The Dragon's Magical Bride, page 12
“Did you mean it?” A trace of fear laced his question, but he hugged her back. “You won’t leave again? Did you mean it, or did you just say it because it’s what you thought I needed to hear?”
Mirna pulled away far enough so he could see the big smile across her face. “Both, dragon boy. I knew you needed to hear it, but I meant it when I said I’m staying. My life is with you now. I’m sorry it took me so long to realize it.”
Dani hugged her tight. His mouth close to her ear, he whispered, “I always felt like an outcast. Except with you.”
She couldn’t quite keep the joy that bubbled inside her from leaking out of her eyes. She didn’t care. But Dani wasn’t done yet.
“I think I’ve been waiting my whole life for you to realize we belong together.” He swiped at her cheek, rubbing the tears away. “I love you.”
His kiss, full of passion, ignited her senses. No gentleness this time. Her dragon wanted her to know how much he needed her. And she responded in kind.
“Ahem,” Granny and Irina said at the same time.
Mirna and Dani pulled apart, laughing.
“I forgot we had company.” Mirna giggled.
Only then did she notice that Hank, John, and Jax had also transformed back to their human forms.
Hank’s expression was a mix of official lawman and alpha werewolf. “This was…interesting,” he said. “But interesting doesn’t translate to safe. Here was the second time in as many days I’ve seen you lose control now. I’m sure you understand my concern.”
Dani gave him a slight nod. “I understand your concern perfectly,” he acknowledged. “This is the reason I never told anyone. And why I never risked another shift.”
Hank sighed. “Look, it’s obvious that Mirna has the power to control your beast,” he continued, scratching at his head. “If you tell me that she’s always going to be around to do so, and you’re not a threat to the town, I’ll believe it. But if not...”
The sheriff didn’t need to say anymore. If his dragon couldn’t be controlled, Dani would have to leave Nocturne Falls.
An unspoken question flashed in Dani’s eyes when he looked at her. After all this, did he still doubt her?
“I’m not going anywhere,” she told him. Then, turning to Hank she said firmly, “I’m not going anywhere, Sheriff.”
Hank nodded, seemingly satisfied with the assurance. “Good. I’ll keep an eye on it just the same.”
Mirna couldn’t blame him. But he wasn’t her primary concern. She had done what she could to appease the sheriff, now she had other matters to attend. Giving Dani’s hand a squeeze, she went to John.
“I don’t know what’s going on, but you have some explaining to do.” John cocked a brow at her. He appeared confused more than ever but no longer angry.
“I know,” she said. “I’m sorry for everything, and I will explain it all, I promise.”
Dani came up behind her and rested his hands on her shoulders. “Together,” he chided. “We’ll explain it together.”
Epilogue
Four months later, Mirna stood in the dining room of Granny’s brand new home. The chandelier overhead cast a soft amber glow on the mahogany table. The roasted turkey took up the center spot as Alina and Regina helped set the side dishes and all the plates. A roaring fire warmed them from the connected living room, and the twins played with a racecar in front of it.
“I know I say it every time,” Irina said as she plopped a plate of fresh bread on the table. “But my boy outdid it on this house.”
“He really did,” Granny agreed, sitting in a rocking chair and orchestrating the dinner affair from her prime spot. “He spoiled me with it.”
“Nothing’s too good for my grandmother-in-law.” Dani’s smile lit up the room more than any fire or artificial lights. He had a warmth about him that drew Mirna in like a child to a lightning bug. And she had caught her bug.
“Now, child.” Granny swatted at his arm. “Didn’t I tell you none of that in-law stuff? It’s Granny or nothing.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He laughed.
“See, there he goes again, Irina.” She waved at the other woman. “First, in-law, and now, ma’am.”
Irina pretended to be annoyed. “I’m so embarrassed. How could I have raised such a son?”
Mirna looped her arm through Dani’s and leaned against his shoulder. “Now, Granny, Mama, don’t go picking on my man. He’s had a long day after all.”
“And that’s another thing, don’t you go working too hard, you hear?” Granny grabbed a ladle off the table and shook it at him. “My granddaughter needs you well rested so we can get some grandbabies.”
“Oh, that’s right.” Irina put a hand on Granny’s rocking chair in solidarity. “Your niece and nephew need some playmates.”
“Mama, Granny Turan, you are both awful.” Alina saved them as she rounded on the pair with a handful of spoons. “You lay off them. They’ve hardly been engaged a hot minute and you two are already dreaming up grandbabies.”
“Cousins?” Andre and Lana echoed together from the other room.
“Don’t you two start,” Regina told them while she brought in the accompanying forks for the meal.
“Thank you, darlings.” Mirna smiled at her new family. “Appreciate the backup.”
“It’s only because they like you. They wouldn’t defend me like that.” Dani chuckled, pulling her in close to his chest.
“Well, I don’t believe that for a minute.” She tightened her fingers around his shirt collar. “But Granny is right about one thing. You’re working too much.”
His brown eyes shone under the glow of the lights. “Have to. I’m the boss. I can’t slack off.”
The joy and pride in his gaze warmed her heart. He had worked so hard to gain the trust of his crew and start his own construction firm. He had Jax, of course, as his right-hand man, but Dani didn’t put the onus of responsibility on anyone but himself.
“And what about you, sweetheart?” He nipped at her ear. “You’re not exactly innocent of the overworking card.”
He spoke true. After making the decision to move back to Nocturne Falls, she feared she wouldn’t have a place as both a druid or a librarian. But as it turned out the witches had never quite been against other types of earth magic as she had thought them to be as a child, and druids weren’t social outcasts at all. She couldn’t wait to learn more from the local witch community, although she might keep those lessons from her parents. Add to the fact that Nocturne Falls High needed a librarian, and well, her two biggest reasons for staying away so long hadn’t been issues at all.
Mirna had been a bit chagrined that she had let those uncertainties keep her from her heart’s desire for so long. At least now it was made right. With a job she loved, a family she loved, and a man she loved, she felt happier than she had ever been.
“You know, Dani,” she said, holding him close. “I think you’re right. We do work too much. So, what’s say we change that.”
His brows rose in curiosity. “What did you have in mind?”
“I know we talked about a winter wedding, but well, I don’t think I can wait that long.”
The cheers that arose from around the room let them know the family was anxious for their wedding too.
Dani smiled. “So, what should we do about that?”
“Let’s move up the wedding. Everyone we love is already here, and with the rest of town in tow, it’ll be perfect.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” He kissed her to the sounds of laughing and hugging as their joined families embraced the news.
When she pulled back, she turned to Granny, and said, “Guess I better call my parents.”
“They’ll be thrilled, honey.” Granny rose from her rocking chair to grab her cell phone. “Why not call them now?”
Dani kept her free hand interlaced with his as she took the phone to make the call. “No time like the present.”
“You’re right.” She flicked through the contacts to find her parents’ number. “And I can’t wait to tell them I’m going to be a dragon’s bride.”
“As long as you’re mine.” He kissed her on the cheek as the call rang in her ear. “You’re my dragon’s magical bride.”
THE END
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Acknowledgments
Thank you to Kristen Painter for giving us the opportunity to play in her world. Getting to be a part of the Nocturne Falls Universe is an unforgettable adventure. We have loved every moment of it.
To the readers of Nocturne Falls, thank you for allowing us to share our story with you. We hope you will join us for more journeys of the paranormal, and consider being a part of Team Ninja. Our Ninja Readers experience all of the early snippets, ARCs, giveaways, and bonuses in our Facebook group. We would love to connect with you!
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Thank you to all of our friends and family for their continued loved and support. Special thanks to our team at City Owl, both authors and staff, who make the realm of writing all the better. You all rock!
About the Authors
Yelena Casale is a USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance. Born in Kiev, Ukraine, she moved to New York at thirteen. As a 2nd degree black belt and instructor in Shotokan karate, an avid traveler, and history and art enthusiast, she weaves universal themes with martial arts philosophies into her stories. She lives with her amazing, supportive husband and the best Siamese cats.
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Tina Moss is a USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of urban fantasy, paranormal romance, romantic suspense, and New Adult novels. She lives in NYC with a supportive husband and two alpha corgis, though all the males hog the bed and refuse to share the covers. When not writing, she enjoys reading, watching cheesy horror flicks, traveling, and karate. As a 5'1" Shotokan black belt, she firmly believes that fierce things come in small packages.
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Tina Moss, The Dragon's Magical Bride
