Dragoness


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New Concepts Publishing www.newconceptspublishing.com
Copyright ©2008 by Annmarier Ortega



NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.








CONTENTS


Chapter One


Chapter Two


Chapter Three


Chapter Four


Chapter Five


Chapter Six


Chapter Seven


Chapter Eight


Chapter Nine

* * * *



DRAGONESS
By
Annmarie Ortega
© copyright by Annmarie Ortega, March 2008
Cover Art by Alexis DeShanks, March 2008
New Concepts Publishing
Lake Park, GA 31636
www.newconceptspublishing.com
This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places are of the author's imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or events is merely coincidence.



At the death of the Dragon, the man chosen to take its place will find the mark of the Dragon branded across his chest. This man will become the next protector of the village, same as the many men before him, centuries ago. The chosen lives as a man until his protective powers are needed, then the Dragon will be awakened from deep inside him.
The chosen will mate one time a year, his partner an unmarried woman of the village, who is chosen during the Scale Ceremony.
There is an old prophecy, so old no one knows when it began, that someday a special woman will be chosen for the Dragons mate. She will be known by the brand on her back, the mark matching that of the male Dragon. She will be the Dragons’ true soul mate and their children will be blessed by the Fates, creating a great race that will survive all time. And it will all be because of her, the Dragoness.







Chapter One

Gabriella lay on her back in the tall, summer grass, the gentle breeze caressing her lithe, nude body. She closed her eyes against the bright sunshine, seeing dark red behind her lids. Her body was so comfortably warm, and her arms were stretched out over her head, her body totally relaxed.
Today was the first time she'd allowed herself to relax this past week since realizing that it had been a year already, and that the ceremony would be held again that week.
Her lover, Jason sat next to her in the tall grass, naked also. His fingertips playfully traced the circle of her belly button, making swirls in and out. He had told her she had a perfect belly button, and during their lovemaking he would always touch it, kiss it, and place his tongue in its center. When his finger lightly touched the center it made her heart skip a beat and her pulse quicken. As his finger circled the inside, she noticed the familiar throb between her legs start again. Jason had the power to arouse her with the simplest touch.
Even though tomorrow had the potential to be the worst day of her life, Jason had tried to make her forget her worries about the ceremony. He had promised her earlier that morning at her cottage he'd make her forget the entire world around them, and for a time he had been successful. But just lying down idly allowed her mind wander and now she felt the doubt and worry start to ooze back into her, like a sickness that would eat at her insides slowly.
"I really don't want to be chosen and I don't know how you can't be worried. If I'm picked, I'll have to go with Randolph. The thought of him just touching me makes my skin crawl, much less spending an entire night with him,” Gabriella said as she shuddered at the thought of Randolph touching her. “Have you forgotten how much we disliked him before he turned into the Dragon? When he was a normal man we couldn't stand him or his arrogance. Plus, you haven't been here for a few years so I think you've forgotten how obnoxious he can be. I've told you how every year he'd find me before the ceremony and tell me he hoped the Fates would choose me for him. Every year I'd actually be physically sick thinking about the ceremony,” Gabriella finished as she sat up.
"I can honestly say there is no one I despise more than him, even though he is our protector, and even that is a joke. In the past five years he's only been the Dragon once. He acts so high and mighty and he hasn't done anything yet."
Jason sat listening to Gabriella, knowing her concerns were valid, but he thought she was worrying for no reason.
"Ella, the odds are in your favor. This time there are the most single women of age, so naturally your chances of being picked go down. Plus, there has never been someone chosen who was originally from outside the village. He is not going to lay one finger on you, and please don't tell me there is a first time for everything. You know it makes me crazy when you say that."
"Only because you know that it's true. If I have to spend the night with Randolph I don't think I'd be able to bear it. We may not be married yet, but you know I have sworn to be faithful to you. I've told him so many times I'm not interested in him but he just doesn't want to take no for an answer. He knows the ceremony is the only way he could get me, even if it's for one night. Since this will be my last time in the ceremony, I keep thinking with my luck, I'll get picked."
"Please, don't worry. You'll see it will all work out in our favor. Everything we've planned for our future will come true. When this is all finished we'll announce our marriage and you'll never have to be in the ceremony again because then you will be mine."
Jason then stood, and offered his hand to Gabriella to help her off the soft grass. She sat up and he took her hand firmly in his. “Let's go back in one more time before we go back to the village,” Jason suggested.
Gabriella smiled at him as he pulled her off the ground and they headed towards the bank of the river. Jason let go of her hand as he slid into the sparkling warm water head first, arms stretched over his head. As Jason was underwater Gabriella stood in the water that reached just above her waist. She tilted her head back and arched her back, dipping her long auburn hair behind her into the water.
As her head was tilted back Jason rose out of the water in front of her like a bronzed god emerging from his underwater kingdom. He grabbed her around the waist as she straightened herself, pulling her towards him. He looked delicious as the water dripped from his short brown hair, running down his handsome face. Droplets of water sparkled in the sunlight as they raced down his muscular chest.
The look in his hooded eyes told Gabriella exactly what he had in mind besides one last swim. She could already feel him pressing his hard erection against her belly. After spending the day together making love, he was ready for her yet again.
"Ella, you know how much you mean to me, right? How much I love you?” He touched her cheek and drops of water ran down her neck.
"Jason, I feel the same,” she answered honestly to him. In the past few months he had become her world, as she was now his.
"Good, I'm glad,” he murmured, then leaned down to kiss her softly on the lips. Gabriella wrapped her arms around his neck, and caressed the back of his neck like she always did.
Jason kissed her cheek, and then started a trail of wet kisses down her throat. She tilted her head to give him better access to her throat, all the while caressing his neck with light passes of her hand. When he reached her breastbone, he lowered his head further until his mouth found one of her full breasts. He circled her erect nipple slowly with his tongue, before he took the hardened, pink bud in his mouth, gently sucking.
Gabriella sighed out loud in pleasure, and her hands slid from Jason's neck to his strong wide shoulders. Her hands slid down his arms and she felt his bulging bicep muscles flex under his wet skin.
Jason moved from one nipple to the other, giving each hardened nub the same attention. Gabriella grazed her hands down Jason's sculpted abs, down to find his hardness against her. She took a small step back from him, holding him firmly in both her hands. He let out a moan as she started stroking him, and she was so aroused her hips started to move towards his on their own.
She felt the familiar burning of desire for him, the ache return between her legs, wanting to feel him inside her again. They had made love all day, and yet the need for him to be buried deep inside her had returned. She knew she was slick with wetness between her legs for her body could literally not get enough of him.
Jason stood up and wrapped his fingers around her long hair, pulling her head back. She looked up to him and saw his smoldering brown eyes and smiled, still holding him in her hands, never stopping the rhythm she had found.
"Put your arms around my neck again,” Jason demanded, his eyes hot as he watched her.
She reluctantly let go of him and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Now wrap your legs around me. I'll hold you up."
As Gabriella lifted one leg up and around him, Jason took hold of his engorged erection and slowly slid it into her. She inhaled deeply as she felt herself adjust to his largeness inside her, satisfied that he was inside her again. She lifted her other leg and wrapped it around him. She could feel the muscles in his buttocks contract against her legs as he held her up.
Gabriella tightened her grip of him with her legs, letting him inside her even more. She rested her face against his sinewy neck, loving the fullness of him in her.
"Ella,” Jason whispered to her.
"Yes,” she answered into his ear, her face still against his neck. She had her eyes closed and was enjoying the sensation of him deep inside her, buried in her to the hilt.
"Ella,” he whispered again, this time with more urgency.
She pulled back to look at him, now realizing he wanted to speak to her face to face. She looked into his brown eyes giving him her full attention.
"Ride me,” he commanded with a look in his eyes that made her heart miss a beat. She bit her lower lip at his command, then began to kiss him fiercely on the mouth, bruising their lips.
Arms around his neck, she swallowed hard as she slowly raised herself up his massive length, then slid herself back down, impaling herself on him. They looked into each others eyes as she rode him up and down. Jason's hands cupped her buttocks and he helped lift her as they found their rhythm which quickened as they continued.
Gabriella ground her hips into Jason and his body moved to match hers. They were now both breathless, panting for air as they each felt their release steadily approach. With every grind Gabriella felt a grunt escape her throat, and her long auburn hair covered them. She cried his name out as she came, clutching his neck as if her life depended on it, her thighs squeezing him as tightly as they could. He felt her release contract around him, milking him.
Jason moaned loud and long as he came inside her, his orgasm so intense he had to steady himself as he held Gabriella. He grasped her tight to his chest as his breathing slowly returned to normal. Once again Ella had brought him to the edge of reason, and once again he'd loved every second. He buried his head in her neck and grazed the side of her throat with his mouth and tongue.
Gabriella slowly unwrapped her legs from Jason as she loosened her grip around his neck. Jason let go of her buttocks and helped her to stand in the water. As her feet touched the ground she felt her legs wobble under her, and she grabbed Jason's arm for support.
"Someone appears to be a bit weak in the knees,” he laughed as he scooped her into his arms. He started walking towards the shore and Gabriella laid her head against his muscular chest, completely safe in his arms.
"I feel like a new born colt,” she confessed with a large smile across her face.
They reached the shore and he placed her on the grass. Jason started sorting through their clothes they'd left in a pile on the ground in their rush to undress earlier that morning. He handed her the dress she'd worn and she pulled it over her head and down her body. She put on her shoes, then sat back to watch Jason finish getting dressed.
"Think you can make it home now?” he asked grinning once he was ready. He was obviously quite proud to have left her so weak in the knees.
"Yes, I think I've recovered enough to make it back. Jason, you were right, today was wonderful. Thank you."
"Ella, no need to say thanks, you know I love being with you. Come; let's get you back to your cottage without having to see Randolph. I believe we'll be seeing too much of him tomorrow."
Before she could agree Jason once again helped her to her feet, and they walked side by side holding hands down the path to their village. The sun had started to set on their perfect day and Gabriella felt a chill run through her body. She hoped it was because of the setting sun, and not a premonition of what tomorrow would bring.

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Chapter Two

Gabriella lay in her bed trying to go to sleep, but all she could do was keep thinking that tomorrow morning was the Scale Ceremony. Her stomach heaved and she regretted letting Jason talk her into eating after they'd returned when she hadn't been hungry at all.
She'd known he didn't want to leave her alone once they'd returned from the river. She had fallen silent during the walk home, and she knew he noticed her quietness. He had stayed after dinner, trying to stall his leaving. She finally convinced him she would be fine, telling him to go home and get some sleep. When he had kissed her good bye at the door and ran his hand through her hair she had promised him yet again she would be fine.
But now she tossed and turned in bed, dreading the morning, and wishing the ceremony was over already. She just wanted to announce her and Jason's impending marriage.
Gabriella considered how lucky her life had been so far and how doubly lucky to have found such love with Jason. They had known each other for so long, and when they were younger she'd never dreamed that they'd end up together.
Gabriella and Jason had known each other almost their entire lives. When she was seven, Gabriella had been brought from another village to live with Jason's Uncle Samuel and his wife Sara.
Almost everyone in her village had been killed during an attack since their village had no magic to protect it. Gabriella and some other children had survived by staying in the forest where her parents had hid them when the attack had started. During the confusion her parents had taken them to the edge of the forest and instructed them to hide. They had turned around and ran into the forest and never looked back, even when the screams seemed like they'd never end. The village was left a smoldering ruin, with only Gabriella and three other children surviving. They found a way to stay alive by scavenging through the food that had been left, and hiding at night in the forest sleeping together, huddled for warmth.
One day Samuel was traveling and happened to go through the destroyed village, and found the children covered in dirt and grime, looking for something to eat. After offering them the food he had, he was able to coax their story of survival out of them. He was amazed by these very brave and very lucky children who stood before him. Samuel offered to take them with him, to live in his village. With no shelter and no family left to them they went back with him.
Gabriella would always be grateful to him that he had come when he did. As she grew older she realized they would have never been able to survive a winter there by themselves, and that Samuel had saved all their lives. Just as her parents had saved them by hiding them, Samuel had saved them by finding them.
It was almost like a miracle Samuel had stumbled upon Gabriella. He and his wife had lost their own daughter a few years back, and then Gabriella appeared needing a family. They were a perfect match to each other and she had stayed with them permanently.
It was certainly strange how the Fates worked, Gabriella thought. She lay in bed, not tired at all recalling her past, and how things worked themselves out in unusual ways. She rolled over on her side with her blanket covering her and thought of Jason and their future together as she finally eased into sleep.

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Chapter Three

As children Gabriella and Jason had played together, and then drifted apart as they grew older. When they were eighteen Jason left to go study at a large town that was very far away. He was gone for five years, not coming back to the village for any sort of visits at all during all this time.
The past winter Gabriella had gone to another village to help a pregnant woman named Mary who already had many young children to care for. Six months passed and Mary had given birth to her babe and it was time for Gabriella to finally go back home. She loved being around all the children, but she had become homesick for her own home and friends.
During the time she was gone Jason had finally returned back from his studies. He had immediately volunteered to his Uncle Samuel to bring his old friend Gabriella back to the village when he'd heard Samuel was going to get her.
When Jason arrived at Mary's he was shocked to see how much Gabriella had changed in the time he'd been gone. She was no longer the teenage girl he remembered but instead an amazing, breathtaking woman. He certainly didn't remember her being as beautiful as he stared at her. The woman in front of him resembled Gabriella, yet she was significantly different, Gabriella's auburn hair had never been so exquisite, or her eyes so bright a green. He found her figure stunning and stuttered his greetings to her as he helped her secure her bag and help her onto her mount.
Jason was not the type of person to find himself speechless, yet the ride home was almost painfully silent. He would look at Gabriella and find her watching him under her long lashes, leaving him tongue tied. Whenever she would ask him questions his answers were short and to the point, leaving him feeling like an idiot.
The journey back to their village had been eye opening to him, as painful as it was. By the time they'd arrived home Jason had discovered he seriously enjoyed Gabriella's smiles that she'd flashed on occasion just for him. It was shortly after bringing her home he realized he was head over heels in love with her. She was constantly in his thoughts and he found himself happiest whenever she was nearby. He started finding excuses to visit her, and made it a point to know where she was going to be to run into her by “accident."
A few days after returning with Gabriella, Jason sat in front of her cottage with her, each of them on a stool with a bucket in front of them as they shelled peas. They bantered back and forth with each other, feeling some of their old friendship slowly returning as they became more comfortable with each other. But then the conversation stopped and the only sound was of peas bouncing off the sides of the bucket. Gabriella finally noticed Jason had stopped shelling, and just sat staring at her. She shelled a few more peas until she couldn't take the deafening silence or his staring any longer.
"Jason, why are you staring at me? Is there something on me?’ she asked brushing at her face.
"No, no you look ... fine,” he replied shifting on his stool.
"Then please, what is it? Why are you staring at me? You know, you've been acting strange since you brought me back. Every time I turn around, you're there, but then when I try to talk to you, it's like you don't want to talk to me."
"Have your eyes always been so green?’ he finally asked his cheeks turning a little pink, as if he were warm.
"I believe so,” she replied, not really understanding his question. “I don't know of anyone who can change the color of their eyes."
"And your hair color is the same?"
"Jason, I'm exactly the same as I was five years ago when you left. What's gotten into you? Why do you think I'm any different?” Her eyes searched his questioningly. She started to shake out her hand that had started to cramp from all the shelling she'd done. Jason reached and took her hand in his, starting to massage it, his rough hands surrounding her soft skin and delicate fingers.
He paused his massaging and looked at her. “I think something is different because when I was here before I don't remember my heart racing like it is now because you are so near to me. Because I never had such amazing urges to kiss your lips as I do now,” he finished quietly, as he released her hand back to her.
"Oh,” she replied speechless, thinking back to a few days ago when they had come home together. When he had shown up to return with her back to the village she had been quite surprised. She had expected Samuel, and seeing Jason after all these years had thrown her. She was shocked at how much he had changed, how much he'd grown. She remembered him a teenage boy who was somewhat awkward and unsure of himself, yet the person who had come to collect her was most definitely a man. She didn't remember him being so tall, or his shoulders being so wide and muscular. He walked with a stance of a man sure of himself, the awkward teen long gone. When he had hugged her hello, she was surprised with the hardness of his body against her, and when she had breathed in his scent it had left her breathless.
The ride home had been torture because she just wanted to stare at him in awe, so instead she preoccupied herself with asking him questions just so she wouldn't stare at him. There were many times during the ride home she had to control her urge to touch his arm, or reach out and touch a sculpted thigh.
She blinked her eyes as she brought herself back to the present, and thought of what he'd said. Gabriella thought of pressing her lips to his, and she felt a rush of excitement at the idea.
Filled with feelings she'd never experienced before, she leaned towards him, speaking in a soft voice. “Then there must be something in the air, because my heart feels the same when I am with you as well. Even now it pounds to break out of my chest.” She placed her hand over her breastbone to feel the intense pounding of her heart. It was right there, under her palm, beating mad like a drum.
"Really?” he questioned her, and she nodded to confirm what she had said. As she did, a stray lock of hair fell, to cover one of her eyes. She blew at it, but Jason reached to brush the hair back. After pushing the hair back he held her face between his palms and bent to touch his lips to hers. A small squeak escaped from her lips in surprise, but not at all in protest. He pulled back from her, reading the shock in her eyes, but noted there was no disapproval.
"Shall we try again, then?” he asked one lone eyebrow arching up, hoping she'd agree.
"Yes, I believe we must,” her voice was breathless with anticipation as she was already leaning in to him. The next time their lips touched, her lips were softer, more relaxed. When their tongues finally brushed against each other it was if lightning had passed between their bodies. Their passion washed over them, out of control, like the river when it was flooded and filled with wild currents. It was a fantastic feeling neither wanted to stop, and it hadn't since that first kiss a few months ago.

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Chapter Four

Randolph entered the cottage of Jason's Uncle Samuel without knocking. Jason stood with his back to the door, and assumed his uncle and his wife had returned, and started to speak without looking at who had entered.
"I finished repairing the barn, so the cows should be very happy now,” Jason joked.
"Jason, I wanted to talk to you,” Randolph stated in a serious tone, standing as if he belonged in this cottage that was not his.
Jason turned on his heels as soon as he heard the voice he had recently learned to despise. Anger shot through him that Randolph had the nerve to enter without permission.
"I was always under the impression one knocked and asked permission before entering another's home. I don't recall hearing that because one is the Dragon that they no longer need to have manners."
"I apologize,” Randolph breezed with a wave of his hand and obviously not meaning it at all. “I want to discuss tomorrow."
Jason now stood directly in front of Randolph with his hands on his hips ready for confrontation. “What of it?” Jason demanded. He was severely annoyed and wanted Randolph out of his uncle's home.
"If Gabriella is chosen, I want to know from you, since I know you are a man of your word, that you will not interfere,” Randolph said.
"She will not be chosen,” Jason replied calmly. He had thought that Randolph would try to get at him with this conversation and had worried he would attempt it in front of Gabriella. Jason had been relieved to get her back to her cottage earlier that evening without having to see Randolph. Jason was surprised however that Randolph had waited until this late, but had ultimately seen this coming.
"She can be. If she is, I want your solemn vow you won't interfere,” Randolph said with a raised voice to Jason.
"Randolph, you know that, if it were that she was chosen Ella knows the rules of the village and will do what is expected of her. As for me, you have nothing to fear. I have already sworn to my entire family I will respect the outcome. If she is chosen, you will have your night, but you must remember that she will be coming back to me, and we will have a lifetime of nights together."
"Very well, Jason,” Randolph said as he headed for the door, satisfied with Jason's answer, but not necessarily happy with it. “I just wanted to make sure you wouldn't cause trouble. I will leave now, but I want you to remember,” He said stopping at the door of the cottage “you can learn much about a person in just one night.” Randolph turned and walked out of the cottage without closing the door behind him.
Overcome by a sudden blinding rage Jason picked up a ceramic cup that sat on the table, and threw it into the unlit fireplace with such force it shattered into too many pieces to count. He muttered an oath under his breath, then turned and went to the door closing it harder than he had intended. He stopped and rubbed his eyes, breathing hard. He had not intended Randolph to get the best of him, yet somehow he had let him.
He hated Randolph as much as Ella did, maybe even more. The idea of his beloved Ella with Randolph made him sick, but this was the tradition of the village that had been followed for centuries. If by some chance she was chosen and had to spend the night with Randolph, he would make her forget all about it afterwards. His love for her was so strong; they would get through even that worse case scenario. In the end, no matter what, he and Ella would be together, and that really was all that mattered.
Before he had felt so sure Ella would be safe. Now, as the ceremony was only hours away, he felt doubt starting to creep into him. Next time he saw Ella he couldn't let her see his worry that she might actually be chosen. All they had to do was get through this last ceremony and she'd never be at risk again after they were married.
Jason started to pray to the Fates like he never had before. He begged them to spare his love from being mated to Randolph and he swore to them all he had, plus his loyalty forever. At the end of his praying he was covered with sweat and still uneasy knowing tomorrow was out of his hands.
He sighed a heavy sigh as he went to the fireplace to start picking up the pieces of the broken cup.

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Chapter Five

Gabriella heard the knock at the door, and immediately recognized it as Jason. He had come to walk with her to the ceremony as he had said he would last night. She ran her hands over her hair as she walked to the door, and she paused to calm her racing heart before opening it.
"Good morning, Ella,” Jason said as he leaned down to kiss her cheek. “How are you?” he asked trying to look into her eyes.
"I'm fine, better than yesterday, I swear. I just want this whole thing over with,” she replied, brushing invisible dust off her dress. She found it extremely difficult to look at Jason in the eyes. She was afraid she might start to cry if she had to really look at him.
He took hold of her by the shoulders, turning her towards him, making her face him. “Ella, look at me,” he pleaded. “Ella, no matter what happens, you are going to be fine, and we are going to be fine. If you are chosen, just remember, it's only one night. Do I like the idea of you with the Randolph? No, I hate it, but then it will be over and we will have the rest of our lives together. It will all work out, and no matter what, I love you."
She nodded to him as she felt tears burn her eyes. “I know, I know,” wiping the tears away. She grabbed him around the neck and pulled him to her in a fierce hug. He hugged her back, her trembling against him, and then they separated.
"You act all gentle, but you are a really strong woman. I think you may have cracked a rib,” he joked as he closed the door to her cottage while rubbing his side. The door closed, Jason took Gabriella by the hand, brought it to his lips, and kissed it.
As they walked Gabriella felt Jason's fingers tighten around her own in reassurance. She looked up at him and he gave her a wink, as if this was a normal morning, and that they were just out for a morning stroll.
It was hard to pretend that the morning was ordinary though, when they finally reached the center of town. Gabriella and Jason found they were almost the last to arrive to the ceremony. The single women who would participate were already separated from everyone else and Gabriella dreaded taking her place with them.
Jason turned to her as he said “I don't see my parents yet, or my grandfather, but Uncle Samuel is over there with Sara. Do you see them?” he asked pointing. “That is where I'm going to be, right over there with them.” He placed his hands on her waist so they faced each other and leaned in close to her “I love you Ella,” he whispered in her ear for her and she repeated the words back to him.
He stepped away from her and Gabriella turned to take her place in the line. Jason walked to his uncle and aunt as he said he would and when he reached them his uncle placed a hand on his shoulder as if to say everything would be alright. Jason's family knew how crazy in love he was with Gabriella, and how hard this was on him.
Gabriella stood in line and said hello to the women on both sides of her. The murmur of the villagers talking stopped as the village elder came to the center carrying the green velvet bag with the scales in it Gabriella hated it with all her heart. From where she stood she could hear the scales gently knocking against each other in the bag, like muffled wind chimes.
Behind the elder strode Randolph, dressed in his best clothing, head held high, looking as arrogant as ever. He stopped behind the elder and looked down the line at the women and when his eyes reached Gabriella he blatantly winked directly at her. She felt her stomach twist and looked to Jason. She saw his parents and grandfather had finally arrived, but from where he was standing he hadn't seen Randolph's wink. Relief washed over Gabriella because she knew if Jason had seen the wink he would have gone after him, Dragon or not.
The elder cleared his throat as he prepared to start the ceremony. “Today we select the Dragon mate, as we have always done here in this village. The eligible women will reach into the bag I now hold. The woman who chooses the emerald scale will be the chosen, and will mate with the Dragon in two days time, when the moon is full. We ask the Dragon to protect our village and keep us all from those who may wish to harm us. Hail to the Dragon,” the elder finished.
"Hail to the Dragon,” the villagers responded, and bowed their heads towards Randolph.
He nodded back beaming, clearly loving all the attention he was receiving from his fellow villagers.
The elder walked to one end of the line, and the first woman reached into the bag, and then pulled out a black scale. She looked utterly disappointed and Gabriella had to remind herself that some people looked at being the Dragon mate as a great honor and that not everyone saw it as a sentence to torture as she did. As the elder went down the line it was black scale after black scale. Gabriella's stomach started to hurt, because she had hoped someone would choose the emerald scale before they even got to her. The elder was now at the woman next to Gabriella, to her right. The woman pulled out a black scale and left the line to go stand with her family.
Gabriella's fear tightened in her belly as she knew her turn to choose a scale was upon her. The village elder stood in front of her he held the velvet green bag open in his aged hands.
Gabriella looked over to Jason and when their eyes met he slowly nodded his head to her. His eyes burned with a love for her that many live their lives without ever experiencing. She knew he held his breath now just as she held hers, despite his reassurances earlier. She glanced over to Randolph and he wasn't even trying to hide his excitement and was practically drooling at the mouth. Gabriella looked away from him, full of disgust.
As she slowly reached her hand into the bag, a slight tremble ran through the length of her arm. She closed her eyes, finally exhaling her long held breath. Everyone from the village had their eyes upon her, waiting to see which dragon scale she'd pull from the bag. The women who'd gone ahead of her had pulled out scales as black as a starless night. There were quite a few who had seemed genuinely disappointed they hadn't chosen the emerald scale and Gabriella hated knowing it was still in the bag.
As her hand was in the bag, her fingers gently grazed the scales in the bag. As she touched them one felt warmer to her than all the others. Her fingers wrapped around the warm scale and she confirmed to herself it was definitely giving off heat. She wasn't sure if that was a good sign or not. She looked to Jason as her fingers tightened over the scale her hand had chosen. It was as if her hand had made its own decision, without her telling it what to do. As she slowly pulled her hand out of the bag, she was terrified to see what she had chosen.
Jason tilted his head to get a better view of her hand emerging from the darkness of the velvet. Hand free from the bag, she looked at Jason as she stretched out her arm in front of her. Her fingers uncurled from the now hot scale and it sat in her upturned palm. She heard a collective gasp and murmurs from the crowd, as the blood drained from Jason's face even before she looked down at the emerald green scale now burning her palm.
As her world turned black and the ground rushed up to meet her she didn't even feel the flames when the scale ignited in the palm of her hand before disappearing.

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Chapter Six

Gabriella heard the low murmurs of voices around her talking, yet she wasn't able to fully understand what was being said. Her head was cloudy, as if she were awaking from a long, deep sleep. She thought she heard her name mentioned and as she lay there she started to remember what had happened. It was if she was trying to remember a dream, only scattered bits and pieces coming back to her. She had her turn to pick the scale, but as she thought back, she remembered it was almost as if the scale had chosen her. It had felt different in her hand, warm at first, without her even seeing it. When she had heard the villager's response, she had known she had chosen the dreaded emerald scale and Jason's face had only confirmed her fear before she'd hit the ground.
Gabriella realized that she was now lying on her stomach, her head turned to the side. She recognized Jason's angry voice among the few that spoke. Gabriella knew she was lying on a bed and for some reason she didn't know, the top of her dress had been pulled down, exposing her naked back. Why would she be in a room with people and her dress pulled down, she wondered?
She was starting to be able to understand what was being said and laid still, listening. From what she could understand there were people in the room talking about the Scale Ceremony. They spoke of Gabriella's turn and what had happened after she had pulled the scale from the bag.
"This is amazing. As a child I'd heard the prophecy, but I never thought I'd live to see it fulfilled in my lifetime.” The village elder shuffled towards the bed as he spoke. “When she came here years ago I never dreamed she'd be the one. To think she's lived such a simple life and now she's destined for greatness. We're truly honored she has lived among us and your children's children will talk of this day, of what we have witnessed."
"I don't understand what you are saying. You are telling us Gabriella is some ancient prophecy fulfilled? There has to be a mistake, she's not even originally from this village. There is no way she'll accept what you are proposing, you all know we are in love and were waiting to announce our marriage. She was willing to agree to be his mate for one night, but that was all, she will never agree to be his mate for life. There is simply no way,” his voice louder and louder as he spoke.
Gabriella's heart almost stopped at what she had just heard Jason say. Something had happened at the ceremony to make everyone think she should mate with the Dragon for life? That was impossible. Her mind raced, thinking of everything she knew of the ceremony. It made her brain hurt trying to think of why someone would mate with the Dragon for life.
Gabriella started to remember a story she had heard years ago, when she was a young girl, but it was a make believe, not the truth. It was a story that a woman would get the mark of the Dragon on her back, and that would show she was the soul mate of the Dragon, and that they would start a great race of people that would survive all time. They surely couldn't think she was the woman from the prophecy, that would be ridiculous. No wonder Jason was trying to talk some sense into them.
She thought suddenly again of how her dress was pulled down and that she was lying on her stomach, back exposed. They must have pulled down her dress in order to see her back. Her head reeled and she squeezed her eyes shut so hard they hurt, realizing she must have the mark on her back. If she had the mark on her back, then the prophecy would be true and she would be Randolph's soul mate. She fought back the bile that had risen in the back of her throat thinking about being with Randolph for the rest of her life.
"There is no denying it. Look at her back, she now has the mark. Randolph is most pleased the prophecy has come true for him."
"And what pleases Gabriella,” started Jason.
"Doesn't matter,” someone else in the room finished.
Gabriella felt someone's weight settle on the bed next to her, then Jason's familiar, gentle fingers started tracing on her back. He must be touching the mark of the Dragon on her, she thought. She wondered what it looked like, did it match the mark Randolph had across his chest? She didn't feel any different, but she realized her one hand hurt, throbbed as if she'd been burnt. The vague memory of a fire in her palm as she held the scale came to her, but only in fragments.
"Jason?” she whispered as she allowed her eyes to finally open. Her voice was hoarse and her throat was dry, like she had been yelling. She blinked a few times as she recognized the walls of her own cottage. The bed she had been lying on was her own. She had no recollection of leaving the ceremony to come here, so someone must have carried her, and she assumed it was Jason.
"How long have I been lying here?” she asked him.
"Hours. It's already past dinner. No one wanted to wake you after everything you've been through,” he said brushing her hair back.
"I've really done it, haven't I? Is it true, what they say? Do I have the mark on my back?” she asked him.
Jason turned away from her and looked at the villagers in Gabriella's home.
"I need to speak alone with Gabriella,” Jason said to everyone. People turned towards them, surprised she was awake. “Please, some privacy please,” he begged and his voice cracked.
The village elder looked at Jason and nodded, saying to the people “Let's leave the children alone. They have much to discuss,” and he led the villagers out of the cottage. Some of them bowed their heads to Jason, and he could tell from their expressions they felt sorry for them. Everyone knew how much Gabriella and Jason were in love.
Jason stood up and got Gabriella a cup of water. As he handed it to her she turned and sat up looking down at her exposed chest, then back to him. “Please tell me you did this and not Randolph,” she pleaded.
"Actually Sara did that, though I did help. Samuel got Randolph to leave when he started talking about how the Fates meant for the two of you to be together, and how the wait had been worth it. I think Samuel was afraid I might try my hand at dragon slaying."
Jason sat on the bed again with Gabriella and took her burned hand in his. He held it palm up as he muttered “Ouch, that must hurt.” He used Gabriella's own salve and wrapped it in a bandage for her.
"I think that will heal fine, but try to keep it dry,” he said to her as he went across the room to put the salve away in a cabinet.
Gabriella knew Jason was trying to put off the conversation that they had to have so Gabriella decided to just jump right in. “Do I really have the mark? Help me hold my hair back. I want to try to see it."
He helped her gather her hair and she turned her head and twisted her body to try to see her back. There was definitely something there, but she just couldn't see it well.
"Can you get me my mirror off the table over there?” she asked pointing across the room.
Jason went to get the mirror, holding it at an angle at her back so she could see the reflection. The image of a Dragon with its great wings spread went across her entire back. It was black and different shades of green making it stunningly beautiful yet terrifying at the same time.
"It takes your breath away, doesn't it?” she asked him.
He didn't answer her, but simply stood there staring and holding the mirror.
"Jason, how bad is this?” she asked him, part of her thinking she already knew the answer.
"Ella, I'm not going to lie to you. It's bad. Really bad. Apparently you are the woman of the prophecy. You are the soul mate of the Dragon. I wish there was a way to get you out of this, but I don't know how. There is no denying it after seeing the mark on your back."
"But you told me no one who was originally from outside the village had ever been chosen. So how did I get chosen to be the woman of the prophecy? You told me Randolph wouldn't lay a finger on me,” she finished accusingly. She didn't mean to lay the blame on him, but she had listened to him, and believed what he had told her.
"I hate to use your own words against you, but there's a first time for everything, and today I was wrong. It just never occurred to me that I was in love with the Dragoness."
"The what?” she asked. She had never heard that word before and didn't know what it meant.
"The Dragoness. The woman who would start the great race."
"Dragoness,” she repeated. “It sounds powerful, doesn't it? But I don't feel any different, I feel exactly the same.” She sighed before she continued. “So I have, what, two days before I have to go to Randolph?"
"Tomorrow will be your last day here before all the rituals start. You will leave tomorrow night to go to be prepared for the...” he paused before he finished “...mating with the Dragon, with Randolph."
Jason said his name with such hate and disgust it made Gabriella's heart hurt. There would be no great future for them after all. She would be with Randolph for the rest of her life. She could only imagine how he was off somewhere gloating about how he would finally have Gabriella, and as his soul mate, no less. After all the years of avoiding him, now she'd actually have to live with him. If she had anything in her stomach, she was sure she would have thrown it up.
Jason looked at Gabriella and couldn't remember her ever looking so full of despair. He wished he could just enfold her in his arms and make the entire world and its obligations disappear. He was at a loss for what to do next.
"Is there anything you want?” he asked her. It had been a long time since dinner last night and he thought she might be hungry.
Gabriella sat staring at the cup in her hands, like the water in it was the most amazing thing she'd ever seen. Seconds passed as he waited for her response and he thought that maybe she hadn't heard him. At last she looked at him and said “I want to forget."
"What?” he asked, not understanding what she meant.
"You asked me if I wanted something, and I do. I want to forget. I want you to make me forget today, like how you made me forget about the ceremony yesterday when we were down by the river."
Gabriella didn't want to think about Randolph, the Dragon, or prophecies any more. She wanted it all, desperately needed it all, out of her head.
Jason's reaction to her words was so fast, in less than a blink of an eye he had crossed the room and had her tight in his arms on her bed. She melted into his chest, her bare nipples brushing against the weave of his shirt. His lips brushed against her hair and he inhaled her scent, this time branding it into his memory forever.
Gabriella murmured to him “I'm not his yet, I'm still yours, I'm still yours."
The words she said tore at his heart, shredding it. Since they'd fallen in love he'd thought she'd be his forever, and now all they had left was one day. The irony wasn't lost on him that it was as if he and Randolph had traded places, now all he had was one night, and Randolph would have her forever. His prayers and begging hadn't worked and Jason had been abandoned by the Fates when he needed them the most.
He then vowed to himself he would do anything he could to make her forget this day, just as she wanted. He would make every second left with her count; make the most of the time they had left with each other.
Jason let go of Gabriella and rose from the bed. As he pulled off his shirt, he said to her “Ella, take off your dress and let's forget this day ever happened."
They were words Gabriella desperately needed to hear. She got up and wiggled out of her dress, pulling it down over her hips and it pooled at her feet on the floor. Before she was able to step out of it, a now naked Jason lifted her up and placed her on the bed. He took her by the shoulders and eased her back onto the pillows, and then laid down beside her. He turned his body to face hers, then reached out his hand to circle her belly button. Gabriella immediately relaxed at his familiar ways of caressing her body.
"Don't think of anything else tonight, just us,” he whispered before he leaned down and kissed her belly button lightly, then darted his tongue in its center. Gabriella knew she was wet between her legs just from that one dart of his tongue.
Jason took one of Gabriella's breasts in his hand, cupping the soft flesh and her nipples hardened from his touch. He bent down to her breast, and ran his tongue around the nipple, teasing it. Her nipples were both erect, and she moaned when he finally took a hard peak into his mouth, sucking on it. It was a wonderful sensation that burned a trail to between her legs. He pulled on the nipple with his teeth, as his fingers started to play with the other erect peak. She thought she'd go crazy the way he sucked hard on her nipples, making the fire between her legs grow hotter and hotter as she felt her wetness escaping her.
He raised his head to move his way down to her belly button again, his tongue darting in and out a few times before his tongue trailed down to the curls between her legs. He sat up and started to move from her side, to between her legs. Knowing his intentions she spread her legs for him, so he could kneel between them.
Bending down, Jason continued to kiss her curls like before. Gabriella's thigh muscles trembled as she widened her legs just a little bit more for Jason. He shifted his body further down before he bent his head to take his first taste of her.
Gabriella's body burned as Jason's tongue moved inside her, probing her inner folds. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the sensation of his tongue as he started to lick her. He paused for a moment, then a finger slid into her, stroking her clit as his tongue licked at her at the same time.
Her hips began to rise and fall so naturally that Gabriella didn't even notice the movement. All she knew was the pleasure she was experiencing, and that Jason was the root of the pleasure. She reached down to touch his hair as he was between her legs.
As he slid in and out of her at a faster pace Gabriella started getting breathless, and her moans became longer and deeper. Jason could tell that she was getting close to her climax and he stopped abruptly. She moaned in protest, but only for a second, until she realized he was on top of her, balancing on one forearm. He took his throbbing erection in his other hand and slid it deep inside of her. Her body accepted his eagerly and she wrapped her legs around him as he kissed her neck. He buried himself in her as deeply as she could take him.
They stared into each others eyes as he drove himself into her deeper and faster with each thrust. Gabriella felt herself reaching her climax and closed her eyes.
"Ella, open your eyes. Look at me,” he panted, never slowing his thrusts.
She opened her eyes to meet his as her climax washed over her, baring her very soul to him at that moment. Jason sucked in a breath as he came inside her, his eyes never leaving hers for a second.
"You will always be mine,” Jason promised her before he bent down to kiss her lips. He pulled back from her and started to lift himself away from her, but she quickly stopped him. She held him by the shoulders, pulling him to her and she locked her ankles around his waist.
"Don't move yet. I want you to stay in side me just for a little while longer, ok?"
He didn't know what to say, he was moved by her words. He nodded and planted gentle kisses in her hair.
Gabriella lay with Jason blanketing her, and she was safe. She couldn't imagine her life without him, but she knew she'd find out soon enough. It dawned on her that Jason had once again made her forget, just as she'd asked him to. She sighed as she thought about how much she loved this man who lay across her.
Jason smiled as he realized the sound coming from under him was of Gabriella snoring. She had fallen asleep with him on top of her, still in her. He lifted himself up and lay down beside her, gathering her in his arms.
He stroked her cheek and she murmured something unintelligible in her sleep. As he looked at her he thought about their future apart. He couldn't fathom how he was supposed to live in the same village with Gabriella once she was living with Randolph. The village wasn't that large, and they would run into each other every day. He knew it would kill him or make him crazy seeing her and knowing they could never be together, and his being there would be hell on Gabriella as well.
Jason slowly came to the realization he just couldn't stay there, he was going to have to move out of the village. It was the smartest thing to do, and the only way he'd have half a chance to keep his sanity. He knew his family would understand why it was necessary for him to leave. She would always be in his mind, everyday, but at least then he wouldn't have to see her living with someone else.
He would have to tell Gabriella before she left to go with Randolph. He looked down at the goddess sleeping at his side and a lone, silent tear escaped his eye and ran down his cheek. Saying good bye to her was going to be the hardest thing he'd ever done in his life.

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Chapter Seven

There was a knocking, over and over and Gabriella wished it would stop. She opened her eyes to look around the room, and saw Jason asleep next to her. It took her a moment to remember that he had spent the night with her. She thought he looked incredibly sexy with his rumpled hair, and her blanket half covering his naked body. Gabriella stared at him, realizing this was the first time she'd ever spent an entire night with him. She then saddened when she realized it was the last as well.
"What is that noise?” he asked never opening his eyes.
"I think someone is at the door,” she answered, surprised he was awake.
"Hold on,” Jason yelled as he sat up and looked for his pants, found them lying on the floor, and pulled them on. “Hold on,” he said again, this time even louder as he headed for the door to see who was knocking. Gabriella took the blanket to cover herself as he walked across the room.
When he opened the door the brightness from the morning was blinding. He squinted into the sunshine and held an arm up to block some of the light. His Aunt Sara and a few of her friends stood at the door with a large wicker basket.
"Aunt Sara is something wrong?” he asked.
"Oh, no honey. We just thought you and Gabriella would be spending the day together here, so we put together this basket for you."
Jason was moved that they realized this was their last day together. “Thank you so much, everyone. We both appreciate everyone thinking about us."
"And don't worry; you will have total privacy until they come later tonight to gather Gabriella. Your uncle is taking care of Randolph today,” and she gave him a wink.
He nodded to her imagining what Samuel was going to have to do to keep Randolph away from Gabriella's cottage. “Thanks Aunt Sara,” he said and kissed her on the cheek. The women all said their goodbyes and Jason went back inside and closed the door behind him.
He brought the basket to the bed and opened it, allowing various smells to permeate the room and they both realized they were starving.
"This was really nice of them,” Gabriella said as she lifted a muffin out of the basket. “Not just the food. I mean, keeping Randolph away, too."
Jason only nodded, not wanting to talk about Randolph and they ate in silence. When they were finished Gabriella took the basket to the table across the room. As she turned to walk back to the bed, she saw Jason had taken off his pants and was on her bed naked. He was lying back against the pillows, his hands behind his head.
Her eyes slowly traveled down his body, ingraining every inch of skin, every muscle into her memory. She wanted to have a perfect memory of him naked on her bed for the rest of her life.
"You are the most beautiful man alive,” she said to him as she walked towards the bed.
"How many have you seen, exactly?” he asked her jokingly an eyebrow arching up.
"Well, just you, but I'm sure there can't be anyone more beautiful than you,” she answered.
She reached the bed and sat down next to him. Her fingers touched the center of his chest before they moved from one nipple to the other, making them stiff pebbles under her fingers.
Gabriella knelt at his side and started kissing his chest, her silky hair falling down around her head, fanning over his naked skin. She ran her tongue over his hard nipples then started kissing him down to his belly button. Her hands moved over his chiseled abdomen muscles, and the muscles contracted under his skin.
She placed one lone kiss on his belly, in the center before she started her path down to his curly hair between his legs. She took hold of his erection and it throbbed in her hand, hard muscle over the softest skin. Gabriella looked up to him and smiled before she kissed his hardness down its long shaft and his body shuddered under her touch. Gabriella licked at the tip of his hardness, then took him in her mouth as deeply as she could, filling her throat. She then slid him out of her mouth and licked the outside of his shaft, up and down. When Gabriella looked at Jason, his eyes were closed and he was licking his lips.
Sitting up she straddled him, then bent down to kiss his chest again. As she sat up she raised her body and guided him into her with her hand. Leaning forward, she ground herself down on him, getting him as deeply into her as her body would allow.
"That is so good, Ella,” Jason breathed as he reached up to touch her breasts. He plucked at her nipples as his hips rose to meet her grinding motion.
Gabriella grabbed Jason's knees behind her and slid her hands down his legs, arching back, until her head was down by his ankles. As she was arched back Jason started rubbing her clit and she moaned as she sat herself back upright over him again.
Jason gently rolled Gabriella over so she was now under him, staying inside her the whole time. She pulled her knees towards her chest, allowing him to penetrate her deeper.
His long strokes inside her started to gain momentum and Gabriella lowered her legs to move with him. Her fingernails raked over his back leaving scratch marks as she finally came. While her body was still contracting around him, Jason climaxed. They lay together gasping for breath, until he eased off her and she moved herself into his waiting arms, snuggling against his muscular body. They drifted off to a peaceful sleep together, both knowing it was the last time they'd be like this together, but neither one mentioning it out loud.
Gabriella woke with her head resting on Jason's hard stomach as he played with her hair, twirling it around his fingers. She could see there wasn't much daylight left, so their time left together would be short.
"Good afternoon, sleepyhead. Were you having pleasant dreams?” Jason asked her.
"No, actually I had a nightmare. I was with Randolph and we saw you and I wanted to go to you, but I knew I couldn't. But it's not really a nightmare, is it? Because after tomorrow, it will be real. Jason, the hardest thing is going to be seeing you, and knowing we can never be together. How are we going to handle that?” she asked.
Jason shifted under her, uncomfortable with the conversation she had started. He meant to discuss this a little later, but their time was running out.
"Actually,” he started slowly, “we won't have to handle it at all. I was going to tell you that I'm going to move away from the village. I'm going back to the town where I studied. When I left they had offered me a position, and said it was mine whenever I wanted it. When they come to get you later I'm going to go home and pack my things and when you come back, I'll be gone."
Gabriella sat up to look at Jason in disbelief. “So you're just going to leave? What about your family? And so we'll just never see each other again? Oh my God,” she cried putting her hands up to cover her face. Jason sat up and put his arm around Ella, pulling her to him.
"Ella, it will really be for the best. It might not seem like it now, but I can't turn off my emotions. How am I supposed to see you with Randolph every day? What about when you start having his children? It will kill me to see it, thinking you should be with me; your belly should be swollen with my babies, not his. It's not that I love you any less, it's that I love you so much."
As he declared his love for her Gabriella wiped the tears that were falling freely from her eyes. She wondered how had their perfect love turned into such a tragic mess?
"Ella, I promise you, I will love you forever. I will never love another woman the way I love you. Besides, I'm going to be leaving my heart here with you, so I'll never have anything to give someone else."
He turned to her to face her as he talked.
"Anytime I want to be with you, all I'll have to do is close my eyes. I have so many fantastic memories with you, I'll never be alone,” he said as he brushed back her hair. “I want you to do the same. Anytime you need me, close your eyes and think back to our time together and I'll be right by your side. I will always be in your heart, right here,” he said as he touched her heaving chest.
"This is really happening,” she murmured in disbelief. “I was so worried about spending one night with Randolph, like it was the worst thing that could happen to me, or to us. I had no idea.” and started to cry again. He hugged her to him and tried to soothe her as her body shook.

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Chapter Eight

The knock they were both dreading came too soon. “I'll get it,” Gabriella said and went to answer the door. She opened it to find the four women who would take her into the forest where they would prepare her for tomorrow. A weak attempt of a smile crossed her lips as she greeted them.
"I'll be ready in a few minutes, please,” she explained. The women could see Jason inside, standing beside the table looking tense.
"We'll just wait here,” said one of the women and she reached for the door to close it to give them some privacy for their goodbyes.
Gabriella turned to face Jason. “This is it, then, this is goodbye."
She went across the room to him, to his waiting open arms. They clung to each other, his face buried in her hair, her head against his chest. They finally pulled back to look at each other, then moved in for one last kiss. It was the most soul wrenching kiss either had ever experienced.
"Remember everything I told you, Ella,” Jason said. “I love you."
"I love you, Jason,” she replied as she grabbed his hand and kissed it across his knuckles.
"They're waiting for you Ella,” he said as they turned to walk to the door. When they reached the door Gabriella opened it and the four women turned to her in unison.
"Ready dear?” one of the women asked her. Gabriella could only nod her head since she knew she was unable to speak. They gathered around her, putting their arms around her, as if protecting her from an unseen assailant. She turned around to look at Jason as they led her away and he mouthed the words “I love you” to her.
As they turned to go onto the path into the forest, she turned one last time to see him still standing in her doorway and he waved to her. She waved back before she stepped onto the path and entered the forest.

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Chapter Nine

Gabriella was following the women to the dragons cave. As they walked through the forest, they were careful where they stepped because even though there was a path, it was not used often and therefore difficult to see. They had prepared her all morning and now she was on the way to her destiny.
Last night they had taken her to the cabin where they spent the night. They had made her dinner, and tried to convince her to eat, but she had no appetite. They woke her early in the morning to get her ready for Randolph and she did whatever the women asked her to, without emotion.
The women had bathed her in water scented with oil and flower petals that at any other time she would have enjoyed. She had felt their eyes burn in her back as they stared at the mark that branded her the Dragoness. She knew the mark was both beautiful and frightening, for nothing from their own world could have created it. It was simply magical and difficult to pull your eyes away from.
They had dressed her in the most beautiful gown she had ever seen. It was a deep emerald green, with dark green floral embroidery around the bell sleeves and the scooped neckline. It went in at the waist, and flared out at her hips to a full skirt just skimming the ground as she walked. It was a stunning dress, but she knew Randolph would never appreciate such an exquisite garment.
Her hair was down and the women had made curls through it. There were wild flowers woven in her hair, setting off the rich, auburn color.
They had told her she was beautiful when they had finished, and she believed them, but she didn't care because her heart was full of sorrow. She couldn't help but think that all these preparations should have been for her wedding with Jason, not to be the mate to Randolph.
As they got closer to the opening of the cave, the constant chatter of the women stopped. Soon they were in front of the enormous cave, the lair of the Dragon. Gabriella looked to the old women for direction since she wasn't sure what she was supposed to do.
"Come dear,” one of the women said and they all entered the cave. As they walked through the opening, the unlit torches on the walls lit by some invisible hand, casting flickering shadows along the walls. Gabriella was amazed at the size of the cave and she wondered just how large the Dragon was, since she'd never seen it herself.
They walked to the back of the cave where Gabriella saw a large, round bed. She closed her eyes and inhaled, wishing she were anywhere else but there.
One of the women opened a pouch she wore around her waist, and started to toss different colored rose petals from it onto the bed. They told her to climb onto the bed and as she did they reached at her, straightening her dress.
"The Dragon will arrive soon Gabriella. Just stay here and he'll come to you. We will see you both in the morning back at the village."
"Thank you for all your kindness,” she started, but felt a lump in her throat. Tears started to swell in her eyes when she thought that when she went back to the village, Jason would be gone. One of the women leaned over and patted her hand in understanding.
The four women left, leaving Gabriella alone, sitting on the bed waiting for the Dragon to arrive.
It seemed as if she was waiting forever and she started getting angry that Randolph was making her wait so long. She was sure he was prolonging her agony on purpose, planning his grand entrance to impress her.
Finally Gabriella heard a noise that grew louder and louder, as it seemed to come closer. Her stomach clenched as she realized she heard the Dragon approaching.
The opening of the cave became dark as the massive Dragon entered, blocking the sunlight with its body. Gabriella sucked in her breath, surprised at its size. What stood before her was the most amazing and terrifying beast she had ever laid eyes on.
The Dragons wings were huge and almost a transparent green, its skin covered with black and green scales that sparkled in the light. There was a horn out of its nose, its nostrils flared, and it had a long tail that twitched and swayed behind it. The beast flapped its wings, making all the torches flicker from the air it stirred. It looked at her as it started walking the length of the cave towards her on the bed. She told herself not to be scared, that this was just Randolph, and she shouldn't be so frightened.
When the Dragon had reached the bed, it sat in front of it and blinked at her. When it spoke, it wasn't Randolph's voice she heard, but a gravelly voice that seemed to match the beasts appearance.
"Please do not be frightened of me. I know the Dragon is frightening, but as my mate for life, I do not want you to fear me. Perhaps in time you will love the Dragon as you love the man."
Gabriella swallowed before she spoke. She wasn't scared of Randolph the man, but as the Dragon he was very intimidating.
"Let's get this straight from the beginning. I am here for the village and its people, not for any feelings I have for you. I want that to be very clear, I will never love you. You can have my body, but you will never, ever have my love."
"You sound very sure of yourself but perhaps in time you will learn to love me,” replied the Dragon.
Gabriella shook her head disagreement and said “It's impossible. I can't love you because I don't have my heart anymore. My heart left the village to live somewhere else, without me. My heart left with Jason, so I have nothing to give you. No matter how long I live, however long this union lasts, I will never love you."
The Dragon shifted onto its feet before it spoke again. “There is no chance of you ever loving anyone besides Jason? I've heard his plan to leave and never return again. You are just going to live the rest of your life without love?"
"Oh, I will live with love, that you can be sure. The love I shared with Jason was enough for my entire lifetime and I can still be with him anytime I want. Whenever I close my eyes I can see him as if he's here, right beside me. I can still feel his kiss, his touch on me. My memories will never fade and he will be with me always."
By the time she was finished speaking Gabriella couldn't hold back the tears in her eyes any longer. They burned her eyes and rolled down her cheeks.
The dragon lifted a giant claw and slowly reached towards Gabriella to catch a tear. It held it up to its eyes to inspect the glistening tear.
"Please don't cry,” it growled. Gabriella wiped her face and tried to regain her composure.
"So what next then?” she asked the Dragon.
"I believe we will begin the mating ritual. When we have finished, you will be my permanent soul mate, bound to me for life. Together we will fulfill the prophecy passed down through centuries, and lead our village to greatness."
The time that Gabriella had dreaded was finally upon her. She had to summon every ounce of strength her body held to help her get through this moment.
"What exactly do I do? I mean,” she stammered
"Undress and lay on the bed, and I will come to you,” the Dragon directed.
Gabriella sat on the edge of the bed to remove her shoes, then stood up from the bed to remove her dress. As she gathered up the dress to pull it over her head, she thought of how she hated to be naked in front of Randolph. She told herself to relax since things would only get worse before getting better.
After taking off the dress, she sat back on the bed naked, and the dragon stared at her for a moment, finally saying “You are so beautiful."
Any compliment he gave was not going to make her feel any better. She simply said “Thank you,” and sat in silence.
"Now simply lay back, and I will take my human form,” the Dragon instructed her.
Gabriella laid back as she was told with her arms down at her sides, waiting for Randolph to come to her. She stared at the flickering shadows that danced across the ceiling of the cave.
There were sounds she never heard before and as she stared at the ceiling she saw a flash of light so bright she had to quickly close her eyes. The light had come from where the Dragon had stood before the bed.
There was silence, and then she heard the padded sound of footsteps heading towards her. She could feel the weight of his body climb onto the bed, and she closed her eyes trying to suppress a shudder.
His body made its way closer to her and she felt naked skin touch her leg. A hand touched her face, then her neck, and finally her breast. As the hand caressed her breast she felt her nipples harden and she got angry at her body for betraying her so quickly.
Gabriella felt him climb over her, to straddle her and she felt his rock hard erection pressing against her stomach. Her breathing was shallow, and she realized her skin had gotten cold from lying there. She didn't want to open her eyes to see him over her or to see the look of triumph on his face, so she just lay still and waited for his next move.
To her amazement she felt a lone finger start to circle her belly button, then touch its center. She felt him move over her, then the softest lips kissed her belly button. Her stomach muscles contracted, and Gabriella slowly opened her eyes to look up at the man straddling her. As he lifted his head slowly to meet her gaze, Gabriella gasped in disbelief. It was not Randolph who sat over her, but Jason, his eyes shining and a smile on his lips. Gabriella looked at his chest, and saw the large mark of the Dragon that was now there. She reached with one of her hands and her fingertips skimmed over the mark.
"Ella,” Jason breathed as her fingers traced the Dragon. The mark on his chest was just as stunning as the mark on her back. Her fingers grazed against his nipples and they were hard, his skin taut.
"How?” she whispered as slow tears escaped from her eyes. “There can only be one Dragon."
"Randolph is dead. He died sometime yesterday, and no, I didn't kill him, as much as I was tempted to. This morning when I woke up I found this on me,” he explained, pointing to his chest. “Uncle Samuel went to Randolph's cottage and found him on the floor dead."
"So, I am not his soul mate then,” she said full of relief. She would not have to live the rest of her life with Randolph, and she'd never been so grateful in her life.
"No, Ella, you are my soul mate. I am now the Dragon, so you are mine. You see, I had prayed to the Fates, and I thought they had abandoned me, or ignored me, but they were listening, and answered my prayer. Even the Fates agree that we belong together,” Jason explained.
"When the women were helping me get ready to come here, I kept thinking that I should be getting ready to marry you, not to go to Randolph. Here I was getting ready for you after all,” she told him and started to smile through the tears.
He leaned down and gave her the longest, deepest kiss he'd ever given her. Their tongues brushed against each other gently at first, then with more urgency. Gabriella pulled back from him and laid her open palm across his chest. She felt warmth spread across her back where her Dragon mark was. The warmth wrapped around her arm and down to her fingers and open palm.
"Jason,” she gasped as the heat spread from her open hand onto his chest. They both looked down at his chest, and his mark started to glow green, then returned back to normal
"I have no idea what just happened, but that was amazing,” she said.
"It was you,” Jason stated. “You're amazing. When I came into the cave and saw you in that dress ... I've never seen you look as beautiful as you do today, and I've never wanted you more.” The look in his eyes told her he was telling the truth.
"Then make love to me, my fantastic Dragon,” she said to him, pulling him back down to her. They kissed passionately with a fire they knew would never burn out.
Gabriella parted her legs and reached down to take his hardness in her hand, stroking him once before guiding him into her wetness. Once he had filled her completely, they paused reveling the fact that they were together again, this time forever
"You are my soul mate,” Jason stated to Gabriella
"I am your soul mate,” Gabriella agreed.
Jason slowly started to move inside her and Gabriella was overwhelmed with emotions as her body trembled at Jason's touch. His pumping in and out of her increased, her mind reeled with the knowledge that she was indeed Jason's soul mate. Their bodies were covered with sweat and Gabriella's nails raked over Jason's back that still had fresh scratches from yesterday.
She was almost at the brink of climax and when he bent to kiss her, she felt her climax roll over her from her head to her toes. A few seconds later Jason sucked in his breath as he came inside her, joining her in ecstasy.
Jason slid off of her and gathered her in his arms promising her forever in her ear, and his whispering and promises gave her the chills.
She knew they'd have their forever after all, even though it wasn't how they had planned. They would be married and Jason would protect the village as the Dragon.
They would start the great race together, and Gabriella thought they might have even started it right now, when they had made love. She was the Dragon's true soul mate, and she would fulfill the ancient prophecy passed down from long ago, for she was the Dragoness.
The End




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