Scales and Flames

by Catherine Banks

  Brayden

  I had to get out of there before I lost control and devoured her. She’s obviously been through so much, and I have to go slow. I really hope I’m not being rude, but my dragon is about to come unhinged.

  I drive home, planning our date tomorrow, smiling the entire time. I am so preoccupied that I don't realize my family is sitting outside, until Dave hollers, “Oh, hell. Is Brayden actually smiling?”

  Even his jab can't remove the smile from my face, and Mom looks at me with a puzzled expression.

  Jacob is sitting by his mate, Sarah, and Stephanie is shaking her head. Jacob starts filling me in on some problems we are having at a house, but I can't seem to focus on him. My mind is preoccupied, planning something special for tomorrow night. I can't believe she is so young, but at least that explains why she isn't completely tied to a magical hub like the Falls.

  Tuning to Jacob, I interrupt him, “I'm only working a half day tomorrow. Will that be a problem?”

  “What? You never miss work!” Dave exclaims, dumbfounded.

  Jacob interrupts, “Of course. We can handle all the site checks. Leave at lunch.”

  I nod and tell them all goodnight, kissing my mother on the cheek, but feeling her eyes on me the whole way into the house.

  As soon as I wake, I’m up and heading over to the diner. I can't wait another minute and need to see Leah desperately.

  She feels my presence as soon as I walk in. Her eyes swing over to me, and I can't wipe the ridiculous smile off my face. She looks absolutely breathtaking this morning.

  Stephanie rushes over to me. “Is everything okay? You hate coming here.”

  “Yeah, I just want some breakfast,” I reply.

  Stephanie raises an eyebrow and a grin crosses her face. “Dave wasn’t kidding when he said that you’d found your mate.” She then yells, “Hey, Leah. Can you take care of Brayden?”

  I roll my eyes, but don’t object, which makes Stephanie laugh. “You have it bad, Bray.”

  Yes, I do, and Leah is the exact reason why I’m here. Her cheeks redden as she walks over to me. I really want to reach out and touch her, but I do everything in my power to stay restrained.

  “So, I am actually only working a half day today. Can I pick you up at 3:30 instead? I thought we could go for a dip in the Falls.”

  Her eyes brighten and slightly glow at the suggestion. “Yes, I would love that!” she exclaims.

  I laugh, because that's her dragon talking. It's obvious she has no clue, and luckily, she’s now mine to protect. I smile and turn to leave.

  “Wait, aren't you ordering something?” she asks.

  I give her my best smile. “Nope, just came by to see you. Have a great day, and see you soon.”

  I walk into the office with her face still clear in my mind, and Gwen looks up in shock.

  “Are you whistling?” she asks incredulously.

  “Yeah. Yeah, I guess I am,” I reply, walking past her and into my office.

  I get to work, making sure I stay on task so I can leave on time. I blow through my work, but the minutes creep by and my dragon is restless. Finally, it's noon, and I run out the door.

  “Where are you going?” Gwen calls.

  What the hell? “I'm taking a half day. See you later,” I call back, annoyed with her forwardness, and slam the door.

  I rush to the grocery store and buy ingredients for lasagna. I also pick up a red velvet birthday cake and some candles from the local bakery, then hurry home and get everything cooking.

  When 3:00 rolls around, I set the oven on low, just to keep the food warm. She may need it, especially after what will take place at the Falls. I only hope I’m not being stupid and pushing her too fast, but I can feel that her dragon is dying to burst out.

  Thirteen

  Leah

  I am still in shock that Brayden came in just to see me. He’s totally out of my league, but I am still giddy. Stephanie walks up to me with a strange gleam in her eye. “So, it seems Brayden is smitten with you.”

  “Look, I get it. I know you’re going to tell me that I’m not his type, that I’m going to get hurt, that he’s a ladies man. I should probably cancel on tonight. He’s totally out of my league,” I ramble.

  She’s alarmed by my statements. “Oh, no, Leah, not at all. If anything, you’re out of his league, and he isn't a ladies man. He's never been on a date before. However, it sounds like all that is changing tonight,” she says, smirking.

  My face reddens. “How is that possible? He's gorgeous!”

  Stephanie laughs. “Oh, Leah. You have so much to learn. You do realize I'm his brother’s mate?”

  Did she just say what I think she did? “Huh? Mate? You mean wife, right?”

  She gives me an odd look. “Sure... that’s what I meant.”

  The diner gets busy, and we don't talk again until it’s time to clock out for the day. When I'm walking out the door, Stephanie grabs my hand. “Don't be surprised if he is already there. It may seem strange, but he's perfect for you.”

  I give her a strange look, but oddly, the words resonate with me. I put on my helmet and take off on my bike. I hope to goodness I beat him there, since I smell like sausage.

  Much to my chagrin, he is already there when I pull up. I hop off the bike and head his direction. I swear his eyes are brighter than usual, and seem to have a faint glow.

  He shakes his head. “Can I pick you up in the morning? I hate you driving that thing.”

  “What?” I ask, completely caught off guard.

  “Someone might think you're in the Demons of Hell, and up to no good,” he replies.

  “You mean the motorcycle gang? I doubt anyone will mistake me as part of their club,” I laugh.

  Brayden isn't laughing, though, and is actually frowning at me. Okay then. I raise my eyebrows and blow out a breath, then head up to the house. I open the door, and he follows me in.

  “I'm going to go change. I'll be right back,” I say.

  “Okay, remember to put on your bathing suit for our swim, and grab a change of clothes,” he says with a warm smile.

  I grin back and take off toward my room. I actually packed a bathing suit because as soon as I saw the picture of the Falls, I knew I’d be swimming there. It is a modest two-piece, and a light blue color. I slip it on and pull a shirt and pair of shorts over it. I grab a towel and rush back down to him.

  He watches me come back into the room and takes my hand. I feel a buzzing where he is touching. “Let's get going,” he says, leading me to a dark, gray Porsche. How did I not notice that when I pulled up?

  He opens the passenger door, waiting for me to get in. I look up, confused. “I thought we were going to the Falls?”

  He grins. “Yes, we are, and my house is closer to it. Come on. We can get your stuff situated before we take a dip.”

  I slip into his car and he shuts my door. Within seconds, we are pulling out of my driveway and heading deeper into the woods. Within five minutes, we pull into a huge, expensive neighborhood. The houses are enormous and, much to my horror, he pulls up to the biggest one closest to the woods.

  He comes over and opens my door, helping me out. We walk in, and while his house is a true bachelor pad, it’s still very nice. He looks at me, apologetic.

  “Sorry. I know this is a manly house, and now that you're here, I'm hoping we can incorporate a woman’s touch. I’ve just been waiting on the right woman.”

  My heart flutters at his words. He's wanting me to decorate his house. This should scare me at how fast it all seems, but it feels right.

  He sets my stuff down and motions me to follow. “Would you like something to drink before we get going?”

  Fourteen

  Brayden

  Seeing Leah in my house is pure bliss. Without thinking, I ask her to decorate it, and thankfully, she doesn't freak out. Her eyes glow in response, so I know her dragon is happy.

  “Yes, could I have one of those beers from yesterday?” she answer
s.

  “Of course,” I reply, heading into the kitchen.

  When I walk back into the room, she's looking around the house and at my pictures. She's found some from when I was younger and is grinning. “You've always been handsome,” she murmurs.

  I smile. “Why, thank you.”

  She spins around, shocked. She must not have heard me enter. I start laughing and her cheeks darken. God, she is a vision, and all mine.

  I hand her a drink, and we stand in silence for a few minutes, sipping on our beers. I can tell that she’s still embarrassed, so I ask, “Ready to go?”

  She nods, and we leave our drinks on the outdoor table. I am so excited, and dying to see if the Falls affect her in any way.

  We walk through the woods and, for once, I'm taking my time, simply enjoying the moment. She stops along the way, looking at the different flowers and animals. She really is breathtaking, and I know she’s meant to be right here with me.

  Right before we reach the Falls, she hesitates.

  “What's wrong?” I ask.

  She slowly turns and bites her lip. After a few beats, I can see the moment she makes her decision. She takes a deep breath and states, “I know you think this will sound crazy, but the other night, I came down here and saw something incredible.”

  She's thinking about when she saw me as a dragon. My heart warms, realizing she trusts me, since she's confiding this to me. However, I’m sure she's expecting me to tell her it's ridiculous and impossible, and obviously I can't do that.

  She continues on, “I saw the most gorgeous dragon flying under the Falls. He stopped flying and just stared at me. It was magical.”

  I grin at her. “Doesn't sound crazy at all. Haven't you heard the rumors? Dragon shifters live here.”

  She looks stunned, and I walk past her, leading the way. I don't want to say anything more because she's not quite ready. Sometimes you have to see and experience to believe.

  Leah quickly regains her composure and follows along behind me. When we get close to the clearing, I wait for her and take her hand. I love the magic bubbling between our skin; our dragons calling out to each other.

  We break through the last of the trees, and I hear her inhale sharply. The Falls are absolutely gorgeous and the power it holds calls out to us. She takes a few steps closer and I follow along.

  She gazes at me. “Let's swim!”

  I nod. “Okay, but promise me that you won't swim past the rocks.”

  She’s curious, but agrees. She starts stripping down to her bathing suit and I watch, enjoying the show. Maybe I should tell her what might happen before letting her jump in. However, she’s never has shifted, so maybe the Falls won’t force it. I hate to tell her and it not happen. I don’t want her to think I’m crazy and try to prevent our bond.

  “Why shouldn’t I swim out in the water?” she inquires, as she gets close to the edge.

  “Well, people say there is a kelpie that frequents here and likes to stay in the deeper waters. We don’t want to risk running into him. Additionally, there is supposed to be a mermaid somewhere around here. There are also rumors that if you have dragon blood in your veins, that this water could force a change. We wouldn’t want you changing in the deep end,” I say, trying to make it lighthearted.

  She stares at me for a minute, apparently contemplating what I said. She then throws caution to the wind and dives straight in the water. I rush right after her, afraid that she’ll be caught off guard if something does happen.

  Fifteen

  Leah

  I dive in the water and immediately the cool water surrounds me. A slight buzzing starts underneath my skin, just like when Brayden and I touch. I swim up and break through the water, catching my breath. Soon, the buzzing intensifies and becomes hot, like fire.

  I hear a splash from Brayden diving in, but I can't concentrate on him. I can only focus on the pain. Something inside me is clawing, trying to break out. Brayden yells my name, but I physically can't respond. Soon I'm floundering and struggling to breathe. There is ripping that is coming from my inside, and seconds later, I feel as if I'm expanding and growing.

  My vision suddenly changes, and I can see and hear things better than ever before. I have an urge to fly, and find that I’m actually in the air. I look down and see Brayden’s pale face, staring at me. What the hell? I take inventory of myself, and realize that I have wings and tail.

  I notice Brayden change right in front of my eyes and fly back in the direction of where we left our stuff, and the familiarity of him is mesmerizing. He’s the dragon I saw on the first night! I follow him, and when we reach the spot, Brayden shifts back and quickly dresses.

  The word “Mine” echoes through my mind as I watch him. Brayden approaches me and holds his hands out. “Leah, I know this is your first shift, but I need you to want to turn back. Imagine yourself as human, and it will happen,” he says, his voice soothing.

  Not sure what else to do, I follow his instructions. I grow smaller, shifting back into my human form, and suddenly his arms envelope me. Like an addiction, I need to taste him; right here, right now.

  I lean up and crush my mouth to his. He growls and matches my frequency. A desperate need overwhelms me, and I can't get enough of him. He rubs his hands along my body, and I realize that I'm still completely naked. This would usually embarrass me, but the need for him is so strong that I can't even think straight.

  He is obviously having the same problem, because he's breathing hard and ravishing me as well, exploring every part of my skin. I start pulling at his clothes, and he pauses.

  “Leah, if you have any hesitation, we better stop now. My dragon is about to snap,” he murmurs, as he kisses down my neck.

  “What do you mean?” I breathe out, still trying to undress him.

  “Do you feel the dire need between us? Do you feel our connection?” he asks, kissing me.

  “Yes. I thought I was crazy,” I reply.

  “We’re mates, Leah. Once we cross this line, there is no going back. We are each other's lives, in every way. Forever.”

  As much as this should scare me, it feels right, and I need him. I could think of worse things than spending forever with him. “All my life, I always felt like there was something missing. Like there was something more to experience, but I never questioned it. When your house listing showed up, I knew it was meant for me. I was drawn to the Falls, and ultimately here. To you. When I saw you, I felt things I didn’t understand. For the first time, I found myself calm and at peace. So yes, I’m okay with this, with forever. The question is, are you?” I look into his eyes, hoping his desires mirror my own. I need him, and don't know what I would do without him.

  “Without a doubt,” he replies.

  “Then, if you try to stop this, we are going to have problems,” I reply, ripping his shirt open, giving myself over to him in every way.

  After we fumble our way through our first time, both being virgins and all, we become needy, greedy for one another. We completely devour each other, multiples times, until we finally tear ourselves apart and head back to Brayden’s house.

  We are walking hand in hand, when I hear I love you in my head. I turn around in complete shock and look at him. He’s grinning wide, and asks, “Did you hear me?”

  I nod my head and smile back. “Can I do that?”

  “Yes, we are mates and now bonded. I can hear you in my head, if you want me to. Your dragon will do the rest,” he explains.

  Okay, let's try this. I love you, too, I project back at him.

  His blinding smile lets me know he heard me. He picks me up and spins me around. I laugh as he lays me back down on the ground, and kisses me thoroughly.

  Before things get too heated, we hear someone clear their throat. Brayden growls, but I turn around to see a stunning, older lady, standing there in shock.

  I tense, and Brayden starts chuckling. “Hey, Mom.”

  Oh my gosh, I’m mortified. The first time I meet his mother, she fi
nds us on the ground, our faces plastered together. My cheeks redden, but his mother smiles brightly, tears sliding down her cheeks.

  “I can't believe this. You have a mate!” she exclaims. “I'm so glad, Brayden. I've been worried for so long.”

  How does she know I'm his mate?

  Because we have completed the bond. I warned you.

  I jump, startled at the voice inside my head, making him laugh.

  The next thing I know, his mother is down on the ground with us, hugging me tightly. “I have a new daughter! And you are absolutely stunning. I can only imagine what my grandbabies will look like! What's your name, dear?” she babbles.

  It's hard not to smile at her, because she’s being so nice and sweet. However, being sandwiched on the ground between my mate and his mother is awkward. I slowly stand up and realize that my dragon recognizes her as family. “My name is Leah. What is yours?”

  She smiles even bigger. “My name is Theresa, but you may call me Mom!”

  Brayden groans. “You’ve only met her for two minutes, and you are already asking her to call you Mom?”

  She rolls her eyes at him. “We are dragons! You know it’s different. What clan are you from, dear?”

  I am in shock. “Uh… I'm not from a clan.”

  She looks at me strangely. “But you're a dragon. I can smell your shift on you, and tell that you are mated. You have to be from a clan.”

  Brayden steps in between us and her eyes widen in surprise. He speaks gruffly, “If Leah says she's not from a clan, then she isn't. Doesn't matter now because she is one of us.”

  “Brayden, I didn't mean it like that, but how is this possible? Where did you live before?” she continues.

  I look around Brayden, so I could see her. “I lived in Missouri.”

  “Okay that's enough for right now. Leah and I are going to have some dinner. I think we need to call a family meeting. Will you let Dave and Jacob know?” he asks her.