Free Daryk Warrior by Denise A. Agnew

deepest level mentally and physically. It doesn’t happen to every Daryk
One, but to a large portion.”
    “Why?”
    “No one is certain. We only know it is true.”
    “Does it happen to other people on Dragonia?”
    “Not so much. At least not with the consistency it does for
a Daryk One.” Finny looked toward the stairs as if she feared Eryk would
appear. “It’s like this. Daryk Ones are highly sexual beings. And women are
always chasing them, hoping they’ll be the lifelong mate.”
    Though she thought she might know the answer, Mia asked
anyway. “What’s the advantage in that?”
    “Several, according to those lucky enough to secure a Daryk
One for their own.”
    “There aren’t many Daryk Ones?”
    “In the total population, not many.” Finny cleared her throat
and gave a small smile. “Daryk Ones have a sexual prowess that is legendary.
Women want that. At least most Dragonian women do. Even beyond that there’s
security. Daryk Ones can protect them because of their physical ability and
their extreme status in communities.”
    “I see.” Feelings flooded Mia as she mumbled an answer. “At
the very least they’re hoping a Daryk One will take them to bed.”
    Finny’s nod was emphatic. “Most definitely.”
    “And Eryk has mated with many women?”
    Finny’s gaze lifted to the ceiling as if contemplating her
answer. “Eryk is very discreet, so I’m not aware of any liaisons. I’ve never
seen him bring a woman here. I’m sure he has had sex many times. It’s a mark of
a fine man who keeps his sexual escapades under wraps. That’s why I knew you
were different.”
    “Oh?” She felt breathless.
    “I thought he was going to drag you right past me and not
even stop to pay.”
    Mia’s curiosity increased. “Why?”
    Finny pursed her lips. “Are you that naïve, girl?”
    It grated on Mia’s nerves to have anyone call her naїve but
what could she say in this case? “Perhaps.”
    “He wanted you badly.”
    Perhaps in this new world Mia could take a local’s word for
it. Eryk wanting her above other women? Exclusively? The idea swam in her head,
filled with wonder and surprise and a glowing gratification. Then a darker
thought emerged.
    “A man wanting me sexually is not important. From this point
forward I only want men who care for me…for whom I am at the core.” Mia tapped
the middle of her chest.
    Finny tilted her head to the side and leaned on the counter.
She clasped her small hands together. “I get the impression Eryk Gauth is that
type of man. You may have made a good match.” Finny waved one hand. “Daryk Ones
can take a woman to bed for hours, until she passes out from bliss. There’s a
lot to be said for the physical.”
    Heat swam over Mia at the incomprehensible thought. “A man
who can do that? How unlikely.”
    Finny chuckled and stood straight. “Daryk Ones are not
ordinary. Remember that. Whatever you think of Eryk, whatever you think you
know, he’s not like anyone you’ve met.”
    “How long have you known him?”
    “She’s known me too damn long.” Eryk’s voice came from the
stairs.
    Mia started and turned toward him. He was dressed, of
course, but his hair fell around his shoulders in wet lengths. “Eryk.”
    A lopsided grin touched his mouth. His eyes, though, were
hard. “Finny, can you suggest a tavern for a meal tonight?”
    Finny lifted her hands and shrugged. “The old tavern is
still operating. You could go there.”
    He winced. “Annalica still own the place?”
    “Yep. And she still hates your guts.” Finny laughed.
    “Annalica?” Mia asked.
    “No one.” Eryk finished descending the stairs and stood by
Mia. “Just an old friend who wants to kick my arse.”
    “Oh?” Finny snorted and shifted some papers around the
counter. “I think she’d take your arse any way she could get it.”
    Mia’s face flushed at the implication. Finny’s bold-faced
statements made Mia wish she were skilled with frankness.
    Finny’s smile said