Deceived by the Shifter

by Juniper Hart

  “Don’t you talk to me that way!” Cassie hollered at her daughter, jumping to her feet. “Everything is going wrong around you, and you’re blaming everyone else. You have to stop and ask yourself if you are the problem. There has to be a reason that no one wants you two together.”

  “They are all judgmental assholes!” Daisy yelled right back.

  “Are they? Or are they looking out for their best interest and yours?” her mother asked.

  Daisy felt herself on the verge of hyperventilating. What if her mother was right? She had always been a voice of reason for her, but it was impossible to tell since Forrest had been getting into her head.

  “I have to go,” Daisy whispered, darting to the kitchen.

  “Where are you going? Daisy get back here. Let’s talk this out,” Cassie called after her, but Daisy was gone.

  She ran through the backyard and quickly got through the back gate. Making her way into the small wooded area behind the house, she was out of sight before getting her phone out. Her finger hovered over Nyle’s contact. Should she call him? What was stopping her from hitting the call button? Instead, Daisy called a taxi.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Nyle didn’t stop pacing the halls, unable to keep still while he was away from her. Something didn’t feel right, but he didn’t know what it was. She was just at her mother’s house. Surely, she would only stay for a couple of hours and come back feeling better. Daisy just needed some time away from all the pressure, and it was understandable. She was raised as a human her entire life and was days away from becoming queen of a kingdom of dragons that she believed despised her. If only she understood how serious Thalydias’s decrees were, no one would dare disrespect them. Except, of course, for his sister. Oh, how he longed to ring Maylei’s little neck.

  Hours ticked by. With each moment that passed, Nyle’s nerves frayed more and more. What if Forrest had been there and told her more lies? Or even worse, what if Forrest had managed to kidnap her?

  Just when he felt he couldn’t take her absence any longer, his phone rang. He was so excited, he didn’t bother to glance at the caller ID before answering the call.

  “Hey, are you okay?”

  “What?” a male voice said.

  Nyle’s brow creased, peeling the phone back to look at the number. It was one of the palace drivers.

  “Sorry, I thought it was someone else. What’s going on?” he asked.

  “Is Miss Maddow spending the night at her mother’s? She didn’t say anything about it, and I haven’t seen her. Her mother even left the house a while ago.”

  Anxiety choked Nyle. What if something had happened to her? Daisy was extremely courteous, especially when it came to his staff. The uneasy feeling in his stomach grew exponentially.

  “Don’t move. Keep an eye on the house. I’ll be right there.”

  Nyle hung up the phone and ran as fast as he could out of the palace. He wished he could just fly there, knowing it would be much quicker, but he knew better than to draw attention to himself. Jumping into his fastest car, the tires squealed as he gunned it down the driveway, not bothering with the standard safety precautions. When he pulled onto the main road, he recklessly weaved between cars to get down the street as fast as possible.

  He made record time on his trip into the city. When he got stuck behind traffic, Nyle punched his steering wheel wildly, his horn blaring each time his hand collided with it. Nyle was practically crawling out his skin, the forty-five-mile-an-hour zones felt as if they were specifically put in place to torture his soul.

  When he finally approached Cassie’s house, he noticed Cassie’s car pulling into the driveway. Throwing his car into park, he jumped from the car.

  “Where is Daisy?” he yelled over to Cassie as he jogged over to her.

  Cassie turned in surprise and took a couple of steps back. What was that about?

  “I thought she ran off to be with you,” she replied.

  “She ran off?” he questioned.

  She nodded, “We had an argument, and she bolted out the back door.”

  Nyle was momentarily dazed by anger. “And you didn’t think to go after her?” he snapped.

  “She was mad. I thought she needed time to cool off,” Cassie replied defensively.

  “What did you fight about?” Nyle asked, taking a few more steps toward her.

  She backed up with every step he took. His eyes narrowed. Something was definitely up.

  “About you,” Cassie said coldly.

  “What about me?”

  She averted her eyes, awkwardly shuffling the shopping bag she had in her arms. “I don’t think you two should be together, and she didn’t want to hear it.”

  “Why shouldn’t Daisy and I be together? We’re in love.”

  “Haven’t you ever heard the phrase ‘if you love something, set it free’? That’s exactly what you should do,” Cassie snapped, finally marching toward her house.

  “Forrest got into your head, didn’t he?” Nyle scoffed.

  “You can’t blame Forrest. He told me about who you and your family really are. I’d be a terrible mother to encourage my daughter to be with a monster like you,” Cassie hissed.

  “You don’t know whether the things he told you are true or just words to get you wrapped around his little finger. You’re playing right into his hand. He and the Elementals are the ones that should frighten you.”

  “Pretty sure they didn’t lock up some poor girl and throw away the key, just because she was going to tell people that you and Daisy were together. And I also heard that you hit that woman,” Cassie snapped. “That’s just sick that you would put your hands on a woman. How could I encourage her to be with you after knowing that?”

  Nyle’s jaw dropped. How did Cassie know about Mylora? More importantly, how did Forrest? His mind raced with possibilities. Had Forrest been colluding with Mylora? How did he know she was locked up instead of dead? Something wasn’t right about that, and Nyle was going to get to the bottom of it. First, he had to find Daisy.

  “You wouldn’t think Mylora was a ‘poor girl’ if you knew what she did to your daughter.”

  “What do you mean?” asked Cassie.

  “I don’t have time for this, Cassie. Mylora is far from innocent, and that is a fact.”

  As Cassie went to unlock her door, Nyle spoke, “Do you at least know where she went?”

  “Like I said, I thought she was going to you. Maybe she gathered some sense and is running far, far away.” She slammed the door.

  Nyle stumbled backward, a hand to his forehead. Where could she possibly be? It was then he realized that in all his panic, he had not even tried to call her. Shaking his head, he reached for his phone and dialed her number. Before he could even put the phone to his ear, he heard the call go straight to voicemail. What if Cassie’s disapproval had been a final straw for Daisy? Nyle was on the verge of tears as he made his way over to his car. He waved at the driver who was still sat waiting, to let him know he could leave.

  Climbing into the driver seat, he rested his head on the steering wheel. Where could she have possibly gone? She didn’t have many close friends, so he didn’t think it was likely that she was at someone else’s house. His mind tortured itself with thoughts of the last time she had snuck away from him and ended up in Mylora’s clutches.

  “Think, Nyle, think,” he mumbled to himself, tapping his forehead against the wheel.

  Daisy said she wasn’t leaving him right before she left, and she also said she loved him. She didn’t lie to him; she was a terrible liar. She had said she wanted to get away from the drama, and since her mom had only made things worse, she had to be headed somewhere to be completely secluded.

  With that thought in mind, Nyle opened his phone and logged into his bank account. When they moved to Virginia together, he had set her up with her own accounts and credit cards. He never wanted her to have to ask for money.

  Luckily for him, his family owned the bank. With one quick call,
he was able to get the details about her last transactions.

  “Looks like the last three purchases, from oldest to newest, was a taxi, a purchase at a Starbucks, and a plane ticket purchased at JFK Airport. Is everything okay, Mr. Flamme? Has there been a breach of your account?”

  A plane ticket? Tears stung his eyes.

  “No. Thank you for your help. Those were my purchases.”

  He hung up the phone. Where could she have gone? What if she was never coming back? His entire body ached with worry. As he thought over the information the banker had told him, a sudden parallel was made. He knew exactly where she was. Nyle placed another call. As soon as the other end picked up, he ordered.

  “Get the jet ready. I want to leave as soon as I get there.”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Daisy didn’t walk through the door of her home in Virginia until almost midnight. She was emotionally and physically drained, but even just two steps inside, and she felt at ease. Memories of Nyle came flooding back. Everything had been so perfect. Every day was filled with smiles and laughter. She made her way up the spiral staircase, taking in the beautiful architecture of the home. Beautiful, polished logs acted as support beams with walls constructed from logs and stone. The home was serene and cozy, completely out of touch with everything around them. Just the way she liked it.

  She walked to their bedroom, shuffled over to the massive bed, and curled into the light gray duvet. Daisy cried so much that day that she had no tears left. Her body ached for sleep, yet her mind was restless. Her eyes went to the glass wall, taking in the beautiful view of the night sky and the silhouette of the dense forest that surrounded the house. Nyle and Daisy had spent countless nights lying in bed cuddling, taking in that same view while they chatted happily about their future together.

  She wished with all her heart that they could be taken back to those days. Her heart couldn’t handle that so many people wanted them to end their relationship. They were good people, and yet everyone seemed disillusioned to that. She cuddled into the pillows. The scent of Nyle’s shampoo filled her nose, which brought her comfort and pain at the same time. Without thinking, she hugged it to her. She wasn’t used to sleeping without him.

  Then, she paused, realizing she was doing the exact thing Asalei had been doing after her husband’s death. Her cheek pressed to the pillow, clutching it. The loneliness started to crush her, unable to get her mind off Nyle. Reaching onto her nightstand, she grabbed the stereo remote and turned on some music, hoping that it would help her drown out her thoughts.

  Daisy finally passed out. Her dreams were the perfect escape. She dreamt of Nyle and being together on his yacht off the coast of Florida. They laid on a couple’s lounge chair, her head resting on his shoulder. She could feel the warmth of the sun and hear the ocean waves. They talked light-heartedly about nothing in particular. He combed his fingers through her hair. It was simple and peaceful, her mind finally easing after so much chaos.

  As she slept, Daisy’s back grew warmer. She cuddled into the warmth instinctively. Then, she felt fingers gliding down her arm. At first, she thought she was dreaming, but slowly she became more aware of her body and could feel the touch. Daisy’s eyes fluttered open, her head turning to see a familiar pale face peering down at her.

  Nyle’s honey eyes were glossed with tears as he looked at her.

  “You scared the shit out of me,” he breathed, a couple tears falling from his eyes. “I thought something had happened to you. I didn’t know if the Elementals or someone got to you.”

  Daisy was riddled with guilt, frowning deeply as she reached to stroke his cheek. “I’m sorry. I panicked. I didn’t know what else to do.”

  “You should have called me.”

  “You would have tried to get me to stay,” she rebutted and shook her head. “I had to get away, Nyle. Your sister, my mom, your mom…”

  “I know,” he sighed. “I wish they all would have just stayed quiet.”

  “What if they’re right?” she asked.

  “They aren’t,” Nyle stated plainly.

  “You don’t know for sure,” Daisy insisted. “Because it feels like the odds are all stacked against us, Nyle. No one other than Evryn approves.”

  “That’s not true. My father did,” Nyle pressed. “I know you don’t understand our culture yet, but decrees are strict laws. They aren’t taken lightly. Even traditionalists will honor our union because they respect the ruling of a king.” His index finger traced her cheekbone. “I’d never let anyone hurt you, Daisy. Ever.”

  “That’s another problem,” she groaned. “I don’t want you to die because of me. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.”

  “What are you saying? That if we get married, I’m going to die? Why would you think that?”

  “Because it’s a possibility, Nyle, and it terrifies me,” she explained, her eyes filling with tears.

  “Hey, hey, don’t cry,” Nyle cooed, bringing her into his chest.

  Nyle held Daisy as she wept. Tears rolled down her cheeks, her shoulders shaking as she cried. “Can’t we just stay here? Can’t we just give up the kingdom?”

  “I wish we could, baby,” he breathed out, his voice gripped with anguish. “I made a promise to my dad, though, and I don’t plan to break it. I know that this is a lot to ask of you, and it doesn’t seem fair, but I need you to trust me, okay? Put your trust in us, and know that no matter what happens, we will be together. We will be safe. Just bear with me a little while longer. If we aren’t going to stay king and queen, then I have to at least prepare the kingdom for a new ruler. If I abandon it, it will fall into anarchy and put my mother and sisters in danger. I can’t do that to my family. When things get settled, we can step down and spend the rest of our days here if that is what you want.”

  Daisy knew he was right. He had promised his father and knew just how much it meant to him. Maybe she was being ridiculous. Nobody had even threatened them. In fact, most people had treated her with respect since their return—except for his family. The entire palace staff were working diligently to ensure the wedding was a grand affair. Surely if they had a problem with it, she would be able to detect their reluctance, even if they didn’t verbalize their disapproval. Yet, they didn’t.

  When a couple of minutes went by and she hadn’t replied to him, Nyle moved her back from his chest and looked down at her.

  “I’ll be fully honest with you. As royalty, there is always a possibility of danger. I’m a high-priced target. Even if the kingdom were to fall to another Royal family, Elementals and even some Royals would be willing to hunt us down to make some kind of statement or to get revenge. You’re a target as well. Nobody has even known a dragon hybrid, and it’s possible that they might want you dead because of it. I just don’t want to live my life in fear. Do you? We need to stand strong and prove them wrong, as well as show them that together, we are a strong force. You will be an amazing ruler, and I would be unbelievably honored to call you my queen. Like you told my mother, I would rather love and cherish you for as long as I can, than to never have love at all.”

  Daisy melted at his words, knowing by the look in his eyes that he was as sincere as he could be. They really couldn’t escape danger altogether. His words managed to lift her spirits, feeling a glimmer of hope for the first time since it had all began. Maybe they would be great rulers.

  “You must think I’m such a mess,” she mumbled, hiding her face in his shoulder.

  Nyle forced her back to look her in the eye. “I don’t think that at all. You’re stronger than anyone else would have been in your situation. Honestly, I’m surprised you held to your sanity as long as you have.”

  She cracked a smile. “I have to admit, it’s been pretty tough at times.”

  “I bet so,” Nyle chuckled softly. “So, what do you say, will you come back with me?”

  Daisy nodded. “Do you think we can stay here until the wedding?”

  Nyle thought about it for a moment, but then
nodded. “Yes, of course we can. It’s only a couple days. They can manage without me.”

  Relief washed over her, and she embraced him tightly.

  “I love you,” she said, her voice muffled by his warm chest.

  His hand ran down her back, “I love you too, Daisy Doll.”

  Nyle’s fingers then trailed down her spine, tingles left in the wake of his light touch. Her hand rubbed against his chest and slowly stroked down his stomach. His other hand brushed her hair behind her ear, exposing one side of her face. Leaning down, he kissed her cheek sweetly. A new energy dominated the air around them.

  Daisy lifted her head, peering up into his honey eyes. She leaned in then and kissed him feverishly. Nyle’s hands explored her body eagerly, taking in every dip and curve. Her hands were already on his pants button, unfastening them.

  In a sudden move, Nyle was on top of her. They never could keep their hands off one another when emotions ran high, and this moment was no exception. Their lips continued to move in a perfect rhythm, lust filling Daisy’s entire body. Every touch drove her senses wild, her body craving his. He pulled open her shirt, buttons flying in every direction.

  Daisy giggled against his lips, “Will there ever be a time you don’t ruin my clothes?” she asked.

  “I’ll buy you more,” he said, kissing her again as he pulled down the shorts she wore. As he peppered her collarbone with kisses, his hands reached around her back and unhooked her bra, leaving her in just her panties. Nyle trailed kisses down her torso, sucking and licking the spots he knew turned her on. She squirmed with anticipation as he made his way to her hips. He hooked a finger into one of the leg holes and pulled the fabric to the side.

  His warm, wet tongue dragged along her sex, making her entire body tremble. Nyle’s large hands massaged her thighs as he held them apart, continuing to lick her sex in slow, repetitive motions. When her pelvis bucked into him, Nyle pushed the tip of his tongue inside of her. Daisy gasped loudly, having to force herself not to squirm from the pleasure. He swirled his tongue and pushed it in as far as he could, grazing her swollen walls with precision. Her sex screamed for more, completely lost in the eroticism.