Free Dragons Live Forever by D'Elen McClain Page B

her to choose a husband. Her duty to me comes first and I like the idea of her serving me.
    I walk to my perch and dive. I need to spread my wings and spew some fire to relieve this pent up energy. I don’t like the uncertainty I feel—I have no idea what Pepper is, I’m drawn to her in a way that is improper. And, most of all… I’m lonely.
    I return to my tower a few hours later. Pepper has fallen asleep on the sofa with a book in her hands. It reminds me of Meagan and I can’t stop the sadness that fills me. I also realize since I found Pepper, I haven’t thought of Meagan as much. That in itself is sad.
    Pepper’s body jerks in her sleep and her eyes open. I haven’t put on clothing, which is of no consequence, but I expect her to at least take notice. I like when her eyes travel over me and her face pinks. It’s very strange that she’s staring through me but doesn’t see me at all. She stands from the sofa and heads into my room. I follow closely as she goes straight to the window and walks out on the ledge.
    She lifts her arms and actually dives off. I launch myself from the tower, shift, and grab her in my talons. A moment later, I feel her small fists hitting my inside claws. I fly away from the castle and find a soft patch of grass. She rolls to the ground when I spread my talons.
    I shift for the added pleasure of yelling in human form. “What the hell do you think you’re doing? You can’t fly and you can’t possibly hate me that much!”
    Her hands fly in rapid response. Of course I don’t understand a word. Her eyes are incredibly large and her anger evident by her expression. What the hell is she angry for? I saved her life… again.
    I also know I’m being unreasonable. She wasn’t awake when she threw herself from the perch. Well, not exactly threw... she dove with the grace of a dragon. This crazy human may be the death of me.
    I place my hand out and grab one of her fists, which is creating a sign that isn’t so hard to interpret. I ignore the instant energy that flows between us. “Okay, I get the point. I think you were sleepwalking.” I give her a moment to absorb what I’m saying. “Is sleepwalking a problem you’ve had before?”
    She shakes her head sharply. The damn stupid headpiece is slightly askew. I reach out to remove it, but she jerks away when she sees where my hand is heading.
    “Just let me adjust the damn thing,” I grumble my patience at an end.
    Obviously that was the wrong thing to say because she kicks my shin. I’m surprised fire doesn’t burst from her throat she’s so angry. She immediately starts hopping on one foot and my ire rises to match hers. She’s hurt herself and the foot could possibly be broken. I sweep her off her feet and lower her to the grass. She tries wiggling away, but I don’t give her the chance. I have a tight hold on her uninjured leg and move her dress away with my other hand while pulling her foot to my chest.
    “I only want to check that it’s not broken,” I snap as I run my fingers over her soft skin. She huffs out a breath and stops fighting. Her skin has an effect on me that I didn’t expect. I silently count to twenty then thirty to tame my cock. This shouldn’t be happening. I’ve shouldn’t see her as anything more than one of my humans. What the hell is wrong with me? “I think your foot and ankle are uninjured, but kicking a dragon isn’t wise,” I add as soon as I have myself under control.
    She rolls her eyes and my cock gives a jump. I’m certifiable.
    My anger is gone, my desire a steady throb but the eye roll helps. She’s quite entertaining. “Teach me one of your hand phrases so I can learn what you are saying to me.”
    She stares at me for a moment and then does something absolutely ridiculous. Her fist comes up in the same sharp motion she used earlier.
    I can’t help the laugh that roars from my throat or the smoke that comes with it. She’s priceless. I watch as her lips curve in a very small