Breene was so hard and hungry for her. Last night had been incredible, unbelievable and unreal. Simone had opened her eyes at the sound of Breene's phone beeping insistently, convinced that she'd just had the most amazing dream of her life. But when she found herself sprawled across Breene's magnificent, muscular body, she just couldn't contain that delirious, exultant giggle.
Last night did happen. Breene had made love to her, and he had claimed her. His mate, he said.
She couldn't quite believe it.
Was she truly the mate of a dragon?
They did feel so perfect together, and she did want him with a ferocity which scared her a little.
Simone stood at the edge of the curb and watched Breene's car until it was out of sight. How could she feel so much, so deeply for a man she had just met?
Simone tried to order her thoughts as she stared at the rows of shops behind her. She'd wanted to come to town to do some shopping for Kerry, Tia and Corinne. She knew that there were some toy stores here that still sold beautiful, handcrafted toys and she wanted to get them for her goddaughter.
Simone dug out her phone from her bag and dialed Kerry's number as she strolled down the street. She hadn't felt so happy and relaxed for a long time. But was she falling too hard and too fast?
She hoped that her best friend would be the voice of reason for her. And Kerry was mated to a wolf shifter. Did Kerry experience all these explosive, intense, powerful feelings when she met Nathan?
Kerry answered on the third ring. “Hey Simone! How's everything?” Kerry asked breathlessly.
Simone could hear Corrine babbling happily in the background. “Hi, Kerry. Ah I can hear Corinne. She's up bright and early today,” Simone said, chuckling.
“Yeah. She woke up and started calling out for you. I think she misses you,” Kerry said. “There, can you hear her?”
Simone could hear Corrine's high-pitched voice chanting, “Gogo, Gogo, Gogo!”
Simone pressed her hand to her mouth. “Oh, I miss her too! I miss you guys so much!”
“Wait, I'll let you speak to Corinne. She'll be thrilled to hear your voice!” Kerry said.
“Gogo!” Corinne squealed into the phone.
“Hello, sweetheart,” Simone cooed to the toddler. “Gogo is in Redrock Valley now, but Gogo is missing you like crazy!”
“Gogo, come!” Corinne cried happily.
“Yes, Gogo is coming home soon.” Simone laughed as the little girl made sounds of protest. Kerry shushed her daughter and came back on the line. “So, are you having fun, girl?” She could hear the smile in Kerry's voice. “You sound happy.”
“I am happy. I...”
“You met a man. A good man,” Kerry stated. It wasn't even a question. Her best friend did know her very well indeed. Perhaps better than she knew herself.
“I...did.”
“Simone!” There were shrieks and giggles, and Simone could just picture Kerry jumping up and down with the baby.
“Okay, okay, I've got to calm down,” Kerry said and Simone could almost hear her friend flapping her hand. “I just fed Corinne her breakfast and I don't want her to throw up all over me.” A spoon began to bang in time to a children's song. “Nathan just switched on the TV for Corinne,” Kerry said and she heard the unmistakable sound of a loud kiss. Kerry stifled a giggle and said, “Nathan said hi. He just left for work.”
Simone smiled. “Say hi to Nathan for me too.”
“Okay, Corinne is happily settled in front of the TV. Now we can talk,” Kerry said. “So talk, Simone, talk to me! I'm dying here. Tell me everything!”
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Simone couldn't help laughing as she listened to Kerry's whoops and cheers over the line. She had told her best friend everything that had happened to her since she drove into Redrock Valley.
“This is destiny, Simone,” Kerry said. “It's meant to be! The guy crashed right into your life. Or rather, you crashed into him.”
“I...” Simone began.
“What I'm saying is, don't fight it,” Kerry rushed on. “It's destiny, fate, kismet! You are home, Simone!”
“But...I have a life in the city. I have good friends. I have you guys...”
“And we will always be here,” Kerry said firmly. “We will always be here for you, Simone. You are Corinne's godmother. You will always be in her life, in our lives. As we will be in yours. Redrock Valley isn't that far from the city. We'll visit often, you know that.” Kerry paused and said softly, “When I first met Nathan, I was scared of how much I wanted him. I didn't dare acknowledge my own feelings. I had never felt that way before. It was frightening, thrilling, but deep inside, I knew. I knew all along, that he was mine.”
Simone took a deep, shuddering breath as Kerry said, “You know, don't you?”
“Yes,” Simone said with conviction. “I know that Breene is mine.”
“Oh Simone! I am so happy for you! Gosh, I'm tearing up, silly old me!” Kerry exclaimed.
Simone blinked back her own tears. Kerry was such an amazing friend, and her friend's genuine joy was infectious. She was glad that she had confided in Kerry, and let Kerry share in her happiness. Kerry was right. They would forever be in each other's lives. Wherever they may be.
And now that she was mated to a dragon, well, flying sounded like a swell way to travel…
“Okay, Corinne is fussing now. I think she needs a nap,” Kerry said. “We'll talk again, okay?”
“Okay. Give Corinne a big kiss for me.”
Kerry laughed delightedly. “Please give Breene our love and best regards. We can't wait to meet him!”
Simone stuffed her phone back in her bag and looked around with a big smile on her face. She had been walking down the street as she talked on the phone, and she was now standing in front of Dr. Emerson's clinic.
There didn't seem to be any patients in the waiting room, so she decided to just pop in and have a chat with her old doctor.
Simone walked into the clinic and called out, “Hello? Is the doctor in?”
The nurse looked up from the reception counter and stood up. “Yes. Dr. Emerson is in. Do you have an appointment?”
Simone smiled at the young nurse. “No, I'm here to see Dr. Emerson, as a friend. My name is Simone Dixon.”
“Oh. I'll let the doctor know. Please take a seat, Miss Dixon.”
The nurse popped into the consultation room and was out in half a minute. “Go right in,” she said cheerfully to Simone. “The doctor will see you now.”
Simone knocked on the door and entered. “Hi, Dr. Emerson.”
Dr. Emerson blinked up at her. “Hi, Simone,” he said and stumbled as he tried to stand.
“Dr. Emerson!” Simone rushed to help him. “Are you okay?”
The doctor shook his head. “I...yeah.” Turning his grimace into a smile, Dr. Emerson asked, “So, how was the ball last night? Did you all enjoy a fairytale wedding up at the castle?”
Simone frowned. “Last night? You were there last night, Dr. Emerson.”
“No I wasn't.”
“You were. I...I talked to you.”
“Couldn't have been me,” the doctor huffed. “I was in bed.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
“What? I don't understand...” Simone stuttered.
Dr. Emerson pursed his lips, looking both embarrassed and annoyed at himself. “It must have been a bug. Or perhaps it was something I ate or drank,” he mumbled.
“You weren't feeling well last night…?” Simone asked softly.
The frown deepened on the doctor's face. “The last thing I remember clearly was deciding which tie to wear. I was dressing up, getting ready for the ball when I felt really tired all of a sudden. So I thought I'd just lie down for a while. I sat down at the edge of my bed...and I must have fallen asleep. When I next opened my eyes, it was morning. I had slept through the whole party!”
“You...” Simone felt her throat constrict, and she had trouble breathing and getting the words o
ut.
Dr. Emerson was shaking his head. “This has never happened to me before...”
A chill skittered down Simone's spine and she clenched and unclenched her clammy fists.
Dr. Emerson peered at her. “You're looking a little pale, Simone. Are you not feeling too well? Ah, the long drive from the city must have exhausted you. Shall I ask Nurse Joyce to pass you a bottle of vitamins?”
“No, no, thank you, Dr. Emerson.” Simone managed a weak smile. “I'm fine. I just...” She took a deep breath and looked him squarely in the eye. “Are you absolutely sure that you weren't at the ball last night, Dr. Emerson? Because I don't think I had that much to drink...in fact, I don't think I'd even had my first drink when I spoke with you...”
“What are you talking about, Simone?” Dr. Emerson looked concerned.
“Were you or were you not at the castle last night, Dr. Emerson?” Simone asked.
The doctor saw that Simone wasn't asking the question in jest. The serious, worried expression on her face had him worried too.
“Much as I wanted to attend Teresa and William's wedding celebrations, I failed to make an appearance at the castle,” Dr. Emerson answered. “I felt unwell, and I fell asleep. Imagine my surprise when I woke up in my bed and found myself dressed in my best suit!”
Dr. Emerson looked down and sighed sadly. “My father had Alzheimer's. I may be showing the same symptoms. This could be the beginning...”
“No. Dr. Emerson,” Simone said, covering his wrinkled, capable hand with hers. “I am no doctor, but I...I don't think your memory is faulty.”
She grimaced. “I think I made a mistake. I remembered wrongly. It's my fault, and I am so sorry to cause you alarm and distress. Please don't take my words to heart.”
He smiled kindly at her. “I'm an old man. Age is catching up with me...”
“You are sharp as a whip, Dr. Emerson,” Simone said firmly. “You're the best doctor.”
Simone chewed her lower lip as she tried to remember the details of the ball. She did talk to someone who looked a lot like Dr. Emerson, but...there was something in those eyes. Simone studied Dr. Emerson's soft brown eyes behind his glasses and gasped.
Those eyes that had stared at her with no warmth and feeling whatsoever had hints of violet in them. Yes, she was quite sure. The image of those cold, contemptuous eyes flashed in her mind. Those eyes were ringed with violet, and...that...that imposter wasn't wearing glasses.
Why didn't she notice all that last night?
Simone dug her nails into her palm and forced herself back to the present. Dr. Emerson was still chattering about the wedding as he booted up his computer. “Everyone was talking about the ball this morning. I'm so sorry I missed it.” He sighed. “I sure hope that there will be another chance for me to visit the castle.”
The good doctor gave Simone a meaningful look and a wink. “Maybe Breene will invite the whole town up to his castle again, eh?” he added hopefully. “For his own wedding perhaps?”
CHAPTER THIRTY
After leaving Dr. Emerson's clinic, Simone went to a toy store and browsed around. Just looking at all the lovely toys on the shelves lightened her mood considerably. There were so many toys to choose from.
“This is adorable,” Simone exclaimed when the salesperson showed her a stuffed toy. It was a cute little wolf pup with a ribbon behind its ear. “Corinne will love this!”
“And the little girl is a werewolf too,” a deep voice said behind her.
Simone turned around and grinned. Breene had just sneaked up behind her and slid his arms around her waist.
“Yes she is,” Simone murmured as Breene nuzzled her neck. She could feel her cheeks coloring as she glanced at the salesperson who was standing at a discreet distance away from them.
“Breene,” she hissed, trying to push him away but he only tightened his hold on her.
The salesperson patted her pregnant belly and watched them with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. Finally, the lady stepped forward and cleared her throat. “Are you, um, buying the toy for your...baby, Mr Magnus?” Her eyes darted to Simone's belly.
“No,” Simone and Breene answered together. Simone's shout effectively drowned out Breene's chuckle.
The saleslady raised a brow and gave a knowing smile. “I understand.”
“You're Donald's wife, right?” Breene grinned at the saleslady.
“Yes. My husband...”
“...is one of my most talented architects!” Breene finished for her.
“Oh, thank you, Mr Magnus! Can I show you the latest collection of toys for...your little one?” she gushed. “This toy drum set just came in and...”
“I'll take it!” Breene said.
Simone saw the gleeful look on the woman's face and groaned inwardly. Denials were futile. The woman had already formed her own conclusion, and she was feeling pleased and proud that she had figured out their little secret.
Simone had no doubt that she would soon be receiving questions and congratulations from the townsfolk. “I'm not pregnant,” she said quickly.
“I understand,” the woman said and gave her a conspiratorial wink. Your secret is safe with me.
Simone glared at Breene and whispered, “This is all your fault.”
“My fault?” He pressed a hand to his heart.
“Yes!”
He grinned and Simone saw that the saleslady was grinning too. She had overheard their conversation, and she was now more convinced than ever that her theory was right.
Simone put the stuffed toy and a puzzle on the counter and said, “Could you wrap them up for me, please?”
“Of course!”
“They are gifts, for a friend,” she tried to explain.
“Of course they are,” the woman answered with a warm smile.
Simone shot Breene a look over her shoulder as the saleslady began to wrap up the toys. “How did you know where to find me?” Simone said. “I thought you'd be busy in your office the whole day.”
“I took care of things quickly, and decided to do some shopping. I was just at the jeweler down the street,” he replied and dug into his pocket.
“Oh, what...”
“I got this,” he said, whipping out a beautiful velvet box.
Simone stopped breathing when he opened the box and showed her a dazzling diamond ring. “Do you like it?” Breene asked anxiously. “I spent a long time choosing...”
“Breene,” she whispered.
Simone heard a gasp. She glanced back to see the saleslady pressing both hands to her mouth and staring at them with happy tears in her eyes. “Say yes,” she whispered to Simone. “Oh my goodness...”
Simone was too stunned to do anything as Breene slipped the sparkler onto her ring finger. With a broad smile, Breene paid for all the purchases and took the packages from the woman.
Simone recovered just as Breene was ushering her out the door of the toy store. She looked back to see the woman speaking excitedly on the phone.
Oh dear, now rumors were going to spread like wildfire...
“Breene, I can't...” Simone began, tugging at the ring.
“It's yours,” he said with a note of finality.
“I...” she stammered as he bundled her into the car which was parked just across the street.
Breene leaned in and silenced her with a kiss. “You are my mate, Simone. I am going to be showering you with many more gifts.”
Mate.
Simone touched her trembling fingers to her lips as Breene started the car.
Was she already mated to Breene? Sure, they'd had sex and it was the best sex she'd ever had. But was that...mating sex?
“Breene...” She turned to face him. “Are we...mated?”
“Yes.” The way he looked at her was turning her body into a quivering puddle of desire. Simone bit her lip hard, determined to keep a clear head.
“You claimed me...last night?” she stuttered. “It wasn't just sex...”
“No, sex wi
th you will never be just sex, Simone,” Breene said in a low voice. “The bond we share is unbreakable and undeniable. You are a part of me, and I have given you a part of my dragon...”
“Y-your dragon?” she squeaked.
“Yes. I claimed and marked you with my dragon fire. You are a dragon's mate. My mate.”
“Am I...a dragon now?” she whispered, her eyes widening.
“No.” Breene touched her cheek tenderly. “You are still human. But your lifespan will now match mine. A dragon and his mate can live for centuries.”
She took some time to process his words. “So I'm going to become a very, very, very old woman,” she said at last.
Breene laughed. “Yes and no. Your aging will slow down. So you'll be a very young old woman.”
She stared at the diamond ring on her finger. “Mated...to a dragon,” she whispered to herself. “Am I dreaming?”
“That's the question I asked myself this morning,” Breene said softly. “I have dreamed of finding my mate for so long. But as the years passed, that dream faded. If a dragon fails to find his mate, he will gradually lose his strength and will to live. My dragon will become dormant, and I will lose my ability to shift. When that happens, I will start to weaken and age rapidly.”
“You will die,” she said in a pained whisper.
Breene laced his fingers through hers. “But I found you. We will have many, many happy years ahead of us, Simone.” He kissed her knuckles and whispered, “I love you.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Breene sped up the long driveway to his castle and watched the tall castle gates swing shut in his rear view mirror. Once he cut the engine, he got out of the car and strode over to the passenger side to open the door for Simone.
Before she could protest, he carried her in his arms and hurried into the castle.
“I can walk, you know,” she cried, laughing.
“Are you hungry?” Breene asked, walking towards the kitchen. “I thought I should feed you before...”
“Before what?”
The Dragon Tycoon's Bride: Billionaire Shifter Paranormal Romance Page 8
