The Dragon's Wing: A Paranormal Shapeshifter Romance

by Lucy Fear

  “What are you doing?”

  “Come on, Rhi, take a deep, deep breath, and fly with me. Leave all of it on the ground and just soar,” he encouraged her. “Soar right up into the sun, if that’s what you want to do. You don’t need to let it hold you down.”

  “Playing Icarus is not my idea of fun,” she said, trying not to giggle.

  “Why not?” he teased. “Sometimes getting a little hot’s a good thing.”

  “There’s a difference between a little heat, and completely melting away your wings,” she reminded him.

  “Do you really think so?” he asked, breathing the words softly into the shell of her ear. Rhi was suddenly very aware of the fact Brendan’s torso was pressed to hers, the heat from his body surrounding her own. Where his chest met her back, she could feel the strong, rapid pounding of his heart, and she gasped as she realized her own heart was beating just the same. She felt the healing energy he had been pouring into her, and she reacted with a wave of gratitude that she sent right through him, making him gasp as well.

  “Did you know you could do that?” he asked softly in her ear.

  “I’ve done it once before,” she admitted. “The day my biological father died. I was only seven years old.”

  Brendan gently lowered her arms. “I’m sorry. That’s a lousy way for the Universe to let you know.”

  “No, it was good,” she said defensively. “Daddy was very ill. It was his time. I was too small to offer any words. I gave him that gift instead. I wonder why I managed to do it again.”

  “I was opening your chakras so you could flow,” he explained. “Perhaps it was waiting there. I don’t know. But now it’s time to start this book. Come and sit by me, and I’ll dictate how I want the outline to go.”

  The rest of that morning and on into the afternoon, the pair of them sat together and wrote chapter headings on little cards, arranging and rearranging them until they got everything they wanted to discuss into some semblance of order.

  “Okay, now go ahead and type that in while I go run a few errands,” he said, leaning over to hug her with one arm. “Is there anything you’d like from the store?”

  “I’m fiending for some diet cola,” she admitted with a rueful smile.

  “We should totally wean you off that,” he said as he stood to go. “Replace it with something more natural. I’ll bring you back a few drinks to try—and one or two of the dog that bit you, too.”

  “Thanks,” said Rhi. “You’re all heart.”

  “Well, I don’t know about being all heart,” he teased. “But at least I try.”

  Rhi punched his arm when he let go, and Brendan laughed delightedly as he headed for the door. She had about ten minutes to herself before she was certain her brother would show up now that he was gone.

  *

  “Rhiannon, this is not what I brought you here for,” said Rory as he stepped through the door and frowned. She continued to type steadily, waiting for him to finish ranting before she spoke.

  “You’re the one who was hoping I’d stay,” she pointed out when he just stood there glaring. “Maybe you’ll get what you wished for.”

  “What’re you even thinking?” he complained. “If you get too close to the situation, you’re going to become a part of it. I won’t have you standing right at death’s door.”

  “Don’t be so dramatic, Rory,” she scoffed. “Whoever has been messing with Brendan, I’m quite sure it’s personal. Why would they go after me?”

  “They’d go after you to get to him, you dim bulb,” Rory said as if he was explaining to a child. “If somebody is out to hurt him, what better way to do it than to hurt the thing he loves.”

  “Loves?” Rhi scoffed. “We barely know each other.”

  “Have you not seen the way he’s been looking at you?” he asked, exasperated. “Let me tell you, sis, when hormones get involved, it only takes a moment. And I highly suspect it’s the same for you.”

  “I mean, he’s really hot,” she shrugged. “There’s no denying that. But in case you’ve forgotten, after the Todd trouble, I swore off love. So, you’re worrying over nothing.”

  “Rhiannon, may I point something out to you? Hormones don’t care if you swear. In fact, that makes them want it all the more. I’ll bet you’re wet just contemplating the idea.”

  “Rory, don’t be disgusting,” she protested, even though he was right. “I don’t want to discuss this anymore, especially around here. What if somebody were to overhear?”

  “You’re right about that, at least,” he agreed. “Go out jogging again tomorrow morning. I’ll be watching for you.”

  “I don’t want to discuss this with you then either,” she protested. “Just let me do what I came here to do, and stop worrying. Everything will work out just fine.”

  Rory rolled his eyes and left Rhi alone so she could continue to type.

  ***

  Rhi went back into her bedroom once she’d finished the typing. Brendan hadn’t returned, so she had a bit of time to herself. Sighing, she laid back on her bed and contemplated what he’d done to her before they’d started writing for the day. Could she actually push her emotions through her body like that again, but do so with a steady control? She decided to give it a try, but after a while she realized that without a dire need, it just didn’t work.

  If that was true, what had been so dire while Brendan had been pushing his energy into her? The response was clearly a highly emotional one, and yet ever since then, she’d actually been feeling pretty good. More in control than she ever had been, even before Todd had dealt her skills such a heavy blow.

  Could she possibly reach out now, try to look for whoever it was that had tried to drop the light? Somehow, she wondered if it would be a safe thing to do. Anxiety plummeted her stomach into her knees, but she still relaxed her body and tried, reaching her senses outward with a determined resolve.

  The familiar wind-tunnel sensation assailed her as she pushed, almost like she was passing through a birth canal. Then she was free, and moving quickly toward her destination. She had no idea who the attacker was, so the most obvious thing to do was go to the place the incident had occurred. She followed the faint trace of energy that remained, and soon found herself floating over an outdoor stage somewhere in France.

  A sudden, violent push sent her reeling backwards, and she flipped around in search of its source. In this plane, there was no pretense, so there would be no hiding the reason for her journey. Likewise, her attacker’s essence was equally open. She stared at the white light, riddled through with red, meaning the being was angry.

  Why does it matter to you? it seemed to say.

  Because the matter has been made mine.

  You must go away. Do not return to this place. My quarrel is not with you.

  He is a good man. Leave him to do his work, she replied insistently. If you persist, these actions will only harm you instead.

  With a sudden snap, Rhi found herself back in her own body again. When she opened her eyes, she was staring up into Brendan’s face.

  “You must still be tired,” he said gently. “I had to call your name at least three times. I almost thought you weren’t in there at all.”

  “Oh, sorry,” she said. “Must be jet lag. I came over here from clear on the other side of the country.”

  “You said you were here for a few days, though,” he reminded her.

  “Apparently not enough of them,” she replied.

  “Well, come on, it’s time to eat,” he said, taking her by the hand.

  “More veggie snacks?” she inquired.

  “No way. Tonight, I got us some steak,” he said with a grin. “I thought maybe we could use the stamina while we pull an all-nighter.”

  “What?” she gasped. “Now wait just a minute, mister—”

  “I meant writing, woman,” he chuckled. “But I do like the way your mind works, though.”

  “Stop teasing me.”

  “Now that I’ll never do,
” he said, frowning at the thought.

  Rhi followed him down to the dining room, where once again they joined Rory. He seemed to be in a foul mood, barely even greeting the two.

  Scowling in thought, Brendan watched his friend speculatively. It was obviously Rhi he seemed to have a problem with, though he had the good sense not to ask. Not until he and Rhi were alone once again.

  “Did something happen between you and Rory while I was gone?” he wanted to know. “Your interactions seemed—tense.”

  “Yeah, but nothing important,” said Rhi, knowing it would be pointless for her to lie. “He just told me I needed to figure out what was most important to me, make a decision, and all that. It seemed a bit premature to me, but I guess he’s very protective of you. I think he considers you his best friend.”

  “Yes, and the feeling is mutual,” Brendan agreed. “We’ve been friends since the day we met. It felt like we’d known each other for years. There’s just some people that make you feel that, don’t you think? Sort of like us, in a way. I feel that way with you.”

  “Yes, I feel it too, if that’s what you’re asking,” Rhi answered shyly. “Well, all except for being unable to look you in the eye.”

  Brendan grinned. “Well, that’s just because you’re nervous about what you’d find there. I’m told my gaze is awfully penetrating.”

  They had just stepped into the study and Brendan shut the door.

  Rhi chuckled. “Is it, really? Let me see.”

  “You think you’re ready, Rhi? Once you look deep, there’s no turning back.”

  “Now I know you’re teasing me,” she said with a little giggle.

  “Well now, wait,” he said as he sat down. “You need to be looking in the right way.”

  “Like how?”

  Brendan stood Rhi between his knees, holding onto her hips to keep her there. She set her hands onto his shoulders to keep her balance, and then giggled for almost half a minute before she finally dared to look. Their eyes met and held. Heat swirled through her belly, making her squirm. It was obvious Brendan wanted something more.

  “Maybe you should look closer,” he said in a husky whisper.

  Rhi’s heart leapt into her throat as he moved her in, setting her onto his lap. She giggled softly and leaned her forehead onto his. “This close?”

  “No way, that’s not close enough,” he said, piercing her soul with his emerald orbs. Her breathing sped up into little gasps, and his did too. It sounded like they’d just run a marathon race, but neither one of them had even moved.

  “Aren’t we supposed to be doing some work?” Rhi finally asked.

  “Yes,” he agreed as he set her onto the other chair, albeit reluctantly. “That is what we’re in here for.”

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Rhi wasn’t exactly sure when she had dozed off, but when she cracked open her eyes she found herself sleeping on one of the sofas with her head resting on Brendan’s leg. His fingers were gently sifting through her strawberry tresses as he gazed down on her with a tranquil smile.

  “How’d I get over here?” she grumbled, smiling up at him.

  “Well, that should be obvious,” he pointed out, pressing her nose like a button before she sat up. “Are you really that tired? You only made it halfway through.”

  “Sorry,” she said, grimacing. “What time is it now?”

  “Time to head back to our rooms for a while, since all you want to do is snooze.”

  “I meant, what time does the clock have on it?”

  “Oh, that. It’s four o’clock, give or take,” he said. “I almost don’t want to leave this room. At least in here I get to hold you in my arms.”

  “Brendan,” she said, hands on her hips as she rolled her eyes. “We didn’t come in here for cuddle time.”

  “Speak for yourself,” he said cheekily as he stepped up behind her and caught her about the waist. “I was enjoying myself in any case.”

  “Well, considering I was passed out, I doubt I can say the same.”

  “Mm, that’s true,” he agreed. “Maybe we should try it while you’re awake sometime.”

  It was difficult for Rhi to scold him when all she wanted to do was lean backwards and let that time be right then. Sensing her mood, Brendan pulled her more fully against him. “We should totally walk back like this. Do you think the servants would wonder what we’ve been doing in here all night if we did?”

  “Brendan Drake, behave yourself,” she protested, pushing him away. “We haven’t even known each other three days’ time. Do you really think I’m that kind of a girl?”

  “I don’t think that at all,” he said, holding up his hands innocently. “It’s one thing to tease a little, but violation is not my thing.”

  Watching his face, Rhi couldn’t help but chuckle. “You’re just trying to get a rise out of me, aren’t you?”

  “It worked, too. Come on, let’s go to bed.”

  Her jaw dropped again.

  “In our separate bedrooms,” he added. “Unless you wanted to come with me?”

  A large part of Rhi’s mind and body thought it sounded like a wonderful idea. Too bad her rational portions had to intervene. “I don’t think I would get any sleep at all if I went in there.”

  She was thinking of just the idea that she wasn’t used to the bed or being with someone in it, and hadn’t realized until she’d said the words that another implication was clear. Laughing at the grin he cast, Rhi covered her face with both her hands.

  “Gods, somebody clearly fed you after midnight,” she told him as she put her hands on her hips. “I’m not awake enough for cheeky banter right now. I’m out of here.”

  She headed for the door, and Brendan let her go without another word, though his mirthful chuckles were loud and strong. Rolling her eyes, she soon left him behind and went quickly to her set of rooms. As she got into her night clothes, she could hear Brendan moving around his own bedroom on the other side of the wall. His bed squeaked slightly when he got into it, and soon after there was no more sound. She assumed he must have fallen asleep, and soon after she joined him there.

  ***

  Rhiannon wasted no time donning one of her nightgowns and getting into her bed. She fell fast asleep even before her head hit the pillow, but this time it was not a dreamless sleep.

  The presence she’d sensed in France was still hovering on the fringes of her dreams. She could sense him there, glaring, but he did not move in her direction. The atmosphere all around her felt it, pulsing like a wild, feral wind that blew like a hurricane just outside the scope of her vision. She could say nothing about it, of course, since it was her own fault the force was there.

  “If you do not wish my presence, then neither should you be here,” she called, glaring at him in turn. “Be off with you.”

  “I am not so easily dismissed, my dear,” said a voice from many directions. “If you have chosen to share his fate, then share it you will.”

  “He has done nothing to deserve your ire.”

  “Has he not?” he scoffed. “How would you know? You do not know the man at all.”

  Rhi awakened with a start, sensing danger in every shadow around her. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she could spot nothing out of place. The terror was deep within, though she was well aware that the creature who caused it could easily find a way to bring it to the surface, too.

  “Who are you, you sick freak?” she muttered, pounding her pillow a couple of times. “Why do you feel so familiar? It doesn’t make any sense. But if you wish to bring the fight to me, I’m ready for you. Go ahead and bring it on.”

  A strange wind kicked up outside, as if in answer. A large object smacked into the window, though it didn’t break. Unable to contain her fear anymore, Rhiannon screamed.

  ***

  When Brendan woke, he too felt the strong afterglow from Rhi’s recent dream. Fear gripped at his heart as he rose quickly from his bed and quickly rushed through the door. He hurried to the bedroom door a
nd knocked. A loud thud sounded, followed by a fearful scream.

  “Rhi? Is everything all right?” he gasped, hurrying through the door.

  “It—it was just a dream,” she whispered, still staring at the dark shadows that surrounded her.

  Brendan stepped further into the room. “Rhiannon Woods, that is no dream,” he said as he froze and looked around. “But what does it mean?”

  “I—don’t know,” she told him. She wasn’t about to tell him that she’d brought him here.

  “Begone!” Brendan shouted, and then he began to change. Rhi watched, fascinated, as he shifted forms, one moment a man, the next a dragon breathing fire. He wasn’t much larger than when he’d began at first, but then he began to expand, filling the room with his presence.

  Rhi’s jaw dropped as she continued to watch. The feeling of danger dissipated and seeped out through the walls, eventually disappearing completely. Then Brendan was himself once again.

  “What was that thing?” she asked him as their eyes met and held.

  “I’m not sure,” he told her. “But it was the same presence that attacked me in Paris. And I’m fairly sure it didn’t have the wrong room. I’m not really sure why or when, but somehow it’s decided to go after you.”

  “Me?” she asked, still trembling. “But I’m not the one going around putting on seminars and attracting attentions that I don’t want. That was—it was pure evil, don’t you think? What would something like that want with someone like me?”

  “This is going to sound rather forward,” said Brendan hesitantly.

  “What is?” Rhi wanted to know.

  “I think that you had better come and sleep with me.”

  Rhi felt a thousand different things in that moment—desire, embarrassment, shock—but the most prominent of her feelings was a need for self-preservation. She didn’t hesitate to move to his side, grasping her hand in a grip that made him wince.

  “I think you may be right,” she said, still shaking. She didn’t even have the presence of mind to be embarrassed that she was wearing a nightgown, she just knew she didn’t want to remain alone. “Let’s get out of here, all right?”