Chapter 98: Tahr

Her expression changes from delighted to worried and I wish more than anything that we could truly communicate. "Come on, it's time we return. I will pick you up in my talons and carry you back."
She adamantly shakes her head no and begins walking back to the castle. It's my turn to roll my eyes in exasperation. "Stubborn human," I mumble under my breath. I could shift and carry her anyway, but for some crazy reason I decide to give in. I walk beside her until we reach my tower. Her neck stretches back as she gazes up to the top. I can't help but notice her irritation when she realizes I'll be carrying her anyway. I bite my lip to keep from grinning. Pepper huffs, which is absolutely adorable, and places her hands on her hips. Her headpiece is tipped low over one ear again but I wouldn't dare try to adjust it. It's her large, expressive eyes that hold me captive for a long moment. What is this hold she seems to have over me? A human. A human with something more.
I back away so I can shift and end the connection I feel with her. This is not good and nothing good will come of it. I launch upward, swoop around, and grab her in my talons. The energy is still there and maybe even stronger. I must seek answers and discover what is going on.
I release her on the perch and watch her walk inside and head straight for her room. She doesn't meet my eyes. I mentally give Betty a list of what I wish served for dinner. It's one of my favorite meals. I'll be happy when Pepper takes over this duty and takes it on herself to see that everything is perfectly prepared. I'm tired of making these minor decisions when I have more important dragon duties to worry about.
I busy myself by looking over a plumbing book from the earth realm. I'm thinking about adding pipes to the human tower and providing them with running water. I am not an ogre. It will also give them added work to keep them busy. Humans like staying busy and doing my bidding. I want their obedience along with their happiness. This new project will provide both.
I put away the book and head in to check on Pepper. She's sleeping again, which is a good thing. As I watch, she begins tossing and turning. This is not a good thing.
I send my thoughts to Betty, "Have a ten foot length of rope delivered to my tower immediately."
Humans are a lot of trouble, especially this one with her shining green eyes. A short while later, the rope is delivered and I dismiss the man who brings it. He's the perfect age for Pepper and I don't want him here. I also don't want to examine my reasons.
I gently tie the rope around her ankle and then to the bedpost. She sleeps through the fuss and I feel better that the rope should wake her if sleepwalks again.
Betty and another woman deliver dinner. I haven't heard a sound from Pepper's room. Right before the servants leave, Pepper comes striding in with the rope circled around her hand. She doesn't see the two women standing at the door because her angry eyes are pinned on me. She tosses the rope to the floor and begins yelling with her hands, using exaggerated stilted movements.
I feel slightly uncomfortable that the women see her behaving this way. It's inappropriate for a mere human to take a dragon to task.
"Enough," I finally roar as I stand.
Betty drops the empty tray she's carrying and Pepper's head snaps in that direction. I watch blood race into Pepper's face as she realizes others have seen her display. "Leave us," I tell Betty and the other woman. Betty hesitates and I feel my temper rise. I give her a sharp look and know that silver flashes in my eyes. She turns and rushes after the other woman. My attention goes back to Pepper.
"I tied you to the bed so you would not leap over the ledge and die. You were not tied tightly and obviously had no problem extricating yourself. I will have the window barricaded and lock you inside the room if that's what you prefer."
She looks to the open doorway of her room and her face drains of color. She gazes back at me, admonished, and nods. I nod back thinking the discussion finished. She begins waving her arms in rapid movements.
I'm frustrated all over again. "Grab the damn paper and pen so I can understand you. If you keep this up, I will forbid you from using your hands to speak at all."
Her hand movements stop and her eyes narrow. She has no fear of me, which is a novelty. It took Meagan many years to discover my bark is far worse than my bite. And speaking of Meagan... this is all her fault. Now that she's gone, I must reshape my humans and show them how to give me proper respect. Retraining them only adds another item to my growing list of work. Damn frustrating is what it is.
Pepper turns away and retrieves the pen and paper. I can't help but notice her shapely bottom outlined by the dress. And again I wonder what in the hell is wrong with me? I guess there are two reasons to visit the earth realm-a willing woman for a sexual dalliance and some possible answers to what type of creature Pepper is.
I wait impatiently for her to hand me the note. When she does, I stare in astonishment at the first two lines. The little she-devil.

Earlier you used hand signals to explain that you are a fool. You should practice them because you'll be needing them quite often.

I need to spank that shapely bottom and teach her some manners. Then I read the next line, which changes everything.

During my dreams, a woman on Pegasus tells me to jump from the ledge.

My gaze lifts from the paper. Pepper stands there with her arms crossed tapping her foot. I remember Sarn telling me about the Goddess riding Pegasus when he went to his final claiming. He'd come to say goodbye before he gave up his dragon.
Pepper's precisely written message makes no sense and my worry for this pint-sized female escalates as I think about what this could mean. Me, who has lost countless humans and never cared. It's why I refuse to grow attached to them. Pepper has wormed her way into my heart and I don't like it.
The bigger question is why the Goddess wants Pepper dead?