Awakenings (11 page)

Frustrated and angry, Vaar went to the part of the cavern that served as his sleeping area. He had hundreds of furs gathered there to serve as a warm, comfortable bed. Vaar rarely used it. When he slept, he preferred to shift into his dragon form. That could be a problem in the future. Of course, Jaden might refuse Vaar's touch altogether, in which case all of his careful preparations would be for naught. For decades, before his hibernation, he'd prepared for this moment, stocking each of his lairs with comfortable beds, washing areas, and beautiful ornaments. Jaden would want for nothing.

Finally reaching the cooking area, Vaar scanned through the crevices that served as storage and identified the fish he'd prepared the day before for Jaden's dinner. He'd gathered some other meats and fruit to add to the sea food. Perhaps Jaden would appreciate the variety.

With exquisite care, he readied a tray for his treasure. In the end, what did the rest of the dragons matter? Vaar had Jaden now, and the young mer would certainly understand the situation. Wouldn't he?

Feeling a bit better, Vaar took the tray and left the room. He found Jaden in the exact same spot he'd left him, still staring at the doorway.

"Is everything all right, sweet Jaden?" Vaar asked.

Jaden blinked at him. "Yes… I'm fine. I was just… you seemed upset about something."

Vaar felt warm inside. His treasure had been concerned. "It's an old memory, nothing more," he replied. "I'll tell you about it sometime if you like."

Jaden nodded, but didn't prod further. He stole a look at the tray in Vaar's hands. "Is that for me?"

Vaar almost blushed. He'd completely forgotten about Jaden's food. "Quite so, my treasure," he answered. He knelt on the floor, snickering to himself when Jaden quickly looked away. His mate had a very cute blush. Vaar wanted to tease him further.

In all seriousness, he needed to fashion some clothes for himself and his treasure. He couldn't have Jaden looking so embarrassed and uncomfortable all the time. Besides, the chill of the cave couldn't be good for the mer. Vaar couldn't risk Jaden coming down with an illness.

Jaden swam toward him and chose a piece of fish, gobbling it up hastily. He eyed the venison and the
nabalka
apples with suspicious eyes.
"
What are those?
"

"Meat and fruit native to the region," Vaar replied. "Try them."

To Vaar's delight, Jaden did. He hesitantly bit into a piece of fried meat and his eyes widened. As he chewed, he let out a moan that made Vaar's dick swell and harden even further. "Mmmm… this is good," Jaden said between bites.

Vaar watched his mate eat small pieces of venison and fried fish. When Jaden finished his meal with an apple, Vaar decided to broach the topic that still concerned him. "How's the water?" he asked. To him, any temperature felt all right, even if degrees of comfort varied. He needed to know if Jaden felt too cold, though. After all, the spring originated from a glacier at the top of the mountain.

"Well… it is a little cool," Jaden admitted.

Vaar nodded, expecting the reply, but satisfied Jaden had been honest. He slowly slipped into the water next to Jaden and pulled the young mer toward him once more. "I'm afraid you'll have to sleep in the bed until I can figure out a way to heat the pool permanently."

He didn't think breathing fire would help much, since it might get the water too hot or make it evaporate altogether. He'd have to do it carefully and with Jaden out of the pool.

"That's not necessary," Jaden started to protest. "I'll get used it. I've been in cold places before."

"There's no reason for you to suffer the slightest discomfort. Don't worry," Vaar said. "It's just a temporary thing. I know you're most at ease in water. "

Jaden still looked doubtful, but Vaar added, "Trust me, okay?"

Jaden scanned his face, those beautiful green eyes reaching out to Vaar's very soul. Much to Vaar's surprise, Jaden buried his face in Vaar's chest and muttered, "Okay."

Smiling, Vaar carried Jaden out of the water and into the bedroom. He wiped Jaden down with one of the furs, knowing the makeshift bed could be scratchy if wet. Jaden would probably be surprised at the change between sleeping in the water and this new bed, and in normal circumstances Vaar wouldn't have suggested it. As it was, he wanted to make the best of the situation and limit Jaden's discomfort as much as possible.

When he dried his mate's tail, Vaar thoroughly massaged each scale. He hid a smirk as he watched Jaden try to suppress his arousal. Truly, he had no intention of attempting intimacy so early, but Jaden might prove too tempting.

At last, he deemed Jaden dry. He placed the young mer on the makeshift bed, covering him with the furs. At first, Jaden seemed uncomfortable, unaccustomed to the sleeping accommodations. Vaar made a mental note to procure an Atlantean bed as soon as possible. He'd slept in water before and he wouldn't have too much trouble adjusting to it again.

Finally, Jaden's eyes drifted shut. Vaar pressed a kiss on his treasure's forehead and left the room. He still had many tasks to accomplish before Jaden awoke.

Chapter Six

Aurus scanned the road and discontent filled him. Two guard patrols watched the entrance and exit to the village, with several more occasionally sweeping through the environs. He and Chrys couldn't possibly sneak inside and get some well-deserved rest at an actual inn without risking capture. Cursing, Aurus snuck back into the shadows and stealthily made his way to the spot he'd left Chrys.

"Well?" the young mer asked.

Aurus shook his head. "No luck. Sorry."

Chrys's face fell. Aurus knew his lover had been hoping to recover strength at an actual civilized establishment and perhaps purchase some supplies. Even if they could handle food easily enough, they didn't have clothing or any type of personal care items. Furthermore, their only weapon, Aurus's magic, powerful in itself, wouldn't help them in a tougher confrontation. Alas, they'd lost his sword in the havoc caused by the dragon. Soon, they'd leave Atlantean lands and enter even more dangerous grounds—cooler waters infested with predators.

Sighing, Aurus sat down on a rock and pulled Chrys onto his lap. "I think my father must be looking for me," he confessed. "That's the only explanation I can find for the patrols."

He had expected the king to mobilize his troops in order to find Aurus, but he'd underestimated the speed with which this could be done. If he'd known how quickly it would happen, he'd have returned to the capital to grab some supplies before leaving. In the chaos, they might have gotten away unseen.

"It's okay," Chrys murmured. "We'll get by somehow."

They rested for a little while in the same spot and took their leave after grabbing a small bite to eat. They bypassed the village without looking back. Aurus hated it, but he couldn't take such a huge chance.

When they'd left the danger zone, Chrys spoke once again. "I think Jaden and the dragon must've stopped, because I feel him closer now. We're going in the right direction."

Aurus didn't like tearing the thread of optimism, so he nodded in silence. In truth, he suspected the dragon had taken Jaden to dry land, which meant they were still very far away from the right location. The only landed area Aurus knew of close by was the Atlantean University, set on an island to the north. The dragon couldn't have taken Jaden there.

Chrys wrapped an arm around his waist and gave him a sad smile. "I know what you're thinking. We're still a long way from them. Believe me, I can feel it. But at least if they've stopped, we'll reach them eventually."

The young mer wanted to say something else, but let out a little gasp.

"What is it?" Aurus asked, alarmed.

Chrys swam away from Aurus and threw over his shoulder, "Nothing. Let's go."

In spite of Chrys's speedy retreat, Aurus sensed something hidden behind the weird behavior. He knew Chrys well and he could tell the younger mer was aroused. It showed in the way his nipples peaked, and in the sinuous motions of his body. Even his scales seemed to shine more brightly, begging for Aurus's touch. Perhaps Chrys might feel the need for intimacy, but didn't want to initiate anything with his twin still missing.

Sighing, Aurus followed behind Chrys. He very much desired finishing what they'd started back in the capital, but the circumstances weren't very conducive to doing so. Maybe after they completed the mission, they'd finally manage to figure out their emotions.

* * * *

Jaden awoke to the unfamiliar feel of a rough cover on his skin. He tried to move, only to realize he couldn't swim away from wherever he was. The material scraped along his scales, sending shocks of pleasure through him.

The spongy corals at home had been nothing like this. He never should have agreed to stay in this perverted bed. How had he even managed to fall asleep? He couldn't fathom it now.

Rushed footsteps alerted him to a new presence in the room. "Treasure, what's wrong?" the now-familiar voice asked.

Jaden peeked out from under the furs to see Vaar scan the room angrily. He realized the dragon must have thought he was in danger or something along that line. His face flamed at his own stupidity. It was just a bed cover. He could have pushed it away with his hands. Why in the world did he get so worked up?

"Nothing," he replied, trying to keep his voice matter-of-fact. "The bed is just scraping my scales."

That seemed to take Vaar by surprise. "My apologies, Jaden," he said. He made his way to the bed and removed the furs. "I didn't realize they'd frighten you."

"I'm not frightened!" Jaden shot back angrily. He wasn't a pathetic child, damn it! "Don't make fun of me."

"I'm not," Vaar said softly. He sat down on the so-called bed next to Jaden and cupped Jaden's face. "Treasure, are you all right?"

Jaden stared at the dragon in disbelief. What kind of question was that? He'd been kidnapped from the only home he'd ever known, taken away from his family and brought to a foreign, strange place—to live with a man who caused even weirder feelings to swell in his chest. How could he possibly be all right?

Vaar winced and Jaden realized he'd said everything out loud instead of keeping it in his head.

"Jaden," Vaar replied, "I realize you don't like me very much at the moment, but you have to understand I only did what was best."

"What was best?" Jaden parroted. "And who gave you the right to decide that?"

"You did," Vaar answered calmly, "when you came to me."

Jaden felt the blood drain out of his face. He didn't want to talk about all that. In fact, he'd have preferred if Vaar hadn't been the beast who had listened to Jaden's confessions. How could Jaden even look at the man now?

To Jaden's shock, Vaar hugged him tightly and pressed a light kiss against his temple. "It's okay. I'm not angry, upset, or disgusted because of what you told me."

"I don't understand…" Jaden choked out. Tears filled his eyes and he struggled to keep them at bay. He would not cry. "I don't know what you mean."

"Of course you do," Vaar told him. "We both know all about Aurus and Chrys."

Jaden couldn't bear hearing anymore. It hurt too much and he felt too ashamed. "Stop!" he cried. "Leave me alone!"

"Treasure…" Vaar tried once again. "Let me speak."

But Jaden didn't want to hear anything. "No, I don't want to listen. Leave me be. You can't possibly know anything about me and my family. You're nothing but a beast."

He froze as the words escaped his lips. Immediately, he wanted to take them back, but… too late. Vaar gently released him from the embrace. He didn't say a word, but Jaden sensed the dragon's hurt.

"Vaar… I…"

Vaar didn't give him the chance to apologize. He swept Jaden up into his arms and said, "It's a good thing you woke up. I have the water ready for you."

The sudden change in topic didn't even register in Jaden's brain. Only when Vaar walked them into the pool room did Jaden understand what the dragon meant.

Gently, Vaar put him down next to the little indoor pond. "Test the water," he said. "I don't want it to be too hot."

The last thing Jaden wanted was to test water, but he did it anyway. He slipped his tail into the pool experimentally and his eyes widened at the pleasant temperature. "How?" he asked as he slid into the comforting warmth.

Vaar nodded toward the wellspring that fed the little lake. Jaden saw that a ruby red gem had been placed in front of it like a filter. "I figured if I heat the gem with my fire, the water might come out hot. I'm glad it worked."

Jaden smiled at the dragon. "Thank you. This feels great."

Vaar shrugged. "It's the least I can do. After all, I did take you from your home."

Jaden tried to come up with an apology, anything that would fix the situation. Nothing came and before Jaden could figure things out, Vaar turned on his heel and left the chamber.

When Vaar finally got out of sight, Jaden broke out of his shock. "Vaar, wait! Vaar!" he shouted.

But the dragon didn't return.

* * * *

Vaar hastened out of the pool room, cursing his idiocy. How could he have believed Jaden would ever come to care for him? He'd not even told Jaden about his powers and the mer thought him to be no better than an animal, an evil monster.

He felt his claws emerge
,
Jaden
'
s words
replaying
in his mind, over and over.
"
You
'
re nothing but a beast. You
'
re nothing but a beast.
"
Gods, he needed to get out of there before he did anything stupid. He
'
d never hurt Jaden, of course, but shifting where Jaden could see him would merely scare the mer even more.

Vaar rushed through the corridor and out of the cavern. He magically shielded the mouth of the cave, just in case some foolish excuse for a dragon happened to intrude on his territory. Finally, he released the tension inside him, closed his eyes, and let the change flow over his muscles.