Slowly, cautiously, she touched her fingers to his leg. His warmth surprised her, although it shouldn’t considering the way dragons spewed fire. “You’re warm. I thought you’d feel more like a reptile.” She ventured farther placing both palms on him. “But instead you scales are more like my leather jacket. Soft and smooth. Nice.”
She climbed onto his back, using the spines to hold on to and steady her. He stood and waited. “I’m ready when you are,” she said.
“Good. Hang on tight.”
He opened his enormous wings—he must have had them tucked in before because she hadn’t noticed them—and with one massive thrust of muscular force, he shot into the air, soaring high above the trees. The lights of Nocturne Falls grew smaller and twinkled.
His home must have been fairly close. No sooner had they gone up when he began to descend. He landed gracefully, his spectacular wings setting them on what appeared to be a driveway. She scampered down off of him. By the time she got her balance, he’d transformed back into his human self—clothes and all.
“That was fun,” she said, pushing her windblown hair from her face. She took a few unsteady steps, walking right into him. He wrapped strong arms around her, holding her steady. She gazed into his gorgeous red, glowing eyes—eyes as vibrant as a dancing fire. She could see the dragon in them. Slowly, they changed to the color of dwindling embers, and soon calmed to a sooty brownish gray.
He drew her closer until her lips were inches from his. They shared the same air, the same space, the same moment in time. He tipped his head and brushed his lips over her mouth, lightly tasting her. On a sigh, she opened her mouth a little wider, and he deepened the kiss, dipping his tongue in to play with hers.
Waves of heat curled off his shoulders. He was making her sizzling hot—both from the heat of his body so close to hers and from the flames igniting inside her tummy.
He abruptly released her, then gave a wicked smile. “Yeah, very enjoyable. We’ll have to do it again.”
By the gleam in his eyes, she wasn’t sure if he was referring to the ride or the kiss. But she’d take either.
He motioned with his palm toward the dwelling. “I had the studio added on to the house. It’s a separate detached building connected by an enclosed breezeway.”
Golden light glowed from a few windows. As they got closer, even in the moon rays, she could make out the way trees had been accommodated in the decking and a gigantic, smooth, flat rock was positioned right off the porch, as if the structure was formed around its natural surroundings. Erika appreciated the design. She’d love to see it in daylight.
“You have an awesome place,” she said softly.
“Thank you.”
At the entrance to the studio, he punched a code into an electronic lock, the door opened with a click, and he ushered her inside. It was a large room, with storage areas along the walls that held all sorts of tools. There seemed to be different work stations with metal tables. The roar of the furnace could be heard coming from the back of the room.
He seemed to follow her gaze. “The furnace burns year-round,” he said.
“This is a pretty big space.” Glass decorative vases of all shapes and sizes, as well as smaller glass art pieces, were exhibited on shelves. She moved closer to the display. “You are very talented.”
“Thanks.”
“Can you show me how it’s done?”
He paused, then nodded. “I guess I can make a vase or something.”
She smiled with delight.
Beneath his hooded eyes, she thought he grinned back at her. He pulled a stool next to the metal table and motioned for her to sit. “Okay. The technique I predominantly use is called ‘free blowing.’ I take a blowpipe,” he said, showing her the long pipe, “and ‘gather’ glass on it by dipping it into the furnace vat of molten glass. Next, I roll the blob on a table called a marver.”
He picked up a baseball size clump of liquid glass and slowly rolled it back and forth on the table. He blew into the pipe, causing the piece to elongate and change shape. He repeated the process. Watching him work was mesmerizing. The way his hands moved, changing the position of the pipe, was a dance of intricate precision.
He blew air into the glass to form a bubble.
“Now what are you doing?”
“I can control the cooling process as I work it by rotating it on the counter. If it gets too cool, I heat it again.”
He selected different tools from the table next to him and smoothed them over the soft glass. “This is where the piece takes shape. The glass can be pulled and stretched, trimmed and shaped.”
He added more molten glass from the furnace and coaxed it into place. The process was fascinating, sensual even, with its flow and movement. When it was finished and cooled, it was one of his signature dragon goblets.
He examined the piece up to the light, inspecting it for imperfections. When it passed his scrutiny, he held it out, offering it to her. “For you.”
She inhaled softly. “It’s beautiful. But I didn’t mean for you to give it to me. I was just curious to see how you make them.”
“I made it for you.”
“Thank you.” She gingerly accepted the piece. “Do you have a box or something to keep it safe?”
A few minutes later he had her dragon glass wrapped carefully in bubble wrap and secured in a box.
“I could never do that, but I loved watching you.”
“You’d be surprised what you’re capable of.”
With a doubtful cinch of her brows, she shook her head. “I’m not the crafty type.”
“I’m a very good teacher.”
The first thing that came to mind was his arms wrapped around her. She’d be melting in his hands as if she were molten glass. And she feared she’d let him shape her anyway he liked.
She felt her cheeks redden. Oh my gods, the look he gave her was so sexy, so gobble-him-up appealing, she struggled to control her breathing.
Hot lava landslide. She truly enjoyed his company and didn’t want the night to end. Even though he made her heart turn inside out.
“I suppose it’s time to go,” he said hesitantly. “We’ll take my SUV.”
She was quite disappointed she wouldn’t be riding the dragon again. It had been the single most thrilling experience ever.
All the way back to the inn, she held the box tucked in the crook of her arm, as safe as she could possibly make it. He escorted her to her room, and she turned to face him. He lifted one hand, kissed the fleshy part of her palm, and trailed his lips over the pulse point of her wrist, nuzzling it as he stared into her eyes. “I really enjoyed our time together. When can I see you again?”
“I’m not sure,” she stammered, her thoughts suddenly scattering, her brain and heart at odds. She liked him a lot, yet she didn’t want to jump right into a relationship.
“I’d be happy to drive you around to search for an apartment.”
She snorted under her breath. He’d hit on the one thing she desperately needed. “That would be nice.”
“Tomorrow?”
“Yes. Are you free at ten?”
Chapter Twelve
Erika closed the door and leaned back against the solid, cool surface. Marshall Chadwick, dragon shifter extraordinaire, was hot. Her pulse escalated just thinking about him. He’d given her some tantalizing memories tonight.
She shut her eyes and tried to focus on the here and now, but images of him working the glass and peering at her with that sexy smile lingered and teased her.
Whitwell squealed. She moved to join him on the bed. “Nothing is wrong. I’m fine. I’ll be scouting for an apartment again in the morning.”
The hedgehog climbed onto her lap and got comfy. She stroked the nap of his quills.
A rapid knock sounded on the door.
She straightened. Marshall? Had he come back for something? She couldn’t imagine what, but the prospect of seeing him one more time sent her pulse higher.
With a skip
in her step, she hurried to let him in.
She couldn’t stop the slight wriggle of disappointment as anticipation was replaced with a different kind of interest, especially due to the hour. “Kamdyn. What’s going on?”
Her client glanced around. “Can we talk?” she asked in a quiet voice.
“Sure.” Erika stepped back to allow her entrance into the room. By paranormal standards, it wasn’t that late. Many species were night creatures and stayed up into the wee hours of the morning.
After one quick glance over her shoulder, the young witch scurried inside. “I hate to bother you… I tried earlier, but you weren’t in. Something is happening. My father is more adamant than ever.”
Her blonde hair whipped as she spun around, the pink strands underneath fanning over her chest. This evening, she wore a black, long sleeve top paired with a short plaid skirt and the same black platform boots with buckles she’d had on the other day. Along with her black eye make-up, a tiny black heart adorned her cheekbone beneath her left eye.
“Have a seat.” Erika tried to calm her. “Can I get you anything? Something to drink?
“No.” She wrung her hands. “I don’t know what to do. My father has this Duke of Darkness coming tomorrow. Evidently, my daddy dear and the duke chose Nocturne Falls as a neutral place to meet.”
She paused, staring off into space, as if she could see something Erika could not.
“And?”
Her body gave an involuntary shiver. Her piercing gaze met Erika’s. “According to my father, I’m to marry the duke.”
Erika curled her hand into a fist, touched her index knuckle to her lips, resting her elbow on the other crossed forearm. If anyone knew the pressure of an arranged marriage, and just how painful and difficult it was to break free of parental pressure, it was her. It was a matter of culture and tradition versus modern times. Paranormal creatures who had lived thousands of years didn’t change easily, if ever.
The force equaled metamorphic rock—when limestone converted to marble under extreme heat and compression.
Deep in her bones, Erika knew Kamdyn wasn’t meant to marry the duke, but instead, the young wizard they had met yesterday. She couldn’t explain it, but… That was it. Her fairy godmother talent was matchmaking!
A love fairy. She chuckled to herself. She hadn’t even been in love herself. She wondered if that thought was true any longer. Her feelings were strong with a deep yearning for Marshall. So what was that?
No. Not ready to go there.
However, she needed for Kamdyn to see the truth of what could be between Kamdyn and the young wizard.
“I’ll see what I can do tomorrow,” Erika assured her.
Kamdyn’s shoulders relaxed.
Another knock sounded. Both women looked at the door. “My parents,” Kamdyn said dejectedly.
“Maybe not. Perhaps it’s housekeeping,” Erika said, although as soon as the explanation was out of her mouth she realized how stupid it sounded given the hour. Cautiously, she opened the door to peek out. It got slammed back. Kamdyn’s parents stepped forward, and to their side was Erika’s own mother and father.
“Mom, Dad,” she gasped and stepped backwards.
“What’s happening here?” her father asked. He stared between Kamdyn and her parents.
Her mother frowned, taking everything in. “We’ve come to bring you home.”
Erika pulled her shoulders back and gave her head a shake. “My work is here.”
Her mother opened her mouth, then closed it. She looked like a fish-out-of-water. “Something is different. You’ve…changed.”
“Kamdyn, come with us,” her father demanded. “We have much to do before tomorrow.” Then his spiteful stare pinned Erika as he said, “I know what you are and what you’re trying to accomplish. Don’t.”
Kamdyn turned pleading eyes on Erika, communicating silently her desire to flee her parents. “We’ll figure this out,” Erika said, extending her hand.
Nodding, Kamdyn placed her palm in Erika’s. With a wave of her free hand, a splash of fairy dust whirled around them. She shut her eyes tightly and thought of the last place she’d been—and they vanished.
When she opened her eyes again, they were standing in the middle of Marshall’s studio.
“Oh my goodness,” Kamdyn yelped in shock. “What happened?”
“I used a little fairy magic,” she said as if she’d known precisely what she was doing. Thank you gods. It had worked.
“Where are we?”
“In Marshall Chadwick’s studio. I was here earlier this evening. It was the first place I could think of to run to. I can only poof to a place I’ve already been. It’s like having the coordinates stored in me or something. I have to imagine the place in my mind.” Although, she should have put them outside the building instead of inside. That seemed way too brazen. She laced both hands into her hair, pushed it back off her forehead, and let it fall. Stupid.
Kamdyn gave a hoarse laugh, eyeing the room in the faint glow of the furnace. “My parents will never think of looking for me here.”
Mine, either. How had they found her at the D&B, anyway? Perhaps her cousin had told them. She sighed and paced a moment, allowing her latest move to sink in. Why Marshall’s? Why not seek out Willa or Jayne? Granted, she didn’t know any of them well enough to feel comfortable asking favors, including Marshall, for that matter.
She touched her lips. But his kiss had stirred something inside her, and if she was honest, she felt a strong connection with him. Perhaps that was the reason she’d chosen him—her heart had made the decision.
Now she needed to let Marshall know he had visitors. She hoped he wouldn’t kick them out on their backsides.
* * *
“Intruder alert,” his security system advised. His phone dinged at the same time as the motion detector signal flashed.
Marshall thumbed his phone, flipping to his security screen app. It displayed clips of every room of his house and grounds. In the studio, two females stood, looking around. He knew the redhead was Erika even before she turned toward the camera. The other woman was Kamdyn. He recognized her from the D&B. What were they doing in his studio?
Concern hammered his chest. Given the tree incident when he’d first met her, he was afraid she’d stumbled into something she couldn’t handle. Maybe she was looking for his help. Although, he didn’t know why she wouldn’t simply knock on his front door.
He rewound the video footage on his phone, setting it to prior to the alert. Then he viewed the footage as Erika and Kamdyn materialized into the studio. Not totally a big deal for fairies, he supposed. But still.
He was used to chasing crazy bad paranormal dudes, not feminine fairies. He snorted and headed to find them. As he took to the breezeway that connected the buildings, through the window, he saw the females had gone out the studio front door. He changed direction, exiting the breezeway side door, which placed him on an adjoining patio. “Erika…over here,” he called, moving in her direction. There were plenty of exterior lights on for her to easily see him.
“Marshall,” she said, changing her course toward him.
When they came together, he drew her into his arms and held her against his chest. “What’s the matter?” he asked.
“We had an altercation with Kamdyn’s parents and mine. I had to get us out of there. You were the first person I thought of to get help from.”
Part of him wanted to smile because she’d thought of him first, but another part—the practical side—worried about their safety. “Let’s go in the house.”
She nodded. “Okay. Thank you.”
He slid his arm around her shoulders as they walked. He liked the feel of her next to his side. The softness of her curves complimented his solid build.
“Thank you for taking us in,” Kamdyn said when they were seated in the living room. “My father confessed that he’d leveled that tree at Erika when she’d arrived, trying to scared her off, or something. He’s set on forc
ing me to his will.” She hung her head. “I’m sorry you got mixed up in this.”
Erika’s gaze hit his, as if communicating that they had both been right, the tree incident hadn’t been an accident. It was a good thing he couldn’t get his hands on Roar now. Marshall controlled his fury at the warlock and forced himself to remain calm. He felt bad for Kamdyn.
“Would you like anything to drink?” he asked.
“Do you have Cherry Coke?”
“Yes.” He grinned at her. After their date the other night, he’d picked some up because he knew she liked it.
“Red wine for me,” Kamdyn said. “I need it.”
He fetched their drinks and a dark beer for himself. For several minutes, he didn’t press them, but allowed them to relax. It was a tactic he’d learned on reconnaissance missions. There was no immediate threat, so they would share more with a little distance from the situation.
Kamdyn must have been completely exhausted. She fell asleep sitting in the chair with her chin resting on her chest, her drink hardly touched.
Finally, when their drinks were almost gone, he inquired, “Tell me what happened.”
Erika glanced at the sleeping female beside her. She inhaled a deep breath. “After you brought me home, Kamdyn came to my room. She was distraught because her parents were insisting on forcing her to marry some duke. Actually, this hits a little too close to home.”
“You were being forced to marry a duke?” He waggled his brows.
“No. But my parents have been insisting on this arranged marriage. They have been pushing me toward one particular fae for a long time. I came to Nocturne Falls to escape their insistence.”
He frowned. That news didn’t sit well with him.
“When both our parents showed up at my door, I panicked and fled.”
“To my studio.”
Her face flushed red to match her hair. “Yes.” She glanced shyly from beneath long lashes. “I feel safe with you.”
He leaned forward, lifting her hand in his. “You are safe with me. Always. A dragon shifter’s first duty is to protect those close to him.”
The Dragon Falls for the Fairy Godmother Page 7
