Nava knew he wasn’t kidding. The room had gotten warmer, that was for sure, and she didn’t know if it was because of her hormones or her gift. “A summer dress is in order.” She looked around and sighed, seeing more clothes than Nava had in her wardrobe. Yep, someone had done some shopping while she had been knocked out.
“Hey, Saxon, whose clothes are these? Because they sure are not mine. Nice taste though,” she said, going through the dresses, shirts, skirts, and pants.
Saxon snorted behind her. “That would be Storm. She’s a pixy who loves New York fashions. So anytime anyone new comes into town, she likes to experiment, and it’s her welcome to our town. Do you like the clothes?” he asked.
“Oh my god, who wouldn’t. She really made these for me?” Nava looked back at him, and he smiled.
“Yes, but be warned, once you put it on, if she thinks it needs to be adjusted, Storm will do so while you have it on.” Saxon shook his head. “She made me a pair of jeans once. They turned out to be one of my favorite ones now, but what I didn’t expect was that Storm has a thing for butts. Needless to say, my jeans are now skin tight, showing everything. Mind you, they are still comfortable to wear, but yeah.”
Nava glanced down Saxon’s body, smiling. “I have to agree, you’d look hot in some tight jeans.” She laughed out loud as his pants changed right in front of her. Laughing so hard, she twirled her finger. “Turn around.”
Saxon growled but turned around for her.
“Well damn... Yep, Storm, you are so right,” she said, watching a little pixy flying around Saxon. She was the cutest thing Nava had seen as she moved her head back and forth studying Saxon. Nava could have stared all day at his ass, but she heard a knock on her outer door. “Storm, I know I don’t know you, but could you, really quick, since you have great taste?” she dared ventured as Saxon spun around at the same time the summer dress she wanted appeared on her body. But this time, Storm moved around her, muttering under her breath as she worked on the dress while it was on her. Changing little things, how it fit, the design, and such.
Nava turned to the mirror in her closet. The dress was a red color, and the material was like that of cotton on the skin but clung like that of silk. The dress hugged her body, showing off her ample breasts and curves. “Wow, Storm, you’re amazing.” She looked up at the top of the mirror to see the purple-haired pixy cocking her head to the side studying her. Her hair weaved in a braid down her back as she flew around her.
“Thank you, but you are missing something. Oh, I know,” Storm said when in front. In between her boobs, the dress gathered to that of a diamond broach of some kind of bird.
“It’s beautiful, Storm, but I don’t think it’s wise to advertise to others what she is,” Saxon said, coming up behind her in the mirror, his gaze meeting hers.
“You’re right, sorry. How about this?” An orange-red flame belt made out of some sort of weave appeared around her waist as the broach disappeared.
“I still like the bird, but the belt is amazing. Will I need shoes?” Red slip-on sandals appeared in front of her. “Perfect touch! Thank you so much,” she said as Matty appeared behind them.
“Storm is amazing, isn’t’ she? I came to give you a heads up. Half of my father’s closest men have shown up already, and they have requested to meet you, little sister. Needless to say, my father is furious that they should even ask for a meeting,” Matty informed them, as said man leaned in the doorway to the closet, watching the tiny woman dash around Nava’s head.
Nava could have sworn that flames were flying around the small room as her new brother stared at the little pixy who flew around ignoring the man.
“Why don’t we take this out of the closet?” she laughed, a little nervous.
Matty glanced at Saxon, laughing. “I see Storm got a hold of...” he stopped laughing and groaned. “Storm, come on. How am I to meet these men in these tight things,” he grumbled, his pants now a nice pair of tight black leather pants.
“You don’t need to be looking at him,” Saxon growled in Nava’s ear as he wrapped his arm around her waist.
“Please,” Nava shook her head, watching Storm fly around, blowing a raspberry at Matty before she disappeared.
“Watch it, little pixy, you can only hide so long?” Matty growled, moving out of the closet, earning a look from his father as he appeared behind him.
“Don’t start,” Matty grumbled. “I made a mistake, I know.” Matty moved out of the room before his father could say anything.
Drake sighed and watched his son leave. “It seems even my son can make mistakes about his chosen one.” Drake turned his gaze on Nava. “I want to personally say I’m sorry, dear, for this, and believe me, they will all feel my wrath demanding this, but since you are new to our family, they have a right to meet you. But I do have to say, my soon-to-be daughter has outdone herself. You are breathtaking.” Drake moved to Nava, taking her hands into his.
“I hope you don’t mind me taking the liberty of having you move in here. It is safer, and you’ll have more room. Plus, it will give you more time for this gentleman to court you properly. He’s very lucky I happen to be fond of him, or I wouldn’t have allowed him to take care of you.” Drake gave Saxon a look that actually had the big man fidgeting next to her.
Chapter Eight
Saxon escorted Nava down the long hall of carved stone toward what he knew to be the banquet room. He had only been in the room once when Darla and Drake had held a party for Halloween one year for the town. It had been massive as with everything they did. Saxon glanced over at Drake talking to Nava, explaining how long it took to carve out the tunnels for his home. Yes, the man was impressive and scary even for his kind. No one knew the powers this man had, but what he had seen over the years, Saxon knew not to challenge the man, especially when it came to his personal family.
The only room large enough to hold the number of people they had invited, the Dracula family seemed to be always prepared for any last-minute change, including hosting a large number of his people Saxon had seen coming in while Nava had been out of it for a day and a half. He hated the idea of her being paraded around like some showpiece, but they did need the support of Drake’s people if they were going to get rid of this threat against all of their kind, not just his woman.
He glanced down at Nava and smiled, seeing Storm sitting on Nava’s shoulder whispering to her. Even Drake had a grin on his face. It would seem, Storm and Nava would be close friends, which was good since they both would be members of this family along with him.
“Seems my family is growing by leaps and bound,” Drake said to the two women then looked at Saxon. “We will make sure they are safe,” Drake tried to reassure Saxon, glancing down at his clawed hand, which was fisted, hidden from Nava. Controlling his other side had always been difficult, but now, it was near impossible with the threat of his woman being hunted.
Nava looked up at him then at Drake, smiling. “You know I’ve taken care of myself for the last year, well had a little help here and there. Anyway, did you know Storm has her own Boutique in town, Storm’s Creations? I’m so going to have to check it out. She even asked if I’d like to come help her out. Isn’t that exciting; I’ve never had a job,” she said as they stepped into the big room.
“Wow,” Nava whispered, staring up at the ceilings, scanning all around the stunning place. Stone walls and the stalagmite’s hanging from the ceiling seemed to sparkle in the room, which was always cool or heated when need to be. “This place is amazing. It’s all natural but beautiful like it was made for this room.” The last word trailed off as his little fire realized that everyone wasn’t staring at the room but at her.
She inched closer to him. There had to be close to a hundred men and a few women.
Within seconds, Darla came out of the crowd, as if sensing her nervousness, and moved to Nava, hugging her. “I can’t thank you enough for saving us both. Are you okay?” Darla asked, stepping into Drake’s arm, scanning Nava fr
om head to toe just to make sure.
“I’m fine. I even met a new friend, Storm. So, I call it a good day today.” She leaned forward. “But, please tell me I don’t need to meet every single one here. We’ll never get to go on our picnic,” Nava whispered.
“No, but they can hear you, daughter. Come, let me do the general introductions.” Drake held out his hand, and she looked up at Saxon, which, for some reason, gave him a sense of pride that Nava already trusted his judgment.
“Go on, I’ll be close,” Saxon said, giving her a kiss on the top of her head.
Matty stepped up to him as Saxon watched Drake and Darla take Nava to the middle of the room. “I’m glad Storm has taken a liking to Nava. I think both of them need a good friend, and I have a feeling they will be close.”
“You ever going to tell me what you did? Storm is furious. I’ve never seen her so pissed. You’re lucky you still have your balls.”
“I was a fool.” Matty ran his hand over his bald head. “Storm and I had one date over a month ago, and well, I didn’t see the connection, while she did.”
“Wait, weren’t you with...” Saxon shook his head and whistled. “Well shit, you’ll be lucky if she even looks at you. I mean come on, a human woman?” Saxon watched as Drake introduced his Nava to a few of his men. “And then, I can’t believe you were with Tangy after that. I mean come on, there is no comparison when it comes to Storm. What the hell were you thinking?” he said and reached back, smacking Matty on the head. “Storm deserves better than that,” Saxon growled, a little protective of the pixy who had chosen his mate as a confidant.
“Damn it, that hurt. Stop it. I wasn’t with them physically. A few dates to the movies and that is when I realized my mistake. But Storm and others, including you, saw us together and assumed the worst.” Matty glared at Saxon.
“Well, you do have a reputation with the ladies. What is everyone supposed to think?” he said, growling as he watched a man bow to Nava, taking her hand and kissing it. But what shocked him was when the man jumped back, slapping his palm over his lips and one to his balls as his clothes changed too and not for the better.
The man wore pants he had seen Matty fitted with and knew the stranger had done something to offend both of them, which had him and Matty moving forward. “What’s wrong?” Saxon growled, staring at the offending man as Saxon wrapped his arm around Nava and pulled her to his side.
Storm flew around his head, cussing at the man. “He told her she was lovely but didn’t know a Phoenix could be a little on the heavy side! The fuck head, like anyone would go out with his stupid, snobbish ass.” Storm chatted on, flying around so furious, she didn’t realize she had landed on Matty’s shoulder, subconsciously seeking Matty’s reassurance. It would seem the little pixy still needed Matty’s closeness like all mates do, even when furious at them.
“Easy there, my little sunshine,” Matty said, trying to calm Storm. “Why don’t you and my little sister go ask the chef if the lunch baskets are ready? That is if you will allow me to accompany you today without shocking anyone?” he grumbled.
At once, the little pixy jumped off his shoulder as if she was burned. “I’ll think about it. Come, Nava, this crowd is giving me a headache,” Storm said as little bits of electricity flew all around her, lighting her small form up. As soon as she and Nava started to move toward the kitchen, magic filled the air once more. Different colors could be seen everywhere. It would seem no one went unscathed by Storm in the room; each had some strange clothes on.
“Storm,” Drake growled, having everyone turn to stare at him. “Return them to normal, please. I will deal with those that offended,” Drake said, moving toward the man who had started all of this.
Even Saxon stepped away from the man as said man stepped back seeing the full force of Drake’s glare was enough to give any man or women nightmares.
“Go with Storm, little fire, and make sure there is plenty of food for us all,” Saxon encouraged, but once more, his woman surprised him, stepping in front of Drake.
“I’m sure he didn’t mean to say what he did, please. Let’s not hurt anyone. I don’t need that also on my head,” she said, and Saxon watched the play of emotion on Drake’s face.
Drake wrapped his arms around Nava and hugged her. “Relax, daughter, he will survive my thrashing. Now, go do as your mate requested. You four need to have some fun for the day. Tomorrow, we plan on getting your friend and the others free from that place, destroying it for good.” Drake pushed her toward the kitchen. “Oh, and Storm, take that shock thing off my son, please. I don’t like to get shocked touching my boy and certainly don’t need help in the other area,” Drake said, giving the pixy a stare, and if at all possible, Storm’s little face turned a little pink as she nodded to the man, and Saxon so wasn’t going to ask what Drake meant either.
Saxon watched as the women moved through the ring of people, all of them stepping out of their way as their clothes turned back to normal. But as soon as the door was closed, Drake was on said man, lifting him up into the air by the neck. “If you ever insult any of my children, I’ll personally wipe you and everything you love off the face of this earth.” He brought the man close to him and sank his fangs into his neck, feeding.
Darla moved to Drake’s side, placing her hand on his arm. “Drake, release Micro, we need him,” she said, calming the beast inside the man. Saxon had heard rumors that Drake was miraculous. Killing those that would even look at his family wrong, but it would seem his mate was the calm of the beast as Drake threw the man down. “You are lucky my daughter and wife are forgiving, but I’ll be watching.” Drake scanned the room. “Anyone else have anything to say?”
Saxon had to hide the grin as every man there bowed his head and stepped back.
“I apologize, my lord.” The man who had insulted his mate knelt before Drake, his head bowed to him. “My past pain has once more raised its ugly head. Maybe I woke too early; I don’t know, but please, forgive me.”
No one said anything while Drake glared at the man. “We each have had tough times, but you are old enough to know better and to watch what comes out of your mouth. Go home, Joby. Right now, I don’t want to have to worry about you around my family when we are dealing with a situation here. But you will hear from me soon enough.”
Drake looked at Saxon and his son. “Both of you go and have a good day. I plan on visiting those we captured.” Drake glanced toward the door behind them and shook his head. “Jane, will you please stop goosing my men?”
Saxon glanced over his shoulder, seeing said man glaring at Jane. “Fine, but if anyone else insults my granddaughter, I will not hesitate to show them the error of their way.”
Flask appeared behind Jane, wrapping his arms around her. “I see you haven’t had enough. Forgive me, gentlemen, while I take control of this young beauty here,” Flask said, lifting his head up and glancing at Saxon. “Take care of our girl, or you’ll answer to us,” he warned right before they disappeared.
Saxon frowned and spun around. “I swear if one more person warns me...” he grumbled.
“Welcome to the club,” Matty said, walking next to him.
Chapter Nine
Nava stared out at what appeared to be a window, but what she saw amazed her. Three different hallways, all carved out in the underground of New Mexico. Every day, hell, every second this town amazed her, but it wasn’t only the town, but the people in it. In her twenty-six years, she had only met a few people that had gone out of their way to help them, but here, it seemed it was the norm.
She looked over her shoulder and smiled as Storm flew around the chef’s head, talking to him as he put together their basket for their picnic. Nava knew Storm was nervous to be around Matty; hell, they were both nervous. Saxon was a man unto himself. Even when a man like Drake took control of things, Saxon stood his ground when a lesser man would have cringed.
“Storm, do you know if Saxon is still enlisted in the Marines?” Nava asked, moving towar
d them. “I mean, I can’t move again, and I know for a fact when you are in the service, you move all the time.” She reached over and popped an olive in her mouth.
Her little pixy frowned and tilted her head to the side. “I believe he did his time or service already and is just a recruiter now. But then, the way the outside world is, who knows when he could be called.” Storm shivered. “Just look at the nut case we have in the office now. It must be a requirement for politicians to lie. I swear, if it wouldn’t draw attention to our town, I’d give him a Pinocchio.”
“Oh my, that would be something, but then, his nose would fall off.” Nava laughed.
“Yes, that would be bad. Even I had similar thoughts, but mine was draining the pompous ass, but with my luck, his blood would give me heart burn,” Darla said, coming into the kitchen. “As for Saxon, his actual service has been up for the last five years but volunteered to run the office here in town.” Darla moved to her side, hugging her. “I’m really sorry about earlier. Micro has been hurt too many times. I’ve suggested to Drake that maybe it would be wise to have him come back to Magic. He needs to be able to relax and enjoy life for a few years. He keeps hoping to find his mate but looks in the wrong places. Plus, one can’t just pick out our mates. Like your man Saxon, we know when we find our chosen one.” Darla looked at Strom. “However, even men can be stupid and ignore the signs.”
Storm rolled her eyes. “He did more than ignoring the signs, and you know this. I’m sorry, Darla, but it’s going to take more time. I can’t trust him; he hasn’t earned that. Plus, well...” She looked around and moved a little closer. “I kind of have a date in a couple of weeks. My sister’s best friend is coming in from London, and I’ve promised to take him to the dance.”
“Oh dear, this is not going to go over—” The kitchen door slammed open, and Matty stood there, and even she stepped back, seeing the blood red in his eyes as his gaze settled on Storm.
Magic, New Mexico: Loving Phoenix (Kindle Worlds Novella) Page 5
