Dragonmark by Sherrilyn Kenyon Read Free Book Online Page B

brother. You’re moping about and I’m dragging you out the door for fresh air. Now get your lumbering arse off the floor, saddle up, and let’s get out of this depressing place for a while. It’ll do you good, I think.”
    And you wish to ride me ? He quirked a brow at her.
    She tucked her chin to her chest and gave him an evil grimace. “Get that look off your face. I’m afraid of flying. Terrified of dragons. It’s time I buried both those fears. Let’s do this.”
    Do you always face your fears?
    â€œOf course. Don’t you?”
    Don’t know. Never really had any.
    â€œWell, I guess when you’re the size of a castle, ’tis a luxury you can afford.” She watched as the saddle appeared, along with the reins. “Thank you.”
    He inclined his head to her, then lowered his wing so that she could climb into place.
    With a deep breath, she slowly began ascending his large body.
    Illarion closed his eyes at the warmth of her supple skin sliding over his scales. Earlier, he hadn’t noticed just how soft a caress it was. Mostly because they’d been under attack and he’d been more focused on other things.
    Now …
    The feather-light weight of her body against his left him breathless and he was well aware of every feminine curve. In particular, her large breasts as she scooted up over his back and struggled to get into the saddle.
    And when she finally straddled his spine, it was all he could do not to roll over and strip her bare.
    â€œAre you all right?”
    His breathing ragged, he fought for control. Aye. Why do you ask?
    â€œYou seem really tense and stiff.”
    She had no idea. Especially when her hands swept against him to gather the reins. Damn, it’d been far too long since he’d been inside a woman. This was sheer torture. The last time a human had ridden on his back, it’d been under duress. They’d forced him to it and he’d been hell-bent to get away from his master .
    Now, her touch soothed him in a way nothing ever had before. There was a calm peacefulness he couldn’t quite explain. And at the same time, every nerve in his body was fired and alert. Acutely attuned to her.
    He felt every breath she took as if it were his own. Every heartbeat. For the first time in his life, he wasn’t defiant or angry. He actually wanted to please her. To make her laugh and see her smile.
    What is your choice, my lady?
    â€œNo idea. Where would you like to go?”
    There’s a waterfall in the valley nearby.
    â€œReally? I’ve never seen a waterfall. Is it pretty?”
    I’ll let you judge for yourself. Hold tight.
    Edilyn had no idea what to expect as Illarion carefully picked his way through the cave and out through the opening he’d made. But the moment she saw exactly where his home was, she gasped and latched onto his neck as utter terror claimed her. His cave was high atop a mountain with a narrow pass leading to it. From her vantage point, she looked down on the clouds. “Where are we?”
    Hybrasil.
    â€œHybrasil? I’ve never heard of such a place.”
    It’s an island, off the coast of your homeland. One that can only be seen when I allow it. Or I’m too wounded to hold my shields in place.
    â€œNo wonder the others fear you so. You are the most powerful of your kind.”
    She felt him scoff under her.
    Nay, my lady. My powers pale to those of my older brothers. Either of them could spank me with little effort.
    â€œYou have family?”
    You are surprised that I have brothers?
    â€œA little bit.”
    Well, don’t be. I have many. And sisters, too.
    â€œReally? How many?”
    More than I can count. Even more who have died. But of the hundreds over the centuries, I’ve only been close to a few.
    â€œTheir names?”
    Maxis, Falcyn, Sarraxyn, Hadyn, and Blaise.
    â€œDo you ever see them?”
    Rarely. We don’t congregate like