Protected by Emeralds (A Dance with Destiny Book 5) Read Online Free PDF Page B

kissed the side of his neck and smiled. “It is as you say. Very well, I promise.”
    Goemon stood there, mouth agape. “Are you kidding me?” His whisper was meant for no one in particular.
    Such is the power of a Dragon bond , Kin Ryu said.
    The shocked Shinobi put his fingertips to his temples as he spoke. “Wait just a minute. Were you not the one laughing the loudest as I told the story of her admiring and kissing my beautiful brother ninja?”
    Nilakanta snorted at the man. Of course it was me. What of it, little human?
    “So… you’re saying that story did not bother you. But you go all Dragon-psycho when she but pats another’s nose. What am I missing here?”
    Nilakanta huffed. What is it you think you are missing?
    “Umm… did it not make you jealous to hear about her making out with Yui?”
    And why would such a thing as that make me jealous? Yui is but a man. And a mortal man at that. Would you ever believe a hawk would be jealous of a cricket?
    “No, of course not,” Goemon said. “But that’s not the same. They aren’t even comparable creatures to begin with.”
    My point exactly , Nilakanta said. Why in the world would I ever be jealous of any man? Or Angel, for that matter. They are crickets to me, of no consequence. But Kin Ryu… he is Dragon.
    His following growl rattled them down to their very cores.
    Apologies, Senpai , Kin Ryu said as he bowed his head. The fault is entirely mine. I should never have acted so freely with Kagi Naga. I beg forgiveness from both of you.
    Forgiven , Nilakanta said. Yet see that it never happens again , he warned.
    On my honor as a Dragon , Kin Ryu said as he lifted his head.
    “Enough with all this male posturing.” Jenevier blew out an exasperated sigh. “Tell us why you called good Kin Ryu over here, Brother. It surely was not just to compare claws , was it?”
    Goemon had been watching the two Dragons intently. He quickly clamped his hand over his mouth after Jenevier spoke, trying to restrain his laughter.
    “What?” She looked right at the young Shinobi. “What did he just do? Why are you laughing?” She tried to look her Dragon in the face from where she still sat. “What? Tell me. Did he roll his eyes at me?” She tried to turn his head toward her, pulling on one of his great whiskers. “Look at me, Nilakanta. Did you roll your eyes at me?”
    If you did not see it, then no, I did not roll my eyes at you, Little Fire.
    Goemon’s laugh huffed out between his clenched fingers.
    She sighed and slumped back down across his shoulders, pouting. “Fine. Whatever. I do not care anyway.”
    Kin Ryu , Nilakanta continued. I did not request your presence for Kagi Naga’s sake. I called you over to meet this intriguing young Son of Munenori. He tilted his head toward Goemon. He has been blessed with a Dragon tongue.
    Yes, I can see that , Kin Ryu said. I have never met a man with such ability. I am honored.
    The golden Dragon bowed toward the mesmerized Shinobi. Goemon reached his hand out, desperately wanting to touch those shiny scales.
    “Careful, little brother,” Jenevier warned. “Sometimes… that first touch can pack quite a punch.”
    She and her Dragon chuckled together.
    Kin Ryu was nothing like Nilakanta. The golden Dragon was huge, yes, but not nearly the size of the giant sapphire one she sat atop. Also, he was more serpentine in appearance than was her magnificent friend and bonded brother.
    Jenevier patted Nilakanta’s neck and hugged him. “My baby wouldn’t even fit in a barn.” She tenderly stroked his scales. “There is not another who could compare to my Dragon. None are as glorious as the one I claim.”
    He purred under her, vibrating her very soul. Nilakanta half closed his eyes as he enjoyed the sheer ecstasy that was her gentle touch.
    She glanced over just as Goemon’s fingertips came into contact with Kin Ryu’s ethereal golden scales. His whole arm glowed, and his reddish black locks lifted into the air.
    “Here