Dragon's Claim Read online

  "I'm honored that you've brought me here, allowed me to see your secret place."

  "I would not want to share it with anyone else," I say with a smile.

  I trust her. With my heart and with this place. Her answering smile is as filled with love as mine no doubt is.

  When she turns away to look at a small, detailed box, I know this is the opportunity I have been waiting for. I take the necklace I made for her out of my pocket.

  "I have something else for you too," I tell her, stepping close.

  She turns with a question on her lips before her eyes fall on the gift and widen.

  "Bashir..." she whispers, shaking her head, her eyes shining as she stares at it. "It's gorgeous."

  I traded some of my stormglass for sparkling, deep green ores from a New Villager. Drilling holes in them carefully, I had then strung them along some smooth twine to create the jewelry.

  I gesture for her to turn around. She does, and I carefully fasten the piece around her slender neck. It looks as though it belongs there.

  "It is a token of my mating claim," I explain, leaning down to lay a soft kiss on the side of her neck.

  She turns to me, blushing, as she skims her fingers over the eye-catching necklace.

  "I hope you will see you as I see you," I add, cupping the side of her face, the green of her eyes so much more beautiful than my gift. "Precious. Blooming under pressure. A reflection of my heart."

  "Oh Bashir," she responds, blinking back tears. "I love it. It's absolutely perfect. And I love you."

  She rises up on her toes to kiss my lips with her soft ones. The heat that flows between us now is tender, sweet. I slide my hands down to her hips, and carefully guide us to the plush pallet I have set up on one side.

  Sighing, she drops down onto the softness, holding me close when I come down on top of her. We touch each other slowly, savor each sensation as if we have all the time in the world. In that hidden place, just the two of us, it feels as though that is possible. Our clothes come off leisurely, until skin slides against skin, until I cannot resist the hot temptation of her body any longer. When I slide into her warm clasp, I am home.

  She is mine.

  And I am hers.

  I kiss her as I move in her, the softness of her body cradling mine so perfectly. Her face is flushed, her bright hair sticking to it as she gives in to the passion. She is so beautiful. I can watch her like this forever. When the pleasure finally overtakes her, she cries out into my mouth, her fingers gripping my shoulders. Her climax brings my own. I shudder above her, the release deep and more meaningful than the physical act itself.

  I will never grow tired of her. I love everything about her, but most of all I love her spirit. And that will never change. Afterwards, we eat the food I brought with us, exchanging kisses and caresses that keep the heat simmering at comfortable level.

  Then I show her the small, clear spring. She delights in playing in it with me, laughing and splashing me, her happiness making my own chest feel full. Until I have to touch her again. Kiss her again. Make love to her again.

  The next few days, all we do is absorb each other. Eat, drink, bathe. And join our bodies. We are almost never not touching in some way. Her hand in mine. Her back against my front as we lie on the palette. Her leg brushing mine in the water. I feel drunk on her when the end of our time approaches. We hold each other close while we lay on the palette, Penelope tracing my face with her fingertips, her eyes dark and satisfied.

  "I don't want to leave," she confesses, her tone tender.

  I kiss her fingers.

  "I will never forget this time with you," I agree. "It is a wonderful dream that I do not want to end."

  She smiles, propping herself up on my chest.

  "Yes. But I mean Tajss." I still under her. She does not want to leave Tajss? But she has always hated it here. She smiles at my response. My face likely gave my thoughts away. "I have everything I need right here. And for the first time since I got here...I can't imagine leaving." She searches my eyes. "I love you, Bashir. So much."

  Turning us over so she is underneath me, I lean down to kiss her, pouring my emotions into the play of my mouth on hers.

  Her words are...everything.

  "I love you, Penelope," I whisper, my lips brushing hers. "My treasure."

  She is the one I always dreamed of.

  But I could never have imagined someone so perfect for me.

  The story will continue! Turn the page to see how to subscribe and be the first to know when the next Red Planet Dragons of Tajss book is released!

  Miranda Martin

  USA Today Bestselling Author

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  About the Author

  USA Today Bestselling Author of fantasy and scifi romance, Miranda Martin's books feature larger than life heroes with out-of-this-world anatomy and smart heroines destined to save the world. As a little girl she would sneak off with her nose in a book, dreaming of magical realms. Today she brings those fantasies to life and adores every fan who chooses to live in them for a while.

  She was born and raised in southern Virginia, but as a veteran she's traveled to places like Korea, Hawaii and good 'ole Texas. Now she's settled in Kansas, the heart of America, with her husband and daughters. Her favorite animals are dragons, unicorns and cats. If she's not writing, you can still find her tucked away somewhere with a warm blanket and her nose in a book.

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  mirandamartinromance.com

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