by Vella Day
There were some trees in the distance but reaching them would take some doing. Logan had said to hide, and that was what she would do. If Deke decided to come after her—which she suspected was his original plan—she’d be an easy target for a dragon, especially with her dark coloring against the pristine white snow.
Focusing on the nearest copse of trees, she took off, working hard to not look up as she plowed through the deep snow. Wendy was halfway to her destination when a humongous body fell ten feet in front of her. She froze. All she could see was a black head, a large humped back, and half a wing sticking out of a snowbank—a wing with an orange tip.
A soft whoosh landed behind her, and Wendy spun around. When she saw it was Logan, and that he looked okay, joy filled her. She loped up to him. Because she was still in her wolf form, Wendy only came up to his legs.
“Give me some space to shift,” he telepathed.
Wendy moved to the side, careful to avoid Deke. Whether he was dead or not, she didn’t know, but she wanted to be careful. Logan shifted and opened his arms.
Wanting to feel every inch of his body against hers, she shifted into her human form and ran toward him. Even the icy snow burrowing into her jeans and wedging its way down her shoes couldn’t dampen her excitement at seeing him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. For the first time, Logan didn’t even ask if she was okay. He must have sensed her joy that they’d survived.
Logan broke the kiss and nodded behind her. She turned around just as the dragon lifted itself out of the snow.
“Stand behind me until we see what this knucklehead plans to do.”
“Not a problem.”
She hadn’t gone more than a few feet when Deke changed into his human form. His arm was hanging by his side and blood caked his cheek. For one second—and only one second—she wanted to ask if he was okay. Then she remembered that he was the one who’d attacked them.
Wendy didn’t wait for Logan to address Deke. She had to know why he came after her. “What is wrong with you?” she nearly shouted as she stepped from behind Logan.
“What’s wrong with me? You killed Becky.”
She figured that would be his issue. “After she threatened to kill me by using a paralytic—like she did on your dad. She planned to render me unable to move before she tore out my throat. Of course, I killed her.”
Logan piped up. “Actually, I killed your girlfriend—or rather your paid-for girlfriend.”
There was a sincere look of disbelief on Deke’s face. “What are you talking about?”
“Talk to the detective. He has all of the information about how your dad paid Becky to make sure you didn’t turn him in for selling drugs. I’m sure the police will want to interrogate you about some things you were involved in too.”
“Like what? I’ve done nothing wrong.”
Denial was ugly in any form. Wendy almost debated turning around and suggesting they leave. Sure, the unanswered questions would drive Deke crazy, but that wasn’t the type of person she was. “Nothing wrong? Tell that to the parents of the boy you tutored. Both he and his friend are dead!”
His mouth dropped open. “I told you. I had no choice.”
“Sure you did. You could have done the right thing and said no to your dad. You’re smart. You could have found another job.”
“You don’t understand.”
Wendy turned around and faced her mate. “Can we go home?”
He glanced between Deke and her. “Don’t you want me to kill him?”
Logan would never kill someone who wasn’t actively attacking him. Her mate was just being nice. With Deke’s bad arm and other injuries, he didn’t stand a chance. “He’s not worth the effort.”
“How true. Want to fly or be carried?”
“It’s not all that far, but my ability to land really sucks. I don’t want to wipe out a playground in my attempt to reach the ground.” She turned back to Deke. “You might as well turn yourself in now because we are going to tell them how you attacked us.”
Deke said nothing, but his glare told it all.
Logan bowed slightly. “Your chariot awaits you.”
Chariot? The only ones she knew about were in books from Earth that she’d read as a child. Wendy stood back while Logan shifted. She refused to even look at Deke. That chapter in her book was so closed.
The next two days were whirlwinds of activity. The trip back to Sawmill was thankfully uneventful. Before they headed to the hotel though, they took a quick detour to the police station to let the detective in charge know they had spoken with Deke—or rather fought with him. Even though her former boyfriend truly believed he’d done nothing wrong, she was pretty sure the judicial system in Sawmill would think otherwise.
Because the case involving the two teens was solved, Logan suggested they head home, and Wendy couldn’t be happier.
“The trip is a fairly long one. I suggest you take advantage of my personal transportation service once more—at least until you learn how to maneuver and land,” Logan said.
“I would love that.”
After they checked out of the hotel, he escorted her to the park that now kind of gave her the creeps. He shifted, picked her up, and took off. Being pressed against his body was wonderful, but her inner wolf—or maybe it was her inner dragon—kept suggesting she ask that they stop somewhere before Edendale so they could satisfy their needs. It was difficult to feel his heat and not want to indulge in his hotness, but there would be plenty of time for that later.
When they arrived home, Logan took her back to his place. This time, she didn’t even question it, because it was where Wendy belonged. She never wanted to spend a night apart from him again.
The next evening, Logan stepped out of the bedroom wearing tight black jeans and a white button-down shirt. “Aren’t you going to change?” he asked.
“In a minute. I need to finish this paragraph.” Wendy had her computer out on the dining room table, working on her new big story—one she hoped would garner her a full-time writing gig.
Logan stepped behind her, and when he placed his hands on her shoulders, his scent messed with her train of thought and forced her to stop typing. “How is it going?” he asked.
Wendy saved her document and looked over her shoulder. “I’m not done with my story of murder and corruption, but I’m pleased with my progress.”
“I’m glad the words are flowing. Did both of the boys’ parents give you permission to use their names?”
She looked up and smiled at him. “They did. I have to say, it makes for a more emotional story.”
“I’m thrilled, but enough writing for now. You need to get ready. My parents are big into promptness.”
The dinner party. Yikes. Wendy was nervous. She’d be meeting his folks tonight, as well as the rest of the family, for some kind of big dinner. “Want to help me pick out something to wear?” she asked as she slipped off the chair, stood, and faced him.
Logan dipped his chin. “We don’t have time.”
“What do you mean?”
As if he lost total control over his body, his eyes flashed teal. “In order for you to put on something for dinner, you’ll have to take off the clothes you are wearing.”
Wendy laughed. “And we don’t have time to enjoy some wanton behavior. I get it.”
“Just to be clear, it wouldn’t be as much wanton as loving. But you’re right. We don’t have time. But afterward, I have something in mind.” Logan winked.
“I like the way you think.”
Not wanting to tempt fate, she rushed into the bedroom. Logan was dressed in a casual but classy way. Not wanting to match his outfit though, she put on a form-fitting black dress. The right jewelry and makeup would make it fancy, but she opted for a simple emerald pendant. It had been her mother’s, and the only thing Wendy had left to remind her of her mom. Her dad had hocked everything else of value.
Refusing to dwell on the past, she went into the bathroom and freshened u
p her lipstick and blush. For shoes, she wanted to be tall—or rather taller—since his siblings had height in spades. Just as she finished dressing, her cell rang. Sheesh. Danita had already called to say she’d done some research on the gray halo effect. Apparently, no one had ever heard of it. As for Logan, he hadn’t inherited the talent of being able to detect if someone was lying, but it was still early.
She didn’t want to be late to dinner, but when she saw it was her hopefully future boss at the paper, she had to take it. “Mr. Everhart.”
“Wendy. I hear congratulations are in order. Helping to find who murdered those boys is amazing. Nice job.”
Her pulse soared. “Thank you, but trust me, I had a lot of help.”
“When will the article be finished?”
He must have assumed she’d be writing it. “In two days.”
“Fantastic. I hope you are ready to start working for us full-time then.”
Her knees almost buckled. “Oh, my goodness. Yes. Of course. Thank you, but don’t you want to read it first?”
“I’m sure it will be spectacular.” Some noise sounded in the background. “Stop by when you are done.”
“I will, and thank you.”
When she hung up, a bit of shock raced through her. Oh my goddess. She was now a bona fide journalist. Wendy rushed to the living room to tell Logan.
He was standing at the bay window, looking out with his phone in his hand. He spun around and whistled. “How am I supposed to keep my hands off of you during dinner?”
He was only kidding, or so she hoped. “I would think being at your parents’ house would be enough to dampen your lust.”
“I doubt it.”
“Guess what?”
“What?” he asked as he moved closer.
“I am now a full-time employee of the Edendale Herald.”
“For real?” She nodded. Logan picked her up and spun her around. “I am so proud of you. When do you start?” he asked as he set her down.
“As soon as I turn in the article.” She nodded to the phone in his hand. “Did someone call?” She thought she heard him talking.
“Anderson. I’ll fill you on the way.”
His folks lived a little bit outside of town, and for some reason, he wanted to drive there. Not wanting to have her hair mussed by the wind, she agreed.
“Tell me about what your cousin said.”
“Mr. Darnell’s computer was a treasure trove of information. Apparently, Deke’s father wanted to make sure he could keep a leash on his son at all times, so he kept very careful notes of the times Deke helped him traffic drugs, noting dates and everything.”
She whistled, happy he wasn’t going to go unpunished. “What happens to Deke now?”
“He’s been arrested and will stand trial. If he helps the Thedia police with other criminals, he might get a reduced sentence.”
“He had the chance to get out from under his father’s grasp but didn’t. He was too greedy,” she said.
“I agree. With that bit of business out of the way, I wanted to ask if you had any objections to me announcing that we are not only bonded mates, but that we are living together.”
“Not at all. You already told Greer, Stone, Camden, and probably the rest of your siblings. I can’t imagine your folks don’t know.”
He pulled onto the road and then glanced over at her. “You’re probably right, but Mom will want to hear the announcement nonetheless.”
“Will they make a fuss?” She’d grown up without much parental affection, so she wasn’t sure if she would feel suffocated by his folks or not.
“It’s the Caspian way, but don’t worry, you’ll live. If Mom corners you, I’ll try to save you.”
“Thank you.”
It didn’t take long before he turned off the main highway that cut through town into a community consisting of very large homes. Some she’d even label as castles. “You actually grew up here?”
“Yes. Remember, we live hundreds of years, and my father has had a long time to build his business. Just so you know, both of my parents made sure we children worked just as hard. Everyone has a tough job to do in the family business. Not only do we have to keep the mines going, but we have to protect the realm.”
“Wow. I hadn’t realized how much being a Guardian is part of who you are.”
“It’s a very large part.”
The whole fight scene wouldn’t stop playing in her mind. “Can I ask you something?”
“Anything.”
“I was probably in shock after being knocked out of your grasp when you were battling Deke, but after I landed and looked up, I didn’t see you anywhere.”
“That’s because I have the ability to become invisible when I’m in my dragon form.”
She had heard rumors about dragons having that talent, but she didn’t know Logan could do that. “When Deke first attacked, why didn’t you shield yourself?”
“To be honest, I’ve never used the shield while carrying anyone before. Once I realized you were safe though, I went into stealth mode.”
“Deke couldn’t do that.”
“No, it’s one of the things that makes the Guardians special.”
He pulled down a long driveway. Trees bordered either side that led to a large stone home two stories tall. In the middle of the large circular drive was a fountain spewing water. Wendy sat there in awe of the grandeur.
As soon as Logan pulled in front of the mansion, the double front doors opened, and a man in uniform exited. He pulled open her door and held out his gloved hand. “Ma’am.”
Wendy wasn’t sure what to say since she never expected this kind of reception. After letting the butler, if that was what he was called, help her out, Logan offered her his arm and escorted her inside, making her feel like a queen.
Okay, here goes!
Chapter Twenty-Five
As soon as Logan stepped inside his parents’ home, a wave of comfort swamped him. He had been so preoccupied of late that he had put his family on the back burner, and he immediately promised himself he wouldn’t do that again.
Griffin and Danita rushed up to them, and the two women hugged. While they chatted excitedly, Griffin asked how the investigation went.
“Better than expected. We learned why the two boys were killed and even managed to bring the killers to justice.”
“That’s fantastic!” his brother said.
“I’m very pleased too.” He gave his brother the shortened version of the series of events. “Yesterday, I received a call from the Thedia police detective who said they had not only found the evidence Landry had on Darnell, but the receipts from Darnell for every month he sent money to the blackmailer. He also had check receipts to Becky Edmonton for services rendered. Landry will spend the rest of his life in jail.”
Griffin patted him on the back and then nodded to Wendy. “How’s that going?” he asked in a hushed voice.
A broad smile claimed his face. Griffin and Nessa were the only siblings he hadn’t directly told that he and Wendy were mates, though he suspected they knew. “Amazing.”
His mom came barreling toward them with open arms. She hugged him first. “So glad you could make it. Your mate is adorable.”
“Mate?” Griffin asked and then waved a hand. “Yeah, I knew.”
Logan figured he did. He then twisted around and placed a hand on Wendy’s back. “Hon, I’d like to introduce you to my mother, Iona. The tall man speaking with Greer is my dad, Laird.”
For the next few minutes, his mom took over the conversation. “Wendy, do you want to help me in the kitchen while I put the finishing touches on dinner?”
Wendy looked over at him. It wasn’t as if he could tell her to say no. “She just wants to get to know you.”
To his delight, the smile on Wendy’s face was as bright as he’d ever seen it. Maybe because she’d lived so long without her mom that she was happy to get a second chance.
It didn’t take long before the meal was on t
he table. Once everyone was seated, he and Wendy spent most of the time detailing their adventure in Sawmill. “The big plus is that Wendy and I have officially mated,” Logan said.
No one seemed surprised, though everyone appeared thrilled.
A cell phone rang, and everyone stilled, because phones were not allowed at the table. His mother held up a finger and picked it up. To say he was shocked was an understatement until he remembered that Declan’s mate was due to deliver the first of the next generation of Guardians any day now.
His mom listened carefully and then grinned. “I am so happy. Chelsea and Celia are doing okay then?” Another smile. “Give her my love, Kaleena.”
His mom hung up. “I’m sure you can all guess what that was about. Chelsea had a baby girl and named her after her mom.”
Every female in the group sighed, including his mate, which meant there was something else he needed to discuss with her—children. To be honest, he wanted to spend some alone time with his mate before starting a family.
“And Kaleena?” Greer asked. “How is she doing?”
“Fine. She has another month or two before we add another girl to our family tree.”
No doubt his cousin Thane’s mate, Angelique, was at the delivery since she had been sent to Tarradon in the first place to make sure all of the Guardian children thrived.
His mom pushed back her chair. “Dessert anyone?”
“I can’t eat another bite,” Wendy telepathed. “I stuffed myself.”
“Can we have a raincheck, Mom? It’s been a rough week for us.”
His mother waved a hand. “Of course. You both need to rest. Getting run over and then doing battle, not to mention any other extracurricular activities you both engaged in, must have taken a toll on your stamina.”
Stamina indeed, however Logan was smart enough not to engage in a battle of wits with his mother. “Thank you for understanding.”
Logan pushed back his chair, walked around the table, and kissed his mom on the cheek. “Don’t get up, please. I’ll see most of you at work tomorrow.”
