Captive 0f The Dragons (Bonfire Falls Paranormal Romance Book 3) Read online

  After a few more minutes, we come around a dense copse of pines. A babbling stream rolls down the mountain over a small waterfall into a beautiful oasis. The water is white and frothy before it spreads out into the icy-clear splendor of the oval-shaped swimming hole.

  A red-breasted bird bathes itself in a shallow depression in a rock near the edge of the stream. The spray of droplets forms a rainbow over the falls. I’ve never seen a place so beautiful and peaceful.

  “Wow, the walk was definitely worth it!”

  I step up to a relatively still section of the pool and gaze at my erratic reflection. I turn to find Copper staring hard at me. His tongue flicks at his lower lip, but he’s unaware that he’s doing it.

  Casually, I reach down to my waist and grab the hemline of my long-sleeved shirt. The sweat-dampened fabric proves difficult to wrestle from my body, but I peel it off over my head and fold it neatly before I place it on a dry rock near the water. I may be a bit curvier than the average girl, but I’m proud of my body.

  Copper’s mouth drops open. His gaze rakes across my scantily clad form.

  I don’t acknowledge his attention, instead I unlace my boots. Once my feet are bare, I unbuckle my jeans and slide them down to my ankles. The simple black bra and thong I’m still wearing don’t leave much to the imagination.

  I step into the water and grit my teeth at the difference in temperature. Although I’m hot from the hike, it takes a moment to get used to the freezing runoff from the snowpack. I slowly wade into the water until it reaches my waist. I lean back and sit on the rocky bottom, fully submerging myself to my neck.

  It’s a marvelous experience, almost as marvelous as watching Copper strip. I can’t take my eyes off him as he shimmies out of his shirt. His shoulders and chest are wide before tapering down to his narrow waist.

  His six-pack abs draw my gaze until he slips off his pants. His slender yet muscular hips flare out into well-developed thighs, and again, there’s a feral and draconic allure about his manner and appearance.

  Soon, he’s only wearing a white undergarment. It’s similar to men’s briefs, but with a cute line of buttons that are pushed out by the bulge under the fabric. I’m not simpering virgin, but damn, he’s huge! And once that fabric’s wet, I’ll be able to see every inch of his cock.

  Now it’s my turn to blush.

  He doesn’t seem to notice. Instead, he picks up a small bar of soap, then steps into the water. His face scrunches up as he tries to adjust to the sudden drop in temperature. He slides into the water until his elbows rest on a submerged stone. He keeps his head above the surface.

  “See? Isn’t it relaxing?” he asks.

  “Yes, it really is.”

  “Here.” He hands me the soap. When I put it up to my nose and sniff, I catch the strong aroma of lavender. “I made it myself.”

  “It smells heavenly. Is that your job in the village? Are you the resident soap maker?” I rub the bar between my palms to work up a lather. I rise until the water is knee-high before applying the lather to my torso.

  “Soap maker? No.” He can’t help but stare. I admit that I’m reveling in his attention. “I’m an astrologer and an unofficial mediator. When tensions run high in the village, I’m the one who calms people down.”

  I splash water on myself to rinse away the sweet lavender foam. His gaze never leaves my body, so I slow and make a show of it without making it obvious. I like this power I have over him. I don’t need magic to make this man want me. It’s been a long time since I’ve thought about a guy as anything other than a friend. But with Copper… I can envision something more between us.

  When I’m done, he takes the soap from me. His hand lingers in my own for longer than necessary. He finally stands, and I do my damndest to keep my eyes above his waist, but it’s hard not to steal glances at his perfect cock. It’s got a slight upward curve and it’s thick enough to make me shiver. Now I’m wet from more than just the water.

  “If you’re good at getting people to calm down, then you’re exactly what we need in Bonfire Falls.” I avert my gaze so it’s not any more obvious than it already is.

  “We’ll see what Blaze says.”

  We’re standing close, very close. The heat from his skin warms my own even from inches away. He finally sets the soap on a rock. I can’t help but take another glance down. He’s hard and thick and temptation is clawing at my soul.

  Copper’s gaze intensifies. His eyes go dark with desire. I gasp as hands close around the small of my back. He jerks my body against his own. For a long moment, he gazes into my eyes, as if savoring the sight of me, and then he mashes his lips against mine.

  His kiss consumes me. I’m on fire and there’s a chance he’ll reduce me to ashes.

  My hands involuntarily go to his chest, as if to push him away, but instead, I slide them down his pecs, over the hard knots of muscle in his abdomen, toward the place I really want to touch him.

  I return his kiss, melting into him and tasting his hot breath as it mingles with my own.

  His hands grip my back and slide up my spine. When he runs his fingers through my hair, I moan against his lips. We’re both practically naked and I can feel every inch of his arousal pressed against my belly.

  My lips part. His tongue presses against mine before slowing to explore my mouth.

  How far is this going to go?

  As I wrap my fingers around his cock, he pushes me away. I don’t know if I should be disappointed or grateful, or maybe both.

  “I’m sorry.” He shakes his head, as if trying to escape a mind control spell. “I didn’t mean to do that. You’re just so… so damn hot.”

  “I’m glad I won’t have to cast a love spell on you now.” We both laugh, but then the smile drains from my face. “I hope I didn’t freak you out. I didn’t mean to get so carried away. I really need your help back at Bonfire Falls.”

  “This won’t change anything.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Let’s just keep it between us though. I wouldn’t want Ember or Blaze to get the wrong idea.”

  “I understand.” I don’t really, but I’m dying from embarrassment and just want to change the subject. “There is something I don’t understand…”

  “What?”

  “Why are the other dragons so afraid of getting involved in the war? Aren’t you all big, powerful, fire-breathing beasts?”

  “We are.” His grin is back. “But we’re also students of history. Three hundred years ago, the shifters settled onto this mountain. Witches came shortly after that, but they didn’t just want to live in peace. They wanted more—more land, more control over the region. So, they started the first war.”

  The cheerful sunlight splashing off the rippling water seems utterly at odds with the grim story Copper weaves. We stand there in the water while he recounts the old tale.

  “The war with the witches lasted over a hundred years. Many dragons were killed, even after we figured out how to dodge the witches’ magic. Finally, we were able to fight back. The witches saw that we were worthy adversaries who would never back down, so peace accords were achieved. But after all the death and suffering, the dragons retreated to this side of the mountain. They wanted peace, so they were willing to give up their homeland. We’ve had peace for over two hundred years. It’s not something we’re willing to give up without good reason.”

  “I understand why your people are reluctant.” I place my hand on his powerful forearm again. “I really do, but I’m afraid that the people who control the war in Bonfire Falls are too power hungry and greedy to be happy once they have claimed my town. Whoever wins, whether it’s Flint and his shifters, or Sybil and the witches, whoever wins will come up the mountain. They will want to conquer your dragon clan too.”

  “I know.” He smiles sadly and places his other hand over mine. “I just hope Blaze comes back with enough proof to make the others take action.”

  The wind stirs our hair and a chill runs down my spine. I head toward the banks of the river where my clothes are sitting. Copper follows me. We dress in silence.

  “We should finish up and get back to my house. Blaze will return soon, and then we’ll figure out what needs to be done.”

  As we finish dressing, I can’t help but steal glances at his masculine form. He’s incredibly sexy—practically irresistible—and he’s the last thing I should be thinking about right now. I should be thinking about my parents and all of the innocent people in Bonfire Falls. I hope Blaze returns with news that will convince the dragons to help us.

  6

  Ariadne

  The heat in Ember’s kitchen draws forms beads of sweat on my brow. The delicious aromas emanating from the stovetop more than make up for a little perspiration. Besides, watching him work is quite entertaining. Copper stands near my shoulder as we lean on the counter and observe a true kitchen master ply his craft.

  “The secret to a good sear is to make sure the pan is really, really hot.” Ember takes the ebony lid off an iron frying pan, and a rush of steam expands toward the ceiling. “Copper, will you hand me that plate of peppers?”

  Copper picks up a ceramic plate laden with diced green and red peppers. Ember takes it from him without looking his way and expertly scrapes the peppers into the hot, greased pan. The pan hisses, sending up more steam as Ember carefully arranges the pepper chunks so that each one is in direct contact with the metal.

  “Won’t you burn it if you don’t stir?” Copper asks.

  “Of course not. I’m not trying to cook it—I’m trying to sear it. You form a seal on the outside to keep all the juices in while it grills on top of the fish. Ideally, you only flip them over once for the whole process.”

  “Hmmm.” Copper nods. “I guess cooking requir
es just as much methodical attention to detail as stargazing.”

  “I would say it requires more.” Ember grins at Copper, who chuckles mildly at the friendly jibe.

  Once the peppers are properly seared, Ember drains them in a wire mesh basket. The basket handle is intricately carved and depicts a dragon head and neck. I can’t help but express my admiration.

  “That’s beautiful work.”

  “It is, isn’t it?” Ember takes a moment to grin at me before he returns his attention to the cuisine. “Blaze made it for me.”

  “Wow, I didn’t know he was that skilled.”

  Ember reaches into the basket and takes out a crimson shred of pepper, partially blackened by the sear. He pops it right into his mouth and nods, a satisfied smile spreads over his handsome face.

  “Perfect. There’s nothing like a fresh pepper. You don’t know what you’re missing in the city, eating supermarket food.”

  “You guys don’t have a grocery store?” I turn to Copper for confirmation. He nods and gestures toward the rear of the house.

  “We grow all of our food in the garden behind the dining hall or forage it from the woods. The food that goes into our bodies is all natural—no pesticides, no genetic modification.”

  Perhaps that’s one of the reasons the dragon village is inundated with hot guys. Copper, Blaze, and Ember are definitely a cut above what is typical in Bonfire Falls, but I have yet to see an unattractive person in the village.

  Ember switches out the pan for a grill plate and rubs a generous slab of lard onto its surface. The heat melts the lard until it’s transparent. He selects a boned, scaled trout from the large basket sitting in the sink.

  Ember lays the fillet onto the hot grill with precision. The smell that wafts to my nostrils makes my belly rumble before it’s even half cooked. Ember then adds a fat slab of goat butter on top of the fillet before he arranges another one on the grill.

  Once the fish is properly grilled, he lays down a bed of peppers and places a fillet on top of it. With a flourish and a warm smile, he presents the plate to me along with a knife and fork.

  “For me?” I eagerly take the plate and set it before me on the counter. Ember uses a knife and fork to cut off a slender bit of ivory meat. He spears a few chunks of pepper on the tines, then offers the fork to me.

  I lean forward, open my mouth and slowly take the dollop of heavenly delight off the fork. The fish melts in my mouth. The peppers explode with enough flavor to be interesting, but not so much it that drowns out the entire entrée. Before I can even stop it, a low, sensual moan erupts from my half-full mouth.

  Ember’s eyes glaze over with sudden heat.

  Was my moan that sexy?

  He holds my gaze with his own as he feeds me another slice. I never take my eyes off his as I take the offered bite and chew it slowly.

  The way he’s staring at me right now makes me weak in the knees. I want him as badly as he wants me. Selfishly, I want us to have some time alone. I should be concerned about Bonfire Falls, not hooking up with men, especially incredibly hot, sensual men who can cook like this. But I need a way to distract myself while I wait for Blaze to return.

  Outside the kitchen window, a shadow flashes over the sun-splashed village center. Copper and Ember glance out too. Their faces are inscrutable. Ember almost sounds regretful when he speaks.

  “Blaze is back.”

  Sure enough, a moment later, Blaze’s scaled dragon form drops into view. His wings are flared out to slow his descent, but he still lands hard against the dirt. His neck cranes about smoothly with a kind of grace that should never come so easily to such a massive creature.

  His dragon body shimmers as he assumes human form. In a moment, the dragon is gone, replaced by an incredibly sexy shirtless man with fierce eyes. Even the annoyed scowl scrawled across his lovely face doesn’t diminish his beauty.

  A pretty young villager with long blonde hair braided down her back offers Blaze a towel to dry his sweaty body. He accepts it with a smile. A stab of jealousy jabs my chest until I notice the troubled look in his eyes.

  Blaze speaks to the girl for a moment. When she points toward the dining hall, he trudges toward us immediately. He comes through the back door to join us in the kitchen.

  “Welcome back.” Copper says cheerfully. “You should try some of this fish. It’s scrumptious.”

  “Later.” Blaze’s jaw is set hard. His eyes are full of anger. “We need to talk.”

  “All right.” I sit up a bit and prepare to give him my full attention, which isn’t hard because he’s so damn easy on the eyes. But Blaze shakes his head.

  “No, not here.” He glances out the window, where the young village girl is speaking with the townsfolk. “Outside, in the garden, away from prying eyes and ears.”

  Copper, Ember, and I pick up on his somber mood. Grimly, we follow the blacksmith’s huge muscular back outside into the bright sun. The smell of growing vegetation permeates the air as we walk deep into the garden. When the noise of the village is somewhat muted, Blaze stops and turns toward us.

  “How’s Bonfire Falls?” I ask when he doesn’t immediately speak.

  “Bad.” He glances in the direction of my hometown. His gaze is hard and unwavering. “Very bad. There’s open warfare in the streets and many of the buildings are burning.”

  I put my hand in front of my mouth to restrain a gasp. What if my parents’ house is on fire? I should go to them.

  As I start to walk away, Copper puts a hand on my shoulder and squeezes reassuringly.

  “You can’t rush off,” he says. “Let’s hear what Blaze has to say before we do anything.”

  I nod and let Copper put his arm around my waist. Blaze’s eyes narrow and Ember cocks his head slightly.

  “I tried to speak with the leader of the bear clan, a man named Flint.” Blaze’s eyes form angry slits. “It didn’t go well. He refused to see me.”

  “He didn’t even talk to you?” Ember frowns, stroking his chin thoughtfully. “Certainly, he could at least hear you out. It’s not as if we’re witches—no offense, Ariadne.”

  “None taken.” I turn toward Ember. “What did Flint have to say?”

  “Through one of his minions, he made it abundantly clear that he has no more use for dragon shifters than he does for witches.” Blaze bares his teeth in a spiteful grimace. “If I’d stayed a moment longer, he probably would’ve sent his pack out to attack me. His mind is full of hate and violence. I don’t think he wants peace.”

  My heart sinks with disappointment. I should have expected this outcome based on my own dealings with Flint. He’s a jerk on the best of days. However, I’d hoped that Flint would’ve been more receptive to a fellow shifter.

  “What about the leader of the witches?” Ember asks. “Did she see the light of reason?”

  Blaze’s jaw clenches tight, and his hands rasp into fists. His limbs tremble with barely contained rage.

  “That, that—” He glances my way and clears his throat. “That woman was even less hospitable than Flint’s furry ass. Not only did she refuse to listen, she actually attacked me with her sorcery.”

  Hot anger boils up inside me. How dare Sybil try to hurt him!

  Her enchantments can enslave the very souls of shifters. Blaze was lucky to have dodged the worst of her magic.

  “Are you all right?” Ember claps Blaze on the shoulder.

  “I managed to escape unscathed, but now I’m truly worried.” Blaze sighs and seems to deflate. “I fear that Ariadne is right. Neither of those militant zealots will be satisfied with just one war. They’ll likely come up the mountain once they destroy their current enemies. There’s too much anger in their hearts. They won’t stop after they’ve claimed Bonfire Falls. They’ll come for us next.”

  “Not everyone wants this war.” Blaze turns his gaze on me as I speak. “Sybil and Flint are psychopaths. They don’t care who they hurt, even if it’s their own people, so long as they annihilate the other side.”

  Copper lets out a frustrated grunt.

  “If only those two didn’t wield so much influence over the people of Bonfire Falls,” Blaze says.

  “There must be a solution. You know them better than we do. Any ideas?” Ember asks.