Tempt the Dragon

by A. C. Arthur

  “What? You did say—”

  Shaking his head, he continued closing the space between them. “No. I said I love you.” He stood so close now, he could smell the floral scent of the soap she used.

  “Same thing,” she murmured.

  He couldn’t help it, she was sexy as hell when her anger was unraveling. “I guess.” Taking another gamble, he lifted a hand, touching his fingers lightly to her hair.

  “I understand if you don’t want to leave Rosilda. I talked to Theo and he’d be open to me starting a branch of Legion Security down here.”

  She held still for another second or so, but then licked her lips as she stared up at him. “Are you kidding? She can’t wait until I’m out of her hair.”

  Lifting his other hand, he cupped her face. “So you’ll come back to Burgess with me? We can be partners again.”

  She leaned into him. “We can sleep together every night so this vicious pain the beast puts me through all day can finally subside.”

  His heart warmed and he dropped a soft kiss to her forehead.

  “We can go back to the Far Realm to have a ceremony to seal the Selection. I’ve been back in the last two months to make amends with my family and the Nobility.”

  “Really? Good for you, Aiken. I know that must’ve been hard.”

  “I’m learning that I sold a lot of people short in my assumptions of how they would react to things.”

  “I accept your apology.”

  He smiled down at her, this time kissing the tip of her nose.

  “And no, I don’t want a ceremony on the Far Realm. I want a real, human wedding. Catered, with gowns, music at a reception and you in a tux.”

  “Is that a proposal?” he joked.

  “Not at all. I’m just telling you that I’ve decided that I love you too and that if we’re going to be partners again, you’ve gotta start with a wedding.”

  He grinned. “That kinda sounds like a proposal.”

  She lifted her head and brushed her lips quickly over his. “It sounds like you’ve got lots of planning to do.”

  Epilogue

  Burgess

  July

  Mel wanted a real human wedding. Not the Drakon ceremony Bleu and Theo had spoken of, but a traditional human wedding, complete with bridesmaids and a maid of honor, tuxedos, gowns and a huge meal prepared for their reception. In the past few weeks she’d talked nonstop about it to Aiken. Even when they were on new assignments she still found time to pull out a bridal magazine or show him pictures on her phone of some cake design, or another bouquet of flowers that looked the same as the last. If someone had told him when he met her that the gun-and-knife-carrying fighter would want a unique wedding with all the lavish trimmings, he wouldn’t have believed them. Not for one second.

  Yet each day he cherished her enthusiasm, he listened and made choices for things he couldn’t care less about like tablecloth colors, flowers and bows for the arch, because he’d almost lost her twice. She was going to be a stunning bride. By day and sometimes at night, she fought by his side, taking all the same risks he did while protecting the humans from unimaginable danger. They’d been assigned to specially supervise the magickal beings—witches and faeries—whose powers had, up until six months ago, been underestimated. After their time in the Congo and all they’d learned from the witches and witch doctors there, they now knew how dangerous conjured evil could actually be in comparison to the beasts or beings who were born into their destinies.

  “You ready for this?” Reese clapped a hand on his shoulder, pulling him from his thoughts.

  Straightening his tie for the billionth time, Aiken looked over his outfit once again. The black double-breasted tuxedo jacket was a classic style he’d always favored over the single-button slim fit design. Shirt was a crisp bright white, tie the palest blue the French designer Bleu had commissioned could find. It was the color of the wind that Mel had decided on and he was more than pleased with how it looked with the dark tuxedo and blue boutonniere designed to resemble all the shades of blue flowers she’d selected.

  “Readier than I’ve ever been.” It was the honest truth. When he’d awakened this morning all he could think was that he’d been waiting for this day his entire life. The day when he would be made one with the woman specifically selected for him.

  “Never, never would’ve believed you’d be the one doing this.” Magnum wore the same tuxedo, but his tie—like the other groomsmen’s—was black.

  “Come on now, I had to come up with some way to get you to dress properly. Your usual worn jeans and tight T-shirt is a sore fashion statement.” Keeping things light would keep him from caving in to the emotion that had lumped in the center of his chest.

  Reese chuckled. “He’s got a point there, Mag. You never wear anything other than jeans and shirt. But I gotta say you clean up nicely.”

  So did Reese. The tuxedo looked good on his wrestler’s body and he’d let Shola do something with the curly long portion of his hair that reminded Aiken of the African tribe leaders they’d met while in the Congo.

  “Kiss my ass, both of you,” Mag snapped, but Aiken watched with amusement as the Drakon moved in front of the mirror to check himself out as if they hadn’t been telling the truth.

  These guys were his family. They knew everything there was to know about him now and they didn’t look at him any differently. When he’d decided to come clean about his past, Theo had been the one Aiken had felt might understand the most, but Magnum and Reese, these guys walked a straight line. When you looked at them you knew exactly what you were getting, they wore the good and bad about their personalities like badges of honor and didn’t give a shit who didn’t like it. But he’d dressed his faults up in fancy suits and shoes and never gave anyone the chance to look beyond that. He wasn’t proud of what he’d done, but today, with the members of his clan standing behind him, he was going to start a new life, with the most amazing Drakon he’d ever known.

  * * *

  “Aiken’s gonna swallow his tongue the moment he sees you.” Ziva stood to her right the moment she turned away from the mirror. She was feeling better, Mel could tell because she was here. For weeks after they’d returned from the Congo nobody had seen her. She hadn’t been in her suite, nor at the Tower with Isla. She’d left, and for a while they’d all been afraid she wouldn’t come back.

  “You’re gorgeous and that dress is phenomenal.” Shola came up to her, extending her hand. “This in no way competes with any part of your outfit but you wanted to be traditional, so these were my grandmother’s. I’m letting you borrow them for today.”

  “They’re gorgeous.” It was the only thing she could say when staring down at the gold, diamond and sapphire earrings in the palm of Shola’s hand.

  “You have to put them on, not stare at them,” Shola said with a shake of her head.

  She grinned nervously when Shola moved to her side and put the first earring into her ear.

  “They’re part of a set. My grandmother gave it to me as a wedding present and I haven’t really had anywhere to wear them. But today seems like the perfect time for somebody to show them off.” It was just like Shola to do something so considerate. Since the first day she’d showed up at the Office this woman had been nothing but nice to her, and after six months and all they’d been through, the bond between them had only strengthened.

  “Thank you so much. I can’t tell you how much having the three of you on my side for the past months has meant to me.” She’d never had sisters before and that’s what they were to her. It’s what she hoped she could be to them.

  Ravyn was next, wearing the deep navy off-the-shoulder gown Mel had selected for her. Each one of these women was beautiful and despite some of the myths of traditional weddings, she didn’t mind if they looked just as terrific as she did. In fact, she’d been going for exactly that effect when she’d selec
ted each bridesmaid dress in three different shades of blue. Shola’s was a lighter blue, like the shade of Theo’s human eyes, and was a simple V-neck, side slit, A-line dress that made her look regal and elegant, while Ziva’s royal blue gown was a strapless mermaid design that emphasized every sexy curve of her body.

  “There, now you’re perfect.” Shola stepped away after putting in the second earring. “Here, look.”

  Touching her shoulders, Shola turned her so that once again she was staring at herself in the mirror. The designer had taken two months to craft what she could only call a masterpiece as she stared at the two-piece wedding outfit. The cropped top was white lace, held together by twin straps that circled around her neck like a choker and the skirt was a simple wrap style with the slit that went straight up her right thigh when she walked. The soft flowing material fell straight to the floor trailing behind her for four additional feet. Her shoes were white platform peep-toe pumps and her hair was pulled up with a nest of springy curls on top.

  “I never thought I’d be here.” A hand went to her stomach, where she felt the steady circling of her beast. “Not in Burgess, but here, in a clan of Drakon, about to marry a man who was selected for me.”

  “The Selection process isn’t an easy one to navigate.” Ravyn spoke from experience. There was no way to thank her for all the nights she’d sat on the patio outside the Office, talking about what the process had been like for her and Steele and how she’d come to terms with the choice being out of her hands. “But you’re where you belong. You know that now and that’s all that matters.”

  “She’s right,” Shola added. “It’s not just an acceptance of the mate fated for you, it’s also you standing in the truth of who you are and what life you’ve chosen to lead. Because you did choose, Mel. Despite all the things you felt were out of your control, you did decide to step into this life and to make it what you want.”

  She had. She remembered the exact moment she decided she was a chameleon Drakon and that she would use those combined powers to save lives. And there was nothing that would ever make her forget the instant she’d finally let Aiken and his beast into her heart and her soul.

  “Are we gonna get moving or what? Because if we stay here any longer your guy’s gonna be standing out there all by himself.” Months ago Mel would’ve thought the sound of Ziva’s curt voice would break such a precious bond as the four of them had built. Today, she knew that Ziva’s personality was as much a part of their connection as the preternatural powers living inside each of them.

  “I’m ready,” she said. “I’m so ready.”

  And she was. Mel left that room with her sisters surrounding her. They moved through the long hallways of the Office until coming to the patio doors. There, she linked her arm with Rosilda’s and smiled at how healthy and strong her mother looked just three months after leaving the rehabilitation facility.

  “You look lovely,” Rosilda said and leaned in to kiss her on her cheek. “You look like you’re in love. I’ve waited a long time to see this look on your face.”

  She’d waited so long to feel this way without experiencing any measure of guilt or fear. “I love you, Mama.”

  Rosilda smiled and cleared her throat. “Let’s go. That dragon out there is ready to explode waiting for you.”

  “I tried to tell her,” Ziva quipped. “Come on, let’s get this show on the road.”

  Ziva walked out first, holding her bouquet of roses, peonies and blue calla lilies. Her hair was spiked and dyed a golden blonde this time. Once she’d cleared the patio and walked down the steps to the grassy area, Reese came up beside her, taking her hand in his as they walked the rest of the way down the twenty-foot aisle. Ravyn went next with Steele coming to meet her. Then Shola, who Magnum walked down the aisle because Theo stood at the altar as Aiken’s best man.

  “It’s time,” Rosilda said when she still hadn’t moved.

  Everything had turned out so beautifully. It was almost midnight, the time she’d selected because she’d wanted the moon and the stars. The mountain and forest were a perfect backdrop to all the candles and flowers Bleu had made sure were perfectly arranged. There were no chairs for guests because the only people she and Aiken needed there were their clan.

  “I know,” she whispered and took that first step.

  She had no idea how much time passed, but before she knew it she’d walked down that aisle, stopping to stand in front of Aiken, who looked like a model in his slick black tuxedo, his hair trimmed close, the golden glow of the candles highlighting his skin tone.

  Bleu performed the ceremony, chanting words from the ancient Drakon Selection ceremony and combining them with the traditional vows. Aiken placed an eight-karat princess cut diamond on her finger and she gave him a not-so-brilliantly shining gold-twined band. Their family clapped when they kissed, but she breathed. For the first time in her life she really breathed.

  The reception was held on the patio with tables covered in periwinkle linen and Bleu’s best china. More music played after the meal. Aiken loved music and she loved being in his arms dancing to whatever tune soothed his raging soul. This was an instrumental R&B mix he’d had a DJ record for today. He held her close and she leaned into him, inhaling the rustic scent of his cologne, feeling the strength of his beast and loving the way he looked deep into her eyes.

  “I would’ve chosen you, Mel. Without the Selection process or any such legends, it would’ve always been you for me. Yesterday, today, tomorrow and all the days beyond, it’s always been you.”

  Her smile spread wide, her heart so full of love for this man she thought it would burst. “Same,” she whispered, knowing it was a short and sweet response, but meaning it with every ounce of her being. “Yesterday, today, tomorrow and all the days beyond, I feel the same.”

  * * *

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  Keep reading for an excerpt from Awaken the Dragon by A.C. Arthur.

  Chapter One

  The glass doors to the building ten feet away slid open slowly. That feeling, like a breeze lifting fall leaves off the ground, swirled in the pit of his stomach. Theo Masters eased off his bike and held the helmet between his arm and his hip as he continued to stare at that door. He considered removing his sunglasses since the sun had set hours ago, but decided against it.

  Seconds later, three women stepped out. His gaze fell quickly over each one, noting bare feet, long legs and deep green material swaddling their bodies before stopping inches above the knees. Red-and-gold stripes slashed across their forehead and cheeks coupled with long gold spears held tightly in hand announced their warrior status while his wish for a quick pickup and drop-off dwindled.

  The Odò Guard.

  Or, the river guards. They were foot soldiers from the River Tribe that lived in a village located along a portion of the Niger River, which flowed through western Nigeria. Theo had visited the area close to one hundred years ago.

  Three more women exited the building approximately two feet behind the first trio. And then three more, until nine in total were now in a triple-file line in front of him. At some other time, in some other place, he might have been impressed. As it was now, their grand entrance was making his last minute task take much longer than he’d anticipated.

  “You are the guardian we hired?” The middle woman in the first row spoke to him, her voice loud, strong and heavily accented.

  “I’m from the Legion Security Company.” Even his voice sounded tired, deep and raspy, as it did when he woke in the morn
ings.

  In unison, each woman holding a spear clanked the metal ends to the ground. The tight formation parted with each of the side lines stepping away so that only the woman standing directly in front of Theo, and another woman a few feet behind her, remained in the middle.

  “The ceremony is in two weeks. The accommodations are listed here, as well as the location for the ceremony, where you will deliver her safely. Joku N’Gara and the River Tribe thank you for your services.” Her words sounded rehearsed.

  With a crisp movement, she extended an arm in Theo’s direction. A large white envelope was clutched between her fingers until he slipped it away.

  The woman stepped to the side, standing in line with the other guards, leaving only one woman in the middle.

  But this was no ordinary woman.

  Those leaves that had begun stirring in the pit of his stomach now swirled and twisted up into a funnel. His chest tightened, and his gums itched, as the beast within that had long lay dormant began to stir. Theo’s fingers clenched into fists, the envelope crackling beneath his natural strength.

  She appeared ethereal, her silhouette wavering slightly as with the rhythm of the wind. Her eyes were like ice, clear white but for the irises that were singular black dots, and she bore similar markings as the guards on her face, only hers were all white. Atop her head was a gold-and-diamond-encrusted crown that sparkled against the night backdrop.

  “You will transport me on that?”

  Her voice was like the sun rising, glorious and breathtaking. It was also stabilizing. He caught the slow easing movement beneath his skin. With practiced strength, he pulled the beast back. His body once again still, he fixed his gaze on her. Only now that his vision had cleared, the woman standing in front of him looked different than she had just seconds ago.

  A rainbow of brown hues, the Odò Guard were different complexions, their hair either cut close to the scalp or twisted intricately. On the surface, the woman before him initially appeared different from the others, but now there was no crown and no markings on her face; her skin was the deepest brown and hair a kinky mass circling her narrow face. All things easily noted by sight, but it was the languid stretch of muscles and tendons in his body that made the real point.