Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 86059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 430(@200wpm)___ 344(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 430(@200wpm)___ 344(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
“Looks like we both have a lot of questions. I’m dying to know about this panty program,” Gwen says, shooting a look over at Azar.
“Now that we are all together, it seems there are a great many things for us to talk about,” Azar says easily. He takes a cup of tea and lifts it to his mouth, all elegant manners. “Where shall we begin?”
“Panties,” Gwen says flatly.
“Panties,” Melina agrees.
“I just want to know if my friends are okay,” I add, shoving another huge bite of pancake into my mouth. Jurik, are you getting this conversation? Do you need me to translate?
I can understand it through your thoughts. His arm is around my waist, tight, and he reaches out and takes one of the peaches, sniffing it before offering it to me. You wanted one of these?
Oh god, yes. It’s been forever since I’ve had fruit and I snatch it from him greedily. He rubs my back as I bite in, and I can feel the pleasure in his mind as he “feeds” me. I know my table manners are terrible, but I don’t care.
“Your friends are fine,” Azar says, a hint of irritation in his tone. He lowers his teacup. “The program continues on as it always has, though there have been no other successful lures.”
“Program? Lures?” Melina asks.
“I am keeping the young, unattached females of this fort safe,” Azar says after a moment. “I put them in the barracks, I feed them and clothe them, and they are not to leave the fort without a guard. I keep them safe from the soldiers, from the other men in the fort and ensure that they do not have to sell their bodies in order to eat. In exchange for this, they hand over their clothing to be used as scent lures, and they venture out into the scavenge lands in the hopes of calling a dragon to them to tame him.”
“Except they don’t know they’re being used as dragon bait,” I offer, my mouth full. “I found out after Ju—my dragon found me. He smelled me and killed my guard—”
Gwen gasps. “He killed your guard?”
“It’s okay,” I offer. “He was a rapey asshole.”
Gwen’s gaze flicks to my scars and she flinches. “Is that…”
“Nope. Dragons.” I smile thinly and show my amputated arm. “Dragons happened.”
Is that why you tried to run from me? Jurik asks, his thoughts piercing into mine. Because you were hurt in the past?
I ran from you because you were a dragon and you guys eat my people, I point out to him.
Do you hate me for it? He rests his chin on my shoulder, and I can feel his gaze on me.
I turn slightly, until I meet his eyes. No, I don’t hate you. I could never hate you.
His eyes flare a brighter gold with pleasure and I bask in the warmth of his gaze as Azar and Melina argue nearby. It’s clear that Melina had no idea about the program and she is not happy. She thinks the women should be made aware of what they’re volunteering for, but I don’t think it matters. No one has options in the After. And being with a dragon? It’s…not so bad.
Not so bad? Jurik’s eyes flare with amusement. Such praise.
I don’t want it to get to your head, I tease.
Was it not so bad when I had my mouth between your thighs this morning and made you scream? he asks, his teeth gently nipping at my shoulder through my T-shirt.
I choke on a bite of peach. You’re distracting me. I try to focus in on Azar and Melina’s argument, but Jurik’s mouth is taking all my attention, and my body is starting to respond. Not right now, not right here.
“So…this program of yours,” Gwen begins, glancing over at me before turning to Azar again. “It’s obvious it works. At what point were you going to let me and the others in on it, since we’re supposed to be partners?”
“Partners?” I echo, coughing on more peach juice.
Jurik helpfully grabs the nearest glass of water and sniffs it, then holds it out to me so I can drink.
“Partners,” Gwen agrees, her tone flat. “Because of the danger. Or is that another lie? Another half-truth full of omissions so we can let down our guard?”
“I still want to talk about the women,” Melina continues, her tone snapping fire at Azar. “You—”
“Enough!” Azar slams his hand on the table, making the silverware rattle.
I jump, just a little, and Jurik’s arm tightens around me and he growls. Vaan is growling, too. Melina and Gwen just look pissed.
“The danger is real,” Azar says, cold fury in his voice. “Why do you think I make this program? Why do you think I focus so hard on finding more dragons?”
“Because you’re an evil son of a bitch?” Gwen offers.