Part 12 (1/2)

One minute it felt like she trusted him and not at all the next. Hot and cold. She ran at both temperatures and it was giving him a headache. If he could get one, he would have one. As it stood, he almost had a headache and for a s.h.i.+fter, that was saying something.

One second she looked at him like a female did a male and the next it was down her nose. Like he was something the mountain lion dragged in.

Coal was used to taking what he coveted but in this case, he needed to back off. It was the last thing he wanted but he would need to force himself. It wasn't that he felt anything for the human besides a pa.s.sing interest. She should be thankful not willful. Insolent human. As much as he wanted to throw her out, he had been given a task to do and it would eat at him until he achieved it.

The door behind them closed with a click. He tried to look at his chamber through her eyes. It was big and facing one of the best views of the valley. His bed was enormous, the ceiling high. Even his tub was in his main living area. He enjoyed looking out across the vast mountains of the fire kingdom while bathing. There was a bathroom to the side with all the amenities, including a shower but he rarely used it. There was a cooking area on the opposite side. It was well appointed. They lived in the wild but enjoyed some measure of civility.

They might be a private species but they still enjoyed the luxuries of running water and electricity. The second, generated by the nearby waterfall.

Julie remained frozen in place, her gaze fixed on the large window that made up the whole front of his chamber. It was one-way gla.s.s.

”Beautiful isn't it?” He allowed his eyes to trace the peaks and valleys, the greens, browns and whites of the countryside. The sky was a perfect blue with wisps of clouds, streaked across a small section of the vast skyline.

”Yes.” She breathed out the word.

”You should see it during an electrical storm. The stars at night are enough to bring tears to your eyes as well.”

”I've never seen anything quite like it.” Her eyes were wide. ”It almost feels like we're on top of the world.” Each word was soft spoken and filled with awe.

”Shall I run you a bath?” he offered. ”The view is better from in there.”

”Um...” Her heartrate increased dramatically. ”No!” She shook her head. ”Is there a more private tub that I could use... please.” He could scent her... not fear... more like nervousness.

What was she nervous about? Was she ashamed of her naked body?

Maybe she needed prompting. ”I would not mind if you were to disrobe.”

”Okay.” She didn't sound too sure. She looked at him like he wasn't in complete command of his faculties. ”That's good to know. I would still prefer privacy. A door that locks would be fantastic.”

There must be something wrong with her body. Were humans so different to dragon s.h.i.+fters? He didn't think so. They might be smaller on average but they were the same in the ways that mattered. Weren't they? Maybe she was afraid that he would find her lacking or unattractive.

Coal swallowed hard. ”Through there.” He needed to back off. ”It doesn't lock but I won't disturb you.” What if he did find her unattractive?

She frowned. It was clear that she didn't like that the door didn't lock. She really did think the worst of him. ”Do they have any more of these dresses?” She asked. ”I also had a toiletry bag.”

A toiletry what? ”There are some things...” he looked back at the door. A bag had been placed just inside his chamber. Coal picked it up. ”Everything you might need will be in here. Let me know what else you need and I will make sure that you get it.”

Julie took the bag from him. ”Thanks.” She put it down and went to her haunches. She rummaged through the bag before taking out a pair of pants and a s.h.i.+rt. Then she rummaged some more. She looked up at him, a frown on her face. ”I don't see any underwear. The sizes are all over the place and bigger than I would normally wear. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining... clothes are clothes.”

”I'm sorry about the underwear. We don't wear any. It was an oversight. I will take down your sizes and requirements and will get you what you need as soon as possible.”

She nodded. ”I'm not the smallest.” She mumbled. ”No bra... fun.” He wasn't sure what she was unhappy about. Julie removed a smaller case from the bag. ”Would you mind lighting a fire.” She pointed to the hearth. ”It's cold in here.” She rubbed her upper arms.

He needed to try and remember that she was different. Humans didn't have their capabilities.

”Also”-she turned just before entering the bathroom-”you might want to make yourself a bed on the floor.” Julie disappeared behind the door before he could reply.

A bed on the floor? Him, the fire prince, sleep on the floor? This female was delusional. Coal would back off on a lot of things but they would be sleeping together. This was not negotiable. If she was adamant about it, it would be her on the floor, not him.

He walked towards the window. If she wasn't going to use the tub, then he would. Coal turned the taps on and watched warm water fill the s.p.a.ce. He threw in a scoopful of salt and herbs. Then he stripped from his pants and got in. Coal sprawled out in the still filling tub, feeling the stresses from the last few days leave him.

This was one of his favorite things to do.

He closed his eyes and let his worries take wing. His peace didn't last as his mind began to wander. His brother would summon him tomorrow. What the h.e.l.l was he going to say? That the female didn't trust him, that she didn't seem to like him much? Tension crept back. His neck muscles tightened up. He would worry about it tomorrow.

One thing was for sure, he would win the female. He would. Of that there was no question. He was a warrior and of gold descent. He would remove all pressures on her for the time being. Allow her to settle and then he would aggressively go after her. Coal let his head fall back. He forced his mind to clear.

Ten minutes later, the door to the bathroom opened. Her scent hit him. Citrus yet floral, a hot summer's night indeed. She had a delectable smell. It made his mouth water for a taste. It was something, at least.

Coal dipped his hands into the water and splashed his face. He allowed his head to dip under the water for a few seconds before coming back up.

”Oh.” He heard her say as his head broke the surface of the water. It sounded like she let the word slip.

Coal glanced back. Steam billowed from the room behind her. Her long dark hair was wet. It hung in tendrils around her shoulders. She wore baggy pants and a s.h.i.+rt. A light pink s.h.i.+rt and an open sweater.

By all that was scaly and green and clawed. By all that smoked and flamed. Pink was a good color on her. He felt his mouth gape. Her nipples dug into the thin material. He could make out the plump outline of her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. His mouth felt dry and his eyes overly large in his skull. h.e.l.l!

He made a soft growling noise. No pressure! No staring. He lifted his eyes to her face. It was smooth and fresh. Her cheeks flushed. Her eyes... smoldering. So dark and lovely. Who knew that beneath all of that dirt and grime was such beauty. Her clothing was loose, except for around her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. There was no hiding them. No hiding those lush beauties.

She crossed her arms and tilted her head upwards. ”Don't look at me like that.”

”Like how?” His voice was husky. It couldn't be helped. She was very different to dragon s.h.i.+fter females. Hugely different. Tiny yet curved in all the right places. She was plain until you really looked. Then you couldn't stop looking.

”You know how. You're looking at me... well... like that.” She wrapped her arms tighter, trying to cover up. A shame!

Why was she so skittish? She was ravis.h.i.+ng. She should be naked. She should be underneath him, or in front of him or on top of him. Any position would do as long as he was inside of her.

Coal clenched his jaw. Then he remembered her saying that it was cold. That explained the need to cover herself.

”I'm looking at you like a male would look at a female, one he finds highly attractive. There is no sin in that.” Coal rose to his feet and stepped from the tub. ”I believe you asked me to light a fire. I'll do that now; you do not look comfortable.” He turned and reached for a towel.

Julie made a squeaking noise. His gaze snapped to hers which was fixed on his c.o.c.k.

”Oh my dear G.o.d.” She sounded shocked. ”It's even bigger than I thought. d.a.m.n. Just d.a.m.n. You aren't ever touching me with that thing... just for the record.”

”Here we go again,” he said, mostly to himself. ”I am aroused by you. This is what happens to dragon s.h.i.+fters when they are aroused.” He gestured to his erect c.o.c.k. It jutted from between his legs.

”You could poke someone's eye out or... how do you not fall over? How is there enough blood left in your body? Do you feel faint?”

Coal felt his brow draw together. ”I'm not sure I know what you mean. I feel fine and I can stand just fine.”

She turned, giving him her back and she covered her eyes. ”Maybe you should get dressed.”

”Don't be ridiculous,” he growled. ”Turn around.”

”No.”