(Itpc) Endangered

Susan ran down the lane, memory guiding her through the night as she clutched the boy to her chest. He was too big for her to carry for long, but she needed to get away and conceal her presence while she still had time.

Christopher sobbed quietly in her arms as she ran, not understanding what was going on. His father had told him to be good for Susan, and to remember that he loved him. He had then placed a hand on his forehead, causing Christopher to black out, the words 'Be hidden 'til you come of age' echoing in his head. Now, awakened by the sensation of being carried by Susan, he somehow knew he would never see his father again.

Susan was panting hard by the time she reached the end of the path, sweat dripping down her face. She put him on the ground and grabbed his hand. "Quiet Chris, we have to be quiet," she whispered. They stood silent in the darkness; Chris shivered slightly, staring out into the night, and did as he was bid.

Focusing on her inner strength, she muttered a spell she hoped would conceal her from elfin senses. The effect of the sudden energy drain made her stagger to one knee, which at least indicated the spell was doing something. "Okay Chris, now we have to run." Desperately, she pulled him behind her as they ran toward the forest. Just as they crossed under the canopy of trees at the forest's edge, their path was illuminated from behind by gout of flame streaking into the sky, followed by a bestial roar.

"Father!" Chris cried out, twisting frantically from her grip before Susan regained her hold and clamped her hand over his mouth. She hoisted him up to carry him once again, moving unsteadily as exhaustion began gaining a foothold over adrenalin-fuelled exertion. The path twisted as they advanced deeper and deeper into the gloom. Behind them the roars continued for a while, mixed with the sound of fighting, before being cut off. Tears streaked Susan's face and mingled with her sweat, as she ran with her charge into the night.

***

Roughly 15 years later....

Chris was having a dream. It wasn't a good or a bad dream, yet it was an all-too-familiar one. He was in his room. He knew he was asleep; he lay on his bed, unmoving, unblinking, staring out into the darkness lit by a faint, sourceless, purple light. Presently he could make out the end of his bed, the bedroom door, and his closet. All of the colors were off, much darker than they should be. Objects looked malleable, insubstantial, almost liquid to the point of transparency. He gazed without moving, his eyes changing position every now and then. As the dream continued, he sometimes shifted in bed, rolling over to one side as he slept, facing a new view though most likely a mundane one such as a different expanse of his pillow. These times seemed interminable to Chris, and in the dreams he seemed only to be waiting until he woke up. Mostly he just thought about things: his girlfriend Annabel, homework, computer games, sex, farm work, school, magic, other Beings, dragons.... Anything to pass the dream time.

At the moment, his view revealed part of the forearm on which his head was resting. Unlike other objects, it appeared solid and wholesome, tinged with a slight purple glow. Chris had thought perhaps he was the source of the purple light. On closer inspection, as the hours of forced boredom marched on relentlessly, he realized the light was ambient, emanating from the air itself ... and yet he seemed to emit it, too.

Once, a few years ago, he'd dreamt he had seen his stepmother Susan open his door quietly and stand there, watching him. It had been exciting yet somewhat embarrassing to see her ghostly body lit by the purple light, her curves visible through her transparent nightgown. He had stared back, transfixed. While watching him she had leaned against the doorframe, arms clasped together in front of her, unwittingly presenting her breasts seductively to him. He had talked with her about his recurring dream, but not about this one.

The Ether, that's what she'd called it, the 'nothing between everything'. Everything in the Ether was a bleed-through from the Norm, a shadow of its real self. Whatever that meant. Susan had tried to explain that the Ether was like a sub-level of reality, the stuff between dimensions. Everything in the Norm had a small presence in the Ether; on the other hand there were entities in the Ether that weren't present in the Norm: wraiths, sprites, parasites, and plants, living off of each other and from the energy bleeding in from the Norm.

She hadn't known why his dreams took him there. Perhaps it was just part of being a dragon, she'd suggested, something about which he would find out when that side of himself became unlocked. As a witch, she could enter the Ether at will, but the energy costs for entering, exiting, and maintaining a presence in the Ether were very high, and might trap her inside it if she wasn't careful.

Chris shifted in his sleep, the new vista now revealing more of the upper part of his room. The silvery-white moss was growing back. When he had first seen the plant gaining territory along his ceiling, he had tried to scrub it off as soon as he'd woken up, but without any success. Susan had been ecstatic though, immediately retrieving a paint scraper, a ladder, and an enchanted glass jar from her 'magic room'. Spelling herself into the Ether, she'd disappeared before his eyes, only to emerge about a minute later, enervated yet triumphant, holding a jar packed with the white moss. He'd then had to carry her to her bed, and she'd even called in sick the next day, to give her time to recover. Apparently it was all worth it, though. Ether moss was supposedly very valuable as a magical ingredient.

Everything from the Ether was valuable, apparently. Not many Beings had the strength or will even to enter, much less use it effectively. Ether mages specialized in this, but despite her enthusiasm Susan wasn't interested in attaining the much vaunted specialized knowledge. She was happy enough with her lesser magic, plants, and potions.

Susan ... his childhood nurse and tutor, now the sole parent of a teenaged guy who, apparently, had a dragon trapped inside of him. Chris would have found this hard to believe had Susan not shown him things that couldn't be explained as anything other than magic. Then there was Jethry Dale, the old farmer in whose house Chris had grown up, and who had scared the shit out of Chris the first time he'd revealed himself as a Werecat. No wonder he'd seemed so spritely and quick; unnatural for any normal 78-year-old human. Chris sometimes teased Jethry that it was no wonder he owned a dairy, in response to which he'd hear Jethry suck in his breath with a hissing sound and throw him a look of mock-irritation. Then there were other things. For example, he could smell what other people couldn't, and he had a desire for gold and valuable objects. Sometimes he felt their presence nearby, even when not in sight, especially gold and gemstones. The sensation gave him a feeling of wellbeing and contentment. In fact, Chris occasionally went gold hunting in the mountain ranges on weekends, and his life savings outside of about a thousand dollars was in gold, concealed in his mattress. He'd been quite industrious and now slept on its comforting presence.

Chris had finally become resigned, accepting that there was a dormant dragon inside him. It would come out eventually, a thought both exciting and terrifying. Once it emerged, he would truly enter the magical world, no longer appearing as a human to all supernatural Beings as he now did due to his father's protective spell. Susan had originally interpreted his father's incantation 'Be hidden until you come of age' to mean that when he turned 18, Chris would then be 'of age'. However, that birthday had come and gone uneventfully over a year ago, and his dragon remained hidden. The next logical target date, therefore, would seem to be his 21st birthday, assuming that the enchantment was intelligent enough to adapt to its environment. They were now in America, after all. Susan had brought Chris to live at the Werecat's farm outside of Laramie after fleeing Europe where his parents had died. However, she was far from sure, given that dragons matured much more slowly than humans.

Dragons ... his dragon was the reason he'd had to be hidden. According to Susan, they were almost extinct. Highly valued for their immense powers of spellcraft, longevity, strength, and healing, most were in hiding or under protection. Dragons overflow with magic: a dragon's saliva was a powerful healing concoction, his venom was the base ingredient in the deadliest poisons, and ... his spend was a powerful aphrodisiac that greatly enhanced sexual pleasure. Other parts such as scales, horns, and teeth would be extremely valuable to those involved in darker magic, but usually resulted in the death of the dragon during extraction. There were laws in place to prevent dragon hunting, an ultimately wasteful practice, but this didn't stop some from trying. His mother had died this way, and his father was killed for taking revenge on an elf royal who had hunted her down, or so the story went. Knowing that he would likely die and leave Chris with no guidance after his dragon emerged, his father had locked Chris's dragon inside him with the enchantment, effectively hiding it from the world until he had a decent chance. It was a decision made during a time of great desperation and with an overwhelming sense of loss. So, for all of the potentially great power, strength, cunning, and magic, Chris knew almost nothing about being a dragon, other than what Susan had picked up from his parents.

Chris dreamed he was bored again, staring listlessly at the roof as he lay in bed. Exams and classes had ended several days ago, so no school assignments crowded his thoughts and schedule. Other than the ceremonies and socializing, things he generally avoided, he didn't have any reason to attend. lf Annabel wanted to go, though, he would go with her. She was probably the only reason he hadn't been branded a complete loner at school; having an attractive, well-liked girlfriend had done wonders for his social image. He watched the ceiling some more before the dreaded view of his bedside table wheeled into view, the digital clock perched on top. Now he had to watch the countdown. He had tried turning the clock away from the bed before going to sleep. Ironically, he'd found that not being able tell how long was left till the alarm went off was infuriating. Thus, when the clock was all there was in view, it mattered.

The time ticked by. Only three minutes remained; Chris started to think about milking the cows.

5:00 am. He felt himself wrested from the Ether dream, the alarm sounding harshly in his eardrums. Despite being in the waking dream half the night, he felt rested. After moving his legs over the edge of the bed and sitting up, Chris reached for his drink bottle and downed the dregs. Walking over to the switch and flicking on the light, he stretched and yawned a bit, waiting until his eyes adjusted, and then checked himself out in the mirror. He was happy enough with what he saw: a broad and strong body, well-muscled but with a healthy layer of fat over the top. They were real muscles from working. As to the top layer, he was too lazy and hungry to bother with getting the fat off. There wasn't much of it, and it only obscured his six-pack abs a little; he didn't have rolls or pillows so it was all good. Annabel seemed to like him well enough anyway. He glanced at his penis. Extending out proud and thick with its morning cheer, the bulbous head bobbed at him before it started to gradually deflate. Watching his deflation was a strange yet somehow fascinating experience, such a fundamental change occurring right before his eyes. He would give himself a trim down there this morning, in anticipation of what he and Annabel had planned sometime in the coming days. He usually kept himself reasonably groomed, but losing one's virginity was certainly an occasion meriting some extra preparation.

They'd been together for the last year and a half, but hadn't done the deed. She had promised her family, despite not buying into their religious dogmas, that she would wait till she was 18 which was now a few months ago. Chris didn't especially mind. Despite the traumas he'd experienced in his young life, he had also learned that good things came to those who waited. Besides, she gave him blowjobs and he loved eating her out, watching her respond and listening as she came all over his tongue and fingers. He realized he was getting a bit of chub back just thinking about it, so before he could get carried away he got on with getting dressed.

Heading downstairs Chris put the kettle on, took a leak, made two mugs of coffee, and then carried one back upstairs. He knocked on Susan's door perfunctorily before entering and placing it on her bedside table. Stepping quietly, he moved to the edge of the bed and sat down. "Morning Mom," he said gently. She smiled and rolled over to face him.

"Hey sweetie, oh, you're the best," she said, sitting up against the headboard and turning the bedside lamp on. She reached for her coffee. Sweeping her long black hair away from her face, she looked up with a yawn, and he watched her sleepy blue eyes focus on him. "Did you sleep ok?"

"Yeah.... I had the dream again, though," he admitted. "Anyway, I'll go get started with Jethry. It should be a quick milking this morning, he left a few of the cows in with the calves last night."

"Well at least the dream doesn't make you tired," Susan said, frowning slightly at the thought of the recurring Ether dream. She'd tried countless times to reason it out, but still couldn't fully explain its existence. "So, breakfast at seven?" she asked. "That gives me plenty of time to check the plants and get ready for work, with time left over."

"Sure." Chris got up to head for the door then paused, "Want me to bring any milk up to the house?"

"I think we're okay for today; some eggs would be nice for breakfast though, don't you think?"

He nodded and strolled off out the door and downstairs.

Susan sighed, sipping at her coffee. They had such a good thing going. She wasn't his real mother, but she might as well have been. They had slipped into the roles so easily. Now, he was finished with high school and would be leaving the nest. She'd given him a basic education about the secret magical world he belonged to, but couldn't teach him magic; not while his dragon lay dormant, locked away. The heart of the conundrum centered around her awareness that she knew so little and yet had experienced the two worlds and their myriad dangers to her most beloved charge. Thus even though she didn't know much about dragons, she also couldn't trust anyone else to teach him.

It would break her heart if anything happened to her boy. "Pffft, hardly a boy anymore," she muttered under her breath. Her mind wandered as she sipped from the steaming cup. In the last year he had really bulked up ... they had even had to get him all new clothes. He ran some mornings and did exercises ... the farm work was the catalyst, no? Chopping wood, feeding out hay bales, lifting vats of milk ... had turned her boy into a fit, tall, broad-shouldered, handsome young man. It made her wonder if this stage marked his 'coming of age'; perhaps his unlocking would occur any day now.

The thought of the release of his dragon sent shivers down her spine. It would be a confusing and dangerous time, yet she was excited. Chris would likely become a whole new person, and she wanted to be there to watch, as the new young man came forth. Would he leave? Would he let me stay with him? Maybe he'd even let me use his powers to aid in magic? The thought of what that might involve made her blush, so she put it aside. Whatever happened, she would be losing her son. Susan finished her coffee and dressed. He was so sweet to bring coffee every morning before going to work. They had fallen into this routine only recently; it had happened all of a sudden one day last year ... he'd just shown up, cup in hand at her door that first morning, and had stuck to it every morning since then.

It was still dark out; she would check on the outside garden later. Yawning, she made her way down to the basement. Keying in the code for the basement door, she was hit by a wonderful floral fragrance once it opened. "They're actually flowering!" she twittered to herself excitedly.

Susan loved plants: they gave her almost everything she needed for her magic, were wonderful fun to grow, and made her a decent profit on top of her job as a lab technician. The entire space within the large basement had been transformed into a high-tech hydroponics system. Stopping first to check the pumps and filters at one end of the room, she then grabbed a basket and moved out under the lights.

She grew whatever took her fancy or was useful, including some of the rarer magical species. The one that had flowered overnight was a 'Night Heart' that she had grown from seed; its flowers could be harvested for use in powerful sleeping draughts and anesthetic compounds. Humming happily to herself she picked a few flowers to dry, and then a few more to keep fresh from which to make a tincture, before doing the rounds to check the other plants. Her work complete, she headed upstairs and outside into the early morning sunlight to work in her garden, glad that it was summer.

***

Chris was glad it was summer, too. Laramie was bitterly cold in winter. Set on an alpine plateau, there was snow on the ground much of the year. At the moment though, he was comfortable in just his overalls. The herd of 40 cows cycled through the milking machines, kept happy with portions of hay. It was almost 6:30 am by the time Jethry silently showed up. Chris sensed him. Turning his head he acknowledged the old man watching him from the gate. "What took you so long this morning; you sleep in?" Chris jibed.

"Must have," Jethry replied cheekily. After all, old age had some advantages ... although, as a Werecat he wasn't really aging. "Besides, you've got everything in hand," he said, nodding in the direction of the cows. "Are you going to school today? If you've got time, there's some thistles coming up in the Western bull field."

"I'm going to school; there aren't classes, but Annabel will be there. They have some sort of event for leavers all day. I'll take a look at the thistles when I get back," he said as he unhooked a cow and let her out.

"Ah, to be young, to be young," Jethry smirked good naturedly. "That girl has you wrapped around her finger." He liked to tease Chris a little sometimes; it was fun to watch him get flustered.

Chris blushed a little but managed to think up a retort within a respectable timeframe. "I do okay. Besides, being with Annabel beats grubbing thistles all day or hanging around with a lecherous old tomcat."

"Hey, I'm not that old," Jethry retorted. As to Chris's other accusation, he couldn't deny it. They stayed companionably silent for a bit as Chris got another cow hooked up.

Trying to be thoughtful, Jethry waxed serious. "Chris, be careful with her. She's a sweet girl but once your dragon comes out, things will be different. She's only a human and our world is all or nothing."

"I know Jethry," Chris replied, looking up at the Werecat. "I've thought about it quite a bit. When I didn't go dragon last year, it kind of messed up our plans. Susan and I thought that by now we would have moved to Denver for my training and to get protection 'til I could fend for myself. Now it feels like I'm just waiting around for it to happen. I don't know what to do with myself and honestly I didn't think things would ever get this serious with Annabel." He paused for a moment to push up a loose milking cup. "Besides, at the end of the summer Annabel will be going away to Denver to get her chef's qualification." He found it a little ironic that he would be the one being left behind.

"I'm sorry about that, Chris. Probably for the best, though. Besides, you belong with your own kind," Jethry said quietly. It's pretty brutal for humans in our world, he thought to himself. He'd seen all sorts of mistreatment of humans in his younger days as a wandering tom. Things had gotten better in recent years as humans advanced and bloomed, to the point where they now actually presented a real threat to Beings. In direct proportion to their advanced development, care was increasingly required to keep them oblivious. Ironically, many long-lived Beings maintained the old stigmas; humans were still considered livestock, or property by some.

Jethry's last comment raised Chris' hackles a bit. "At the moment she is my own kind. Besides, what does that even matter?"

"It matters more than it should," Jethry said. "You aren't human Chris, even though you appear to be. Who knows what will happen when your dragon comes out? It could be very dangerous for her." Jethry didn't like what he was saying but it was important to pursue the subject; he was the closest thing the boy had had to a father over the years.

Chris simmered quietly for a moment, digesting the good sense in the Werecat's warnings but hating that it made sense at all. He liked Annabel a lot ... loved her, perhaps. "I know that Jethry," he said, his words followed by a frustrated sigh. "At least we have this summer before she goes away."

"Hunh!" Jethry grunted jovially before breaking into a tune, "Summer loving, had me a blast...."

"Gawd, make it stop!" Chris laughed, glad that Jethry had switched back to his humorous side.

"Just promise you won't knock her up with a baby dragon or something," Jethry joked.

"I ... we aren't ... haven't...!" Chris sputtered before realising Jethry was now laughing heartily at him, leaning against the gate for support. "Awww, screw you, ya dried-up old fart. You're just jealous," Chris joked self-consciously, his face on fire.

"Sounds like there's not that much to be jealous about. I thought you two had been at it for months the way you reek of each other," wheezed out Jethry as he recovered from his belly-aching laughter.

"Soon enough, my furry friend," Chris retorted, chuckling now.

"Bold words. I'll expect details," Jethry said, accompanied by a wiggle of his scraggly eyebrows.

"Yuk yuk yuk! Old man, you need to learn to use the Internet so your frustration doesn't overflow. Besides, I thought Susan said you and Ms. Ashford had a thing? And what about one of the Stevens girls?" Chris laughed as Jethry's face contorted into an expression of comical sorrow. The Stevens were a family of Werecats, the only other such Beings in the local area. They weren't aware of Chris's situation, thinking he was Susan's non-magical human son.

"Nah, that old tart's cats didn't like me, and none of the Stevens pride girls are interested in an old creeper like me." He paused. "So. The Internet, you say...?"

"I've said too much," Chris chuckled, standing up from checking a cow's teat. "I'm pretty much done here and all you're doing is standing around. You can finish up."

"See you tonight then," Jethry said. He watched Chris make his way to the chicken coop and then back to the house. He smiled. Chris was hard working, quick, and good-natured. If anything, the old tomcat thought, he could use a bit more backbone; but the dragon would take care of that.

Mid-thought, Jethry froze. Suddenly experiencing an epiphany: he envisioned Chris, mature, looking a man and mostly acting like one. If he was still a virgin ... Well, maybe when one 'comes of age'.... That was certainly one way Chris's father's spell could be interpreted, by Jethry at least. Susan needed to know about his theory.

***

Breakfast was delicious if uneventful. Chris followed it up with a shower, giving himself the aforementioned grooming, then changed into his usual school outfit of black jeans, t-shirt, and black boots. His short blond hair did whatever it felt like. A hoodie went into his pack but was unlikely to see use; it would be warm today. He looked forward to the possibility of Annabel wearing a dress, deciding to text her and ask.

He got a reply to his text, just as he and Susan had loaded themselves into her Subaru wagon at 7:40 am.

"Just for you babe. X...."

He grinned stupidly, then sobered quickly. Susan had seen his expression and asked what the text was about. He ducked the question with a shrug and a little mumble. She wasn't fooled, giving her son a smirk and a playful poke in the ribs before he started the car, the grin back on his face.

They drove in silence for a bit before Susan spoke up. "So, what are you going to do this summer, now that school's over?"

"I don't know Mom, I know we talked about me going to college ... but there's no point if I might have to drop out halfway through." He paused for a moment, then let the rest of his train of thought come rushing out. "And I thought about becoming a sheriff a few years ago, remember? But, like you said, the same thing applies. Everything is moot till the dragon comes out. I guess I'll just get on with my life, do some stuff I enjoy, and get a job till this all gets resolved. Besides, for Annabel and I, this summer is our last time together, unless we want to try long-distance. We're going to make it count."

Susan listened quietly. They'd talked about some of this over the years, yet still she felt a pang of sorrow knowing that he was stuck in such an awkward situation.

Chris watched the road and continued confessing his frustration and ultimate resignation. "I think I love Annabel; but it's not fair to stay with her without revealing what's going to happen to me." He glanced at Susan and then back at the road. "From what you told me, I can't protect her as my familiar unless I'm a dragon. But she isn't allowed to know about Beings unless she's a familiar. It's a Catch-22. She probably won't even want to be with me afterwards, anyway. I don't want her memory altered, so ...." He sighed and swallowed. "Perhaps it's best if we go our separate ways when she goes to Denver."

"I'm sorry Chris," Susan said. This was the first time she had heard Chris say he loved Annabel, though she'd known he'd cared for her. "I wish there was an easier way. But yes," she gestured as she spoke, as if sorting the different points, "when you turn into a dragon, your life will be thrown upside-down. We'll have to move, get new jobs, and you'll start getting your magical training. There are also probably going to be people trying to use or capture you, unless the revelation of a newly-emerged male dragon miraculously stays a secret. It's not going to be safe for you ... let alone Annabel."

"I know, Mom. There isn't really any way around it," Chris agreed dejectedly. He kept his eyes on the road ahead; currently it was straight and flat, no traffic in sight.

"I'm also sorry I couldn't do more. I mean, I taught you the basics about the different races and our laws but I can't teach you about magic when you can't use it." They'd gone over all of this before, but it didn't make it any easier. Unconsciously she rubbed a palm along the tops of her thighs. "I can't even teach you about dragons; your parents hired me to teach you about being human."

"Susan." He paused, waiting to continue until he could see peripherally that she had turned to look at him. "You've done just fine. Thank you for raising me all these years, for being my mother. I know it was probably dangerous and you weren't obliged to do it so thanks. I love you."

She turned away from him as he glanced over. Tears sparkled in her reflection in the window. He pulled off to the side of the road, undid his seatbelt and hugged her close across the divider, stroking her long hair hanging loose down her back.

She sniffled a bit before pulling away. "Christopher, don't you dare talk about us like you are a burden to me. I did it because I love you. Watching you grow up has made me so proud, even if I'm not your mother." She tried to sound steady but her voice wavered. Pulling herself together and wiping the tears away, she leaned in and gave him a kiss on the cheek before hugging him tightly for a few more seconds. "Okay let's get going, I don't want to be late. I've got to set up two undergrad labs before lunch."

***

They drove the rest of the way to Laramie, chatting amiably. Susan described her discovery that morning of the Night Heart in bloom. Chris then asked her to tell him more about the mid-Western magical territory under Lady Narlakis. Susan quizzed him about the various races of Beings: Elves, Weres, Wizards, Elementals, Fairies, Vampires ... the list went on. Chris knew the basics such as inherent characteristics, abilities, and predilections. His experience with Beings was extremely limited; aside from Weres, so far he hadn't met any. He'd had to interrupt his recitations of memorized facts upon their arrival at the university. Chris drove up the wide, curved driveway and dropped Susan off with a quick hug goodbye.

There were still about 40 minutes before school started at 9 am, so he and Annabel would have time to just hang around together for a bit. He parked in the lot a few spaces down from her car. Getting out and locking it up, Chris noted the unaccustomed lightness of his backpack without his books. He debated leaving it in the car, but decided to bring it for his hoodie; it was actually still a little crisp this early. There were celebratory banners everywhere, wishing success to the Class of 2013. He walked around the edge of the nearest building and spied his target amongst the few students milling around out front.

Annabel was leaning against the low brick retaining wall along the front lawn, talking with Steph Lawlill, an attractive classmate who was apparently also going to Denver in the Fall. Chris only had eyes for Annabel, though ... and her dress: light blue with white floral patterns and a few small red blossoms. It left the snowy skin of her arms and shoulders bare, hugged her slim waist and then followed the flare of her hips, before finishing just above her knees. His gaze took in her form, detouring to follow the waterfall of silky, curly brown hair hanging down to the middle of her back, then back en route down her form to her shapely legs and feet, drinking her in. She wore a pair of strappy sandals that exposed more pale skin, covered throughout the cold Winter and Spring. Chris marveled, spending a final few quiet moments gazing in appreciation at her amazing ass. How did I get this lucky?

He'd approached from behind with quiet steps bordering on stealth, but when he got close she spun around with a wide smile on her face. Steph had seen him coming and had given her a signal. "Gotcha," Annabel said. "You can't sneak up on me." She'd missed him at school yesterday and was delighted when he'd texted her that morning with the request about the dress; it was perfect, in fact, for what she had planned. She took a step closer, looking up at him admiringly. He always looked so damned handsome with his strong jaw, blue eyes, and messy blond hair. His body called to Annabel too: broad, solid, all of that exquisitely dense muscle under his skin ... so heavy when he lay on top of her. She loved that he wasn't entirely skinny either; he had some healthy padding over the firm muscle. Once, Annabel had overheard the coach talking to one of his teachers; apparently it was a 'crime' Chris wouldn't play football, but she'd felt she understood his disinclination. After all, he was a bit reclusive. And anyway, he was usually busy on the farm after school, or hanging out with her. Occasionally she received envious and even raunchy comments about him from other girls. He was hers though. Her big, sweet, caring boyfriend, and she planned to keep it that way.

"Wasn't really trying to sneak," Chris denied, frowning, initially embarrassed at being caught; but then couldn't help but return her beautiful, infectious smile. "Hi Steph."

"Hey Chris, see you guys in the auditorium," Steph replied. She walked off to leave Chris and Annabel in their own little world.

"Do you like the dress I wore for you?" Annabel asked coyly, giving her hips a side to side twist to raise the hem slightly, knowing full well that he did like it. The hungry look in his eyes when she teased him, made her feel powerful. Truth be told she was chilly in the dress; but it was worth it to see the transparent, stupid adoration spreading across his face right then.

"You're so beautiful, Dee," Chris said quietly, stepping forward to envelop her in a firm hug. He loved using his pet name for her, it fit perfectly. She'd once called him 'Snake Eyes', teasing his bad luck. He'd retaliated with 'Doe-EyEs' and thus Dee was born. In his arms, she was the perfect height to bury his nose in her hair, inhaling her scent mixed with notes of vanilla from her perfume. Speaking of which, he caught a waft of her excitement on the air. He'd recognize it anywhere. Chris squeezed her tighter, slowly rubbing a hand along her lower back. "You're a little bit wet aren't you?" he whispered conspiratorially into her ear.

How does he always know? She wondered, his deep-voiced whisper sending a frisson of excitement through her. She would have been happy to stay in his embrace all day, bound up in his big arms while his gentle stroking sent tingles up her spine and heat to her core that was starting to feel definitively ... steamy. Annabel had reached a decision last night ... one that she'd realized was long overdue. Therefore, she could hardly be blamed for feeling a little anticipation, could she? In response to his whisper she gave a little wiggle, pushing her small breasts into his chest and nuzzling his neck slightly. In that moment, Annabel wished she was more well-endowed up front, with something more to mash into her man so to speak; but such is life. He didn't seem to mind.

She pulled away from him slightly, and moved up on tiptoe to whisper what she had decided yesterday. "Today," she breathed, giggling when she felt him tense once he understood her meaning.

"Really?" Chris asked, heart pounding at the idea. He guided her away slightly, holding her shoulders so he could see her face. Her expression mirrored his excitement, without a hint of hesitation.

"Yep," she said with a smile. "It's high time. I'll drive us back to your place after school."

"Fuck," Chris cursed quietly as he fantasized for a few seconds, staring at her. "Fuck," he repeated when he realized his dick was rapidly expanding against his jeans.

"Yes Chris, we're going to fuck," Annabel whispered teasingly before bursting into laughter at the shocked look on his face. She stepped back up close to him, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her lips to his firmly. Her tongue slipped just along the edge of his bottom lip, enough to get a little taste of him. Chris responded instantly, returning her kiss for a few seconds before separating, giving her soft lips a parting peck and looking deep into her brown eyes, seeing love reflected back.

"I think I love you, Annabel," Chris suddenly admitted. It was out before he realised he'd said it aloud; her eyes had been his undoing and now he felt vulnerable yet elated.

Annabel saw the searching look in his blue eyes as she squealed in delight and jumped up to cling to him, legs around his waist. He stumbled back from the impact of her weight, then steadied them both and held her tightly as she peppered the side of his face with kisses. Joy flooded her entire body at his words. I love you. I love you. I love you, was repeating over and over frantically in her mind, the heartfelt words expressed through her kisses. Freezing for a second when she realised what she was doing, she calmed herself and pulled back to look at him again, still supported by his strong arms around her waist. "I love you too Chris," she said more seriously.

Chris's heart soared. It felt amazing to declare himself and have it returned so enthusiastically. His ear felt a bit wonky from her close-range squeal but he dismissed the irksome ring, smiling so widely he thought his face might break. He gently kissed her again before setting her back on the ground, mindful of them making a scene. Thankfully there weren't many around to notice. He ran his hands up and down her arm and noticed the chill and goose flesh on her bare skin. Vulnerable. Of course, she's cold, she's human. He flashed to the conversation he had had with Jethry this morning. 'You aren't human Chris, even though you appear to be. Who knows what will happen when your dragon comes out? It could be very dangerous for her.'

"You're cold," Chris stated, a little sombre now, his former elation shattered.

"Sure," Annabel replied with a giggle. "But I couldn't care less." He had finally admitted it to her. "You love me," she whispered conspiratorially before laughing giddily.

"Yes. I do," he replied, as if stating a fact, his response lacking an accompanying grin. He pulled his backpack off of his shoulder and retrieved the hoodie for her.

She accepted it gratefully and put it on. It hung baggily around her tallish, slim frame, reaching down to just below her butt, yet she hardly noticed, distracted by the sense that something had cut short his post-admission high.

"Okay babe, let's get going," Chris put an arm around her waist and guiding them toward the auditorium. He needed to find a secluded spot and have a serious talk with his girlfriend.

Something might have dulled Chris's good mood, but Annabel was the happiest she had been in her life. She leant against him as they walked, absolutely content, floating in the clouds. Her heart was happily thumping, recirculating good feelings all through her body. Skin tingled wherever he touched her so she pushed in closer to his side.

As they walked together, Chris pondered how to explain. He had to do something; he couldn't selfishly lead her on without giving her some sort of warning. Sighing, he leaned over as they walked, pressing his lips to the top of her head. He really did love her. Thrills coursed his body as he felt her awkwardly pulling herself tighter to him. She loves me! part of his mind continued to shout gleefully, while another part dreaded what would happen next, all the while rehearsing what he was going to have to say.

***

The auditorium was empty. Chris pulled Annabel up the steps to the second-to-last row, then along it to the seats in the furthest corner. He sat for a minute, collecting his thoughts frantically as she snuggled into him.

He's tense. There was something wrong, but she couldn't understand what could have him this wound up. "What is it, Chris?" she asked as the disquiet seemed to escalate, threatening to envelop them both. Slowly, she sat up in her chair and turned to look up at him.

She knows. Chris panicked, almost reaching the point of chickening out. "Okay, where to begin, ah ... shit," he said in a flurry of words as he tried to steel himself. Annabel looked at him confused, a slight frown marring her pretty features. "Okay. Ummm, just listen Annabel, please just listen. I have to tell you some stuff. Serious stuff about me but I can't explain it all right now, I'm not allowed to. God this is going to sound so stupid but I don't want you to get hurt – "

Annabel cut him off. "Chris! I know you're not stupid enough to be breaking up with me right now, especially after what we just said; so what the hell is this about?" The unease grew inside her at the pained look she saw plastered across his face as he avoided her gaze.

"No! God no, I don't want to break up with you babe, I love you," Chris assured, meeting her eyes momentarily before dropping them again. "Look.... Just.... Fffsssshhhh," he felt freaking terrified, hands wringing and clammy in his lap.

"Hey," Annabel quietly reassured. "It can't be that bad, just tell me." She reached over and took hold of one of his hands. The strength with which he clasped hers in his now-clammy grip almost made her wince; maybe it was bad.

Feeling slightly better, Chris forged ahead. "Alright. This will sound strange and stupid but it's the truth. Okay? Well, at least part of the truth, I can't tell you the rest now." He paused to see if he could gauge Annabel's reaction.

She just nodded.

"I'm in hiding," he resumed, focusing on making his explanation as clear as possible. "I didn't do anything wrong, but some ... people might hurt me if they knew who I was."

"Like witness protection?" Annabel interjected, then cast furtive glances around the auditorium, looking around like she feared eavesdroppers. This was more serious than she'd thought.

"Not really," Chris answered. "Please Dee, I can't tell you the whole thing. In a few years something is going to happen to me and I'll stop hiding ... but my life is going to be flipped upside down, it could be very dangerous."

"Why? What's going to change?" Annabel asked, confused. "Why can't you tell me?"

"I can't tell you because if I did and those people found out, you'd be in danger." Chris said it pleadingly, hoping it would be a good enough reason. "Annabel ... believe me, it's very dangerous. My parents were killed for something to do with all this."

"Your parents were killed?! Who by? Wait, Susan isn't your mom?" Annabel was incredulous. It all seemed unbelievable; but the desperation in Chris's voice, and the way he was wound up so tight convinced her he was being sincere. The part about his parents and Susan really threw her, though. Annabel had known Susan for years; they got along great, and she knew they both loved Chris. How could Susan not be Chris's mother?

"Susan is my mom but not my biological mother, she was kind of my nurse till I was four but when my parents were killed she looked after me and we've been in hiding all these years. I can't tell you what happened to my parents, honestly I don't know the whole story anyway," Chris paused to work out Annabel's expression. "I guess ... oh, I don't know. I had to tell you that stuff before we go any further. I love you Annabel, but in a few months you'll go away to college in Denver... I don't want to lead you on."

"You could come with me," she said hopefully.

"No, I need to stay hidden. Besides, you won't want to be with me after this whole thing comes to light," Chris said dejectedly.

"Bullshit, Chris, I love you; so don't turn this around on me. I want to be with you and as long as you still love me, that isn't going to change," Annabel scolded, angry that he was cheapening her feelings for him. "I'm going to Denver in autumn and I want you to come. If you don't that's up to you, but I've got all summer to convince you, and I haven't even started trying." She suddenly shifted in the chair and moved over to face him. Straddling his lap, she leaned up and mashed her lips against his. If this was so serious she would give him something to fight for ... prove she wanted them together. Her tongue demanded entrance to his mouth and she nipped his bottom lip, pulling herself closer when he tried to get away. After a moment Chris relented and opened up to her, lifting his arms up and around to hold her. Annabel slammed her tongue home and they were locked in a slippery duel for a few moments before the kiss mellowed. She moaned quietly and broke for air with a gasp, holding his face in her palms.

"I can't come to Denver," Chris started.

"You will," she countered.

"It'll be dangerous."

"You'll protect me."

"I'll change."

"And I'll still love you."

"Fine," Chris relented, "don't say I didn't warn you." The smile on his face told Annabel he was happy with the outcome. Unable to dissuade her, Chris could do nothing more than appreciate her devotion. Although she by no means knew the whole picture, he didn't feel like he was taking advantage of her anymore.

"I'm sorry about your parents," Annabel said, lowering her hands to play across his chest absently.

"It's okay. Susan is a great mom," Chris said. His own hands on her waist weren't idle either, thumbs stroking her soft tummy through her clothes.

"So ... Susan's your mom now and you're in hiding. Something important is going to happen to you and some people might want to hurt you?" Annabel clarified.

"Pretty much."

"And you can't tell me because it would put me in danger. If this is a joke I'll frickin' kill you, Chris."

"Yes, yes, and no joke. I'm deadly serious. Damnit, sorry, that last was an accident."

"Give me something here, Chris. A clue; what's it all about?"

"Magic," Chris said truthfully, knowing she wouldn't understand. He watched her eyes widen in surprise briefly, before she brushed it off as his way of deflection.

"Whatever. I'll entertain this craziness on the condition that you seriously think about coming to Denver with me. I don't care about all that other stuff." Annabel sighed a little, adding, "And stop petting my tummy, you know it fires me up."

"Okay," Chris replied a little sheepishly, stopping his thumbs yet he still had to touch her, and settled for attempting to encircle her waist with his hands.

"So, here's what's going to happen," Annabel stated more lightly. "You're going to kiss me. We'll stick around here for a while. I'll drive us to your place. We'll have sex, and you'll be damned pleased about it."

"God I love you," was all Chris could say before they were at each other again, lips locked passionately, only coming apart when people started to enter the auditorium.

***

The rest of the day flew by surrealistically. There was a farewell speech given by the principal, and then one by a guest speaker from out of town who emphasised the importance of doing what you loved and not letting opportunities pass by. Lunch was a barbecue for the graduating students, staff, and faculty who didn't have classes with the younger grades. Everyone was saying goodbye and making plans for the summer, while Chris and Annabel sat together and snuck kisses when they thought no one was looking. They talked to a few friends and made plans to go to a leavers party the following Saturday. By 2 pm they were ready to go.

Chris drove Susan's car to the university lot and met Annabel there by the curb at the entrance; Susan had her own keys and would drive home after work. Annabel had purchased her own car last year, ostensibly to drive to work at Mishroy's Steakhouse where she was a chef's assistant. Her parents hadn't liked it but it was her own money. She and Chris had taken advantage of the freedom and privacy it afforded them over the past year, to Annabel's parents' consternation. She loved her parents dearly, but honestly couldn't wait to be out of their stuffy, rigidly pious house for good.

Chris got in and they drove off in nervous anticipation, toward the farm.

"Your parents?" Chris asked, feeling like he had to run a checklist to assuage his nervousness.

"At work. They don't know I'm staying over, but I'll deal with that in the morning," Annabel replied. "Susan?" she asked.

"She's cool, we've done stuff before when she's at home, she must have heard us. Besides, she won't be back for hours," Chris confirmed. "Protection?"

"I'm on the pill, you've got the condoms."

"Jethry?"

"Will either be asleep or listening at the door," Annabel joked.

"You're probably right about that," Chris chuckled. "You're sure you want to do this? Even after what I told you today?"

"Yes, Chris, you're not backing out now. We're going to lose our virginities and it will be wonderful. Besides, I've practically been frothing at the mouth all day," Annabel said huskily, squirming in her seat in an attempt to scratch her delightful itch and wind Chris up.

"I know," Chris admitted. "I can smell it."

Annabel stared at him for a few seconds before putting her eyes back on the road. "That's hot," she breathed a moment later.

They drove for a few more minutes in silence until they turned down the long driveway.

Chris asked, "How are we going to play this?"

"We're going straight upstairs," Annabel replied.

As soon as the car was parked, they got out and practically raced to the house. Chris held the door for Annabel, then followed her close up the stairs, placing a hand on her firm behind, feeling her body move. The hand felt scaldingly hot to Annabel, who happily accentuated her stride for him.

Reaching his bedroom they fell upon each other, wildly kissing as Chris pushed her back to sit on the bed. Standing above her, Chris removed his t-shirt and Annabel reached for the hem of her dress before he stopped her. "Can you leave it on for a bit? You look so gorgeous like that," he asked tenderly.

Annabel looked up at his impressive stature with desire smouldering in her brown eyes, knowing what he wanted from her and happy to oblige. Chris had a thing for getting blowjobs while she was still fully clothed. "Okay babe, just get your shoes off already," she said, giggling as he almost fell over in his rush to comply.

As he stood, sans footwear, she rose from the bed and ran her hands along his solid chest and down his abdomen, hinting at where she would go soon. She could feel the strong muscles tensing under the surface as she explored her man lovingly, stepping closer to get a taste, kissing across his chest and toying with a nipple while her hands snuck to play with his jeans-entrapped erection.

She was torturing him, sending tingles across his skin and shivers up his spine while his stiff penis lay cruelly imprisoned. He gave a desperate groan as the feeling of her skin and silky lips made him shudder in anticipation. "Please Dee, you're driving me crazy," Chris panted. "Please, suck me." Mercifully, Annabel kneeled, trailing kisses down his slightly padded abdomen as her hands undid his belt and zip.

Lowering his jeans and boxers as one, her prize sprang into view, erect and bobbing. Leaning in slightly and looking up, her wide chocolate pools held him transfixed as she placed a kiss on its thick head. Annabel thought his penis matched his physique perfectly: above average in length, built wide and heavy. It was nice and big, just like he was.

He gasped as she opened wide to envelop the crown within her wet heat, bucking his hips slightly in reflex and bringing a hand to lovingly stroke her cheek, pleasure coursing directly to his brain. She lowered her soft lips along the shaft toward his root, tongue slowly lashing around his head and savouring his natural taste. On her upstroke she made sure to apply suction and just a hint of teeth, revelling in the laboured breathing, groans, and facial expressions she could draw from him as she methodically built up her pace. Annabel couldn't take him all the way in, having tried previously but finding the challenge too great; instead, she used one hand to grip him near the base and jerk him slowly as she entombed his cock in her sweltering mouth.

Chris was in a state of lusty delirium, slowly thrusting into the ring her pretty lips made around him as she engulfed his shaft in hot, moist, pleasure. With the pink gloss on her full lips and her beautiful, happy eyes, she excited him far beyond simple physical stimulation. He panted, moaning in ecstasy, a light sweat forming on his brow as his abdominals clenched and he struggled to hold back. Her sweet lips were stretched near their limits to encircle him and seal him in her hungry mouth, but her eyes were always his undoing: brown, loving, and twinkling up at him from beneath her eyelashes, holding his gaze throughout, her intense expression begging him to come too soon. She looked so sensual, kneeling in her pretty dress, lips around his shaft while her tongue worked its unseen magic. His picture of her as a nubile innocent was corrupted by her lusty stare and those little sounds that escaped from her lips, as she tried to smile while her tongue traced the ridge of his cockhead. A tingling in his sack warned him, and with a strangled groan he very reluctantly pulled back from the blissful edge, and with his last bit of willpower, he fought to free himself from her hungry suction. "God you're amazing," Chris blurted as he regained his breath and composure.

Annabel grinned happily, wiping spittle off her chin, knowing she had almost had him, and delighting in the act of pleasing him. Her own breath was uneven, cheeks and neck flushed beautifully, sex aching delightfully; it felt like she was about to melt into her panties. She needed attention immediately. "Chris, undress me," she demanded.

Swift to oblige, Chris lifted her up from where she knelt and ran his hands under her dress, then up and over her slim frame, relegating the dress to the floor. Those strong hands brushed around her ribs to unclasp her bra at the back, sending tingles anywhere he touched. Her small breasts were revealed, protruding only slightly from her chest with tiny brown areolas and matching, now-puckered, nipples. Chris gave each beautiful little cupcake a swirl with his tongue and a gentle suckle, drawing a whimper from Annabel who, he knew, was very sensitive when she got this wound up. She wore a padded 32A most of the time but Chris would have happily played with her cute, rounded little tits all day. After a while he kissed down along her tummy to her navel, relishing her soft and smooth skin. She loved it when he worshiped her belly button with half-erotic, half-ticklish tongue strokes; it always made her insides clench. Reaching the top of her slightly frilly white panties, he nuzzled into her fragrant humidity wafting through the moistened fabric. His hands stroked over her firm, peachy ass, catching the edge of the fabric and pushing it along to bunch at her ankles. She quickly stepped out of them.

Exposed, Chris kissed a smooth, milky thigh before he ran his tongue over her swollen pussy lips, collecting her familiar, delicious taste. He rested his nose in her trimmed patch of brown curls and brushed the tip lower to occasionally tease her excited clit. "Fuck! Ooooohhh yes ... Chris ... oonnnhhhaa ... that's so good," Annabel exclaimed as bliss rocked her body and she grabbed his hair a bit roughly, pulling his hot tongue further into herself. Chris got the message, parting her petals and delving into her juicy pinkness as moans and profanities spilled out of her sweet mouth. He pushed his tongue inside and laved then thrust deeply for a few minutes, as she writhed on his face, building her up then retreating to swirl his nimble tongue over her clit, triggering her climax with a little suction. Annabel screamed out her pleasure unintelligibly, her entire body wracked with waves of bliss as she held herself against his mouth. Eagerly capturing the slickness escaping her quivering pussy, he savoured the essence of her womanhood and its salty fragrance with hints of tangy sweetness. As he tasted her pleasure, delivered by himself, he made sure to support her shaking body as the orgasm drained her.

Slowly he laid Annabel down in the middle of his bed while she caught her breath, small aftershocks making her beautiful body twitch every few seconds. Chris left her there to retrieve a condom from his drawer, undoing the package and rolling it down over his meaty shaft. He then joined her, lying on the bed, kissing her breasts, then up along her collarbone to her delicate neck, and finally to her lips. Still in a pleasure-induced stupor, though recovering quickly, she kissed back sloppily but with fervour; he was already lighting another fire within her. Annabel need him inside her, longed to feel his big cock filling her, taking her. "Now ... Chris, I need you now," she moaned, desire tingling through her body wherever they touched.

Delivering one more kiss and whispering his love in her ear, Chris got on his knees and positioned himself. Annabel opened her snowy legs wide and high. Shaft in hand, he ran the head along her slick lips, bumping her clit, making her wriggle and arch. Despite the apprehension she felt, she looked up at him and gave a nod, knowing it would hurt but that he would be gentle. Chris shuffled forward slightly, his butt resting on his heels, thighs flush against hers. He put a reassuring hand on her waist, stroking her tummy while the other positioned himself at her scorching entrance, her swollen pink lips already kissing the very tip. She placed a hand over his and gave it a squeeze: she was ready. Chris trapped her gaze in his own and slowly pushed his hips forward, groaning as her lips parted reluctantly to accept his thick crown. They gasped in unison as the entire head submerged completely, continuing slowly, deeper through her narrow, untried channel. Chris held himself still when he reached her maidenhead. How incredibly tight and soft she was! Looking down at their joining, Chris marvelled at how wide her pink little pussy had stretched to accommodate him.

"Do it quick," she whispered.

Chris looked at her and saw the determination in her eyes. Gripping her waist firmly with both hands, he pulled himself out slightly, his shaft coated with her juices. She gripped his wrists in final approval. Looking into her eyes, he pulled her down onto him as he shoved forward quickly, tearing aside her barrier and sinking deep, almost to his root with an unintelligible shout. Annabel shut her eyes tight and whimpered through the pain as Chris lowered his torso on top of her, holding her close.

"You're so brave," he told her gently between heavy breaths, holding himself still inside her. "I love you so much ... and Annabel ... oh god you feel so amazing.... thank you!" As she adjusted to him Chris tried to distract her, kissing her ear, neck, and finally her lips. She kissed back more enthusiastically as the pain slowly dulled, replaced with a decidedly satisfying fullness. She experimentally clenched, feeling him tense up and suck in a ragged breath in response. Reaching down along his body to her sex to feel around their joining, she discovered that he had not sunk himself to the hilt; a little yet remained outside of her.

"Okay ... I think I'm ready. Chris, I can't believe how full you make me feel ... just ... go slow, okay?" she panted, reaching up to wrap her arms around him, letting her legs relax and fall further toward the bed.

Slowly he pulled out a few inches, her pussy clutching at him, then gently thrust back into her, making a little headway. Trying again he was almost undone when she decided to clench him tightly, preventing his escape.

"Fuck, you're tight Dee! Gnnnghhhhaa ... stop! I'm not going to last!" he warned, pausing deep within her until he could regain control. Gritting his teeth, he pushed forward till she engulfed him completely, watching her eyes widen at the sensation of pleasure.

His head gently butted up against the entrance to her womb, as deep as he could penetrate. There was a little splash of pain as he pushed to the hilt, but Annabel cooed in delight, the last of her pain washed away by waves of euphoria, feeling every inch of him. "Holy shit, that's deep ... Chris, I can feel you in my belly."

Holding himself there, he basked in the feeling of being completely inside her sweltering, tight pussy, his balls against her flesh and his body pressing her down into the bed. It felt so right to be like this with her, as intimate as possible. Annabel was also enjoying the sensation, his thick shaft was filling her completely, twitching slightly every now and then, sending pleasure coursing through her body. She rotated her hips experimentally and felt it stir her insides delightfully, touching places she was unaware had existed. He felt so nice and heavy on top of her, sinking them both down deeper into the bed.

Slowly, he pulled out. Annabel whimpered as he withdrew, fighting for every millimetre he removed, but then squealed with joy as he surged all the way home again. Tense with the effort of holding his impending orgasm back, he thrust in, withdrew to his head and re-sheathed fully, repeating stroke after stroke into her velvety depths; and was rewarded with the honour of watching Annabel's monumental sexual awakening, up close.

His paced thrusts rubbed everywhere inside her and started to stimulate her engorged clit, eliciting a series of joyful little sounds from her lips against his neck. She came alive, moaning, whimpering, clutching, grasping, kissing. As she bucked her hips to meet his thrusts, he felt his full testicles tingling, drawing up in anticipation. The delightful build-up made him pump more forcefully into her inflamed pussy and pull her tightly to him with an arm underneath her back. Annabel reciprocated, instinctually wrapping her legs around him to spur his actions, arching and nipping at his shoulder.

This was so much better than she had ever dreamed. His wonderful cock touched everything inside of her, even kissing her cervix gently when he'd pushed as deeply as he could. They were built perfectly for each other. She felt herself building quickly under his masterful thrusts, her pussy fluttering, leaking a trickle of juices she could feel seeping down between her cheeks as she sped toward her climax. Mashing their bodies together and moaning her pleasure into his ear, she needed to feel him come with her.

"Oooaaahhhhaa! Yes! Come for me, Chris ... oh, shit I'm going to come too.... I love you," she squealed brokenly, panting with exertion and bucking on the edge of orgasm. At her words, Chris thrust harder for a few strokes until Annabel's entire body quivered and tensed. "Ohhhh gnnhhh ... aaah!" she managed as her pussy clenched, releasing a gentle stream of joy as her entire body tensed and released, toe-curling pleasure exploding behind her eyelids.

Her spasming almost unseated Chris, who shoved himself firmly to the hilt with a muffled shout as thick ropes of come surged up his shaft into the condom. He held himself at full depth as her delighted snatch milked his cock. He looked down at her, drinking in the absolute beauty of a woman coming beneath him as he came and came, groaning and mumbling in total abandon until he'd spent his last spurts.

As Annabel gradually relaxed, he stirred himself slowly in her hot core, and gave a few short, experimental thrusts with his softening cock, prolonging the pleasure. They stared into each other's eyes for a moment before kissing slowly with a new depth of feeling. Finally he pulled back and reluctantly exited her spent pussy with a slight plop and an accompanying whimper. Chris noticed a small amount of blood, so discarded the condom and cleaned them both with tissues from his bedside table. Annabel was staring up at the ceiling as he lay back down beside her, pulling her into his chest and nuzzling her hair.

"That was amazing, thank you," he said reverently. All she could muster in response was to press her lips into him sleepily and make a contented little mewl.

Encircling her soft body, happy tiredness started to overcome him too. Chris felt fantastic; his only small niggle was a strange feeling in his chest and stomach. It felt unsettled, like there was something moving slightly inside him ... not enough to cause concern in the aftermath of great sex, he dozed with his arms wrapped around his lover. A man now by any definition, he had finally come of age.

***

He was woken sometime later by his own hyperventilations. Something was very wrong. A searing heat rattled around in his chest, burning his insides and making sweat drip off his naked body. He knew it was his dragon, felt it instinctually as it burned hotter still, like white-hot, molten metal jumping inside him. He struggled not to scream in pain, his mind racing as the dragon inside burned away the barrier between them.

Annabel was still somehow asleep, snuggled to his feverish skin with her face almost touching his heaving chest.

Get away from Annabel! This was happening too soon! She wasn't prepared to accept his dragon, hadn't yet taken his warnings seriously, would hate him, be terrified.

Rolling away from her and off the bed with a thump and a strangled cry, he started crawling toward the door, sobs wracking his chest as the fire spread from his chest to the rest of his body. He didn't get far before collapsing with a gurgling moan.

"Chris?!" came her worried cry. She had awoken abruptly, her heart pounding, alone in the bed with noises of agony nearby.

The room was darker, an hour or two must have passed but it was still light outside. Squinting through the dimness, she spotted Chris's form where he lay face-down on the floor, twitching and crying out. She sat up and flicked on the light on the bedside table, then scrambled out of bed and over to him. "Oh my god!" Kneeling beside him on the floor, Annabel reached to touch his shoulder but withdrew suddenly. His skin burned her fingers. "You're burning! Chris, are you alright? Can you hear me? What happened?" she queried in a panic.

During a lull in the intense pain, he took the opportunity to warn her. "It's happening," he croaked, his throat dry and cracked. His flesh seemed to be sloughing down his oesophagus to feed the fire in his chest. She had reached for him again, so he invested his last remaining energy in the next words, "No! Annabel get away from me!"

She backed up a bit, moving more out of shock at his reaction to her presence, than in obedience to his desperate warning. Annabel froze as she witnessed what happened next.

Suddenly, the pain stopped; he had half a hope that it was over, when something powerful surged into his mind, and his limbs began thrashing. The dragon was in his mind now, struggling with its own consciousness, mentally digging its claws and teeth into him and holding fast. Chris choked, tears streaming down his cheeks, helpless as he felt his own soul surrender, ceasing its weak resistance. Gradually, the dragon quieted. It had won.

Like water that had stilled only momentarily, both felt the rippling sensation as it started merging with him, pouring itself into him, just as he was poured into it. Mixing and stirring together, they blended to create one Being, one soul. With a feral roar of triumph echoing through every chamber and crevice in his mind, Chris became complete. Unbeknownst to him, his body had simultaneously begun undergoing its own transformation.

Annabel stared as a rich purple colour, originating at the base of his neck, spread out slowly across his back. His face was obscured from her view, yet she could see the flush of deep purple as it spread up his head, turning his skin and even his hair purple. His body seemed to be growing slightly, though she couldn't be sure. As the purple transformed his arms, Annabel got definitive proof that he was growing; and in its wake as it passed, it left his muscles slightly more defined underneath.

However, this was forgotten as she watched a line of what looked like ... scales, blossom and spread down his neck and across his spine; a smaller set growing outward and another smaller still following those. Ever smaller scales now spread, halving in size and halving again and again, until a few inches from his backbone, they had grown so small that she couldn't even make them out. The ever smaller scales spreading away from his spine soon caught the advancing purple, travelling down over his buttocks and thighs, around his ribcage and down his arms. His once-fair skin had completely turned purple, with gradations to slightly paler amethyst in front as it spread around his ribs across his belly. Meanwhile, larger scales travelled down his spine, becoming smaller as they reached his tailbone and stopped altogether. One final, narrow scale emerged, much longer than the last two combined, accented by four unique, creamy white-colored bumps along its sides and one at the very tip.

Something rippled at his shoulder blades. Suddenly, Annabel snapped out of her half-conscious state, her overloaded mind scoffing at this new development in her lover. This can't be real, I'm dreaming. Annabel was about to try pinching herself when she remembered the dull ache in her slick nethers and other newly well-used muscles. Looking down briefly she inspected the sticky evidence of her wonderful deflowering, her sex puffy and sore. Convinced that it was all real, panic and confusion flooded her brain. What the hell is going on?!

The answer came to her as she looked back at Chris, a large pair of leathery purple wings that she had been watching in disbelief as they grow out of his upper back, were complete and now lay, folded neatly. The upper joints raised above his head, the lower tips brushed against his sculpted purple ass, each ending in a razor-sharp, hook-like, white claw.

"Magic...," she breathed.

One wing twitched ... the first movement she'd seen from him since he had passed out. It set her off like a frightened rabbit, scurrying back onto the bed and as deep into the corner as she could go, flush against the wall. Heart pounding, her hyper imagination came up with terrible scenarios in which a winged purple beast shredded and devoured her. Annabel fought her panic, trying to think logically, Is this what he tried to talk to me about today? Oh my God, he ... he isn't ... human! Is that, that thing, even still Chris? Panic and fear dominated her reason, as she pulled the duvet up around her trembling naked body, hoping to hide herself from the rousing monster.

Chris lay with his eyes closed, concentrating, his senses having returned suddenly to crash against his consciousness with new and vibrant information. Myriad changes notwithstanding, he had just arrived at the happy realization that his mind was still intact. However, there was something ... he could somehow feel that he was different, powerful, alive ... free! These nascent feelings seemed strange to his logical human mind, and carried a distinctive, ancient-yet-feral, dragon quality. Smells were overwhelmingly pungent, and the sound as he breathed, thundered in his ears. Cracking his eyes, his blurry vision cleared quickly and was somehow brighter, images sharper and more defined. More blues, more reds.

His body trembled with the raw power now constantly coursing through it, cooling down in the wake of burning through his father's enchantment. Those strangely textured instincts originating from within his dragon, told of being tougher, stronger, faster ... better.

Slowly pushing off the floor, Chris halted, catching sight of his purple hand splayed against the grey carpet. "Well thiss wass unexsspected," he mused to himself at the sight of short, cream-coloured claws in place of his fingernails, framed by purple scales so small he could barely see them, even with his newly-enhanced vision. "What the hell?!" he muttered, hearing the quality of his voice. A little deeper and with a slight sibilance, he would have to work on keeping hisses out of his voice. Speaking of which, his tongue explored the inside of his mouth curiously, finding a pointier, sharper environment. The tongue itself seemed to be able to touch two places at once. Chris stuck it out cautiously; the two prongs of his forked tongue wiggled gently, though the rest still appeared human in shape.

The view downward brought to light an even more shocking change. His nose no longer obscured the view of his tongue, having become flattened and smoothed back into his face. Feeling along its contours, Chris found several other differences: his nostrils were slit-like, his lips were thinner, and a formation of small bumps pointed back in a line underneath his hair just above his temples. Opening his mouth, fang-like canines were at least a centimetre longer and sharp points could be felt along the rest of his teeth. It all sort of made sense, if, as he suspected, he was currently a hybrid of both dragon and human forms. The dragon agreed.

He examined his front, his chest and abdomen now creamy white, blending with the purple as it wound around his sides. With one arm he reached back to partially extend a wing. The leathery webbing was supple and smooth, purple on the back, creamy white underneath, sharing his body's colour scheme. Any part of him that was equivalent to a dragon's underbelly was this lighter ivory, included his palms up to his underarms, his chest, neck, tummy, and ... penis. On cursory inspection, the shape of the latter had changed, too, with a more flared, wider glans, and strange pointed tip. He was amused that the merge between the white and purple travelled the underside of his shaft, leaving the top creamy with a strip of purple along the bottom, giving him a legitimate case of blue balls.

Gone was any trace of body hair. He checked for it everywhere: chest, back, pubes, ass crack, legs, arms, face. It was all gone except for the now-purple hair on his head. Somehow, these changes felt natural, right even ... he was truly a dragon.

But why purple? Susan had told him about browns, blues, reds, greens, and silvers, but never purple dragons.

A dragon's colour reflected it's aspect, or magical element. What was his aspect, then? The answer came to him from within, the dragon simply sharing its instinctual knowledge as if Chris himself had known it all along but had only just now recalled it: The Ether.

The revelation was conferred with nonchalance, his dragon having known this from the beginning. It explained his purple-tinged dreams: the colour of the Ether – Of course! he realized suddenly, this was why he had so often dreamed of it.

Slowly rising to his feet, his new wings ruffled a little. Chris tilted back to look up at the leanly muscled forewing, its clawed elbows at least a foot above his head. It was only right that a dragon had wings, wasn't it? Catching his reflection in the long mirror by the door, Chris took a few steps forward to inspect himself. His purple and white body looked powerful, magnificent, dangerous. With a dragon-induced chuckle at his own magnificence, Chris scrutinized his face in the mirror. Reptilian eyes stared back, their vertical irises taking in the lines of his new purple visage. Chris could still see himself in that face, despite the new definition of his nose and cheek bones. Smiling, his sharp white teeth were revealed, points interlocked to provide maximum slicing and penetration of his prey. The dragon preened inside him, his knowledge providing access to the foreign muscles. Chris tentatively extended them to open his wings, watching in awe as they unfurled magnificently. At full extension they reached at least two metres on either side of his body, one tip was currently extended through the doorway out into the hall. Strong bones and muscles stretched along the leading edge, purple-finger struts supporting the thin flight webbing. He felt new muscles tensing down his back and around his ribcage, attached under his arms and down across his back. Would they actually support him if he attempted to fly? His dragon said yes.

Retracting them slowly, Chris turned to fully observe his scaled spine. He saw the progression of ever smaller scales and followed them with a finger. A little further and he couldn't even tell that tiny scales even existed. Running his hand back around and over his abs, his skin felt just as smooth and sensitive as before, but with a subtle difference in the way light was reflected.

His forked tongue flicked out to taste the air. The flavour explosion he experienced when his tongue withdrew inside his mouth was perhaps the most revelatory experience so far. Smells and tastes he didn't know existed and couldn't identify, lit up his brain with an overload of information. However there was one scent that was very familiar, drawing Chris abruptly away from his self-admiration. Annabel. His head snapped to the corner of the room where she huddled, attempting to hide under his duvet. She gave a tiny jump under the blanket as his head swivelled with lightning speed to look straight at her.

She should have been his first concern, but he'd gotten carried away with his new body. Trying to move unthreateningly, Chris slowly edged toward the bed. The duvet pile trembled as he got on the bed, kneeling in the opposite corner. Sighing, Chris slumped, knowing that it was all over. She now knew about his dragon; they would have to alter her memory.

"Annabel. I'm so sorry." Chris started, not really knowing how to continue, "I never thought you would be exposed to this. I thought by the time this happened to me I would be long gone. You don't have to be afraid, I would never hurt you."

There was a pause in the trembling and Annabel peeked out behind her improvised cover. "Chris?" came her whispered voice. His deep voice was still gentle and reassuring but he seemed to put a bit more emphasis on his 'S' sounds.

"Yes. Dee it's me, I know I look scary but it's me," Chris implored, extending an arm to try and coax her back to him. "I'm so sorry it happened like this."

Annabel lowered the duvet completely and stared open-mouthed at the creature in front of her. He looked dangerous, terrifying, entrancing, and beautiful all at the same time as he knelt on the bed a few feet away, an arm outstretched like he wanted her to go to him. It looked so out of place, this beautiful monster kneeling on the bed, looking crestfallen. "What are you?" was all she managed.

"I'm a dragon."

"How is this possible?"

"I was born this way," he sighed. "My parents were dragons; but when my father knew he was likely to die, he placed an enchantment on me, which hid my dragon away while I grew up so I would be safe."

"This is why you said you were hiding? What could possibly hurt a dragon?"

"Dee ... there's a whole magical world you don't know about. Dragons are endangered because they were hunted. I tried to warn you about this but my dragon was released much sooner than I expected. It must have been when we had sex." As he spoke, Chris was putting things together in his mind. It must have been losing his virginity that had triggered the breaking of his father's spell.

"I did this to you?" Annabel's voice trembled.

Chris saw her uncertainty and pain and couldn't help rushing to embrace her. However, the sudden advance of a purple, winged man, moving quickly across the bed toward her made her jump back and cry out in fear, forgetting momentarily that it was Chris. He managed to capture her trembling body and hold her softly against him, petting her back. "SShhh. It's okay, Annabel. It's me, it's okay. I didn't mean to scare you like that; I just wanted to hold you. None of this was your fault, it's just who I am. All we did together was unlock this side of me. I don't regret a second, I love you," Chris soothed, pausing before continuing to the painful part. "You weren't meant to find out about this but it's okay, if you don't want to stay with me I'll go. It'll be like I never existed." Chris's heart was breaking and the dragon was snapping his fangs in anger at this promise to leave their mate.

Annabel calmed as he spoke to her, melting into his warm, firm chest as he stroked her. His scent flooded her lungs, imbuing her with a sense of comfort. It took a moment to process his last sentence but she realised he was leaving her. She took another deep breath and it was as if a switch had flicked on, like he called to her entire body, willing her to go to him. Rationality was thrown aside; she loved him, how dare he leave her? Closer: she wanted, needed to be closer, to belong to him whatever that might mean. Clutching and clawing, Annabel latched herself onto him, determined not to let go. "Don't Chris! Don't go please!" she wailed, tears streaming down her face as she wormed her way against his creamy white neck. "Please. I need you, I love you," she begged.

Chris was startled by her response but quickly tried to comfort the distressed Annabel. He hugged her tightly in return, trying to ignore that she was desperately grinding her body into him, legs locked around his waist. "Hey. Hey, I'm not going anywhere, Dee. Not unless you want me to. I'm just saying that as an option in case you understandably never wanted to see me again, I thought you would flip out and run away screaming. I'm so happy you still want me."

"Of course I want you, you're a beautiful dragon. I'm yours." Annabel replied automatically. Wait yours? That's strange, I should be a bit more freaked out right now, she thought, while pressing her lips into his skin wherever she could reach. He was so smooth and warm, he smelled great too, definitely masculine with a hint of sweet, spicy smoke. I should stop this... Oooo! I bet he tastes great too. Her addled mind reasoned, swirling her tongue on his skin where she kissed, delighting that he tasted just like he smelled. She couldn't stop herself.

Something was definitely wrong, Chris was relieved at Annabel's vehement affirmations but now she was trying to lick him all over, moaning breathily as she sucked and nipped at him. He got distracted as she toyed with a nipple, all the while rubbing her pussy slickly against his pubic bone with her ass cheeks teasing his hard on. His dragon was purring inside him, happy with the way she worshiped their body. He snapped out of it when she put her tongue in his armpit attempting to find the source of his delicious smell. The tickling brought him back and he had to forcefully push her away and hold her still as she writhed against him.

"Annabel, what's gotten into you? Stop. This isn't right." Chris worried.

"Chris! Oh!" Annabel panted, struggling to get back to him. "You smell so good, I just want to taste... What's happened to me?"

Regaining some control she looked up at him, focusing on his concerned purple eyes. The shock of noticing that they were now reptilian brought her back, he was a fucking dragon. He blinked and she saw a membrane retreating to the side of his eye, he had another see-through eyelid underneath his human set, it was so odd that she noticed it now. There was something wrong with her, she could feel her emotions raging out of control. She loved him so much but now it was like she was desperate to be possessed by him, to prove herself worthy of being his. Her body was hot and achy, starting to sweat a little, it felt like there was a fire in her womb, leaking molten desire down onto him where she squished her mound wetly against his skin.

"Chris, what did you do to me? I'm burning up. Oh my god, how wet am I?!"

Dragon struck came the pleased response inside his head as he felt her juices flowing down onto his balls, dripping onto the bed while his pulsing cock twitched between her cheeks. "Oh Dee I'm so sorry, I think you're dragon struck, it's like pheromones or something. I don't know what to do!"

It was too much, Annabel couldn't resist it any more as the slim control she had over her desires slipped back into a lusty craze. "Take me," she whimpered.

"No! Annabel, fight it." Chris said desperately trying to hold her still while she writhed to get him inside her.

"Do it! I love you Chris, take me, claim me!" Annabel screamed, her desperation flaring at his resistance.

"No Annabel, not like this! You're not yourself, you're drugged."

"I don't care!" came her ragged response. What she was experiencing was delicious, but dangerous at the same time, like some unknown doom would befall her if she didn't convince him soon. "Don't you want me?" she asked, seeming vulnerable for a moment.

Chris relaxed a little, letting his guard down at her hurt expression. "Of course I do, it's jus – "

She took her opportunity and clawed her way back to his body, wrapping around it in a death grip. Chris tried to pull her away but couldn't without risking hurting her. His dragon tried to tell him that this was normal for the first time between dragons and humans but Chris was unmindful, distraught that he'd done this to her, that he'd somehow played with her mind. The female loves you, she needs you to claim her, reassure her that she's yours. Our scent only amplifies her desires, among other things. It doesn't create themm, his dragon informed him, eager to sink into Annabel's tight, hot flesh.

We will have a serious talk about your affect on the people I love once this is resolved Chris projected ominously.

We are one being, I love her just as much as you. Now shut up and give her what she needs, came the startling reply.

While their internal debate raged, Annabel had secured her position. Locking her ankles and wrists around his broad body, she pulled herself up to his ear. "Fuck me." She demanded.

"No," came Chris' stony reply, now determined to fight both her and his dragon.

"Please Chris, I need this," Annabel almost sobbed in his ear, squeezing her entire body into him. "You aren't taking advantage, I want this so much it hurts!"

"I won't."

"God damn it Chris, fuck me!" snarled Annabel, fed up with his noble stubbornness. He said she was under his influence, but that didn't matter to her; the love and want she felt in that moment were so great her body hummed, sweat and heat rolling off her. All this and he wouldn't help her get what she instinctually knew she needed, his seed in her belly.

"No – " Chris felt a roar of pain burst out of his lungs.

Upon hearing his negative, Annabel had suddenly sunk her teeth into his ear. It wasn't the word she'd wanted to hear.

Just as suddenly, a brutally strong clawed hand gripped the back of her neck and pulled her off of him.

"Petulant female!" the dragon snarled in her face, fangs flashing.

"I'm sorry! I don't know why I did that," Annabel quaked, terrified at his rage. The metallic taste of blood set her lips and tongue tingling, as if she had just swallowed hot sauce and was waiting for the full burn to start.

The dragon loosened his grip on her slightly. "It is good, in a way, little one; your tenacity pleases me."

"Chris?" Annabel asked tentatively.

"I'm here, you just brought the dragon to the foreground. We are one Being but each have our own impulses," his dragon allowed Chris to explain, looking her trembling body up and down appreciatively.

"Now, as to your demands," his dragon resumed. Abruptly she was released from his taloned grip and he watched her slump down against his body, her legs still wrapped around him. Grabbing her narrow waist roughly and lifting her easily, he ignored her weak protests. He positioned her above his markedly more bullet-shaped and flared cockhead, using her engorged labia to kiss the tip, lubricating it thoroughly. She whimpered quietly as he held her in place, teasing her with her own desire as she bucked to impale herself. Soon enough he lowered her, in complete control as his cockhead pressed home suddenly, stretching her wide as it popped in and then drilled deeper, agonizingly slowly, inch by glorious inch.

It was all too much, whatever he was doing to her, it was just too much. Her body quaked, his penis, so hot and thick inside her, inching slowly upward into her. "Yes! Chris! Ohh ... mmm," the words died in her throat as she came halfway through his penetration, her ecstatic pussy fluttering, wetting him further with a little trickle of her cum. She shuddered, calling his name, cursing him, praising him as he continued to sheath himself in her scorching pussy, pushing through her convulsions. Finally he reached the end of her passage and stilled for a few moments, allowing her to recover. She squeezed her arms and legs back around him as he held both of them in a seated position. He twitched inside her, making her jump.

"Oh my god; you're bigger?!" she asked incredulously as the feeling of being stuffed with a large dragon's cock prolonged her post-orgasmic bliss, twitching and squeezing him.

"Only a little bit." Chris whispered in her ear, reaching up with one hand to hold her head gently, he kissed from her ear around to her mouth. Tasting his own blood there, he licked it away while kissing her softly. Annabel attempted to slide her tongue into his mouth but retreated at the feel of his sharp teeth; instead, their tongues waged an increasingly feisty duel within hers until Chris pulled away. "I'm going to fuck you now Dee," he growled, grasping a large fistful of her thick hair.

All she could do was look up at him, doe eyed as he ground his thick crown deep inside her with tiny thrusts. Her pleasure laced with intense sensations bordering on pain, she came again in just a matter of seconds, bucking and undulating her tummy as he demonstrated his mastery of her needy body. Again she flooded him with her juices, soiling the sheets below as she tried to scream in ecstasy but no sound came out of her gasping mouth. The orgasm didn't as last long but that didn't matter, within seconds he started pulling back, fighting her tightness as he raised her up, holding with only the thickest part of his head at her opening before pulling her back down again, battering his way into her spamming pussy. He was being rough with her, it was slightly painful but in the moment his animal passion and dominance felt exactly right.

Feeling her velvet walls clutching him, heat nearly overwhelming, he thrust up into her strongly, still with a measured and relatively slow pace he pulled her smaller body down to meet him. His dragon revelled in how amazing it was to sheath himself almost to the hilt over and over in her tight body, he might go deeper but didn't want to cause her too much pain. Arching his head, he let out a roar of triumph, wrapping her tightly in his arms, one hand on her supple, tight little ass, the other crossing her back, still gripping a fistful of her soft brown hair, tugging a little. With this unbreakable hold he thrust into her franticly, taking shorter, more powerful strokes, growling into her soft neck.

Annabel was moaning constantly, pleasure coursing her twitching body, trying to meet his thrusts but realising that he was totally in control. She was being fucked by a dragon, her dragon. She felt him deep inside her, filling her again and again, creating glorious friction everywhere. She heard the lewd squelching noises they made as he pumped into her, heard his roar of pleasure and felt him increase his pace. Her orgasm crept up on her, surprising her with its sudden intensity after only a few more moments of his fervent thrusting. Her body locked again as he thrust a few more times before her trembling, tense pussy forced him to slow, attempting to coax its reward from him but failing. He held her brutally tight, crushing her into his white chest. Riding her pleasure she muffled her screams against his shoulder and before she knew what she was doing, sunk her sharp little teeth into him again.

Chris was enjoying the feeling of her contracting around him, hearing and feeling the woman he loved come apart in his arms when she bit him again. Hard. It hurt, he knew it would heal, his ear had already started, but it really hurt, pulling him back from the brink. His dragon however was pleased they had such a feisty bedmate, eager to show her who was in charge, who had the fangs. It was like whatever affected Annabel was instinctively making her goad and rile him into a frenzy.

Chris let her finish her orgasm, still locked onto his shoulder but when her twitching stopped he pulled her roughly off him with a moist squelch. Annabel protested weakly as he dumped her on the bed, turned her and pulled her up by the waist, ass in the air with her swollen flower displayed for him, her pinkness now a darker shade. She was still contracting automatically, winking at him as he ogled her peachy smooth butt, running his clawed hands gently over her alabaster skin, squeezing greedily on her giving flesh.

Recovering, Annabel panted into the sheets as he explored her proudest feature. She might wish occasionally for a more womanly pair of tits but she thought her ass was superb; so did Chris, apparently, as he took his time with her wonderful bottom. Suddenly he reared up behind her, using a hand to guide himself into position, her knees were together on the bed so he had to push his thick shaft between her cheeks to reach the drenched heat of her vagina. Putting a hand on each snowy globe, he pulled her back onto himself slowly, mindfully watching for any sign of displeasure. This was perhaps his second favourite part of sex, sinking into her slowly, seeing it with his own eyes as he felt it with his slick, throbbing erection. It felt so good, so right and she gave a cute little gasp when he seated himself fully, sexily watching him over her shoulder.

Stuffed inside her burning soft flesh, he lowered his body over hers, pulling her up into his chest so his mouth was at her ear. Very slowly Chris began taking tiny soft thrusts, grinding himself into her, stirring all around inside her the dragon whispered in her ear, "Do you feel that, Dee? You're mine. I'm going to fuck you like an animal 'til I fill you up." Annabel just whimpered and bucked back against him slightly, dominating and possessive, exactly what she needed to hear from him. "You'll be my fist, my Familiar, and one day you'll bear our children. All this because I love you, Annabel." Chris poured their combined feelings into her ear, feeling her clench him in approval.

"Yes!" she cried in response, "I'll do it all, Chris. Anything! I love you." She turned her head back awkwardly and he met her, attacking each other's lips, tasting, nipping. Their slippery tongues met for a few moments before the position became a little uncomfortable. Chris broke away with a gasp as he began thrusting more forcefully into her, feeling her arch and slam her butt back into his oncoming thrusts. He pulled her back with him to a partial sitting position, toying with her small breasts with one hand while the other held her waist. Her mouth would latch onto anything he put in her reach, currently she twisted her head was licking and playfully biting his healed ear while he leaned his head down to her, covering her smaller body with his. He tweaked a little brown nipple in response, reminding her to be careful, she obviously had a thing for biting. Feeling her silken pussy tense on him in response, Chris realised he was only seconds from the end.

Automatically his wings began to enfold them, twitching in excitement as his heavy purple balls tingled and his penis throbbed in pleasure, stiffening, expanding a little. Annabel felt him get a little bigger, harder and knew he was about to come, a little surprised but ultimately not caring that his wings made a tent around her. She was very near her own climax, panting and moaning as he played havoc with her breasts and stoked her insides toward ultimate pleasure, just a few more moments. He thrust harder on his last few strokes, that delightful peak before the fall seemed to teeter for a timeless moment before he shouted out his victory, seating himself against her womb as his muscles contracted and he felt spasms race down his length, released his potent seed into her, spurting powerfully down his thick shaft into her waiting depths. He felt an urge to sink his fangs into her sweet neck but held back as pleasure flooded his addled brain.

To Annabel, it felt like he was drenching her insides with his hot, viscous come, splattering her walls with force. This new sensation was the icing on the cake, unaware his come had magical properties, she fell into her soul-shattering climax with a wail at the instinctual knowledge that he was claiming her completely, mating her. Arching against him and pushing his sensitive crown up into her cervix as he fired off shot after hot shot, she milked him for all he was worth. Chris felt her come, her pussy going crazy all over his over sensitised cock, it was almost painful till her body when a little limp as he finished inside her, eyes shut, gasping for breath, he held her tight as they writhed in bliss.

He held them locked together for several minutes, enjoying the feel of completeness as they literally dripped onto the bed. Not wanting to leave her yet, Chris folded his wings back up and rolled them onto their sides. Her heaving, flushed body pulled back into him with protective arms. He felt his love and devotion for this wonderful young woman reach new heights, she wanted him despite being a dragon. It would be difficult but he would make a good life for her in his world. "Dee," He said gently.

"What?" she cooed.

"I'm so happy you don't want to leave me. Things are going to be strange but I'll fight for us to be together. You were right you know? I'll protect you and I'll always love you, Dee. Okay?" Chris managed to mumble into her hair, smelling her slight vanilla scent mixed with sweat and pungent sex.

"Of course you will," She replied, turning to face him, forcing his softening penis out of her with only a small gush of fluids. The majority of his spend remaining inside her, millions of years of evolution making it inhumanly thick and sticky, to remain inside and insure his successful mating. Annabel looked up at her lovely boyfriend-dragon. "I'll stay with you as long as you'll have me Chris, no matter what else happens, I love you."

Finished with their affirmations for the moment, they cuddled for a while before Annabel fell asleep again, pressed up against him. Chris looked over at his clock, it was only 5:30, at least an hour before Susan got home. He had time for a nap too before that craziness started. Breathing deep, Chris drifted into his own satisfied sleep.

***

The Ether, he was dreaming again. For a moment he savoured the feeling of Annabel's warmth as her sleeping form pressed against his front, breathing against his chest. He slowly stroked a finger over her ghostly shoulder and along her arm, exploring her softness in the purple light he cast and the ambient glow of the Ether. Sighing, he raised his head and looked at the clock. Not having slept very long, Susan should be home soon and he needed to get up.

Wait... I can move...I'm awake! Chris's mind whirred. Sitting up abruptly he missed that his arm passed right through Annabel, who crumpled into the space he previously occupied, curling into a ball. Clearly he was now in the Ether, lucid and in control of his body.

Chris felt a little bad about leaving her, but he wanted to explore while he had a chance. The unfamiliarity of having wings was startling, but Chris didn't know how nor want to go back to his human form at the moment. Annabel was still sound asleep so he reached down to brush her arm and whispered, "I'll be back soon babe." She didn't respond so he caressed down her ribcage and over her naked hip, pressing a little firmer over her creamy globes, he got the shock of his life when his hand sank into her shadow-form's flesh.

"Holy shit!" Chris exclaimed, ripping his hand back, leaving Annabel still obliviously sleeping. Wow that's cool, how does it work? He wondered. As an experiment he reached out for his bedside table, feeling its ghostly shadow as a firm object when he touched it lightly but finding that if he pressed harder his hand could pass through it, sinking into the wood as if it were just a very viscous liquid. The implications where staggering, Chris might be able to walk through walls, pass through objects and people, travel anywhere. There were also some more serious things to think about, what if he left the Ether while his hand was inside something else? Would my hand fall off?! What if part of him was inside someone? I need to get educated, he thought, vowing not to try anything too fancy before he got some guidance.

Putting these thoughts aside, he decided to continue with the planned exploration but first glanced backwards at Annabel. She really was absolutely beautiful, a kind, loving soul encased in a cute, lithe little body. His dragon purred, content with both her nature and physical form, she would be the first of his brood. Brood?! Chris asked incredulously, not noticing that his wings clipped right through the doorframe. Yes, brood. We will gather desirable mates. Protect and provide, they will come to us and together we grow strong, the dragon responded as he strolled the ethereal hall and descended the stairs. Chris scoffed that his dragon seemed so self assured, he knew that he probably couldn't be completely exclusive to Annabel now that he had awoken but he certainly wasn't planning on pimpin' up a harem. Annabel would be his girl, any others would have to be part of contracts or favours.

Everything in the kitchen and living room seemed normal, from the Ether anyway, so Chris opened the front door and walked out onto the porch. His first look outside was somewhat anticlimactic, he hadn't been expecting a magical rainbow wonderland but it pretty much just looked crepuscular except everything was ghostly and the faint violet light was everywhere. Looking up, he saw the sun as a bright globe, now low in the sky, but it didn't seem to provide any direct illumination and didn't cast shadows. He could see just as far as he could in the Norm but now everything lacked its usual colour, a grey/purple scale instead.

To the left, growing up the porch and onto the outside of the house was a faintly glowing white vine. Another Ether plant Chris assumed, perhaps Susan would appreciate a sample later. Out on the gravel driveway he walked towards the barn past Annabel's parked car, taking in everything around him. Even the clouds were here in the Ether. So were the animals, he noted as he past the chicken coop. However, the wile ghost-birds seemed to sense the proximity of a predator and quickly sheltered back in their house with a fluster of clucks and squawks.

Jethry heard the commotion from the barn and sallied forth to shoo off whatever vermin was harassing his chickens. However, only a few steps down the driveway he stopped dead when his neck hair prickled. There was something magical nearby, stalking around his property. He couldn't detect anything out of place with his catlike senses but that didn't mean it wasn't there. Looking all around with his enhanced vision, partially transforming into his cat, he scanned for the unseen threat with a menacing hiss. Nothing was out of place but Jethry knew there was something powerful watching him from concealment.

For his part, Chris was startled when Jethry immerged from the barn and all of a sudden went cat-mode with a hiss, looking around like he was preparing for a fight. His dragon growled in challenge but realised after a moment that the old werecat must be sensing his own presence, just like the chickens. Chris tried to talk him down but failed, "Jethry, it's just me you old coot. My dragon awakened." He said, but got no response. Trying to wave his arms, he shouted but it was clear Jethry couldn't see or hear him. "Shit," Chris muttered as he gave up.

Jethry's thoughts went to Chris, perhaps they had been found out. Warily he got out his old flip phone to warn Susan, hoping desperately she picked up. He was warrior, trained to fight and protect but he couldn't go up against a powerful magic user, not alone anyway.

"Hi Jethry, I'm just driving home, let me just get this headset thingy... okay what's up?" Susan answered. Chris, standing not two metres in front of Jethry's shadow form could hear their conversation and thought it strange that sound could enter the Ether form the Norm but didn't seem to be able to escape in the opposite direction.

"Susan, there's something here, I can feel someone nearby but I can't see or smell them. They're concealed somehow, they're powerful." Jethry muttered into the phone, trying to minimise the chance of being overheard.

Susan's mind blanked for a second, her most terrible fears beginning to flesh themselves out. Someone had found them, come for Chris.

"Susan?" Jethry queried, hearing no response.

"Where's Chris?" She asked, panic tinting her voice.

"He's in the house. Annabel's here, they came home a couple hours ago but just now the chickens started making a fuss and when I went outside I felt it nearby, it's still here." Jethry explained quietly.

"Ok," Susan answered trying to calm herself as she stepped on the gas, thankful that she was already past the city limits. "I will be there as fast as I can. What do you feel from it?"

"I don't know," Jethry responded. "It's just here. I can tell it's watching me but I can't pick it up with any of my senses. Susan, it has a very powerful aura, like it doesn't care that I know it's here. I think we're in deep trouble if it makes a move."

"Shit!" Susan said, "Jethry it takes a very powerful spell to completely mask all the senses, especially to a were-Being. I couldn't do it myself. Just...just wait. If it hasn't made a move by now perhaps it's not going to. We might be able to make a run for it."

"Guys! It's me!" Chris shouted into the phone, face to face with Jethry. He tried to grab the phone out of his hand but just passed through Jethry's arm and part of his face.

Jethry jumped back with a snarl, turned, and ran for his house. He had felt it pass through him, the cool tingling of the entity phasing through his own body. They were really fucked. "Susan! It just phased me, I felt it go through my head!" Jethry shouted as he bounded through the door into his house, heading straight for the gun safe. Anyone that could phase was bad news in any fight.

"No! Jethry this can't be happening, don't let them take Chris!" She sobbed, dropping the headset and focusing on driving as fast as she could. How could this happen? She was so sure no one knew about Chris, perhaps she had gotten complacent. Speeding homeward, she fought back tears as different scenarios played out in her mind's eye before a cool rage blocked out everything else. Nothing would take her Chris, she wouldn't allow it.

Chris was left standing in the driveway between the two houses and the farm buildings, perplexed with his situation. He wasn't worried about an imminent threat, apparently he was the threat...to himself. At the same time he didn't want to cause any more panic for Jethry or his Mom but didn't know how to get out of the Ether, previously he would just wake up from his dream.

All he could do was wait till Susan got home, hopefully she would be able to sort it all out or Annabel would explain it. He walked back towards their house, sitting on the steps to wait. The minutes passed slowly as he sat, observing things through the Ether, the novelty of the transparent, ghostly reality quickly wearing off. What if I'm stuck here? He thought, Susan would work things out and retrieve him from the Ether, eventually.

His dragon stirred, bored to be sitting still when it had only just awakened, it wanted to hunt, fuck, or fly, anything exciting really but Chris was just melancholy he had caused such an upset. Jethry could be seen stalking his own porch, pump action in hand, so Chris just waited, passing the time with a little more self examination of his strange dragon body.

Only 10 minutes later, Susan sped into sight down the dusty driveway, taking advantage of her wagon's 4WD. Skidding slightly to a halt, she was slamming the door behind her inside a second. Storming up the path Chris thought she looked like an angry goddess with her long black hair flapping around and murder in her sparkling blue eyes. He reminded himself not to piss this witch off. Susan was about to start up the steps when Jethry joined her, they paused to look at each other, Jethry with his claws and shotgun, Susan with menacing power rolling off her.

"Can you sense it?" Jethry asked, "What is it?"

"Yes," replied Susan coldly, "and I don't know. You say it phased through you?"

"Yea, right through the front of my head, it could have killed me but it went all the way through." Jethry almost whispered.

Meanwhile Susan was expanding her magical senses, probing around to discover the identity of the concealed threat. She felt it nearby, powerful and definitely watching her. Annabel was upstairs, asleep by the feel of it. Chris was nowhere. Susan flipped.

"Where is he?" She hissed, quiet at first with hatred dripping off her words. "I know you can hear me you son of a bitch. What did you do to him? If you've hurt my son I kill you!"

Shocked, Jethry realised Susan must be addressing the Being in hiding. "He's gone? But how?" he asked.

"This mother fucker can phase so who knows. Give him back you bastards!" Susan wailed, desperate to vent her anger but unable to find an opponent.

Chris was frantic to calm the situation, Susan was distraught that he had apparently been taken, when in reality he was standing in front of her. Unable to gain her attention, he tried to give her a reassuring hug. Wrapping his arms around her and pulling her shadowy form close, he wish she could see him. "I'm sorry Mom, it's just me, I'm fine." He comforted, hoping somehow that the message got through.

In fact, it was Susan who got through. As Chris hugged her, he pulled her into the Ether with him. Susan felt the Being begin to phase through her and tried to struggle, fearing an attack. But half a second later she felt a shift, her Ether shadow fleshing out as her physical body in the Norm disappearing altogether, which made Jethry snarl. Despite a drain in energy, Susan heard her son's plaintive words. She stilled her struggles to look up at his unfamiliar visage, seeing her awoken son in his true form, seeing that they were in the Ether.

"Hey Mom." Chris said gently as she sagged in his embrace.

"Oh Chris, I thought were gone...You...You've awoken." She sighed, relief washing over her as she began to see more and more of her son in the Being before her.

"Yea, Annabel and I ... umm ... you know ... sex, and then I transformed." Chris mumbled, embarrassed.

"Ahh, okay, good for you. That's fine. What are you doing here?" Asked Susan wearily, blushing only a little, the drain of staying in the Ether was starting to take a toll. "How did you bring me here?"

"I don't know, I woke up here after I went to sleep and now I can walk around. Apparently my aspect is the Ether. It sucks though because I can't get out. Am I trapped here?" He explained.

"Well that explains...I guess I just assumed the worst. But I've never heard of an Ether dragon Chris. I'll tell you how to leave the Ether but I don't have much time to explain, it drains me quickly to stay here. How long have you been in the Ether?" Susan asked.

"About half an hour I guess, maybe a bit less. I feel fine." Replied Chris. "So how do I get out?"

"Hmm, the way I do it is to picture myself at a door, the Ether on one side, the Norm on the other. Remember how I explained that it's just another layer of reality, like a different dimension? Well, just open the door with your mind, it can take a bit of energy, and step through. Chris I really need to get back now, I mean just look at Jethry." She said.

Jethry was stalking around the front porch, waving his shotgun and cursing up a storm, his words interspersed with cat-speak Chris hadn't heard the like of since two cats had a fight in the school playground in 5th grade. It was almost funny.

"Okay Mom, go and calm him down. I'll try to follow you." Chris assured.

Susan released herself from his arms reluctantly, he had a new alluring smell which was disturbingly enticing. Only as she stepped away did she realise her son was naked the whole time. "Oh my..." Was all she managed before she fled back to the Norm and proceeded to calm a very startled and confused werecat.

Chris watched the scene calm down for a bit before he attempted to exit the Ether. After all, he didn't want to pop out and receive a shotgun blast to the face for his troubles. Picturing the door he felt resistance when he tried to open it. He tried again but couldn't seem to make the idea work. Frustrated, his dragon laughed at his efforts. We are an Ether dragon, do not bother with doors, just go there. See yourself where you want to be, see yourself in the Ether or the Norm.

Oh yeah? Helpful all of a sudden, are we? Chris snapped. He got no response, so relying on the pro tip, Chris pictured himself back in the Norm standing behind his mom at the bottom of the steps.

Then he was there.

***

"Whoa, cool!" Chris started, "Hey Mom, I think I just teleported or something."

Susan and Jethry spun, startled at his sudden appearance despite having had time to prepare for it.

"One moment I was standing over there where we talked. Next thing, I'm here behind you and back in the Norm." Chris gesticulated, looking himself over as if the answer lay in his new body. "How does that work?" When he didn't get an answer he looked up to see his audience just staring; varying emotions and degrees of open-mouthedness played across their faces.

"Honey, that's nice ... but I don't know how it works." Susan said, rousing herself from examining her son's new form. "I'm an amateur when it comes to the Ether. I know Ether mages can use it, to phase and travel very quickly, kind of like how some elementals can atomise themselves to travel and reform at their destination." As she spoke, Susan was reduced to shameful ogling. He was truly magnificent: powerful, masculine, dangerous, and beautiful. She took a step forward tentatively, reaching out to touch his shoulder as if under a spell.

Jethry was silent, eyeing up the dragon as his cat's instincts would size up a potential threat. To him, Chris reeked of raw power, and their former relationship was now quickly reversed as his cat recognised the new male's dominance. Once his cat had come to terms with it, Jethry relaxed a bit. Still, he held back, to give Susan a moment with her son, and to observe the newborn dragon.

"Chris, you're taller." Susan realised as she had to look higher to meet his eyes. He used to be about 6'1'' but in this hybrid form he must almost be 6'5''. "And those wings! Oh you're going to have so much fun honey, I'm so happy you've finally awakened. I know your father did it to protect you but I always thought it was a cruel fate to deny you your nature," she gushed excitedly as she ran a hand down his arm to hold a massive, clawed hand. "This form is fascinating, I only ever saw your mother once like this you know. A mix between human and dragon, it makes sense though since the Were races can have half forms." She ran her hands over his, examining the colouring as well as his scales and claws. "You're colouring is strange Chris," she said looking back up at him. "I've never heard of a purple dragon."

Chris just watched passively as Susan examined him, initially embarrassed that she didn't seem to care he was naked although his dragon had said they had nothing to hide.

Susan peeked around his side to look at his large wings."It is the colour of the Ether though, which raises even more questions." Susan continued, "I can tell you will grow to be very powerful Chris, you already are. It's kind of scary actually, if you weren't my son I'd be very wary right now. Actually, I think I am still a little scared." She looked up at his reptilian eyes, reassured she could still see her loving boy as he gazed back at her.

"Mom, don't be scared. I'm still me ... just a little different," Chris assured, trying to smile comfortingly.

His white fangs flashed; Susan involuntarily gasped and took a micro step back. Chris realised what he must have done and toned down his grin to a close-mouthed smile. This was truly a huge change, her realized; his own mother was afraid of him in this form. Susan saw a little sadness creep into his eyes and admonished herself for her reaction; she'd wanted to support him through this. She stepped back up close, and hugged him. Chris wrapped his arms around his mother thankfully; a hug was exactly what he needed. Almost.

"I love you, Mom," he said. "Sorry about the teeth."

"I love you too honey. I'm Sorry I reacted like that, it might just take me a little while to get used to the new you." Susan responded with her head against his warm, creamy scaled chest. As she breathed she became more aware of his delightful scent. A smoky, spicy, manly blend which she could happily get used to. "Hey, at least you won't have to use men's cologne ever again," She said, trying to provide a little humour. Chris froze.

"What?" Susan asked, pulling back a little to look up at him. "What's wrong with that? You smell nice, sexy even."

Chris gently pushed her back to arms length and took a step away. Retreating like she had something he didn't want to catch when really the reverse was true, remembering the effect they had on Annabel. "Ah ... um... So, I have pheromones now" he said awkwardly, not really wanting to elaborate further.

Susan tilted her head, confused at his reaction, until she felt her body's instinctive pull to get closer again. "Oh," she said, answering her own question. Realising she was feeling a little flushed, the telltale beginnings of arousal, her nipples stiff against the cups of her bra. "Oh," she repeated, blushing furiously and turning away slightly, embarrassed.

"Oh my god," Chris backed up, mortified that he had now affected Susan too. "Jethry, I think you'd better take care of the chores this evening, the animals don't seem to like me much at the moment, and I don't even know how to change back."

"That's fine Chris, come see me tomorrow before you head to Denver," said Jethry, happy for an excuse to evade an awkward situation. The dragon was still Chris underneath his new skin, so they were good. He turned and headed back to his house, processing the bizarre circumstances of the last half hour.

Chris looked back at his mother for a second before shaking his head, retreating upstairs, wanting to distance himself; his powerful olfactories had detected a faint womanly odour which only confirmed his fear.

"Chris I'm sorry, I forgot dragons could do that. It's natural, okay? Nothing to be ashamed of." Susan tried to console her son while getting her body firmly back under control.

"It's bad enough Annabel got dragon struck," came his response from upstairs.

"Annabel? Oh... I'm magical Chris, I can resist it better and maybe there's a spell I can use to reduce the effect. I'm sorry I embarrassed you, alright honey? It's no one's fault, you're a very alluring Being," Susan reasoned.

"I can't believe this is happening. Clothes, I need clothes!" Chris disappeared inside his room and closed the door.

"Shit," Susan muttered, "could have handled that better." Pheromones aside, the appeal of his half form was not lost on her. She was his mother but objectively, Chris was possibly the biggest temptation she had ever come across in her 38 years. "Speaking of big," Susan mused aloud to herself, with a heady giggle before reining in her imagination. "Stop that," she admonished, how was she going to guide and support him if she made such jokes and comments, even to herself? Heading back to her car to retrieve her stuff, she started to mentally plan for the trip to Denver first thing tomorrow. With Chris awakened, they needed to get the protection of the ruling Lady as soon as possible. Chris had such a powerful magical presence she wouldn't be surprised if some of the most sensitive psychers were aware of his awakening, they were no longer hidden.

Passing the stairs on her way to the kitchen she called up to Chris that she would start dinner, still feeling her body's desire to get close to the dragon.

***

Chris sat on the edge of his bed, awkwardly rubbing his forewings, he had banged them on the doorframe. Annabel was still asleep, beautifully sprawled across his bed. Honestly, he was scared. His affect on Susan brought to light just how ill-prepared he was for this, that there were unforeseen consequences of his awakening that weren't necessarily all good. What if he didn't want to arouse women when they caught a whiff of him? How was he supposed to blend into human society?

Susan wasn't even the real issue anymore as he despaired a little at the death of his own humanity. And what was with these mood swings and powerful emotions? "Fuck it," he murmured, getting up to put on a pair of old sweatpants, at least his dick wouldn't be flopping out in the open at dinnertime for his mother to see. A shirt proved impossible, 'wing cut' wasn't a standard t-shirt style at K-Mart.

Perhaps most unsettling were his own feelings regarding Susan, sure he was embarrassed but there was excitement and not a little desire deep within him. Mixed with his love for her, the heady feelings had his mind racing. Before he knew it he was fantasising about his beautiful mother in ways he hadn't since early puberty. He felt a dreadful pang of guilt. Here he was, sitting next to his lovely sleeping girlfriend, who not three hours ago gave him her virginity and pronounced her love for him, he was unfaithfully fantasising about his mother. His own damned mother.

Sickening, Chris berated himself.

Not our mother, the dragon poked in his mind. She is a beautiful, ripe, female who loves us. She deserves our care and attention. She raised us as her own, take her as our own.

Shut up! I love Annabel. Chris retorted, angry that his mind didn't entirely disagree with his dragon. He knew the dragon wouldn't pass up an opportunity to have Susan for his own, to become part of his 'brood'.

Do not resist our own nature. We love them both, we will have them both. His dragon stated this as if pronouncing the inevitable. Chris didn't reply, not wanting to lose any more ground against his reptilian adversary.

Instead he cuddled up behind Annabel, pulling her to him and breathing into her pale neck. Annabel woke as he pulled her against him, stirring with a contented murmur. Things came rushing back in a moment and she turned to confirm that she was indeed in bed with a dragon. She looked into the purple visage of her beautiful monster boyfriend, smiling with love as his vertical pupils scanned her face.

"Hey babe." She turned her body to face his and snuggled in close, feeling he was clothed.

Chris saw love written all over her angelic, sleepy face. Overwhelmed, a tear rolled over his flat snout. Annabel quickly craned upward to kiss it away, instantly feeling a flash of his feelings in the moment the tear was shed. Deep love and appreciation.

"I love you too," Annabel said as she recovered from the startling experience, all of a sudden it felt like her body was humming with vigour. Like she had drunk 3 cups of coffee and they hit all at the same time.

"Dee, I..." Chris started, "This is so much bigger than I ever considered. Are you okay?"

"Yes doofus, I'm great! That thing with the pheromones was a little weird but also pretty frik'n hot. I can still feel it, you smell great and it makes me feel frisky," Annabel replied enthusiastically, taking another sniff at his neck before continuing. "But it's not all-consuming like before. Ooh, it was so good Chris! I never imagined sex like that. I can still feel you're stuff inside me, all slippery and tingly. Wait, do I need to worry about protection?" Annabel gushed, giddily high on love, great sex, and a powerful dose of dragon spunk.

"I guess I was asking more emotionally, rather than physically but I'm glad you enjoyed it so much. I know I did." Chris felt better, at least she seemed to be adjusting better than he was. Leaning forward to kiss her slowly, their lips pressed lightly together for a few long seconds before he pulled back to continue. "I don't think you'll get pregnant, not yet anyway, my dragon says I need to bite you first. I have a venom to induce fertility, it's all some elaborate mechanism to ensure females get pregnant with my young rather than another males."

"So weird," Annabel smiled. "So I'll stop taking the pill, just don't bite me, okay?"

Chris tensed a little, the thought of Annabel pregnant seemed highly appealing to his dragon but come on, he was only 19. "Yeah, we don't want kids right?" He asked, smiling nervously, not wanting to say something accidentally offensive.

"Eventually, we do." Annabel replied, pleased to see the silly smile had returned to her love's face, albeit a sharper, pointier-toothed smile than she was used to. "Look Chris, don't feel too guilty about any of this. I love you, and even if you think it's some sort of magical influence you have over me I wouldn't change it. Remember I decided to go ahead with you before I found out you were a dragon." As she spoke she reached up to cup his purple cheek affectionately, trying to get her message through to him because she could tell he still had reservations. "I never dreamed any of this was possible, but in a way it's like a fantasy come true. We're going to get to explore a whole new word together."

"You might not think it's so great once we start exploring." Chris said, eyes locked with her deep browns.

"Maybe, but we'll have each other." Annabel admitted, patting his cheek and giving him a quick kiss. "Okay, let's go downstairs, I can hear Susan. How did that go?"

"Pheromones," Chris mumbled.

Annabel let out a peal of beautiful laughter, imagining Susan getting awkwardly flustered.

"It's not funny, Dee." Chris sulked.

"Oh Chris, it's a little funny," she soothed.

"My dragon. I don't know if...." He stopped, not really knowing what to say. "He ... I'm not a monogamous beast."

Annabel thought seriously for a moment, considering how she felt about this piece of news. Jealousy and anger flared in her chest before she reined those feelings in; he hadn't done anything, just tried to explain himself to her. Maybe it was his nature ... but she was his first; she loved him and he'd better damned well respect that. On the other hand ... if that was truly part of what he was, she might have to learn to live with that, or ... give him up entirely.

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it Chris," she said honestly.

Her response was not what Chris had expected.

"Okay, let me get up."

Chris watched her pull her dress back on, and told her about his adventure into the Ether, trying to explain what little he knew. Explaining how Jethry and Susan thought he was a powerful Being, come to kidnap himself.

She listened carefully as she cleaned herself up with some of Chris' bedside tissues, unashamedly letting Chris see the fruits of his labour as she wiped away her own fluids and what little of his drying cum had escaped her. Her mind swerved between the sensations as she dressed, and his talk. Sore and sticky ... somehow, these sensations gave her a proud thrill, some extra confidence in her own womanhood. Considering his human and dragon sides as he talked, she realised that she could modify her behaviour to appeal to either or both, precipitating a certain outcome. It wasn't as devious as all that though. She simply wanted to understand his world so she could comment intelligently in the future, remain relevant to him.

Annabel induced him to rise up off of the bed, still wondering at his strange beauty, and gave him a loving hug before pulling her reluctant boyfriend toward the door. Walking gingerly down the hall, she felt a constant reminder of their recent activities. He had really done a number on her, attested by the tiny yet insistent aches all through her core and a general throbbing throughout. When combined with the aftermath of several huge orgasms and a light nap, though, Annabel felt just great. Everything looked golden. Stopping at the bathroom, she went in to pee. Chris waited nervously by the door reluctant to go downstairs and face his mom again, but realising it was entirely necessary.

Once downstairs, Annabel led Chris to the kitchen bar stools. Susan looked up from her salad preparation, eyeing at Chris for a moment before turning to Annabel with a huge smile.

"And what do you have to say for yourself, Missy?" Susan joked, noticing the flush and contentment of a well-fucked woman.

"No regrets, it was simply amazing." Annabel replied with a huge grin. "He's being all bashful and sulky now but it was so much better than I could have imagined, and once he transformed? Oh. My. God!"

Susan cocked an eyebrow, theatrical astonishment on her face. However, she familiar with the rumours surrounding the sexual prowess of dragons.

Chris's purple face darkened to an almost midnight blue and he made a move to get up and escape from the teasing she-devils. His mother and girlfriend got on far too well together, nothing good could come of it.

"Babe I'm just teasing," Annabel said, holding him down and giving him a quick consolation kiss before turning back to Susan, "... but not really."

"Well I'm very happy for you two; however, your awakening will require quite drastic changes. How much have you told her about yourself and our world?" Susan asked her blushing son.

"He's told me what matters I think," Annabel responded for him. "I'm staying with him no matter what, we'll work the rest out as we go."

"I'm glad you feel that way Annabel, I would hate to have him newly-awakened as well as heartbroken." Susan smiled, "Just remember, this world is far from a fairytale."

"He's definitely fairytale," Annabel couldn't stop herself and Susan could only laugh at her flustered son.

"Enough," Chris pleaded, "No more, I might literally die."

"Poor boy, we've barely started. Okay, tell me what happened, you can leave out the gruesome details to save my son's fragile ego." Susan smirked.

Annabel started to explain the events of the day, beginning with their confession of love at school. She almost teared up a bit so Chris continued, describing his transformation. Susan asked a few questions and gave answers to their queries where she could. She finished the salad and fried two large steaks. Soon dinner was served and they sat together at the kitchen bar, Chris eating one steak with Annabel and Susan split the other. While salad didn't much appeal to Chris, on the other hand his new teeth demolished the steak.

"So what happens tomorrow?" Chris asked between mouthfuls.

"Well," Susan said thoughtfully, "we'll all leave first thing tomorrow and seek an audience with Lady Narlakis. I don't imagine we'll have to wait long, given the importance of a new male dragon. Once we have her approval and get you registered, I think you'll have to make Annabel your Familiar right away. From there I don't actually know...." She pondered for a few moments. "We'll probably get a guard and stay in Denver a few days. What are you going to tell your parents Annabel?"

"I'll call them tonight and tell them I'm going on a trip with you guys, to check out Denver for the autumn," Annabel said. "If they kick up a fuss I'll just say I'm moving out. I will be, anyway."

They ate a little more, listening to Susan retell how terrified she had been when she'd gotten Jethry's call that afternoon; how she had assumed the worst when she got home and felt the presence of a powerful unknown Being.

"So how powerful is he?" Annabel asked.

"In terms of raw potential, I don't think I've been this close to anyone more powerful. He feels like a Class 1, the highest class before you break out of the class scale. Chris, you have such as strong presence it's scary. The bleed-through from the Ether was downright impressive, and now that you're in the Norm it's almost smothering. We will have to work on teaching you how to dampen your aura," Susan mused. "As for actual power? I don't know. I'd say your inexperience is your biggest vulnerability, but strangers won't know about that. After a couple years' training I think you'll be able to tackle pretty much whatever this world can throw at you." Susan was almost bubbling over with pride.

"Wow," Annabel teased, "I bagged a prize catch!"

Chris didn't rise to the bait; instead, he just continued eating his steak.... Payback for her teasing would come eventually.

"More than you might realise, Annabel." Susan said seriously. "You are going to have some fierce competition, and the contestants aren't going to play fair. Male dragons are considered superlative mates amongst Beings. Funnily enough the females have a reputation of being ice queens, but that's mostly because they're wired to expect greatness from their males. Chris, I imagine you'll be pressured to find at least one dragon mate, you have a species to save after all."

"What about you, Susan?" Annabel asked, a little steel in her tone as she considered her potential competition. "Chris told me about his effect on you."

Chris froze, his fork midway to his mouth. His dragon, too, was watching them intently; it was important that he understood the dynamics inside his own brood.

"I'm not really his mother you know. I'll resist it but I guess we'll cross that bridge if we come to it," Susan replied, inwardly impressed. She felt reluctant admiration for Annabel who was already on the defence, playing for keeps.

"That's what I said." Annabel said, giving Susan a smile and allowing the heat of competition to cool for the moment.

Chris opened his mouth and let his fork resume its steak-laden path, his dragon mulling over this new information. It appeared Annabel had some inner fire, which was an immensely pleasing revelation. She would make an excellent first, helping him to manage the rest of his females. Disturbed with his dragon's train of thought, Chris stood up quietly and beat a hasty retreat. He walked into the living room, found his chair without turning on a light in the evening gloom, and sat down to think.

Susan's voice carried from the kitchen, where she was telling Annabel to give him a little space. However, a minute later his stunning girlfriend waltzed into the darkened room and planted herself in his lap, affectionately kissing his cheek before snuggling against his warm chest. Chris wrapped his arms around her and held on tight.

"What's up?" Annabel asked after a minute.

Chris sighed, "Just trying to come to terms with all this. My dragon thinks so differently from what I feel should be acceptable. Like just before, he was watching to see which of you would be in charge of the rest of his females, including Susan. She already belongs to him in his mind."

"If that's what you really need from me, I'll do it." Annabel consoled.

"I don't want that for you, Annabel. Damn it, I feel like a fucking schizo. Like there's me and some douchebag trapped inside my head, and he keeps winning all the arguments. I guess we just cross that bridge if we come to it," Chris confided, exasperated, but at the same time glad she wasn't repulsed by his nature.

"Shhhh," Annabel squeezed him tight around his smooth, scaly abdomen. "That's what I said," she repeated quietly.

After a few minutes Susan called them back for chocolate ice cream. She observed the dynamics between them. Chris guided Annabel back into the room, his claw-tipped hand on her lower back. Annabel sat on his lap, the mechanics of which were a little awkward at first. With his insidiously intoxicating scent tickling her nostrils, she felt a twinge of jealousy as Annabel cuddled up to her son; and knew she was in trouble.

"Chris...." Susan started, deciding to get things in the open now before it became more awkward. "I love you. I'm your mother but you've changed, so whatever happens, there will be no more guilty feelings. As a woman I find you incredibly desirable, you were tempting enough before you awakened; but now ... now you're a different person. You will be with others besides Annabel, it can't be helped. Now I'm not necessarily setting my sights on you, but I won't spite myself from missing out on happiness out of a misplaced sense of moral wrongness, which doesn't actually apply to our situation at all. Think about that."

Chris met Susan's blue eyes straight on as she spoke; had he been made to respond to her, human to human, he would have died of embarrassment. Saved by his dragon who now took over, instead he appraised the raven-haired, mature beauty before him. "I have, and I agree." He allowed a small grin to grow a little wider as he continued to size her up with his rather piercing stare. Sniffing the air, the dragon savoured the scents of his two women, before relinquishing control back to his human side.

Susan, squirmed on her seat slightly knowing that the dragon had scented her. The pull to go to him was strong but she held back, refraining even from a chaste embrace. It was too soon.... Chris needed time to adjust to his new life. Instead, she made quick work of her ice-cream and excused herself, reminding the cuddling lovers to be ready by 7 am the next morning.

Susan quickly made for her ensuite bathroom, stripping hastily and examining herself in the mirror, considering her body. She was pleased with what she saw, aging slower than a non magical human, her generous, slightly pointy breasts had only a little sag, large nipples slightly high and currently very erect. Her belly was only slightly padded and her waist still tapering, flaring to very womanly hips and thick, luscious thighs. She was only 38 after all.

Exploring herself gently, it wasn't long before she was caught up in little snippets of fantasy centred around her son, stopping every now and then to chastise herself. She considered her thick pelt of dark pubic hair, wondering if he would prefer her shaven ... that was all the craze among the youth these days, wasn't it? She hadn't felt anything but her own touch since just before this exile started almost 15 years ago, always afraid that getting involved with someone would expose Chris somehow. Now her unkempt bush was moist and steamy, wicking up the moisture from her fevered pussy. She decided to leave it; he would know he was with a real, full bodied, sexy woman when they finally acted on their desires.

In the shower, she cleaned the day's stresses away but soon relented to some exquisite self gratification, dreaming the dragon in the house below barged into her bathroom and had his strong, loving, yet firm way with her. With a strangled little scream, Susan experienced the most powerful orgasm she could remember, slick channel clenching desperately around her single finger. She collapsed down the wall she was leaning on with a wail, warm water flowing over her body, washing away her creamy juices. For a full minute Susan sat on the floor with her legs stretched wide, her finger as deep as she could manage while she twitched with little shocks of joy, never considering that the subject of her desires now had powerful hearing. Finally she pulled herself together, not a little guiltily and got ready for bed, setting her alarm early in order to get ready for their trip.

***

Chris heard Susan's orgasm from the kitchen despite the noise of the shower. Her noises had an unmistakable tone of pleasure that stirred him to hardness in moments, nestled under Annabel's firm butt.

"I don't know if I can handle any more of that just now, babe," Annabel said teasingly, putting a little pout into her tone. "I'm a bit sore after how roughly it treated me."

"I'm sorry, I was a bit rough the second time wasn't I?" Chris apologised.

"Maybe, but it was also fantastic," she admitted with a yawn, wrapping her arms up around his neck. "Take me to bed, I'm tired again."

Chris obliged, happy to hold her close and carry her to his room, his hands firmly planted on her fleshy ass. Annabel wrapped her legs around him. It was a major turn on that he carried her around so easily. They cleaned their teeth using his toothbrush and got ready for bed. Together they stripped and curled up in bed, Chris spooned behind her, caressing along her soft tummy up to her breasts.

"Are you ever going to change back?" Annabel asked, "Aren't your wings annoying in bed?"

Chris reached behind himself, turning out the lights. "I know I can change fully back into a human, I just don't know how. I guess my dragon will help with that when I need to." He moved his wings around experimentally, trying to figure out how sleeping like this would work. It didn't seem too uncomfortable. "I think the wings will be fine, I'll try to avoid sleeping on my back though. I'm more worried about how I'm going to get to sleep next to these." He reached up to cup a small breast, holding her tiny nipple hostage between his fingers, rolling it gently between finger and thumb.

"Hands off the tits, neither of us will get to sleep at this rate. Besides there isn't much to hold your attention for long." Annabel sighed, squirming a little. She didn't really want to get too fired up and end up not getting any sleep.

"They're beautiful, perky, cute, sweet, and perfect," Chris whispered into her ear, "just like their owner." He really did love her little tits, he could appreciate a busty woman but Annabel's were perfect for her. They even had their own equally small areolas with matching tiny nipples, perfect for him to fit half a breast in his mouth.

"Thanks babe," she replied, turning her head to give him a brief awkward kiss. "I love you," she said, nestling back into his warm body.

"And I love your tits, Dee," came his quiet reply, not relinquishing her boob.

"You're a dork," she muttered, her breathing eventually slowed as she fell asleep.

Chris lay awake for a while longer, mulling things over and trying to ignore his penis pressed against her soft rear. Tomorrow he would be forced into the deep water of this new world. He had no plan ... other than swim hard ... and avoid sharks.

The alarm came too soon, jarring them from sleep. Chris smacked the off-switch with a groan. They lay spooned together, a sleepy Annabel cuddling back into his warmth to capture a few more moments of bliss. Just before succumbing again to sleep, Chris roused himself. He switched on the lamp and got up to look for a pair of track pants and then head to the bathroom.

His morning wood hadn't subsided as yet, so he had to manage his flow carefully while he aimed; furthermore, it felt strange peeing with an unfamiliar penis. In its half-form, the head was more pointed, and the sensitive ridge where the shaft met the broad crown much more pronounced. Combined, these features made it almost look like a thick, cartoon-styled arrowhead. His hairlessness was something else as well, he mused. It made sense, since his body was now covered in micro scales.

Finished, he gave a great full stretch, flexing and then rubbing sleep away from his eyes, until he felt a thump.... One of his outstretched wings had hit the wall. Retracting the errant appendage, he started the shower.

Annabel sauntered into the bathroom. Naked. Without preamble, she sat down to pee. "What?" she asked.

"So we're just doing this now?" Chris gestured between them mutely: him entering the shower, her peeing unashamedly.

"Yeah. I think we're at that stage." She smiled, finished up, and flushed. "Hurry up and get in already, I'm cold."

She pushed him into the shower, guiding his awkward wings through the door and followed behind. They hadn't showered together before, but she had had some inspiring fantasies. So before he could make any further fuss she grabbed the soap and began lathering his broad, cream-colored chest. Washing down his arms and sides, she noted the transition between his purple and ivory colours, as well as the new textures of his micro-scaled skin. Chris spoke nary a word; her hands felt exquisite running over his body, and in combination with the flow of hot water, he was in heaven. She looked up at him for approval every now and then; but he only ever had a broad, toothy smile on his face.

Done with the top half, she coaxed him to kneel so she could wash his face and hair. Then she knelt down behind him and soaped up his wings and the larger scales along his spine. It ended up taking a good bit of time, including a brief debacle when she had started to wash his ass. Her touch had been electrifying, making him jump and twitch a little, during which his right wing had bumped the temperature control. Finally order resumed inside the cramped space, and yet it remained unclear as to whether they, or the shower box, came out on top. Giggling, she reached around to lather his crotch. He was massively hard. She, too, found herself increasingly excited as she stroked his soap-slicked penis for a few minutes, under the guise of ensuring cleanliness. God he's nice and big, she thought as her hand struggled to encircle him. I'd better not tease him though. In truth she was still sore from yesterday.

Chris, now panting with pleasure, rested his forehead against the glass wall as water dripped down his face. She stroked him expertly, her body pressed up against his back. Suddenly she stopped. Gripping just behind his crown for a moment, in a firm squeeze goodbye, she let go in order to worm around him until they knelt face-to-face.

On their knees facing each other in the steam and spray, Annabel leaned up to kiss him: a vision of wet, innocent sensuality, eyes closed against the pattering water. Timidly at first, her tongue ventured for the first time into his dangerously sharp mouth, until she realized her trepidation was unfounded. He would never hurt her, so she took a little time to familiarize herself with his newly sharp teeth, especially his short fangs.

"Wash me," she sweetly pleaded.

He took hold of the soap. Looking down at her slick beauty, he paused. Where to start? There was an expectant, almost vulnerable look in her large brown eyes, so he just went for it. Progressing down her arms, he used the rougher pads of his fingers and palms, careful not to mar her soft skin with his talons. She sighed as he caressed her, took care of her, noting the caution he took not to touch her with his claws. Then again she almost wished he wouldn't be so careful; she wouldn't break. After all, the tickle or scratch of a lightly applied talon might hold its own pleasure, mightn't it?

He had been hovering on the edge after her soapy hand job; now touching Annabel so intimately , listening to her contented little noises, set his heart ablaze ... and his cock on fire, poking her belly. He leaned down closer to wash over her pert little breasts, ignoring the temptation to tweak a tiny brown nipple. Down over her soft, flat tummy and over her thighs and legs, he avoided her crotch for the moment before pulling her close and reaching behind her to wash her back. As he skimmed her firm, peachy ass, soap in hand, she reached down to his pointed cock and rubbed it against her abdomen.

Gasping in her ear, Chris reciprocated by soaping her crack, touching her delicate anus very intimately for a moment before reaching further around to her puffy lips. Kneeling between her spread legs, Chris had direct access to her slick pussy as he reached all the way around behind her, the soap only replacing her own plentiful lubrication. He explored the plump curve of her labia, the tender frills of her inner lips only just peeking out until he ran a finger along to spread them. She was panting against his neck as he gently rubbed her most intimate area from behind, rocking slightly back and forth against his hand. After only a minute or so of this he felt her pleasure rising, Chris made a final lunge for her clitoris, pushing it down firmly for a second then rubbing his finger back and forth rapidly, stimulating her soap-lathered petals at the same time.

Annabel came with a muffled squeak and a tiny gush of cum on his hand. Chris held still as she rode it out, his hand firmly cupping her quivering pussy as the rest of her body gently undulated and shook. Once she had recovered a bit he began shampooing her dark hair while she rested against his chest, breathing heavily. Rinsing her and applying conditioner, he pampered Annabel with a brief scalp massage before washing it away too, leaving her silky hair clinging to her neck and down her back.

A post orgasmic scalp massage was truly a mind altering experience for Annabel, the kind of treatment that could not go unrewarded. "Get up," she said quietly, urging Chris to stand. It was awkward but soon enough he was standing and she straightened her back to come face-to-face with his pulsing, erect member.

Hands on his beefy purple thighs, she leaned in under the spray and kissed his pointed tip, teasing the very edge between her lips. Leaving it for a moment she kissed down one side, sucking and licking, she crossed underneath, kissing each of his big purple orbs briefly. They didn't seem to dangle or swing, rather they were held close against his thick root. Soon she started back up the other side, dreadfully slowly. She kept her eyes closed this time because water was splashing in her face but his groan as she opened wide and stretched her lips over the large head told her all she needed to know, that he was very close. Stroking and pumping with her hands on his shaft, she took as much of him as she could manage, holding him there in her mouth as her hands worked on the rest. Pulling back, she locked her lips behind the enlarged ridge of his crown, bathing it with her hot tongue before applying almost brutal suction.

That was all it took. Chris hissed through his teeth, bucking his hips forward slightly while he steadied himself against the wall. Her eyes shot open, blinking away the water. His purple testicles pulled up and loosed a huge spurt down his shaft, hitting the back of her throat before she could taste it. Helplessly, he groaned, fucking her pretty mouth a little as it sucked the life out of him, releasing four more jets of cum before he trailed off with smaller spurts and dribbles.

She fell into another, milder orgasm instantly. His taste was salty but thick with his spicy, sweet essence. The potent, magical aphrodisiac of his cum kept her orgasm alive as he emptied himself into her hungry mouth. His cum was much thicker and stickier than she remembered, clinging to the roof of her mouth like too much Nutella. She ended up having to work at it with her tongue, astounded but unable to communicate her surprise in anything but lusty moans around her mouthful. As she swallowed, her body began to subtly tingle with vigour and energy.

As their orgasms abated, Annabel held his sensitised penis captive in her mouth for a few more seconds before sucking powerfully and pulling her head back. The pressure made Chris growl as a last little trickle of cum was released. Annabel's lips came away, and she looked up, smiling.

For several seconds they stared at each other, Chris towering over her, sheltering her from the stream of water.

"Chris, what is your stuff made of?"

"Well, it's – " he had started to explain, a little nervously.

"As soon as it hit my tongue it set me off again. You're a monster! And god damn, it's still stuck in my mouth." She giggled, giving his flagging penis a playful nuzzle, "How does the accused respond?"

"I can confirm that my semen is perhaps a powerful aphrodisiac but I vehemently deny all other accusations," he responded with mock seriousness. "Susan says that's part of the reason dragons are endangered; our bodies possess so much magical energy that it's too great a temptation. Other Beings want to get some for their own. When a dragon resists, some resort to force. Eventually it has degraded into dragon hunting that has lasted for centuries. It was widely accepted; the Synod seemed to ignore the issue until we became gravely endangered. Even now, Susan says, someone might still think they could get away with taking a dragon, or that the benefits outweigh the risk."

"I'm sorry." How could people hunt something to extinction just to have something they could go without quite easily? She didn't want to get bogged down just then, though, so she tried to lighten the subject. "So your jizz makes me cream myself all over again, which by the way, I'm completely on board with. What else do you have hiding up your sleeve?" Rising, she pressed her face into his neck, not quite tall enough to kiss him in his new form unless he leaned for her. She inhaled deeply, catching his delicious smell at the source and teasing his soft skin with kisses, not even able to discern his tiny scales with her tongue as she explored the firm muscles connecting to his shoulder.

Chris enjoyed her ministration for a moment before replying, Annabel felt his throat vibrate as he spoke, quirkily finding the vibrations of his speech satisfying against her face.

"I have two kinds of venom, one is a deadly poison." Chris spoke tentatively, holding her close, waiting for what he felt was the inevitable snap when she would run from him screaming. "The other induces fertility. My dragon thinks it can be somewhat addictive."

"Keep all your girls coming back for more, huh? Just how many horses do you need in your stable Chris?" she asked, only half-teasing.

"Dee, I'm sorry," he whispered, squeezing her slick nakedness in a tight hug.

"Shhhhh, I didn't mean it like that, I know you love me." She changed the subject. "What about that poison?"

"I do Annabel, so much." He held her tight. After a while he lightened his grip, stroking her back under the water with his face nestled in her wet hair. "The poison is deadly to most Beings, within minutes or hours, depending on how much is injected. My saliva can neutralise it and also induce rapid healing of wounds."

"Chris, you're a really big deal aren't you? I mean shit, you have all these powers, are you like a celebrity or something? Are people really going to try to hurt you?"

"I'll try my hardest to not let that happen, but yes, I think any dragon is generally considered a 'big deal'. It isn't a good thing, Dee. How am I supposed to be myself if humans get dragon-struck around me? What am I supposed to do if vampires proposition or even stalk me because I taste the best? I'm still just some small-town farm dude. I want to hang out with you, play video games, mess around, find a job I enjoy, and maybe amass a small pile of valuable metals. Okay, so that last one is mostly dragon-driven but you get the picture, right? I'm still just me underneath everything else."

"Yeah, I think I understand.... Oh my god, do vampires sparkle?" she teased in a false excited voice, slapping his chest.

Chris sighed. "No. I haven't ever met one, but they stick more to the traditional legends. The powerful ones can come out in the day, by magic."

"Cool." Briefly, she wondered how even the powerful ones could manage eluding the sun's affects. "Seriously though, I know you're still my old boyfriend, wrapped up in a sexy new body. It just hit me all of a sudden how much of a change this is. I guess before I hadn't really thought about it too hard, but it doesn't actually change anything. I'm with you all the way."

"Thank you Annabel, it means so much to me." He paused. "So, you think I'm sexy like this huh?"

"Oh yeah," she giggled, wriggling against him sensually. "You're all strong and purple and scaly.... Wait what am I saying; you're disgusting! No stupid, you're hot, it's like you call to me somehow, you're everything I'll ever want."

"Thanks babe. Okay, we had better get out."

"Alright, but remember, you and I shower together from now on, and I'll expect just as much pampering."

"Be careful what you ask for," he teased, switching off the water and extracting himself from the confines of the shower. She gave him a spank as she followed him out, so he tickled her into a wet, giggly mess before drying her off lovingly. After drying himself, he got her to help with his wings and they headed back to his room.

They had spent too long in the shower and there was a rush to get dressed. Annabel slipped into her dress from yesterday, with one of Chris's jumpers over the top for warmth. Chris threw on a pair of jeans and then turned his attention to his footwear; his taloned toes were a nightmare to get socks onto, but only somewhat uncomfortable once inside his boots. He ripped the back off of an old T-shirt, after which Annabel re-attached the ripped section to accommodate his wings, with a few safety pins.

He packed a few days' clothes in a bag along with toiletries, cell phone and charger, and the entirety of his stash. Annabel's eyes widened at seeing so many small bags of nuggets and gold dust, along with several holographic ounce kinebars. She'd accompanied him on a couple of day-long trips, immersing herself in a book while he splashed around in a freezing stream. She hadn't actually comprehended his success, thinking of it as simply a quirky hobby. Once over her initial surprise, she resumed applying vanilla-scented perfume and her favourite pink lip gloss.

The young couple headed downstairs hand in hand, and into the kitchen where they could hear Susan starting breakfast. Chris realised he had forgotten their morning coffee ritual, and greeted his Mom with a warm hug and an apology.

Susan had expected him to be standoffish after last night but she could see that he was determined not to let his awakening ruin their closeness. She couldn't help but laugh at the makeshift solution for his t-shirts, promising to find a better solution. There were other winged Beings, after all. In truth, the Being before her was the picture of rugged, powerful, maleness. Devastatingly exotic, dangerous, and handsome, yet unaware of his charms; his unpretentiousness made him all the more adorable.

Excusing himself as the two women chatted about the trip, Chris made his way outside, down and across the field to the milking shed. The sun had risen fully. His dragon's senses detected life and vigour all around him. Soon he would be living in Denver, away from the quiet countryside in which he had grown up. Approaching the milking shed cautiously, he tried to be as unthreatening as possible, projecting peaceful thoughts to the cows inside. Only a slight fuss was made when he entered; perhaps the peaceful thoughts helped, or perhaps the animals still recognised him as the one who had taken care of them for years.

Jethry was washing a cow's udder in preparation for the milking cups when he felt Chris approach. Such power in one so young scared the shit out of Jethry but he knew Chris had a kind heart, a peaceful soul. That could be a problem. Should he fall victim to controlling influences, the results could be devastating; Chris would have to learn to rely on his more savage dragon to protect him.

They stood, and looked: two old friends taking stock of each other with new eyes.

"I don't have too much to say," Jethry started. "You're powerful enough to mostly look out for yourself and smart enough to smell out any obvious trouble. I warned you against bringing the girl into this but what's done is done. Perhaps it's a good thing too, she'll help you keep in touch with your humanity. Don't lose that, don't compromise yourself."

Chris was silent, taking in his old friend's advice.

"You've lead a simple life so far, too sheltered in my opinion but there are good reasons for that. You'll have protection from all but the most brutal or daring attacks, dragon hunting is illegal but you're too valuable to ignore. There will be plotters and sycophants, vying for your attention or favour so don't trust anyone."

"Don't worry boy, I'm almost done," Jethry said, sensing a bit of agitation from Chris. "I've seen some of the magic that can be wrought with the use of dragons. Powerful stuff. You'll get contracts for your services; I suspect the payments will seem outrageous, but remember that people won't generally offer what they can't afford. Word your contracts so they're water-tight and don't whore yourself out to make a quick buck, you'll drive the price down in the long run. Finally, protect and care for what's yours. That means Annabel and Susan. They will be your greatest strength, your trusted allies, so to speak. But they will also be your weakness if they're used to get to you. Don't let that happen. It's up to you to do the protecting now, even if Susan doesn't realise it. Well, I guess that's all."

"Thank you Jethry. I'll keep all of that in mind, though I suspect that somehow I'll fail miserably. I'm just a ... well, I guess I'm a nerdy hick."

"Naw, you'll be fine. It's not all as grim as I made it out to be. If it's anything like my cat, just remember to trust your dragon's instincts. He'll watch out for the both of you but at the same time don't let him control you. Try to find a balance."

The conversation over, Chris strode forward to give the old werecat a heartfelt, if somewhat awkward man-hug. It felt like he was saying goodbye.

"I'm proud of you Chris, good luck," came Jethry's reply as they broke apart. "See ya around."

He walked back to the house, committing Jethry's advice to memory, trying to prepare for the new world.

***

Breakfast was awkward. His interlocked, very sharp teeth didn't really crush. They sliced. Utensils got in the way of his fang-like canines, transforming eating cereal – or anything else for that matter – into a frustrating experience. He was terrified he might bite off half his tongue if he ever slipped up. The women snickered at his misfortune while he tried to eat.

They all cleaned up and loaded the car. Susan had a duffle of clothes and a small briefcase for their documents. Chris noticed that she also packed some blankets and pillows. She put the back seat down and spread out the blankets. How else had he expected to fit in the car with wings that stuck out above his already considerable height? He hadn't considered that.

Once he'd crawled in and laid down, she threw him the pillows, and spread a final blanket to cover him. From within her purse, she produced a small erlamire flask containing a greenish liquid: a chameleon potion. This she sprinkled over everything in the trunk, and, with an image of a trunk's worth of shopping bags in her mind's eye, she released her energy into the spell; suddenly the blanketed, dragon-shaped mound, resembled a small shopping spree.

"That's so fucking awesome!" Annabel exclaimed, running her hand through the illusion to feel Chris underneath.

"What do I look like?" he asked.

"Shopping bags. There are groceries and some clothes store bags, some shoe boxes, and a hardware store bag too. Susan, can I learn magic?" she asked hopefully.

"I'm sorry Annabel, but I don't sense any magic in you. Now stay lying down Chris, it's only an illusion as long as you stay reasonably still. It does nothing for sound but that shouldn't be a problem while we're driving." She closed the trunk and walked around to the driver's side.

Somewhat dejected, Annabel climbed into the passenger seat and had just snapped the seatbelt buckle closed when she had a brilliant idea. She unbuckled and climbed in back between the seats. Susan looked back in time to get an eyeful of Annabel's bare legs and panties disappearing under the illusion as she moved next to Chris, and pulled the blanket over their heads. Soon there were contented, moist, kissy sounds emerging from the pile of shopping.

"Alright, here we go," Susan said, mostly to herself. Turning the car down the drive, she waved to Jethry who stood on his porch.

They were off.

***

Chris and Annabel were stuck. Having spent the drive to Laramie smooching and petting under cover of the magical illusion, they desperately wanted to move things to the next level. There were just the small problems of Susan's presence in the driver's seat, and that they were now on a relatively busy highway headed for Denver. They decided to pause instead of exciting themselves further.

"Mom, what are we actually doing when we get to Denver?"

"Well, now that we are actually on the road I need to call and arrange an audience with Lady Narlakis – Annabel, she's the ruler of the mid-western territory of Beings. I've avoided calling before now, in case someone came looking for us. I won't tell them who you are; just that I have an awakened Being to present and register. Once I've called – I think I'll do that in a few minutes actually – we'll drive to the Denver Compound. It's an underground complex in the city centre, underneath the Being district, the area with the most Being-oriented businesses and shops. The Compound is actually an underground palace. Lady Narlakis is a Drow, after all."

"Wait, businesses? You guys are out in the open?" Annabel asked incredulously.

"It's our most important law that our activities don't expose our existence or raise suspicion, but yes. We are a reasonably large community and there are too many of us to live in the shadows. Every being has some sort of form which can pass for human, perhaps with the help of a little magic so we are hidden in plain sight." She paused to pass a truck before continuing. "The Lady should be in session this morning, receiving requests from the community and sorting out disputes. We'll be able to present Chris, get him registered, pick up a bodyguard, get an allowance to take a familiar, and hopefully not piss anyone off."

"Sounds complicated, with what Jethry said, it sounds like there are pitfalls and enemies at just about every corner," Chris worried.

"In a way there are, Chris. Some people will be threatened by you, others will just want to use you without any thoughts of real malice. Just be careful." She pulled into the next rest area. "Okay, let me call the Compound. I'll put it on speaker but you have to be quiet." She dialled the number. Communications of a magical nature were all encrypted by a global spell, a magical communications network: huge in cost and energy, but worth every penny in the modern world. It rang a few times before it was picked up.

"Denver reception, how may I help you?" came the female voice.

"My name is Susan Baryst, registered witch, 4th class, Laramie."

"Yes. I have your file on screen, what can I do for you today?"

"I require an audience with Lady Narlakis under urgency; I'm bringing in a recently awakened Being, suspected Class 1 or above. We'll need an escort."

There was a pause. "Class 1? Are you sure? What species? Is it dangerous?" Reception's interest was piqued.

"Like I said, Class 1 at least. Security is for his protection. I won't reveal any further details."

"One moment, may I call you back shortly?"

"Certainly," Susan replied before disconnecting.

It only took a few minutes for them to call back.

"Susan, this is Timothy Garrill, head of compound security," came a gruff male voice. "You will have a priority audience as soon as you arrive. Lady Narlakis will be in court all morning so you will be inserted into the schedule when you get here. Head to the bottom floor of the underground parking building; there you will be met by a security team and escorted into court. I understand you won't reveal the species or identity of the Being, therefore you will be held responsible for his actions should things turn sour. Is this acceptable?"

"Accepted. I expect to arrive in about an hour." Once Susan had responded, the line went dead.

"Wow, they don't muck around," Annabel commented in the silence after the phone call, now she was actually scared.

"They're not always this serious, but a Class 1 is a big deal. It'll be fine Annabel, just don't say a word. Chris or I will do the talking." Susan reassured. "Chris, you'll have to swear to uphold our laws and loyalty to Lady Narlakis. She can be a bit eccentric but she's generally fair, just be polite and don't offend her, try a little flattery if you can. She will be your protector and provider for years to come, you should behave appropriately thankful. However, she is a notorious collector, just like you collect treasure Chris, she collects valuable and loyal Beings. It's part of the reason she's so powerful. All going well, a young dragon will be such a tempting prize she will bend over backward to make sure we get everything we need."

Underneath the blanket, Chris pulled Annabel close into a hug.

***

The rest of the drive sped by in silence, an hour passing as if it were only a few minutes.

"Here we go." They pulled into the underground car park of a mid-rise building. As they wound down three levels to the bottom floor, Susan briefed them. "I'll get out first and open the trunk. Chris gets out, Annabel stay under the blanket until the initial meeting is over. Chris will help you out."

She pulled up to the security checkpoint. Their escort was already there: five Beings in dark clothes fanned out around the car as they parked. Susan got out first.

"Be brave, I love you." Annabel was trembling as Chris whispered to her before the trunk opened, the outside conversation becoming clear to the two inside.

"You can feel him can't you?" Susan asked. "He won't be dangerous unless provoked."

"Yes, he's a big fella," came the voice of Timothy Garrill. Bringing in a Class 1 was something the fire elemental would see to, himself. "Okay, bring him out slowly." He then spoke in a low curt growl, he meant business. "If you'd told us what he is we could have prepared better, witch."

"Okay Chris, you heard him," came Susan's voice.

Chris's heart pounded as he slid out from underneath the blanket. With his feet planted on the concrete floor, he pulled aside his section of the blanket and slowly straightened, raising to his full height. Taking in his surroundings in a flash, his tongue flicked out to taste the air. Elemental, vampire, lycan, wizard, witch, his dragon informed him.

"Holy shit," Timothy started. "He's a dragon, right? Who the hell is he? They're all under protection."

Chris stayed still, trying not to seem threatening as he assessed the security team. The vampire woman and the male lycan were scenting him in return. "Yes, he's a dragon. I've raised him as my son. His name is Chris."

"Nice to meet you Chris, it's an honour. I'm Timothy Garril."

"Thank you." Chris shook Timothy's offered hand firmly. "May I bring out Annabel now?" he asked as he turned back toward Susan.

The attack came lightning-fast from behind; the vampire was on his back, attempting to sink her fangs into his neck, driven by the scent of his powerful blood. His dragon jolted into action, buffeting the woman with his wings as he snarled and reached behind to pull her off by her hair. Firming up his hold with a grip on her neck, he ripped her off his back, her scrabbling black talons ripping his shirt and scratching across his scales, drawing a little blood. The smell of his blood in the air only made her struggle harder but Chris had her, slamming her down on the ground and holding her there by her pale neck, applying pressure as she struggled and hissed, fangs bared.

The others sprang into action, moving forward, intent on pulling the two apart.

"Stop!" Annabel screamed, hearing the fight and pushing aside the blanket. "Don't hurt him, please!"

The security team held off and looked to their leader, startled by her sudden appearance.

Chris's dragon was in a rage. It wanted to kill the vampire, and pressed down, as if to rip her head off. She let out a wail, bloodlust fading as self-preservation became more pressing.

"Please let her go, Chris." Annabel begged quietly.

His face snapped up in her direction, a feral snarl fading as he saw his girlfriend, terrified and confused. Looking back down at the vampire, he brought his human side into control, carefully releasing his grip on the woman's neck, then turning to take Annabel in his arms and walk a few paces away. "Get her away from me," he snarled over his shoulder.

There was a kafuffle of action as they checked on their teammate and restrained her. The vampire, Amanda, was dazed and sore; her neck and the back of her head ached horribly, but she would heal. Mostly she felt shame. She had attacked a newborn dragon in a fit of bloodlust. Even now she could smell his blood; if she hadn't felt so thoroughly beaten she would have been up and at him again in a heartbeat ... not that she had one.

"How dare you!" screamed an outraged Susan. They hadn't even made it inside before her son had been attacked! This wasn't a good start.

"I'm sorry." As his team saw to Amanda, Timothy tried to soothe Susan, blocking her from moving toward the prone vampire. "We didn't know he was a dragon, we would have made her feed beforehand if we did."

"That's no excuse!" Susan spat.

"Perhaps not," replied the elemental, "she'll be punished. Now let's get everyone calmed down and move on; you have an audience with Lady Narlakis. Who's the human?"

"Oh, that's Chris's girlfriend. She'll become his familiar once it's approved." Susan calmed down; she needed to be collected for their court appearance.

"That isn't strictly procedure, Susan. She clearly knows about us and is under no binding not to reveal us," he stated, a little worried about how this new wrinkle might play out with Lady Narlakis.

"You're going to argue procedure with me after what just happened?" Susan raised an eyebrow at the head of security. By now the other three had Amanda up on her feet, leading her toward the door. As she passed Chris, she muttered out the best apology she could.

Chris grunted in reply.

"What was that about?" Annabel asked from within his hug.

"She's a vampire, she mustn't have been able to control herself and she tried to bite me." His dragon found the whole thing exciting. Chris found it terrifying; he had been moments away from killing another Being.

"Oh my god Chris, I didn't see that part. When I saw you, you had her by the throat on the ground. I was so scared." Annabel shivered.

"I'm sorry Dee, my dragon kind of took over when she jumped on me. Thanks for calming me down." He kissed her hair.

Timothy came over shortly after and apologised to Chris for Amanda's behaviour. Chris accepted the apology and for some reason asked that she be shown leniency. Timothy readily agreed. Amanda would likely punish herself thoroughly on top of whatever he dreamed up for her. He called in an increased security order for the compound and court chamber as well as clearing their path to the court.

They began the ascent from the parking garage toward the court, walking down empty halls that led through a mix of modern and ancient interiors; the underground had been expanded and modified over many decades. Annabel and Chris walked hand in hand, flanked by their escort, while Susan brought up the rear.

***

Sitting, sore and forlorn in the security office, awaiting her punishment, Amanda berated herself. Was she nothing but a bloodsucking monster? The first 50 years as a vampire had truly been hard but she had gotten through them, and in the process had learned to control her thirst. But her first whiff of dragon flesh had been enough to set off her most basic instincts. Disgusted, she looked down at the smears of red that remained on her hands. Before even thinking, a finger was in her mouth, sucked spotless in an instant as the flavours exploded against her tongue. With a moan, the rest of her fingers were dutifully bathed, lapping up every delectable molecule of his blood. She let out a whimper of despair as his taste faded, leaving her terribly unsatisfied, and having ruined her appetite for any other blood. She had gone about this all wrong: she should have offered herself to him, begged if necessary, to let her feed from him. She had to have more.

***

They waited outside the door to the court chamber while the current session finished. It didn't take long before a lycan attendant stuck his head out and told them to enter. Chris squeezed Annabel's hand briefly before handing her off to Susan and striding into the large room.

It was truly impressive, with grand arched ceilings, marble floors, and rows of seats for a few hundred audience members, now mostly empty. A subdued yellow light was given off by several floating orbs, magically suspended at least two stories above in the arches. A richly carpeted set of stairs led to an obsidian throne. Seated there was the first Drow that Chris had ever laid eyes on: a dark, slender elf of subterranean origin. A hush swept the room as people turned to see the newcomers, many seeing a dragon for the first time.

Chris studied Lady Reyla Narlakis as he walked toward the throne. She was truly an elfin beauty. In her midnight blue gown, she looked truly royal, an air of ancient power about her. Her ears were pointed, contrasting her alabaster hair dramatically against flawless, pitch-black skin curved over sleek muscle and soft flesh. The shocking white was bound back away from her face in an elegant ponytail, jewelled ribbons maintaining its structure and weaving throughout the length, down to her shoulders.

Reyla's grey eyes sparkled in delight as the young dragon approached in his half form, noting his appreciative study of her. She'd been informed that a back country witch was to bring in a powerful Being, but this was truly extraordinary. The dragon oozed power: both physically with his tall, broad form, and magically with his heady aura. His wings made him majestic, but in her eyes his simple clothes highlighted his youth. Yes, so rare and powerful a Being was a treasure. Her black heart thrilled at the prospect of snaring such a fine catch for her own.

Chris reached the base of the steps and lowered himself to his knees, his head bowed. He could sense the power of the ancient elf; his dragon recognised in her someone they could respect as superior in age, knowledge, and power. "Lady Narlakis, I humbly present myself before your court seeking membership to your domain." Chris surprised himself with his almost theatrical manner of speech, but realised his dragon was helping him.

"Thank you Jethry. I'll keep all of that in mind, though I suspect that somehow I'll fail miserably. I'm just a ... well, I guess I'm a nerdy hick."

"Naw, you'll be fine. It's not all as grim as I made it out to be. If it's anything like my cat, just remember to trust your dragon's instincts. He'll watch out for the both of you but at the same time don't let him control you. Try to find a balance."

The conversation over, Chris strode forward to give the old werecat a heartfelt, if somewhat awkward man-hug. It felt like he was saying goodbye.

"I'm proud of you Chris, good luck," came Jethry's reply as they broke apart. "See ya around."

He walked back to the house, committing Jethry's advice to memory, trying to prepare for the new world.

***

Breakfast was awkward. His interlocked, very sharp teeth didn't really crush. They sliced. Utensils got in the way of his fang-like canines, transforming eating cereal – or anything else for that matter – into a frustrating experience. He was terrified he might bite off half his tongue if he ever slipped up. The women snickered at his misfortune while he tried to eat.

They all cleaned up and loaded the car. Susan had a duffle of clothes and a small briefcase for their documents. Chris noticed that she also packed some blankets and pillows. She put the back seat down and spread out the blankets. How else had he expected to fit in the car with wings that stuck out above his already considerable height? He hadn't considered that.

Once he'd crawled in and laid down, she threw him the pillows, and spread a final blanket to cover him. From within her purse, she produced a small erlamire flask containing a greenish liquid: a chameleon potion. This she sprinkled over everything in the trunk, and, with an image of a trunk's worth of shopping bags in her mind's eye, she released her energy into the spell; suddenly the blanketed, dragon-shaped mound, resembled a small shopping spree.

"That's so fucking awesome!" Annabel exclaimed, running her hand through the illusion to feel Chris underneath.

"What do I look like?" he asked.

"Shopping bags. There are groceries and some clothes store bags, some shoe boxes, and a hardware store bag too. Susan, can I learn magic?" she asked hopefully.

"I'm sorry Annabel, but I don't sense any magic in you. Now stay lying down Chris, it's only an illusion as long as you stay reasonably still. It does nothing for sound but that shouldn't be a problem while we're driving." She closed the trunk and walked around to the driver's side.

Somewhat dejected, Annabel climbed into the passenger seat and had just snapped the seatbelt buckle closed when she had a brilliant idea. She unbuckled and climbed in back between the seats. Susan looked back in time to get an eyeful of Annabel's bare legs and panties disappearing under the illusion as she moved next to Chris, and pulled the blanket over their heads. Soon there were contented, moist, kissy sounds emerging from the pile of shopping.

"Alright, here we go," Susan said, mostly to herself. Turning the car down the drive, she waved to Jethry who stood on his porch.

They were off.

***

Chris and Annabel were stuck. Having spent the drive to Laramie smooching and petting under cover of the magical illusion, they desperately wanted to move things to the next level. There were just the small problems of Susan's presence in the driver's seat, and that they were now on a relatively busy highway headed for Denver. They decided to pause instead of exciting themselves further.

"Mom, what are we actually doing when we get to Denver?"

"Well, now that we are actually on the road I need to call and arrange an audience with Lady Narlakis – Annabel, she's the ruler of the mid-western territory of Beings. I've avoided calling before now, in case someone came looking for us. I won't tell them who you are; just that I have an awakened Being to present and register. Once I've called – I think I'll do that in a few minutes actually – we'll drive to the Denver Compound. It's an underground complex in the city centre, underneath the Being district, the area with the most Being-oriented businesses and shops. The Compound is actually an underground palace. Lady Narlakis is a Drow, after all."

"Wait, businesses? You guys are out in the open?" Annabel asked incredulously.

"It's our most important law that our activities don't expose our existence or raise suspicion, but yes. We are a reasonably large community and there are too many of us to live in the shadows. Every being has some sort of form which can pass for human, perhaps with the help of a little magic so we are hidden in plain sight." She paused to pass a truck before continuing. "The Lady should be in session this morning, receiving requests from the community and sorting out disputes. We'll be able to present Chris, get him registered, pick up a bodyguard, get an allowance to take a familiar, and hopefully not piss anyone off."

"Sounds complicated, with what Jethry said, it sounds like there are pitfalls and enemies at just about every corner," Chris worried.

"In a way there are, Chris. Some people will be threatened by you, others will just want to use you without any thoughts of real malice. Just be careful." She pulled into the next rest area. "Okay, let me call the Compound. I'll put it on speaker but you have to be quiet." She dialled the number. Communications of a magical nature were all encrypted by a global spell, a magical communications network: huge in cost and energy, but worth every penny in the modern world. It rang a few times before it was picked up.

"Denver reception, how may I help you?" came the female voice.

"My name is Susan Baryst, registered witch, 4th class, Laramie."

"Yes. I have your file on screen, what can I do for you today?"

"I require an audience with Lady Narlakis under urgency; I'm bringing in a recently awakened Being, suspected Class 1 or above. We'll need an escort."

There was a pause. "Class 1? Are you sure? What species? Is it dangerous?" Reception's interest was piqued.

"Like I said, Class 1 at least. Security is for his protection. I won't reveal any further details."

"One moment, may I call you back shortly?"

"Certainly," Susan replied before disconnecting.

It only took a few minutes for them to call back.

"Susan, this is Timothy Garrill, head of compound security," came a gruff male voice. "You will have a priority audience as soon as you arrive. Lady Narlakis will be in court all morning so you will be inserted into the schedule when you get here. Head to the bottom floor of the underground parking building; there you will be met by a security team and escorted into court. I understand you won't reveal the species or identity of the Being, therefore you will be held responsible for his actions should things turn sour. Is this acceptable?"

"Accepted. I expect to arrive in about an hour." Once Susan had responded, the line went dead.

"Wow, they don't muck around," Annabel commented in the silence after the phone call, now she was actually scared.

"They're not always this serious, but a Class 1 is a big deal. It'll be fine Annabel, just don't say a word. Chris or I will do the talking." Susan reassured. "Chris, you'll have to swear to uphold our laws and loyalty to Lady Narlakis. She can be a bit eccentric but she's generally fair, just be polite and don't offend her, try a little flattery if you can. She will be your protector and provider for years to come, you should behave appropriately thankful. However, she is a notorious collector, just like you collect treasure Chris, she collects valuable and loyal Beings. It's part of the reason she's so powerful. All going well, a young dragon will be such a tempting prize she will bend over backward to make sure we get everything we need."

Underneath the blanket, Chris pulled Annabel close into a hug.

***

The rest of the drive sped by in silence, an hour passing as if it were only a few minutes.

"Here we go." They pulled into the underground car park of a mid-rise building. As they wound down three levels to the bottom floor, Susan briefed them. "I'll get out first and open the trunk. Chris gets out, Annabel stay under the blanket until the initial meeting is over. Chris will help you out."

She pulled up to the security checkpoint. Their escort was already there: five Beings in dark clothes fanned out around the car as they parked. Susan got out first.

"Be brave, I love you." Annabel was trembling as Chris whispered to her before the trunk opened, the outside conversation becoming clear to the two inside.

"You can feel him can't you?" Susan asked. "He won't be dangerous unless provoked."

"Yes, he's a big fella," came the voice of Timothy Garrill. Bringing in a Class 1 was something the fire elemental would see to, himself. "Okay, bring him out slowly." He then spoke in a low curt growl, he meant business. "If you'd told us what he is we could have prepared better, witch."

"Okay Chris, you heard him," came Susan's voice.

Chris's heart pounded as he slid out from underneath the blanket. With his feet planted on the concrete floor, he pulled aside his section of the blanket and slowly straightened, raising to his full height. Taking in his surroundings in a flash, his tongue flicked out to taste the air. Elemental, vampire, lycan, wizard, witch, his dragon informed him.

"Holy shit," Timothy started. "He's a dragon, right? Who the hell is he? They're all under protection."

Chris stayed still, trying not to seem threatening as he assessed the security team. The vampire woman and the male lycan were scenting him in return. "Yes, he's a dragon. I've raised him as my son. His name is Chris."

"Nice to meet you Chris, it's an honour. I'm Timothy Garril."

"Thank you." Chris shook Timothy's offered hand firmly. "May I bring out Annabel now?" he asked as he turned back toward Susan.

The attack came lightning-fast from behind; the vampire was on his back, attempting to sink her fangs into his neck, driven by the scent of his powerful blood. His dragon jolted into action, buffeting the woman with his wings as he snarled and reached behind to pull her off by her hair. Firming up his hold with a grip on her neck, he ripped her off his back, her scrabbling black talons ripping his shirt and scratching across his scales, drawing a little blood. The smell of his blood in the air only made her struggle harder but Chris had her, slamming her down on the ground and holding her there by her pale neck, applying pressure as she struggled and hissed, fangs bared.

The others sprang into action, moving forward, intent on pulling the two apart.

"Stop!" Annabel screamed, hearing the fight and pushing aside the blanket. "Don't hurt him, please!"

The security team held off and looked to their leader, startled by her sudden appearance.

Chris's dragon was in a rage. It wanted to kill the vampire, and pressed down, as if to rip her head off. She let out a wail, bloodlust fading as self-preservation became more pressing.

"Please let her go, Chris." Annabel begged quietly.

His face snapped up in her direction, a feral snarl fading as he saw his girlfriend, terrified and confused. Looking back down at the vampire, he brought his human side into control, carefully releasing his grip on the woman's neck, then turning to take Annabel in his arms and walk a few paces away. "Get her away from me," he snarled over his shoulder.

There was a kafuffle of action as they checked on their teammate and restrained her. The vampire, Amanda, was dazed and sore; her neck and the back of her head ached horribly, but she would heal. Mostly she felt shame. She had attacked a newborn dragon in a fit of bloodlust. Even now she could smell his blood; if she hadn't felt so thoroughly beaten she would have been up and at him again in a heartbeat ... not that she had one.

"How dare you!" screamed an outraged Susan. They hadn't even made it inside before her son had been attacked! This wasn't a good start.

"I'm sorry." As his team saw to Amanda, Timothy tried to soothe Susan, blocking her from moving toward the prone vampire. "We didn't know he was a dragon, we would have made her feed beforehand if we did."

"That's no excuse!" Susan spat.

"Perhaps not," replied the elemental, "she'll be punished. Now let's get everyone calmed down and move on; you have an audience with Lady Narlakis. Who's the human?"

"Oh, that's Chris's girlfriend. She'll become his familiar once it's approved." Susan calmed down; she needed to be collected for their court appearance.

"That isn't strictly procedure, Susan. She clearly knows about us and is under no binding not to reveal us," he stated, a little worried about how this new wrinkle might play out with Lady Narlakis.

"You're going to argue procedure with me after what just happened?" Susan raised an eyebrow at the head of security. By now the other three had Amanda up on her feet, leading her toward the door. As she passed Chris, she muttered out the best apology she could.

Chris grunted in reply.

"What was that about?" Annabel asked from within his hug.

"She's a vampire, she mustn't have been able to control herself and she tried to bite me." His dragon found the whole thing exciting. Chris found it terrifying; he had been moments away from killing another Being.

"Oh my god Chris, I didn't see that part. When I saw you, you had her by the throat on the ground. I was so scared." Annabel shivered.

"I'm sorry Dee, my dragon kind of took over when she jumped on me. Thanks for calming me down." He kissed her hair.

Timothy came over shortly after and apologised to Chris for Amanda's behaviour. Chris accepted the apology and for some reason asked that she be shown leniency. Timothy readily agreed. Amanda would likely punish herself thoroughly on top of whatever he dreamed up for her. He called in an increased security order for the compound and court chamber as well as clearing their path to the court.

They began the ascent from the parking garage toward the court, walking down empty halls that led through a mix of modern and ancient interiors; the underground had been expanded and modified over many decades. Annabel and Chris walked hand in hand, flanked by their escort, while Susan brought up the rear.

***

Sitting, sore and forlorn in the security office, awaiting her punishment, Amanda berated herself. Was she nothing but a bloodsucking monster? The first 50 years as a vampire had truly been hard but she had gotten through them, and in the process had learned to control her thirst. But her first whiff of dragon flesh had been enough to set off her most basic instincts. Disgusted, she looked down at the smears of red that remained on her hands. Before even thinking, a finger was in her mouth, sucked spotless in an instant as the flavours exploded against her tongue. With a moan, the rest of her fingers were dutifully bathed, lapping up every delectable molecule of his blood. She let out a whimper of despair as his taste faded, leaving her terribly unsatisfied, and having ruined her appetite for any other blood. She had gone about this all wrong: she should have offered herself to him, begged if necessary, to let her feed from him. She had to have more.

***

They waited outside the door to the court chamber while the current session finished. It didn't take long before a lycan attendant stuck his head out and told them to enter. Chris squeezed Annabel's hand briefly before handing her off to Susan and striding into the large room.

It was truly impressive, with grand arched ceilings, marble floors, and rows of seats for a few hundred audience members, now mostly empty. A subdued yellow light was given off by several floating orbs, magically suspended at least two stories above in the arches. A richly carpeted set of stairs led to an obsidian throne. Seated there was the first Drow that Chris had ever laid eyes on: a dark, slender elf of subterranean origin. A hush swept the room as people turned to see the newcomers, many seeing a dragon for the first time.

Chris studied Lady Reyla Narlakis as he walked toward the throne. She was truly an elfin beauty. In her midnight blue gown, she looked truly royal, an air of ancient power about her. Her ears were pointed, contrasting her alabaster hair dramatically against flawless, pitch-black skin curved over sleek muscle and soft flesh. The shocking white was bound back away from her face in an elegant ponytail, jewelled ribbons maintaining its structure and weaving throughout the length, down to her shoulders.

Reyla's grey eyes sparkled in delight as the young dragon approached in his half form, noting his appreciative study of her. She'd been informed that a back country witch was to bring in a powerful Being, but this was truly extraordinary. The dragon oozed power: both physically with his tall, broad form, and magically with his heady aura. His wings made him majestic, but in her eyes his simple clothes highlighted his youth. Yes, so rare and powerful a Being was a treasure. Her black heart thrilled at the prospect of snaring such a fine catch for her own.

Chris reached the base of the steps and lowered himself to his knees, his head bowed. He could sense the power of the ancient elf; his dragon recognised in her someone they could respect as superior in age, knowledge, and power. "Lady Narlakis, I humbly present myself before your court seeking membership to your domain." Chris surprised himself with his almost theatrical manner of speech, but realised his dragon was helping him.

And well mannered too! Reyla thought, already slipping on the mask of a sweet, kindly demeanour. Quickly thinking through how to handle such an important meeting, she arose and descended from the throne to also kneel one step above him. Reaching down for his chin, she raised his face, eyes meeting. "I am honoured to call you one of my own, dragon. We have missed your kind for far too long. What is your name? I do not recognise your colouring; do you have an aspect?"

"My name is Christopher Baryst," he introduced, still captivated by her grey eyes and royal, midnight beauty. He paused for a moment before his dragon helped him again, eyes flashing. "I'm of the Ether." The dragon raised his hands. Purple flame sprang to life from his upturned palms. There was a collective intake of breath around the room as it cast an ethereal, flickering light.

Reyla was rendered momentarily speechless. Before her knelt the 7th male dragon alive in the world, a youngling bursting with potential, untrained, and unmolded. Fortuitous in the extreme. She smiled down at him. This was no ordinary project; the future of the dragons knelt at her feet. "Outstanding, Christopher," she said, leaning forward to kiss each of his purple cheeks, catching his enticing scent, yet she was too ancient to succumb to anything more than a pleasant sense of warmth between her legs. She willed a small charm as her lips touched his skin, to let her know where he was and if he was in danger. His dragon sensed her spell but allowed the protective blessing. Lady Narlakis stood back and addressed her rapt audience in her best regal voice, edged with threat. "This dragon is under my protection. Any threat, harm, or plot against him will be met with my strictest displeasure. Dragons are guardians, and under his guardianship our community will prosper. We are honoured by his presence and you will all conduct yourselves accordingly. I will release an official statement to this effect shortly. This court is adjourned for the day."

The court audience shuffled out, looking back for once last peek at the dragon.

"Rise Christopher," she said quietly.

The fire in his hands extinguished as he stood. "Lady, please just call me Chris, everyone does."

"Fine, fine." Lady Narlakis said with a tinkling laugh. "And you may call me Reyla when we are in private. How old are you, dragon?"

"I'm nineteen," he replied, a little disconcerted. She was much nicer than he had expected. "My dragon awakened yesterday. Before that I was completely human; but Susan raised me with a basic knowledge of our world."

"So young," Reyla cooed, reaching to brush his cheek, her mind already racing ahead to the prospect of a pet dragon at her beck and call. The room was now clear except for his escorts and her chief advisors. "Come," she beckoned everyone closer. "Sit, sit, we have a lot to get through." She guided the dragon to sit on a carpeted step, taking the step above as her own. "Now, tell me your story."

He laid out his life as briefly as possible. For now he left Annabel out of the picture, although she sat only a few feet away. The Drow hadn't seemed to have noticed her yet.

"Interesting." She took one of his big purple hands in her black ones, stroking it gently. "What do you wish for yourself, dragon? How may I help you achieve your desires?" At this, he had looked up at her with innocent trust; this was almost too easy.

"I guess I just want to learn about our world and live my life. More specifically I need an education, a job, a home, and your protection," Chris replied honestly.

"No great aspirations?" Reyla asked seductively. "Hmmm. So easily pleased. You are such a nice boy, Christopher."

Annabel almost felt sick watching the elf paw at him. Surely he wasn't falling for her saccharine act.

"None." He smarted a little at being called a boy in front of everyone, but coming from Lady Narlakis it was a fair assessment.

"Very well." Reyla turned to Susan. "And what of yourself, witch? Why wasn't I made aware of a dormant dragon inside my own territory? You meant to keep him for yourself, no doubt." She regretted her words when she felt the dragon recoil, the hand she held suddenly tense.

"No my lady," Susan responded calmly, not rising to the accusation. "I only meant to protect him while he could not protect himself. Surely anonymity is the best defence. As soon as he awoke yesterday evening, we made plans to come here for your protection."

"Nonetheless, I would have expected a loyal Being to inform me of something so important," Reyla said coldly. The implication was not lost on anyone in the room. Again she chastised herself, she was eroding his good first impression of her. And yet, she resented having been kept in the dark. Still, she must control her temper around him.

"But all is well now that you are here, Chris," she soothed. "I will contact the Synod immediately to inform them of you. I imagine you will need to go meet with their dragon representative, Lord Guthrie; but that can wait a few days. In the meantime, you may live in our guest quarters and explore our wonderful city. We can discuss your education later."

"Thank you," he said, a bit put off by her abrupt changes in demeanour.

"It's nothing Chris; all I ask in return is your loyalty and guardianship," Reyla assured sweetly. "Everything magical will prosper indirectly from your presence. Now, let's get the rights over with."

Chris repeated after Reyla, reciting the induction rites for Beings allied to a new territory, swearing to uphold their laws, to serve his Lady, and to protect the Secret.

"Well said Christopher," Reyla encouraged, sliding the hand that had been resting in his short purple hair during the ceremony down the side of his face. "Now, let's get the details sorted out. Tosh, give him a registration and enter him into the system. But only put name, species, and class; Christopher can enter any further information if he wishes."

"On it my Lady," came the reply from a tall Asian man, working on a tablet computer in his lap. "What class shall I enter?"

"Hmmm," murmured Lady Narlakis as she felt out the subtleties of the dragon's aura. "I would have to agree that Class 1 is the most suitable." There was a bit of whispering between the others: Class 1 Beings were rare, very powerful. "It will be nice to have a companion of similar capabilities again," Reyla flattered. "The only Class 1 other than myself in the city is Envoron, but he is both senile and a Day elf, two things I cannot tolerate."

Someone tittered sycophantically at this, but Chris remained silent. They still hadn't discussed Annabel. Tosh saved what might have become an awkward silence by completing his registration, pending approval.

"Your registration code is 01DR-053-59413, the first bit is just your class and species, the numbers are randomised, unique to you. I'll set up a phone and laptop for you to use on Maginet this afternoon. You know about Maginet, right?" Tosh asked.

In the background, hushed conversations could be heard between some of the others in the room. Timothy was discussing new security measures around the guest quarters with a teammate; however most silently watched the interactions between dragon and Drow. Including Susan and Annabel.

"A little, I've seen Susan using hers and I'm okay with computers."

"Tosh is very good with technology, he keeps things running around here," Reyla interjected, "he's an arachnid you know, quite rare; I'm very lucky to have him." Tosh stuttered out a thanks before returning to his tablet. "Now, you will also need security," she continued. "What do you think, Timothy?"

This had been the subject of Timothy's thoughts for the past few minutes. "Well, he's powerful enough to handle himself; so what we need is someone to watch out for him, and back him up. A more subtle approach rather than a show of up-front muscle," reasoned the elemental.

Reyla agreed, mulling the possibilities over before confirming her initial decision. His primary protection couldn't be a man, there would be too much posturing between males this powerful; there always was. Lillian would be perfect: powerful and deadly enough to help protect the dragon, old enough to spot hidden threats, her loyalty insured due to the blood pact they had formed centuries ago. Besides, being around the young dragon would be torture for the vampire, which suited Reyla, given their current enmity.

"Lillian," she called, knowing the vampire was listening, lurking, as her kind was inclined. The thump of boot steps on marble answered her.

"Are you sure Reyla? We'll have to find a replacement for your own rotation."

"Yes I'm sure," she almost snapped at Timothy. "She's perfect."

***

'She's perfect', echoed through Annabel's head when the Amazonian beauty approached Chris from behind. So tall, at over six foot, with a clearly powerful body, proportionally large curves and beautifully feminine lines. Her muscular legs were long and they looked amazing in tight jeans. The natural strut she seemed to pull off effortlessly was the best she had ever seen, hips jigging sideways a little with each long step. Annabel hadn't yet seen it from behind and already she knew it could probably cause accidents – plane crashes, even.

The gorgeous valkyrie wore tall combat-style boots that didn't detract whatsoever from the vision of her as any man's perfect dream. Her great big tits must be D-cups or something, the way they bounced slightly with each step inside her clingy red turtleneck. She gave a sexy little flick of her head, dislodging some lustrous, shoulder-length, light brown hair that required a seductive swish back in place behind her ear. Mischievous brown eyes twinkled behind a forest of lashes, below which were deep shadows that made her look sultry, a little tired, like she should be taken back to bed, or, just simply taken. Her skin was absolutely white, and her face beautiful, perhaps with an overly wide mouth emphasized by plump lips: a seductive, hungry predator. She smiled, a Cheshire smile, revealing her vampiric nature for all to see, fangs displayed on the plush bed of her bottom lip.

Annabel saw it for what it was: an attention-grabbing entrance, and it seemed to be working. Thankfully Chris's back had been turned. How was she supposed to compete with that?

For her part, Lillian had been watching the proceedings from the start, observing Reyla attempt to charm the young dragon yet failing to hide her ugly temper and haughty arrogance. Serves you right you black elf bitch, I hope he sees straight through you.

Reyla and Lillian had a long history. As a young vampire Lillian had been seduced by the powerful elf, entering into a blood pact with her: obedience and servitude, in exchange for power. This seemed wonderful at the time, especially to one who was generally governed by base desires in the early years of un-death. The pact enabled her to hold a secure place, in the upper levels of vampire hierarchy; an intoxicating feeling for any youngling, that also insured her survival during those vulnerable years.

As she had aged and matured, however, her vampiric cravings had mellowed, and she realised she had traded much of her free will. Reyla expected much in return. Initially, their relationship had been mutually beneficial, it had soured over the years as Reyla exerted control and ordered her to do her bidding. Four centuries had since passed, and she had grown into a tenacious, resourceful, and sometimes ruthless vampire, far too powerful to simply let slip away. Reyla knew this, and was fairly sure that Lillian was aware of this as well.

Reyla kept Lillian close, a member of her personal guard, a position in which Lillian excelled. And yet the elf took every opportunity to punish the vampire's 'ungratefulness'. Lillian had no choice but to do the Lady's bidding, bound by the Drow's blood inside her own body, but took any small chance rebel, despite how futile. Half a century ago when she had asked for her freedom, Reyla had denied her. Apparently Lillian had many more centuries of service before the 'generous gift' would be paid off. In truth, Reyla had no intention of releasing her from her little collection of pets. And so it had continued, until the present day in which they lived to goad one another. Thus, when Lady Narlakis called Lillian to duty, undoubtedly she thought that guarding a dragon would be a torturous experience for the vampire.

So Lillian flaunted her body proudly, knowing the conceited Drow would hate not being the centre of attention, even for a few seconds. She made sure her hips popped with each step, and displayed her fangs against her bottom lip seductively, revelling in the disapproval rolling off her liege. And yet it was true: assignment to guard this dragon would be excruciating. Already she could feel his scent flooding her nostrils, no longer the little tickle it had been while on the far side of the room. She would control herself, though. It was an opportunity to get away from Reyla and perhaps slight her at the same time. Furthermore, if she was close to the dragon, perhaps Lillian could steer him away from the treacherous elf's grasp.

Reyla watched Lillian's dramatic entrance, from her view directly over the dragon's wings. She strongly suspected that the vampire was goading her. Upon her approach she stood, gesturing Chris up too, politely turning him to introduce the vampire and thereby retain a picture of charming royal calm.

"Christopher, this is Lillian Kozlov, your bodyguard," she said sweetly, eyes locking threateningly with Lillian's for a moment.

"She's a vampire," was Chris's response, not moving forward to shake her hand.

"Yes," replied Lillian, letting a little of her native Russian accent tinge her words, just to piss off Reyla. "But I'm much older than Amanda. I control myself far better." A mortified Amanda had already texted Lillian to inform her that she had attacked the young dragon, confessing to having found his taste unimaginably compelling.

"Oh." Relenting, he moved forward to accept her handshake, eyeing her from head to toe as he did so. His dragon was thrilled no end at the thought of seducing her, subduing her large, powerful body before plundering her softness until she quivered. She would be a wonderful challenge. When his eyes finally reached her gaze, nearly level with his own, she winked. He knew he had been caught. Chris blushed a deeper purple, furiously. Real smooth, he despaired, yet still managing a "Nice to meet you."

She gave him an overly wide smile in return, and though the smile didn't quite reach her dark brown eyes, it lit her face with a devastating predatory beauty. "It's nice to meet you too, Christopher," she replied, batting her eyelashes, for Reyla's benefit. She had, after all, appreciated his obvious attention and couldn't deny the dragon's powerful body as appealing; yet his timid nature reminded her of his young age. She preferred strong, confident men, who provided a challenge and were not intimidated by her. Admittedly, there were few men who fit this criteria yet still hadn't let their power get to their heads. Still, it was hard to maintain complete composure with his damnably sweet smell. Any physical contact might break her resolve. She locked it away as an impossibility. Lady Reyla would forbid it anyway, she would obey.

"Good," Reyla concluded. "Lillian will be responsible for your security day and night. Others will also be involved at times, but she will be in charge. Now, if that's all I'll leave you to make Christopher comfortable in his new home. I must go inform the Synod ... oh, and someone take the human girl's memories, I can't fathom why she's in here to begin with."

"No," came a menacing growl.

"She knows about all of this," Reyla gestured around them, confused by the dragon's response. "About you. Surely, you – "

"She is mine," the dragon interrupted, holding her gaze, his body tense. Everyone felt the change in atmosphere as the Beings assessed each other. "I will take her as a familiar."

Reyla backpedalled. Obviously the girl meant something to him. And yet ... a human? It was beneath him. "That's highly irregular, familiars need to be approved by – "

"You have the authority. I request your permission." It was, in fact, barely a request. The dragon spoke with a firmness that brooked no argument.

She had no choice. She couldn't deny his request without enraging the dragon; he might even try to flee with her. "You may have her. I grant permission to take the girl as your familiar. See to that as well Lillian, I expect it to be done by the end of the day." Cocking her head slightly, Reyla couldn't help but reassess him. There was strength and dominating possessiveness lurking underneath the youthful meekness. It enraged her, yet thrilled her no end. She needed to plan more extensively for how to deal with him, and how to ensnare him. "Christopher I apologise for distressing you, I wasn't aware of her importance. I would like to speak with you again tomorrow, once you're settled of course. I expect the Synod will have a plan of action formulated by then."

"Good day, everyone." Affecting regal serenity, she turned, her white, bejewelled ponytail sparkling, and strode away.

There was a collective moment of relaxation as the Drow swished gracefully away. Everyone except Chris's party that now included the chuckling vampire, had cleared the room to head about their business.

***

"Lillian," muttered Timothy threateningly.

The two stood together, watching the distraught human girl embrace the dragon desperately.

"Calm yourself, Tim," She whispered, barely containing her mirth. "That was fantastic. Did you see her face?"

"Yes," the elemental sighed. "She almost lost her cool for a second there. Don't push her." He held Lillian in awe. Lady Narlakis had a temper, that was a fact, but was generally fair with everyone who didn't piss her off. Lillian went out of her way to do just that, and it made her a bit of a legend.

"Okay, we'll go to the rooms first, then the tattoo, then probably the rooms again," Lillian outlined the schedule. "After they're done with making her a familiar we can show him around the Compound. He can't go outside looking like that, though. Maybe tonight he can go visit the club or something."

"That sounds fine, are you going to be okay with this?" Timothy asked. "Amanda was on him straight away; you should have seen it though, he had her by the neck so fast I barely saw it. He just about killed her but the human started making a fuss and he stopped."

"Interesting." She approached the dragon, giving the witch a nod of acknowledgement. "Christopher, let's go see where you'll be living, then we can get started on making her your familiar."

"Sure, and please call me Chris. It looks like we'll be spending a bit of time together." He released Annabel from their long hug; still holding onto him, she gave the beautiful vampire a surprisingly hateful glare.

"Thank you, Chris. And what's your name?" Lillian offered Annabel a hand to shake.

Annabel didn't accept it. It was childish, but she refused all the same.

At this, Lillian leant down. This human female was pretty enough; perhaps a little skinny by her own standards, but that was the fashion these days wasn't it? She must be his girlfriend, strong minded enough to see past his wings and scales. Good for her. "Listen," she tried for a conspiratorial tone, "I imagine this is quite overwhelming. But you don't have to worry about me. That's more than I can say for some of the others around here. I won't try to steal him from you," she winked as she spoke the last sentence, and Annabel blushed violently.

"Sorry, I'm Annabel," she offered her hand shyly. "It's all just a bit much at the moment."

"Welcome aboard," said Lillian, shaking it, but not before glancing up at the dragon for approval to do so.

***

Lillian guided them through the underground complex, explaining various services and functions. There were about 4500 Beings in the Mid-West territory, most of whom lived in the Denver metropolitan area. Lady Narlakis provided many kinds of support to Beings in her territory, policed their laws, and maintained the Secret. Beings provided something in return to help the community: a tax system of sorts, usually paid by barter of services. Beings had their own economy based in trade using mostly precious metals and stones as currency which also had intrinsic value for magics and spells. Human currency still played its part, because everyone interacted with that world as well, Lillian explained. Chris already knew most of this, but Annabel absorbed it all like a sponge.

Upon arriving at an elevator, Lillian inserted her key card and they stepped inside, travelling upward while she explained that they were now traversing underneath the city block to their hotel suite, inside a hotel for Beings only. They were quite high up when they arrived on their floor, where again a key card was required for entry.

Their suite was quite spacious, one of only two abodes on the entire floor. Elaborately furnished, the dark heartwood accents contrasted nicely with the gentle pastel interiors. There were pieces of tasteful local art throughout, including some clearly made by Beings. All of the windows, which were extensive along one side, were installed with retractable shades currently pulled down, effectively blocking out all sunlight. They could open them if they desired, but Lillian cautioned them to please tell her beforehand; she was a vampire after all.

While Chris and Annabel made themselves comfortable in the master bedroom, Susan took one of the spare rooms. Lillian set up shop in another: while on duty she would live with them. When asked about taking time out from what sounded like exhaustive surveillance duties, Lillian explained that she didn't expect to do so. Frankly, she rarely slept anymore.

Lunch was delivered via room service: burgers for Chris and Annabel and an omelette for Susan. Lillian ordered a 'blood box' – the vampire equivalent of a juice box – a concept Annabel initially found immensely funny until the implications of harvesting human blood sunk in. All four of them sat at the dining room table, Annabel next to Chris, opposite Lillian. While they ate, Susan remained quiet, sizing Lillian up; trying to figure out what hidden games might be in store. Lillian must be powerful, she knew, and highly trusted to be assigned to protect Chris; but what exactly would the vampire be reporting to Lady Narlakis, she wondered.

"So your aspect is the Ether. How does that work?" Lillian asked, sipping her blood while they finished off their fries.

"I don't know," Chris answered honestly. He'd begun to warm to the seemingly-friendly vampire. "I used to dream in the Ether some nights. This is all very new to me." He explained about his father's enchantment. "Yesterday, I fell into the Ether when I had a nap, woke up, and had a walk around in there. I actually ended up scaring the hell out of Mom."

"Very interesting," Lillian mused, "you know, it's a unique aspect among dragons. There hasn't been an Ether dragon before. I imagine you will grow to be quite formidable. Dragons always are, but if you can learn to phase, and to harness the energy of the Ether for magic, you would become very powerful."

Everyone seemed to be obsessed with how powerful he would become. "I just want an uncomplicated life."

Lillian's guffaw echoed in the room and Susan had to smile a little too. "You certainly won't have an uncomplicated life. No one does." Perhaps because he was young, he didn't yet understand the world. She was finding it a little easier to relax around him, especially after her blood meal; perhaps she was just getting accustomed to his scent. The girl, however, still eyed her warily, while the witch silently studied her.

"Well. Let's go get her the tattoo," Lillian announced, once they had all finished eating.

"Me?!" Annabel squeaked. She hated all things 'needle'.

"Is that really necessary?" Chris knew it was, but asked anyway.

"Absolutely," Susan replied out of the blue from the head of the table. "Without it, you won't be legally protected against the actions of other Beings. You'll be a regular human. Nowadays, they tattoo the owner's ID number on each familiar. They used to brand humans, like cattle."

"Yes, and without your master's tattoo I could come gobble you up in the night," was Lillian's light-hearted rejoinder. Chris hissed. "Relax," the vampire eased, "I meant it as a joke. Although it's true, you know."

"Do you really hunt people? Kill them to drink their blood?" Annabel asked.

"Well of course I do, I'm a vampire. Most of us try not to kill our victims. It's greedy, you know; messy, too." Damping down her sharp wit, she continued, "We each have an allotment of humans we are allowed to kill each year; some vampires get off on it, but they usually don't last long. We are allowed as many non-fatal feedings as we need, provided we leave no trace behind, keep the Secret, and all that. Human familiars of other Beings are off-limits, though," she added kindly. "A lot of vampires just keep their own human familiars, or feed from another willing Being."

"That's sick, how can you just treat people like that?" Annabel whined. Chris hugged her across the small gap between their chairs; still, she felt a little nauseous at the idea.

Lillian wasn't at all offended by the girl's accusations. "It's just nature Annabel, it isn't pretty," she explained patiently, meeting the girl's bright eyes. This was a serious subject, the human needed to understand that the Being world wasn't some idealised fantasy. "Vampires aren't even the worst; true demons used to go on absolute bloodbaths before they got stopped. That hasn't happened in several hundred years. And it's been very rare since the Devines put a barrier around our dimension millennia ago, saying it was unfair that demons still influenced our lives, even after the ban." She had embraced her nature long ago. A hungry vampire was a dead vampire, after all.

Susan looked on approvingly, it wasn't the most gentle of lessons in the uglier side, but it would be good for both Annabel and Chris.

Slumping sideways back into Chris's body with a slight sigh, Annabel was rocked. "Demons? Holy shit ... what, what about God? The Devil? At least tell me you don't go around killing people. I mean you're a good vampire, right?" Magical Beings were one thing but she'd lost faith once she realised that people did all manner of things in the name of their gods.

Across the table Lillian laughed huskily, watching the dynamic between the two, they certainly seemed to take a lot of comfort in physical contact with each other. The girl was as delightfully innocent as the dragon. "Well. I don't know that there's such a thing as a 'good' vampire, darling. Perhaps I am. I did kill a man last year, but then again he was a rapist; that was more of a murder than a feeding. Demons and Devines certainly exist, perhaps not as you've thought of them. One thing's for sure though," Lillian leaned forward, speaking thoughtfully as she twirled some of her lustrous brown hair out of habit with a finger. "They hate each other. What do they fight about? The fate of our souls: who knows?" she mused aloud. "As for God, or gods, or the Devil: who knows? I have no more proof of their existence than you. Mightn't an entity powerful beyond our comprehension appear to be a god? We would have no way to know if it was a god or just some small fry in the scheme of the universe and all its dimensions." She paused and leaned back, stretching in an unintentional display of her impressive breasts, signalling her withdrawal from further philosophical discussion. "Anyway, all this is besides the point. You need to get a tattoo in order to be his familiar."

"Fine. Okay," Annabel agreed. The vampire's talk and her piercing gaze had managed to intimidate her more than did the idea of getting a tattoo. "Do I have to do anything else?"

"You'll repeat some rights like Chris did today. Then he'll do the same and put some energy into your binding. Other Beings will then be able to sense it and know you're a familiar. That part will be painless." To Lillian, it felt like overseeing a wedding. In a way, she was.

They rode the elevator back down below-ground, popping up in a shaded back alley. Behind a door, a suitably surprised, heavily-tattooed wizard greeted them, introducing himself as Garry. He had heard rumours earlier that day that a dragon was in town, but had dismissed them as bullshit. Now, he was stoked. A scenario began playing out in his head as he ushered them in and set up his tools: tattooing the dragon's familiar was going to give him a story to tell at the bar tonight. Women would be pawing all over him just to hear it....

***

Her left shoulder fucking throbbed! At least it was over now and she could suffer quietly, lying on the hotel bed. She'd put on a brave face, trying to show the hot vampire that she had toughs. Now she just wanted Chris, maybe some ice cream too; but he was out in the living room fussing over his new laptop and smartphone with Tosh, the Japanese spider guy. He was such a sweet nerd sometimes, getting excited about his new stuff. She hoped they would still have time to play an occasional video game together once everything settled down. Drifting a little, her mind wandered over the last 24 hours, the most eventful of her young life.

Before she had detected any sign of his approach, Chris was back in the room, picking her up off the bed. "Are you okay, Dee?" he soothed, holding her so as not to bump her sore shoulder. She could walk just fine, yet he took some satisfaction from treating her like an invalid, trying to comfort her.

"I'll be fine. It hurt like a bitch but it's not so bad now," Annabel fibbed. He'd carried her gently and then lowered her onto one of the rich leather couches where she now reclined, her legs bent and tucked neatly underneath her.

"Well, Susan reminded me that I might be able to help with that," he replied, gently lifting the material along one shoulder of her light blue dress and easing down her bra-strap to reveal a bandage. It covered the string of black numerals, about a half inch high, imprinted along her tender left shoulder blade, her dyed skin raised up and inflamed, like stinging Braille. Removing it carefully, he examined the exposed tattoo. 053 59413. Annabel winced a little as the bandage came off, but let him shuffle around her until he knelt, settling behind her, on the couch. He guided her down and forward a little, holding her upper arms gently. Then he started licking across the fevered numerals, hoping his saliva would provide some relief.

Initially, his purple, semi-forked, reptilian tongue felt hot on her sore skin; but as he continued, it seemed to have a cooling effect. Before she knew it, the pain was easing away. "Ohhh, it's working Chris. Keep going, it feels so good," she murmured.

He lapped until the irritated red colour faded back into flawlessness. Only, it wasn't entirely flawless: the string of numbers contrasted sharply against her milky skin. She shouldn't have had to mark her body like that.

Susan and Lillian watched the unintentionally erotic display from the kitchen. Given the position and his movements, he might almost be screwing her gently from behind. His larger, draconian body arched to lick and nip her shoulder while holding her in place. That he was in fact gently healing her, added something pure and loving to the pose.

"That's fucking hot. He's going to be a lady-killer," Lillian murmured distractedly, in danger of revisiting her initial evaluation of Chris's suitability as a lover.

"Mm hm," Susan agreed, unable to take her eyes off the lovebirds, instantly aroused, and finding herself less and less willing to hold back. Just being near the dragon and his scent was whittling down her power to resist him at an alarming rate.

Annabel opened her eyes and saw the two women in the kitchen, watching them. She quickly pulled her shoulder strap up, embarrassed about almost showing tit. Chris, who had been enjoying tonguing her smooth, slightly salty skin and giving her little kisses, stopped too; he had been fully caught up in the moment. His Mom and Lillian had been watching. He blushed a deeper purple. Perhaps the couch wasn't the best place.... And yet he hadn't intended it to become sexual.

"Ooh! That was so cute," Lillian exclaimed, breaking the spell. This assignment was turning out to be fun; a far cry from being cooped up with a prissy, self indulgent, Drow bitch. She hated feigning civility and obedience. The blood pact continually forced her to do as Lady Narlakis ordered; she could resist, but doing so left her weak and therefore vulnerable. Watching two young things, desperately in love but so unsure of themselves, was so much better. Now the purple dragon was all flustered and embarrassed, so uncharacteristic in a Class 1 Being.

"Okay, let's do the ceremony." Lillian approached the couch. "I've written down what you need to say. I'll be your witness." She handed them each a scrap of paper.

"What do I have to do, Mom?" Chris asked, unsure. "I've never even used magic."

"It'll be fine Chris," Susan assured, walking over. "It's not really a spell so much as a pact. Just hold Annabel in your mind and say the words. Some Beings give their familiars a more personal, magical marking in the process but don't worry about that. It's just a ceremony." She didn't actually have experience with wielding the magic involved in taking a familiar ... but it couldn't be that complicated. Most Beings could do this; even those who didn't practice traditional magic, like Weres or vampires.

Chris and Annabel faced each other on the couch and looked down at the scribbled words.

"Ready, Dee?" Chris asked tentatively, "You know you don't have to..."

"Oh, shush," Annabel teased. "So eager to get rid of me?"

"No."

"Good, I love you babe," she replied, leaning up to give him a chaste kiss, still mindful of their audience. "Let's do this. I go first, right?"

"Yes. Just say the words ... and mean them," Susan added.

One last time Annabel glanced at the note, memorising the words, before looking into his loving eyes, grasping his taloned hand, and promising her life to him. It was so dramatic. "Being, I give myself freely to you, bind myself to you. I vow to serve, place you above all others, and uphold the Secret. I'm yours." She meant it all. As the final syllable left her lips she felt an involuntary tremble course through her body. This wasn't just about saying some words anymore; something of herself had left her and now reached out, tendril-like, toward the dragon.

Chris felt it too, nudging against his aura, seeking acceptance. He and the dragon accepted her and enveloped her in return. Gently pulling her close, he held her against his neck so he could say the words in her ear. Holding a pristine vision of Annabel in his mind's eye, he saw her protected, secure, and loved. He spoke aloud in his deep, slightly hissing voice. "Human, I accept you, place you under my protection. I share the Secret and mark you as one of us. Serve me well. I love you."

Those last three words were his own. He hugged her tighter. Blood roared in his ears: a staggering drain of energy poured out of himself and into her. Energy, mixed with magic, flowed out of him at an alarming rate. Scared, he opened his eyes for several seconds. The seconds multiplied, and it still hadn't stopped; his vision was darkening and he couldn't release his grip. He let out a strangled gasp just before blacking out.

Annabel felt something enormously powerful wrap around her as he squeezed the air from her lungs. Searing heat streamed over her tattoo where one of his hands gripped her, his claws digging through the thin fabric of her dress. She struggled, whimpering. Something rushed into her, her body stiffened as if electrified, and just as quickly it was over. She fell back, stunned, with Chris's limp body crumpled on top of hers.

Susan was at their side in an instant. Something had gone terribly wrong; as soon as Chris had begun speaking, an overabundance of energy had tainted the air. With its sudden release, she had been bowled backward by the wave and slumped heavily against the coffee table. Momentarily she regained her senses and saw Chris's human body smothering Annabel.

"The fuck was that!?" Lillian spat. The dragon's body had twitched and shuddered before shrinking back into his human form, his wings grotesquely sucked into his back, collapsing on themselves, the purple membranes dissolving back into the finger-like support bones. The bones crumpled sequentially inwards as the rest of his colour and scales faded until there was no trace of the dragon left.

"I don't know, help me!" Susan shrieked, stumbling over and rolling his limp body off of Annabel onto the other side of couch. Feeling his neck for a pulse and listening for breath, she felt and heard them, faint and barely audible. "Check her!"

"He's human again," the vampire noted, glancing over at him as she knelt by the unconscious human girl. She reached to shake her gently. "Aaaagh ahh!" No sooner had she touched Annabel's skin, when she suddenly reared up and backed against the far wall in a flash of inhuman speed, clutching her blackened hand and slumping down the wall in agony. An acrid, burnt flesh smell filled the room.

Susan swivelled to see the vampire wailing helplessly, fangs extended as bloody tears streaked her pretty face. She stared; it was the worst burn she had ever even heard of, let alone seen. Snapping back to her son, she quickly assured that he was indeed breathing. Somehow, he had put far too much energy into the familiar bond, driving the dragon far back into hiding.

Lillian cried piteously while next Susan quickly examined Annabel albeit from a safe distance. "What have you done, Chris?" she murmured to herself, feeling out toward Annabel with magical senses. What her sensations felt made her draw right back. Something had rushed out at her, sensing intrusion: it was powerful, intelligent, and felt like ... the dragon. Power literally oozed; Susan could 'see' it soaking into Annabel's skin, merging with her. Raw, magical power, burned bright purple in her mind's eye. What the hell did it mean?

Lillian's sobs brought Susan back from observation and into action. She got up and approached cautiously, getting close enough for a good look at the vampire's damaged hand. Across the palm and fingers the skin was charred to the bone, bubbled and blackened. Some streaks of healthy skin remained in places on the back.

An injured vampire was a very dangerous creature. Had Lillian still maintained control? "Lillian," she called gently. "I'm so sorry. Can you hear me? Is it safe to come closer?"

Lillian heard the witch but god it hurt so much. Worse than the time long ago when her leg had been crushed. She self-assessed, and found that her vampiric nature had retreated, shocked, into the background. Usually, when injured it was next to impossible for her to refrain from sucking the nearest living thing dry. "I... I think so. Please help me," she groaned.

"Hang in there Lillian; what can I do?" Susan rushed forward the last few feet, kneeling beside her.

"Blood," Lillian whimpered. "Help me to the kitchen." They pulled each other up, Lillian cradling her useless hand gently with the other. "In the fridge. All of it, get all of it!" Drained by the magical burn, she could barely stand, and allowed Susan to support her as they stumbled over to one of the big silver fridges.

Susan grabbed an armful of blood bags and dumped the first load on the bench alongside the sink.

"More!" Lillian hissed, fangs flashing as she pulled a bag from Susan's grip and sunk her teeth into it, messily splattering her chin and neck, dripping onto her turtleneck and staining it an even deeper red. Her previously light brown irises dilated to all-black as Susan returned with a second round.

"In the sink, cut them into the sink!" Lillian spluttered before ripping into another. Susan plugged the sink, grabbed a knife, and slit bag after bag, draining the contents into the stainless steel basin until Lillian told her to stop.

Gingerly, Lillian reached over and lowered her useless hand into the few inches of chilled crimson, breathing a sigh as it provided some relief. In her other hand she held her fourth bag, sipping from it, the blood's rejuvenating effects somewhat countered by the onset of bloat from having recently glugged it down.

"Are you going to be alright?" Susan asked tentatively, leaning against a fridge door across the way. It had been downright terrifying to be so close to the vampire, while she had screamed for blood. Her intake had been voracious. What would happen if the fridge ran out?

Under normal circumstances, the smell of Susan's fear would excite her. Lillian, however, only sighed and burped; she must be a right mess, covered in blood. Glancing first around the kitchen, she then turned to look grimly over at the witch. "Yes, I'll be fine in a while. You don't have to worry about me biting you. I'm stuffed." A slight sense of euphoria had begun grow as her hand throbbed painfully. It had begun to heal, submerged in the pool of blood. "There had better be a damn good explanation for this," she added grimly.

"There isn't," Susan replied, "he's put an enchantment on her, somehow. I've never seen anything like it. I suspect he meant it to protect her. It must have lashed out when you touched her."

"How did that happen? You said he couldn't use magic," Lillian snapped, narrowing her eyes.

They were both in shock, she realized too late; she needed to maintain her discipline, remain calm.

"I said he hasn't used magic," Susan snapped back, "He's never cast a spell in his life until now." She snorted. "The first one he tries, almost wipes him out. It's the dragon. Chris wouldn't know how to place an enchantment like that."

"You talk about them like they're two different Beings." Lillian groaned under her breath from a fresh onset of sensations, as newly-regenerated muscles and ligaments began to knit together.

"One Being. Two sides," Susan clarified. "Just like you have a human side and a vampiric side. Sometimes you're talking to Chris, sometimes a dragon."

"You know I have to report this." Lillian pulled her hand out of the blood briefly to inspect the progress. The blackened layers of skin were gone. Raw nerves burned from within the fresh layer of sub-dermis, exposed to air without an outer protective layer of skin yet generated, to cover them.

Susan wasn't squeamish as a rule, but the vampire's healing hand looked unnaturally gruesome: myriad growing tissues writhed as they absorbed the blood. She had felt relief after it was once again submerged. Looking away, she noted the state of the kitchen. Spattered blood, ripped bags littered and dripped across the nearby counters and floor. She chuckled almost maniacally. What a mess. They hadn't even been here for a full day. The statement about making a report swam back into focus.... The vampire didn't grasp the situation at all.

"Report?" Susan exclaimed. "Every Being with any magical sensitivity within 200 miles of here felt that! The Synod will be having a fucking emergency phone conference as we speak. I should have known this wouldn't stay quiet. What's Lady Narlakis going to do now?"

"I can only guess," Lillian said honestly if still a bit sharply, despite attempts to infuse her voice with calm. "She wants him for herself, so she'll protect him. She'll be tempted; but I doubt she'll make a direct play to take him from you. You know how she is, no?"

"Yes, I know. Will you help me?" Susan had sensed the edge in Lillian's voice; nevertheless, she could really use a friend in this.

"I already am." Lillian attempted to smile, before wincing again as she tried moving her fingers. "I hate that elf more than you can imagine; but we have a blood pact, I'm bound to her."

"Really?" Blood pacts were a particularly powerful bond, very rare these days. "How?"

"I was young and greedy," Lillian admitted. "Stupid, too."

"How will you help us, then?" Susan pressed on. "Wait, what did she give you in return?"

Firmly, Lillian disciplined herself to become calm, to relax through the pain of her healing hand and the excitement of the last few minutes. "I'll run whatever diversions I can, while you get him on his feet. It won't be much, but anything to fuck with Reyla sounds great. In the end though, I do what she tells me." She flexed, grimaced, and continued. "Perhaps I'll just do exactly that. None of my own thinking or reporting helpful little insights." It might actually be enough to throw the Drow off a little. She looked at Susan with a serious, steady gaze. "Ultimately though, Susan, Reyla isn't your enemy. You just need to watch out for your dragon until he and the lady settle into their relationship."

"Yes, I'm relying on Reyla to protect him. Well, I'm relying on you; I just don't want her claws in him this early. He needs to be independent." If only they could make her see past Chris's value as simply an item for her collection.... If Reyla befriended him, she would have his loyalty without his resentment. "Hey, what about your part of the blood pact?"

"Well, I can do this." Using her power, she lifted Susan slightly, suspending her a scant inch off of the ground.

"Oh! What's –? Put me down!" Weightlessness was a disconcerting feeling; Susan wanted none of it.

At the sound of her shriek, Lillian hastily released her. Once back on the ground Susan felt a bit embarrassed; she heard Lillian chuckle and waited a few seconds, regaining composure before continuing.

"You're telekinetic. That's very powerful for a vampire."

"Yeah, pretty cool huh?" was Lillian's slightly sarcastic rejoinder, wincing again during a particularly painful few seconds' healing.

"Not at your price. I appreciate your help though; I'll need all I can get, to keep him safe. If you're okay I'll go check on them again, just don't touch Annabel again until we know how this enchantment works."

"I'm almost done healing," Lillian looked up at Susan's retreating form. "And yeah, I'm not touching the girl with a broomstick; it would explode. Be careful, you can't heal like I do," she added, surprising herself with a sudden, almost sisterly twinge of concern for the witch. Just then her pocket started buzzing; it was her cellphone. Probably Reyla.

Susan had stopped and turned in the doorway to listen.

Lillian gave her an approving nod as she pulled out the phone. "Yes, Reyla," she answered. "You felt that? Yes, Susan said he put an enchantment on the girl.... I have no idea, I'm not a witch.... No, she's legally his familiar now.... No, I can't, I have my hand in a sink full of blood because it almost got burned off when I tried to touch her.... No, they both passed out.... Fine, I'll come see you in half an hour.... No, it's been quite a busy afternoon, my Lady.... Fine, I'll turn the bugs on before I leave.... No I'm not feeling rebellious, it's just my hand.... Yes.... Yes, I'll be fine.... Goodbye."

"So?"

"She felt it. I think she's actually a little scared. I have to go report to her soon and boot up the surveillance system before I go. She's pissed I didn't do it to begin with."

"What kind of system?"

"Video and sound in all the rooms. There's no getting around it, really. You should look for your own accommodations as soon as possible; although for the time being, this is very secure. I recommend you don't tell Chris and Annabel; they might accidentally give me away," Lillian reasoned.

"Thank you, it means a lot that you'll help me." Susan looked at the bloodstained vampire in a new, more friendly light.

"Eh," Lillian smiled, flashing fang. "This is the most exciting thing since that unicorn lost it and rampaged through half the magic district. Wish I could have avoided this, though," she flashed her a half-hearted grin, turning back to her healing hand in the sink.

***

Reyla observed the witch, Susan, via the now-activated window on her tablet's screen. Lillian had finally powered up the surveillance system a few minutes ago, just as Reyla had ended a lengthy phone conversation with the rather relieved Synod. They'd been quite perplexed, upon first receiving the field reports. That the newly discovered dragon had been the source of such a powerful spell, added more fuel to the proverbial gossip fire. Maginet was probably already abuzz with speculation about its significance. Reyla would have avoided such publicity at all costs; the more tongues wagged, the harder it would be to keep the dragon for her own purposes. Already, the Synod had put plans in motion to meet with Lord Guthrie face-to-face; they'd arranged for a jet to take Chris to Europe in a few days. Meanwhile, they would be 'advising' her on his care and education, 'checking in regularly'.

Usually quick to assess, judge, and devise a cunning plan, Reyla, was at a loss. In truth, she had no idea what to do with her unique, young Being.

"My Lady." Lillian interrupted Reyla's musing, entering quietly into her lavish, darkened office.

"You look a mess, Lillian." Reyla noted the blood smeared across the vampire's face, neck, and arms, matting her brown hair in places, and staining her top.

"Yes. I consumed quite a lot, used even more on my hand." She displayed it for Reyla's review, fleshed-out and covered with new pink skin.

"What of the dragon?"

"Can't you see for yourself?" Lillian gestured toward the tablet resting in Reyla's lap.

"He's just lying there. He's human again. The witch is watching him."

"Then you know as much as I do," said the vampire.

"Well. Go back and protect him," Reyla commanded imperiously. "Now that everyone knows there's a youngling dragon up for grabs, I would be surprised if someone didn't try something. Use that bear-man you like for extra muscle, if you require." She sniffed. "There will be a trip to London in a few days but you'll have Synod approval. No one will touch you there. In the meantime report to me daily. I don't want any more upsets, Lillian."

"Yes, my Lady," purred Lillian. She narrowed her eyes, calculating.... The elf seemed rattled. Time to push some buttons. "You have no idea what you're doing, do you?"

"Enough!" Reyla hissed, "I've had enough of your insolence. Get out."

"Sorry, my Lady," Lillian intoned insincerely, and turned to go.

Reyla's smiling riposte suddenly demanded her to attend. "Oh Lillian, how do you find him? Is his blood irresistible? Will you be able to control yourself?" Her tone of voice reflected Lillian's earlier insincerity. Touché.

"It's hard, my Lady." Lillian turned back, choosing to respond honestly this time, and gave her a smile to match, albeit a blood-spattered one. "But I'll manage. Perhaps, you should be more concerned about yourself. I know I am."

Filling her next words with arcane power, eyes flashing, Reyla barely contained her temper. "You will not taste him, you may not drink his blood, nor may you even touch him. I forbid it."

"I had no intent." The vampire smirked, quietly triumphant, "Perhaps you're projecting – "

"Out!" screeched the midnight elf.

Lillian spun around and strode out, hiding her amusement at having reached her ladyship's limit. She had just unwittingly made Lillian's life easier. Such an order, issued through their blood pact, would now make the dragon easier to resist.

Reyla resumed her gaze at the surveillance window on-screen. After only a short time had passed, however, she could barely keep from throwing it against the wall, so frustrated had she become by the inactivity. This could become one of her greatest moments, and yet it had equal potential to be her downfall. After a single meeting, she had him deeply secured under her skin; such a temptation. His power and innocence only added to his allure, calling to her darkest desires for control, manipulation, and even enslavement. Perhaps, she mused, she should just fuck him and be done with it. It was probably a bad idea though; she wouldn't be able to resist binding him once he had penetrated her, his powerful body locked within the grip of her arms and legs. No. The Synod wouldn't take kindly to that....

Besides, the magical wake of the dragon's spell was the largest since the recent update to Maginet security two years ago. And that had taken roughly 150 mages to create, working together. What exactly was this dragon capable of?

She reassessed: the political advantage alone was immense. She wouldn't waste it by enslaving him with trickery or magic. She wouldn't squander this opportunity. Instead, she would train him, nurture him, and develop him into a powerful instrument. It would likely take centuries.... But it would be worth it, and he would be grateful. Who knows? He might prove to be her equal, her match. Lurking beneath his timid, boyish nature, she'd glimpsed a dragon that might become one who would eventually tame her. There she went, daydreaming like she was only a few centuries old again. This dragon was already too dangerous.

***

Annabel's eyelids fluttered as she came around, sitting up suddenly. She remembering Chris almost crushing her, energy flowing around her, through her. He was lying on the couch next to her now, She found herself sitting on the couch at the other end, leaning against an armrest. He lay nearby, human again. No more wings, no more purple or creamy skin, no more claws. He looked slightly smaller.

"Please don't move, Annabel," Susan spoke softly from the opposite couch.

"Susan? What's going on? Is Chris sleeping?" Annabel whispered, not wanting to wake her boyfriend.

Susan sighed. She had watched her for the last hour as her son's spell continued its work, only just detectable beneath the surface of her aura, but definitely there. "He's passed out, Annabel. Look, I don't know what's going on, but just stay calm and don't touch anything. He somehow put an enchantment on you during the ceremony. It was really powerful; and now he's wiped out."

"What the hell.... What kind of enchantment? Wait, why can't I touch anything?"

"I'm sorry honey, but after it happened you were both unconscious. Lillian tried to check if you were okay and got a really bad burn when she touched you."

"What?! Is she okay? Why would it do that? " her voice had raised but it didn't seem to have any impact on Chris.

"She'll be fine, she used blood to heal quickly. I think it's a protective enchantment, that's the only thing that makes sense, Annabel. Perhaps it sensed she was a vampire and lashed out at her. Do you feel any different? Did you feel anything strange before you fainted?"

"Yes!" Annabel exclaimed. "It felt like something went through me, like an electric shock. He was holding me so tightly I couldn't breathe, digging his claws in by my shoulder. Can you check if I need a BandAid, please?" She pulled down her dress's collar so Susan could see, twisting to look at her shoulder at the same time.

They both just gaped for several seconds. There was a dragon on her shoulder, straight out of a medieval tale or a story book, only purple. Such a beautiful tattoo. Susan got off the couch to have a closer look. The fine, indelible detail, so lifelike it could only have been done by magic, was etched into her skin atop her registration number; its tail twining around the last few digits. It looked about three inches long: a miniature purple dragon with wings and a flexible tail, tiny white spikes at the end, modelled after Chris's full dragon form.

"Is that what Chris will look like, when he goes all the way?" Annabel asked, she was pulling her left shoulder forward with her other hand, trying to get a better look.

"Yes. I think so," Susan replied, inching closer still. "Only bigger, but I think that's his full dragon form." It was probably just Annabel pulling her skin tighter, and yet Susan could have sworn she saw the tiny dragon's chest rising and falling gently.

"He's beautiful," cooed Annabel, happy Chris had taken the effort to make her ugly tattoo more personal to the two of them.

The tattoo dragon lifted its arrowhead-like snout on his flexible neck to look up at Annabel. The women screamed. Susan fell back onto the couch clutching her pounding chest, experiencing a fright worse than when Chris had showed her some shock site on the internet. Annabel kept screaming as the startled miniature dragon took off, galloping across her skin to find cover under her dress.

There was a warm, crawly tickle as it scuttled down her back, coming to a stop near her hip. This felt way too much like having a bug on her skin. "Get it off! Get it off! Get it off meeeee!" she wailed, frozen in place, hoping it would stop moving .

Susan was dumbstruck, trying to reconcile what she had seen while getting her breathing back under control.

"Susan!" Annabel pleaded, "I can feel it, get it off me!"

" Annabel, I ... I don't think I can. I've never seen anything like it." Susan tried to calm.

"What do you mean? What is it?" Annabel panicked.

"I mean I've never seen anything like it. Just hold still and see what does," she said as she approached again. "Where is it?"

"Down by my left hip. It's quivering, I can feel it! Oh my god what is it, Susan?" repeated Annabel.

"Honey, I think it's Chris's enchantment, the physical representation of it anyway. It looks like a moving tattoo, a cartoon on your skin. Can you lift up your dress so I can see?"

"Okay okay!" Annabel tried to gather courage before she slowly inched one side of her light blue dress up over her thighs, panties, and finally her tummy. "Can you see it?" She asked.

"Oh my ... yes, it's alive." Susan stared, enchanted by its lifelike beauty. "Annabel; he looks scared."

"It's scared?! What about me?" she hissed, "I'm the one it's crawling all over! We don't even know what it is."

"It's okay Annabel, he won't hurt you," Susan started to reach out to the dragon, intent on calming it but it took off up Annabel's chest, under her bra and up her neck. She screamed again, clawing after it as it moved, chasing it off her neck and down her arm. Cornering it. Annabel finally got a decent look at it as it made a stand on the back of her hand; nowhere else to run. They stared at each other for a full minute, mini cartoon dragon and young woman. Finally Annabel brought her other hand forward slowly, placing a single finger about an inch away from him. "What are you?" She breathed.

The dragon inched forward, skulking like a cat on all fours, his wings pressed against his back, and nuzzled her finger gently. A tingly warmth slowly spread from her finger, across her hand.

"Amazing," Susan breathed as Annabel grew bolder, lifting her finger to stroke down the tiny dragon's back.

"Oh my God, he's purring!" Annabel chirped, her outlook about the lively tattoo completely flipped as. The dragon arched and wiggled under her touch, clearly enjoying the attention. Her heart melted instantly. He looked so real, she tried to scoop him up with her other hand, as if he was more than a tattoo. But when she looked, there he lay, now on his back in the palm of her hand, creamy belly exposed as his legs kicked in the air. "He's beautiful, but Susan, how is this possible?"

"I have no idea Annabel. He's a spell. A very, very powerful spell." Susan watched him roll back over and move up Annabel's arm. This dragon looked powerful despite his stature, it made her wonder how terrifying Chris would be when he looked like this... only forty foot long. The dragon plopped down in the hollow between her neck and collarbone. Annabel reached up to stroke him, but this time he remained steadfastly in place, curled as if preparing to sleep. "What does it feel like now?" asked Susan.

"It's like a warm feeling when he moves around, when he runs it's like a creepy crawly, but I can feel his little vibrations when he purrs. Can I keep him?" she asked, not fully understanding.

Susan chuckled. "Annabel, he's a spell. I don't think you could get rid of him if you tried. We'll ask Chris what it means when he wakes up."

"Chris! Wake up" Annabel turned, shaking his unresponsive body. "He's really out of it huh? How come he's human again?"

"The enchantment he cast was the most powerful I've ever felt up close; I think it drained him, so much so that the dragon retreated back inside him to rest. We'll just have to wait until he wakes up."

"He'll be okay though, right?"

"I think so honey," came Susan's slightly worried response.

Annabel stubbornly pushed his shoulder, rolling him over so he was up against the back of the couch. She got up and adjusted her dress back into position then lay down next to him, wiggling into a tight spoon position. She pulled his limp arm up under her breasts, meeting Susan's watchful gaze, almost challenging her to say something. "Just wake me up for dinner, okay?"

"Okay sweetie," Susan comforted. She would have liked to give Annabel a hug, yet still didn't know if that was safe given her new enchantment. She got up and left the room, giving her some privacy.

Annabel sniffled a little, upset that Chris had gone to such extremes. Why couldn't he be awake to comfort her? It was small consolation that it had all been for her; a spell to protect her. He was so stupid, could have hurt himself. And now, what? Would anyone she touched, burst into flame? Annabel stroked the little dragon at her neck, calming herself. Chris shifted in his sleep, momentarily tightening his arm around her chest. He could still touch her ... of course he could.

Susan woke her later for dinner. Lillian had returned, bringing in some of her own things; and again they ordered from room service. Her professional interest noted the presentation, and yet she wasn't particularly hungry. What of her aspirations to go to cooking school? Would she still be able to pursue her own career at Chris's side? Did she even want to?

Over dinner, she could see the way the vampire looked at her: more calculating, more careful, not venturing near. Lillian would only have a look at the beautiful tattoo dragon from a good distance away.

The little scamp was quite boisterous. He ran down her arm to look at the food on her plate, then raced up to wait by her lips when she lifted a forkful to her mouth. Eventually Annabel pleaded with him to be still, and he seemed to get the picture. Susan and Lillian couldn't help but stare, it wasn't everyday you get to see a disturbingly lifelike cartoon-tattoo. The fact that it was also curious, intelligent, and responsive wasn't lost on Susan. It was a living spell, one of only a few recorded. The implications were vast and uncharted; but she kept any misgivings to herself. They were being watched, after all.

After supper, Annabel retrieved the duvet from their bedroom. She draped it over Chris and then wormed her way underneath to again spoon with him. Still, he slept, which made her worry. It felt a bit icky to be in the same clothes for two days straight.

"Ouch." Annabel muttered, feeling a prick on her palm. She brought her hand up from under the blankets to see the damage: the dragon was just looking up at her.

"Was that you?" Sigh. "Do you even hear me?" Annabel wondered to herself. He snapped his arrowhead jaw again and she felt the pricks of his tiny teeth.

"Ouww, stop it!" It didn't hurt much, it was more of a shock. "You can hear me, understand me?"

The dragon just cocked his head slightly at her, quizzically. "What do I call you?" she asked quietly. "Chris? No that doesn't seem right does it, you're not Chris." Suddenly the dragon playfully stamped his front claws on the ground as would an excited dog. He shot off, up her arm and around her torso, racing laps round and round her body. It felt so ticklish she couldn't help but giggle and squeal, breaking away from the funk her mind had conjured up.

"Stop it you little goofball," she half-laughed, half-pleaded. He retreated to her palm, expectant. "Fine, you're not Chris. Something else, something fun, something clever. Let me think." She crooned down at the little dragon, stroking him softly, a character from one of her favourite childhood books came to mind. "What about...now hear me out. How about Bartholomew?"

Bartholomew flopped over, presenting his tummy for a pet with his legs kicking and his tail wriggling. "Bartholomew," Annabel whispered, cupping her hands around his warmth and bringing him close to her chest, comforted that a part of Chris would always be part of her now.

***

Annabel was snuggled up next to him. That was the first thing he could tell when he woke, mostly because one of her hairs was tickling his nose and he really needed to sneeze. He couldn't help it, he held most of it back but a little "tttssssseeeww" still came out quietly. It wasn't a very manly sneeze.

"Did you just sneeze on me, babe?" Annabel murmured sleepily, waking just as his body had tensed up, trying to hold it in.

"Sorry Dee. It was only a little," apologised Chris.

"Gross." Annabel started, then registered. He was awake. She quickly rolled to face him. "Chris? Thank god you're awake, are you okay?" She grabbed hold of his front and shook him a little before hugging him close.

Chris was a bit surprised at her anxious response. "I'm fine Annabel. How long have I been out?" He thought back to the ceremony, being overwhelmed by his desire to always protect her, feeling the energy sap out of both himself and the dragon, feeling the dragon retreat back inside. 'You okay buddy?' he shot towards his dragon. 'Tired,' was all he got back.

Annabel reached off the couch in the darkness, groping for her phone on the carpet. The screen blinded them both a little before she could check the time. "It's 5:30am, you passed out around 3:30 yesterday afternoon. What did you do Chris? Susan said you cast a really powerful spell on me," Annabel explained.

"No I didn't, well I didn't mean to anyway." Chris started, "I remember I had a vision of you in my mind as I was saying the words, I could feel you reaching out to me so I tried to hold you close. Then all of a sudden I felt myself draining, I couldn't move. Man, it was scary. That's the last thing."

"That must have been the spell Chris." Annabel explained, "It must have cost a lot of energy."

"Oh. Do you feel any different? What happened?" He asked, how could he have cast a spell? He didn't know how to use magic, only the basic principles Susan had drummed into him.

"Well, Lillian tried to touch me and got a really bad burn. She's ok now though." Annabel qualified before he could ask. "Susan said it's a protective enchantment but there's... well you gave me... look I'll just show you."

Annabel turned her phone back on, angling it towards her other palm so Chris could see. "What is it?" Chris asked.

"Shh." Annabel murmured before switching to a more coaxing tone. "Come on Bartholomew, don't be shy. It's your Dad." She could feel the warmth of the little dragon cautiously approaching the light.

"Holy shit!" Chris exclaimed when the dragon's head, snake-like neck, and wings came into view, playing across her skin. Annabel angled the light a little more to expose him.

"Yeah," agreed Annabel, giggling at the now funny memory. "He gave Susan and I a massive fright when we first saw him, he was lying still and we thought he was just a magic tattoo. Then he moved and I just about died!"

"Bartholomew?" Chris asked, the little dragon cocked his head.

"I came up with that yesterday when you were asleep. Go ahead. Touch him, he likes it."

Chris reached down and tentatively ran a finger along the dragons spine, Bartholomew wriggled in delight. "That must be what I'll look like in my full form." Chris intoned, mesmerised by the moving tattoo.

"Susan thinks so, that he's the physical embodiment of the enchantment you put on me. He's so funny though, running all over me. I can feel it, he's warm or tickly. You should have seen him at dinner yesterday," Annabel gushed.

"Sounds like I've got some competition." Chris chuckled, hearing the adoration in her voice.

"I'll still love you a little, you gave him to me after all," joked Annabel. "Thanks by the way, it means a lot that you care about me this much."

"Like I said, babe. I love you." Chris leaned a little to kiss her pretty button nose in the darkness. They lay on the couch in silence for a while, Chris stroking up and down her back occasionally.

"I was really worried about you," whispered Annabel.

"Hey, I'm fine. Okay?" Chris pulled Annabel tight and shuffled a little so she was lying directly on top, he could now rub her back and sides like he knew she loved. "I'll admit, it wasn't planned but now you have your little buddy there and you're my familiar. I know I'll feel better knowing he's there to protect you, even if we don't know exactly what it is he does yet."

"I guess," Annabel admitted. "Just don't do it again."

"What? Express my love and affection for you?" Chris teased, trying to raise her spirits. "Fine. Never again." He stopped rubbing her flanks, taking his hands off her body.

"Chriiiiis," She whined.

"Nope."

"Kiss me," she demanded in the darkness, rubbing her body on top of him, to flush out a reaction.

"Uh uh." He shook his head. He was reaching his limit though; doomed to fail as soon as she had started wriggling.

"Fine, I'll do it myself." There was mock exasperation thick in her voice. Reaching to cup his cheek, she brought her lips down firmly on top of his. Feeling that she had hit her target in the darkness, she quickly employed her tongue to tease his lips, coaxing him to kiss back. It didn't work instantly so she pulled her trump card, the queen of asses so to speak. Groping along down his arm, grabbing his larger hand and pulled it along until she could position it firmly on her proudest feature. In moments he was squeezing her possessively, kissing back too. She smiled against mouth, pulling back slightly to gloat.

"Treachery," Chris muttered, he could almost hear her smiling in the darkness. Losing their little game was worth it to knead her springy butt. To be fair, foreplay can't count as losing.

"You're defenceless against me," Annabel delighted, grinding a little as he found her other cheek on his own. They were at each other's lips in moments, kissing desperately in the darkness of early morning and blackout shades. Tongues mating against each other, sliding over lips and teeth, they sampled each other's passion. With a small moan, Annabel broke for air, he still smelt and tasted like he did when he was a dragon. It was driving her nuts, but she stopped to consider her own breath. "Let me go brush my teeth Babe."

"You're fine. Am I okay?" Chris asked, leaning up to find her in the darkness and peppered her lips and cheeks with tiny pecks. He couldn't dare to stop now.

"You taste great." Annabel replied breathily as he started trailing his little kisses towards her ear.

Chris paused, curious about Annabel's experience. "Really? What do I taste like?" He held his mouth slightly off her skin just below her ear, breath tickling gently.

"Don't stop!" Annabel pleaded, "Fine, umm... you taste and smell different after you transformed the first time. Mmmmhhh, yeah right there." Chris had found the hem of her dress and traced his finger up along her smooth leg, he was now rubbing a finger lightly over her fabric covered slit, tapping down on her outer lips in a light rhythm as he teased her temped pussy. "It....mmmm, you smell wood-smokey, kinda spicy. Your skin tastes like that, I think it's just mostly the smell though. But your uhhh, fluids are stronger, sweeter and hot too, like subtle chilli and cinnamon. It doesn't burn me though. I love it." She tried to get it all out before she lost her mind to his teasing mouth and fingers.

Chris chuckled a little into her neck. "Thanks Dee, I love the way you taste too you know, and that damn vanilla perfume you use is enough to get me a bit hard whenever I smell it. Especially when it gets mixed up with your sweat or when you're wet. I love that smell too babe, your taste even more." All this time he had worked his hand into position, pulling aside her now moist panties he split her tiny inner lips and slowly inserted his index finger into her tight, slippery vagina. "This taste." He breathed as she bucked backward, forcing more inside her with a moan.

He paused to kiss the skin on her delicate neck a little more, he thought briefly that a flash of warmth crossed under his lips but he couldn't be sure what it was. He was painfully erect inside his jeans, he realized he even still had his shoes on. Annabel had had enough of his teasing kisses though. She pushed him down into the couch with her smaller body, taking his face in her hand so she could control their kissing. As she happily shoved her tongue against his, driving both of them into his mouth with a moan, she twitched her hips, fucking back onto his single finger. It was great, Chris had big fingers, but it wasn't enough to get her off soon. Therefore it was just frustrating. Her arousal was peaking and now she needed the real thing inside her again. Squishing her feverish pussy onto his hand just wasn't going to cut it.

"Get your pants off." Annabel ordered, breaking their kiss.

"But wh – " he started to tease her, unaware she had reached such state of need.

"Shut up!" she hissed back, forcing his hand away from her pussy, scrabbling at his belt and zipper, desperate for him. Soon enough, with some awkward help from Chris, his jeans and briefs were trapping him around his knees. She only spared a moment to grab his erection, pulling it up between them roughly.

"Dee, I'm sorry. What's wrong?"

Annabel mashed her lips back down on his for a few seconds in reassurance. "Nothing. Just get this dress off me." He tried to help but she slapped him away, realising she could do it better by herself in the darkness. Her bra was off in three seconds flat and her long hair spilled down over her beasts, tickling a little. Rolling onto her side, she pulled her white panties down and she was nude.

Now it suddenly felt like she had all the time in the world. "Sorry Chris. I'm just really excited, I think it's still the pheromones, only weaker this time. Can we just do it right now? Okay?" She rolled back on top gently, positioning herself over his groin. Bartholomew chose that moment to remind her of his presence, running excitedly around her tummy, dangerously close to her mound.

"Won't hear me complaining," Chris said, running his hands up her sides and over her smooth belly, brushing the undersides of her small breasts. He felt a small pinprick and pulled his hand back, startled. "Something pricked me."

"Oh, Bartholomew bites," she panted, reaching down to position his throbbing rod. He felt so thick and angry in her small hand, dividing her slick inner lips. Then she was slowly pushing down.

"Fffffaaaauuuuck."

"Gghhhaaaa!" Came their combined groans as his cockhead slipped inside her, sinking further and further as Annabel continued to sit, her hands now propping her upright on his chest. She was so warm and tight around him, Chris could only gape like a beached fish as she swallowed him up. It felt amazing, absolutely perfect to be inside of her again. For her part, Annabel loved the way he filled her, stretching her open but with so much more pleasure than their first time. They took it slow, Annabel sinking herself onto him over the course of about a minute. She was plenty wet but didn't want to rush, savouring the feeling of being so close. He supported her, guiding her down as she took him all the way in her warm depths in one deliciously slow stroke.

As she finally felt her ass lightly touch his thighs she squished herself down further, huffing when he bumped her cervix. "Fuck, Chris! That's so frickin' deep, just hold still a sec," she panted.

"T ... t ... taaake your time, babe," he stuttered. Just being fully inside her had him rushing toward an embarrassing finish. "God you're amazing, Annabel. You feel so good, I never want to stop." He ran a hand up to her chest, stroking and tweaking her nipple gently. He reached with both hands and held her pert, cupcake tits lovingly, feathering around her small areolas to feel the little bumps. Her nipples tightened further so he gave another soft pinch again, hitching her ragged breath.

"Don't...." she moaned, rocking her hips slightly. Ready, she forced herself off him about two inches before letting her own weight impale her quickly. "Don't ever stop."

"Never." Chris brought both hands to her hips, gripping to help lift her as they established their slow rhythm. Grinding together on the down stroke, moaning desperately as they pulled apart, only to huff or whimper as they fully mated together again and again.

Annabel loved being on top like this, in control of their pace and angle. He stuffed her so completely when she sat on his rock hard cock, its broad helmet bumping her deepest spots. She twisted her hips in little circles with him all the way inside. It felt delightful to stretch herself like that, feel the warm friction everywhere as her belly clenched automatically, squeezing him.

Her juices were slick on his invading shaft, slowly working down onto his hairless balls and seeping into his butt crack. Now they made squishy, nasty noises when their sexes met and her pubes were a humid, manicured shrubbery. Moaning, she managed to catch herself from being too loud; but Chris hissed and growled, thrust up into her body, pulling her down onto him. It was quickly taking its toll on her.

His cock jumped whenever she ground down onto him, he felt it bump her insides and twitch appreciatively. She felt so unbelievably good, so hot and wet. Her tight pussy gripped him every time he pulled out for a new thrust; she was doing it on purpose. How had she gotten that idea? He couldn't help himself as he used his own position to help them make love, bucking his tingling, slick erection right up into her beautiful snatch.

Annabel took everything he had and loved every second. Pleasure racked her body with each thrust, each muffled slap of their bodies joining was accompanied by a little huff or a whimper. Hands writhing on his shirted chest, she couldn't help scrabble and scratch at him, feeling his powerful muscles tense and flex as she rode him hard. The beautiful creature below her in the darkness was hers to love, hers to fuck. Annabel's clit fired shocks of delight up her body as it hit his pubis while her deepest recesses built a slow burning crescendo whenever his thick glans filled her completely.

"Fuck! So good, I'm gonnn... nhhhaaaaa!.. I'm gonna cum. Chris!" she squealed as he thrust powerfully from below, their strokes longer and more erratic.

"I'm close too, Dee." Chris gritted through his teeth, past slowing now, couldn't hold off if he wanted to. Now, he could only fuck her well and hope she met him at the finish.

Her legs were getting a little shaky, so she made the mistake of repositioning, reaching behind, supporting her on his thighs now. Chris never missed a beat, helping her raise herself and then pumping up with his powerful legs. Their new position arched her body beautifully, pushing his cock along her fluttering pussy's front wall. He felt her tense and quiver, building so quickly with the new stimulation.

"Nnnnggg! Yes!... Yes! I think that's my Geeee!" Annabel wailed.

Chris couldn't respond, only bury himself to the hilt in her incredible pussy, their bodies bouncing together. Sinking deep inside her warmth, his balls had long since pulled up against his shaft, ready to release their torrent. With his hands guiding her hips, he only wished he could tweak her beautifully sensitive nipples again, but it was too late. He teetered on the edge with this last few thrusts, feeling his dick throb delightfully, impossibly, swell and harden further.

"Heee's bitinnnnggg meeeeeeee!" Annabel screamed, her climax roaring though her body as Chris's girth hit her g-spot one last time and Bartholomew sunk tiny sharp teeth into her right nipple. She arched back, sitting down hard, fully impaling herself and bucking desperately as her body shook. Cumming almost violently, her eyes squeezed tightly shut as pleasure wracked her body.

"Annnnnabellll!" Chris's cock erupted inside her, massive pulses of viscous cum splattering deep inside. Her tummy jumped and clenched as she felt his hot seed shoot off, she acknowledged each squirt with an attractive little yelp, inundated with bliss. Chris held her twitching body down, pumping all he had at the gate of her womb. She accepted it all as her own joy leaked to soil the couch.

"Yes! So fucking good!" she managed in a strangled cry. Her pussy coaxed and he gave one final, magic infused spurt. Her whole body jumped as he fired his last shot, quaking in the aftermath of her orgasm.

He didn't think he had the strength but managed to pull Annabel to his chest. She lay unresponsive, shaking a little, her breath hitching into his t-shirt whenever an aftershock rolled through. His softening penis was still inside her but seemed to be maintaining enough blood to stay for a while. He ran hands over her back, teasing out her long, damp, brown locks, soothing her, and appreciating her sweaty, lithe, womanly body. Then he heard a broken little sob and his heart almost stopped.

Chris desperately reached to cup her face, putting her hair back behind her ears and smothering her with kisses. "Annabel, please! What's wrong?"

She gave a quiet hiccup, "Oh Chris, nothing's wrong. I never thought it would be like that. I don't even know why I'm crying. I'm just so happy."

"Well thank fuck," he muttered, wrapping his arms around her and pulling the duvet back up over them.

"Sorry," Annabel apologised as she dried her face on his t-shirt. "It's stupid but I can't help it."

"I love you Annabel," Chris assured.

"I know. That's why I'm so happy," she said, gradually getting over her overwhelming emotions. "Hey, let's go have a shower."

"Okay, I mean we better clean up before Susan and Lillian get up. I hope they didn't hear us. We were quiet, right?"

"Well I tried to be, but you were pretty loud," she giggled, still titillated by his half-soft cock inside her.

"Bullshit," Chris shot back, pinching her superb ass. "You're practically a screamer."

"I am not!" Annabel shrieked happily, grabbing his abusing hands and pushing them up above his head. Now he was disarmed so she leaned down to kiss him, rubbing her lips teasingly over his before accepting his probing tongue for a while. "Besides," she breathed, "it's your fault. Your spell decided to latch onto my tit right when I came. I couldn't help it."

"Nice work buddy," Chris laughed. "See? My boy Bartholomew's got my back."

"Oh shut up," Annabel slapped his chest lightly, releasing his hands. "Let's go shower, it'll probably take half an hour just to get all your stuff out of me. It's so thick and it felt like you shot a pint or something."

"Umm. Sorry?" Chris replied a little sheepishly, stroking a finger down her arm, making her shudder a little. He knew it certainly wasn't a pint but he loved how powerful his ejaculations seemed now. Clearly, parts of his dragon's prowess transferred back to his human form, permanently altered. The feel of his creamy seed jetting out deep inside her while his erection jumped with each shot, unbelievably good, especially without a condom. Not only due to the extra feeling, but because his dragon mind told him it meant he was breeding her. Breeding her.

"Don't be," Annabel smiled. "It feels amazing when you cum in me, so hot, I can feel how hard it shoots out. Then there's the fact that it seems to make my orgasms better or just make me cum all over again. I can still feel it now, it's still so tingly and warm inside me... Magic. Honestly Chris, how is a girl supposed to have a fair chance against you?"

"Maybe you aren't," Chris mused. "Alright go, I'd die if Mom saw us like this."

Annabel pulled up, feeling his semi-soft penis slide out of her, inducing a little shudder of pleasure. She had her hand ready to catch whatever cum would no doubt flood out but it mostly stayed inside her as his wet dick slapped down on his belly. It's so sticky it won't even drain out of me properly, what a nightmare to clean, she mused. Although, it did feel quite delightful inside her, spreading warmth and little twitches up into her abdomen and belly. Whatever, if I can't get pregnant until he bites me then he can shoot me up all he wants. Annabel thought happily to herself, searching in the couch for her discarded cloths.

They eventually retreated back to their bedroom, using the lavish, tiled bathroom to clean off the last days' sweat and worries, together.

***

Lillian just sighed as she sat on the floor with her back to the wall. Her bedroom door was just cracked. Their smell was thick in the air, their noisy, clumsy, loving sex was in the air. His smell was thickest, his rich blood and potent seed, rumoured to make the average female Being cream on the spot. The human girl had no inkling what she had deep in her womb at that second, the strength and magical power she would be infused with as it was absorbed by her body. An ounce would sell for thousands of dollars, far more valuable than gold. Only seven sources in the entire world.... If vampire bait existed, he was it: the ultimate temptation, blood and sex, beyond one's wildest dreams, wrapped up in a powerful, handsome, adorable, inexperienced, bumbling, boy-dragon. He would definitely need her protection, but then again why not just keep him for herself? Her dangerous, parasitic urges demanded it.

Sighing again, she gingerly extracted two guilty digits from her soaked pussy, avoiding her over-sensitized clit but running wet fingers over her hairless, puffy lips and mound teasingly. "Way to let him not get to you, Lillian," she berated herself, looking over to her bedside table several feet away. She magically plucked out a few tissues, levitating them toward her. As she cleaned herself up, she could only hope the dragon was too naive to scent her pleasure and frustration.