The Dragon Finds Forever (Nocturne Falls Book 7)

by Kristen Painter

  Van’s mouth opened. “Grom. Who will watch him while we’re gone?”

  “What about Bridget? She is sort of his people, after all.”

  “Hah, very good. I will call her.”

  By the time they got back to the house, Monalisa had been silent a long while. Van knew it was because she was worried about seeing her father again and dealing with him. He didn’t know how to make her believe that everything would be okay, but he felt it in his gut.

  He would also do everything in his power to make it true. Power that was fairly substantial, given that he could shift again. Winning the fight would be easy.

  Not easy, exactly, but there would be no distractions, and if necessary, he would shift and put Ronan down fast.

  He’d never done it before, as a matter of balance and fairness, but this fight wasn’t about that. It was about getting Monalisa free.

  Maybe if they made a plan, she would feel better. They needed to do it anyway, to be on the same page when they got to Vegas. Her father would have to be dealt with carefully so that they each got the results they wanted.

  He resolved that the plan would be the next order of business as soon as they got inside.

  They went up the porch steps. He unlocked the door and stood back. Grom came rushing out, as Van expected. He caught the dog in his arms, lifting the squirming, wriggling animal for a bear hug. “Missed us, did you?”

  Monalisa laughed and scratched Grom’s back. “I think he missed you.”

  Grom twisted around and licked her on the face, making Van laugh. “See? It was both of us.”

  “Ew, okay.” Still laughing, she wiped at the slobber.

  Van put Grom down. The dog took off for the yard, but instead of his usual marathon around the house, he did his business promptly, then jogged up onto the porch and right back inside.

  “I guess he’s had enough of the snow,” Monalisa said.

  Van looked out at his property and the blanket of white. “I am not so fond of it either.”

  “You grew up in Russia. Isn’t it all-snow-all-the-time there?”

  He laughed. “Yes, there is a lot of snow in certain parts. Especially where I grew up. Maybe that is why I am tired of it.”

  “Spring will be here soon enough.” She leaned into him. “Too bad it’s not here now, though. I bet it’s beautiful here in the spring and summer. All green and flowery, right?”

  “Yes.” He nodded. “Very different than what you’re used to.”

  “Very. Everything can get pretty brown in the desert.” She sighed. “I hope I’m here in the spring to see it.”

  He put his arm around her. “You will be, zolotse. I promise.”

  But Monalisa wasn’t going to hold him to that promise. That wouldn’t be fair, because it wasn’t one he could keep. Her father was a stubborn man who only wanted what was best for himself. She doubted bringing Van back for the rematch would be enough to earn her the coin that was rightfully hers, no matter how optimistically she wanted to think. And without that coin, without the freedom that came with it, there was no way she could know where she’d be by spring.

  Her father just wasn’t the kind of man who kept his word. Sure, there was a first time for everything, but would this be it? She hoped so very much it was.

  Van was, so she smiled and nodded. “I’d love to be here for the change of seasons. It would be fun to go on a picnic. You, me, and Grom.”

  “Then that is what we will do. But right now, we need to make a plan.”

  “For Vegas, right?”

  He nodded. “Also, I could eat. Shifting gives me an appetite. You wanted to go out for dinner, so let’s go. We can talk over the meal.”

  “You have a place in mind?”

  “There is a nice bistro in town. It’s quiet and romantic. What do you think?”

  “I think that would be great.” It was what she’d wanted anyway, and now it sounded like a perfect date. What could be better than quiet and romantic? “I’ll go change.”

  “Me too. After I feed Grom.”

  They went inside, and she headed upstairs to pick through the clothing she’d brought. She’d already worn the fancy dress her mother had slipped into her suitcase, so she didn’t want to trot it out again. Plus, that might be too dressy for a bistro dinner. But Van had said quiet and romantic.

  She opted for a black skirt, her knee-high black boots, and a marine-blue silk blouse that, with the top two buttons left undone, looked less officey and more professional sexy. Didn’t hurt that the color reminded her of Van’s gorgeous scales.

  A little more makeup, a quick brush of her hair, and she was ready. She went downstairs just as he was walking out of his bedroom.

  Except his bedroom was really the one she was leaving. He should have it back now. “You won’t have any trouble with the stairs now.”

  “I will not.” He was in charcoal dress pants and a black V-neck sweater that clung to his sculpted chest and arms. It was a good look.

  “I can move my stuff into the little bedroom when we get back.”

  He gave her a curious look. “Why?”

  “So you can have your real bedroom back.”

  He glanced toward the upstairs before answering her. “That room is yours until you have a place of your own. I am fine down here.”

  “But it’s your house.”

  “Which means it’s also my decision. I stay where I am.”

  She smiled as she walked over to him. “You’re very sweet for a guy who makes his living beating the crap out of other guys.”

  He laughed. “My opponents do not think I’m sweet.”

  She slipped her arms around his neck, leaned up, and kissed him. Whatever the outcome of the rematch, she doubted she’d be back here any time soon, so she wanted to make as many happy memories with Van as she could. These last few days might be enough to get through a few more years of misery.

  He kissed her back, his hands coming to rest on her ribs. Something about him was different. Maybe it was the fact that he was no longer in pain, maybe it was being able to shift again, but he’d changed. He seemed more relaxed, for one thing. His kiss was slow and easy, like they had all the time in the world.

  More than anything, she wished that was true. After a few long seconds, she broke the kiss, happy despite what lay ahead.

  He held on to her. “You look very nice, by the way.”

  “Thanks. So do you.”

  “Ready to go? I called a Ryde before I changed, and he’s only one minute away.”

  “Just need my coat and purse.” Both were by the door.

  Van helped her into her coat, then slipped into his own. He put his hand on the doorknob, turning to give Grom a little talking-to before they left. “Be a good boy.”

  Grom whined.

  “Okay,” Van said. “I will try to bring you a doggy bag.”

  She giggled. “You can understand what he says that well?”

  He opened the door for her. “He is male, and men are simple creatures. Love us, appreciate us, feed us, we are happy.”

  “Good to know.” She patted his chest as she walked past, mostly because she liked touching him. And she could.

  A black SUV waited in the driveway. As Van locked the door, she said, “Hey, I thought you were going to drive. Do you not like to? Or are you just used to being driven around? I guess you must get chauffeured everywhere when you’re on tour.”

  “I could have driven. And I do like to drive.” He took her hand and looked into her eyes. “But then I would not be able to pay as much attention to you as I would like.”

  She grinned, unable to stop herself. “Like I said, very sweet.”

  “And deadly,” he reminded her.

  “Yes,” she said. “Very deadly.”

  And, she hoped, very much hers.

  Besides calling the Ryde, Van had phoned ahead to Café Claude to see if they needed a reservation. They hadn’t, but the man who’d answered the phone asked if they were coming in for a
special occasion.

  Van had told him it was their official first date. Saying those words had felt good. Like he was making a formal proclamation that he intended to woo Monalisa into becoming his woman. It was a serious undertaking, but he knew what that meant. Keeping her happy, providing for her, listening to her, being there for her in whatever way she needed. All things he was more than willing to do. And very happy to do. Because doing them meant sharing his life with her. And that thought never failed to bring him the most surprising joy.

  Before her, he’d never really seen his future with anyone in it besides himself. Did that make him selfish? He wasn’t sure. He hoped not. Certainly with Monalisa around, he could learn not to be. There was no doubt in his mind that she made him a better man. And he’d definitely never felt this content.

  But first of all, he had to help her get her freedom. There would be no future together, and no real future of any kind for her, until that happened.

  The server led them to a nice secluded booth, making Van wonder if that was because of his date comment or just chance. Either way, it was a good table.

  Monalisa slid around until she was next to him. He liked that. Liked having her close. Loved it, actually.

  Maybe even loved her.

  He stared at her with that thought stuttering in his head. It was frightening and wonderful and way too soon. He understood that. Saying such a thing would scare her off, he thought. Yes, he would keep these feelings to himself awhile longer. Give himself a chance to make sure that was what his heart was telling him.

  His dragon side already knew. But his dragon side was much more emotionally driven, and given to impulse. Both sides of himself had to be completely sure before he let those words slip from his tongue.

  “Can I bring you a bottle of wine?” the server asked.

  “Not for me,” Van said. He was training now. He had to respect the process, and that meant no alcohol. He looked at Monalisa. “But get whatever you like.”

  “Are you not drinking because of the fight?”

  He nodded.

  She turned to answer the server. “No wine for us tonight, thank you.”

  The server gave them a little bow. “I’ll give you a few minutes to look over the menu, then.”

  Van put his hand on hers. “You can have wine if you want. Get a whole bottle. I don’t care. It won’t affect me or my training. And money is no issue.”

  “You’re right, money isn’t an issue, because this is going on my father’s credit card. But hey, we’re a team, right? So none for me either. If you’re training, I’m training. Or at least abiding by the same sort of guidelines. That’s what team members do.”

  Her fierce insistence was endearing, and he was thrilled that she saw them as a team the way he did. “All right, then. But if you are going to be part of my team, you need an official title.”

  She leaned back. “I guess you don’t need a rehab therapist anymore, which is good. Especially since I’m not one.”

  They both laughed. He nudged her. “How about manager? I am thinking I will fire my old one anyway. He hasn’t been much use to me in a long time, and the League assigned him to me, so what do I care?”

  She tilted her head, a seriousness in her gaze. “Is this really going to be your last fight?”

  “Yes. I am ready to be done.”

  “What are you going to do with yourself, then?”

  He stared at the flickering candle in the center of the table, hoping the flame would give him an answer. “I am not really sure.”

  A few moments of silence passed before she spoke. “Why don’t you train other fighters? You’re so good at what you do.”

  “But I am no longer a champion. I was defeated.”

  “You’re about to rectify that, but it’s also kind of beside the point. You were a champion for years. One loss in how many fights?”

  “Twenty-seven in eleven years.” It was a career he’d been very proud of. Until this last fight.

  “Wow, that’s a lot of winning. No wonder my father made so much money off you.” She frowned. “Sorry. I really hate to keep mentioning him.”

  “No, it is good. I need to know more about him. What he’s like. How he thinks. What pushes his buttons. Tell me everything.” That was the best way to defeat an opponent. Know more about them than they knew about you.

  “Well, that’s sort of a detailed conversation. Maybe we should figure out what to eat first?”

  “Good idea. Then you will tell me.”

  “I will.” She opened her menu. “Everything looks great. Have you eaten here before? What are you getting? You know, I’m actually kind of starving.”

  He laughed. “I have not eaten here before. I’ve never been in town longer than three weeks at a time. But I have wanted to. I am probably getting steak.”

  She slanted her eyes at him. “You do like your red meat.”

  He shrugged. “Dragon.”

  “I think I’ll get the onion soup and the salad Niçoise.”

  He shook his head. “You do like the green stuff.”

  She closed her menu. “It does a body good.”

  He couldn’t argue with that. “If that is why you look the way you do, don’t change a thing. In fact, I will plant a garden.”

  She snorted with laughter. “A garden. Really. Are dragons known for their agricultural skills?”

  “There is a first time for everything.”

  The server returned then, and they ordered. Van asked for a bottle of sparkling water as well. It seemed like they should have something festive to drink.

  With that out of the way, he settled back on the banquette. “All right. Your father. What do I need to know?”

  The question flattened her smile, but it was information he had to have. “My father is Padraig Devlin. King of the leprechauns. It’s a title he enjoys lording over everyone, family included. Although, I think if he went back to Ireland and tried to assert himself, he’d be drummed out.”

  “He is not really king, then?”

  “No, he is. He’s just been in the United States so long that I don’t think they’d give him much respect. Especially since he left his home country behind. He put his younger brother in charge in his stead.”

  “Why did he leave?” Van could understand leaving one’s home. Sometimes there were very good reasons. Like life and death.

  “He always says that Ireland might be the Emerald Isle, but America is the Land of Green, so I’m sure it had to do with making money. He bought the Shamrock before I was born.”

  “What else?”

  “You already know he’s greedy. Ambitious. Willing to use anyone for his own purposes. Including me. Obviously.”

  Which also made him a horrible father. “What are his weaknesses?”

  “He hates feeling like he’s being disrespected or not listened to. He hates the thought that people talk behind his back. He’s got an enormous ego.” She tapped her fingers on the table. “But his biggest weakness is his money, of course.”

  “He has a hoard also.”

  “Sort of. I don’t know if he has a room like yours, though. He’d never show it to me if he did. My mother may have seen it.”

  “What kind of supernatural is your mother?”

  “A pixie.” Monalisa frowned. “She sides with him more and more every year. It’s like she’s realized there’s no point in fighting him.”

  “I am sorry your life has not gone differently.”

  She smiled, but it was a little sad. “It got me here, right?”

  “True.”

  The waiter came with their sparkling water and two goblets. He poured for them, then left again.

  Van raised his glass. “To us. And to the future.”

  They drank. He set his glass down. “What else can you tell me about him?”

  She thought for a moment. “He’s a trickster. Loves to twist words, play pranks, and generally make everyone else the butt of his jokes. You can’t trust him.”

>   “Obviously.”

  “But it’s more than what he’s done to me over the years.” She swirled the liquid in her glass. “He will take advantage of every loophole. You have to be very careful making any kind of deal with him.”

  Van nodded. “I will be.”

  She was oddly quiet for a minute. “Can I ask what you have planned? Are you just going to go in and fight and hope for the best? Or are you going to tell him upfront that you’re done fighting? He won’t like that. You make him a lot of money.”

  It was his turn to be silent for a moment. “I am not sure yet, but I know this much. Whatever happens, the outcome must be your freedom.”

  Monalisa felt her pulse trip at Van’s words. “That is…beyond kind of you. But he probably won’t agree to it. You can try all you want to make him give me a coin, but he won’t. And even if, by some strange twist of fate, you could get him to agree, it would be a lie. He’d just go back on his word. He’s done it numerous times.”

  “But would he do that to me if he thought there was a chance of getting me to fight again?”

  She squinted at him. “So…you’d lie to him? I’m not opposed to that, but I know how he operates. He’d have you sign a contract locking you in before he did anything himself. Then you’d be stuck fighting again.”

  “I could refuse to fight the rematch.”

  “You’d be in breach of your contact.” She shook her head. “Then you’d be in trouble with the League, and that would be a huge mess. He owns too many people in that organization for you to fight it. No, you can’t do that.”

  He growled softly. “I do not like this man.”

  “Neither do I, and I’m his daughter.”

  Van’s eyes had the dark smolder going on that she’d come to recognize as him in deep thought. She sipped her sparkling water and let him have some time.

  The server arrived with their food, setting it before them with a lovely flourish. It looked delicious, from her soup and salad to Van’s steak with fries. She thanked the man, but Van just grunted.

  It was sort of cute, his grumpiness. Especially since she knew he wasn’t really like that. Much like Grom, his bark was worse than his bite. And it was hard to be cross with him when he was trying to come up with a plan to free her from her father’s clutches.