Of course, he would never say that to Asha. She took Wings of Love seriously. She believed in it. Maybe it worked for everyone else, but Seph began to think he might be the exception. He winced at the thought of having to tell Asha about tonight, and how things had fallen through with Elizabeth. That’s it. I just have to accept the fact that I am going to have the distinction of being the first Dragon to fail to find a mate through an agency with a 100% success rate.
For some reason, the thought of disappointing Asha shook Seph, filling him with the same despair he had felt as he listened to his father tear down Elizabeth’s character. Seph’s hands formed fists at his sides as he replayed that whole ugly scene in his head. God, how I hate that man, right now! He looked back at the stately manor, with its glowing windows and the Christmas decorations swaying in the breeze. He had grown up here, but tonight his childhood home had become a house from Hell. Cyril had never been particularly warm or affectionate. The term “shrewd businessman” had always suited him best. This evening, Seph saw a new side of him. In all his years as a therapist, Seph had never met a Dragon who behaved with such calculated malice. Because they come to you as part of a couple. Seph knew that a Dragon needed a mate to temper him, to teach him how to be tender and compassionate; the legends that depicted his race as monsters had been about those who had never found companions – or in his father’s case, lost them too soon. Father’s been alone so long, his heart is completely hardened. Seph raked his hands back through his hair. “My God,” he mumbled out loud to himself. “Is this what I have to look forward to, if I don’t find someone?”
He shivered, and not from the chilly bite of the wind. I can’t do this anymore, he thought. I don’t want to subject another unsuspecting woman to Father’s cruelty. He’ll never approve, no matter who I choose. But I also can’t rush any more women through some unsuspecting gauntlet, bringing them home to meet a man who is just going to belittle them. “How am I going to resolve this?”
Tilting his head back, he sighed at the stars above, his breath a cloud of white against the black sky. Everyone always came to talk to him about their troubles; who did he have, to listen to his? As if in answer to that mental question, he found himself picturing a familiar face with kind, dark eyes and lips plump like ripe berries as they curved into a knowing smile. Asha. A warmth began to blossom in his gut. Yes, he could talk to her. He could tell her about his predicament, confide in her, and ask her for advice. He trusted her. He liked her. Seph understood the Dragon heart once it had been given to someone; Asha understood the Dragon heart still searching for a place to belong.
Chapter Seven
“I’m going back to the city,” Seph announced the next morning, as he stood in the kitchen next to Drew and helped himself to a cup of coffee from the pot on the counter.
“Because of last night?” Drew asked, lifting his own mug to his lips and taking a sip. He and Seph had always been the early risers of their clutch, up before their brothers and sometimes even Father.
“More or less,” Seph admitted. He leaned back against the cupboard, dressed in jeans and a cable knit sweater. “I didn’t sleep very well last night.” He grimaced.
“To be honest, I think that scene in the dining room completely exorcised the Christmas spirit from this house.”
Drew sighed. “Yes, that was a mess.”
“I just felt so helpless,” Seph went on. “I’ve been struggling to come to terms with the things Father said to Elizabeth and Gwendolyn. From a professional standpoint, I know that it came from that dark place inside him that we all know about…but it doesn’t excuse it.”
Mrs. Carson, already busy preparing breakfast, turned to face Seph. “Pardon me for eavesdropping,” she said, “but I understand how you feel, dear.” She lowered her voice. “We were all a bit surprised by the exchange – speaking for myself, my heart went out to those two young ladies…but a greater part of it went to you, as well.”
Seph raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Wow,” he said, after swallowing a mouthful of coffee. Mrs. Carson had always spoken her mind freely, damn the consequences if Father ever found out; more than likely he knew anyway, but let it slide because he had always said how much he loathed breaking in new staff members. “Thank you, Mrs. Carson. I appreciate your concern.”
“I just wish you’d reconsider staying,” the matronly cook said. “It’s always good to have my boys together for Christmas.”
“We love you, too, Mrs. Carson,” Drew said, and leaned over to kiss her cheek.
Seph did give it further consideration. Unfortunately, he found his decision made for him shortly after breakfast. He had been in the library, looking for a book to read to pass the time. He had felt the Vovin patriarch’s presence without looking up. “Good morning, Father,” Seph said.
“It’s been brought to my attention that you have considered going back to the city,” Cyril said without preamble. He had dressed in a dark blue, three-piece suit with a black tie. He pulled out a gold pocket watch with the Vovin Clan crest engraved on the back and looked at the time. “If you leave now, you’ll miss the afternoon traffic.”
Seph turned to stare at him, surprised. “You’re telling me to go?”
“I am releasing you, yes,” Father said. He tucked the watch back into his waistcoat pocket. “If you aren’t feeling in the holiday way, it would be pointless to make you stay.”
It almost sounded like compassion and understanding – two things Seph had never really associated with his father. “I appreciate that,” he said.
“Just bear in mind that time is running out,” Cyril went on. “You still need to find a wife, Seph – or this will be the last chance you will ever have to spend Christmas at Tamerlane.”
His incentive leaves much to be desired, Seph thought sourly. “I understand,” he said.
“Good.” With a thin smile, Cyril turned and headed out of the library. “Safe journey, my son.”
And just like that, Seph knew he could not stay. Father’s arrogance, his demands, and his brusqueness seemed to permeate every corner of every room. Seph packed, said good-bye to his brothers and the staff, wishing them all a good holiday. Then he was on his way, steering his car along the winding road leading away from Tamerlane. He glanced in the rear-view mirror, seeing the house grow smaller the further he moved away from it. He thought about Father’s thinly-veiled threat, that this could be the last time he ever saw his childhood home. Steeling himself, Seph turned his attention back to the road ahead and gripped the steering wheel tightly. Maybe it’s better if I never come back.
He lowered the window and let the cold winter air hit his face and ruffle his hair. Breathing deeply, he willed his mind to clear itself of the negativity from the last twenty-four hours. Part of Seph wanted to defy his father. I am in control of my own destiny. All this urgency to find a mate had stirred something within him, though. Dragons have biological clocks, too. Some of his clients had talked about how they had felt overcome with the need to reproduce not long after meeting their intended partner. Seph had never given much thought to parenthood. Now, he found himself considering it – and not just because of Cyril’s decree. One thing’s for certain: I will be a much better father to my children than he had been, to us!
As he returned to the city, he took in the festive decorations on every light post and in the storefront displays. The sidewalks bustled with activity as last-minute shoppers rushed about. Corner street vendors sold cups of hot cider or paper cones filled with cinnamon-toasted almonds.
Seph stopped for a family trying to make its way to the other side of the street by way of a crosswalk. Bundled against the cold in thick coats, hats and scarves, the children clung to their parents’ hands so as not to be separated in the chaos. The father paused to scoop up his little boy and settled him on his shoulders for a better view over the crowds. It made Seph happy to see such love and caring, but at the same time he felt a pang of bittersweet regret. Those children would grow up with cheris
hed memories of the holidays. When they grew up, they might even take their own kids out shopping on Christmas Eve, to see the lights and visit the department store Santa Claus. Screw Tamerlane, Seph thought. You should consider starting a few new holiday traditions of your own.
Thinking of traditions made him remember Thanksgiving with Asha and her family, and he smiled. Something like that, only with friends. His brothers would always be welcomed to join him, too, if they found themselves put out by Father – either by their own choice, or because they had failed to find mates. Yes, if Cyril decided to disown all five of his sons, they would survive being cut off from the main Vovin Clan. We’ll make a new one of our own.
Seph continued to drive around town for a while. He considered stopping at the delicatessen for a few things before making his way back to his apartment. Wouldn’t it be funny if Asha showed up again, and asked you to join her family for Christmas? Seph snorted at the notion. Right – lightning doesn’t strike twice, so don’t get your hopes up. Still, it would be nice. He wondered how Asha celebrated the holidays. Would they have a tree covered in lights and homemade ornaments that they would decorate together? Would they sing carols, drink hot cocoa, and build snowmen in the front yard – all those wonderful cliché things he had seen in movies and television specials, but had never experienced for himself?
In the end, he decided to go home and order something for delivery; Chinese, perhaps. He pulled into the parking garage; bag in tow, he took the elevator up to his floor. As he made his way through the hall to his door, he thumbed through his keys, humming to himself. Some of his neighbors had hung wreaths on their doors, or sparkly garland and lights around the framework. He reached his corner condo, devoid of festive decorations. That’s part of your problem, he realized. You help others to make their lives warm and bright, but your world is cold and dark and dismal. He let himself in and closed the door. Tossing his keys into a tray on the foyer table, he headed for his bedroom to drop off his suitcase. He toed out of his shoes and tossed his coat over the foot of the bed. He took a moment to stretch, grunting softly. He reached up and kneaded at his neck and shoulder in hopes of relieving some of the tightness knotting there.
So, now what? Seph wondered. This is your first Christmas Eve on your own. What are you going to do? He wandered over to the sliding glass doors that opened onto the terrace. In the summer, he liked to stretch out and sun himself in either form – man or Dragon. Now, he pushed the door open and stepped outside into the chilly, early evening air. Night fast approached. Looking up, he saw clouds moving in, heavy with snow. I need to work off some of this tension, he thought. He gazed out over the sparkling city, listening to the ever-present hum of it. Tamerlane could be so silent, like a tomb. Here, Seph could hear and feel the pulse of life. I want to fly over it, take it all in.
Shedding his clothes, Seph padded barefoot over to the balcony ledge. He raised his arms high over his head, took a deep breath, and willed his body to transform. He remembered the first time he had shape-shifted into a Dragon, how he had been scared and excited. He doubled in size, muscles filling out, bones growing. From his shoulders sprouted a pair of leathery, iridescent blue wings with a fifteen-foot span. He dropped forward onto his palms, watching his hands become covered in dark blue scales and his nails turn into thick, black, curved claws. Looking down, he saw his thighs swell into powerful haunches. His weight was balanced on the balls of his feet as his toes became longer, tipped by talons like obsidian daggers. His neck lengthened, telescoping out, while the hair on his head receded under a crest of blue scales that emerged from his scalp. His mouth and nose elongated to form a muzzle with wide nostrils; he flicked his tongue over pointed teeth made for bringing down large prey. His eyes enlarged, spaced further apart and glowing gold. The final part of the process came with the vertebrae at the base of his spine cracking, as they formed a tail as long as the rest of his body. Seph raised his head and let out a barking roar of joy. It’s been too long, he thought.
Bounding up onto the wall, Seph launched himself into the air. His great wings beat to lift him higher. Banking around the tall buildings, he soared and rode the wind currents. His night vision allowed him to see other Dragons flying around the city, making their way from one place to another. Seph flew with no destination in mind. He just wanted to enjoy himself, to experience the freedom of flight. I feel better already, he marveled. Something about being in Dragon form had always helped to relieve the stress of everyday existence, like a snake shedding its skin. Seph whirled and glided, dipped and spiraled, dancing with the snowflakes that began to swirl around him. I feel alive!
He wondered what it would be like to share this experience with his future wife. Some of his clients would tell him how much they enjoyed going on flights together – the Dragon holding his Human wife in his arms, or even using a harness that allowed her to ride on his back, safe and secure from falling off during the wild twists and turns. It could be so thrilling, even arousing, and many times often led to mind-blowing sex. God, how I envy them, Seph thought. I hope to have that, someday.
Seph soon found himself circling over the offices of Wings of Love. To his surprise, he saw a familiar figure emerge. Asha? Seph watched her walk out to the parking lot toward the only car sitting there; a mid-size coupe, covered with a light dusting of snow. Lights blinked on with the help of a keyless remote, and the security alarm deactivated with a chirp. Seph hovered high above, observing as she dropped in behind the wheel and started the engine. He blinked, the ridge of his brow furrowed in confusion. It’s Christmas Eve – why is she only now getting out of work?
Concerned, and more than a little curious, he decided to follow her. The roads are getting slick, he reasoned. I should be on hand, if she runs into trouble. He flew over the car as it traveled through the city to a side of town where some of the older brick buildings had been restored during a recent renaissance. Not as upscale and trendy as Old Town, it had a retro flavor with second-hand shops, bookstores, and tea rooms; retail at street level with residential above. Seph watched Asha pull her vehicle into a small lot and make her way toward the entrance to the loft apartments over a nail salon. He had to chuckle to himself. Probably where she gets those beautiful manicures, he thought.
He circled around until he saw a light go on in one of the apartments. Seph landed on the roof of the building directly across the street. He could look down and see right into the apartment. He saw Asha put down her messenger bag and strip off her coat, which she hung in a closet. She wore a low-cut green sweater dress with a belt of gold rings circling her waist. Seph smiled inwardly. She always looks good no matter what she wears. He watched as she kicked off her high-heeled shoes, walking around the hardwood floors on bare feet.
Asha finished sifting through her mail and dropped it on a table before moving off to the next room over. Another light came on. Seph could see a bed with a lavender comforter. His heart began to beat a little faster when he saw Asha remove her belt and set it on the dresser. Okay, she’s about to get naked, Seph realized. You were raised to be a gentleman, to respect a lady’s privacy. You made sure she got home safely; it’s time to go, now.
But Seph could not make himself move from that spot. Transfixed, he stared through that window, distantly wondering why Asha did not close the shades. Does she not have curtains? He swallowed as she reached up behind her back and lowered the zipper, then peeled her dress off her shoulders and arms, working it down over her wide hips until it dropped to the floor. Her large breasts looked ready to tumble out of her black satin bra as she bent to scoop up the dress. For a moment, she stepped out of view, and Seph felt a rush of disappointment.
She returned a moment later, wrapped in a clingy, silk kimono of pale blue with pink cherry blossoms, the belt lashed loosely around her middle. She sat down on the end of the bed and pulled her braids over her shoulder. She had her smart phone in her other hand, face up. Seph could not help his Dragon hearing from picking up on someone talking, comin
g through the speaker. It’s her mother, Seph noted, recognizing the voice.
“…sure you don’t want to join us tonight?” Janice asked.
“I’m real tired, Mom,” Asha replied, and Seph could hear the exhaustion in her words. “I’ve got these end-of-the-year taxes to file…used to be that they let me have until January to get them in, but this year they’ve got this new guy who keeps throwing around the word ‘audit’ – trying to scare me, of course, but you know it takes a lot to shake me. More than anything, I’m pissed at him.”
“Oh? Why, baby? What happened?”
Asha sighed. “He said something derogatory the other day, which makes me think he might be a little racist against Dragons. That could be why he’s giving me a hard time over the taxes.”
“And making you feel like you’ve got to work on Christmas,” Janice said, sounding angry. “Look, if this tax accountant or whatever the hell he is gives you any grief, you let us know. Your family’s got your back, and we will not stand by and let someone harass you. Your grandparents did not march in the Sixties for this!”
Asha chuckled and shook her head. “I’ll be all right, Mom,” she said. “I’ll come over tomorrow. I just want to take the rest of tonight to relax, have a hot bath, eat something, and then go to sleep.”
“All right, then,” Janice conceded. “We’ll see you tomorrow. Merry Christmas, baby.”
“Merry Christmas to you, too,” Asha said. “Tell everyone I love them.”
“Okay.”
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