Free Dragonmark by Sherrilyn Kenyon

me how to care for them. I have no idea what they’d need. But I’d learn.”
    He brushed his fingers along her cheek. Could you love such creatures?
    â€œThey wouldn’t be creatures, Illarion. They’d be my children. Just as my brother isn’t human and I love him no less for it. I’m told my mother had quite a bit of a surprise when I was born and my father had to teach her how to care for a human baby. Apparently, we’re very difficult compared to the Kikimory. Yet it didn’t stop her from loving me. Nor did I love her any less when I found out she was a nightmare demon. Rather, I found it strangely comforting as I never had to worry over my dreams so long as she was alive.”
    Illarion couldn’t fathom the miracle that had sent her careening into his world. Honestly, he’d never thought to mate at all. Never thought to find anyone who could make him feel the way he felt in this moment.
    Like he was human, while she knew for a fact that he wasn’t. Neither man nor beast scared her. She saw both sides of him and faulted him for none.
    It was perfect.
    At least until he felt her stomach rumble from hunger. Sighing, he knew he needed to find her food. While he could go days without nourishment, humans were different. They didn’t store meals the way dragons did. Her body required constant maintenance.
    I shall have to rearrange things for you in my cave .
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    Just thinking out loud of what you’ll need to live there. I have no kitchen. Not even a pot for you to make the most basic of meals. I’ll need to make you a place to store and prepare food. And you’ll need more clothes. What else do humans require for sustenance and happiness?
    She lifted her head to scowl at him. “Do you eat your food raw?”
    He grinned and shook his head. I can cook it instantly. Benefits of breathing fire. And once I eat, it takes days for it to digest. A single meal can sustain me for almost a week—longer if need be, and depending on the size of it.
    â€œThat must be nice.”
    He rolled over with her and gave her a light kiss. But you are not a dragon, my rose. And you, I need to feed. Come, let us bathe and I’ll see you fed.
    Edilyn felt the strangest wave of weakness sweep through her at his endearment. She couldn’t believe how tender her dragon was.
    How kind.
    Or playful, she realized as he swept her into the water to frolic more than bathe.
    This time when he conjured clothing for her, it was the finest shimmering dark green samite she’d ever seen. Truly, it was fit for royalty.
    â€œIt’s beautiful,” she breathed as she ran her hand over it.
    His eyes darkened. Nowhere near as beautiful as the one who wears it. Personally, I’d rather keep you naked. But I know you would protest such extremes … so this shall have to suffice to please us both.
    Heat rushed into her face at his words. “You’re the only one who’s ever thought that of me, I assure you.” Most men had turned their noses up at her approach, preferring women like Morla and Nesta.
    Only a fool would not think you beautiful.
    Edilyn smiled as she quickly dressed. The moment she was finished, Illarion returned to his dragon’s body and flew them back to his cave to retrieve her brother.
    They had no sooner landed inside than she felt the sudden tenseness of his body. “Is something wrong?”
    Illarion didn’t respond. Rather, he shifted from dragon to man with an alarming swiftness, and without warning. He did it so quickly that he almost caused her to fall. But he caught her and set her on her feet, then rushed through his cave.
    â€œMy lord?”
    Still, he didn’t respond. Instead, he began searching through his chests and chambers.
    â€œIllarion?”
    Finally, he turned on her with rage blazing in his eyes. He pinned her with a murderous glare. Was this your ruse?
    She stepped back from