9. Drago

The moment I swing open the door, my grip so strong I could break the knob, I'm filled with an anger and possessiveness I've never known. She says the one word I never want to hear on her lips.

"Red." The single word trembles, and when I glance at her small form braced with the comforter clinging to her, she manages to say it again but her voice cracks. "Please red. Red."

The raging fire inside is dimmed by the genuine fear in her voice. She scoots back ever so slightly, her small frame trembling. "Red," she whispers and the rage shatters.

I've never done well with the feeling of betrayal and with that word hurled at me, I shut the door behind me with grave cautiousness.

The resounding thud intensifies the tension in the room.

I glance at her huddled on the bed, clutching the comforter before turning to the window and swallow. "Red?" I ask her with my tone low yet even, and then dare to look at her once again. She nods her head and tears well in her eyes.

"All right Kara." I respond only so she knows I heard her. It takes everything in me to restrain the emotions roaring inside of me. The only truth that keeps me tamed is that she's fucking terrified right now.

Of me…

She's afraid I'm going to hurt her, and I struggle with how to handle the situation. My knuckles turn white as I ball my fists and walk past the bed to the bathroom. I choose not to look back at her, even though I'm all too aware she hasn't stopped watching me. I turn the water on and let it run ice cold. The white noise of the shower spraying down aids to calm me ever so slightly, but the fire in my chest is blazing and my dragon is pissed. He wants out. He wants control. Not only of me, but also of our treasure.

I clench and grind my teeth as the freezing water runs down my body. The chill is barely effective, but I focus on it, on reining in the rage that blazes inside of me. As it hits my chest, a low steam forms in front of my eyes. I need to calm the fuck down. I concentrate on my breathing, keeping my eyes closed. And then I remember that I didn't lock the door. My dragon claws up my throat, needing to get to her. I swear to God if she bolted, I'm not going to be able to contain myself. Without second thought, my body moves, slamming the handle down and storming from the bathroom with uncontained determination.

The water droplets fall from me as I hover over the bed, landing onto the comforter and soaking the floor beneath my feet.

Her gasps and wide eyes are what I'm met with as steam billows from me, evaporating the water. With a glance to my left, the red vision dims and the sudden panic wanes; the door is shut, and the key is right where she left it when she left me. I stare at it for a moment, willing the anger in my eyes to leave. I wouldn't be this fucking worked up if it hadn't been for my brother. The image of him pushing his body against her flashes in my eyes, and I bite back the flame that ignites in my chest. I roll my shoulders and relax my stance. I have her now. I have my little treasure.

After clearing my throat, I stalk to the door and I quickly lock it. With my back to her, I allow a moment to pass, listening to the adrenaline rushing in my ears and preparing to fix this little mess. We'll get past this. I almost whisper it out loud.

"Did he hurt you?" I speak with my back to her, still facing the door with my eyes closed. I can't face her; I can't risk her seeing my anger.

"No." Her answer is softly spoken. I breathe out and wait a moment to continue. She's all right. She's safe. And he didn't threaten to challenge my claim. My eyes open as I come into clarity. Both of my brothers scented her. And neither has questioned my possession of her. My dragon calms at the realization. There is no threat to my treasure. She's mine.

An odd sensation comes over me, a desperate need to claim her and finalize my possession of her. My mate, my dragon paces in agreement. Mine to have. All mine. I'm only vaguely aware of how the thoughts entered my mind. My dragon is desperate. The parts of me that crave to be fated to her overwhelm my logic and reason.

The intrusive thoughts are cut off at the sound of her hushed cry. A faint feminine sound that brings me to my knees. I can fix this. I can make things right again. I am a worthy mate. She will love me, and she will love what I do to her even more. With a plan in mind I slowly turn to see my Kara and a thud drops in my chest.

The long sleeves have fallen down her arms, no longer neatly rolled like they were earlier today. Her hair is ruffled, and her eyes are wide with both sorrow and fear. Her cheeks are tear stained. I want nothing more than to comfort her, than to take her cheek in my hand and to kiss her tenderly. Her chest rises and falls as she stares back at me. Intent on doing what I must, I step forward but then I remember…red. She's denied me. She safeworded me. Carefully and slowly, I stop at the end of the bed.

"Why did you use your safe word?" I have to ask her even though I already know why.

"Because you're angry with me." Her voice is shaky and breaks on the end.

"Of course I am. Is it because you don't want to be punished?" That's the reality of the situation. She took her reward; she should be ready to take her punishment. Heat travels down the length of my arms to the palms of my hands, itching to touch her. To teach her what happens when she leaves me.

"No. Please don't." I hate the dreadfulness of her tone.

"Why's that?" I ask.

"I'm sorry I disappointed you."

I shake my head and respond, "You disobeyed me. You deserve to be punished Kara." I make sure to use Kara and not the pet name I love to use for her. With cautious movements, I lay on the bed, but keep my distance from her.

My dragon and I both crave to hold her and comfort her fears, but she's denying me. She's deniedus. The voice hisses in the back of my mind.

"Please don't hurt me." The sadness in her voice overwhelms me and causes my dragon physical pain. She has no idea what she does to us. How much control she already has, and I barely know her. Turning to look at her, I wait a moment before slowly reaching out, making my movements known. She watches with her lips parted and bated breath.

I take her small hand in mine and kiss her palm. The simple touch soothes the beast inside of me. The scent of her, the feel of her warmth…it's calming in a way I've never known.

Rubbing a soothing circle on her wrist, I confide in her. "I will never hurt you, Kara." Her eyes, glassy with tears, meet mine. "I promise you. I do not get enjoyment from causing pain. I will never do that to you."

I will her to believe me, but she has no idea what to expect. She is reckless, she is young, and she is human. The logical side of me is reminded that it's very possible she cannot mate. A human and a dragon…it's unheard of and yet, I feel this way. Perhaps I am losing my mind.

Doubt creeps in further and I give her a tight smile as her shoulders curl and she shrinks away from me. I'll give her one out. I have to. I can't keep her here if she truly doesn't want this. Deep inside I know she does, but if she can't admit that to herself, then I'll have to let her go.

"If you want to leave. Do it now." She stares back at me in shock. "I'll have the servants get you everything you'll need." I look deep into her eyes as I speak the next words. "I want you to stay. I want you here with me, but if that's not what you want, then you can leave now." It fucking kills me to say the words, the pain is brutal. My dragon leaps and claws in my chest, refusing to allow her to go. But I endure it, I have to. I have to give her the opportunity to leave. I just pray she doesn't.

After a moment of silence, she shakes her head, her breathing calming ever so slightly. I need more than that.

"Do you want to leave?" Even as I say the words, I don't know that I would hold myself to them. It feels fair and just to offer, but lies are spilling from my lips…as if I could ever truly let her go. "I'll give you everything you'll need to start fresh, Kara." It would be maddening.

She murmurs a response that eases the burden for me. "I don't want to leave."

Rolling onto my side, I face her and ask, "Do you want to stay with me, at least for a little while?" I run my thumb over her cheek, and she leans into my touch.

"Yes." I enjoy the feel of her for a little longer, listening to the steady cadence of her pattering heart calming. With a sad smile at my lips, I know she's not going to like this next part, but we need to get past it.

"Treasure, I need to punish you. And then you won't be so afraid."

She stills beside me, her wide fearful eyes beg me and all I want to do is ease her worry. And I will.

"You want to stay; you will learn to take everything I give you."

Her heart hammers and her breath quickens as the seconds pass, but she doesn't try to leave me. "How?" she finally asks.

Relief is a blessing and a curse. Desire and need rage through me as I command her, "Lie on your back and spread your legs." She gasps and inches away from me, banging her back onto the headboard. "Treasure"—my voice is laced with a threat—"do as I say." I'm not going to fuck her. I debate on telling her that, but I don't fucking want to. I want her to listen to me. I want her to obey me. My voice is stern as I add, "Now." I stare into her eyes as she slowly lies on the bed. She shudders and closes her eyes. It doesn't escape my knowledge that I am still very much naked, very much hard for her.

My blood burns in my veins as I sit beside her, ignoring the pacing of my dragon. I run a calming hand down her arm and the touch is everything I didn't know I needed. I push her sleeve up and take her hand in mine. "Good girl." I kiss the racing pulse on her wrist. Her eyes are still closed. I rub soothing circles over her wrist and speak slowly. "I'm not going to hurt you, treasure." Her breasts rise as she takes a deep breath. "Do you believe me?"

After a moment of silence, she answers, "Yes."

"I don't want you to lie to me. I haven't done anything that I know of that would make you think that I'm a liar." I pause to let the first part really sink in for her. I kiss her wrist again and place a gentle hand on her hip. "But I also know that trust is earned." Her eyes open and find mine. They widen with surprise and her hazel gaze holds so many questions. Her curiosity is my ally.

"I'm disappointed that you left me, treasure. That you were reckless, and you have unknowingly caused problems for me that cannot be undone." I swallow, thinking of my brothers for only a moment before deciding they will be dealt with after, and only after, I've claimed Kara. "I am only angry because you put yourself in danger. Galen would never hurt you, but my dragon isn't comfortable with you being around other men right now." I almost tell her about her heat. I almost tell her how I wanted to kill Galen for even thinking about fucking her. But I keep my mouth shut. She doesn't need to know why. "And dragons aren't reasonable."

"I didn't mean to." She finally speaks.

"You didn't mean to what?" I question her.

"To see your brother." Just hearing those words makes my dragon rage inside of me. I maintain a calm demeanor on the outside though, tempering my tone.

"I know you didn't, little treasure." I speak calmly. "You only meant to leave me."

Her bottom lip wobbles and she turns her head to the side so she doesn't have to look at me. "I'm sorry." Her words are whimpered.

"What did I do that made you want to leave me?"

"Nothing." I hate the answer she gives me. Nothing.

"Something happened, treasure. Tell me why you left or I'm going to have to punish you."

"I don't know. I'm sorry," she whispers into the mattress.

I sigh heavily and put my hand on her thigh. "Spread your legs for me." Her breath hitches and she finally looks at me. Fear blazes in her eyes. I lean down and gently kiss her lips, although hers don't part for me or mold to mine. "I won't hurt you." I kiss her again and close my eyes, once again the touch is one-sided. "And you know what to say to make this stop," I whisper into the warm air between us and take her plump lips with mine again. This time I can feel her relax beneath me; her lips press against mine ever so softly. My words comfort her. I pull back, but she takes my head in her hands and pulls me onto her lips again. I kiss her once more, but then pull away and give her a sad smile.

"Just tell me treasure, why did you want to leave me?"

"I don't know, Drago." Her eyes plead with me to accept her answer, but I refuse. She needs to admit the truth. She needs to say it out loud so she can accept the truth. My heart swells with compassion. My poor little treasure. I will heal every piece of her.

As I move on the bed to position myself between her legs, she opens them farther. "Good girl." I push my hands against her inner thighs exposing her to me. Her pussy glistens with arousal and my cock hardens even more for her. "What word will make this all stop?" A bead of precum forms at the slit of my cock and I do everything in me to ignore the desire and burning ache to slam myself inside of her.

"Red." She answers immediately. I nod my head, keeping my eyes on the opening to her heat. Fuck, I want to take her right now.

I'm not going to lie to myself; I'm going to enjoy punishing her. My dick hardens to fucking steel as I take in her beauty. Her breasts that beg me to cup and knead them. Her rose-pink nipples that harden as my gaze travels down them. Licking my lips, I restrain the depraved thoughts that slip into my mind.

I hope she fucking accepts the truth before I lose my composure. She's a stubborn woman; I don't know how much she's going to be able to take before she cracks, but I know she'll hate me every step of the way until she finally gives me the truth. I lean down and take a lick of her. My tongue dips into her opening and then travels up to her clit. It takes everything not to groan into her warmth and fully divulge into the decadency that is her cunt. I flick her clit with my tongue and keep her hips pressed down as she bucks under the movement before I pull away.

With her taste still on my tongue, I ask her. "Why did you leave me treasure?"

"I don't know." Her words are breathy. She may be enjoying this right now, but she won't be in a minute. I moan into her heat as my tongue dives between her folds. She's so damn sweet. I suckle her clit and just as her back bows, I let go and look down at her.

"You do know, treasure; tell me." She shakes her head with her eyes on me.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to." I look back at her with sad eyes before leaning back down to lick and nibble her needy clit. My fingers trace along her folds before I slowly press a finger at her entrance. I keep eye contact with her as I push into her heat. Waiting to hear that fucking word that will stop me, but she doesn't say it. She's so fucking tight, I can already imagine how she'll feel around my cock.

I curve my finger and rub the bundle of nerves that's bound to set her off. Her eyes go half lidded and her breathing turns to pants. Gorgeous—her flushed skin and her expression with little bouts of pleasure are utterly gorgeous. Her body rocks into my hand. I let her fuck herself on my finger. That's my good girl. Up until her breathing hitches and her pussy starts to spasm. I quickly pull my hand from her and push her hips onto the bed to keep her still and pinned. Her eyes pop open and she gives me a look that could kill. And that's the moment it hits her. I can't help the smirk that lifts my lips up as I stare down at her. Both of our hearts race.

"Sorry, treasure. Not until you answer me."

"I told you, I don't know," she answers this time with spite. I smile at her anger. It reminds me of her strength. My beautiful little treasure can handle this.

She grips the sheets beneath us as I wait a moment and then continue my ministrations.

I run my two fingers teasingly on the outside of her clit and then pinch it lightly. She moans and writhes beneath me. I love that I'm giving her pleasure, but I hate that I won't be letting her come. No one enjoys being denied. I dip my fingers back into her heat and curve them up, massaging her g-spot. Her chest reddens and her cheeks flush a beautiful hue. My little treasure thinks she's being smart, trying to hide the fact that she's going to come. But as soon as I see her fingers trembling, I take my hand away. She shoots daggers at me.

"I'm not lying!" Her voice cracks.

"Tell me why you left, treasure."

"I don't know! I was stupid; I'm sorry!" I press my lips into a firm line at her self-deprecation. For now, I ignore it, but I make a mental note of her behavior.

I push two fingers into her heat and repress my groan as the tips of my fingers hit a thin wall. Her hymen. Fuck, my Kara is untouched. I keep my mouth shut and close my eyes as my dick begs me to fuck her. I close my eyes and continue punishing her tight little pussy.

"Tell me why, treasure. Why did you want to leave?" Her deep moan fills the room and as her back arches, I remove my fingers and leave her craving her release. Her pussy clenches around nothing and tears prick her eyes.

"Why are you doing this to me?" My heart breaks at her strangled words. As if this is torture. Torture is watching your only potential mate leave you in the depths of the night. And she will never know that pain.

"You need to tell me treasure."

"I don't know!" I dip my fingers back in and press my thumb against her clit. She's so close. So fucking close that I hardly touch her before her body starts trembling.

I pull away and a sob racks through her. Her orgasm denied once again.

"Please Drago." Her words sound broken and desperate.

"Just tell me why."

She shakes her head and wipes her tears from her cheeks. I lean down and suckle her clit while my fingers work her heat. Her pussy starts to spasm almost immediately. Like the prick I am, I deny my little treasure again.

I give her a moment to settle, but not so long that the waves of desperation have stopped making her body tremble with need. "Why did you leave me?" I ask as I push my fingers in and massage ruthlessly against her front wall. "Tell me why you wanted to leave." I stare into her beautiful hazel eyes as her pussy clamps down on my fingers.

"Because I'm afraid to love you!" she screams at me and then takes ragged breaths as a look of pain flashes in her eyes.

Her words shock me and still my dragon, even though I suspected all along. To hear the words come from her lips, it makes all the difference. I knew she felt something. But love? A fire burns low in my gut and tingles down my spine. I nearly lose control of the beast as he roars forward. The need to claim her is far too strong.

Her breathing is staggered and her wide eyes full of vulnerability as she stares up at me, realizing what she's just said. What she's admitted to herself. Whether it's her heat or something more, there's an undeniable pull that's terrifying as much as it is thrilling.

I finally answer her. "Good girl."

I lower my lips to the shell of her ear and whisper, "Now it's time for your reward."

Returning to my position between her legs, I grip her hips tight in my hands and push her back down onto the bed and dive into her heat, feasting on her. Her thighs wrap around my head and she pushes herself onto my tongue. She's desperate to come and I'm going to make sure she does…again and again until she's limp and sated beneath me.

Moaning into her with nothing but pleasure and want, I suckle her clit until her back is bowed and her heels dig into the mattress. Just before she comes, I blow a low flame against the swollen, glistening clit and smack my hand down, putting out the flame and making her body convulse as her orgasm tears through her. As she finds her much needed release, I look up at my beautiful little treasure with the taste of her arousal on my tongue. Her mouth is parted and her back is arched. Her blunt nails dig into the sheets as she screams out her climax.

I can't stand the need to fuck her. I'm all too aware of the need for comfort afterward, the care that she requires as she crashes down from the highest high, but I'm on the edge of doing something I may regret. I push her legs open so they're wide enough for my shoulders to pass and they fall easily, but as I move, she wraps her hands around my arm and stops me. Her hazel eyes are wide and her breathing is labored.

"Please," she barely whispers as she tugs me to brace myself on top of her.

I have no idea what she's asking, but I'm about to lose my mind. All my blood has gone to my dick. "Lie back down, treasure." My words don't come out as smooth as I want them to and I silently curse myself.

"Please, Drago." I stare at her plump lips and imagine taking them with my own.

"Please what?" I ask.

"Please take me."

Time pauses and my vision blurs with her plea. It's a heady feeling to be desired like she does now. I swallow thickly as my dick jumps at her words. I want her so bad it hurts. I shake my head and when I open my eyes, I see doubt and agony creep into her expression.

"You don't want me?" she barely whispers.

"You don't know what you're asking." I try to reason with her. She's been through a lot today. This would be too much. The hour is late, she hasn't rested, and she's been through hell and back. It would be wrong. Just as the thought hits me, so does the scent of her heat.

"I do." She nods against my chest. "Please, Drago. I've never felt this way before."

"That's why it needs to wait, my treasure." I'm practically begging her to stop begging me. I can feel my resolve weakening. The need to rut into her and claim her is primal. My eyes roll back into my head as I imagine ripping into her virginity.

"Please," she begs me. I can't take the fact that she's in desperate need. My dragon roars with the need to claim her. He rages inside of me after what happened with Galen. It feels as though everything is pushing me toward her. I gently pet her thigh and try to will the thoughts of fucking her away.

"I know what to say if I don't want it." She takes my hand in both of hers. "Please Drago, haven't I begged enough? I'll be good for you. I promise." My eyes blaze with fire at her words. She's too good for me. Way too good for me.

Her tongue darts between her lips and she whispers her plea, "Please Drago. I need you."

And that's it. I lose all control and flip her onto her knees.

I push the head of my dick against her entrance and groan as I slowly slip into her heat. I could take it slow; I could go easy. But she feels so good, and her pussy is already milking me for more. She's so close to the edge of her release yet again. My dragon roars and fire burns up my throat as I slam deep inside her. I rip through her virginity and still deep inside her. She's so wet, so soft from her own climax, I know it won't hurt her. But still, she cries out a strangled pleasure. Her back arches and it's my name on her lips. My fingers strum her clit until I feel her get accustomed to my size. I nibble her neck, teasing her with hot licks and open-mouthed kisses. She shivers and mewls with ecstasy.

She feels like heaven and hell. The sweet torture of climbing and the desperate need for wanting more.

"You are mine," I whisper into her ear, letting my breath tickle her sensitized neck. I take one more nip of her earlobe and pull back. And then I let myself take her exactly how I've wanted since I laid eyes on her.

I rut into her, pounding into her tight, needy pussy as she spasms around my dick. Her head pushes into the pillow as she screams out her orgasm. I fist the flesh of her hips and continue pounding into her heat as she comes. Her pussy clamps down hard on my dick. Her arousal drips down her thighs and onto me. The wet sound of me ruthlessly fucking her mixed with her cries of pleasure fuel my need to find my own release. My balls tighten and rise as a low tingling sensation threatens to overwhelm me. My toes curl and I breathe out a flame of fire as I slam into her and find my own release. I grip her hips tight and push deeper into her. She screams my name as I pump slow, shallow thrusts into her until every bit of my orgasm has left me. It's only then that I can catch my breath and realize what I've done.

As I loosen my grip on her, I have to catch her small body and gently lay her down. She falls easily to the bed, and I make sure to kiss her on the crook of her neck. It"s still slightly colored from the flames earlier. A beautiful pink. And then I pet her back gently as I pull the covers over her body. All the while my heart rages.

I lie next to her, holding her small body close to mine and kiss her neck as she quickly drifts to sleep. Her exhaustion wins out. I continue to hold her though, long enough to admire her beauty and learn the sound of her calm breath. It soothes me.

I move off the bed and see a small spot of pinkish red on the bed. Fear and anxiety overwhelm me for only a moment, remembering she is only human, and I wasn't gentle in the least. And then I remember her virginity. I watch her for a moment, waiting to see if she"s in pain. But she only seems to nestle herself deeper under the covers. No signs of pain. In the morning she"ll be sore, I"m sure.

The reality of the situation hits me with a force not meant to be denied. I walk quickly and quietly around the room, blowing out the candles and trying my best not to get too pissed at myself for my lack of control. I blow the last flame out and crawl back into bed. I lie next to her, to my treasure, my Kara, and pull her small body to mine.

My mind races with the potential consequences of what I've done.