Callie had so many more questions to ask him, but nothing came out. She gulped as she watched him scoop mud and rub it all over his chest. Was that an eight pack or a ten? Her nipples hardened into tiny points and she licked her dry lips. Her fingers itched to touch and rub him.
“Callie?”
She shook her naughty thoughts away. “What?”
“Put more mud on your arms.”
Sighing, she scooped up mud and rubbed it on her arms. “There! Satisfied?”
He moved closer until his face was just inches from hers. “Not yet, but I’m hoping to get both of us there soon.” Then he kissed her lips.
All rational thought fled her. She concentrated on the taste of his lips. He tasted a little like cinnamon and she loved cinnamon. Needing more, she scooted closer and wrapped her arms around his neck, opening her mouth for him. He didn’t hesitate to take what she offered.
Viper pulled her against his body and plunged his tongue into her mouth. The cinnamon taste took on a spicier flavor, and she sucked his tongue, wanting more, much more. But that was not to be.
He pushed her gently away from him. They both moaned. “We need to leave. Roll around in those grass and leaves over there.
Callie had to take a moment to process what he said. Her body was on fire and now he wanted her to do what? Get even dirtier?
“Why?”
“The grass, dirt, and leaves will also help with the scent, but it will keep you from being too slippery for me to hold in my claw.”
“Why can’t I ride on your back?” She pictured herself as Khalesi in Game of Thrones. Oh yeah, I want to do that.
“I fear you might fall off if I get into a battle with one of the rogues or if you fall asleep.”
Okay, that made sense. Reluctantly, she crawled over to the grass and leaves then, rolled while he watched. This day was getting weirder and weirder. He told her she had done enough. She climbed to her feet.
Viper moved a little away and then he shifted into his dragon form. She was utterly amazed. Slowly, she walked closer to his gigantic body. His scales were a dark maroon. Curiosity had her reach out and lightly touch one smooth scale. The dragon’s body rumbled, and she pulled her hand away in fear that she angered it somehow.
The dragon’s head leaned down and gently nudged her nearer. She looked into its eyes and swore she could see two creatures looking out at her, one was the dragon and the other was Viper. He was in there and he was aware.
“You’re cool. I have a ton of questions I want to ask.”
The dragon snorted, and she laughed. “Yeah, I know, the questions will have to wait.”
The dragon’s claw was suddenly there, wrapping around her gently and protectively. She felt safe. Once the large wings lifted them back into the sky, Callie realized that Viper was right about falling asleep. She was utterly exhausted and within minutes she had passed out to sleep.
Chapter 17
Viper had to find a place for them to rest. He wasn’t sure how long he had been flying, but his wings were tiring. His dragon scented fresh water up ahead.
They were near another mountain range and at the base was a lake surrounded by tall trees. This would give a chance to wash, possibly find fish they could eat and water. The trees would provide cover for them as well while they rested. As he lowered to the ground, Callie roused from her sleep.
“What’s going on? Where are we?”
He waited until she was stable on her feet before stepping backward and shifting to his human form. “I’m not sure of the exact location but we are still in New Mexico, I think. I thought we would take the moment to clean ourselves, find something to eat and rest.”
“We can keep going. I’m not that hungry.” She tried to deny, but her stomach made a loud growling noise. He chuckled.
“Well, I’m tired and need to rest my wings.” He stepped into the lake. “Come, the water is cool and refreshing. I know you are dying to get clean again.”
Callie frowned but followed him, kicking off her shoes. She stepped in and pulled her foot back out. “That is not cool, it’s freezing.”
“It will feel warmer once you get in and get used to it. However, I would suggest you take off your clothes first. The weight of them wet will drag you under.”
He watched her bite her delicate bottom lip as she had an internal debate on what to do. His mate was modest. Viper couldn’t understand how humans could be so shy about their bodies, but he would make this a little easier on her.
“I’ll turn around.”
“Thank you.”
Viper turned his back to her. He could hear the sounds of her clothing as she struggled to get out of them. Then came the sounds of her footsteps as she entered the lake. He turned back around to see that she had kept on her bra and panties. Grateful that he was standing waist-deep, the water hid his instant erection at the sight of his mate’s pale, silky skin.
“You’re right, it feels better once farther in.”
He gave her a smile. “I would never lie to you.”
“You don’t lie but you omit the truth and hide things, big things.”
Moving closer, careful to keep his bottom half underwater, he reached up to rinse mud from her beautiful face. Somehow she had lost her glasses. Her eyes seemed even more expressive.
“The secret of my people is one that we all must keep. I’m sorry.”
“Is everyone from your ranch a…”
“Drakonian? Most are except for the newly mated females, Valorie, Gema, and
