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Ari and his brothers headed outside after supper. They weren’t used to such close quarters. Hope was helping her mother and grandmother clean up. Hope had a large family, and it appeared they all ate supper together. Rog and Hark headed out to explore the town. Ari heard them going back and forth, chattering. He hoped they didn’t do anything foolish.
Ari noticed Crag was antsy during supper. He kept glancing around like he was waiting for something and sniffing the air. Ari didn’t know what to make of it.
“Crag, what’s the matter?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Nothing’s the matter. Why would you think it was?”
“You didn’t seem to have an appetite available during supper. Usually nothing stops you from eating.” Ari grinned.
Crag rolled his eyes. “Did you notice the scent in the house? Something about it bothered me.”
Ari shook his head, “No, I smelled Hope.”
“Maybe it’s just me. Maybe the grandma really was giving me the evil eye.” Crag chuckled.
Ari snorted. “Well, if anyone deserves it, it’s you.”
“Nope. The way you say you want to take Hope away will get you the evil eye.” Crag looked around. “Speaking of that, I think I’ll let you talk to Hope’s father alone.” He chuckled and walked away.
Ari shook his head and turned to greet Henry. He didn’t think this was going to be a comfortable talk. “Thank you for having us over for dinner, Henry.”
Henry grunted and gestured for Ari to follow him. Ari fell in line next to him, prepared for an uncomfortable confrontation. They walked around until they were away from the house. Looking around, Ari spied the rabbit hutches and pens for the birds. It appeared that one or more of the houses on the block had been converted to barns for livestock. Rounding a corner of a building, Henry leaned against the wall, appearing relaxed.
Ari looked around. He was nervous despite the fact he knew Hope was his. Glancing at the buildings, and thinking about the house they had just left, had him wondering. The main difference of her home from his previous memories, was that Hope’s family didn’t appear to rely on candles. Instead, lights came from a light bulb. Something that was just being used the last time Ari had intermingled with the humans.
“How are your lights powered?” Ari asked. He was curious to see how they worked now.
“By wind and solar.” Henry looked curiously at Ari. “How do your lights work?”
“We don’t have lights. Our home is lit by natural light.” Ari saw Henry frown, and wondered.
“Hmm. Why not?” Henry asked.
“We don’t need it. Sunlight provides everything we need.”
“Hmm.”
Ari was discovering he wasn’t fond of that sound. It didn’t bode well. “Why don’t you keep any cattle? It would provide milk and meat for your family, and is plentiful.”
“Cattle take up too much room. We will have a couple of cows for milk and butter, shortly. We decided the advantages outweighed the shortcomings. We get meat from hunting and fishing, and from the small animals we breed. When we need more or new blood, Hope traps for us.” Henry explained. “We’ll have to trade out for feed for the cows just to keep them. We don’t have enough room to grow it.”
Ari thought about it, looking around. They didn’t really have the room between the fences. “Why do you stay here if it’s too small?”
Henry frowned. “It’s my home. I grew up here. My children grew up here. My parents grew up here. My grandchildren are growing up here.”
Ari frowned harder with each word. “So, no one leaves? If no one leaves, how will you feed everyone? You have a large family, but Hope said not everyone made it to dinner. With each generation, it must get harder.”
“Where do you live? Do you desert your parents and grandparents when they get old?” Henry shot back at Ari.
“I live with my family, but we prepare a place to bring our mates. We will live near our family, but on our own. That is always how it has been. My brother Crag has built a home next to mine. There is plenty of room for more where we are. We have plenty of game and have brought cattle to it, so they have room to roam and breed.” Ari shrugged. “It is how we were taught.”
Henry was silent, thinking, Ari guessed. He seemed to take his time to think things through and order his thoughts before he spoke.
“I want to keep Hope.” Ari stated. “She is mine, and I’m hers.” Henry hadn’t spoken and Ari wasn’t sure what to make of it. Ari paced in front of Henry. He knew he would have Hope, had already had Hope, but she wanted her family’s blessing. Unhappy female dragons were not a good thing.
“She is my daughter. I will decide whether or not you ‘keep’ Hope.” Henry said. “I will not have her coerced.” He watched Ari pace.
“I’m not coercing her.” He couldn’t control the growl in his voice. Ari turned sharply away from Henry, pacing again in front of him. He tried to figure out how he could convince Henry he didn’t coerce Hope.
“Ari!”
He looked up at Hope’s voice and she suddenly threw herself against him. He grunted when he caught her holding them both steady. She giggled, flinging her arms around him.
“Hope.” Ari didn’t manage to get out any more before she kissed him, wrapping her legs around him and tightening her arms around his neck. He groaned when he her softness melted against him. Her heat hardened his cock while she pressed against him, their mating bond making him feel like he would go up in flames.
“Mmm. Ari, we could go in the barn. I don’t think anyone would miss us.” She wriggled against him, getting the reaction he knew she wanted. “Please?”
Ari kissed her harder, wanting nothing more than to rip her clothes off and sink into her heat. “Hope, we can’t.” He whispered. He wanted nothing more than Hope surrounding him.
“Why...” She whimpered against his mouth.
“Hope Albright.” Hope stiffened. “Do you want to explain your behavior?” Hope hid her face in Ari’s neck. Ari saw her flush rise on her neck. He knew her body would be completely flushed. His nostrils flared. It would be a beautiful sight.
“Daddy.” Hope squeaked.
Ari chuckled. Hope sounded scandalized to be seen by her father. He laughed again. Hope pinched him on the back where her father couldn’t see.
Henry gave a big sigh. Huge really. Far larger than Ari assumed was necessary. He couldn’t wait to hear what Henry was going to say.
“Ari. I have to apologize.” Ari heard the chuckle in his voice. “I see you didn’t coerce Hope. I’m afraid it’s plain to see, that she is the one that’s coercing you.”
Hope’s head whipped around. “Daddy! I did not. How could you think that of me?”
Henry laughed. “Hope, I just saw you throw yourself at a man and attack him. What else am I to think?”
Ari was laughing openly at this point. He knew Hope was getting mad. She did not take teasing well. He whispered in her ear. “Your father is not a dragon. You have to be careful; in our human form, we still have our dragon strength.”
He watched her expression deflate. Hope nodded her head slightly in acknowledgment. Ari was sure she would never want to hurt her father, but he wanted to make sure she didn’t do it by accident. She would never forgive herself.
Ari heard Henry sigh. “Well, Ari, it’s obvious I don’t have a choice. I can see you haven’t coerced Hope. That was my main concern. However, there are things we need to discuss.” Henry stood and came closer. He grabbed a handful of Hope’s hair and tugged slightly, tilting her head back. “And Hope, don’t be going into the barn and scaring the animals.” Henry laughed and walked away. Hope gasped and buried her face in Ari’s neck again.
“Oh my God. Ari, I don’t think I can ever face my father again.”
Ari laughed and hugged Hope tightly to him. “I think it’ll be okay, Hope. Now, didn’t you say something about the barn?”
Hope reared back, a scandalized look on her face. “Ari! Daddy just said not to go in the barn. No way do I want him finding us in there.”
Ari laughed and slid his hands around her ass, pulling her tight against his erection. “You’re going to have to take care of this.” Ari nibbled on her neck. “I’m hungry for you.”
Hope moaned wiggling against him, her ankles locked behind him. “Ari, what if we get caught?”
“I don’t really care, Hope.” At her shocked look, Ari grunted. “Fine. Somewhere else, then.” Pulling Hope tight against him, Ari looked around and strode toward the gate. Using one hand to open it, he stepped through and closed it behind them. He spotted the trees in the distance. The feel of Hope’s nipples pressing against his chest wearing his skin had him ready to tear her dress off right there and sink inside her.
He knew Hope would be scandalized. Maybe.
“Where are we going?”
“To the woods. I want you naked. I want your legs wrapped around me, breasts heaving as I thrust inside you.” Ari’s voice deepened. “I want to hear you scream. Feel the silkiness of your skin while I run my hands along your curves. I want to dip my fingers into sweet cream, then lap at you like a cat eating his favorite treat. I want to devour you.”
Hope shivered at his words. His hands tightened, cupping the curve of her ass, fingers sliding towards her heat. He stroked the crease of her thigh that was exposed by the shorts under her dress and murmured. “I knew you should have left these off.” Ari smelled Hope’s arousal. An arousal matched by his own.
Reaching the trees, Ari stepped inside far enough that they could not be seen. He peeled Hope off of him and pulled her dress over her head, tossing it aside. He reached for the final piece she was wearing, stripping it down her legs. She stood gloriously nude before him. He saw the curve of her back while she grasped his trousers, trying to yank them down. Ari laughed and stepped back.
“I’ll do it.” Ari looked at her; his voice deepening.
“Then hurry.” Ari’s hunger spiked at the need in her voice. He quickly stripped off the rest of his clothes, tossing aside his shirt and pants. At her gasp, he stood hands on his hips and let her look her fill. The feel of her eyes caressing him had him standing at attention. A drop of precum spilled out his cock to dampen his belly.
Hope’s eyes turned sultry. She smiled at him and sauntered toward him, hands outstretched. When she was within touching distance, she ran a finger from his scrotum to his tip dipping her finger into the cum that pooled there. She put her finger in her mouth, licking it clean and hummed.
Ari grabbed her, yanking her to him. He pulled her close, leaning down to give her a hard kiss. Feeling her soft, warm lips beneath his made him gentle. His hands ran up and down her back, feeling the softness he had gazed upon. The curve of her ass sent him aflame. He probed the heat between her legs and the dampness of her thighs, teasing her.
Hope undulated against him, trying to take his finger into her. Ari laughed, lightly stroking her while she shivered from his ministrations, and dipped just the tip of his finger in her hot, moist depths. She was so wet for him.
“Ari, please.” Hope’s begging had him sinking a finger in up to his knuckle, delighting him with her gasp.
“Is that what you want, Hope?”
“Yes. No. Ari, please.”
Ari soaked in the heat from Hope’s silken belly against his erection. Her nipples were hard and dark red from her arousal, a feast for his eyes. She tried to fuck herself deeper on his hand. Ari pulled it free and licked her juices off.
Hope whimpered and watched.
“Lay down, Hope.” Ari looked around, leaned over and grabbed her dress. It was practically indestructible, so would it do to protect all that creamy, silky skin. He spread it out. “Lay down, Hope. I need you. I need you now.”
She whimpered and lay back, a luscious spread for his feasting. The dark ground surrounded her. The blue black gleam of his scales, topped by the milky white form of Hope with her hair gleaming in the shadows, made him want to roar to the heavens that she was his. He wanted to feast. She spread her legs, letting him see how wet she was for him. His nostrils flared.
Ari lowered to his knees, spreading her legs farther. Her nipples beaded even more, darkening to a ruby red. Ari leaned forward, taking one into his mouth, delicately sipping at it, and then circling it until Hope grabbed his head, pulling him down and pushing her breast into his mouth. He chuckled and suckled harder, pulling slightly away with each suckle until Hope cried out.
Ari snaked a hand over her belly, drawn by the heat of her. He slid his hand down, cupping her, enjoying the heat and cream of her pussy. Hope arched, looking to be filled. Ari continued suckling her, and slid a finger in her heat, in and out, enjoying the easy glide and the feel of her slickness.
He released her breast, smiling at Hope’s glassy expression. He leaned back and spread her pussy, baring her secrets to his hungry gaze. The dark, glistening pink of her invited him in. The scent of her drove him wild.
Hope wiggled, arching up, begged to be filled.
Ari leaned down and ran his tongue through her slit. He swallowed, letting Hope see how much he enjoyed her taste. Dipping his head back down, he lapped at her. Ari dipped in again, his tongue teasing the hole he wanted to sink his cock into. Ari licked up, slowly, stopping at her clit. He lightly blew over it, feeling Hope shiver.
Ari bit Hope’s clit, then quickly suckled it.
Hope screamed, arching into Ari’s face.
He continued enjoying Hope’s writhing, the tiny kernel swelling and throbbing at his attention.
“Ari, Ari. No more,” Hope begged. Ari laughed and swiped his tongue in the honey she had spilled, licking her and fucking her with his tongue until she moaned again. “Ari.”
He pulled back and thrust forward, sinking his cock deep into her softness, feeling the ripples of her orgasm surrounding him. She was impossibly hot. Ari groaned, the feel of her almost forcing him into immediate ejaculation. He stiffened, dropping his head against her forehead.
“Hope.” He groaned and thrust again. “You feel so good. Your heat surrounding me. Your pussy squeezing my cock, begging for me to fill you with my cum.” Ari sped up, riding Hope harder and harder. “Hope.”
Her breathing deepened with each thrust. Her passage strangled his penis, tensing his whole body. Ari’s concentration centered on where they were joined. Ari took a deep breath, and kissed Hope, desperate to taste all of her. Teeth clashed, desperation making him clumsy. Ari groaned and grabbed Hope, rolling to his back. Tight and hot, Hope clasped around him, making Ari unwilling to leave her body too soon.
Hope looked down at Ari in surprise. “Ride me.” Ari grasped her hips and demonstrated.
Hope’s eyes widened in surprise. She undulated on Ari and smiled. His gut tightened. It was a wicked, utterly wanton smile. He was definitely in for a wild ride.
****
Hope was on fire. The feel of Ari deep inside her, the cool air of the woods surrounding them, the soft dirt beneath her knees made Hope feel alive. Ari made her feel like she was burning from the inside out. She slid up and down. The friction of Ari’s hardness filling her made her shiver. Her nipples tightened and her breasts swayed in the air.
Ari’s hands grabbed her hips. He forced her to ride him faster. The tips of talons pressing against her ass. Hope slid her legs farther apart, easing his penetration and allowing him to go deeper. Hope shivered, Ari’s cock seated deep inside her, making her body melt and her breath catch.
Up and down, Hope road faster, her body tightening around Ari. Her nipples beaded and Ari engulfed her breast into his hot damp mouth. His suckling tightening her breasts and sending pulses to her groin. Hope cried out, fire bursting beneath her eyelids and spreading through her body.
Ari pumped into her faster and faster.
She couldn’t stop shivering.
Ari groaned and held her down. Talons pierced her skin, adding pain to her pleasure. Hope shattered again, melting across Ari’s chest in satisfied exhaustion.
“I think I’ve died and gone to heaven.” Hope whispered.
Ari chuckled. “Mm hmm.” His arms snaked around Hope’s back, making her feel safe and loved. “It’s our mating bond. It will continue to grow; at least I hope it will.”
“I think it’ll kill me, Ari. I’ve never experienced anything like that before.” Hope snuggled into him, content in his arms. When he had his arms wrapped around her, Hope knew she was at home, safe and in the only place she wanted to be.
She lay there and Hope became aware of the breeze on her back, her bareback. She couldn’t find enough energy to move though. She sighed. They’d have to leave soon. Her father wasn’t done talking to them and her sister, Faith, was still missing. Rog and Hark were bound to be causing trouble, and Crag was acting weird.
“I could stay here all night.” Ari whispered. “But I have a feeling your father would not be happy.”
Hope sighed. “You’re right. We’ll have to talk to my parents and my grandma.” She shifted her head to look at Ari. “I think my grandma knows what you are. What we are.”
“I think you’re right.” Ari chuckled. “She’s a feisty thing.”
Hope giggled. Ari was right, her grandma was feisty. She nodded in agreement. Hope really wasn’t ready to move yet. She figured a few more minutes wouldn’t hurt. She closed her eyes and laid her head back on Ari’s chest.
Moments later, Hope squealed. “Ow!” She’d been stung in the butt. She heard a chuckle behind her and Ari. She tried to scramble for cover.
“Ow. Watch it Hope. You nearly took out some very necessary equipment.”
Hope tried to pull her dress out from under Ari.
His lazy chuckle once again had her moistening.
“I wouldn’t call it necessary.” Crag teased.
“Me neither.” Hark injected to Crag and Rog’s snickers.
“You don’t have to get dressed on our account, Hope. Not like we haven’t seen it before. Ow!”
They all burst into laughter. Hope had beaned Rog on the head with a well-placed acorn. Ari sat up, giving Hope access to her dress. She slipped it over her head,
to the amusement of the men. Eyes narrowed, she turned to them.
“I will make you all sorry.” Hope looked ready to snort flame at them. It just appeared to make them laugh harder.
“Just ignore them, Hope.” Ari wrapped his arms around her. “Just remember, one day they’ll have mates, too.” He rubbed his cheek against hers and gave an evil grin. “Then we’ll get revenge.”
Hope looked up at him. The twinkle in his eye and his grin made her spirits rise. She giggled. “I guess, just this once, I’ll ignore them.”
Ari kissed her, long and slow, enough to make her knees melt and make her forget why she was mad. He lifted his head and looked at his brothers.
“Why did you come looking for us?”
“When will we be leaving?” Hark inquired.
“When Hope’s family is convinced that she belongs to me.” Ari flashed a grin. “I think her father and mother will be okay. It’s her grandmother that worries me.”
Hope giggled. She definitely agreed with Ari. Her grandma would give him hell, that’s for sure.
“Then let’s get started.” Crag looked around with a frown. Hope wondered what the matter with Crag was. He seemed happy and then suddenly, he would tense, sniff the air and then frown.
Hope shrugged. Right now, he was the least of her worries.
Ari grasped her hand, smiled at her and tugged. “Crag is right. Let’s get this settled. They need to know you are mine.”
Hope laughed and led the way.