Page 7 of Her Enemy Dragon Captor (Dream Team Shifters #5)

CHAPTER 7

J ane paced her prison for what felt like the hundredth time, calculating escape options and fuming over her captivity. And for the hundredth time she came to the same conclusion.

There is no escape.

But she began to pace for the hundred and first time, because the only other option would have been to start thinking about how she had managed to get herself caught in the first place.

"Great job, Jane. Dad's going to love this," she muttered, running a hand through her hair. "Director Donovan’s daughter captured on her first undercover case.”

Way to prove yourself, Janie.

That train of thought was torture enough, but at least it kept her from opening door number three... thinking about Alex, the potential cult leader with impossibly broad shoulders and eyes that burned like amber fire. She didn’t like the way that option quickly became a reminiscence on just how broad his shoulders were, and just how her well-trained FBI knees practically turned to jelly when he so much as looked her in the eyes...

Or how the hardness of his manhood had pressed against her thigh. She could almost feel his hot length now, and it made her own core throb with a traitorous tingle. The memory of his powerful body pinning her against the wall, the heat of his breath on her skin, sent a wave of unwanted desire through her. Her pussy ached, betraying her with its slick heat.

No. No good could come from that train of thought...

Stop it, Janie. No, no, no...

Escape... here goes search one hundred and one...

The room was growing darker as evening approached, not that it had been particularly bright to start with. Both windows faced into a dense forest at the back anyhow. She'd already checked them plenty (reinforced), inspected every drawer (nothing useful), and probed every inch of the door (steel, and locked tight). The place was secure—annoyingly so.

Finally, she sat down on the bed to review what she knew, and what few options she had.

It was pretty simple really.

One, they’re nuts. That pretty much summed up what she knew.

As for number two, well she pretty much figured she had 2 options. Rush him when he returned and fight her way out, or get him talking and try to somehow reason with him. And that was really one option. The guy was built like a Mack truck and was fast as lightning.

Suddenly the old song about how “everybody was kung fu fighting” popped into her head.

Yes, “those cats were fast as lightning...”

With no small effort, she pushed the song out of her head, or at least into the background.

You’re already cracking. Wonderful .

No, she was just trying to distract herself from facing the truth. There would be no fighting her way out.

Her tried to settle her thoughts.

What do I know about them? About him? About this group? What is their angle?

She kept coming back to a few unsavory favorites. Financial was one. But they had not so much as asked her what her parents did, or anything remotely related to her finances. Then sexual perhaps? Human Trafficking? She sure didn’t want to think so, but it was so cliché as to be almost likely. These cult leaders always had their little harems of young impressionable woman... maybe they used them as currency...

Oh, gross...

The sound of footsteps outside interrupted her thoughts. A key rattled in the lock and a second later the door opened, at first just a crack, but then more fully.

Alex filled the doorway, the sight of him igniting a quickening in her breath, and perhaps a few other things...

Stop it, Janie.

Her captor entered carrying several large bags.

"Thought you might need some things," he said gruffly, setting the supplies on the small table.

Jane crossed her arms defensively. "Like my freedom?"

Alex ignored her comment, unpacking the bags instead. "I brought food, extra blankets, and some... necessities." He held up a package of toilet paper.

“There’s plenty of that under the sink.”

What did he think he was her provider now?

"This kind is softer," he half murmured.

What? Softer?

Had she heard right, but she held her tongue – for about three seconds. She couldn’t help herself.

"Wow, you’re such a considerate kidnapper. My hero! Oh my god, thanks so much!" Jane said, voice dripping with sarcasm.

Then why are you smiling inside Janie?

She ignored her inner voice. Didn’t know what the hell it was talking about anyhow. As a matter of fact it obviously didn’t even know how to shut up. Just yappity, yappity, yap all day long.

Stupid brain.

And even stupider thoughts and urges.

So, what if he looks like he should be on a romance cover.

She folded her arms even tighter across her chest.

Like that’s gonna help.

I better cross my legs too...

Alex continued unpacking, revealing bottled water, some fresh fruit, and a pillow that looked significantly more comfortable than the one on the bed. The other large drawstring bag revealed a duvet.

"I don't need your gifts," Jane said, though her eyes lingered on the apple he'd set out. She hadn't eaten since lunch. And the duvet was pretty nice...

"What gifts? Just want you to be comfortable. I am not cruel you know. But I also can’t let you go. Not with what you know.”

Her ears perked right up. She ignored the way his deep voice sends an unwelcome shiver down her spine. At least she tried to ignore it.

“What do I know? That you run a freaky furry cult?”

“We can’t afford any distractions, alright? That’s all you need to know. Too much is at stake,” he says flatly.

“Oh right, of course. ‘The end of the world is nigh’ Repent! Oh, but only after we drain your bank account and you become our sex slave! Am I getting warmer?”

This did get a reaction. Alex paused as he put the selection of juices in the refrigerator. “You need help.”

This is too much to stomach. The audacity of this man.

“Really? I need help? You’re the sicko kidnapper!” Jane countered, maintaining her distance. "How many others are you holding captive around here? Those missing people I came to find—are they locked up too?"

Something flickered across Alex's face—frustration, maybe even hurt. "No one is here against their will. Do I need to remind you that no one forced you to go snooping through our private property, in a locked room? You put yourself here.” He shook his head, as if to himself. “And besides, we're not what you think."

"Oh, no? Then enlighten me," Jane challenged. "Because from where I'm standing, you're preying on vulnerable people with your transformation promises and animal connection bullshit."

Alex turned to face her fully, his massive frame somehow making the cabin feel even smaller.

And is it suddenly getting warmer in here? "We're protecting people. From threats you couldn't even begin to understand."

"Oh please. That's what all cult leaders say. 'The outside world doesn't understand us,' or 'We alone know the truth.' That’s a classic. Jane stepped closer, jabbing a finger toward his chest. "Those furries you're recruiting? They're looking for acceptance, community – a place and a way they can just finally be themselves and belong! And you're exploiting that! Just like they exploited my..."

She got control of herself just in time. No need to give him any more ammunition than he already had. He would just use it against her. He didn’t need to know anything about her sister, Melissa.

"You know nothing of our ways or our mission." Alex growled, his eyes flashing. "And, it is you, little gecko , that is putting not just the furries, but all of humanity in mortal danger. So don’t lecture me ...”

What the hell was that?

For a split second she could have sworn she saw his eyes ...what? flash?

Yes flash. Or flow? Something...

And holy shit but did it almost make her knees buckle as a wave of pleasure shot right through her pussy with that look...

Janie. Ennnnough. Stop.

It’s your imagination... the pressure...

It’s not every day you get kidnapped and held against your will by a big, strong... virile... freaking ultra-hot man like this.

But no sooner had she seen ... something , or thought she saw something, than his phone buzzed loudly in his pocket.

She shook her head, trying to clear it.

He pulled out his phone, and glanced at it, his expression darkening.

“I find you...vexing,” was all he said as he went out the door without another word.

Vexing? Did he really just use that word in a sentence?

As soon as the door closed, she quickly pressed her ear down to the crack below the door, betting he had only stepped out a short distance to take the call...

"—not now," she heard Alex say, his voice low but audible. "I know what's at stake. I told you I am on it-"

There was a pause as whoever was on the other end spoke.

"Are you doubting my commitment? I will secure a mate. Your constant reminders are unnecessary...”

Secure a mate?

That doesn’t sound good.

Then why do you feel like someone just ran their hands across your bare skin...

Again, she was feeling her heartbeat pulsing steadily... pleasurably - in her crotch.

This is all kinds of messed up.

I did not just have that reaction.

I am not still having it.

Yeah, keep telling yourself that.

Jezzus Janie, this is no time to have a breakdown. They obviously have some weird shit going on here. You are not someone’s mate to be secured.... whatever that even means...

But she had no doubt that was his plan. She didn’t know what it meant exactly, but it had to be relevant. Regardless, it was all she had to go on.

"I'll handle it," Alex’s voice boomed with finality.

The way he said it let her know he had ended the call, and she scrambled back from the door, positioning herself casually by the table as if she hadn't been eavesdropping at all. Alex reentered, looking even more stressed than before – which was something of a feat unto itself.

"So," Jane said, unable to help herself, "need a mate, huh? Is that what this is about? Online dating not working out for you?" The more she could tease out his motives, the more likely she could plot a means of escape. That was the idea at least.

Or you just suck as an agent and can’t help your wise-ass mouth.

Well, there was that too. The latter part.

Alex's head snapped up, his eyes narrowing as his chiseled features flushed. "You were listening."

"Hard not to when you're standing right outside the door," Jane shot back. "So, is that it? Maybe you have some weird rituals? Or do the furry gods demand a sacrifice? Maybe your ‘mission’ is to make babies in the ‘true faith?”

"You know nothing about our mission. And be glad you don’t carry our burden.”

Textbook culty nonsense.

"Oh, I think I understand perfectly," Jane pressed, stepping closer. "But just to be clear – I’d rather die than be anyone's 'mate,' you're delusional. Sick.”

Something dangerous flashed in Alex's eyes. "Ha,” he barked out a laugh. “A skinny little gecko would be lucky to even be considered as a mate to one such as myself. You are far from ideal. Whereas I am a champion, you are a little sneak. And not at all easy to talk with. And far too skinny. All bony... not even my type."

Jane felt her cheeks flush with indignation. Of all the ridiculous things to be offended by—yet somehow his dismissal stung more than it had any right to. And a champion?

Full of yourself much?

"Not your type?" she shot back. "Thank god for small favors! And for your information, I'm not skinny—I'm athletic. All muscle. And shapely. Most men would die for this..." She gestured down her body before catching herself quickly. "Not that it matters. In truth, I’m glad I am not mate-material.”

Why did she feel like she should just stop talking. But she couldn’t help herself it seemed. “As a matter of fact, the whole idea is completely repulsive."

Alex's eyes followed her gesture, lingering a moment too long before snapping back to her face. "Completely," he agreed, “At least we agree on something.”

"Besides, there must be plenty of brainwashed cult followers out there for you to choose from!”

Janie. Shut up Janie. You got your point across!

Then why was she feeling so ... defensive?

He took a step closer, and Jane immediately regretted provoking him. The cabin suddenly felt impossibly small, with his broad shoulders close enough she could just reach out...and...

"Yes, you are correct, there are many I could find who could be trusted with the truth." he growled.

"Truth? You wouldn't recognize truth if it bit you on your?—"

"Many," he continued, looming closer still, "whose minds are open. Many who don’t instantly suspect the worst of everything and everyone they encounter."

They were only inches apart now, the tension between them palpable.

Gosh it’s hot in here.

Jane could feel heat radiating from his body, could smell the clean, earthy scent of him—like mountain air and something else she couldn't identify. For a disorienting moment, she wasn't sure if she wanted to slap him or grab him by the collar and?—

She stepped back abruptly, alarmed by the direction of her thoughts.

"I am open minded," she said slowly, still almost hypnotized by the heat she felt building between them, crossing her arms. She shook her head to clear the... the whatever that was. "You're delusional, and I'm your prisoner. Let's not pretend this is anything else."

An indiscernible look crossed his face as he quickly turned away. The moment was broken.

Thank God.

Right? Thank god?

Yes Janie, thank god... jeez.

"You should have everything you need," he said, but his words were a little softer than before.

"Besides my freedom?" Jane retorted, but her words also held less of an edge. She felt strangely deflated.

Fight, Janie.

She tried to rally herself, a little concerned. She had to fight, didn’t she?

Yes, but what am I fighting, again?

He nodded toward the bed, ignoring her latest outburst. "Fresh linens. The duvet is goose down." He reached over and lifted the pillow, giving it a fluff. “And I brought you the softest pillow I could find. It is exceptionally soft.”

For once in her life, she was speechless.

But only for an instant.

"How considerate," she muttered, but couldn't quite inject the sarcasm she intended.

It does look very soft.

I bet his abs are rock hard...

"Get some rest," he said, heading for the door. "We'll ...”

His words hung in the air for a moment before he completed his sentence, “we’ll talk more tomorrow."

After he left, Jane reluctantly made up the bed, annoyed to find the sheets were indeed luxuriously soft. As she lay down, she was surprised a just how exhausted she was and quickly found herself drifting toward sleep. As she relaxed into the mattress, her thoughts grew hazy, and then all was blackness.

But then suddenly she was awake...or was she? No... a dream...or something like a dream... First, she was aware of a change within herself, a growing power. A little gecko.

Is that what I am?

No... more than that. But for an instant she was a little gecko. But no sooner had she realized that than her little lizard form began to shift, to expand. Her tiny form grew. She was growing...bigger...stronger. Massive. Her scales hardened into something stronger, more resilient. Wings unfurled from her back, vast and powerful, catching the wind. She was suddenly soaring through the clouds, not with fear, but with exhilaration, the raw, untamed power of her true form coursing through her veins. It was freedom, yes, but also something more, a wild, primal awakening. Adrenaline coursed through her. It felt so real...

Then, the dream shifted, the vast sky narrowing into a more intimate space. She was in a lush bedroom. Palatial. A four poster bed dominated the room. And Alex was there, his amber eyes burning with an intensity that mirrored the fire within her....

His hands, no longer rough, but impossibly gentle, traced the contours of her scaled skin, sending shivers of pleasure through her. It felt divine. Even as she revelled in the sensations the scales receded, revealing her own soft, vulnerable flesh beneath one again. His touch became more insistent, more demanding... desperate. Searching her flesh...

She spread her legs, pressing her hips toward him instinctively... wanting him... needing him...

His lips found hers, not in a harsh, dominating way, but with a searing tenderness that stole her breath. Fire erupted in her sex as the kiss deepened, their tongues tangling, his hands grasping at her neck, her back. Caressing her thighs. She could feel his body heat, the hard muscles beneath his touch. Her own hands feel his strength. She explored, wanting to feel his need for her. Her own passion and desire filling her with a kind of terror even as it thrilled her.

His hands moved lower, tracing the curve of her hip, the flat plane of her stomach, until they found the heat between her legs.

“Yes”... in her dream she cried out.

His fingers slipped inside, finding her already slick and swollen, and she gasped, her hips bucking against his hand.

Yes, this is what she wanted. He teased her, circling her clit, and she whimpered, begging for more, pressing her hips against his hand.

But his explorations had only just begun it seemed. His mouth left hers, trailing down her neck, until he suckled at her breasts, his teeth gently scraping her nipples. She cried out again, her hands finally reaching for him, finding the hard length of his cock. She gripped him, her fingers sliding along his shaft, feeling the heat and power in her hand. He groaned, his head falling back, as she stroked and caressed his manhood. The feel of his pulsing strength only drove her to squeeze him harder...

He pulled her closer, his body heat engulfing her, a furnace against her suddenly hypersensitive skin. Every nerve was on fire...

Suddenly they were on their feet and he was lifting her as if she weighed nothing. Her legs instinctively wrapped around his waist, her body molding to his, seeking a connection that felt both inevitable and forbidden. God, she yearned for him. She craved his girth inside her... It was a need she could not resist. She guided him, her hands on his back, and he surged into her, filling her completely, as she sank down onto his girth. The sensation was overwhelming, a primal joining of flesh and soul that resonated deep within her bones. A cry tore from her throat, a sound of surrender and ecstasy.

Her body arched, every nerve ending alive and screaming with pleasure. He thrust into her, his movements powerful and demanding, each stroke a perfect combination of tenderness and force. It was unlike anything she had ever experienced, so all consuming...so complete. She could feel the corded muscles of his back flexing beneath her hands as he drove into her again and again. Each time she spread her legs wider, wanting him to penetrate her deep in her core.

The pleasure built, wave after wave, each one more intense than the last, threatening to overwhelm her entirely. She clawed at his back, her nails digging into his flesh, even as she felt his powerful hands under her ass. He roared, a sound of pure dominance and unadulterated primal power. His pace began to quicken as they locked their gaze. His amber eyes bored into her, possessing her. Wanting her as his savage pace quickened, driving her higher and higher.

God, what is happening? It was so real...so intense...

She felt herself spiraling, her vision blurring, her sense of self dissolving into pure sensation. Suddenly a pleasure beyond all reason exploded. She was simply his, completely and utterly. She shattered, as a blinding orgasm consumed her, a supernova of pleasure that radiated throughout her whole body.

Even as the waves of pleasure pulsed through her core, he slammed her down on the bed, leaving her breathless, weak, and utterly sated, every muscle in her body trembling in the aftermath.

She woke with a gasp, her body flushed and tingling, slick with sweat. Her heart hammered against her ribs, and a deep, unfamiliar ache pulsed between her thighs.

Holy fucking shit.

Language Janie!

Whatever, wait ...where am I?

But it all came back to her. The harsh reality...even as the pleasure of the dream lingered...

“Wow. Now that’s a dream....” she spoke to the darkness, even as beads of sweat continued to roll off her flesh.

"But that’s not happening.”

He's a freaking kidnapper," she whispered to the darkness, her voice trembling slightly. "A monster...”

“Then why is he having this effect on me? "

God was that good...

She had asked the question, but no answer was forthcoming. None but the obvious she thought.

“I always knew I had issues.”

I guess this kinda seals it.