The Kings Series #2 His Silver Hand novel Chapter 7

This sultry woman before him was Anna Marie Greyson, the Lycan King's sister-in-law. The middle child amongst the three sisters.

The eldest was the Lycan Queen, the youngest a Vampire King's beloved and this little chef before him -- she was his Argetlam, his Dragon Queen.

If he had visited the royal pack during the mating ceremony, he would have made her his sooner.

Circumstances had prevented that from happening. Nothing mattered anymore. Only her.

He gritted his teeth, reminded of those hindrances. If the enemies will get ahold of the three sisters...

That will not happen. Not to his Queen. Not to anyone of them.

His friend Alexander was right. One will do anything for his queen.

"If you are worried I'll overwork your sister, I won't. She will only be working Tuesdays and Thursdays and part of Fridays. And a maximum of four hours." He didn't know he shifted closer to her until he gazed down at her upturned face. She looked nervous. And adorable. What would she do if he pinched her cheeks? She would probably knee him where it hurt the most.

He decided to restrain his need to touch her. Not yet. "I want to ask you something."

She looked skeptical. "What?"

"I want to ask you out." He knew she'll say yes. She was attracted to him. Their bond had been at work. Creating magic. He felt it. Her heart beating fast and her breathing got shallower when he was near.

"No. I don't date," No? He scowled. He won't accept it.

She looked away from him and tried to step back. He pushed closer to her warm body.

His hands move to either side of the countertop, caging her.

"I know you are attracted to me and I feel the same." God! There was no use in denying it. It's there. As plain as daylight.

What did she mean she doesn't date? It's impossible! Not with her beauty.

Confused. Why would she resist him? "You want me. I can see it. I've felt it."

Her eyes narrowed and she cursed under her breath. Something about stupid dragons.

"Don't you dare think that just because you look like the world's tastiest burger I would fall at your feet and worship you! I've seen better, asshole!" She spat at him. No one has done that to him. No one! His anger flared.

Snarling to intimidate her, he moved closer still. To his surprised, she smirked mockingly. Fuck! Why does his dragon want her? Why does he want her?

He had to admit her beauty was one of a kind. Innocent and sultry. A deadly combination. But she fucking denies him! He felt like pulling out his hair.

He was trying his best here -- she wouldn't budge and he was at the end of his patience.

"You will respect me, little girl!" He growled. He knew his gray-green eyes gleamed. Exerting dominance.

"Oh yeah? Because you are an old man? Sure." She shrugged. Looking smug.

Old man his ass! He pulled her to him, ignoring her protests, he swooped down to plunder her sweet and sassy mouth.

As he had predicted, she tasted like cherries.

To his surprise, her body was stiff as a board and she doesn't know how to respond to his kiss. Moreover, she started to panic in his arms.

Stunned. Lucas raised his head to look down at her. Fuck! Her beautiful eyes sheened with unshed tears and she trembled. In fear.

Not knowing what to do, he pulled her gently, laying her head on his chest, his hands on the small of her back. Embracing her. His hands move up and down, trying to calm her.

She struggled at first but after a while, she slumped on his chest.

"Shhh...I'm sorry, Rie. I will never hurt you. You must know that. Not ever." He murmured on her fragrant hair. She smelled of vanilla and cream.

Ignoring his need, he held her tenderly. Her comfort would always come first.

"I'm...I've never kissed anyone." She confessed in a small voice, muffled by his shirt. His arms tightened.

Shit! He was so wrong. She was indeed very innocent. And he thought it was just her looks. But in every sense.

Easing his arms a bit so he could watch her expressive amber eyes better. She ducked her head. He cupped her chin firmly and raised her face towards him.

"You have never dated?" She shook her head no. "And you've never kissed?"

She snorted. Which endeared her to him more. "You've stolen my first kiss, asshole."

Ah, there's the sassy Rie. That's better than to watch fear take ahold of her.

"Ok. We will go slow then." It will hurt -- he didn't care. His mate was more important than his needs.

"What do you mean?" Why was she so surprised that he wanted her?

"I want to date you, little chef," Anna Marie growled at him. She doesn't like being called that. All the more reason he should use it often.

He chuckled. This was quite a challenge. Quite refreshing compared to those other human girls that threw themselves at him. Even if he said no.

"You will have to ask Alexander, Michael, Oliver, and Xavier's permission for that." She announced smugly. Confident her protectors will not grant it.

He knew something she doesn't. "I'll have a slight problem with Xavier since he is in hibernation however the rest of the men on your list will say yes. I can guarantee you, my chef."

"You are arrogant beyond help!" She seethed. He smirked.

Goosebumps appear on her skin as his rough thumb caressed her cheek down to her neck -- where her mark will appear after they mate. After their blood mingled.

The mark of an Argetlam. His rider.

"I know. And I have something for you, sweetheart. Give me your hand." When she hesitated, he seized it himself.

His thumb rubbed her wrist. Her pulse raced and skipped a bit.

-I know, sweet. I feel the same way.-

Reaching inside his pocket, not giving her time to look, he clasped the dragon queen bracelet on her. It wrapped on her left wrist right away. Recognizing its owner.

"Lucas!" She gasped. Her jaw dropped at the antique jewelry. It was made of pure gold with diamonds embedded in every surface, including the side that touched the skin. Flawless rubies decorated the head of the dragon, emerald eyes, and a large red ancient Jade that traces back to China's first dynasty, the stone served as a lock.