Dragon Claiming (Year of the Dragon) by Marteeka Karland, Shara Azod Page B

closer. She’d tried not to draw the notice of any of the eligible hunter-warriors in the village, but with so few women, it was an impossible task. Today more than any other, she felt she was a danger to Magna and Dirk, but they just wouldn’t go away.
                “Sippora, surely you know of our interest,” Dirk finally sighed in exasperation as she once again avoided being cut off from the group. “We would make fine mates for you.”
How did she explain to them? She didn't even understand herself. She wasn't meant for them. She knew it and embraced it. Giving herself to them to appease their egos wasn't even an option.
She sighed. “I can't, Dirk. I'm not ready.” It was the truth, of sorts. She wasn't ready and wouldn't be until she found the man she was meant for. “Perhaps you should look to another. I'm not going to lead you on or offer false hope. Choose a woman who can properly appreciate two handsome, strong warriors such as yourselves.” Sippora tried to ease the sting of her rejection by flattering them. It seemed to work, because Dirk offered her a lopsided smile. The two didn't back off though. They continued to maneuver themselves to a position better suited to cut her off from the others.
“You are well past the age when you should mate, Sippora.” Magna had cut off further retreat from the back. They had her.
In a flash of temper, Sippora picked up a small stone and threw it at Dirk. “I will fight you.” She glanced at Magna. “Both of you. It won't be a pleasant experience for any of us and, I swear to you, you'll never have a moment’s peace.”
Both men looked slightly confused, as if she were suddenly speaking in a tongue they had never heard before. In a way Sippora could understand that. She was hardly ever in a temper, but this—well. this was a threat. She didn’t really understand why, but the need to protect her maidenhood for something more pressed upon her very soul.
“Are you all right?” Dirk looked concerned.
“I—” she shook her head, unable to shake the pressing urge to run, to get away from the two men as fast as she could.
“You aren’t acting like yourself,” Magna agreed.
Both men stepped back, giving her room to breathe. It was something, but not enough. For reasons she could not begin to explain, Sippora knew the men were in real danger, especially if they kept touching her. What was wrong with her? She should be welcoming the attentions of two such fine hunter-warriors—both were fair of skin, more beautiful than masculine. They were excellent providers, the most sought after of all the unmated men in the village. Yet the thought of lying with either of them was repulsive to her.
Because you are mine!
The growled declaration was so clear in her head, Sippora looked to Magna and Dirk to see if they heard it too. Instead. both men stared at her as if she had suddenly grown horns and two heads. Something was coming, and it was coming fast. Or rather someone. While she had nothing to fear, she couldn’t say the same for the two young men pursuing her.
A mighty roar sounded in the distance and the air stirred, the wind growing stronger and stronger. Even Sippora's multitude of heavy braids whipped around her wildly. In the low mist above them, a dark shadow emerged, swiftly clearing to reveal the huge form of a black dragon. Silver scales ran along his spine and tipped the horns protruding from his head. In a word, he was magnificent.
Sippora supposed she should be as scared as everyone else, scattering to the village. Instead, a strange sense of peace stole over her. This was her destiny.
Dirk and Magna drew their swords, placing their bodies in front of her to protect her. They would truly make a woman fine husbands. But not her.
She placed a hand on either man's shoulder, pushing them aside with gentle strength. The dragon roared in protest at the contact, but she did what she had to do to move in front of her would-be protectors and