by Milly Taiden
“I need to think about this. We don’t even know what a relationship would be like between us.”
“Perfect. That’s what it would be like. I’d give you everything.” His hands slid up and down her back. “There’s no other woman I want to eat like my last meal. Or watch come screaming my name. Or feel squeezing my cock with her pussy as I fill her with my seed.” He groaned. “You’re the only one I want that with. The only one I want to see have my offspring.”
“God, Beast,” she cleared her throat. “I…I need to think.”
“I’ll let you think, then. But I can’t take back any mating marks. To my dragon, you’re already his.”
She bit her lip and let out a sigh. “My mind is too hazy right now. Let’s discuss this in a few days.”
His fingers skated over her shoulder blades. “This is about forever. It starts now. You’re my mate.”
“I don’t think—”
“Don’t think. The world is filled with uncertainty, but I know you’re the only woman for me. Your happiness is my new mission in life.”
She shook her head, confused. “God, Beast. We haven’t even discussed long-term yet.”
“You can decide to turn me away, but it won’t make a difference on anything.”
She frowned at his glittering gaze. “What do you mean?”
He gave a soft growl. “You. Are. Mine.”
Gliding higher up his body, she placed her chin on his chest. “Don’t think that way. I don’t want to turn you away. I have feelings for you, but I need time to figure them out.”
“Take your time but know this: I’m not going anywhere. My mate belongs with me.”
Did that mean he was willing to move to a small town to be with her? She should change the topic. He wasn’t understanding her and she didn’t want to mess up the moment. “Your beard is growing.”
“I’m sorry.”
She raised her head off him and met his gaze. “Why? I like it. I like your hair not looking so perfectly in place, too. It makes you look more approachable.”
“If you like it, I’ll keep it.”
“Thank you.”
She slid up and kissed him, loving how hard he still felt inside her. Before she realized, they’d moved down to the soft white carpet and there wasn’t time for her to think of anything other than Beast taking her all over again. Every way possible.
19
Beast dialed Fierce and sat back to glance at the panoramic view of the city below. This was the first it hadn’t been snowing. After the night he’d had with Isaline, he’d loved waking with her in his arms, but she’d quickly left to shower and dress, telling him she’d meet him at the bakery because she had a full day planned for them. He’d love it if the day was to remain in bed getting to know every inch of her body.
“Beast,” Fierce chuckled. “I guess this call is to beg for my help, huh?”
“No. I have a job for you. Find out everything you know about Mrs. Primrose and my father. I want a copy of that contract they signed.”
Fierce made a frustrated noise. “You know your mother has that contract and won’t hand it over no matter how nicely I ask. She’s said no multiple times. At the risk of pissing you off, I’m not asking again. She’s likely to turn me into toast.”
“Fine. Forget it. I’ll give her a call.”
“What’s going on with the building? Have you made any headway with Mrs. Primrose?”
“No. I think she’s playing games with me.”
Fierce snorted. “She’s been playing games with you. What tenant makes life this difficult? None that I know.”
“Get back to work.”
“Aye, aye, slave master. I’ll let you know what I find out on this end about Mrs. Primrose.”
“I have a feeling it will be interesting reading for me.” He grinned.
After he ended his call with Fierce, he called his mother. He’d worn a pair of black jeans and a plaid shirt. He’d had to go to a local big and tall store to find them since none of the things he’d brought were as casual as what Isaline had told him to wear. Jeans. The last time he’d worn jeans he’d been in college. A smile tugged at his lips. She’d gotten him to do things he normally would’ve balked at. Leaving his hair messy, growing his beard. Even wearing jeans. But Isaline was his mate. He’d do anything for her. Anything to make her happy.
Another call and he was on the phone with his mother.
“Son! So very lovely to hear from you.”
“Hello, Mother.”
There was a loud growl that had him raising his brows. “We’ve been through this, Beasty. Mom. Remember? M-O-M.”
He sighed. “Mom. How are you?”
His mother squealed like she did whenever she got her way. “I’m good. I’m so happy to hear from you again. How’s everything at Full Moon Bay?”
“Mom, I need a copy of the contract Dad made with Mrs. Primrose.”
Silence.
“Mom?”
“Why?”
“Because I’m trying to get the building emptied so I can move on with Dad’s Little Rose project. Mrs. Primrose isn’t moving and unless I can find out more about their contract, I won’t be able to get her out without getting our lawyers involved and the city marshal.”
His mother gasped. “The what? Are you crazy! You are not allowed to kick Mrs. Primrose out of there! How could you even think it!”
He grinned, expecting that reaction. “Relax, Mom. I won’t go to those lengths if you send me the contract.”
Silence again.
“I’ll have to find it. I’m not sure where it is. You know how I forget things.”
“You’ve never forgotten anything in your life, Mother. Don’t start now.” He knew it. There was something in that contract his mother didn’t want him to see and he didn’t know what it was. Now he wanted to see it even more. “Send the contract or I’ll get to talking to our lawyers.”
“Fine,” she snapped. “Give me a few days to find it. I’m very busy with the children’s charity ball tomorrow. Really, Beasty. I don’t have all day to chat, son. I have to go. Ciao!”
Who would’ve thought that his mother would hang up on him. Things got more and more interesting. What the hell did that contract say?
20
Isa paced in the bakery office, waiting for Beast to arrive. She was so stoked for this surprise “date.” Last night had been amazing. No man had ever done or made her feel the things he did.
But today, his reaction would tell her who the real Beast was—how true his heart was. If he was the person she thought, hoped, he was. You could never be too sure about someone until you saw them respond unprepared. With their guard down, the real face, the innate personality, would come out.
She knew he’d pass with flying colors, so why was she so worried, so anxious that something wrong would happen? Because she had feelings, deep ones for Beast. And if he wasn’t the type of man that could give of himself without expecting something in return, she had to break off their new and fragile relationship.
Her small duffle bag lay on the upholstered chair, ready to go. Normally she didn’t carry her tools in one, but they would give away the secret if he saw them.
A knock sounded on the door, scaring the shit out of her. She’d been so engrossed in her own world, she didn’t see him arrive in the service area camera. Hurrying to the door, she took a deep breath and calmed her heart. His damn dragon nose would probably scent her worry if she didn’t chill.
With a huge smile plastered on her face, she threw open the door. He wore a pair of jeans. Dear god, that man could wear the hell out of denim, a plaid shirt and a parka. He almost looked like he was from the small town if he weren’t so commanding even in jeans. He looked like he owned the city. “Hey, good looking. You’re here rather early again.”
His face paled. She laughed when she realized why. “No, you’re here at the right time, this time.”
“Oh, good,” he said, “I can’t imagine telling you how
much you mess with my head when you’re around. I couldn’t think straight before last night, but now I’m forgetting everything. Everything but you.”
He leaned down and gave her a long, deep kiss. He had no idea what he did to her mind—and body—when he was around. She could almost drag him into a bedroom right now and have her way with him.
Man, that sounded good. Getting Beast naked and touching all his warm, hard muscles. No, more important things to do this morning. Too bad.
When he pulled away, she sighed, hating the loss, but excited for the next kiss and imagining them in bed again. “Ready?” she asked.
With a raised brow, he stepped back. “I am if you are.” She grabbed the gym bag, the bottom hanging low with the weight. “What do you have in there? Rocks?” he asked with a grin.
She pulled the duffle to her chest. “Oh, no. No smelling or peeking. It’s a surprise, sexy dragon.” She winked at him, hoping this was driving him crazy for all the times he’d made her senseless. Had it really been only three days since they’d started talking and four since he walked into the bakery? It sure felt like a lot more time had passed between them.
“Oh, come on,” he whined, “give me at least a hint. I can’t stand not knowing.” Desire flashed in the depths of his eyes and his lips curved into a wicked grin. “I’m good at bribing.”
She laughed. “I figured so.” Then an idea came to mind. “I might hold you to the bribe, but I will give you one hint,” she said. “You’re going to show me how good you are with your hands.”
It appeared he liked that idea if his wide eyes and gaping mouth were an indication. He grabbed her elbow and turned her. “We’re going the wrong way for that, babe. Bedroom is inside.” She laughed again and swung him around to make a full circle.
“No, not the bakery. I’ve already had a taste of that.” Her face flushed hot with that admission. At the car, he pressed her back to the door, his front against hers.
“How about more than a taste,” he teased, his hand curved around her neck. The warmth of his palm and the hot look he gave her made her giddy with need. “There’s a lot more where that came from.”
She smiled. “And came we did. A lot.” A soft growl emanated from him, vibrating his chest against hers. She tilted her hips forward against his hardening length, hoping the vibration extended all the way down. Where had this boldness of hers come from?
Good grief, what was wrong with her? They would never get out of there if she kept it up with her wanton ways. Was sex all she had on the brain? Hmmm. Yes. This had been mind-blowing sex. She didn’t even need to think about it to know she’d never had sex that amazing. So, yes, she wanted more of it. Who could blame her?
Putting a hand on his chest, she pushed him back with what she hoped was a seductive smile. That’s one thing she’d never tried to be. Sexy. Isaline was just herself. Always. She didn’t try to seduce any man. But right now with Beast, she wanted him to lust after her like she did him.
Isa opened the car’s back door and tossed her bag onto the floor. “Get in on your side,” she sighed, “before I unlock the one door between us and inside.”
His growl grew louder, and she laughed.
With both of them buckled in, Isa pulled out of the parking spot, onto the quiet side street. “Not many people at this time of morning,” he said.
She scoffed. “You make it sound like it’s before sunrise. It’s nine o’clock.” Shaking her head, she looked both ways before turning onto Main. She puttered along, taking in the details she never wanted to take for granted. King’s Hardware came into sight.
“Let’s stop in at the hardware store for a minute,” she said.
She got another raised brow aimed at her. “Sure,” he said. “Why not? All girls like to go hardware shopping before sunrise.”
Isa had a hard time holding back her giddiness at his confusion.
After parallel parking in front of the store, she crossed the sidewalk as Beast held the store door open. With the bell tingling overhead, the older man at the cash register looked over. “Hey, Isaline,” the owner said. “Good to see you this morning.”
“Good to see you, too, Mr. King.”
“You need any help?” Mr. King asked.
“Nope, we’ve got it. Thanks,” she replied.
Beast leaned down to her ear. “You know where everything is in this store?”
She feigned shock at his comment. “Did I hear a touch of sexism there?”
He stepped back, hands up. “Not from me, you didn’t. No idea what you’re talking about. I didn’t say nothing. I’m all for feminism and burning bras and hell, if you’d rather never wear one, I’m all for it. Panties, too.”
Isa shook her head, grabbed a tie-around tool belt bag from the shelf and slapped it against his chest. “Here, put this on, Mr. No Sex Is Me.” His gaping mouth showed up again. “Relax,” she said as she turned and headed down the aisle, “Sex is me—sex-is-m.” At his frown, she rolled his eyes. “It was a joke. Would you rather be Mr. Feminism?”
“Hey,” he said, “any sentence with ‘no’ and ‘sex’ in it is not a good sentence.” Without a reply, Isa took a hammer from the selection and stuck it in the hoop on the side of the tool bag Beast had tied around his waist. She didn’t feel like dignifying his comment with an answer. Even though she agreed with him. Boy, did she agree with him.
“What’s this?” he said, looking down at the newest addition to his wardrobe.
21
“It’s a hammer,” Isaline said, adding, “You do know what a hammer is, don’t you, city boy?”
“No, shit. I’m not completely city,” he said with cheeky grin. “I’ve lived long enough that I get around.”
“Humph,” she mumbled, “we’ll see.” She turned down another row, grabbing a tape measure, Phillips and flat head screwdrivers—and laughing—snatched up a first aid kit.
“I saw that,” he commented, eyes narrowing. “Apparently, you don’t think I can hang pictures.”
She laughed her way down the aisle. “Maybe. It may involve hanging.”
“Oh yeah,” he scooted behind her, “that’s what I’m talking about.”
She reached back and slapped his chest. “Oh God, please save me from flirty dragons.”
“You know you love it,” he came back, his lips brushing the side of her neck. “Maybe I can convince you to wear this tool belt later and nothing else.”
Glancing over her shoulder, she met his heated gaze. “Really? That’s sexy to you?”
He stared at her lips. “I told you, I’m all for feminism.”
“As long as it gets you laid, huh?” She rolled her eyes and continued walking.
“With you, whatever it takes.”
She elbowed him in the stomach then laid her handful of tools on the counter. “Good morning, Mr. King.”
“Mornin’, Isaline,” the owner said, ringing up the merchandise, “the usual?”
“Yep, a veteran today,” she said.
“That’s fantastic,” he said. “We need a lot of those.”
“Agreed.” Isa snuck a peek at Beast to see if he’d figured it out. By the pursed lips and one narrowed eye, she took that to mean he hadn’t. When Mr. King set the items on the counter, she stuffed them into Beast’s pouch, screwdrivers in the middle. He said nothing, just watched her. God, how she wanted to burst out laughing.
“Thanks, Mr. King.” Isa waved, and she dragged Beast toward the exit.
“Any time, young lady.” Mr. King gave Beast the once over. The upward tilt of the side of his wrinkled mouth was enough approval for her. Great. He was winning people over left and right.
So far, her entire family was ready to hand her over to him without asking for her consent. Even Sage had called after Zuri and Mom told her about him. She was all for Isaline getting a shifter of her own.
After shoving him into the car twice—the first time, one of the screwdrivers in the tool pouch poked him in the balls when he went to sit. You�
��d have thought he was being murdered by the way he yelled—she hurried to her side and got the car on the road.
She glanced at him. “Any ideas yet?”
He made a big show of rubbing his chin and thinking. She could’ve punched him in his big, strong arm. Or glided her hand across his wide chest, down his flat abs to his— No. No. No.
Why was she torturing herself by hanging out with him again? Oh, yeah. She really liked the big, sexy beast. With a sigh, she turned onto a residential street lined with vehicles. She parked at the back of the line. “Ready?” she asked.
He leaned over to try to look down the sidewalk, but she knew he couldn’t see anything since they were so far back. Shaking her head, she grabbed her bag from the back, unzipped it and pulled out her own well-used leather tool pouch.
“Hey,” Beast said, “why do you have a nice leather pouch and I got a dinky material one?” He stared back and forth between them. “I don’t think that’s fair.”
She smiled at his pretend whining. “Because newbies have to earn their way to one.”
“Newbie?” He snorted. “There isn’t much in this world I haven’t done in two hundred years.”
“Really?” She grinned. “Awesome. I’ll let you lead.”
He gave a sharp, well-knowing nod. “Okay.” Then his forehead creased with confusion. “What are we doing, exactly?”
Isa climbed out of the car. “Come on, let’s get on site. We’re late.”
“You’re supposed to wait for me to open your door.” Beast hurried to catch up with her.
“I totally love that gentleman thing you do, but we’re in a rush now, Beast. Next time.” Up the street, many people gathered outside a framed-out home. Men standing around a large box truck grabbed and carried items inside the house.
“Isaline,” a lady called out. Isa waved and hurried her steps.
“That’s Evelyn,” she said to Beast. “She’s in charge of this. In the real world, she’d be the main contractor.”
