Dragon Reign: A Paranormal Love Tale

by Pressley James

  He slowed the vehicle as they approached.

  Even now, he was taken aback by the estate’s natural beauty, and especially under the moonlight’s glow, it was astoundingly breathtaking.

  The 250 acre private estate was an investor’s dream.

  A stunning plateau that also included miles of rolling hills...

  Striking perennials and annuals complemented the well-manicured green turf. In abundance, the landscape consisted of brightly mixed foliage while huge Georgian pines lined the estate’s edge. And of course, the Savannah River flowed freely on the estate’s eastern end.

  Pride surged through him.

  It was all his.

  He glanced down at their joined hands.

  Theirs…

  He peered through the front glass.

  Now, they were nearing the stately, southern-style plantation home.

  The imposing structure stared back at him across the wide expanse.

  A white, iron-wrought gate enclosed the entire area, and then, as if on cue, it opened once he reached it. Soundlessly, it closed back after he pulled through the twin pillar columns. Miniscule, wintry white roses lined the narrow drive on each side, creating a surreal atmosphere around them.

  As they neared, the mansion loomed larger, stating its presence within the dark wintry night. Against the moonlit backdrop, its stark white paint shone brilliantly while the light stain of other paints took on more life.

  Moments later, he circled around the extravagant water fountain, and then pulled to a stop before the mansion.

  He killed the engine.

  A quiet relief surged through him.

  Here he was…

  Back where everything began…

  His gaze swept over the stately home.

  The ivory-toned columns lined the front veranda, showcasing a sweeping grandeur entryway. The green velvet-felt lining still covered its floor, and surprisingly, lacked any evidence of wear or aging. Huge windows flanked the mansion on each floor, and the west wing on the third level held a wide-open terrace.

  And how often, during the early dawn, had he stood there contemplating his future or rather the lack of one?

  Shoving the nostalgia away, he pushed the door open before climbing out, and then moved to the passenger’s side. The moonlight danced across her face through the SUV’s window, and despite the disheveled bandage, she was breathtakingly beautiful.

  As he pulled her door open, the chill rushed past him into the vehicle.

  Finally, she showed signs of consciousness.

  “Where are we?” she yawned and straightened in the seat. “Are we out of the city?”

  “Foggy Hollow,” he said quickly, unsnapping her seatbelt, and then grabbed hold of her small hand. “Miles and miles away from civilization.”

  “Foggy Hollow?” she smiled. “Sounds kind of cryptic, don’t you think?”

  “It’s anything but, and as a matter of fact, its 250 acres of beautiful country.”

  “And soon, I’ll see how beautiful it is---everything,” she said hopefully, pulling the blanket closer around her as she climbed out. Then, she edged closer to him. “I’m freezing.”

  “Let’s get you out of the cold,” he muttered, remembering that she was still clad in the flimsy hospital gown. She followed behind him slowly as he pulled her along. Moments later, they were standing on the veranda. The keys rattled noisily as he inserted them into the key hole, and suddenly the door swung open.

  The silence echoed in the open foyer.

  He glanced around the huge area.

  Everything was exactly as he’d left it.

  Quickly, he flicked the lights on before dimming them to a soft glow. His gaze swept around the space again. In spite of his long hiatus, the estate was still impeccable and orderly.

  The four ceiling high windows were partially hidden by the burgundy drapes, but still they ushered in the moonlight. The mahogany table still stood against the wall, adorned with matching lamps with ivory jewel-studded shades. Spectacular, tear-shaped diamonds dangled from the glass chandeliers in the ceiling. The huge living area finally broadened, offering a series of stately rooms.

  He stared down into her upturned face.

  The mistress of his manor.

  “Is something wrong?” she prodded gently, inching closer to him. “You’ve gone quiet all of a sudden.”

  “It’s nothing,” he quipped, leading her further. “I’m just thinking of how exhausted you must be. I’m sure that the surgery and tonight’s events have taken their toll.”

  “Yes, you’re right,” she sighed, adjusting the blanket closer around her. “I just want to pretend that none of this ever happened.”

  “That makes two of us,” he added, nudging her in the right direction. “We’re going this way.”

  Their steps were soundless as they crossed the glossy marbled floor. Immediately, he made a sharp right before reaching the long winding staircase.

  He made the first step. “Go slow and watch your step.”

  “I can only imagine how beautiful this place is,” she admitted with a tiny smile and grasped the stair rail. But, it was evident that she was concentrating on the steps they took. “It makes me question why you would even leave here to begin with.”

  Because fate was driving me straight to you, my beautiful beloved, he mulled silently, staring down at her.

  He broke his troubled gaze away.

  Was he finally buying into the illusion, too?

  That they stood a chance…

  After reaching the landing, they headed right, and then stopped.

  “This is where you’ll sleep,” he informed her, shoving the door open. “And I’ll be in the adjoining bedroom. If you need anything, I’ll be close by.”

  “Ok,” she said breathlessly, nodding her head as they stepped inside. “As always, I appreciate your thoughtfulness. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  Hopefully, she never would, she mulled quietly.

  He closed the door behind them.

  As he led her to the bed, she counted each step.

  The huge four poster bed easily bore her weight as she sank down onto it.

  His long strides were nearly soundless as he crossed the room, and seconds later, she heard the dresser drawers as they slid open.

  She pulled the blanket around her snugly, but it wasn’t enough to chase away her cold chills. But, still, she sensed the warmth of his hard body as he stopped before her.

  “You okay?” he asked with concern.

  Shivering, she stood up. “I’m just so cold.”

  “Baby, come here.”

  She stepped into his waiting arms.

  As he hugged her close, his masculine rawness engulfed her.

  She shuddered uncontrollably.

  The feel of him was permanently etched in her memory.

  ……in her soul...

  In the past, she’d never understood the potency of passion or desire, and of course, back then, she’d been a methodical thinker.

  But now, standing here, so close to him…

  …aching in places that were forbidden…

  Temptation beckoned her.

  Dazed, she tightened her hold around his waist.

  It was all too clear now.

  Passion……

  ……surpassed all reasoning……

  “You need to get out of this,” he murmured huskily, his warm breath teasing her soft tresses. “Then, you’ll feel better.”

  To her disappointment, he pulled away.

  “A warm bath is what you need,” he insisted. “Unfortunately, the bathroom quarters on this wing aren’t as modernized. There’s an antique tub, but it---”

  “It’ll be just perfect,” she interrupted, laying her hands against his chest. She smiled tenderly. “This place has such an authentic touch. I like that. And it just seems so you, like it’s where you belong.”

  Warmth surged through her when his large hand covered hers.

 
; “I hate that you had to go through all this tonight. We had to hightail it out of there in a hurry. But, considering the circumstances---”

  “Stop,” she chastised gently. “We didn’t have a choice, did we? And now, we will make the best of our circumstances---together.” She dragged their entwined hands to her chest. “I can’t think of anyone else that I want to share so many adventures and misadventures with. We make a good team, don’t we?”

  “We do,” he admitted quietly, dropping her hand as he moved away.

  She missed their contact instantly.

  “Did you mean it---what you said earlier?” she prodded. “About not running away from us---”

  An uncomfortable silence lingered.

  “Nicole, you’ve had a long night,” he sighed heavily, journeying towards the dresser again. “Not to mention an emotionally draining day. So, right now, is probably not the best time to broach the subject. You need sleep---rest.”

  She nodded. “Of course,” she agreed with reluctance.

  This wasn’t the time to push him.

  At least not yet…

  “Here’s one of my shirts. It’s all that we have at the moment. Tomorrow, I’ll work on getting you something better to wear.”

  “Thank you,” she said softly, accepting the large shirt before hugging it close to her chest. “Which way is the bathroom?”

  “It’s to your right. Come on.”

  She tracked each step as she followed behind him.

  Finally, he pushed the bathroom door open.

  “Wait right here,” he ordered quietly.

  She sank down on the bathroom stool.

  A few seconds later, warm water rushed from the faucet into the tub, and soon steam rose in the room. A soft jasmine scent floated in the air, finally spreading to fill the entire space.

  The faucet’s handles squeaked slightly as he shut the water off.

  She stood up slowly.

  “The towels are lying on the settee by the tub,” he remarked, stopping before her. “If there’s anything else that you need---”

  “Xander, would you stop worrying? I’m going to be fine. Relax,” she chastised again, edging towards the tub slowly. Again, the jasmine wafted up her nostrils as she reached it, and a satisfying feeling filled her.

  She dropped the shirt onto the settee.

  “Would you mind waiting for me?” she asked shyly.

  “Wait for you?” he stammered uncomfortably. “I’m not sure if that’s a good---”

  “Not in here---in the bedroom,” she laughed gently. Then, boldness surged through her. “But, if you want to wait here until I finish, I won’t mind.”

  A thick tension filled the air.

  But, still it was heavily laden with wicked promises.

  “I’ll be in the bedroom,” he murmured quickly, clearing his throat. “I’m going to get a fire going. If you need anything, just call.”

  “I will,” she nodded, her face flushed.

  His steps were soundless as he reached the door.

  The door closed behind him quietly.

  She peeled the hospital gown off.

  After grasping the edge of the settee, she stepped into the tub. A sigh of satisfaction escaped her as she settled into the warm water. The water splashed against the tub as she shifted slightly before wiping the sponge along her skin.

  She paused.

  Why did she feel like she’d finally come home?

  Refreshed, many moments later, she closed the bathroom door behind her.

  The warm heat greeted her from the fireplace.

  “I’m finished,” she said, somewhat shyly. “Do you need to go next?”

  “I’ve already used the bath quarters in the other wing,” he said, and a new tension played in his voice. “So, I’m good.”

  “Oh,” she stammered nervously, clasping her hands together.

  “You okay?”

  “Y-yes,” she stammered again, taking a deep breath. “It’s just been a trying day.”

  The flannel shirt brushed against her knees as she crossed the room slowly. She sensed his presence instantly as she stopped alongside the bed. “And you were right. A warm bath was just what I needed.”

  “I think that’s a first,” he said with a quiet laugh and stood.

  Only mere inches separated them, and she could feel the pure heat radiating from his body straight to hers.

  “What?” she smiled easily.

  “You’re not giving me a hard time and just accepting my help.”

  “Maybe like you, I’m tired of making things difficult between us,” she replied shakily, stepping closer to him. “I just want to be with---”

  “Baby, you need to get some rest,” he said thickly, brushing her cheek with his thumb. “We don’t need to---”

  “For once, can’t we just accept things and not over-analyze them,” she interrupted, catching his wayward hand in hers. She trembled as he caressed hers lightly. “Can’t we just accept that right now, we want to be together?”

  “Nicole, if we take that fateful turn---”

  “What are you so afraid of?” she demanded, leaning into his caress. “We’re meant to be here together in this moment.” Again, she cursed the barrier of the bandage around her face. “Don’t you get it, Xander? Months ago, you and I, we met for a reason. It wasn’t chance. It was fate leading us.”

  “I’m not what you need---”

  “Would you please stop saying that!” she demanded impatiently, pushing away from him in frustration. “What is it that you think I need? You’re no better than Gates, trying to dictate who or what I want!” Her hands trembled as she grasped the front of his shirt. “I’m sick and tired of people claiming that they know me---that they know what’s best for me. I know what I want. I know what I need. And it’s you,” she insisted gently, sliding her hands up his broad chest. “Nothing or no one can change how I feel. There’s a connection between us that even I can’t explain. I love you, Xander.”

  “Nicole,” he rasped unsteadily, sagging down onto the bed, and then pulled her forward as he grasped her waist tightly. Her heartbeat thudded uncontrollably as hugged her close. His hot breath bathed her tingling flesh through the flannel.

  “Baby, I don’t want to hurt you.”

  “Please,” she said softly, bracing her hands against his shoulders, and pushed him back. “I don’t want you to fill my head with sweet promises or broken lies. I just want to know how you feel about me. Don’t you at least owe me that?”

  Again, she sensed his torment as his hold tightened, and she struggled to hold onto her own sanity.

  Her breath caught as he stood up again.

  Again, she was taken aback by their intimate closeness.

  Her hands dropped to his waist.

  Xander grasped her face between his large hands.

  “Baby, I---”

  “Just say it,” she murmured quietly, unshed tears filling her voice. “I need the truth. I need to know how you feel about---”

  His lips covered hers.

  At once, she was lost in a maelstrom of sensations as he explored her.

  Her mouth parted fully.

  Willingly, she accepted the invitation as his tongue surged in. Like a lasso, it tangled around hers, wringing maddeningly in a dangerous assault. She leaned into him weakly, her thoughts no longer her own, and she’d have died a thousand deaths if it meant staying in his arms.

  Several, breathtaking seconds later, they broke apart.

  “You make me feel things that are wondrous…spellbinding. It’s only your touch that I crave, that I want, that I need,” she said breathlessly. “And if I had a choice, I’d stay there in that special place with you…where we lose sense of everything but each other. But, our passion… it’s not the only rare precious gift that we have. These deep feelings we have…we can’t control them. In my heart, I know what we have is special.”

  “We can’t live off fantasies,” he said roughly. “We can only live with what�
��s real.”

  “It’s not a fantasy,” she whispered, clenching his shirt with a tight fist. “What we’re feeling is real---all of it. The hurt, pain, frustration, desire, our feelings…they’re all real, Xander.” A desperate twinge filled her tone. “Baby, it’s just the two of us here. We don’t have to run or hide anymore from what we feel or what we want. Take this chance with me. Don’t leave me here in this alone.”

  “I’m not what you need,” he said, and his words were laced with raw pain. “And I’d give anything to be that man---”

  “Please, don’t be afraid. You can’t hurt me. You won’t hurt me,” she cried softly, her words catching on a broken sob, and then she turned away from him. “I can’t do this anymore, Xander. I just can’t. It’s too hard. It’s too much.” Hurt surged through her as she faced him again. “If you don’t love me, I want you to say it. If I hear you say those ugly words, maybe I can then go on without---”

  “Do you want to know the truth? I love you,” he said painfully, hauling her close to him. “I have no right, but, I love you---more than you can even begin to understand.”

  “Say it again,” she demanded softly, her fingers digging into his chest. “I want to hear you say it again.”

  “I love you,” he said huskily. “I love you.”

  At his words, the happiness surged through her.

  Her lips quivered. “Xander---”

  “I’ve spent my entire life, not really having any sense of direction…unsure of what I wanted or needed---unsure about myself. And then, I met you,” he said thickly, framing her face in his hands again. “You gave me breath, and in that moment, I knew that I hadn’t been living, but just existing. You gave me life, Nicole.”

  Her tears slipped past the bandage.

  “Xander--”

  “No, I have to say this---I need to say this,” he rasped again. “You scare the hell out of me, did you know that? I’ve always prided myself on being in control. With you, I have none. It no longer matters.” Suddenly, he tensed. “But, there are things that you don’t know about me---”

  “No, I don’t care about those things,” she said defiantly, shaking her head. “If you have a past, we will deal with it. I don’t care what it---”

  “Don’t say that! It does matter,” he argued roughly, then gentled his tone. “If you knew the truth, it would only break your heart, and I’d die before I hurt you.”