by Anna Lowe
Liam sighed. “Apropos, being over. It’s time I said goodbye.”
Her heart sank. Liam was a great friend and ally. It would be hard to see him go.
Tristan thumped his back. “Right. You’ve been given your own post. Finally,” he teased.
It ought to have been an occasion to celebrate, but a man had never looked glummer than Liam just then. “Yes. I get a whole city to protect and my very own drafty castle to spend weekends in.” He sighed. “Promise you’ll visit soon.”
Natalie laughed. “A castle, huh?”
Liam made a face. “It’s not as glamorous as it sounds. Suits of armor, mothballs…”
Tristan grinned. “Duty calls. London needs you.”
Liam nodded glumly. “Lord knows the city is a mess. I just wish it had a little more sun to bask in.” Then he brightened and clapped, dismissing the thought. “Anyway, I’m off. Wish me bon voyage and all that.”
Natalie hugged him. “Thanks for everything. And yes, I’d love to visit.”
He winked. “Bring a friend, will you? And I don’t just mean this guy.” He turned to Tristan, and they edged into one of those man-hugs that involved a lot of backslapping and handshaking — anything to cover up the mistiness in their eyes.
A lump rose in Natalie’s throat. Those two had spent most of the past decade together, and the depth of their friendship showed.
Then Tristan pushed Liam down the cobbled road. “Get going. See you in London.”
“Ta-ta,” Liam said and turned away.
They watched him saunter down the street and turn the corner. When he disappeared, Tristan sighed.
“Sad to see him go, huh?” Natalie whispered.
Tristan snorted. “That pain in the neck? No.” Then he grinned. “Well, maybe a little. But I’m glad to have you to myself.”
She ran a hand over his chest. “That reminds me — where were we? Oh, yes. I was trying to make it to the end of the street before kissing you.”
“You might last that long, but I won’t.” He pulled her into the shade of a huge potted plant and backed her against the wall. “Permission for a kiss, Fire Maiden?”
She play-slapped him, then wound her arms around his shoulders. “None of that nonsense, not between us. But, yes. Kiss me. Please.”
He leaned in slowly, and she breathed his oaky scent. A heartbeat later, his lips closed over hers, and she melted into his embrace. God, was she lucky.
Tristan shook his head, whispering between kisses, “Not luck. Destiny.”
She nodded. “Destiny, my mate.”
Epilogue
Two weeks later…
Natalie breathed deeply, inhaling the scent of lavender and sage. Then she shuffled from foot to foot and rubbed her arms, fighting off the night chill.
Shift, already. Let me out, a voice grumbled in her mind.
“You okay?” Tristan asked, hugging her from behind.
He was as naked as she was, and for a split second, she considered heading back to bed. Then again, they’d already spent most of the afternoon making love, and now that the sun had set, it was time to fly.
Or better put, to try to fly.
They were at a gorgeous vineyard in the south of France. Her vineyard, as it turned out. Apparently, being a Fire Maiden meant inheriting several properties and treasure hoards. The vineyard was just the tip of the iceberg of her fortunes, so to speak. Of course, that came with great responsibility. She wouldn’t have to work a regular job for the rest of her life, but she would be fully committed to community projects. Lots of them, all the time. Her dream job, really.
On the other hand, she had a different set of worries now. Like flying. And not just flying, but breathing fire. Part of her job as a Fire Maiden would be to help Tristan patrol Paris, and she looked forward to that too. But, man. That all seemed so far in the future. Would she ever learn?
So far, she’d only shifted into dragon form a few times. When she had, she’d strutted around the back lawn of the sprawling farmhouse, nearly bashing pots of geraniums and an old-fashioned wine press with her tail. But she hadn’t actually flown yet, because shifting had seemed like an adequate start. However, she’d promised herself — and Tristan — that the third time would be it, which meant…
She looked at the night sky and gulped.
“Ready?” Tristan asked.
Not really, no. But when he nuzzled her cheek, her resolve grew.
“Ready,” she mumbled. Sort of.
The moon was rising over the hills in the east, casting pale light over rows of neatly tended grapes. Crickets chirped, and leaves rustled in the cool night breeze.
“You’re going to love it. I promise.” Tristan kissed her cheek, then stepped away and raised his arms. “On three. One…”
Natalie took a deep breath and mimicked Tristan, lifting her arms like wings.
“Two…” Tristan murmured.
Natalie tipped her head back and reached her chin skyward, feeling her neck stretch. Next, she pushed back her shoulders, closed her eyes, and—
“Three.” Tristan’s voice grew scratchy and deep.
Heat rushed through her body, and her skin prickled. Her blood seemed to double in volume, and a pull registered on the tips of her ears as they extended. Everything else extended, as well — her fingers, neck, and nose. A dozen scents hit her at once. Wafting lavender. The rich scent of the soil, and a pungent hint of fermentation from grapes that had fallen to the ground.
God, you’re beautiful, Tristan’s awed voice whispered in her mind.
She opened her eyes, about to correct him. But, wow. She really was beautiful. Her body was a dark coppery color that glinted in the moonlight, and her leathery hide was sleek yet tough at the same time. She held out her wings, admiring the delicate yet powerful curves.
Tristan’s hide was a smooth, brownish-black, and together, they made quite the pair. Him all bulky and powerful, her leaner and more…well, feminine. Even glamorous, somehow.
A true Fire Maiden, Tristan added with pride.
Her tail lashed — a motion that had shocked the bejesus out of her the first time.
You’re not looking too bad yourself.
He grinned, making her girl parts heat and her inner dragon purr. Maybe we can practice more than flying.
Natalie flapped her wings a little, trying to cool off. This was about flying, not mating.
Her dragon’s head moved from side to side. First flying, then mating. Okay?
She smiled. A girl did need the occasional reward.
Tristan’s grin grew. Both are fun. But yes — flying first.
He motioned, and she followed him to the top of a low mound. So, the wind is coming from…
She stuck out a wing. That way.
Exactly. Which means we should take off…
She pointed. That way.
He’d already explained the dynamics to her. Like planes, they would take off into the wind for the extra lift under their wings.
Not like planes, her dragon corrected. Like dragons. We came first.
Tristan made a sweeping motion with his wing. Just a couple of quick steps, a few flaps of your wings, and you’ll be airborne. Then we’ll head that way…
He went on for a minute or two, and she nodded, trying to memorize every word. But when she finally lined up for takeoff, her mind went blank. When Tristan took off ahead of her, all she felt was fear. Of taking off. Of flying. Most of all, of landing. She was scared of failing Tristan — and of failing everyone. What kind of Fire Maiden would that make her?
Oh, for goodness’ sake, her dragon muttered.
And just like that, she was running down the slope, powered by a stubborn burst of courage. Leading with her nose and holding her tail straight, she picked up speed and beat her wings.
A few more steps, then up, Tristan called.
He’d explained that too — after hitting a certain speed, she simply had to lift her feet off the ground and trust her wings. So Natalie ba
red her teeth, promised herself she could do it—
Of course, I can do it, her dragon snipped.
—and folded one foot against her belly. A moment later, she gingerly lifted the other, and—
Wheeee! her dragon cheered.
The first rows of vines rushed under her belly, and cool air flowed under her wings. She was airborne. She’d done it!
Okay, so she might have clipped a few vines on her way up. But, hey. She was flying! Soaring, even. Folding the back edge of her wings down, she shot upward. Before long, she was higher than the terra-cotta roof of the house. Higher than the barn. Higher than the hilltops, even, and it wasn’t scary at all.
Tristan whooped. Look at you go! Magnifique!
It wasn’t often that Natalie felt magnifique. But it was hard not to at a moment like that. Her wings were huge and steady, her tail straight, keeping her body streamlined. She was high, mighty, and totally in control.
Well, mostly in control. Every once in a while, she’d tip her wings too far and wobble. But with Tristan flying steadily by her side, she found her balance and flew on.
For the first few minutes, the exhilaration of flying made her cry out in joy. Then she started noticing the details of the landscape, too.
Wow, she breathed again and again.
The rows of vines below created a chevron pattern, following the contours of the hills. Meandering stone walls hemmed in the fields, and beyond them lay fields of lavender like so many purple blankets laid out to dry. Rows of sage sprang up between them, and she closed her eyes, savoring the rich aroma. In the distance, the spire of a village church pointed to the stars.
Bong… Bong… Bong…
The ring of church bells carried for miles, following the hilly landscape. It was a quarter to midnight, and she felt like Cinderella at a ball. Would the clock strike once more and wake her from a vivid dream, or was this all real?
I’m real, all right. Her dragon side flexed her claws and waggled her tail.
The wind whistled in her ears. The world was hushed, and the harvest moon was huge and orange.
Just like that vision, she thought, awed.
The first time Tristan had given her the mating bite, she’d pictured nearly the same scene. It was all there — the church bells, the vineyard, the scenery. Everything but fire crackling around her lips. But, heck. She was content to save that for a future lesson.
This way, Tristan called, dipping a wing.
He bore away to the south, then looked back to check that she was following. His eyes glowed softly in the darkness, so eager, her heart swelled.
This is amazing, she said.
It came out in coughy, guttural dragon talk that was strangely comprehensible to her ears.
It gets better. He grinned.
When she snorted, a tiny spark popped out of her mouth. Oops.
But Tristan just laughed. No need to worry about anyone noticing that. But someday…
His voice rose with pride, and Natalie pictured herself soaring through the air and spitting fire. She’d need a lot of practice, that was for sure. But once she learned that — well, let a vampire try to bother her then.
No one will dare, my Fire Maiden. Tristan’s eyes flared in anger, then softened again.
For a few minutes, she flew with gritty determination. Gradually, the crisp evening air and sweet Provençal scents helped her relax again and simply enjoy.
Not long now, Tristan said as they glided along.
At first, she thought he might take her toward Nîmes, the historic town emitting a soft glow in the distance. But Tristan’s course took them farther north, and soon, he dipped closer to the landscape. A silver line snaked between the folds of the hills, and Tristan took a sharp left, following it.
The river Gardon, Tristan murmured. And up ahead…
She looked forward, wondering what surprise lay around the next bend. A waterfall? A pool wide enough for a swim?
They banked right, then left, following the curves of the river. And when the river straightened again…
Wow, she breathed.
Le Pont du Gard, Tristan said. The Romans built it.
Natalie had seen the structure in postcards but never with her own eyes: three stories of delicate stone arches, forming a bridge that supported an aqueduct. The river flowed sedately underneath, creating a gorgeous scene that probably hadn’t changed in two thousand years. Trees blanketed the hillsides on either side of the river, their leaves fluttering in the breeze.
Watch this, Tristan called, diving toward the lowest level of the aqueduct.
Wait. Natalie cried. Was he really going to—
She held her breath as he folded his wings and shot through the central arch. Then she yelped and twisted upward, barely clearing the top level in her moment of distraction.
Tristan zoomed through the arches then snapped open his wings and shot upward, grinning wildly.
Fun, huh? I haven’t done that since I was a kid.
Fun? More like crazy. But Natalie couldn’t bring herself to chastise her mate. Not when he seemed so free and happy.
You want to try? he asked.
She laughed. No way. But maybe someday, she hurried to add when his face fell. I’ll just watch for now.
It’s easy. You just fold your wings at exactly the right second—
And crash into the pillar, she nearly said.
But Tristan zoomed through effortlessly — once, skimming the water as he swept through the lowest level, and a second time through the central arch of the middle level. Natalie circled above, holding her breath.
See? Tristan grinned as he joined her.
She laughed. Show-off.
Maybe a little. But it is fun.
It did look fun. And the crazy thing was how natural it felt to be soaring over the ground.
We’ll have to come back for a swim sometime, Tristan said, banking left. But for now, let’s go this way.
For the next few minutes, they followed the line of the aqueduct over the countryside. Vineyards alternated with fields of herbs, and tiny towns clustered around hillsides, each crowned by a church. Natalie took it all in, awed. For years, she’d dreamed of a life like this. Now, she was living it, and in style. She had a penthouse apartment in Paris and her own country retreat. More importantly, she had a good man who’d proven his love for her again and again.
She exhaled deeply. How lucky could a girl get?
Maybe we can get even luckier, her dragon murmured, brushing up against Tristan.
He looked over, eyes aglow, making her body heat all over.
Oh, yes, her dragon purred.
His eyes were a rich, orange-red hue — the glow of passion. Natalie’s eyes prickled, which probably meant they were glowing the same way. And who could blame her, what with the sultry images drifting through her mind? She imagined two dragons winding around each other, high in the sky. Coming closer and closer in a tight love knot, their wings and bodies pressed together. Their tails would whip the air beneath them, keeping them airborne just long enough to—
Natalie fanned herself with her right wing then cleared her throat.
How about we head home?
Tristan shot her a wicked grin. So soon?
She nodded firmly. Someday, she might be up to flying under bridges and enjoying aerial sex. But not on her first flight. On the other hand, the night was still young, and she knew just how she wanted to celebrate her first flight.
How? Tristan asked, reading her mind.
She licked her lips. The bed in the vineyard’s farmhouse was nice, big, and solid. The sheets were soft, and the air would be tinged with the scent of the roses that climbed around the windows.
Oh, I may have a few ideas, she murmured.
Tristan drifted under her, brushing her belly as if warming up for what she had in mind.
I like your ideas, he murmured, making her heat all over again.
She snorted. In all seriousness, she had dozens of ideas for projec
ts in Paris — and ways to finance them, as well as arguments to persuade Alaric of their worth. But tonight…
Tristan chuckled. A good thing we have all night, my mate.
* * *
Thank you for reading Fire Maidens: Paris! If you enjoyed the story, please leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads. Reviews are the best way to thank an independent author for a story you’ve loved.
EXCLUSIVE BONUS EPILOGUE: make sure you’re signed up for Anna Lowe’s newsletter to receive a FREE copy of the bonus epilogue to Fire Maidens: Paris plus many other bonus scenes and three free books. Signing up also makes sure you’ll be the first to hear about new releases, exclusive stories, and great deals.
Fire Maidens: Paris is also available in audio. Audio brings the story to life in a whole different way and can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime. While driving, cooking, walking… you can settle back, relax, and let the audio story sweep you away!
This has been Book 1 in Anna Lowe’s Fire Maidens: Billionaires & Bodyguards series. The action, emotion, and passion continues in Book 2, Fire Maidens: London. Click here for a sneak peek of Liam’s story!
Finally, you can read about the inspiration for Fire Maidens: Paris in the bonus materials section of my website, so please come and visit today!
Sneak Peek — Fire Maidens: London
A lionhearted hero in London, city of royalty & scheming shifter factions…
“Rebel with a cause” Gemma Archer flees Boston one step ahead of the creep who insists she’s his. Now she’s in London, trying to build a new normal — and absolutely, positively, not getting involved with any men. That is, until an irresistible stranger prowls into her life. Liam is a sweet, sexy modern-day knight who sparks sizzling desires Gemma never even knew she had. The problem? He’s as loony as some of her relatives. Dragons? Lion shifters? Werewolves? The poor man really seems to believe the tales he spins.
Liam Bennett is fresh out of the military and doing his best to adjust to civilian life. But fitting in was never his forte as a shifter of mixed blood. He’s part lion — a member of London’s most noble family — and part rogue, with “undesirable” dragon blood. When the Guardians of London hire him to help maintain law and order, Liam jumps at the chance to prove himself. Soon, he discovers nothing is as it seems — not among his allies, enemies, or even his own family. The only thing he can be sure of is the danger Gemma is in.
