Ambushing Ariel by S. E. Smith

She rested her chin on the palm of her hand while she motioned with the other one for the gold creature to come to her. She sat contemplating Mandra Reykill for a few minutes before she answered him. Ariel let her fingers stroke the gold symbiot absently. Her eyes narrowed as Mandra’s eyelids dropped to a drowsy half-closed position the minute she started doing it.
    “I am ‘called’, as you put it, Ariel Hamm. I’m assuming the guy who took off with Cara is your brother?” Ariel asked.
    Mandra grimaced. “Yes, he is my younger brother Trelon. You probably met my older brother, Zoran, who has claimed your friend Abby and my other younger brother, Kelan, who has claimed your friend, Trisha,” Mandra said huskily.
    Mandra was having a hard time concentrating on anything but the feelings of driving need coursing through him at Ariel’s touch on his symbiot. Every stroke she made seemed to be like having her fingers on him. He could feel the need pulsing through him. He felt a fine sheen of sweat coat his skin as he fought the urge to just pounce her again and to hell with the consequences. His hands curled into tight fists as he fought for control of both himself and his dragon.
    “You never answered my question,” Mandra murmured.
    Ariel looked up frowning at the change in Mandra’s voice. It was deeper than before, more sensuous. Ariel’s fingers on the symbiot stilled for a moment and she saw Mandra’s eyes flash in frustration. Curious, she stroked gently and watched as the flames flared in his eyes again. Ariel stopped and the flash of irritation happened again. She bit her lower lip trying not to giggle as she gently ran a finger along the golden creature’s back letting her nails scrap it. As soon as she did it, she saw a shiver run through his huge frame in response. Ariel lowered her eyelids peeking at him through her lashes as she continued her systematic attack of stroke, scratch, still, and petting until she thought he was going to burst into flames.
    Mandra’s deep growl was the only warning Ariel got before she found herself pinned under his huge frame again. This time, he made sure he kept one leg thrown over both of hers to prevent her from kneeing him again. Ariel’s laughter of delight was cut short as she stared into eyes flaming with desire and need.
    “You are playing a very dangerous game, little one,” Mandra breathed out as he pinned Ariel’s arms above her head.
    “It’s the sucker sign on my forehead…the answer to your question. Animals have always known I was a sucker for them,” Ariel whispered staring up into the burning gold flames. “I’ve never been afraid of animals and they seem to know I would never hurt them. I could see it in your eyes. I mean your…,” Ariel shook her head as if to clear it. “…in the dragon’s eyes. He would never hurt me.”
    Mandra stared down into the deep, dark brown eyes staring up at him in a combination of confusion and something else. He felt a deep growl rumble in his chest in response to her. She was so beautiful lying under him. Her hair was almost white with flakes of gold running through it. It was spread out all around her in wild abandon.
    Much like her, Mandra thought.
    She was like the wild creatures he often came across in the forest as he flew. Her features were so delicate and soft. Her nose was long and narrow and her lips were a pale rose color, full and begging for him to taste her. He liked the feel of her full, plump breasts pressed against his chest. He enjoyed the feel of her rounded hips in his hands. He could not wait to taste the sweet buds that were clearly defined against her top. He pressed his hips down to let her know exactly what was about to happen. He would claim her – right here, right now.
    Yes! Claim mate, his dragon roared deep inside him in glee.
    Ariel’s eyes widened as she recognized the look in Mandra’s eyes. It was a look of total possession, of triumph, of determination to brand her as