash of blinding light lasting just a second. “You have done well, Dharma,” the cloaked figure said as they all watched Bane collapse to his knees.

112

Marty Rayne

Chapter Twenty-Two

Bane’s chest constricted. The magic burst into him like a bolt of lightning. He actually felt it spreading, seeping its darkness into every inch of his body. It made him sick to his stomach. Looking up, he found a blade to Sianna’s throat held by…Dharma. Lord Ezra, this wasn’t happening. “Go. Get away !” he shouted into her mind. His words felt sluggish as if they pushed at a wall. Hadn’t Dargo said something similar? They’d used him as bait to entice them here. “Please. Get help.” Sianna didn’t move. He knew she could easily beat Dharma. Why wasn’t she doing as he commanded? The figure in the black cloak laughed. “Try as you might, the band blocks all mental communications.” Bane closed his eyes and tried to shift. Nothing. “It also prevents a dragon from shifting to its more powerful form.” Dharma now laughed as her eyes ran hungrily over him. He’d never felt more like a meal as he did at that moment.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

113

Bane struggled to his feet. His strength ebbed away too quickly. “Who are you? What do you want?” The hood of the black cloak revealed a disfigured woman with boils making up one half of her face. Her lips curled in a snarled smile, and her stringy hair was streaked with gray and hung around her face. If ever he saw a hag, she was one. “Some call me the Dark Witch. Others call me Mistress. But you, dragon, you can call me Gwendel.” The name rocked him. “Impossible,” he whispered. “Why? Because I’m dead?” She cackled. “Yes,” he hissed and stared. “Your dragon was killed. It’s not possible for a rider to survive the dragon’s death.” Gwendel had bonded with another offspring of Bane’s mother -a sister. But she died nearly twenty seasons ago. Supposedly her rider along with her. Bane refused to look at Sianna. He felt her fear leaking out of her fragile shields. He sent her comfort even if it didn’t get to her. “Ah, but I’m a witch. Born of the Blood’s Fire Coven, but a bastard child is never taken into their fold, so I was raised by strangers. My true family never knew that I’d gained Frayland’s grace to be rider. But it matters not now. I’ve learned all I needed to know on my own. You see, the people of Ketall are unaware as to the power your blood holds. Ignorant to all that can be accomplished with just a few drops.” Which was why Dargo was alive…and why he’d been kept alive. Sianna’s life would be forfeited since she could die without much consequence to his health. The thought of Sianna dead made him sick, and he had to swallow the foul bile. Bane’s protective nature demanded that he shield her. “Sianna ?” He tried to communicate, throwing all he had to the nearly formed bond.

“Bane? I can barely hear you. We’ve got to get out of here.”

114

Marty Rayne

His heart fluttered. She was so full of life and feisty. He lo…no. He couldn’t. She was his rider. His lover and bondmate. They needed help. The magic Gwendel used made him as weak as an infant. It was up to Sianna. “Escape Dharma. Get help. Call Kel.” He shot each sentence, focusing his strength on their bond. When he finished, his knees gave out, and he fell down to the floor, blood dripping from his nose. He only hoped she received his message. Gwendel tisked. “Save your strength, dragon. Your offspring learned that quickly. Didn’t you, my precious?” Dargo moved toward the back of his cell, making himself small in the shadows. Bane could only imagine what Gwendel did to him. “Your mother would be so disappointed in you, Dharma.” He turned his gaze to the woman who had Rylin’s blood running in her. She snarled at him. “If you’d given me what I wanted, this wouldn’t have happened.” Her wrist twisted slightly, making a cut in Sianna’s throat. The beast inside roared in protest and trembled, knowing there was nothing he could do. He was as trapped as she. “And what was it you wanted so badly that you’d turn to this abomination?” he asked. What was taking Sianna so long? She was a warrior. She should be fighting, not letting a spoiled girl take advantage. “You,” she seethed. “You flirted and placed temptation at my feet with every visit. Dragons are sexual creatures. I was there, offering myself to you year after year. You snubbed me as if I was trash. So I searched elsewhere.” “Dargo?” Dharma’s thin lips curved into a sinister smile. “He was the same as you.” Her gaze flittered to where Dargo crouched. “And reluctant at first once I handed him over to Gwendel. But he’s learned to like what I offer. Don’t you, pet?” Her gaze swung to Bane. “Just as you will.”

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

115

“No!” Sianna shouted as she elbowed Dharma in the ribs. This surprised the woman and loosened her hold. Sianna swiftly snatched the blade from Dharma’s grip and spun out of her reach while the sharp edge sliced deep into her captor’s forearm. Dharma screamed and rushed her. Everything happened in the blink of an eye. Sianna swung the knife as a warning to the other woman to keep away. The blade made contact and cut into flesh on Dharma’s neck. “Run!” Bane yelled as he slipped his hand out to grab a hold of Gwendel’s foot and tripped her when she stepped closer to Sianna. The hag fell into Dharma, and they both tumbled to the floor. Sianna didn’t hesitate. She picked up her sword and darted out the way they’d come. “I’m going to kill that whore.” Dharma struggled to her feet, but found her wounds were bleeding too heavily. “She’s of no consequence. She’ll be lost in the maze of tunnels.” Dharma leaned against the wall and looked pale. “And if she finds her way to the entrance?” Gwendel shrugged. “The Dark Magic will break her mind.” “It won’t,” Bane insisted. Gwendel glared at him. “Then she’ll be lost in the forest. My maggies will find her soon enough. Any way you look at it, she’ll be dead.” “Like Dharma.” He tilted his head to where Dharma had slid to the floor. “She brought me not one, but two dragons. She has done her job.” “Please.” Dharma’s plea came out as a whisper. He saw that Sianna had struck with deadly aim, nicking an artery so she’d bleed out. Bane found it hard to sympathize. He would’ve done the same. Gwendel opened the door next to Dargo’s cell and kicked Bane. “In you go.”

116

Marty Rayne

Bane could hardly make his limbs work, feeling as if they were filled with lead. He slowly crawled into the cell seeing as there was nothing he could do at the moment. The witch had the upper hand…for now. At least Sianna got away. “Rest, mighty dragon. Once I get some of your blood, I’ll lift some of the magic from your collar so it’s easier to move.” The door slammed shut. “I must prepare a few things. I’ll be back, and we’ll begin.” Gwendel left the chamber. Bane ground his teeth and tried to reach Sianna through their connection. It was like hitting a brick wall and more blood ran from his nose. Across the room, Dharma’s cold, dead eyes kept watch over him.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

117

Chapter Twenty-Three

Tears blurred Sianna’s vision, not that she could see in the dark tunnel. The silence was maddening. She couldn’t even hear her own footsteps. Disturbing. Her instincts demanded she flee. Bane had told her to leave. As much as she didn’t want to, she did as he instructed. “Damn. Damn. Damn,” she muttered as she swiped at the tears. Whatever that collar was, it blocked their communication. She’d noticed that Dargo had one on his neck. Remove the collar and then the men would get their abilities and strength back. But how do you unlock a magical collar? Breathless, Sianna stopped. She didn’t like the dark, had never been scared, but she could easily feel a phobia coming on. In fact, this entire place would give her enough nightmares for a season. Her sob didn’t echo off the walls. She didn’t know if any one followed. She could barely make out the branching tunnels. Disorientation set in, not knowing which way to go. Lifting her head, she opened her mouth, but no sound came out because she screamed inside her mind. Sianna didn’t know how long she kneeled on the floor. Helplessness, frustration, and fear crowded her senses and logic. Her mind was a thick bog. She didn’t know what to do or

118

Marty Rayne

where to go. She only wanted to curl into a tight ball and wait to wake from the nightmare. Only this nightmare was her life. “Get up, wimp,” she scolded herself. “Bane needs help. You’re the only one who can do that.” She let out a long breath. “I just have to get out of here first.” It felt good to hear her voice. Made her feel as if this was more real. That she was still sane. Cautiously, she stood with her hand on the tunnel wall. She took a moment and listened. Nothing. She was still in the spelled area. “All right. I know we stayed in the main tunnel. Never branching off.” She continued talking to herself in a whisper. If someone came, they wouldn’t hear her anyway because of the silencing spell. But then, she wouldn’t hear them approach either. Hoping she hadn’t diverted off the main path into another tunnel, Sianna continued on with her hand brushing along the wall. “I hate the dark, but I’m not scared.” She repeated it several more times in her head, forcing herself to believe it. Her fingers ached from gripping her sword so tightly. A sensation besides fear welling inside urged her on. All time felt as if it ceased while she was in the spelled tunnel. Only when she heard drops of water plunking into a puddle in the distance did she let out a sigh of relief. Close. She felt she was near the entrance they’d entered. Sometime later, she was plunged back into the blackness of the dark magic. Once more it pressed around her, feeding on her panic and drinking from her weakness. She fell to her knees as if boulders had collapsed onto her shoulders as the weight of the magic became heavier. “I’m stronger than this. I’m a rider. Bondmate to a powerful dragon.” She forced the words through clenched teeth. “A warrior.” Sianna refused to let it get her. If Bane could get through this, so could she. “I won’t die today. I will live a long life.”

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

119

The more she fought it, the harder it closed around her. Tears streamed down her cheeks, her pulse raced, but she forced her body to stand. Using her sword as a crutch, Sianna took one step then another. No hint of light made itself available to her. Her terror rose. Where was the entrance? She didn’t remember it being so far away. But then, she’d had Bane to connect to. Now she was by herself. All alone. The magic found another weakness in her. The loneliness now plagued her, since Bane’s presence within her seemed to be severed. It had only been a couple of days, but already she’d gotten used to him being in her mind. Craved it. Now there was only emptiness. “Son of a whore,” she swore, taking a couple more steps and fighting the dizziness. “I’m not alone, you witch. I won’t let you win.” Several more painful steps and she was suddenly outside of the cave. Blinking rapidly, she let out a sob of relief. She’d made it. Conquered both spells. There were other problems. She didn’t know where she was or how far she was from the nearest village. And how was she to contact Kel?

***** “Where is Tyrus, Dargo?” Bane’s head rested against the wall, his eyes closed. He’d been trying to reach out to Sianna since Gwendel left. As with his connection with Dargo, it was blocked. He swiped another drop of blood from his nose. He wouldn’t give up. Silence answered him. “Dargo. Talk to me. Tell me what’s going on.” “Dead. He’s dead, Father.” His words came out as sobs. The sound tore at Bane’s heart. It had been a long, long time since he’d held his son, comforted him, and damned the witch for preventing him from doing it when it was needed so badly. “It’s all right, son. It’s not your fault. That is…” “No! You don’t understand. I killed him. It is my fault.”

Marty Rayne

120

Bane was stunned. It wasn’t physically possible for a dragon to kill his rider. Even if the witch left him with no other choice, the bond wouldn’t allow it. He bit back a groan as he crawled over to where the bars met the wall that was separating them. His body felt as if he’d been dropped from the sky. At least he was alive. “Tell me what happened.” Why did his voice sound so emotionless? Shouldn’t he be trying to show compassion? He shook his head. He really was getting soft in his old age. He didn’t think Dargo would speak as the silence stretched between them. Bane wanted to scream, tear at the collar, and vent his frustrations, but the spell still hung heavily upon him. It took too much effort and wasted his strength. “We thought we’d gotten a lead on the disappearances of young men around the forest. There were rumors of maggie sightings. I’m aware only a witch or sorcerer could control them so we were looking into the Covens in the area and known sorcerers. Then Dharma came to us one night and said she overheard a woman at the tavern speaking of a black ghost roaming the forest.” Bane glanced toward Dharma’s lifeless body. No pity rose. Only sorrow for having to tell Tulla that her only child was dead. It was good that Rylin wasn’t here to see this betrayal and destruction from one of his kin. “Dharma arranged for us to meet this stranger at the tavern. Then she took us to where she saw the ghost. After that, it’s a bit of a blur. We were attacked.” “By what?” If there was more than maggies out there, Sianna was in trouble. “I’m not really sure. But now, I believe it was one of the witch’s tricks to confuse us, so the maggies could join in. Once bitten, we were helpless.” Of course they were. Dargo could have fought the venom as he’d done earlier, but not for long. Poor Tyrus would’ve been immediately affected. “And you were both brought back here.” “Yes.”

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

121

Dargo turned silent again for some time. Bane didn’t push. The loss of a rider was tragic enough. Whatever Dharma and Gwendel had done to Dargo added to the trauma. Most dragons didn’t have fragile egos, but Bane had a feeling this ordeal might be too much for his offspring. “How long has it been?” His voice was gravelly, as if he’d spent a lot of time screaming. Bane didn’t want to think about the things either woman could do to him to cause that damage. “A little over two cycles.” Silence. “At first they used Tyrus to make me -- do things. To cooperate. It worked. I let them…” He choked on the words. “But then they hurt Tyrus anyway. Gwendel allowed Dharma to take a whip to his back. Each lash had razor sharp edges. Enough was enough so I fought. It didn’t matter that I couldn’t shift; I tried to kill them both.” “They killed Tyrus.” It was a deadpan statement. “I killed Tyrus. If I hadn’t fought them, he’d still be alive.” Bane sighed and dragged his hands through his hair. “No, he wouldn’t. They kept him alive to toy with you. To torture your emotions. Gwendel knows how deep a bond between rider and dragon can become. She needs you. Tyrus -- he was bait. There was nothing you could’ve done to change it.” “Damn Ica for her power. I should’ve talked him out of meeting that woman. There are a lot of things we could’ve done differently. But I let it happen, Father.” Bane closed his eyes. There was no way he was going to convince Dargo differently. Especially now. They would save this talk for after they got out of this. “I didn’t believe Gwendel when she first told me who she was. Then she showed me.” This piqued Bane’s interest. He got to his knees and leaned against the bars trying to see into Dargo’s cell. “Showed you what?”

122

Marty Rayne

“How she survived her dragon’s death. If this and all the other things she’s accomplished with our blood becomes known, our kind is in danger.” Bane let a few curses fly. “I still can’t believe she’s alive.” “It was her dragon’s blood that kept her alive.” “What?” Dargo moved closer to the bars so that only the rock wall separated them. “The side effect of her survival was her disfigurement. She drank her dragon’s blood. She bragged about bathing in it. Only it didn’t just heal her injuries from the battle, but burned her. Her age accelerated. Somehow her more than human strength survived. I don’t know the details, but she’s no longer the Gwendel people knew.” That was obvious. Gwendel Egler had been a kind, compassionate rider who’d loved her dragon. A true defender of justice. “What else has she discovered, Dargo?” “Immortality.”

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

123

Chapter Twenty-Four

Sianna felt like a coward, hiding in the thick brush as the maggies hunted. Most likely she was the target. It wasn’t until the creatures left the area that she let out a long breath, but relief never came. Bane and Dargo were still trapped. A rider, the witch, who should be dead, was alive. The Grand Council would have a fit over that little piece of information. Dharma had betrayed those around her just to get her hands on dragon flesh. Not that Sianna could really blame her since she’d had her own taste of that delicious beast. Remembering the looks Dharma had given Bane were more disturbing than ever now. Thinking that Bane was now at her mercy had Sianna’s stomach upset. And she couldn’t forget about the maggies looking for her. She needed a plan. Needed a way to call for help and rescue the dragons. Nothing came to mind. Damn it. Why hadn’t she forced the general to teach her more about battle strategy? Oh, that’s right. One of elder blood had never been a rider. Since she was a female, there was no need to train her in such matters. Another reason to curse her sex. Her mind wandered to the portal and immediately tossed the idea. She didn’t know the spell to open one. And even if she did, she hadn’t a clue as to where it was. Everything

124

Marty Rayne

looked identical. Trees, shrubbery, bushes. No matter the direction she turned, they all looked ominous. Confusing. With frustration beating on her every nerve, Sianna pounded her fists on the forest floor. She swallowed back the scream pulsing in her throat as she didn’t want to attract the attention of her predators. Not feeling any better, Sianna looked up at the treetops and inhaled the strong odor of the forest. It permeated her senses and calmed the frantic need to run. Her hand went to the rider mark on her left breast. “Goddess Frayland, I don’t know what to do. You’ve bestowed this gift upon me and thrown me into the devil’s den with little protection.” She prayed, not knowing what else to do. “I’m not prepared for this. I’m not strong enough to save my bondmate. My love. My heart.” There, she said it. Sianna knew Bane had no interest in anything that had to do with love, but it was too late for her. She loved Bane. He was a part of her already. “I know so little. Bane deserves so much better than I, for I was the wrong choice for a warrior as he.” Tears rolled down her cheeks, and she didn’t bother to wipe them away. She was lost. Empty. Fated to lose the one thing she loved most. Bane. And no one would know what had happened. “I’m sorry, Bane,” she said quietly, her head lowered in defeat. Her hand slipped over to the key Zeva had placed around her neck. It heated at her touch. Surprised, her hand jerked away. She’d completely forgotten about it. Gently she held it in her palm, letting the warmth soak into her. “The key,” she whispered, but not sure why. She only knew it was important. Sianna wrapped her fingers around it, tightly pressing it into her palm. The heat grew almost unbearable. Still, she held on. Closing her eyes, she sought out her bondmate. Called to him. The key pulsed in her hand as if alive. A heartbeat. One she knew like her own. She couldn’t hear Bane but felt

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

125

him. Determination grew in her heart. He might never love her, but she’d prove she was worthy of being chosen. “Think, Sianna. Think.” She glanced toward the covered entrance of the cave. The one the maggies used. The dark magic was just inside. The silence spell to reach the cells. But there’d been another way into the cells. Another hall. Which could also mean another entrance. Right? One where Dharma could come and go because she’d never survive that first dark magic. “That’s got to be it.” Hope leaped. Sianna forced her body to move. She was stiff, but refused to let it stop her. The cave was well concealed. Few people ventured this deep into the forest. It was the perfect place to hide away. She started moving through the foliage slowly. Carefully examined each area that could possibly hide another entrance into the cave. She stuck her hand out to push away some vines when at least ten large bugs dropped down. Sianna jerked back in panic, already shaking them off, her mouth opened to scream…but stopped. She’d been angry when Bane had laughed at her for being frightened of insects. Now, she’d give anything to hear that laugh. To see those sexy, kissable lips curved into a smile, and eyes that glittered with amusement. If she could find a way out of this, she’d gladly let him make fun of her fear of these creepy crawlies. Clenching her teeth, Sianna shook the disgusting creatures from her and went back to the area she was inspecting. She had to be more careful this time. Nope. No doorway. She moved on. Sianna lost all track of time. Her mind was set on finding another door. She hadn’t a clue as to how long it had taken her and Bane to find Dargo, then to make it back out. The thick canopy barely let in any light. She was tired, hungry, and her body ached. She hadn’t a clue as to where their bags were or even when she’d lost hers. However, she had little choice but to continue.

126

Marty Rayne

“Gotcha.” Sianna smiled as she shoved aside a draping of vines that appeared to be hanging along a rocky surface. The doorway. Only when she reached up, she met with an invisible resistance. “Should’ve known. Nothing’s been easy,” she muttered. If only she had the key. A key. She had a key. Wrapping her fingers around the key that hung from her neck, she felt it grow warm again. Before she could even take it from around her neck, the bushes to her right rustled slightly. Sianna raised her sword, and her gaze darted all around. The bite came quick and hard. The sharp teeth broke through the leather of her boots. Sianna screamed at the pain, and her leg with the wound gave out. She came eye to eye with a maggie. “This isn’t fair.” The potion must have worn off, because from the corner of her eyes more of the nasty creatures gathered around.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

127

Chapter Twenty-Five

“She comes,” Dargo hissed. The sound of him scuffling to the back of his cell was loud in the silence. Bane wasn’t one to back down. He pulled himself off the floor and stood, using the bars of his cell for support since he was unsteady on his feet. He wouldn’t give Gwendel the pleasure of seeing the weakness she’d inflicted upon him. Gwendel walked into the cavern. Her gaze focused solely on him then her lips pulled up into a smile that looked more like a sneer. “Blythe spoke highly of her mother’s son. The great Bane Gaius. So strong and brave. I think dear Blythe was envious of you.” “You disgrace her memory every time you speak her name.” The words came out as a growl. Blythe had been his mother’s next offspring, just over a hundred years younger than he. “She should’ve been stronger,” she snapped with an acrid tone. “You should’ve loved her more and accepted your destiny,” he snapped back. His grip on the bars tightened until his knuckles turned white. The witch cackled. “Love? I wanted to live more than I wanted her love.”

128

Marty Rayne

“Then you were unworthy of the gift of the Goddess and her companion.” Her clear eye narrowed on him. “Answer me this, dragon. Do you love your rider?” Her question caught Bane unexpectedly. He heard Dargo’s sharp intake of breath. “No, don’t let her use you,” he said in the softest whisper. “Answer me,” Gwendel demanded, not giving Bane time to question Dargo. Bane opened his mouth to speak. God of dragons, he didn’t want to love Sianna. Didn’t want to face another piece carved from his heart when death decided to take her from beyond his reach. But he could no longer deny those feelings. That spark lighting his cock on fire was more than lust. The way his heart sped when he watched her. How he couldn’t wait to touch her. He knew all the signs of love. Damn it, he loved her. But she was also his weakness, and he wouldn’t allow Gwendel to use her that way. Not the way she had with Dargo’s rider. “No.” Gwendel’s head tilted to the side. “No?” Bane raised his head and met her gaze. “No, I don’t love my rider.” Gwendel took a step closer. It was hard to tell because of her disfigurement but she seemed confused by his answer. “I don’t believe you.” “Believe what you wish, witch. I bonded with my rider only a few days. How can I love someone I don’t know?” She laughed. The sound was loud and scratchy to Bane’s sensitive hearing. He didn’t understand what was so amusing. He was perplexed by his captor’s quick change in moods. Gwendel sobered quickly and shrugged. “Then it won’t be so painful to watch her die.”

*****

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

129

Sianna tried to kick at the maggie who bounced around her feet. It wasn’t easy as her ankles were shackled so that they could only move a foot from each other. The squeaky sound it made taunted her. “I’m going to enjoy watching you fry in my dragon’s fire, rodent.” Okay, her words weren’t the fiercest, but it made her feel better. The damn thing had bitten her, used its venom to paralyze her and then dragged her here. Feeling in need of a bath was an understatement now. The maggie squealed and made some strange high-pitched blips. It became even more excited. Sianna attempted to pull on the manacles holding her wrists away from her body. The struggle was futile. No way she had the strength to break metal. Still she tried, hating being bound to the wooden cross set in the middle of the cavern. She felt like a sacrificial offering to whatever evil intentions her captor had planned. Her gaze went to where her sword and the smaller blade she’d taken from Dharma lay on a table. So far away, they were no help to her. The sound of scuffling outside the chamber drew Sianna’s attention to the entryway. Her heart shuddered as Gwendel led Bane inside. His wrists were bound behind his back and a chain was connected to that cursed spelled collar, the end laying in Gwendel’s grasp like she led a pet for a walk. His shirt was gone, and splotches of dirt covered his torso. Each step he took looked as if it robbed him of all his strength. His grace and agility was gone. His disheveled appearance would be sexy in any other situation, but now, he looked defeated. “Bane,” she breathed a whisper in her head. He winced as if just her thought trying to get through to him hurt. Gwendel pushed on his shoulders forcing him to kneel. Hope quickly fled from her. If Bane could give up his optimism, why not let all her doubts and regrets surface? That’s when Sianna realized she had no regrets. The past couple

Marty Rayne

130

of days with Bane, stumbling across a bond like few ever experienced, were well worth the danger. She desperately wanted to tell Bane she loved him and thank him for all he’d given her. She doubted Gwendel would give her the chance. “Dragon and rider together again.” Gwendel kicked aside the wound-up maggie, stunning it to silence. “Where’s Dharma?” Sianna’s gaze shifted to the empty entryway. Surely that snot of a woman would be here to gloat at her victory of having not one but two dragons. “She’s dead,” Bane replied. Gwendel backhanded Bane, a ring on her finger slicing into his cheek. “I didn’t give you permission to speak.” Sianna’s body tensed, her wrists pressed against the manacles, as a violently aggressive need overtook her. No one harmed her bondmate. She craved revenge so strongly that she could almost taste the bitterness on her tongue. “It appears as if you’re quite proficient with your aim when handling a blade.” Gwendel shrugged, her tone uncaring that a life had been lost. This alarmed Sianna. She’d killed Dharma? The responsibility of taking a life hung heavy on her shoulders. At the time, she’d wanted to get away. She had only intended to wound Dharma enough to make her let go. Then she’d been forced to defend herself. How could she ever face Tulla knowing that she’d murdered Dharma? Gwendel scrutinized her, as if wondering at her actions. “You feel guilt.” “Of course, I do,” Sianna seethed. If she didn’t find a way to get herself, Bane, and Dargo out of here, Tulla would be clueless to the fate of her daughter. She didn’t want that no matter how much she disliked Dharma. “I haven’t felt emotions for twenty seasons. When my dragon died, they were killed as well.” Sianna’s gaze narrowed on the other woman. “Am I supposed to be sympathetic?”

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

131

“I don’t need your sympathy.” Gwendel snarled, and her features distorted even more. “Then what do you want with me?” She refused to look toward Bane. She had to be brave even as terror nibbled at her innards. “Your blood, rider. That’s what I’m after.” Sianna didn’t like the sound of that. “The Goddess will have no mercy on your soul, witch.” Gwendel laughed, and that rough, crackly sound grated on every nerve. This woman, or what was left of one, was pure evil. “She’d forsaken me a long time ago when she took my dragon.” Before Sianna could repute or even agree, two young men came into the cavern, each carrying a black pot. They looked to be younger than she, their bodies too thin, undernourished. She sought out their eyes and found them black…and vacant. Like empty shells of what they once were. Each placed his pot beneath her outstretched arms. They left. Silent. Not even a glance toward her or Bane. “It’s you,” Sianna seethed. Bane softly cursed behind Gwendel. “You had those youths taken from their villages.” She twisted her wrists, but her bindings held true. “They aren’t riders or dragons. What use are they to you? What did you do to them?” Gwendel turned away, intent on her task, ignored Sianna, and picked up a smaller pot from beneath the table that held her weapons. Bane was an arm’s length way, but unable to help with his arms bound and the collar causing a drain on his strength. Sianna stretched her neck trying to see what was in it. There was a slight bluish glow emanating from inside. “Dragon’s blood is very powerful. Mix it with the right spell and the power one can possess is unimaginable. The knowledge has been long known, but well hidden.” She stepped closer so she was directly in front of her and held out the pot to Sianna. Inside was a powder the same color as its glow.

132

Marty Rayne

“Do you know what this is?” Sianna shook her head. “Cadmium.” The word came soft in Sianna’s mind. Aggrieved and far away. “Oh, Bane. I can’t…” She stopped when she noticed the pained expression on his face. Pulling herself together, renewed hope surging within, Sianna focused on Gwendel. If Bane knew what it was, maybe it could help them. “This is cadmium. Found only in the deepest of caverns. I need youths to mine it for me. Some say it is actually Ketall’s residual essence. Whatever it is, it’s the reason I’m still alive.” She dipped a hand into the powder and lifted it up for Sianna to see. The thin, sandlike mineral slipped between her fingers back into the pot. “We were in Soola, battling a rogue dragon when my bondmate was struck down. I held on tightly as we dropped from the sky. However, when we landed, it was on top of a maze of tunnels and caverns so we fell into the earth.” Gwendel appeared dazed as she recalled the memory. “Blythe was dying. The cavern we landed in was filled with this blue glow. As her blood flowed over the tiny crystals, they glowed brighter. My legs were broken, body in shock, and I was dying with my bondmate. All I could do was lie there while her blood mixed with the minerals and flowed toward me. As it surrounded me, I felt…” She paused, her lips twitched into a smile. “It was wonderful. Soothing to my broken body. Then the pain began, and I passed out.” Her eyes cleared and looked at Sianna. “When I woke, I was healed and full of strength. I took what I could carry and left, letting the world believe I’d died with my dragon. I returned several times to take as much cadmium as I could before the exposed cavern was discovered. Once sealed, I searched a long time trying to find a way back in, but never found it. So my search for more began.” “You could’ve saved her,” Bane spoke aloud. “No! She was dead and taking me with her.” Gwendel turned so fast some of the cadmium blew out of the pot and sprinkled on the forgotten key.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

133

Instantly, she could once more sense Bane’s connection within her. It was weak, but there. “Please hear me without pain,” she whispered to him. “My sweet.” This time he didn’t grimace, but she could tell he strained. Praise Mother Frayland. “Dragons were the first creatures on Ketall, Gwendel. The Lord Ezra created us from the magical essence of the world, buried deep within the ground. Cadmium is the life-source of our being. As it helped bring you back to life, it could’ve been used to keep Blythe alive.” This was news to Sianna. Yes, she’d spent hours reading all the dragon books in Central’s library, many debating whether humans or dragons were the first beings on their planet, but not a single one mentioned cadmium and its link to dragons. “No.” She shook her head in denial. “It was only her blood mixed with it that saved me. There in the cavern, my bondmate died. I lived.” Triumph coated her statement. “She knew this knowledge. All dragons do. It’s deeply engrained in our genetics.” “You’re saying my bondmate wanted me to die? She allowed it to happen?” Bane shrugged. “I don’t know her reason. I can only surmise she saw something deep inside your soul that she believed it best if you both died.” Gwendel moved swiftly, almost too quickly for Sianna to see. The pot of cadmium dropped to the floor, spilling out as Gwendel placed her hand around Bane’s throat and pulled him up. “You lie,” she snarled. “A dragon can never harm its rider. A dragon seeks life. Protects humans.” Sianna’s insides were on fire. How dare the witch treat her bondmate in such a way? Her body started struggling with her bindings. She had to get free. Had to protect her dragon…the other half of her soul.

134

Marty Rayne

Bane spoke calmly as if Gwendel wasn’t tightening her hold on his throat. “Unless those humans mean Ketall harm. However, it wasn’t Blythe who struck you down. It was her decision to not heal herself.” Sianna couldn’t see Gwendel’s expression, but watched as the witch stilled.

“She knows I speak the truth.” Sianna reached out for Bane, needing his comfort. Selfish, yes, but she couldn’t help it. Gwendel dropped Bane like he was just a feather. Still weak, he fell back to his knees. Sianna felt his distress and weakness as he labored to breathe. Gwendel turned to Sianna, her expression blank. As empty as those young men’s eyes. “It matters not. There’s no changing the past, only making my future better. Which brings me to you, rider.” She picked up the blade Sianna had taken from Dharma and approached Sianna. “Dragon blood and cadmium is now a part of my life or I eventually succumb to death. This” -- she pointed to her face -- “was an unpredictable side effect, as was the continuous need for dragon blood. Thanks to Dargo and his darling but foolish rider, I found that mixing the blood of bondmates will sustain me for longer periods and has already cleared the boils off half my face. But Bane’s blood. He’s nearing the stage of being an ancient dragon. Can you imagine the power his blood holds?” She reached down and used her finger to swipe away some of the blood on his cheek. Holding up her finger, she gazed at it, seemingly lovingly. But how was that possible if she had no emotions? Perhaps she wasn’t as dead inside as she believed to be. Sianna’s stomach tightened when Gwendel stuck the finger in her mouth and sucked the blood from it. Her eyes rolled back into her head as if in delight before they closed for a moment. “Just as I thought.” She sighed. “Now mixing this to his bondmate’s blood, it should complete removing these boils from my face.”

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

135

“You’re sick. If you think we’re going to let you get away with this…” “What? You’ll kill me?” Gwendel’s laugh was really getting on Sianna’s last nerve, which in turn was causing her to panic. “I doubt it.” “She thinks she’s immortal,” Bane informed her. It was Sianna’s turn to laugh. The stress of the situation had taken root and exploded. With laughter.

136

Marty Rayne

Chapter Twenty-Six

Bane lifted his head, his mouth slightly open in stunned silence, and took in Sianna, who was laughing hysterically. He hadn’t a clue what she found so amusing. Trapped without hope of escape, Gwendel was getting ready to bleed Sianna dry, and who knew what tortures lay in wait for him. And all his bondmate could do was laugh. Silently, he cursed the dragon of fate for pairing them together. He knew there was a reason why he hadn’t wanted another rider. His desire…and yes, his growing love for her, had blinded him to the stupidity humans could have at times. Being this close to the cadmium broke through the spelled collar and allowed brief, less painful communication, but he couldn’t look into her mind. His gaze slipped to Gwendel, who stared in as much disbelief as he at Sianna’s actions. He did have to hand it to his rider. She was creating the perfect distraction. Since his arrival into this cavern, Bane had been slowly working his hand through one of the manacles. It wasn’t easy and was quite painful, as it felt like his skin was being filleted from his hand. The blood helped in lubricating his escape. Only, the scent drew a maggie closer. “Keep her distracted.” He couldn’t tell her why because he didn’t know yet what he was going to do.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

137

The maggie snorted a few times, cautiously inching closer. Smart creature. With his gaze trained on the maggie, he wiggled his wrist a little farther up, blocking the pain. “Do you not think that the Grand Council won’t notice two rider teams are missing, along with those young men you’ve taken to mine these caverns, and Dharma? They will tear down this forest looking for the reason.” “By the time those idiots make a move, I’ll be gone from here. On to the next location I’ve found that has a strong concentration of cadmium. There will be no survivors left. Now, let’s get this done. I’ve got other pressing issues.” Bane growled as Gwendel stepped up to Sianna. The maggie stopped its approach. Unable to resist one last turn of the knife, Gwendel turned back to taunt him. “Does this bother you, dragon? Do you have any last sentimental words to share with your bondmate? The one you swore you don’t love?”

Damn that witch, Bane thought and jerked his hand free of the manacle. His gaze stayed on Gwendel. He couldn’t risk looking upon the face of his lover. She couldn’t see the truth, that he’d lied, especially not now when he needed her at her strongest, including any anger she’d feel toward him. Bane mentally reached for Sianna because the connection sparked stronger now as he took in her fear, anger, confusion, and panic. He absorbed all her negative emotions and turned them into a strength that not even the collar could take from him. As Gwendel had pointed out, he was soon to become an ancient dragon. Knowledge of things only dragons were privy to, information dangerous if humans were to become aware, was emerging already. Taking emotions from his rider and using them to his benefit was one such lesson.

“I’ve got one chance at this, love. Be ready.” A sudden rush of energy swept through his body, defying the spelled collar, refreshing him. Bane jumped into motion and grabbed for Sianna’s sword. He lunged toward Gwendel and ran the blade through her chest. Everything stilled as shock and pain filled her

138

Marty Rayne

expression. Her one visible eye widened with surprise. The stunned maggie came to life and jumped at Bane. Having no other choice, he withdrew the sword from Gwendel’s body. The staggering form gave Bane a shield from the maggie, affording him enough time to swing around and slice the fury creature in midair. The two halves dropped to the ground with a wet plop. Bane didn’t waste any time. Turning, he pulled at Sianna’s manacles. Already he felt the strength fading. He knew the enchantment would do so; it was only to be used in a dire situation. The metal twisted, and he relished the gift of strength Sianna had unknowingly given him, though he knew it weakened her also. He broke off the other manacle just as five maggies came into the cavern, blocking the only exit. He tore the chain apart that kept her feet together, when Gwendel’s laughter echoed off the walls. Gwendel stood where she’d stumbled, her hand resting on her chest. The material of her cloak shimmered with wetness. Blood. But she held open the tear in the material to show that the wound no longer existed. “I told you, Bane. I can’t be killed. Immortality.” “That’s not possible,” Sianna whispered, clinging to him. Bane stood in front of Sianna and slowly walked backward until they were in the corner, trapped, but their backs were covered. His strength waned, and his knees trembled. The sword began to shake in his hand. He wouldn’t be able to stand much longer, let alone fight one who could heal any injury. “You send your creatures to do your dirty work, witch. You cripple those who could best you with your dark magic. Evil and greed has eaten away your heart.” “It has always been in my heart.” She bravely walked closer, confident of no harm coming to her. “Like you said, Blythe saw it and thought I should die.” “I need this collar off,” Bane said to Sianna. He also needed a plan as to how they would get out of here.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

139

“There’s a place for a key in the back. Gwendel must have…oh, wait. I have a key.” “You have the key to the collars ?” Then aloud, to Gwendel: “She sacrificed herself to make sure you went with her.”

“Well, I don’t know if it’s a key to the collars, but Zeva gave it to me. It led me to the other entrance. Then when cadmium got on it, it allowed this connection to open again.” “She was a fool,” Gwendel spat.

“Try it.” Seconds later, he heard a click and the weight of the metal collar fell from his neck. A rush of strength returned. He felt his dragon demanding to burst free, the fierce predator bound to protect his bondmate. “Impossible!” Gwendel screeched. “You’ve taught me that nothing is impossible, witch,” Bane growled. His body stood between Sianna and danger. For once she was glad of it, as she felt so weak she only wanted to sit. However, her determination to live through this forced her to stay upon her feet. Movement from the entryway made Sianna turn. The maggies inched closer, fanning out. No chance of getting past them. “I need a weapon. I can’t help you fight without one.” It was not the first time that day she’d felt helpless. “You can’t shift in here, dragon. It would bring this entire cavern down on us all.” “You’re correct, but I won’t need to now that I’m at full strength again.” “Sianna, find

Dargo and free him. I may need his help.” The command was hard for her to ignore. “I need a weapon,” she insisted. “I can’t fight the maggies without one.”

“I will distract them, love. Slip out as fast as you can.”

Marty Rayne

140

Bane advanced on Gwendel and the maggies scurried toward him to defend their master. Sianna took the opportunity while they were distracted to run as a fresh spurt of adrenaline replaced her fatigue. She didn’t look back at Bane, but only forced her muscles to work as they should no matter how tired she was. Just before she reached the entryway, the maggie closest to her noticed and shifted his attack. Not wanting to be bitten again, she kicked the creature with a round kick right before it reached her. It tumbled across the cavern. Sianna didn’t wait around to see if she caused it any harm. The tunnels were a maze. “Bane, I don’t know how to get to Dargo.” His ever calm voice warmed her as he directed her through the tunnels, the same path as he’d come. She heard the scuffling sound of the maggies’ feet echoing throughout the caverns, but luckily she hadn’t come across one. Gwendel had probably called them to her aid against Bane. Trying hard not to cling to Bane, distract him from his fight, Sianna focused on finding Dargo. Sianna took the magical key from around her neck as she finally entered the chamber with the cells. Her feet stopped abruptly as her gaze landed on Dharma’s lifeless body. The grief of taking a life resurfaced while she looked upon the result of her actions. “Her death was too kind.” “Dargo,” she breathed out and quickly used the key to unlock the cell door. He sat back toward the shadows so she couldn’t see his expression. “Bane needs your help.” “I’m too weak to help.” His voice was filled with the exhaustion of his trauma. She was sure her imagination wouldn’t come close to knowing what had been done to him. Sianna took several steps into the cell and knelt beside him. “I have the key to set you free.” Dargo shook his head. “I’ll never be free again.”

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

141

Sianna wanted to cry for him. She knew little of this man, yet she felt as if Ica had done him very wrong. Why would fate be so cruel to one as beautiful as he? Yes, he was undernourished, his beautiful eyes sunken and their color pale, but that did little to hide his handsome features. “Please. Let me get that collar off you.” Dargo didn’t move for several breaths as if in thought. Finally, he nodded and leaned forward so she could place the key into the keyhole. She didn’t have to twist it. As soon as it entered, Sianna felt a tingling through her fingers and the collar fell off, like Bane’s. Then the metal clanged to the floor. “Come on.” She threw his arm over her shoulder and helped him stand. “That’s it. You’ll be fine once we get out of here.” Dargo was silent, but he took step after step with her. “I’ve got Dargo,” she communicated to Bane. “We’re on our way back.” “No, go out the way we originally came in.” His command was urgent. Sianna paused. She didn’t want to leave him again, but Dargo was in no shape to fight. Then there was the fact that she had no weapon. “Stupid, stubborn dragon,” she mumbled but turned to take them through the spelled tunnel. “Going somewhere?”

142

Marty Rayne

Chapter Twenty-Seven

The maggies kept coming. Bane sliced them in half. A couple managed to scratch him, but those wounds wouldn’t paralyze him like their bites. As long as their teeth stayed away, he’d be fine. He didn’t miss that Gwendel had slipped out of the chamber while he was busy with the maggies. He urged Sianna to take the spelled tunnel out so as they wouldn’t run into the witch again, but he wouldn’t let her know, hoping Gwendel would cut her losses and get out while she could. He and Sianna now had an idea as to how to track her. “I thought you were taking care of Gwendel.” Her panic was clear as she touched their connection. Bane cursed as he managed to cut two maggies with one swing and moved closer to the entrance. He had to get to Sianna. She had no defense against the witch. “I’m coming, love.” His gaze darted around the room. There were still at least ten more maggies scrambling over each other trying to get to him. They wouldn’t stop until either he was down or their master called them off. Their usual strategic attacks weren’t in effect, as Gwendel probably ordered them to get him at any cost.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

143

With his full dragon strength returned, he could trap them. At the entryway, he stopped long enough to smash his fist against one side and then the other until the rock crumbled and fell in on the cavern. The maggies squealed as rock and dirt descended on them. Bane held no sympathy for the mindless creatures.

“I am weaponless, Bane. I cannot defend us.” The plea in her voice was frantic. The overwhelming urge to protect his bondmate propelled him down the tunnels as fast as possible.

“My sword, sweet. It’s still in the chamber.” “Where? I don’t see it.” He gave pause before telling her. He was sure she was shocked upon finding Dharma still lying there like a discarded doll.

“My sweet, it’s by Dharma’s body. Be brave and use it.” “Found it,” she said after a few breaths. In the distance, he heard a scream.

***** “Dargo, don’t!” Sianna cried out when the dragon charged at Gwendel. He was in no shape to fight, but she couldn’t stop him. Gwendel chanted a few words and easily swatted him away like an insect. Sianna moved to stand over him, sword ready to protect him. She couldn’t allow the witch to hurt him more. “A brave fool, you are. Still, I’ll have my dragons and your blood.” “You’re not worthy of the honor.” Her fingers twitched, growing accustomed to the new hilt.

144

Marty Rayne

“You cannot stop me. You can stab me over and over, but I will heal. You cannot kill me. It’s you who will die.” Gwendel raised her hands in front of her, closed her eyes, and chanted. Sianna waited for the spell to take effect, having no defense against magic. Gwendel’s eyes suddenly popped open as she gasped. Blood seeped from the tip of a sword that protruded out of her stomach. Over Gwendel’s shoulder, Sianna’s gaze locked with Bane’s. Relief flooded her. She felt as if she could do anything as long as Bane was near. Gwendel stepped away from the sword, and the wound healed. “You won’t defeat me.” She pulled a blade from inside the sleeve of her cloak and slashed it at Bane with lightning speed. Sianna watched in horror as the blade cut deep into his flesh, just a breath from the vein where his life rushed. Fed up with their lives being at risk, Sianna raised her sword. “No more,” she yelled as her sword swept across her body, the blade slicing through Gwendel’s neck. Staring in horror, Sianna helplessly watched Gwendel’s head as it fell to the floor with a sickening, echoing thud. Her body followed. Sianna fell to her knees, and her sword clanged to the ground. Two lives. She’d taken two lives with a blade. She didn’t feel Bane’s arms wrap around her, help her stand, or lead her out of the cavern. She felt lost. Numb. Shocked. Didn’t take notice that the spell of silence or dark magic was no longer intact. Sianna couldn’t think, couldn’t see, couldn’t feel. Far off Sianna heard a voice. Bane. “Come back to me, love.” It was a plea, but it was too far away. Darkness surrounded her, and she welcomed it.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

145

Chapter Twenty-Eight

“I don’t understand. Why isn’t she waking up? It’s been nearly a day.” Bane paced the bedroom restlessly. His gaze stayed glued to Sianna lying on the bed. Her expression was serene now, but earlier she had thrashed about as if having a nightmare. Still she hadn’t awoken. “Dargo said you interrupted a spell. We don’t know what Gwendel intended. Between the trauma and the remnants of the spell, we can only wait it out.” Kel stood behind Nick, who sat in a chair with his hands on his lover’s shoulders. Not to mention the drain he’d caused her, but the others didn’t need to know that. Bane dragged his hands through his hair and reached for Sianna again through their connection. He felt her presence, yet she wasn’t there. “Sianna, my love. Come back to me.” Jax walked into the room. “Dargo has fed and is resting in the other room.” “Thank you, Jax. I appreciate your care of Dargo.” Bane gave her a slight nod of his head. Jax sighed. “He’s already healing physically, but his mind is still tortured.” There was sadness in her voice.

146

Marty Rayne

Bane nodded. “And it will be for a time. He is strong and will heal given time.” He sat on the edge of the bed and touched Sianna’s hand. It was warm, her pulse strong in her wrist. “You need to feed, Bane.” Jax leaned against the door frame. “It’s been too long since you hunted. You can do nothing for her if you’re weak.” “I won’t leave her.” He wanted to be the first face she saw when she woke. Jax shrugged. “I can’t force you.” “I’m just thankful the three of you were near.” “Apparently your friend Tulla was worried about the disappearance of her daughter,” Kel explained. “She was also concerned about you. She sent word to Central, and Jax insisted we come and lend a hand.” Jax shrugged with a soft smile curving her lips. “All is quiet in our territory. Boring, really, since we got rid of Merrill.” Bane chuckled. “I find it hard to believe you could be bored with your two bondmates.” Nicholas rolled his eyes. “Don’t let her fool you. We keep her plenty occupied. She’s just looking for a bad guy to have as a tasty treat.” “We returned the youths to their homes. The spell Gwendel had over them has broken. Probably abated when she died. They seemed to remember little of their time with her.” Kel changed the subject. Every dragon was aware of Jax’s preference when it came to getting rid of the bad guys. “Is she really dead?” “There’s no coming back from decapitation,” Nick said, shaking his head. “No matter how much she claimed to be immortal.” “I watched her heal.” “You have nothing to worry about, Bane. Kel and I took care of it. Though she didn’t deserve it, Gwendel was once a rider. She has moved on to Mother Frayland.”

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

147

Fire. That was how the body of a rider returned to the Goddess. “The entrances will be sealed.” Kel’s hands rubbed Nick’s shoulders as he spoke. “Also, there doesn’t seem to be any more maggies in the area. Gwendel’s hold over them probably wore off also. The villagers should be safe.” A spark in Bane’s conscious sent shivers down his spine. “Sianna?” Her fingers twitched, and her eyes moved rapidly under her closed lids. “My brave warrior. Wake up.” It came out more as a plea rather than the command he intended. Sianna’s eyes fluttered, and her chest rose and fell faster. Bane released her hand and cupped her face. “Open your eyes, sweet love.” “Bane.” His name came out as a raspy whisper. It was the most beautiful sound he’d ever heard. “I’m here.” She let out a sigh before her eyes finally opened. Amazingly, her eyes sparkled with life. The dark shadows were gone. “I love you.” Bane was stunned. Her words were unexpected to say the least. They sent his world soaring. She loved him. He hadn’t wanted to, but Bane had fallen in love with Sianna. Sianna’s expression hardened, her defenses fell, and he was flooded with her insecurity, disappointment, and annoyance. “But you don’t love me.” Dragon’s curse, she wasn’t supposed to remember that. Or at least he’d hoped she wouldn’t. “We’ll leave you two alone. Call if you need anything.” Nick stood and took Kel’s hand, dragging him from the room, while pushing Jax out also. The door closed behind them.

148

Marty Rayne

“Where are we?” Sianna pushed herself up in the bed, looking around. His hands fell from her face. “Dargo’s home.” “How is he?” Her gaze dropped to her hands in her lap. “Recovering.” “Good.” She began twisting her fingers together. Bane touched her chin and pressed so she’d look up. Her eyes weren’t as bright as before and he knew it was his fault. There was only one way to repair it. Fixing his gaze with hers, he completely opened himself to her for the first time. Sianna gasped as he flooded her with all his emotions. “I love you, Sianna. I couldn’t let Gwendel know how much I cared. I was scared she would use you against me.”

“Mother Goddess. It’s…” Sianna paused and inhaled, closing her eyes, her body trembling. “Incredible.” She never dreamed Bane held so much love for her. Cared for her, yes. Wanted to protect her, definitely. But love her like he did? Her heart swelled with pride. There wasn’t a better man out there to be her other half. The measure of this man couldn’t be compared to anyone else. For her, there could only be him. She felt him closing off again. “Don’t you dare, Bane Gaius,” she ordered, gripping his wrists with her hands. No way was he going to close this connection now. Sianna’s heart raced and sweat formed on her brow. She now understood when Bane had said it was too much for those newly bonded. His emotions began to entwine with hers until she could barely discern between the two. “It’s too much.” Bane gasped. “No. This has been what I’ve wanted all along, Bane.” Her gaze locked with his. “I’ve dreamed of you for so long. I never saw your face, but always those eyes. Power surrounded

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

149

you. A dragon watched over us. It was meant to be. I’m strong enough to be your rider and your lover. My heart, body, and soul are yours until I die.” Darkness clouded his eyes at her words. She felt his sorrow, his loss. He didn’t want to lose her. “Loss is a part of life, my dragon. If anyone has taught me that, it’s you.” Her lips curved into a soft smile. “You mustn’t stop living because those who love you have passed on. That’s not what they wanted, I’m sure.” Bane leaned his head forward until their foreheads touched. She felt his breath on her lips. She ached to kiss them. Taste them. “I’m scared. I don’t know if I could survive watching you die. When I saw Gwendel…” “Sshhh.” She placed her finger over his lips. “It’s over. My fierce, mighty dragon saved me.” His finger lifted and traced the edge of her bottom lip. Her tongue flickered out and got a taste of him when she wet her lip. “I may not always be there to save you.” “You cannot compare me to your past riders, Bane. I accept what my Goddess has given to me. I have from the start and treasure every moment I have with you.” “Why can’t I want better for you? If I’d never come to Central, you’d still be with your father. Surrounded by family and those who love you.” “And absolutely miserable. I wasn’t born to live the life of an aristocrat. I was born to be a rider. To live out in the world, not locked behind some walls and restrictions. And I do have all the family and love I need. With you.” “But…” “No.” She shook her head, and her hands slid up to frame his face. Closing the distance, she softly swept her lips over his. “You are my family, just as the rest of those in this house are now. No one at Central will ever understand how I feel, how I live, except other riders and dragons. Only they know what it’s like to live and die for their bondmate.” A lone tear

150

Marty Rayne

slipped from her eye. She wouldn’t think about her father or the others she’d left behind. She’d never fitted in anyway. Her words were true. She had Bane. That’s all she needed. He claimed her mouth, and she eagerly accepted him. “See me, Bane. See all of me and

feel the love I have only for you.” Bane groaned as a wave of desire swept through them both. “My love.”

“I was so scared for you.” “No more talk. It’s done.” Sianna agreed. “Lie with me. Make me forget all that has happened for a time.” “Your wish is my command.” Bane didn’t break their kiss as he slid onto the bed and his clothing disappeared. Her fingers trailed down his smooth back, loving how his muscles danced beneath her touch with every movement he made. How had she lived without him all these years? He pushed down the sheet covering her body and only then did she realize she wore nothing but a shirt. Breaking the kiss, Sianna gasped for air to fill her lungs. She easily fell into his gleaming, bright eyes, filled with want for only her. “Please tell me the others didn’t see me…” Her cheeks flushed with heat. She might feel like a wanton woman with Bane, but she had still been raised a lady and held a certain amount of modesty around others. “Your flesh is only for my eyes, sweet.” “As it should be.” She slid down so she lay flat on the bed, and the shirt rose to show her most private parts, abdomen, and a hint of her breasts. Bane easily tore the shirt in half and exposed her body to his gaze. “What a feast to take in.” Sianna’s fingers delved into his thick hair as he suckled one of her nipples. Her back arched and her legs spread. She groaned his name. His desire spun its web inside of her body,

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

151

the connection a lifeline, alive and pulsating with their souls. It was more than just a communication tool. This was the path to happiness and all she’d ever wanted in life. “I need you, Bane. My body aches for you to be inside of me.” “Sweet warrior, I’ll always be inside of you.” She purred when one of his hands drifted down to play with the folds of her pussy, his fingertips dipping into her wetness, while his tongue lapped at her other nipple. Her hips thrust up, wanting him deeper. Longing for him to completely fill her. “Please, lover.” Her plea didn’t go unheeded. His movement was quicker than she could see and gave her little time to do more than gasp as he entered her, his cock throbbing against her tight muscles. Her legs wrapped around his waist and pulled him farther within. “Never leave me.” He nibbled at her earlobe. Sianna chuckled. “Like I ever could.” His chest rumbled with his laughter. The sound propelled jolts of wetness down to her pussy. No sound could be more perfect or serene. His mouth lingered over her neck; his breath caressed her sweat-slicked skin. Her body and mind had adjusted to Bane’s presence. As he began loving her, thrusting in and out of her body, Sianna had never felt more at home and complete than she did at that moment. Once she’d thought her dream lover was just…a dream. She was never happier to be wrong. Her bliss was near bursting to find that he was real and hers for the rest of the time she had to walk on Ketall. Her climax rolled through her hard and fast. Sianna sent every ounce of pleasure to Bane and reveled as he lost control and had his release also. Feeling drained but sated, Sianna curled into Bane’s embrace. The bruises and aches from her recent adventure were but a memory. Even as Bane curtailed his emotions once more, she felt him still lingering within. “The bonding is finally complete, isn’t it?”

152

Marty Rayne

Bane was silent for several breaths. “Yes.” His hand found a breast and cupped it gently. “But the lust is still strong and I’ll never grow tired of having you.” She shivered, liking the possessiveness in his voice and touch. “And I you.” They lay quiet for some time. The soft sounds of voices in the outer room mingled with the sound of the wind blowing softly through the open window. “Change is upon us.” Sianna agreed, and it was more than just the fact that one of elder bloodline had become a rider. “It will affect all of Ketall, won’t it?” “I believe it will. Whatever it is, it’s not too far off in the future.” “Let’s pray that it’s for the best.” She closed her eyes. Relaxed in knowing that as long as she had her bondmate, she could face anything life threw at her.

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

153

Epilogue One Month Later…

“Are you sure about this?” Bane wrapped his arms around Sianna’s waist and looked out into the forest that bordered the backyard. Sianna sighed. “Who else is the Grand Council going to get to take this area?” Being the only one who knew the Zaire Forest area as well as he did could be both good and bad. “There’s no guarantee the elders will allow us to stay here.” She lay back into his embrace. “I’m sure we could convince them it’s the best idea. Dargo has given us his house. The area is quiet right now so I can finish my training…and you have so much still to teach me.” Her hands slipped behind her and rubbed on his thighs. He trembled with desire, never tiring of her touch. “Don’t you mean more places to make love to you?” He bent his head and kissed her neck. “Hmmm. That too.” Bane felt the tranquility swirling from her. “I never thought you could be happy here. We’re essentially in the middle of nowhere. Not to mention the memories this forest holds for you.”

154

Marty Rayne

Sianna stepped away from his arms and took two steps until she reached the railing of the porch. “At first I didn’t think so either. But now…well, it seems to have grown on me. There’s so much beauty out here.” “And the bugs?” Bane smiled. She shrugged. “Not as bad.” She turned and smiled. “How’s Dargo? Has he settled in?” Bane nodded. “He said he’ll only stay at my place in the mountains until he finds a new place to settle. I think the time we spent together helped him.” “I just wish we could’ve done more.” Familiar sorrow settled on his heart. “The loss of a rider is tragic. Only time can heal that open wound and even then it can easily be torn open when you least expect it.” She reached up and her fingers played with the key that still hung around her neck. She didn’t know if it still retained magic, but she wasn’t about to let it go. It was also a reminder of what she had and what she’d gone through to keep it. “You had many years between riders. I can’t help but wonder why Ica paired us in such a short time.” Bane leaned against the doorframe with his ankles and arms crossed. “Perhaps she knew I’d given up on much of my life.” “Had you really?” He nodded. “Now that I think of it, yes. I was through with it all.” She turned and leaned against the railing. Spreading her arms out to the side, her fingers gripped the wood. This position made her breasts jut out. His gaze locked on the soft mounds of flesh he loved worshiping. He was the luckiest dragon alive. “Until you bowled me over.” Her lips lifted into a smirk. He answered with a smile of his own. “Until you ran me over.” He pushed away from the doorframe. “I received a note from Kel.”

Dragon Riders 2: Reluctant Hearts

155

“What did they find out?” “We were right. An elder could be involved. As I said, all dragons are aware of cadmium. But only the Grand Council had knowledge of the old mines that have been closed down for at least a hundred seasons. They were the ones to seal them all. The maps are missing from the archive. Kel also disclosed that the witch, Tempest, revealed that Merrill had a contact in the Grand Council, only she never found out who it was.” “A conspiracy involving an elder? This isn’t good. The elders have been the ruling body of government since the beginning. This information would devastate the system.” “Just as the knowledge you’ve learned about the connection between cadmium and dragons if it was to fall in the wrong hands.” Sianna sighed. “That won’t come from my lips. But who knows what Gwendel told her contact.” Bane quickly crossed the room and took her into his arms, where she should always be. “I trust you, with my heart and my life, sweetness.” “All of this scares me, Bane. Ketall is truly changing. I sense our life changing like none ever envisioned.” “As long as I have you, it matters not.” He lowered his head and brushed his lips over hers. “You realize we leave tomorrow to report back to the Grand Council. Do you think there will be problems? With your family, that is. You did miss your cousin’s joining ceremony.” “Elsie’s fine. Her note said she understood. I promised to spend some time with her while we’re in Central. As for the Grand Council…” Sianna leaned her forehead on Bane’s chest. “I’m just another rider for him to dislike. If I know my father, he’ll be hostile, but I can handle it. He’s a cinch compared to taking on maggies and dark magic.” Bane lifted her head with a push of his index finger under her chin. Her inner turmoil floated softly within him. She tried to not worry, but wasn’t blocking it from him.

Marty Rayne

156

“He could’ve changed his mind.” She shook her head. “Maybe one day, but not this soon. Besides, I have new family problems to deal with.” “Really? Like what?” Bane asked curiously as a slip of jealousy slithered in. “I saw the way you looked at Jax. And she wasn’t exactly repelling your interested gazes.” Bane huffed and rolled his eyes. “Oh, come on now. She’s not even old enough to mate with a dragon yet. Besides, she’s got her hands full with Kel and Nicholas.” “But you can’t tell me you weren’t looking at the potential of mating with her when her time comes.” There was a playfulness to her words. Even after being with her for a month, Bane knew there was so much to learn of his bondmate’s moods and ways. And he planned on taking a long time figuring her out. “Right now, my desire lies only with you, my sweet warrior.” Her beautiful eyes glimmered and her lips twitched with a smile. “Prove it, dragon.” “As you wish.” Bane swooped Sianna up into his arms and carried her to the rumpled bed.

Marty Rayne When I’m not being a wife, mother, and grandmother, I am creating passionate worlds of fantasy. Pushing the limits and experimenting with new angles and worlds. Books have been my first love since I could remember. I love getting lost in new and exciting worlds. The characters claim me, even for just a short time. Writing just naturally came next, but I never really took it seriously until a few years ago when I gained access to the Internet. With the encouragement and help of a wonderful friend, I decided to venture into the field of writing. I live in Florida and enjoy time at the beach. Okay, not so much the water. I’m not crazy about sharks, but I love watching the waves roll in and the feel of the sand between my toes. I also enjoy motorcycle rides with my husband and learning karate with my children.