Free Koshi by Annie Nicholas

takeoff toward his home.
    Her left knee gave out and she sat hard on the ground. No one would ever believe her back home. They’d say she’d been on an acid trip or worse. Even her little sister wouldn’t buy such a– Damn it, the saji.
    He never gave it to her.
     

 
    Chapter 8
     
    Sunlight warmed the scales of his full belly. He rubbed it and stretched farther on his back, spreading his wings out on the ground for balance while on his ledge. He’d neglected hunting yesterday and the ewes for breakfast had tasted exceptionally well. So well, he’d over-eaten. Closing his eyes, he listened to the croon of the wind. He should add some wind chimes to the ledge. That could be a new project for Urgle. He could construct them from odd ends in his cave. Ishi had to keep his pet occupied so he’d stay out of trouble.
    The wind, however, did carry an odd tune this afternoon, a little off key. He scratched his ear to make sure it was clear of debris, but the sound didn’t change. It grated on the nerves rather than relaxed them.
    Rolling over onto his stomach, he crept to the edge to assess the danger. It had been ages since the mortals of this world had tried to ambush him, yet a good warrior never let his guard down. On the side of the mountain, where he had dropped the large flat stone, stood a familiar female dressed in jeans and t-shirt.
    She sang.
    Terribly, but she still sang for him. The warmth from his belly spread to his chest. She’d forgotten the saji last night. He grinned as she turned around doing a little dance. For some reason, she sang about weasels.
    He dove off the ledge and spread his wings to glide over the ground, landing by the rock on light feet. “Sandra.” He purred her name and enjoyed the blush blooming on her cheeks. When had he put so much effort into a seduction? If he’d known how pleasant it was, he may have tried it sooner.
    “Koishi.” She clasped her hands in front of her. “I’m here to make the exchange for the saji.”
    “I don’t have it with me. It’s in my den.”
    “I can wait–” Her words ended in a surprised shout as he scooped her into his hands and leaped into the air. She was an excitable thing. He loved watching the expression of wonder on her face as she experienced flight.
    “Don’t worry, I think I’ve got the hang of this flying thing.” His grin was so wide his cheeks hurt.
    She slapped his claw. “At your age, you’d better have.”
    The teasing was even better when she gave as good as she got. He slowed for a soft landing and set her down first. “Did you sleep well?”
    She stroked her hand along his flank after he settled next to her, last night’s anxiety gone. “Yes.”
    “Did you dream of me?”
    Her hands slowed as she fondled him. “Your scales gleam beautifully in the sunlight.”
    So she had dreamed of him. He chuckled and resisted the urge to nudge her closer.
    She picked at his hide. “You’re very dry here.”
    Twisting his long neck, he examined the spot. “It’s an old scar. I can’t reach there to take care of it properly.”
    “Maybe your pet can help.” She continued her exploration along his tail.
    “Grooming is a personal matter and I’m not attracted to goblins.”
    She hesitated in her progress. “So touching is an intimate thing even in this form?”
    “I’m male. Touching in any form is intimate.” He set his nose by her feet, inviting more caresses. She’d been interested in Koishi, his human form, until she’d discovered his true identity. However, she’d kissed him goodnight. Maybe it had been shock, and not fear, he’d seen in her eyes. The only way for him to know for sure was to remain as Ishi. “Would you oil the spot for me?” He nudged her hand with the tip of his nose. “Come on, you know you want to.”
    She tossed her head back and laughed. The wind caught her hair, fanning it around her face.
    He sighed. Beauty came in all shapes and forms, but this ease between them was rare.
    “Show me