CHAPTER 2
“This is your key,” the tall, lanky woman said, placing a small, brass object into Nyra’s open palm. “Second floor, last door on the left. You’re lucky we had a room for you, the house will be full for the next week or so.”
An elbow pressed into Nyra’s back, shoving her forward onto the bar. Annoyed, she glanced back to the crowded main room, the space already overflowing with rowdy patrons.
“What’s the occasion? Is it always so busy?”
Had she known it would be like this, Nyra would have chosen a different tavern for her temporary living arrangements while on her dragon slaying mission. She supposed there were other inns along the road where she might have had a more peaceful stay at, but they were much closer to Raiden’s latest sighting, and she would rather not be his next fucking meal should the beast smell her in his vicinity. And dragons were known for their impossibly keen sense of smell, she wouldn’t be able to escape him once he got a whiff of her.
“Tiny over there just became a father.” The barmaid nodded towards a boulder of a man whose shirt was being ripped apart by a group of men, one who appeared to be already too drunk to care about the show he was putting on for his lovely guests. “He’s the owner of this beauty. Seemed only fitting to have the festivities here, with his closest friends.”
Arching a brow at the woman’s words, Nyra ordered herself some dinner, making her way up to her room to deposit her meager belongings while she waited.
It was a cozy space, with a single bed pushed up to the far wall, the plain ivory bed setting reminding her of one of Margot’s tablecloths. A small nightstand stood by its left, a sole lantern burning bright on its surface, dimly illuminating her surroundings. Aside from the olive colored armchair in the corner of the room, no other furniture decorated the space. It was common enough, and would do just fine for the duration of Nyra’s stay. After all, she was a dead woman walking, and the dead had no use for material things in the afterlife. She had no choice but to comply with the Captain’s demands, not if she wanted Margot to continue on living.
A soft knock came at her door, interrupting her train of thought. Opening it, Nyra was surprised when a pair of young girls came rushing in, carrying buckets of scalding water with them. In no time they disappeared into an adjoining room that Nyra had failed to notice upon first inspection, emptying the contents into what she assumed was the tub. Wordlessly they left her chambers, closing the door softly behind them as they went.
Not wanting the water to get cold, Nyra stripped out of her travel clothes, making haste as she washed the sweat and grime off her body. Four days had passed since she had departed from her desolate village of Minato, during which time she had barely stopped and only to relieve herself and tend to her horse before resuming once more.
She had no idea what she would do once she located Raiden, how she would even go about approaching him without giving herself away. The more she thought about it, the more she realized how insane the whole notion was.
How the hell am I supposed to kill the goddamn thing?
The first time that Nyra had come into contact with the silver beast, she had the element of surprise. Now, she was the one being hunted, by an ancient apex predator who had a target on her back.
Her stomach grumbled, pulling her back to the present. She would worry about the bloody dragon at a later date, when her insides weren’t threatening to plaster themselves to each other from the lack of food.
Nyra quickly dried herself, changing into an emerald tunic and dark pants, washing the filthy garments in the cold bath water before hanging them over the side and draining the tub. Her hair was still damp as she braided it, the thick strands coming together to form an intricate design that went to the small of her back.
Satisfied with her appearance, she descended the many steps to the main room, only to find it even more packed than when she had first walked into the tavern, as if an entire village had made their new home amongst the wooden beams holding up the substantial structure, preventing it from collapsing.
Lanterns blazed in the dimly lit space, illuminating the main room, casting eerie shadows that danced on the tavern walls. Loud music tangled with the sounds of laughter and singing, the crowd over-exuberant for Nyra’s dismal state.
Groaning, she planted herself firmly in front of the bar where her dinner was already laid out for her, the porridge steaming, its delicious scent of seasoned rabbit and garden vegetables causing her mouth to water. It didn’t take her long to clear the plate, her insides thanking her as the last spoonful of the hot stew finally settled in her stomach.
The music grew louder, if such a thing was even possible, her ears ringing from the almost deafening noise. If only she could enjoy the festivities like everyone else seemed to be doing, but Nyra’s gloomy future loomed over her like the sharp edge of a guillotine, threatening to come crashing down lest she make a single wrong move.
Sighing, her eyes wandered around the cottage style main room, taking in the many sights and sounds, pondering about Raiden and whether he was near, searching for her like she was searching for him.
That’s when she felt it.
A burning sensation on the side of her face, so sudden and fierce, as if a beam of light was being directed straight at her, increasing her body temperature to impossible heights.
Frantically she searched for the source of the intrusion, for the cause of such inexplicable sensations. The shadows called to her, pulling her gaze to a single dark corner that the masses seemed to avoid, as if a plague was upon it. A giant form loomed there, hidden out of sight, watching her. Observing Nyra as she stood rooted to the spot, staring right back into the void, unable to look away.
Her skin tingled. Shivers erupted all over her body, turning into a violent wave of heat that swept over her like a raging wildfire. Her breath hitched, chest heaving from exertion, as if a force was pushing down on it, preventing her lungs from expanding.
The form from the shadows moved, straightening to its full intimidating height. A man of massive proportions stepped into the light, his gaze locked on Nyra as he advanced, prowling like a lethal feline toward her.
Holy. Fuck.
Wide, round shoulders filled out an immaculate warrior’s uniform, its front adorned with what appeared to be intricately carved scales, his broad chest tapering down to narrow hips and powerful thighs, the muscles rippling under the fabric with each sturdy step that he took, screaming with aggression.
Hair the color of shimmering moonlight cascaded down his shoulders with a few tiny braids peeking through, a portion of it swept up, revealing his devastatingly beautiful face in all its glory. His features so utterly masculine and defined, as if made to tempt by the very devil himself. Eyes of the purest sky blue bore into her, holding Nyra captive as the warrior finally came to stand a mere foot away.
Her neck craned back, his height so painfully imposing that she had the feeling of appearing miniature in his towering presence.
Her curious gaze swept over his face, drinking in the sinful sight of the giant in front of her. Light stubble covered his sharp jaw while a straight nose connected to full lips, so plump and juicy that they looked like freshly picked cherries. Her mind swirled with deliciously filthy thoughts, of what they would feel like under her tongue. Between her teeth, as she sucked them into her mouth while his massive hands roamed over her body, greedily exploring every one of her curves.
Fuck, he’s gorgeous. Too gorgeous.
Unaware, she squeezed her legs, desperate to ease the pressure that was rapidly building up at the apex of her thighs.
His hand lifted, tucking a loose strand of silky hair behind her ear. She barely registered the movement as Nyra continued to stare at this stunning male specimen, absorbing his features like a parched flower would absorb water in the blazing desert Sun, her heart pounding like a hundred drums against her rib cage.
“We meet at last.”
Her lids lowered at the smoky rumble, his voice vibrating with power and authority as she unconsciously nuzzled into his open palm that remained resting on her cheek, covering her entire face from how huge it was.
Leaning in, he hummed with approval, his lips grazing the shell of her ear, “Tell me your name, little vixen. Or shall I coax it out of you?” Wood and musk enveloped her, his firm body radiating with the sensual aroma, driving Nyra’s desire to unbearable heights.
A breathy moan escaped her as she pulled him flush against her, his deep voice like a catalyst to the countless dirty images pouring into her mind, her nipples stiffening as heat erupted from her core. Slick flooded her panties, shamelessly dripping all over the flimsy fabric, making them utterly useless. They both froze as a desperate little whimper fluttered out of her mouth.
Bloody perfect. Why don’t I just die of embarrassment, right fucking now.
Nostrils flaring, he inhaled the undeniable scent of her arousal.
“Woman,” he growled, his gaze scorching, pupils dilating, the black blown so wide that only a narrow rim of blue remained. His strong arms snaked around her waist, pressing her further onto his chest, until every hard ridge of his muscled body was aligned with hers.
Callused fingers swept under her braid, digging into her scalp, tipping her head as his grip tightened.
Gods, he feels so good.
“What are you doing?” she rasped, barely holding her composure.
“Tasting you.” Soft lips brushed hers, his masculine scent invading her. “Tell me to stop.”
“This is crazy,” she swallowed, breathless, heart hammering away as he balled her hair.
A devious grin spread across his stunning face. “Pure fucking madness.” His mouth crashed down, tongue parting her lips as it dove in. Skillfully angling her head to give him better access to her hot mouth. Opening wide, she welcomed the sweet intrusion, losing herself with reckless abandon.
Fire exploded inside of her, rushing through her veins like a tidal wave, igniting her blood until all Nyra felt was the intense heat from his lips and the burning flames of desire as the massive warrior consumed her. Her clit throbbed painfully, desperate for some form of release.
Never in her life had she felt such an inexplicable pull to anyone, the all consuming need to merge with him, to be one with this devastating male so unbearable that she wanted to climb him like a tree. To entwine around him like forest vines. To make a hole in his chest and crawl so deep inside of him, that he could never be rid of her.
“What is this?” she breathed out, rattled by the speed at which everything was unfolding, then returned to feasting on his succulent lips.
“You’re incredible,” he muttered low, finally breaking away, a whimper escaping her as he rested his forehead on hers. “So much more than I could have ever imagined.”
Confusion swept over her. “What do you mean?”
“I’ve been searching for you, little vixen.” Her brows furrowed. “And now that I’ve found you, I’m never letting you go.”
“I don’t understand.”
The devilish smirk was back again, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “You will, soon enough,” then in one swift motion he hauled Nyra over his shoulder.
“What are you doing!?” Her fiery arousal was replaced with anger, hitting him frantically across his wide back. “Put me down, you animal!”
Roaring with laughter, he smacked her ass. “That I am, wildling, and the most ferocious of them all.” His wide steps took them out of the tavern, Nyra thrashing on his shoulders as they disappeared into the night.