On Dragon's Wings, page 1
Evernight Publishing ®
www.evernightpublishing.com
Copyright© 2014 Pelaam
ISBN: 978-1-77233-041-0
Cover Artist: Sour Cherry Designs
Editor: Tricia Kristufek
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.
This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
DEDICATION
To my partner for his unfailing belief.
ON DRAGON’S WINGS
Romance on the Go TM
Pelaam
Copyright © 2014
Chapter One
James’s shout reached Noah. He cleaned the flour off his hands and then headed into the living room to see what it was his cousin wanted to show him.
James stood, a grin lighting up his face, and pointed dramatically to a large glass tank he’d set on the table. “Ta-da. Our new roomie. At least for a little while.”
Noah stared at the aquarium. Only it wasn’t exotic fish or even plain, ordinary goldfish it contained. It was some kind of….
“That’s a lizard. You’re looking after a lizard. Oh man! How could you? Worms, beetles. Gross. Don’t let it get out.” Noah flapped his hands at the tank as if the lizard was trying to escape. He wrinkled his nose as the predominantly yellow-skinned creature tilted its head. “That thing’s smiling at me.” Noah pointed at it, and as James looked, the beast turned its back, displaying a turquoise-blue rear end, tail, and hind legs.
“Cool it, dude.” James laughed and made placating gestures with his hands that did nothing to allay Noah’s mounting anxiety over the latest house guest. “According to Aunt Tawny, this little guy doesn’t eat live stuff. He likes fruit, fresh green leaves, that kind of thing. So there’ll be nothing going in the fridge to gross you out. You seriously need to relax more, man.”
“Look, you work for your dad, James,” Noah said. “And that’s really cool for you. But I work for myself. I need to make money from the Snack Shack to pay all the bills associated with the business, living here, and still make enough to set aside so I can one day own my own bistro.”
“I know you do, bro. And I think it’s really cool. But just because I work for Dad doesn’t mean I can slack. As his son, I’m expected to prove I’m there because I should be. That includes me working that bit harder and longer than anyone else.”
“I’m sorry.” Noah squeezed James’s shoulder. “Without you, I wouldn’t even have this place.”
“Well, thankfully my side of the family is totally cool with you. You know Aunt Tawny is really taken with you.” James grinned and winked.
A soft laugh escaped Noah despite the way the lizard seemed to be staring at him again. He pictured Aunt Tawny in her flowing, multicolored clothes, exotic jewelry, and long, dark hair piled high in a style that seemed to defy gravity. In fact, all of James’s family was pretty cool and very laid back.
They were such a big contrast to his own straight-laced, strict family. It was hard to believe two families could be so very different. But James and his family had proved to be an absolute godsend when Noah’s family turned their backs on him for coming out at seventeen. James’s parents had taken him in immediately. Thanks to them, he’d gone to University and been able to fulfill his dream of studying cooking and getting his own business with the Snack Shack.
Now he wanted to be able to pay them back and prove himself a success in his chosen field. The hours were long and the work demanding, but he was determined to do it. He made most of the food for Snack Shack at home, had a trusted supplier for his hot pies, and sandwiches could be freshly made to order at the counter. People liked it and word had spread. He also did cakes and some catering outside of the Shack. But that also meant he had little spare time for relaxing or enjoying life.
Despite living close to the beach, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d gone for a walk or spent the day with friends. For a New Zealander, days at the beach were a part of life, and yet Noah might as well live in some big inner city for the amount of time he spent outdoors. He rarely took time for himself. He needed to be open five days a week, and when not in the Shack, he was baking or cooking for it. James occasionally kidded that he’d forgotten how to enjoy life. Maybe he had.
“So, we cool?” James asked.
The question drew Noah from his reverie, and he nodded at his cousin. “Sure. Just keep the lizard in its aquarium, and don’t put anything that could contaminate my ingredients or dishes in the fridge. How long are we stuck with it?”
Aunt Tawny was renowned for taking in all kinds of strays that she occasionally farmed out here and there. Noah hoped she wasn’t thinking of making the lizard a long-term guest.
James’s shrug didn’t bode well.
“She didn’t actually say. Just that he needed to be kept safe. Maybe he’s the Harry Houdini of the lizard world and likes to escape from the aquarium.” James laughed and waggled his fingers in Noah’s face.
Noah glowered at the lizard, which seemed to be smiling serenely up at him once more. “Yeah? Well, he’d best not find his way out of that tank and anywhere near me. I have a fly swatter and I’m not afraid to use it. Especially on lizards that sneak out of their tanks.”
The lizard’s tongue flickered out at him and it turned away, as if totally unconcerned by his threat.
James wrapped an arm around Noah’s shoulders. “Right. Now that that’s sorted, you and me are going to the local, and you are having a drink with me.”
“But—”
“No buts, Noah. I know you’ve got everything ready for tomorrow. Just one, maybe two drinks. Nothing more. I’ll also buy you a meal made by someone else. I can afford to treat you tonight. You can come home after that. I have a few mates joining me later. Quite frankly, dude, you need the break.”
Despite a spike in his nerves at the thought of going out, being with just James wasn’t so bad. Noah struggled in groups. Not naturally outgoing or gregarious, he always huddled in a quiet corner if in a crowd. But he’d be fine alone with James.
“Okay.” He nodded. “But we order the food as soon as we get there. I don’t want you worrying about me when you should be enjoying your friends’ company.”
“Awesome. Let’s just give this little guy some fruit and stuff, and we’re good to go.”
Chapter Two
Frowning, Noah stared at the trays of food he had ready to put out in either a heated or cooled display. He knew exactly how many of everything there should be. He was short a feta and sundried tomato tartlet, a mini asparagus quiche, a feta cheese and spinach scone, a custard tart, and a chocolate muffin.
“I don’t believe this. He knows to tell his friends anything in my house fridge is off limits. Dammit, James. You owe me for these.” While it didn’t sound much, Noah needed every cent he earned, and this represented a substantial loss. Meticulous over his accounting, Noah knew his stock well.
He set out the food he had, as he could hardly go back home now. When back home that evening, he’d make sure James knew someone had helped themselves and the loss had to be made up.
Thankfully, the day proved to be busy. Anna, his helper, joined him at 8:00 a.m. Her bright and breezy greetings ensured his customers left with a smile as well as good food or coffee. Anna only stayed with him until 2:00 p.m., and once the lunch rush was over, he only got a couple of stragglers or those who just wanted to sit for a few minutes with a coffee and cake.
The Shack only had enough space for a couple of people sitting in the window, and he had two small tables with chairs outside, for the smokers or for soaking up the Kiwi sunshine. Propping his chin in his hands, Noah stared at the small space. He longed for the day when he’d have a bistro café bar, a place where people could eat good food, drink good wine, and enjoy a convivial atmosphere.
That had been his dream since he was fourteen years old. Over a decade later, he was on his way. He loved the Snack Shack, but he couldn’t see himself there for more than another year or two. If he could find a business partner, his dream would come around much quicker. That was another reason for cooking a lot of the food himself, as well as working the long hours. He could prove how dedicated he was.
Noah stood, groaning as his back popped. He stretched to ease some of the ache, and then plastered a wide grin on his lips as a customer came through the door.
****
By the time he got home, Noah felt as if he could sleep for a week. He headed for his room, stripped, and wrapped a towel around his waist. He trotted downstairs to go make a coffee so it would cool while he showered.
Before he reached the kitchen, a noise made him turn with a yelp. James wasn’t home, so the soft thud was as disconcerting as it was unexpected. The noise sounded again, and Noah sagged. He had no idea what the little bugger was doing, but it was coming from the lizard’s tank.
Stomping over, Noah peered at the tank. James had left some fruit and green leaves in a dish, along with some water. Noah scowled. He couldn’t see anything in the aquarium that could have caused the noise. It wasn’t like the little critter could have knocked on the tank.
As he stood back, his towel dropped. With a grunt of impatience, Noah scooped it up and tossed it o
ver his shoulder. He didn’t have to worry. After all, there was only the lizard to see him. He glanced over at it.
The lizard looked as if it was ogling him.
Holding out his arms, Noah performed a slow pirouette. “Like what you see? Count yourself privileged. In the last three or so years, only James has seen me naked, and that was when we went camping.”
Despite the bravado of his words, a wave of self-pity threatened to consume him, and Noah pushed it aside. He didn’t have time. He was not going to wallow in misery when he had work to do.
“So, shower, coffee, and then decorate the cakes for the party tomorrow. Bake the quiches and tarts. Make a few club sandwiches, and voila, all done. Just like magic.” He kept his voice chipper, and this time determination swept through him. He was going to be just fine.
Chapter Three
Sitting up with a groan, Noah swung his legs out of bed. He’d woken up suddenly, certain he’d forgotten to put the last batch of cupcakes into his box ready to transport to the event in the morning. He looked at his clock and groaned again. I have to be up and out in four hours.
Not bothering with a robe, he headed downstairs in just the gray sweat shorts he wore for sleeping. As he headed into the living room, he heard an odd noise. He stopped and stared.
A man—or maybe a skinny youth would be more accurate—sat on the floor. If his short, spiky, blue hair wasn’t attention-catching enough, he had to be wearing some kind of freaky contact lenses. His eyes were golden.
Then Noah’s attention fixated on what the stranger held in each hand. “Hey! Those are my cakes you’re eating.”
The stranger shoved one cake into his mouth and scuttled on his hands and knees to hide behind the couch.
Noah ran over to the couch and peered behind, ready to order the young man out from his hiding place. Only, the space was empty. Noah straightened and rubbed his eyes before checking again. He has to be there.
“Wassup, dude? You’re making enough noise to wake the dead.” James shuffled into the room still fastening his robe and yawned widely.
“There was some weird, punk-haired kid eating my cakes.” Noah pointed to where he’s last seen the stranger. “Then he hid behind here. Only he isn’t. Here, that is.”
For a moment James just looked at him, and then he burst out laughing. “No way, man. Who’s gonna break in just to steal cake? I mean. Your cakes are da bomb, but really?”
It even sounded ridiculous to Noah, but he knew what he’d seen. “He was skinny, with blue hair.” He peered behind the couch one more time.
“Seriously, bro. There’s no one here. You had a bad dream.” James’s voice was softer, laced with concerned, and he squeezed Noah’s shoulder.
“You think I imagined it?” Noah was caught by surprise at the tears the suddenly burned his eyes and blurred his vision.
“Hey, hey, come on, man.”
Noah didn’t resist as James drew him into a hug.
After a minute, James eased back to look into Noah’s eyes. “I didn’t mean to upset you. Sit down. I’m going to get us a drink.”
Too bewildered to argue, Noah flopped onto the nearest chair. He looked between the dining room and the couch, half-expecting the stranger to pop up again. Despite knowing he had a busy day ahead of him, he took the glass offered by James, which held a moderate measure of whisky. Did I really imagine it? More importantly, am I losing it? I’ve got to hold it together. The Snack Shack is all I have.
He swirled the glass around. Even he had to admit that thinking he’d seen some blue-haired pixie in his living room stealing his cakes was hardly the sign of a stable mind. “I’m late. I’m late. For a very important date.” He murmured the remembered words from Alice in Wonderland and then glanced around in case a big white bunny appeared.
“To you, bro,” James said and raised his glass. “One of the nicest and most hard-working people I know. Thanks for the friendship.”
Copying the gesture, Noah ignored a single tear that sneaked from under his right eyelid and slid down his cheek. “To you, James, and to friendship.” He took a generous sip of the whisky and let the warmth diffuse through his body.
“Look. I know how important the Shack is to you,” James said. “And the catering you do on top of that. You have a dream and that’s really cool. To own your own café, bistro. And I know that in a way, the Shack and that dream are what replaced the family that turned their backs on you. But life isn’t all about work, work, work. You have to have a break. You have to take time for yourself. When did you actually have a real day off? A day where you didn’t bake, make some other kind of food, or wander around a market looking for ingredients?”
Shaking his head, Noah took another sip of the whisky. This time he savored its peaty taste. “I really don’t remember.” It was the truth. He truly didn’t remember. Swirling the drink again, Noah stared into the amber depths as if they were some kind of mystic oracle that could grant him his dreams. “I can’t fail, James. I just can’t. I don’t have anything else but my love of cooking and my dreams.”
“You have us. My side of the family loves you and recognizes your talent, even if those dickwads on your side don’t. Karma will bite them in the ass one day. But if you don’t take some time just for you, you’ll burn out. It’s all about balance. Work too hard, you’ll crash. Be too laid-back and you won’t achieve anything. You’re anything but laid-back. You need to cut yourself a little slack.”
“I guess,” Noah said and sighed. “I just don’t see how. I have no one to entrust the Shack to. Maybe I’ll close down for a week at Christmas and New Year and take the time off.” But even the thought made him nervous. He’d see closer to the time.
Chapter Four
Punching his pillow for what felt like the millionth time, Noah flopped onto his back and stared up at the ceiling. Sleep wasn’t coming, and he decided he might as well make use of the time by getting a few more cakes baked. He could have them in the oven by the time he’d boiled a kettle and made tea and let them bake while he sat with the drink.
The plan held much more merit than lying in bed and staring at the ceiling did, which was the only alternative. Noah pulled on a T-shirt and headed downstairs. Rubbing his eyes, he headed toward the kitchen, almost on autopilot.
Then he stopped and stared and rubbed his eyes again. The same blue-haired stranger from two nights ago sat next to the fridge. Noah snatched up his rolling pin, which he always left on the counter, and adopted what he hoped looked like a fighting stance, the rolling pin raised.
The unknown man stared back at Noah, his cheeks bulging slightly from the cake he’d just stuffed unceremoniously inside his mouth as if trying to hide it.
Noah was stunned the man showed neither fear nor reaction to Noah standing there with a rolling pin at the ready. “James get in here. We’ve got an intruder. Hurry!” Noah shouted, keeping his makeshift weapon poised.
The stranger looked away, his gaze darting back to the fridge as if deciding what to steal next.
“Don’t even think about it.” Noah dropped his voice to a warning growl.
“What intruder? Oh fuck. Why didn’t Aunt Tawny tell me she was giving me a shifter?”
“Need-to-know basis.” The words were garbled but recognizable as the stranger tried to swallow the last of the cake.
“Hey. He’s nearly naked. And what do you mean, shifter?” Noah looked from the man sitting on the floor to his roommate as if they were in collusion. Then it struck him. “Shifter? He’s that… lizard?” Images of him pottering around naked while preparing food when James was out for the night made his cheeks burn with embarrassment.
The stranger snickered as if knowing exactly what was going through Noah’s mind. “Nicely hung. For a human.”
Lowering the rolling pin, Noah’s shoulders slumped. “I didn’t know your side mixed with shifters.”
