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  The door opened and he turned with a snarl, the flames rising up his throat. But it was Brighid who stepped into the room. Her dark hair was loose around her shoulders and her thin gown revealed that she was not wearing a bodysuit underneath.

  Desire stirred in his loins but Eirrick kept his gaze on her face. "I didn't send for you."

  She didn't speak. Instead, she undid a tie at the back of her neck and let the gown drop. It pooled around her feet, revealing her body fully. Her tight pink nipples stood at full attention, her breasts plump, the curve of her hip flaring and then sloping back down over her shapely thigh. Eirrick felt himself swell and let out a shaky breath as he allowed his eyes to trail down her body before returning to her face.

  "Do you want me to touch you now?" His voice came out husky.

  Brighid stepped forward. Her eyes seemed to smolder as she smiled at him. She took both of his hands and moved them to her breasts while she nodded. "I want you to touch me. And so much more…"

  She ducked her head there, a flush rising in her cheeks. Eirrick traced his thumbs over her hard nipples before tucking his fingers under her chin and lifting her face to his. It was clear that she was uncertain, that she didn't quite know what to do. But the desire was just as clear, from the smoldering in her eyes to the delicate scent wafting off of her. He leaned forward, slowly so she wouldn’t be surprised and sucked her lower lip into his mouth. Her eyes fluttered closed and she moaned softly.

  Eirrick's arms banded around her as he moved to nibble on her earlobe. Some women liked that… and by the way Brighid shuddered and leaned into him, she was one of them. She moved against him, rocking herself up to the balls of her feet and back down to rub herself along his length.

  The rock pitched to one side. They stumbled together. Brighid shrieked as he pitched the other way. Eirrick wrapped himself around her as the fell, bracing himself to break the impact. They rolled over and knocked into the wall.

  Eirrick tucked Brighid under his arm and dragged her into the main room, where he rolled her under the bed and activated the safety restraints that would keep her in place. Her eyes were wide and terrified but he managed a grin at her.

  "Don't worry, Dove. This will be over before you know it."

  She nodded, eyes still huge in her skull and braced herself against the sides of the restraint field. Eirrick wanted to continue to reassure her but he needed to move. He scrambled back to his feet and raced from the room. The ship shook a few more times but lighter tremors that indicated that they were caused by the canons firing back at their attackers, not taking more hits.

  The young warriors that were assigned to protect the ship and their women from invaders lined the corridors. Eirrick didn't acknowledge them as he dove into the nearest ejection bay. He streamlined himself like a torpedo in it and sucked in a deep breath, fueling his flames until they burned so hot that his skin started to change color. Out in the freezing vacuum of space, a dragon's fire was the only thing that kept him from freezing.

  The bay launched him into space. The cold was like a punch to the stomach. As soon as he felt the freeze he shifted shape. His wings sprang out from his back and scales coated him, keeping his heat from leaking too quickly from his body.

  A small fighter ship dove at him, sending off blasts of red energy. Eirrick flapped one wing to spin himself away from it, still within the Dragons' ship's atmosphere and gravity pull. The fighter doubled back and Eirrick lithely twisted beneath it. He grabbed the propulsion engine and tore it askew, then used his weight to flip the fighter around and pointed it at another.

  Another ship came at him. He barely managed to dodge its attack. As it flew by, he saw the symbol on its side. A blue circle with a sword piercing through it. The symbol that the warrior-priests of Atlantica carried.

  Eirrick's flames flickered. He dropped onto a ship passing below him and peered through the clear cockpit. A priest stared back up at him. With a roar that released half of his fires, Eirrick tore through the ship and yanked the priest out. He tossed the attacker over his shoulder and beat his wings to land on the outer shell of his ship. His heart pounded as cold seeped through him. His head swung back and forth, keeping an eye on the battle raging overhead while searching the surface of the ship.

  There! A fighter had latched itself to the bulkhead, sitting so low that it was almost part of the larger ship. Eirrick scrambled over the shell of his ship. Once he got to the fighter, his sharp claws lashed out. They tore through the side of the fighter like it was paper and soon he had exposed the cockpit to space.

  It was empty.

  Brighid.

  His fires almost went out. Eirrick dove towards the nearest access port. He didn't bother with the normal protocols for depressurization, shrinking from beast to human and darting into the corridor beyond. The young warriors left behind lay scattered over the floor. Not a drop of blood was seen–sleeping gas? It didn't matter. His heart pounded in his throat as he rushed through the corridors towards his chambers.

  He knew very well what damage one assassin could do. The destruction of his birth clan came about from the wrong dragon being trusted, being welcomed into their midst.

  If the priests of Atlantica were attacking him, it was on behest of Jyah. And he would be after Brighid. Eirrick pushed himself to go faster. If the assassin got to her, if he was too late—He shut down that line of thinking as he reached his chambers.

  The door was open. He burst in to see a man crouched over Brighid. Blood poured down her arm and one of his knives lay on the floor just beyond her reach. Tears streamed down her face and she gave a little gasp as her eyes lit on him. A knife was against her throat. Eirrick didn't think. He just let loose the rest of his fires. They shot white-hot, eating the air between him and the assassin.

  Screams rose into the air and Eirrick dodged forward. He grabbed the burning man by the head and flung him over his shoulder, twisting the man's body to snap his neck. The screams cut out. Eirrick dropped to his knees beside Brighid and gathered her into his arms. She trembled, eyes fluttering.

  "Stay with me," he whispered. "Brighid, you're safe now. I'm here. I'm here."

  He kissed her forehead and laid her on the floor. The wound in her arm still bled heavily but there wasn't a mark on her throat. Her left side was reddened from his flames. No blisters, though. She would be quickly and easily healed. He pulled her into his arms again as a young warrior dodged into his room. At the sight of the smoldering body and Brighid near-unconscious in Eirrick's arms, the boy dropped to his knees.

  "We lost communications with this sector. The attackers have fled. My lord, is she—"

  "Alive." Eirrick got to his feet, cradling his wife to his chest. "Check on your fellows. If they're alive get healers here."

  He strode away without another word. Jyah's forces had nearly killed Brighid. The priest was clearly more formidable than Eirrick had anticipated. His emptied fires clenched and sparked. This was the last time Jyah got so close to Brighid. Eirrick had been content with mocking the priest's attempts at them but no more. Now he was going to the temple itself.

  And he would burn stone and flesh to nothing.

  Chapter Seven

  Brighid

  Eirrick held her hand while Aunt waved a soft glowing wand over the wound in her arm. It emitted a sonic frequency out of Brighid's hearing range but it facilitated healing and regrowth. Though the cut stung and itched, Brighid forced herself to stay still. Soon enough the discomfort faded, leaving behind only a puckered pink scar.

  “Can’t you get rid of that, too?” she asked.

  Eirrick turned her face to his. “This scar is a testament to your bravery. You held that assassin off long enough for me to arrive. That is worth a small commemoration.”

  Brighid never thought she would ever think a scar could be attractive but when Eirrick said that, her chest warmed with pride. She brushed her mouth against his and Aunt grunted.

  “You can return to your chambers. Just don’t get too
wild with your lovemaking.”

  Brighid couldn't stifle a giggle at that. Despite what had happened, or perhaps because of the adrenaline that had flooded her system, she wanted to go back to her husband’s chambers and roll about the bed like a couple of young lions. For their bodies to fuse with heat. The priests were right about one thing–fighting did stir the blood. She nuzzled into Eirrick's neck as he picked her up. The vibrations from his chuckles did wicked things to her and she moaned softly.

  Once in his chambers, he smoothed her hair back and lifted her arm. Light kisses traced down the length of her scar before he stepped back. “Did he hurt you in any other way?”

  Brighid glanced at the scar and back at her husband, brows knit.

  “You were naked,” he said gently.

  “Oh.” She shook her head. “No. He didn't even threaten it. He had been sent to kill me and wasn't going to waste time.” She shuddered as she remembered the feel of the knife against her throat. The room had a slightly smoky scent to it still but she couldn't work up any sympathy for the dead man. “I should have known that Jyah wouldn't release me so easily.”

  A muscle worked in Eirrick's jaw and he crossed the space between them and wrapped her in his arms. “That beast should never have touched you! I should have known that he would attack. I should never have left you alone. If I had lost you…”

  The emotion in his voice made her melt against him. In her past, she had felt desire, but never like this. Never had she felt so free with her own body. Never had she gazed at a man and decided that, yes, he was worth dying for. The flimsy gown that separated them was too much and she undid the ties and let it drop for the second time that day.

  “You are the bravest, strongest man I have ever known." Her words were fierce, passionate. "At the College, they were all like Jyah. There to leer at us and then punish us if we dared to show our own desires. It was especially worse if a girl had a desire for someone other than the priest that desired her.”

  She tugged at his belt, excited and giddy that she could look at the man who wanted her and want him back. Knowing that he would never hurt her. Her skin started to heat as she pulled his pants down to show he was almost ready. Eirrick brushed his fingers through her hair and she smiled shyly at him.

  “You are beautiful," she whispered. "I never thought a man’s form could be so beautiful.”

  But he didn't say anything. She bit her lip for a moment before she stepped into closer to him.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I’m concerned that you’re choosing me because I’m the safe choice… that if I hadn't bought you, hadn't been the first man to give you a choice, that you wouldn't want me.”

  Brighid chuckled. “I have wanted you since I laid eyes on you. I was more frightened by my own desire than I was of you. But I'm not scared anymore.”

  She pushed herself to her toes and pressed her lips to his. He tasted sweet and smoky and she couldn't stop herself from running her tongue over his lips to enjoy more of the taste. They parted and she flicked her tongue into his mouth. Her eyes fluttered closed as she rubbed her naked body against his. Eirrick banded his arms around her waist, hands gripping her ass. His fingers dug in strongly, kneading her soft flesh.

  He broke the kiss and smiled down at her as he pushed a knee between her legs. The friction against her made her core tighten and heat to flare out from her center. She delved into his throat and chest, kissing, licking and even letting her teeth scraped against him. He seemed to like it, as he hardened against her belly. Knowing how much he desired her made her skin tingle all over her body. Her nipples tightened and jutted against his chest.

  “I have to confess something,” he said. “I have never been with a virgin before. So if I do something you don't like or something that hurts, you need to tell me. Okay?”

  He brushed the hair from her face and she nodded. A slight bit of nervousness crept into her but she banished it. The first time was never perfect. But with Eirrick it was as perfect as it was going to get. He picked her lips, spreading her legs to either side of his hips as he did so. While he pressed soft kisses to her, he carried her to the hearth and laid her down on the soft furs. He took her hand in his and guided it between her legs. His breath wafted over her neck.

  “Find your little button and decide how you want me to play with it.”

  He turned and built a fire while she obeyed him.it wasn't hard to find the swollen little nub and it only took a few seconds for her to realize she needed a gentle touch. Once a healthy fire blazed in the hearth, Eirrick stretched out beside her and took over.

  Brighid’s whole body seemed to tighten as he moved his fingers in soft, deft strokes. She was soon panting as she clung to him, eyes wide and mouth gaping slightly. Eirrick’s gaze remained on hers, a smile on his face. Her finger dug into his arms. Her head fell back and she rolled her hips upwards, mewling with need as the tightness inside of her increased with every second.

  He slipped a finger inside of her and she jerked. Eirrick paused, watching her. “Do you like that?”

  “Uh…” She relaxed as he swiped his thumb over her sensitive nub. “Yes. It just took me by surprise.”

  Eirrick moved his finger in and out while taking her nipple into his mouth. The dual sensations made her shiver and she gripped him all the tighter. He didn't let up, though his movement remained soft and gentle. Soon the tightness inside reached a breaking point and he eased off, letting her tense muscles relax. His mouth moved back to hers and after a couple of soft kisses, he rolled over onto her. Her legs circled his hips.

  “Do you want me?

  Brighid nodded.

  “Then say my name.”

  “Eirrick.”

  He began to ease into her, slowly, letting her adjust to his unaccustomed size with every inch. “Again.”

  Brighid gasped. “Eirrick!”

  He found his seat inside her. Waited for a moment. Then began to thrust. Short, hard thrusts. Not moving too much. And yet it felt like every nerve in her body was going to explode. Her fingers dug into his arms and she cries out with every motion. Eirrick held himself just out of reach for her lips, eyes glittering. The look on his face was so intense that she was almost frightened but she clung to him and rocked her hips in time with his and the pleasure flooded her, leaving no room for anything else.

  “Say it,” he growled. “Say–my–name!”

  Everything exploded inside her as her back arched. “EIRRICK!”

  His movement became jerky. He thrust hard, entering deep. She felt his heat fill her and welcomes it, gasping out his name again and again.

  After some time he slowed. He eased off her and smiled while he panted. It was only when he left her that Brighid realized how sore she was. She ignored the tenderness between her legs and wrapped herself closer to him. She could feel his heart beating and smiled, listening to how it matched her own.

  “And to think I feared dragons my whole life.” She sighed. “Why did I fear you when you are so gentle and kind?”

  Eirrick combed his finger through her hair. “Not all of us are. It’s a great part due to Mother that I and my brothers have become what we are. She allowed no disrespect towards women and taught us well.”

  He fell silent and Brighid thought he had drifted off but moments later he clutched her tighter and growled.

  “I will kill him. I will never allow him to be near you again. I am going to kill him and I will raid the College. I will free all those girls and let them choose their own destinies. I will teach them how to defend themselves and they will no longer be victimized by this universe.” He turned to her and stared intently into her eyes. “I swear by blood and fire it will be done.”

  Brighid’s eyes welled. She buried her face in the pillow, horrified with herself. She couldn't remember the last time she cried and this made her tear up? But she couldn't stop herself as tears began to run down her cheeks. Eirrick stroked her hair quietly, always so gentle.

  “Thank you s
o much for all the things you’ve done for me. Thank you.” she held him tighter. “Thank you.”

  Chapter Eight

  Eirrick

  It had taken expensive negotiations to use the instant transport that was owned by another clan but now they were ready.

  They would attack the College of Atlantica is waves. The first would be the skilled warriors, to engage with the forces posted to defend the college. Next would be the younger fighters, who would find and gather the girls to take them back to the ship. If all went according to plan, they would be back here with the College girls within a few hours.

  Eirrick shifted, letting his beast come forward. He stretched his wings for a moment before releasing a plume of smoke to indicate to the others that it was time. Together they lifted off and glided around the cavernous cave. A bright light and a swirl of color enveloped them and then below them opened a hole in the floor. The College of Atlantica stood beneath them, still and silent in a darkening world.

  Tucking his wings against his back, Eirrick plunged downward. His brothers were right beside him. The wind whistled in his ears and ice crystallized on his wings. Just before he hit the ground his snapped his wings open, slowing his descent. He and his brothers landed lightly.

  The courtyard was empty. Eirrick glided into the entrance hall of the college. It, too, was empty. Dread made his fires flicker low and he hastily beat a retreat. If the college was empty then the Atlantica priests knew what they were doing. And if that was the case…

  Eirrick threw back his head and roared loudly, calling for his brothers to retreat. He beat his wings hard, lifting himself from the ground. He sped toward the transport’s opening. As he got closer he saw bursts of fire and smelled blood. He pushed himself harder. He shot through the portal seconds before it flickered closed.

  A bloodbath greeted him. Priests in red robes and scaled armor marched in a tight formation against the dragons. Blue shields of energy crackled around them, protecting them from fire and claws as the dragons attempted to fight back. Spears as tall as a man were thrown into the air. The shimmering points cut through dragon scale as if they didn't exist.