Rylin's Fire Read online

  There was no gradual escalation. Only the immediate onslaught of noise. Wide open to the connection, Ry worked at a steady pace to block all of the mundane chatter coming at him until he could focus on the core of being a Dracol. The King. Deep within his center, the source of the mantle and the fires of the Black burned.

  With an abrupt tug, Ry reached forward and ripped free what he needed, then rammed shut the connection to stop the flow of information flooding his brain. His eyes snapped open and smoke puffed from his mouth. The familiar bite of ash coated his tongue.

  Ry extended his arm toward Leila. Flames burst from his flexing palm and shot forward. Moments later her body was ablaze.

  “From the fire, go now in peace, little one. It is as the Goddess of Fate decreed.” The ritual words fell from his lips.

  When Ry’s fingers locked into a fist to extinguish the fire, nothing remained of Leila except a pile of ash. A strong breeze swept by and the ashes whisked away on the wind.

  “Ash to fire, fire to ash,” Mikal murmured and bowed his head.

  Panting, Ry staggered forward a step. His arms trembled from dispensing of the body in such a potent manner. He took a deep breath and waited for the ragged beat of his heart to settle.

  “What do you want to do next?” Mikal asked when he lifted his head.

  What Ry wanted to do was tear into whomever did this to Leila. Instead, he faced his friend. “I’ll speak to Nolan, but for now we keep this between us.”

  Once word got out, panic would ensue.

  Chapter 3

  ‘Make your dreams for family and commitment come true. Marry an alien and begin a new life. New opportunities.’

  Well, Dara had paid for the Singles Program deal alright and loved the idea of spending her life with the mythical dragons the planet she selected was known for. Unfortunately, she’d been here a month and not one man had expressed an interest in courting her. It was so pathetic Dara could cry.

  She was starting to think it might be better if she cut her losses and returned to Earth in defeat. Dara sipped her wine and savored the sweet taste as it sizzled on her tongue. The Dracols, as they were called, had one thing right, they made the best wine she’d ever had. Better than anything she’d tasted back home.

  And that summed up her night. Here for several hours, and the highlight of her evening was the fruity white wine. Dara sighed heavily and emptied her glass in one swallow.

  “Why the sad look?”

  She spun around and came face to face with a Dracol. The distinctive gold eyes reflecting like coins even outside on a moonlit night gave it away.

  “To match my sad thoughts.” Dara set the glass on the edge of the stone railing she’d been leaning on while pondering her fate.

  “Unusual when many ladies are making merry and laughing inside.” He arched a dark brow in her direction and came to lean on the rail next to her. “A room full of males vying for favor, all looking for a lira. You should be having the time of your life.”

  Dara snorted. “If only. My luck sucks tonight.” She gave a mirthless laugh. “It’s sucked all month, in fact.”

  He leaned back, elbows propped on the lip of the stone behind him and extended long legs encased in leather pants. His black booted feet crossed at the ankle and he dipped his dark head in her direction. “Care to share the reason?”

  Dara shoved a hand through her hair, surely messing up the short curls she’d spent hours artfully arranging. “Trust me. You wouldn’t be interested.”

  Full lips twitched and Dara’s gaze sharpened. He was attractive, as with all the people on this world. His muscular build was emphasized by the tight black shirt tucked into his leathers, a wide belt emphasizing his narrow waist. Chiseled features, a strong jaw line, and those damnable gold eyes protected by lids tipped with ridiculously long lashes only made him all the more potent.

  Her mystery guest folded his arms over his broad chest. “Trust me, I might.”

  ***

  Ry wasn’t often drawn to these types of events, but even he got lonely at times. Coming to a mating party offered him an opportunity to flirt with females in hopes of finding another lira. So far he’d had no luck. He’d been propositioned, groped and forcibly kissed by one of the aggressive females of his kind.

  In the past, Ry would have had to compete, like many of the males here, but since receiving the mantle a decade ago women threw themselves at him. No longer could he tell if it was the man, the raptor, or the ruler they desired.

  He glanced at the woman from the corner of his eye as she pretended to study the dancing couples visible through the partially open balcony doors. The woman before him didn’t hold the same classical beauty as others but the cant of her dark head and the wicked humor in her green eyes attracted him.

  She sighed heavily and angled a seductively curved body in his direction. Her mouth tipped up in the corner, eyes glinting with mischief. “Alright, since you insist.”

  Ry chuckled, surprised at the sound.

  Her eyes widened and she winked at him before continuing. “I came from Earth as part of the SP about a month ago and it hasn’t worked out so I’m thinking of returning home. Are you aware of this program?”

  Inward, Ry groaned. The blue planet Earth had agreed to allow their women to relocate or participate in mating ceremonies throughout space on other planets to find men and life partners. Apparently this woman had chosen Vovin.

  “I’m aware of the Singles Program.” He grimaced at the weak name for something designed to assist females in such an important endeavor.

  His conversation partner’s mouth twisted wryly. A pretty mouth, pouty and full. “Yeah. By your tone, I bet you’re aware. So tell me, how many Earth women have come here?”

  Ry’s smile widened and he knew when her lashes fluttered as she stepped back that she had caught a glimpse of his very sharp teeth. “There were four Earthlings.”

  She pressed a hand to her chest. “Did they find...men?”

  He chose his words wisely. “None of them decided to stay.”

  Truthfully, the Dracol had not been interested. The first Earth woman a year ago had explained the mythical nature of dragons as she referred to them on her world. On Earth, raptors did not exist and the woman seemed more interested in their sexual prowess than a permanent bonding. It defeated the purpose of events like tonight where the males and females of his race searched for life partners or liras.

  The other Earth women who came after the first revealed similar mindsets and his people concluded that Earthling females were to be avoided at all cost. No wonder she’d found no male interested in her tonight. He’d lost interest as well.

  Ry straightened as a sense of disappointment weighed on him. He wasn’t sure why. It wasn’t as if he knew her. He’d simply observed her standing outside for several minutes. Her curious behavior and solitary choice compelled him to join her beneath the moon bright night. Dracol were nothing if not inquisitive.

  He hadn’t recognized her and assumed she visited from a rival sect. Now he realized his luck wasn’t that good. His mood soured.

  “Well...I take it there’s a story there. Can you at least explain what the others did to make me a pariah before I had a chance?”

  Reluctantly, Ry found himself battling another smile. Her humor was refreshing. “Not a pariah.”

  “Hmm.” She grinned and wiggled her fingers in his direction. “Fess up. What did my fellow humans do to turn off your people?”

  And with that Ry chuckled again, relaxing against the railing. “Truth?”

  She nodded firmly. “Always.”

  He leaned in her direction as if revealing a great secret and whispered, “They told us of dragons.”

  Her eyes widened, and for a moment Ry worried he’d scared her off. Then she pressed her hand to her lips and laughed. “Jeez. Are you serious? I’m being banned because dragons don’t like being called dragons?”

  Ry shrugged, not bothering to correct her. They were Dracol. Rap
tors even, but not dragons. “Is it true that we’re mythical creatures...animals on your world?”

  Her heavy sigh spilled on the air. “Yeah. Crap. Well, that sucks.”

  From his position, so far it didn’t...suck, as she put it. Unless there was someone she was interested in. “Did you find anyone that caught your eye?”

  Her rounded shoulders curved beneath the blue sheath she wore. “No. I mean, your people are gorgeous and I’ll admit to being vain and using that as part of my criteria for coming here.”

  Her candor and easy going nature surprised him. The other Earthlings had turned everyone off with their selfish mannerisms.

  She interrupted his thoughts. “What about you? Any ladies here catch your eye?”

  The look in her dark green eyes invited him to share, and somewhere deep inside a part of him shifted in his original perception of her. “None until now.”

  Her head bobbed up and down then froze as the meaning of his words sunk in. She blushed prettily and ducked her head. She didn’t allow the silence to linger for more than a second before her head snapped back up and her lips pursed. “Let me guess. You were overcome by my beauty until you realized my origins.”

  Dracol females were the most beautiful creatures Ry had ever seen. The Earthling didn’t compare physically but the pieces of her personality that she slowly revealed made her more attractive by the minute.

  “No, but I’m fascinated by this enlightening conversation we’re having. Dracol love to be fascinated.”

  She laughed loud and long, the boisterous sound lifting his heart. Then she glanced around to see if anyone noticed. No one would disturb them since he’d signaled his guards before coming outside. He’d longed for a moment to himself with the woman who was obviously avoiding the ball room and its occupants.

  “What’s your name?” he asked, needing to know.

  A smile still played about her mouth as she extended a small hand in his direction. “Dara Fletcher. Formerly of Earth and outcast on Vovin.”

  Another grin stretched his lips and Ry shook her hand, amazed by the softness of her flesh in comparison to the roughness of his own. He kissed her tiny knuckles. “Rylin.”

  She arched a brow. “Just Rylin? Like a celebrity with one name.”

  He didn’t know what a celebrity was. “Rylin, King of the Black Dracol.”

  She pressed her lips together, mirth dancing in her eyes.

  Ry’s lips twitched in return. “This means nothing to you, Dara?”

  “Nope.” She snickered.

  The sound relaxed tensed muscles. Since he’d received the mantle of the Black Dracol from the prior King, many females sought him out. The same females who had wanted nothing to do with him after his prior lira dissolved their relationship. Ry’s lips firmed at the thought.

  It wasn’t his fault that his raptor’s essence failed to rise for Sana during their year together. No male had control over that. But Sana hadn’t given them or the mating a chance.

  The shame of it had almost driven him to act on his rage and disappear for a deep sleep, but ultimately it was his Dracol’s will, and his other half did not wish to gift Sana with children. She belonged to Mikal now, shrewish nature and all.

  “I do know Kings are important where I come from but not sure how that works here. With dragons being mythical and all.” Her teasing warmed him.

  “Come.” Ry straightened, surprising himself by waving her over toward the opening in the balcony railing a few feet away. The large stone ledge only extended along one side of the building.

  Dara followed him, her nose crinkled in curiosity. His raptor stirred within, catching Ry off guard since his other half had remained dormant at the last few functions like this. His dual nature was reserved for battle or sex. Strip back the layers of humanity and you were left with a Dracol’s raw, fire-breathing base nature. But this Earth woman nudged at his senses. Sex had been off the table for months, much to Ry’s frustration. But perhaps that was about to change.

  Ry shook off the unusual yet pleasant feeling and walked right to the edge of the precipice before he noticed she’d left quite a gap between them. Doubt clouded her jewel colored eyes.

  “Afraid, Dara?” he taunted.

  She rose to the challenge beautifully, straightening her spine and aiming her dainty chin high enough to reach the purple clouds above.

  Chapter 4

  Dara tried to mask the hitch in her breath. A quick glance down assured her a tumble over the edge would pretty much end her chances of finding a husband. What with dying a horrible death on the rocks below and all. “What’d you have in mind, Rylin of the Black Dracol?”

  Rylin removed his black shirt and folded it in even squares before laying it on the ground by his booted feet. His position revealed a fine row of glittering black scales that trailed down the center of his spine, following the path of his vertebrae from his nape to the waist of his pants.

  Dara reacted without thought and stroked them. They were beautiful and cool to the touch. He glanced at her over his shoulder as her fingers swept over him. The sharp gaze he focused on her was predatory. Frightening.

  “In Dracol culture, touching the King’s mantle is an intimacy reserved for a special lover or his lira.”

  “Oh, sh—. Sorry.” Dara snatched her hand back, fingers tingling from the contact.

  “No apology needed. I enjoyed it.” Rylin stared a moment longer, his eyes flickering from dark to light. After a pulsing silence where the air stalled in her chest, he leaned down and removed his black leather footwear.

  Freed from the magnetic pull of his gaze, Dara released a soft breath. Standing in just his pants, Rylin arched a winged brow in her direction. “Fly with me?”

  Dara choked, sure her eyes had doubled in size. He couldn’t be serious. “What?”

  Rylin’s lips curved upward and Dara’s heart skipped a beat. She resisted the urge to fan her face. “How long have you been here?”

  Unsure why he asked, Dara mumbled, “A month.”

  A month in which she seriously worried if Vovin was the world for her or not. Until now.

  Rylin hummed under his breath then asked, “Has anyone taken you out yet? To fly?”

  Stunned at the possibility, she could only shake her head. As scared as she was, Dara had the sudden, crazy urge to follow this man anywhere.

  He backed a small step away from the edge as his gaze strayed up toward the strips of color banding the planet’s purple-clouded night sky. Then he faced Dara. “Allow me to give you something to improve your evening. A piece of Vovin.”

  Without waiting for her answer, Rylin hooked his thumbs in the waist of his pants and slid them down, revealing a brief glimpse of his nude backside. Dara wasn’t sure that was what he planned to give her, but she enjoyed the show nonetheless. Now she wished he’d turn around and give her a thrill with the frontal view. She didn’t get her wish because of what happened next.

  Rylin shifted.

  No other word described what happened. One minute she spoke with a handsome man and the next she stood beside a coal-black dragon who took up a large portion of the wraparound balcony. No wonder it extended the length of the building. It was like a dragon runway.

  “Holy sh- ” Dara broke off the curse and stumbled back. So much for her pledge to stop using profanity.

  The long, sinuous neck craned about the large body to peer at her with jewel-like eyes. Familiar gold eyes. The top lids lifted to reveal a second set and blinked as he waited. Waited for her, Dara realized. On the heels of her shock, humor bubbled up and she laughed. Joy filled her at the opportunity to fly on the back of a real live dragon. Or Dracol rather, but still. A freaking dragon.

  Dara inched closer, until her hips bumped the lower part of brawny legs, arms or whatever he called them. This close she could pick out each rippling muscle flexing beneath her gaze. Layers of intricately woven, glittering scales covered his body. Folded along his back rested two powerful wings bent in accordion fo
lds. Tiny black claws tipped the edges. His triangular head lifted, placing his face far above her own as he shifted his bulky frame.

  Dara swallowed and pinched her fingers together to keep from reaching out. His scaled skin shimmered, shades of silver and metallic purple intermixed with the black sheen. “This isn’t payback for all the tacky Earth women before me, right? I mean you don’t have plans to lean far to the left and dump me mid-flight?”

  The rounded nostrils flared and a gusty exhale stirred her hair. Dara caught the short strands that fluttered in her face, smiling all the while. She had the sense it was an exasperated sound. “Good enough for me.”

  She hiked the bottom of her gown to mid-thigh, revealing plenty of leg, and kicked off her heels. Dara stretched her arms up to place a hand on his bumpy elbow close to where the joint met the crook of his forearm. The dragon issued a low growl. Show a man some leg and they were all the same. “Yeah, yeah. No comments from the peanut gallery.”

  A deep bass rumbled from his chest, vibrations tickling her palm as she scrabbled to get a seat. Her bare toes slid along the rough hide. Another curse slipped free as Dara lost her handhold. Before she could fall to the ground, a firm claw cupped her butt and pushed upward.

  Dara squealed and grabbed a handhold around his neck as she swung her leg over with the helpful push. Seated, her legs barely straddled his neck. The skirt of her dress tightened around her thighs and Dara tried to find a firm handle to latch on to. Four small notches protruded down the lower column of his neck.

  “I’m just going to hold on here.” She gripped one of the knobby shapes and was rewarded with a steady huff from the man/dracol beneath her. “Ready when you are, Rylin.”

  He took her at her word and crouched on his haunches before launching them over the edge. Her stomach dropped with the freefall and Dara screamed as wind whipped about her face. She leaned forward, burying her head close to his neck. The bare skin on her legs and arms pebbled as his giant wings flared out and flapped behind her.