Page 48 of The Exiled Dragon

“Did he speak?” The boy shook his head. “He had a big gash in his throat. I don’t think he could if he wanted.”

The gears turned in my head, rubbing my chin. I waved the boy off. He ran clumsily down the alleyway while I looked to the forest behind the mansion. If it is whom I think, it would explain the dead Fairies in the mountains. The way one Fairy came back almost pissing himself from the tale he told of a Shifter Dragon warning him off his territory.

If it is whom I think, he has my beloved captured. Enoch could have been close to finding out his identity. I will need to dig my fangs deeper into my search, maybe even request a visit to a certain Alpha.

Chapter Thirty-One

Odessa

Soft,tenderpressurecreptup my shoulder, the touches eventually sweeping across my slightly sore shoulder. Hot breath rolled down between my breasts, causing me to sigh contentedly. The light behind my eyes made me groan. I felt like I had just fallen asleep, and it was already time to start the day. I was too used to the dark cave, where I could sleep as late as I wanted, not knowing when the day started or began.

As long as Creed was with me, it didn’t really matter. Hands engulfed my waist, the soft pressure on my neck trailing up my jaw and now placed on my lips. Creed’s warmth hovered over my body, his lips now pressing, urging against mine. If anyone else had tried to wake me, I would have thrown something across the room to let me sleep just five more minutes, but with Creed, he could wake me at any time, and I would be elated to see the happiness in his eyes.

“Morning.” My voice was heavy from sleep. His mouth continued to press to my lips, slowly massaging them, waking me not only from my unconsciousness but also from my body. I moaned into his mouth; his naked body pressed up against me. He was already stiff, pressing it against my leg. My arms wrapped around his neck as he pressed into me deeper, our bodies automatically melting into each other.

How could it be possible to feel so close to someone that may not be your mate? My heart stuttered to think that I was supposed to be mated to someone else. It couldn’t be true. It all had to be a lie. Never in my life have I been selfish, listening to my father doing my schoolwork, learning about writing, and even volunteering at animal shelters here and there. I listened. I never asked for extra things like new clothes or materialistic things.

But now, I was going to be selfish. I wanted to be with Creed. My body, my heart, and soul demanded that I be his. With the revelation that the rumors and gossip said to be untrue straight from Creed, I intended to ask him if the rumors of him being mateless were true. What if he was supposed to have a mate other than me? Would he want her once he saw her?

My heart couldn’t take it. If I had another mate, I had already decided to give them up and apologize profusely, but even if we were to be soul mates, my heart and soul had already latched on to this gentle giant.

Creed’s lips left mine, his hand touching between my breasts, like asking if there was something wrong.Just my heart is aching for you.I could feel his questions, thoughts, and worries. There was a connection there. I felt it. Maybe time spent together has made me look for certain facial features or just thinking of what he could possibly mean. We complemented each other already in a short amount of time. I could understand him. That had to mean something.

“I’m all right.” My eyes warmed, wanting to produce tears at the thought he had someone else meant for him. By the end of this day, I had to ask him, or it would eat me up inside.

A harsh banging at the door broke us from our trance, a shrill of a scream coming from the other side of the door. “Girl, you better wake up, or you will miss breakfast!” Daine’s singing voice crushed Creed’s poor ears as his head tucked into my shoulder.

“We will be right down!” I laughed, rubbing the back of Creed’s neck.

“I’ve left you new clothes on the doorstep. Your man toy also has some pants to wear. As much as I enjoy the view, others might feel more comfortable getting to know the Black Dragon with his dick secured by several layers.”

“Oh my gosh,” I whispered, snickering over Creed’s shoulder. “You are so shameless!” I spoke in a normal tone. Nudging Creed, his Dragon rumbled in his chest. “Are you hungry, Prince Charming?” Instead of lifting his head, his lips again trailed on my shoulders and back to my lips. He devoured my mouth, massaging my tongue with his. I never wanted this to end.

Hands reaching up in his hair, my stomach growled loudly. My fingers stopped, and I giggled. Face flushing, Creed looked into my eyes, pecking my lips at once and helping me from bed. We didn’t even eat dinner last night, we were too busy with other activities.

Creed carried me across the bridge and to the platform that landed softly in the thick grasses. His hand intertwined with mine as the dress they had given me to wear swayed in the gentle breeze. Many Elves were already eating, some glancing towards us with curiosity. Mainly watching the mostly covered Dragon walk to the table with an enormous amount of food.

Flowered salads, fruits, and vegetables all cooked different ways outlined the table. Very few meats were presented; of course, Creed grabbed a large helping of that. It was a lighter meat, resembling chicken, and I hoped he could get enough protein. I’m sure he needed a lot for a Dragon of his size.

“There’s the couple of the hour.” Lura gave a bow arm in arm with a male elf. “This is my mate, Matteo. He was extremely excited to meet the Black Dragon.” Creed’s arm stiffened around me, noticing that Lura said mate. Creed still doesn’t know what I know about what a mate is. “With the truth you told yesterday of how he rescued you, he came from deep within the woods to come to say hello.” Matteo bowed lowly to Creed.

“It’s an honor to meet you. I always had my doubts about the rumors spread about those misfortunes. I hope you always find the Elven Territories at your service.” Creed bowed to Matteo while I rubbed his arm.

“He’s happy you would say that. He’s been alone for a long time, and I think it is time for some truth to come out. I am hoping to do that!” I beamed. Creed’s eyes sparkled, squeezing my hand for another time.

“Great gods above, what the hell is wrong with your shoulder!” Daine rushed in, coming in between Lura and Matteo. Lura smacked Daine in the head, pushing him away.

“Do you not have any manners, you twit!?” Lura hissed. Daine shrugged his shoulders, not looking sorry at all.

“What’s wrong with my shoulder?” I asked innocently. Rubbing it, it was sore, but a good sore. I remembered Creed nipped it, even scratching it a little. It felt insanely good when he did that. My eyes widened. Did it leave a mark? Was the scratch that bad?

Daine rummaged through his satchel, pulling out a small, compacted mirror decorated with leaves and flowers. Looking on my shoulder, there was a large, long line of purple bruises on my neck, along with a healed scratch. My hand went over my mouth, looking at Creed, silently asking how this could have happened.

“Girl, you got a hickie!” Daine roared with laughter. Many Elves looked over at the commotion while I hid it with my hand. Before I could hide, Creed pulled my hand away, wrapping his arms around me. I even felt a warm snake-like feeling around my leg.

It was his tail.

His Dragon purred loudly, shaking the ground beneath us. “Essa, he has claimed you as his.” Daine dramatically put the back of his hand on his forehead. “Oh, what drama this will unfold!” Creed growled; sharp claws became exposed while Daine stepped back.

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