I still plan on having another chapter out around Friday or Saturday, but as the relationship progresses, I feel more motivated to write, so here we go.

The tension in the air was palatable.

Jack was smart enough to keep as silent and still as possible as the two creatures stared each other down.

Lan-Ying gazed at Chase, unsure of what to say. The odd human behind him just looked at her with wide eyes.

She was so very confused at the situation. The other humans she had encountered had just made vague garbled noise, but she could understand every word from that boy's mouth.

Even the part about Chase planning on eating her.

Is it possible that he was lying to her this whole time, and was just making sure she was healthily enough to eat? Luring her into a false sense of security and trust so that she would do whatever he asked?

" Chase." she hissed out, finally breaking the tension.

The man her anger was directed at showed no signs of responding to her, instead choosing to return his attentions to the human behind him.

" Spicer. Why are you still here? Leave now."

The anger in his voice was so clear, that it made her spine tingle and the boy jump up in his effort to vacate the room as quickly as possible.

Her anger was greater, though, as she demanded answers, and the boy named Spicer had to stay if she was to get them.

"No. Stay, if you value your life," she said quickly. She had no real intention of harming him, unlike Chase, but she hoped she sounded as threatening. Apparently it made an effect, because the human stilled his movements and turned back around, looking awkward and scared.

Walking right past Chase, snapping her tail against his leg as she passed, she focuses her attention upon the boy.

As she approached the red-haired male, she lifted herself on to her feet, so that they were of equal height.

Once she was close enough to him, she leaned in, sniffing the boy in curiosity.

He smelled . . .odd. Like chemicals and smoke. There was also a smell that she associated with Chase, whenever he used magic. Her own body smelled vaguely like that as well.

" You can understand me?" she questioned him.

The boy was nervous and shaking, but answered her never the less.

" Yeah. Is that bad?"

Landing back onto her four paws, she slithered around him, wrapping around his legs in case he caught an idea to run.

" It is odd, considering I am not speaking a human language and you are. Why is that?"

The answer came not from the freighted human, but from the angry man who pried her off his legs.

" Mr. Spicer here has had long-term exposure to a certain artifact that frequently changed his form from human to primate. Because of it, he has adapted to speak the tongue of the beasts."

Chase moved her so that she was thrown over his shoulders, which further infuriated her. She slithered down his back, wrapping her body around his torso instead, a slightly less humiliating position.

Their bodies reacted in the usual heated fashion, her lower portion still aching from their encounter in the hot spring.

She pushed her desired down in favor of irritation, however.

" And who exactly is Spicer and why does he believe you had eaten me?"

Chase glared at the boy, apparently blaming him for the predicament they were in.

Jack chose to speak up.

" I'm a Heylin friend of Chase."

" Chase has no friends. He doesn't really like anyone but his cats" Lan-Ying replied, smiling slightly when the man underneath her tensed.

" Well, that is true, but we are on the same side. And I thought he was going to eat you because that is what he does. Eat dragons."

Chases, who had been oddly silent during their small exchange, reacted to this bit of information coming out by actually picking up the human and throwing him out the door.

Lan-Ying unraveled herself from his body, shocked by this open act of aggression, and glared.

" I was not done talking to him. And as of right now, I think it unwise for you to be irritating me further."

Her so-called master just sneered at her.

"Odd talk for a creature who, only minutes ago, was eager for my embrace."

If dragons could blush, Lan-Ying would have been covered from head to toe.

Instead, she chose to reach up, close to Chases' ear, hissing.

" Are you going to eat me, Chase?"

Instead of his usual lightening-fast movements, Chase took his time to pick her up gently, cradling her head in his palms. Some would mistake it for affection, but Lan-Ying knew that his anger was boiling over and he was under pressure to keep in inside.

" Oh, yes. I have every intention of devouring you whole."

It occurred then that he was talking about something completely different.

The blue dragon was still very angry, but her suppressed desired reared forward and the combined feelings resulted in her biting down on the hand closest to her mouth.

Far from any kind of pain cry, a low moan was the male's response, before he once again shape shifted, bursting from his armor and digging his teeth into her neck. They both collapsed to the ground, Lan-Ying pinned underneath the stronger male.

Once both parties pulled back, each other blood dripping from their fangs, there was no turning back. Golden, silted eyes glowed in impatience upon meeting the deadly blue of the female beneath him.

Their first mating was done in a flurry of passion and anger, all teeth and claws, growls and moans.

It could not have been more satisfying.

A shifting of the creature behind her is what eventually awoke Lan-Ying from her slumber.

Her body ached, both from lying on the cold, hard floor for hours, and also for the treatment it had received not to long ago at the claws of the male close to her.

Barely having the strength to raise herself up, she looked in distaste at the mess of scales and fluids that were beneath her. Some of it blood, from their rough treatment of each other, some of it the result of their release of tensions.

The movement that had woken her was brought to her attention again, as the large reptile slithered around her.

He too, was apparently still groggy and not in his right mind, for his next move was one of uncommon affection.

He nuzzled his large snout into her scaly neck, before licking at the wounds he had caused earlier.

When her gazed at all but burnt a hole through his head, he looked up, and upon seeing her observing him, realized his odd behavior.

Still, not one to show any form of embarrassment, he moved away from her, standing on two legs while looking down.

An awkward silence overtook them.

" Are you well?"

Lan-Ying nodded, gaining better footing before stretching her body out.

She stood on her hind legs so that she was able to look him in the eyes.

" I am still angry."

A snort from the creature in front her was his response.

" I want the truth. Why are you hiding me from other people? Are you playing games with me?"

The larger dragon turned his head, proud until the very end.

She did not back down though.

" Chase. Please. I deserve the truth, at least," she said in a softer tone.

The male sighed, before inclining his head in the direction of the private rooms.

"Fair enough. But first I must insist that we bath. It won't due to have use standing here, dripping and making a bigger mess of the floor."

She nodded in agreement, but as she took a step forward, her legs gave out, and Chase had to move quickly to catch her.

She smiled sheepishly at him, to which he rewarded her with a smirk.

" I guess that was a different kind of training" she joked.

As they moved toward the hot springs, she turned back to look at the so-called mess.

" What about the state of the room?" she asked, feeling odd about just leaving it looking like they had fought to the death.

"The servants will take care of it."

Lan-Ying felt awkward about that, but could think of no other solution, since she didn't think he was about to let her clean it herself.

Chase did not let her go, even as they dipped into the springs, letting the water sooth his muscles and mind.

Usually, he was one to leave once he was physically satisfied by whomever was convenient, but an unusual sense of possessiveness was overtaking him and he did not have it in himself to let the female go just yet.

He was tired in a way that he hand not felt for many years, and it gave him a satisfaction in not just himself, but in Lan-Ying as well. She was every bit as vicious and passionate as he had hoped, and could already feel his body heat up at the memory, hoping to repeat their actions very soon.

Unfortunately, that had to wait. Although her back was firmly pressed to his chest, he could feel her body tense against his hold. She was not going to back down. It was that fighting fire within her that he admired.

" I am not hiding you, despite what you think," he began. " It was only a few weeks ago that you were half dead on my doorstep. You grow stronger with each passing day, make no mistake, but there are far stronger people out there, who would like nothing more than your blood on their hands."

He pulled her closer, angry at the memory of Wuya's distain over seeing the wounded Lan-Ying when he first met her.

Jealous women were not to be trifled with, even if the cruel witch only wanted him for his power.

" I just wish to prepare you to the best of my abilities, as your master."

She loosened his grip on her, so that she could turn around and face him.

" Just as my master? There is no other motivation to protecting me?" she questioned.

Chase cursed mentally. Damn questions.

As Kimiko, Xiaolin monk, she was unsuitable to be considered a companion for him, let alone a lover. There were too many variables and obstacles in the way for his lust-fuelled fantasies to be realized.

As Lan-Ying, Heylin dragon, however, there were far fewer issues with having her around. Strong, passionate, and beautiful, even as a dragon, she could potential be the perfect mate.

There was the mater of her memory being erased by a Wu, and the potential of it coming back, but if he build a strong enough connection with her, could actual get her to love him, she would be reluctant to leave.

That was not to say that he could love her. He wasn't sure if his ancient, dark heart was capable of caring about anything other than his power, but he did feel a strong sort of affection and protectiveness for her, and that could be enough.

Upon realizing that she had been staring at him, patiently waiting for an answer, he snapped back to attention.

" I also have personal reasons for caring for you, as well." he admitted.

Despite living for so long, he hand no idea how to go about wooing ( was that even the correct word for it?) the dragon.

Bowing closer, she looked almost hopeful.

" Personal reasons? Of the heart-felt nature?" she ventured.

Instead of saying anything, he chose to lick at her cheek to show his answer.

She looked vaguely content, nuzzling him in return, before returning to her interrogation.

" So, the eating dragon remark?"

Chase groaned into her neck, dreading this part of the conversation.

" I do eat dragons, it is what keeps me sane. And it had crossed my mind once or twice to eat you. But fret not; I have since reconsidered the idea.

Daring to look at her, he saw that her scales seemed to have lost a bit of color.

" S-so. You eat other dragons?" she stammered, seemingly uncomfortable.

" Yes. I need to," he assured her, grasping her so that she would look at him. " That is a story for another time, though. However, I would never harm you." he said firmly, hoping she would believe him.

His apprentice said nothing, only distanced herself from his body.

Diving into the water, she surfaced farther away from him, washing herself before crawling onto the ledge and exiting the spring.

Chase stood in the water.

" Lan-Ying . . . "

" No, it's fine. I just need some time to process everything. It has been a very event-filled day," she said in parting, before crawling out of the door, slamming it behind her.

Chase just lowered himself back into the water, wise enough to give her space.

At the feel of his tail swishing the water in annoyance, he realized that he was still in his dragon form.

This was the longest time he spent like that in a long while, usually preferring his human skin.

But Lan-Ying was a dragon, and it felt natural to be in whatever form she would take.

Reverting back into his normal appearance, he breathed slowly into the water until bubbles rose around him as the water boiled.

He let himself sink into a meditative state; contemplating what mating would be like if Lan-Ying was to retain her human form.

The Heylin drifted off, his mind was filled with visions of pale legs, high-pitched screams and ruby-red lips caressing his skin.

Meanwhile, the beauty of his dreams was in a confused state. She somehow had found her way into the dining room, where a strange noodle dish awaited her.

It finally occurred to her how hungry she was, and sitting down, she began to eat in a hurry, not even noticing when General Stein and Mao had entered in their human forms.

They watched in amusement as the little dragon had gobbled up two servings before taking their usual seats across from her.

It was then that she looked up in embarrassment.

" Sorry. I have not eaten in a while and today has been exhausting, to say the least."

Mao bowed respectfully, not one for ideal chatter, and began his meal.

Stein, on the other hand, gave her a large smile.

" I am sure. We heard that there was quite the fuss in the throne room earlier," he replied.

Lan-Ying, not catching his sly tone, nodded.

" Yes, an odd boy had broke in and caused some issues. Spicer something, I think?"

Mao spoke up then.

" Jack Spicer, Wuya's hench boy. Intolerable fool." he muttered.

Stein waved him off.

" Yes, yes, that too. However, the fuss I was referring to was more of the intimate nature." he said, the smile still plastered on his face.

Lan-Ying just stared at him, maintaining a poker face.

" Between you. And the master."

No response.

Mao coughed uncomfortably.

" That left of mess of what appeared to be the master's -"

" Okay, stop." She finally broke.

Stein tipped his chair back from the sheer force of the laugh.

" Finally! You know, I knew this was bound to happen. Here only a few weeks and I have never seen anyone effect the lord like that."

He slapped Mao's' back, which earned him a glare.

" Stein, desist. I am sure the young lady does not wish to discusses her private business." he scolded the viking, before giving a small smile to the dragon.

" Fine, fine. I am just showing my approval. 'Bout time we had a real lady around this place. Not like those pathetic harlots that come around."

Lan-Ying looked over to him at this.

" Harlots? Are there often other women around?" she asked.

Mao gave another glare as Stein looked away.

" No, madam. Every few decades, out lord is unable to control his body's natural response. He can usual treat himself with seclusion, but temptation by the desperate citizen of our territories is unavoidable. You do not have to worry, though. Once Lord Chase gives his loyalty, it is secured for life."

The female just looked down at her food in contemplation.

" What about the dragons?" she asked quietly. Their feline hearing is what allowed them to catch the question.

They did not bother to pretend to not know what she was talking about.

" Immortality comes with a price, little dragon. We all do what we must to survive. It is what makes us strong. Able to protect what we care about." Stein said, unusually serious.

" Master has sacrificed more than we could imagine. He takes no pleasure from his ritual. You do not have to accept it, but I believe that you will find, as time passes, that ignorance of the past is truly bliss." Mao finished, patting her paw in comfort.

Lan-Ying just pulled away from them, and stood.

" So that is the answer? Just ignore the problem and it will go away?" she challenged, her eyes blazing.

" That is not it. If you let what has happened eat at you, you will never be able to live your life. Dwelling is not good for the soul." Mao replied, before standing. Stein followed suit.

They both bowed and bid her a good night.

Lan-Ying grabbed Stein's hand as he past her.

" Jor . . . "

Grabbing her paw, he planted a light kiss upon it.

" Little Dragon, you are looking the wrong direction for answers."

She watched as the general walked away, before deciding to retire for the night.

As she made toward her own room, a small ocelot blocked her path. Knowing the routine, she followed it without question.

It lead her to a room that she had never been in.

Opening the doors, she looked around to discover herself in a large bedroom chamber.

A grand bed stood in the far corner, covering in black and golden pillows and blankets. Various chairs were positioned in the room, along with a oriental desk carved with beautiful dragons and flowers.

The room had two, lit fireplaces, making it unusually warm, but not uncomfortable.

Especially compared to the large balcony that was open, exposing the room to the fresh air of the outdoors.

Making her way to the balcony, she looked out and was overwhelmed by the view. She knew Chase's palace laid on barren lands, but because of the height of the room, she could see out in the distance. Rolling green hills, glimmering rivers and a sky full of stars that shimmered all around her.

" I would take it that you like the view of your new room." A voice said behind her.

Her training had kept her from showing her surprise at Chase's appearance.

" I do, but I am not sure why I am being moved. I had finally gotten used to my old room." she stated, unsure of how to act or feel.

One hand, she was feeling excited by the prospect of becoming closer to the man that made her feel so wonderful. He was strong and tough on her, which made her feel like his equal instead of his underling.

On the other side, she was unsure how she felt about his habit of eating their own kind. She did trust that he would not do so unless it was necessary but it was still a hard truth to live with.

" Your old room was not acquitted for both of us to live in." he said causally, already beginning to disrobe for bed.

Lan-Ying gapped at him.

" Wow. We mate once and suddenly we share a room? Moving fast, aren't you?" she stated, using humor to lighten her uncomfortable mood.

" If you and I are going to be mating on a regular basest, and I do intend to, then it is logical to share a living space."

Right. No sense of humor, just logic.

Yet, she was too drained, both mentally and physically, from the events of the day, and opted to climb into the bed to drift off into sleep.

It was only right before she slipped away, that she felt warm arms surrounding her, cradling her off into sleep.

I told you. I refuse to write animal sex scenes, even if said animals are humans as well. Don't worry, if you feel you have been deprived of some hot Chase and Lan-Ying action, I urge patience. Because once they get going, they won't stop .

While I do admit that Chase seems like the type to be able to go this whole story with just using Lan-Ying to suit his needs ( cause, you know. He's evil), This is a romance story, so he is bond to get a little softer.

Love, ya know?

Anyway, once again for all your supports. All of you readers and subscribers are amazing

Continue to read and review and I will see you soon :)