Alexandra

Aftermath

D racoth takes me from behind, his powerful frame slamming into me with a raw, primal force that makes my breath catch.

The deep, guttural grunts he lets out—like wild music to my ears.

The sheer power I can pull from him, this unstoppable force of nature, makes my entire body hum with satisfaction.

But the best part is the connection—this sense of belonging—I’ve craved for so long.

Another intense pulse of pleasure rolls through me, waves of euphoria radiating from deep within, spreading warmth through every fiber of my being. My throat is raw and parched with the screams of ecstasy his massive cock rips from me, one after another.

I collapse forward onto the soft orange moss, panting heavily, limbs trembling, my lady bits throbbing and aching with delight. Never has a man kept up with me before, and never have I been so utterly consumed.

Glancing back over my shoulder, I see Dracoth, smiling down at me with a tenderness that seems out of place on his brutal features. He’s calm, not even breathing heavily, his immense, muscular body untouched by the effort, red skin gleaming under the purple moonlight.

Fucking hell, looks like he could go all night.

“I think you’ve broken me,” I manage, my voice muffled by the moss beneath me, floating in a haze of bliss, feeling like I’m melting into the universe itself. “Are you sure you’ve never done this before?”

“Never,” he growls, but there’s an unusual softness to his voice. His fingers brush lightly down the back of my legs, tracing a slow, heated path to my calves. “The sight of your naked perfection lying beneath the moonlight... I will treasure it always.”

“Aww, that’s—ah!” Before I can finish, his enormous hands pluck me from the ground with monstrous ease. He pulls me against his chest, his warmth wrapping around me, and I sink into him with a satisfied moan, feeling the heat of his body, the strength in his arms.

Dracoth traces little kisses along my neck and shoulders, sending delightful tingles fluttering over my skin. He holds me tight in his powerful arms, encasing me in his love like he’ll never let go.

I feel safe. I feel wanted. I needed this. By Arawnoth, I needed him . It’s crazy how I got here—abandoned by my family, kidnapped, and held a prisoner, Dracoth being a massive jerk... And then there was Kazumi. My chest tightens. Fuck... poor Kazumi. And Carmen...

My gaze drifts up to the vast purple moon hanging heavy in the sky, its light casting an ethereal glow over us. The unknown stars twinkle above like distant jewels. Is Carmen up there somewhere right now?

An idea pops into my head as I stretch, reaching for my discarded clothes, rummaging for the strange drink the Jungle Book guy gave us. Canteen in hand, I snuggle back into Dracoth’s warm, solid embrace, his rough hands still caressing my skin.

Who knew the dragon could purr?

I unscrew the cap and take a sip, almost spluttering as the roasted malt taste hits my tongue, quickly followed by intense burning, lots of burning.

Klendathian drinks could probably fuel delivery trucks. But screw it! This is a celebration—not to mention my red dragon has my mouth more parched than the Sahara Desert. So, I take another long swig, welcoming the heat as it slides down my throat and spreads warmth through my limbs.

“Want some?” I offer, lifting the canteen. “It’s really strong though.”

Dracoth halts his lovely attentions, taking the canteen from me. He gulps down a large swig, barely reacting as he hands it back.

“Weak Draxxus ale,” he grunts.

I frown, eyeing the now much lighter canteen.

“You sure drank a lot of that ‘ weak ale ,’” I say, scrutinizing the container before drinking from it.

There’s a moment of blissful silence as the cool night air brushes against my pale skin, contrasting with the heat of Dracoth behind me as he continues spoiling me with kisses and soft strokes. I melt into him with a moan, never wanting this feeling to end.

How different things are between us now. Only a few days ago, any question I asked would have been met with a cold shrug or silence. But now... We’re together. The thought sends my stomach fluttering with excitement.

Almost married, it’s crazy!

Maybe a little test?

“Any news about Carmen?” I ask, trying to sound casual as I glance back to gauge his reaction.

“None,” he halts abruptly, his face neutral—not annoyed. Good, though more detail would be nice. I turn away, assuming he’s done, In typical Dracoth style. But he surprises me by adding, “The junker ship I sent hasn’t returned.”

My heart clenches. Carmen... I hope you’re okay out there.

“Let me know as soon as you hear anything,” I murmur, glancing down at my hands as the familiar weight of worry presses down on my chest.

Then, without thinking, I blurt, “Did you want it to be me?” The words slip out before I can stop them.

Damn traitor lips!

I brace for the inevitable awkwardness, or worse, the blunt pain of his answer. After all, our relationship started as anything but smooth. More like a crash course on how not to begin one.

Dracoth is quiet for a moment before finally speaking. “When I took you from Earth,” he begins, his voice low, “I named you the most beautiful female.”

My heart skips, a smile tugging at my lips as I glance back at him.

“Oh, so that’s what you said before you shot me?

” I laugh, the memory of that surreal, terrifying moment flashing in my mind.

“I thought I was about to die while you were shopping for a wife.” Shaking my head, a faint grin softens his face.

“Good thing I was wearing my best makeup, or you might have thrown me over the Brooklyn Bridge instead.”

“No.” Dracoth doesn’t laugh, instead his expression hardens. “It was never my intention to harm any of you.” For a second, his fierce crimson eyes falter. “I failed Kazumi and Carmen.”

A fist of disappointment clutches my chest. I don’t like this new side of him—this uncertain Dracoth.

It’s like discovering your fierce guard dog might be a little chihuahua.

But it’s okay though, I’ll keep him strong.

We’ll both have to be if we’re going to reach the top, just like back in boarding school.

“It was no one’s fault. Least of all yours, Dracoth,” I say, my fingers tracing his firm chest. “You’re the War Chieftain. You can’t concern yourself with the past. Only the future... our future.”

“Wise words,” he grunts, his crimson eyes flashing with fierce intensity, sending a thrill through me. “Nothing will stand before us.” His voice is like freshly baked cinnamon rolls to my ears, warm and delicious.

I groan as his fingers tangle in my long blonde hair, his kisses trailing along my shoulder and neck, growing more intense. Tingles race over my skin, pooling between my aching thighs as I lean into him.

My hand traces the hard contours of his impossibly muscular body, gasping as I feel the rigid length of his cock once again pressing against my back. I’m tempted—so very tempted—his merciless yet tender touches keep me purring. But my body can’t take any more of his affections, not yet.

“Again?” I tease, peering up at him through heavy, drowsy eyes. “You’re an insatiable beast. I might have to use my barriers to cage this monster,” I laugh, my fingers trailing over his throbbing member.

“You could never hold me back, female,” Dracoth growls, a fierce, almost daring gleam in his eyes. He’s challenging me, and I love it. “Though Arawnoth’s gift has left us,” he adds, holding out his hand as if trying to summon flames, but none appear.

“Is that so?” I smirk, unable to hide my delight. “Well, it’s a good thing I’ve figured out the secret, then.” I lower my head, eyes narrowing with satisfaction, enjoying the look of surprise widening his eyes.

“Tell me,” he demands, his body growing taut, heat radiating from him like a furnace stoked to its limit.

I chuckle, a low, breathy sound, loving the sense of control coursing through me. I could drag this out for ages.

“What’s in it for me?” I ask, casually taking a long draught from the canteen before tossing it onto the soft orange moss.

“Power. You know this,” his voice grows impatient, the familiar deep gruffness returning. “Only together can we—”

“I was thinking something more... financial,” I say, a teasing grin tugging at my lips as a thrill runs through me.

Dracoth doesn’t seem pleased, however. “Am I to barter with my own Mortakin-Kis like a common merchant?” He shakes his head, and I nearly falter, a flicker of regret stirring in my chest as I catch the disappointment on his face.

“Hardly!” I scoff, resisting the urge to give up. “More like a gift. It’ll be romantic.” I squeeze against him, seeking his warmth, but he doesn’t move, his frown deepening.

“A gift can only be given, not demanded,” he replies, his voice serious and stern. Mr. Frowny Face strikes again. “You seek luxury when you should seek strength.”

Typical. Ask for a gift and he’s more likely to throw me into boiling lava to ‘strengthen’ me.

I do feel bad though. Just a tiny bit, seeing and feeling his disappointment through our bond.

I need to be careful. These Klendathians don’t see wealth the way we do back on Earth.

But I can’t help it—I need to feel secure.

“That’s easy for you to say, Dracoth. I don’t have anything here,” I say, spreading my arms wide.

Not like I had much after mother cut me off.

.. “Except you,” I add, offering a smile, trying to soften the tension.

“I mean, back on Earth, when a woman gets engaged, she receives an expensive ring as a gift.”

“You only need me,” Dracoth replies, but his brow furrows, a distant look like he’s thinking it over. A flutter of excitement ripples through my chest. “This gift... it’s a human tradition?” His eyes snap back to me, sharp and inquisitive.