Other times, he’d spend all day in bed with her, taking her slow and long. Toying with her. Teasing her. Like he had all the time in the world. Both worked wonderfully for her and she’d already begun to plan their argument for the night. She had the feeling the fruit he’d brought in the other day wasn’t ripe enough.
Aye. That’ll work.
Smiling, Talaith crouched beside the cave entrance watching the rain fall. This way in was at ground level by a stream and was not big enough for Briec to enter in dragon-form, which could explain why he knew nothing about it. He still thought there were only two entrances into his cave, but she’d discovered five others. When the time was right, she’d tell him about those extra entrances. No matter how this all ended, she’d want to make sure he remained safe long after she was gone.
Looking up at the dark sky, Talaith hoped Briec would be all right. He’d left nearly an hour before with promises of returning with something special for her besides the fresh supply of bread she truly needed. She couldn’t begin to guess what his “something special” may be, but she didn’t care. Trinkets, gifts, even his treasure meant nothing to her because wealth couldn’t buy her what she needed.
The torrent of rain stopped suddenly and she glanced up at the two suns shining brightly overhead. Startled, Talaith looked around. Unwilling to miss this opportunity of getting out of the cave for even a few minutes, she stepped away from the entrance, breathing in the fresh scent of a rain-doused forest.
She’d only gotten a few feet away when she felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise. Her eyes closed and she almost moaned in despair.
“Hello, Talaith. Miss me?”
Shaking with rage and fear and outright hatred, Talaith slowly dropped to her knees and bowed her head before the deity. “My Goddess.”
* * *
“Guess who?”
Blinded by small hands over his eyes, Briec smiled at the teasing voice in his ear. “Hell and damnation?”
“Well that was just mean.” He turned and his baby sister punched his arm. “You’re all so mean to me.”
“No we’re not…except Morfyd.”
The beautiful redhead smiled and he marveled at how much she reminded them all of Gwenvael, only female. And a tad bit lustier.
“That’s because she lets me torture her. I don’t know why she blames me for her own weakness.”
“Brat.”
She giggled and threw herself into her brother’s arms. “I missed you, brother. I haven’t seen you in ages.”
“Aye. I’ve been busy.”
His sister pulled away, smiling up at him. “And with whom were you busy?”
“That, baby sister, is none of your business.”
She pouted and he bet that worked on all the males, human and dragon, who had graced her bed. “You’re no fun.”“And you are a spoiled brat. Guess that makes us even.”
Keita the Red Viper Dragon of Despair and Death—as one unfortunate town named her after their failed attempt to enslave her with chains so she could be their guardian—twirled around showing off her expensive gown. “Isn’t this lovely?”
“And who died to give you this?”
She looked affronted. “No one. But I do have someone for you to meet.” She motioned to three knights who quickly headed their way, angrily eyeing Briec.
“They don’t know everything about me, brother,” she whispered. “So I’d appreciate it if you not mention it yourself.”
Briec shook his head. His sister was absolutely shameless and yet she never embarrassed him like Gwenvael often did. He found her entertaining.
The knights strode to a stop beside Keita, surrounding her.
“And who is this, m’lady?” One of them asked, glaring at Briec as if he’d done something.
“This, my loyal knights, is my brother, Briec.”
Once they realized he was kin, they all visibly relaxed and nodded greetings.
“Isn’t he handsome? As all my brothers are.” She winked at Briec. “If you’re kind to him, perhaps he’ll let us stay in his home.”
Briec knew exactly what his little sister was up to. She must have grown bored with these men, but those days of using humans for sport and then dinner were long gone. With Fearghus having a human mate and their queen awarding the Mad Bitch of Garbhán Isle the loyalty of all dragons, it would be in bad taste to toy with them.
Besides, he knew Talaith wouldn’t appreciate it one bit. And that was enough to ensure he not get involved.
“Unfortunately, little sister, that will not be possible.”
The pout returned. “Oh?”
He looked at the three men. “Perhaps another time.”
Keita took his arm. “Would you excuse us a moment, gentlemen?” She walked off, not bothering to wait for their answer. “You have changed, brother.”
“Not really. We all have to grow up eventually.”
“Why? I’m only a hundred and ninety winters. I have years to go before I have to be as boring as Fearghus or Morfyd.”
Chuckling, Briec leaned down and kissed his sister’s forehead. “Do be careful, brat. You play with fire too often.”
“Ah, but we are fire, brother.” She patted his chest and trounced off, but as she reached the men, she spun back around. “Should I mention to Daddy that I saw you?”
Only Keita called Bercelak the Great, one of the most feared dragons in this region or any other for that matter, “Daddy”. And she was the only one he’d allow to get away with it.