I reach out and take his hand, clasping it tight. He stiffens, glances at my hand, then clasps mine back. His hand swallows mine.
I’m used to being one of the tallest females in the tribe, one of the strongest…His hand swallows mine.
Walking next to Zaeyr like this, I find I have to look up to see his face, straining my neck to take in his striking horns. Even when we mate, my feet don’t touch when my legs are curled around him. It’s a little unsettling that I can take his cock when I probably shouldn’t be able to. I eye the hard appendage coyly. Though Zaeyr’s put a loincloth back on, his cock is visible.
I purse my lips.To the deepest waters with you, Delina.He’s made for me, not you.
Lost in my thoughts, time passes quickly. We avoid the few crocodiles we encounter, Zaeyr points out the large fin of a giant mako shark sometime later, and by the time the sun is far past its zenith, the howls of swing monkeys return to our ears.
There hasn’t been a dragon’s roar or mating call in days. Despite the comet’s red hue, everything is returning to normal. Growing antsy, I’m relieved to see Sand’s Hunters cliffs in the distance, though my stomach drops too. Now that the animals are returning, so will the deadlier predators.They’ll be hungry.
Facing Delina and the tribe is safer than facing a hungry jungle cat or prowling naga seeking a nest to lay their eggs.
My fingers twitch, wishing for a spear or dagger, instead feeling Zaeyr’s hand.
“Do not be afraid, Aida,” he says as if he knows my thoughts.
I groan. “I’m not afraid. I’m tired.”
“Have I worn you out so?” he purrs.A dragon purr?The sound goes straight to my heart.
I shake my head. “It will take a lot more to wear me out.”
“Good—”
“But I am still tired.”
He stops and turns to me. “Why?”
I kick at the sand. The scouts of my tribe will be able to see us on the beach. There’s no turning back now. I consider it anyway—for a second.
Already, the lift lowers in the distance.
“I don’t want this to end,” I finally say, pointing between us. “I… like us being this way.” Selfish, I am so selfish. “Not having to worry about anyone else, just us. Just you and me. I can’t remember a time where I have not worried—greatly—for my tribe.” I glance at the rocks, the coming tribemates with torches. “I still worry,” I whisper. “But it’s been different lately. It’s been easier.”
Finding the words to convey why I’m hesitant is difficult.Who am I joking?Relaying my feelings at all is a tremendous effort. I’m not used to having someone ask after them.
Zaeyr moves to stand in front of me, blocking my view of Sand’s Hunters and grasps my chin with his fingers.
“You are a great huntress?”
“Yes…”
“You were once the chosen female of your elders?”
Where is he going with this? I nod.
“You stood up to an alpha dragon when no one else dared?”
Tears threaten to fall. “I wanted you,” I tell him honestly.
The side of his mouth twitches. “Is that all, little Aida?”
Ugh.“No. I wanted to make sure my people made it to the caves alive.”
He leans forward and rests his brow upon mine, moving his hand from my chin to cup my nape. Shivering, I give in.
“There is nothing for you to worry about,” he says softly. “Nothing at all.”
