Asha smiled and reached up to touch his cheek. “I was always right here,” she said. “Right under your nose, the whole time. I still can’t believe that I was your perfect mate.” She dropped her hand down to cover his where it rested on her stomach. “Honestly – if you had told me three years ago that I would be carrying a second Dragon clutch in my womb, combining my matchmaking business with a retreat that counsels couples and teaches them the ins and outs of raising a family? I would have laughed in your handsome face.”
“And yet, here we are,” Seph said. He pulled her fingers up to his lips and kissed them. “Motherhood suits you, too. You’ve given me two amazing daughters with our first clutch; soon, we’ll have a son.” He still remembered his joy when he saw the results of the last ultrasound and discovered that one of the eggs contained a male. He loved their little girls from the first clutch – Mara and Tansi were the priceless jewels in their daddy’s hoard – but he could not help the feeling of pride and anticipation for the arrival of their first male child. He looked forward to the day when the egg left his wife’s body, when he would hold it in his hands and help peel away the pliable, leathery, protective shell and free the infant inside. “Our little Kur.”
“I still don’t know how I feel about that name,” Asha said. “I know it’s in honor of the First Dragon, but it still sounds like another word for ‘dog’ – ‘cur.’” Her full lips twisted slightly. “I just don’t want to set our child up to be teased by other kids. Because while I know you grew up with private tutors and all, I know how cruel children in public schools can be. And I am adamant about sending our kids to regular schools. They need to learn how to socialize with other people, and realize that they are no better than anyone else.” She smiled. “But we don’t have time to rehash that discussion. We’ve got a class to teach, and a lot of nervous couples to calm down.”
“Because seeing how happy and successful we are sets a good example,” Seph said, repeating the claim Asha had made when they first conceived of Tarasque Center.
She grinned. “And they told me Dragons can’t be trained.” They began to walk again. “I’ve still got to work on getting you properly housebroken, but we’re getting there.” Asha peered up at him, a teasing sparkle in her eyes. “Even if it takes the rest of my life.”
“Till death do us part,” Seph agreed. He knew from personal experience with his parents how short life could be. One could hope for a long life with one’s chosen mate only to have those dreams shattered by sickness, or some other sudden, unexpected event. He had made a promise, both to Asha and himself, that he would not dwell on those things or over-analyze them, and instead be thankful for what they had and to savor every moment. We’re going to watch our children grow up and have children of their own, he thought. Father may have tried to push him into finding a wife and settling down, but Seph had taken control of his own life and made his own choices. And I am happier for every one of them.
He thought back to the day when their first clutch had come into the world, recalling the tears that had filled his father’s eyes when they had told him one of the girls had been named ‘Mara,’ after Seph’s mother and Cyril’s late and much-beloved wife. Seph still had to marvel every time he saw his father with his granddaughters, how animated the patriarch of the Vovin Clan would become in their presence. It’s amazing how two little girls managed to melt the cold heart of one cranky old Dragon, Seph mused.
Cyril had come to embrace Asha, as well, welcoming her as a member of the family. Like Seph, he admired her strength and no-nonsense manner. Asha had made it clear early on that she would not allow her father-in-law to disrespect her; that fire had been one of the reasons Cyril had taken a shine to her, and had given his blessings to their union. Seph looked at his wife and the mother of his children, and smiled. Even if Father had wound up disowning me, for whatever reason, I still have a family – the one I’ve made with Asha, my perfect match in every way.
Looping an arm around Asha’s shoulders, Seph hugged her to his side, determined to keep her there for many years to come.
*****
THE END
About Jasmine Wylder
Jasmine Wylder is a Real Estate Agent by day and an emerging Paranormal Romance Author & Adventurer by night. Hailing from California, her passion for sultry stories, steamy scenes, and all-things romance began early on and it has stayed with her ever since.
When she isn’t creating captivating storylines, Jasmine loves spending time in the great outdoors, practicing yoga, painting, and treating herself to fine cuisine. She is also an avid animal lover (dogs in particular) and is the proud owner of a Husky named Luna and a Yorkie named Anya.
Whether it’s out-of-this-world love (literally), dragon shifters setting your heart ablaze, or unquenchable vampiric desire, Jasmine has you covered!
Currently, Jasmine is in the midst of crafting paranormal romances and tries to escape to the countryside every so often to get the full writer’s experience.
Want more of Jasmine Wylder?
Check out her Author Page or follow her on Facebook.
Jasmine’s Other Books
Alpha’s Desire
(Rocky Mountain Shifters Series, Book 1)
Description
He swore he’d never do it. She vowed to work alone. But circumstances have changed, and sacrifices must be made.
Sienna Blaine is not your typical lone wolf. Cast out of her pack by 17 vindictive Alphas, she vowed to make her own rules and stay one step ahead of the game – no matter the price. Skilled at discerning fact from fiction, she’s fully capable of keeping potential threats at bay. But for all her strengths, she has a weakness – one that compromises her ability to trust.
Alpha wolf Brody McAllister earned the nickname “Broody Brody” for a reason. His stone-faced, take-no-prisoners attitude separates him from the rest, but when one of his pack members goes missing, his less-than-animated personality is put to the ultimate test. Anger turns to desperation as he struggles to maintain control and unravel the mystery behind the young woman’s disappearance.
Sparks fly as Sienna’s carefree lifestyle threatens to crack Brody’s perfectly polished control, but when the Kodiak den threatens her life, Brody’s wolf is poised to rip throats and take names to keep her safe from harm.
Chances are Brody and Sienna could be fated mates, but is that a chance either is willing to take?
Beta’s Destiny
(Rocky Mountain Shifters Series, Book 2)
Description
I don’t need a babysitter. I can handle the danger on my own. Even though I have to admit, his dominant demeanor and rock-hard body did get my attention.
Sassy, smart-mouthed shifter Emery Wilkins needs to lay low, when she points the finger at a dangerous criminal who put her father in jail. And now she has to play by the rules of Sage, her newly assigned personal bodyguard. But, will she?
Sage Blaine takes care of others and that is what he does best. Although Emery is giving him a hard time, he is feeling that inner force pulling him towards her. He has to focus on his job to keep Emery safe, and shouldn‘t be distracted by his inner desires.
Things heat up with the Kodiak bear shifters still seeking revenge, and a dangerous criminal looking for Emery. Will they make it safely through their journey and give into their feelings? Or, will their stubborn natures and outside forces keep this duo from finding their own happily-ever after?
Alpha’s Love
(Rocky Mountain Shifters Series, Book 3)
Description
Opposites attract, right?
Voluptuous Liesel Gaytan is a survivor. After being abducted by rogue bear shifters almost two years ago, Liesel lives for the moment and makes the most out of every second she has. Now playing by the rules of sexy alpha Grayson Anders in order to be safe doesn’t give her the satisfaction she is looking for, even though there is an instant attraction when she sees Grayson. She has to keep things professional no matter how much she keep
s imagining how he looks underneath that tight clothes.
Grayson Anders isn’t looking for romance. As a former Army Ranger and Alpha of the Canyon pack, Grayson Anders’ life, truck, and pack are orderly and follow strict rules. So, when he’s got to keep his pack and wild child Liesel Gaytan safe from bloodthirsty mountain lion shifters hell bent on revenge, he’s not sure she won’t drive him crazy before he can get the situation under control.
But as they often do, opposites attract, and it isn’t long before the two can’t deny their deep-running attraction any longer. And no matter the price, he's ready to serve her every need. The only problem is—will it do more harm than good? Will it distract Gray to the point that he can’t keep the enemy at bay?
Beta’s Second Chance
(Rocky Mountain Shifters Series, Book 4)
Description
Any hot shifter deserves a second chance, right?
Curvy Ava Montclair has her work, her mission, and her ambition to keep her going. The last thing she needs is a distraction. And not at all in the form of her ex-boyfriend, Pax Carrigan. Although she has to admit, he's still hot as hell.
Strong Pax Carrigan broke Ava's heart a decade ago and now he's back with one job--to keep her safe. But the longer Pax spends with the one and only girl he's ever loved, the more he knows there's more to her. For now, however, he has to focus on his job. Anything else would be unprofessional. Or wouldn't it be?
Ferals formed their own dangerous pack and targeted Ava. She got too much involved trying to get the squabbling packs to work together against the ferals. Will Pax keep the only girl he's ever truly loved safe? And will Ava ever forgive him, or is it too late for her?
The Dragon’s Secret Baby
(Dragon Secrets Series, Book 1)
Description
I'm not pregnant, am I? How is this possible…I’m still a virgin.
Curvy archaeologist Dominique can’t believe her luck; she just uncovered an ancient Dragon egg! But she’s not the only one with her eyes on the prize. All of the Dragon clans of the area want to stake their claim. Especially that hot ass, annoying Virdi who sticks to her side like glue. Unfortunately, if she wants to stay safe, she needs Virdi’s help.
Emperor of the world—that´s what Virdi is determined for, and he doesn´t care what he has to do to see it happen. Luring women out into the forest is just one occupation on his mind. But now, Dominique with her luscious body and the egg…maybe he can have both, pleasure and power at the same time.
But the risk is growing; the Dragons are after the egg and Dominique, to fulfill a prophecy the world hasn´t seen for centuries no matter what the costs.
Virdi has to risk it all to keep Dominique and that little secret growing in her belly safe. Will they make it, or will it all break apart?
The Dragon’s Secret Bride
(Dragon Secrets Series, Book 2)
Description
He has sworn it. He has to protect the future emperor. No distractions allowed, no matter what. But fate has other plans.
Sizzling hot dragon shifter Bryant Chandler knows his determination. His mate is long gone and he has no plans to find another. Now he has sworn to protect the baby who will one day rule them all. No questions asked. But the day luscious Esther put her bounteous virgin curves in close proximity to him, all bets were off.
Esther Doran, an archeologist, has her own problems. She can’t find anybody to fund her dream dig, and is starting to think that life just doesn’t want to see her happy. Until she meets that hot dragon guard Bryant Chandler and sparks fly immediately.
And then, one drunken night ends with them being married.
Who cares if he’s the most delicious, gorgeous man she’d ever set eyes on? Love wasn’t in the plan.
But when Bryant's rival finds out about Esther and decides that she's the best way to take Bryant down, the two are forced together once more. And when a sexy dragon is the only thing standing between her and death, passions might just reach the boiling point.
The Dragon’s Secret Prize
(Dragon Secrets Series, Book 3)
Description
Kidnapped by an illegal fighting ring. Paraded as a prize. What else can go wrong?
This is the first dig on which Kayla Tucker is part of the ‘command staff’ and she is determined nothing is going to go wrong. This archeologist has plans for her future, and nothing is going to stand in her way.
No man.
No love affair.
No distraction, at all.
But then everything turns out differently.
Navy SEAL Shane Freeman has always wanted to serve his country. Unfortunately, when it was discovered that he was a dragon shifter, he was discharged at once.
F*** it! No way back.
This hard decision would tear anybody apart…but not him…it’s quite the contrary…it makes him stronger.
Coming back as the CEO of his own company, he finally can donate money to worthy causes and help people that way. And the fact that he’s funding Kayla’s dig? Well, that’s just coincidence, right?
When Shane learns that Kayla is in trouble, his Navy SEAL protector instincts are on fire. He’ll stop at nothing to save her. There is no way he’s going to let some slimy person win her in a fight that she had no say in.
He wants her to be his own. Even though he’d have to fight for her again and again and again…
The Bear Shifter’s Virgin
(Fated Bears Series, Book 1)
Description
He wants to be her first, and he’ll do anything to make that happen.
Rebecca Lake is a curvy world-famous author, who doesn’t have time for any neighborhood chatting. Unless the neighbor is the extremely hot, mysterious billionaire Isaias Durant with his rock-hard body that Rebecca can’t take her eyes off of. There is no way that this piece of art is attracted to her…the shy virgin. Or is there?
Isaias Durant is not just some billionaire. He has secrets, and since his parents were both murdered because of it, nobody can know. Asking Rebecca to pretend to be his fiancé might not be the way to behave, but unusual times require unusual measures. And, there is something about Rebecca that keeps drawing Isaias to her…step by step. He is barely able to control his inner beast. Every cell of his body screams for her generous body. But he has to control himself for the good of all.
When Becky's life is put in danger, he has no choice but to trust her. When his life is in her hands, will she run… or fall deeper in love with him?
The Bear Shifter’s Second Chance
(Fated Bears Series, Book 2)
Description
She doesn’t need that sort of relationship in her life, right?
It's hard to keep that in mind when Adela Choi sees Marcus Haught drive up on his motorcycle, his tattoos rippling over his hard muscles. So utterly mouth-watering that she can hardly think around him. Not to mention his animal side, that used to make Adela howl. But she has to stay strong, for her and her little toddler. People just don't change, and she isn't about to be hurt again.
Marcus, for his part, decided long ago to stay away from Adela. There can't be love without trust… But he keeps being drawn back, again and again, not only for Adela’s thick curves he wants to taste one more time, but also for her sweet daughter he fell in love with.
Things get complicated when Marcus’ past catches up. A drug kingpin who insists that Marcus and his unique skills should come work for him again. Will he keep Adela and her child safe? And will he be determined enough to change for the better, to be a good mate for Adela and a good father to her child?
The Bear Shifter’s Nanny
(Fated Bears Series, Book 3)
Description
Falling in love with a murder suspect? Thrilling.
It's not easy being a shifter without a clan. But finally, Jasmine Rowland has a job at least. Well, being a nanny is not what she had dreamed of, but it pays the bills. Also, there are worse places to be than around
that handsome Doctor Alava with his tight clothes, showing every vein and muscle of his body. But something is definitely wrong with him. What is he hiding?
Dr. Eneko Alava’s love left a long time ago. There is not such a thing as a mate for him anymore. All focus is on his beloved children and his practice, a medical clinic for shifters set up in the heart of bear shifter territory. But wait, why then is his inner animal panting for his nanny now? That isn’t supposed to happen.
And suddenly…
Murder.
One suspect.
No place to hide.
With the law against them and time running out, can Eneko and Jasmine find love? Or does fate have other plans for them?
The Bear Shifter’s Baby
(Fated Bears Series, Book 4)
Description
He will do anything to protect his unborn child.
Lori Rowlands is done with the loser boyfriends she’s always picked; the kind that would play for a while and then leave her high and dry. She wants something sweet but passionate, where they can count on one another in a crisis. And that means her new boss, the rich, delicious lawyer Clifford Boone, is off limits. Or, isn’t he? A little play can’t hurt anybody, right?
Clifford Boone knows how to seduce women. Being the boss, and being rich, definitely helps. Also, the women love to see when his inner bear comes out. At least, that is what he thinks.
And here it comes, his next adventure- the new employee Lori Rowlands. Who wouldn’t go crazy for those thick curves in a tight dress?
But then his world turns up-side down.
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