The Dragon's Magical Bride, page 3
“No!” she cried in agony as the stone hit the ground and smashed into a thousand useless pieces.
“Whoa there,” the mountain man said, grasping her shoulders and stopping her from diving after the stone fragments.
Her heart beat triple time, threatening to break free of her ribcage. This could not be happening. She needed the dragon’s eye. That stone was her only chance. As her thoughts split apart, a wild scent hit her nose. Fresh, clean, and somehow familiar, it left her wanting more. She took a deep breath to fill her lungs as much as she could, only to come to the stark realization that the stranger was still holding her upright, pressing her against his chest, and the delicious aroma was coming straight from him.
“What the...?” she stuttered, unable to complete her question.
“Hey, now,” the man directed at her, pulling her backward enough to look in her eyes. “You okay?”
A pair of delectable red lips caught her attention first, then the shaggy locks perfect for running your fingers through, and finally the chocolate brown eyes that stared at her in concern. Mountain man was by far the most stunning creature she had ever seen, and yet...
His eyes widened like he had seen a specter. Not that ghost sightings were all that unusual, this being Nocturne Falls and all, but still. “Mirna,” he gasped. “Is that you?”
The beautiful man knew her name. How? She turned her head to the side, tugging at her memory. He did seem awfully...no! It couldn’t be. Her straggly childhood best friend could not possibly be this man. But... “Dani? No way!”
“It is you!” Without warning, he picked her up, swinging her around the small post office and hugging her fiercely.
The two other inhabitants of the space looked at them strangely, but she didn’t care. Despite the loss of the stone, her heart soared. The one good thing about this town had been her dragon buddy. As a creature born on the wrong side of the proverbial tracks, only he understood what it was like to be an outcast. Druids didn’t exactly have the respect of the locals, given the unpredictable nature of their magic. And dragons, with their penchant for fire, found equal wariness from the residents. When she and Dani had met, it was an instant connection, like peanut butter and jelly. They just stuck to each other.
“I can’t believe it.” She laughed and threw her arms around his neck. “It’s been forever.”
When he set her on her feet once more, he narrowed his eyes at her. “Too long.”
Mirna released him from the hug and rubbed at her collarbone. The old guilt returned full force. She had wanted to escape and make her way in the world with every fiber of her being, so the second she turned eighteen, she booked it out of town and off to college. Vowing never to return, she had Granny make the trip to see her on the holidays with the feigned intent of wanting to play hostess. The truth was she didn’t want to return to the place where she had felt so alone. Yet, the avoidance also meant she had lost the one person who meant the most to her. She had let go of Dani.
“I’m sorry, Dani.” She fidgeted and tugged at her hair, a nervous habit she could never break. “You know you were always the best part of this place for me.”
He grinned that lopsided smile she remembered so well. “I know. Just wish it had been different.”
“Me too,” she whispered.
“But you’re here now.” He popped her lightly under the chin. “And I’m going to make the most of it.” Suddenly, he made a face like a dog caught with the Thanksgiving turkey. “Ah first, though, I’ll replace whatever I made you drop.”
Her eyebrows rose to her forehead. “Oh no, the stone!” Remembering her momentarily forgotten gem, she dove for the ground once more. Yet, the pieces were toast. All shards and not a big enough section left to use for anything. This was a disaster.
Dani knelt beside her, letting his hands rest lightly on her shoulders and giving a gentle squeeze. “Don’t worry, Mir, we’ll fix it.”
“No.” She swiped at her eyes. The stress of the day and the emotional rollercoaster brought on the tears. “We won’t.”
“Come on, now. Don’t do that.” He hugged her again, his scent hitting her nose and calming her at once. “Whatever it is, it’ll be okay. I’ll help you, don’t worry.”
He knew. Even without her telling him a thing, he knew something was bothering her more than the stupid stone, and offered his support. She wasn’t surprised a bit. That was her Dani. Always ready to help. Although, he wasn’t really hers, was he? Not anymore.
“It’s fine, Dani,” she said, lifting her chin. Slowly, she pushed from his arms and rose to her feet. “I’ll take care of it.”
Mirna should have recalled the stubbornness of dragons. As his shoulders straightened and his body tensed, she knew he would be having none of that before he even spoke. “I said, we’ll fix it, and we will.”
Her internal smile tugged at her lips. He might have grown up and filled out, but underneath that incredibly handsome exterior, he was the same old Dani. He had always been the most dependable person she knew. She patted his arm. “Thanks, Dani.”
“Don’t mention it,” he said to her, then turned to Shortcake. “Hey, Amelia, you got a broom?”
“Course, I do.” She spun out of sight, likely to retrieve the aforementioned broom.
“All right, here’s the plan.” Dani motioned to the floor. “First, I clean this up.”
Mirna let loose a full-blown smile and said, “Mmm-hmm.”
“Then, we figure out how to get a new one of whatever I broke.”
She sighed as Shortcake returned, broom in tow, and handed it to Dani. Holding the dustpan, she waited as he swept the useless shards into it, before speaking. “It won’t be that easy. This stone isn’t exactly common to come by, and I have no idea where Granny got it in the first place.”
“Well, then.” He brushed her hand with his as he took the dustpan from her and emptied its contents into the trash. “Looks like I get to see your granny again. Best stop for some cupcakes first. Blueberry still her favorite?”
How did she ever say goodbye to him? A memory of stomping through Granny’s petunia bushes as they ran back from a swim at the pond, not looking a bit where they were going, popped into her mind. Granny had been so mad, but then Dani left with the promise of recompense and returned thirty minutes later with cupcakes and petunia seeds in tow. He gave Granny the cupcakes, then promised to replant the seeds himself when it was time. Afterward, she had helped him discard the ruined bushes, and at planting time they gardened together, ensuring Granny’s flowers would grow better than ever.
“Still her favorite,” she said, leading them into the parking lot. “And the petunias are still growing strong. I know ’cause Granny sends me some every spring.”
“They sure should be.” He laughed. “Never worked so hard in my life than when replacing those plants.”
Eyeing him from head to toe and the ample muscle in between, she didn’t believe that for an instant and told him as much.
“Well, at the time, it felt like the hardest job in the world.” He reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. “Although, it was a heck of a lot better since we did it together.”
Her cheeks heated. “Yeah, it was kinda fun.” As the connection between them flew like fireworks, she tugged her hand free. No sense going down that road, no matter how much she might want to try. It would only lead to heartache for both of them. “We should go.”
As Mirna turned toward her VW, she heard Dani cough behind her.
“In that thing?” He pointed at her little green bug and his nose scrunched as if he had smelled something rotten.
“And just what is the problem with my car?” She put her hands on her hips, daring him to make a comment.
“It’s a car?” He chuckled.
“Why you?” She went to slap at him playfully, but he caught her wrists and spun her to the left.
“Now, see here, sweetheart.” He pointed three spots down. “That’s a true vehicle.”
An oversized black pickup truck that appeared like something straight out of Rundown Cowboys met her gaze. Its tires looked as big as her and the rust around it could choke a horse. “You’ve got to be kidding.”
“No, ma’am.” He smiled that ear-to-ear grin. “It’s a classic.”
Her disdain could not be kept in check. “A classic piece of junk maybe.”
“You wound me.” He clasped a fist to his chest.
“Oh, come on,” she cried. “You can’t be serious with that thing.”
“Eh.” He shrugged. “Comes in handy for work. I’m in construction now, you know? Building houses.” His face, which had been too perfect before, beamed downright radiant with the admission. Dani clearly took pride in his work, and she couldn’t help being proud of him too.
“That’s wonderful.” She squeezed his forearm. “You always said you would have your own construction business!”
“Well.” He scraped his boot on the ground. “Not quite there yet, but on the way.”
“You’ll get there,” she said, believing it. “And you’re doing what you love. I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks.” He put his hand over hers where it still rested on his arm. “I appreciate it, Mir.”
Danger, Mirna. This is not good. The thoughts echoed in her brain but her body refused to listen for a solid second, and this seemed like a perfect kissable moment. She had to end it. “Sure,” she said, pulling her hand back and running it through her hair. “Now, let’s get going.”
As she headed for her car, Dani stopped her. “You know, I won’t fit in that thing.”
She huffed and waved at his truck. “Well, that’s too high for me.”
“I could pick you up and put you in.” He laughed.
Rolling her eyes, she added, “I’d need a tetanus shot.”
He laughed again, the sound vibrating through his chest and doing something to her senses. She had never been so turned on by a laugh, especially one at directed at her. “Rock, paper, scissor?” he proposed.
After three heart-stopping rounds, Mirna stuck out her tongue while her paper covered his rock and headed for her car once more.
“You cheated,” he cried as he folded his large body into the passenger seat.
She suppressed a giggle, as he wasn’t off on the not quite fitting part. “Spoil sport.”
Chapter 4
Danila glanced at the redhead marching confidently in front of him. He remembered the heady mix of her spunkiness and vulnerability all too well. When they were friends so many years ago, it had been harder and harder to keep his feelings for her in check. And his dragon had agreed, trying constantly to worm its way to the forefront. He would never allow it after his past with his dragon, but it wasn’t always easy. Better to never shift, and let everyone think him defective, then risk the danger of the truth. By the tenth grade, he dated girls just to keep his mind off Mirna—not his proudest moment.
And now she was back.
But why? And for how long? He sighed.
Mirna looked back.
“Are you getting tired?” Her voice carried a hint of amusement. They had to leave the car about a mile behind. No way they could drive down these overgrown paths, especially in her little excuse for an automobile, and that’s how Mrs. Turan preferred it. “What’s up with the sighing?”
“You wish, druid girl.” Danila smirked. “Even when I was a scrawny teenager, my stamina was running circles around yours.”
“You were never scrawny,” Mirna said, so quiet he almost didn’t catch it. Did he hear appreciation in her voice?
She turned around and started walking again. Danila re-positioned the tray of blueberry cupcakes in his hands and breathed in the fresh air, tasting the sharp forest scents on his tongue. Nocturne Falls had its share of problems, like any small town, but the beauty of the area never ceased to amaze him. Every season was stunning and lush. With his enhanced hearing, he could discern a milliard of sounds emanating from the trees that swayed in the soft breeze, the animals scurrying around, the streams and brooks quietly running under foot.
If he ever moved away, he would miss the natural beauty of this place.
And, he realized with a start, he missed Mirna more than he cared to admit.
Life was so nice and quiet, he mused to himself. I really don’t need any female complications right now.
And he had a feeling she’d be a major complication.
“Come on, dragon boy, don’t fall back,” Mirna teased.
He caught up to her in two strides.
“So, how’s life been treating you in the big city, anyway?” he asked. Keep it light.
One delicate shoulder went up in a shrug. She didn’t smile. “It has its ups and downs, like anywhere, I guess. I love that I can lose myself there. I love how many different people go about their business without wanting or caring to be in each other’s business.”
“I can understand that,” Danila said wistfully. “But I think I’d miss the country too much.”
A quick smile passed her lips. “Sometimes, I do.”
“Ever thought of coming back?” He could have smacked himself for asking that question. He hoped she would say no. That would make things much simpler.
Before she could answer, an old woman jumped out of the tree ahead of them and said in a loud strong voice, “’Bout time you visited your old Granny and brought a boy! And are those blueberry cupcakes?”
Mirna stopped in her tracks. “Jeez, you scared the heck out of me!” But she was laughing and running to hug the older woman. “What are you doing climbing trees, anyway?”
“The best spot to watch the area, don’t you know?”
Granny liked to make herself look older than her actual age, but Mirna knew perfectly well that she was still as fit and sharp as a forty-year-old. Her stooped shoulders bent only in public, and at home her face appeared smoother and brighter. When she was in town, she liked to put on a show and present an image of an old and slightly scary druid witch. It always cracked Mirna up.
Her dark green blouse and yellow skirt hid her willowy figure.
“So, who’s your boy toy?” Granny made a thorough inspection of Dani with her gaze. “Seems familiar.”
“Granny!” Mirna shook her head. “He’s not my boy toy. And you know who he is. You must remember Danila, my friend from school.”
Dani extended his hand, his face showing surprise when she gave it a good strong shake. “Good to see you again, ma’am.”
“Don’t you ma’am me, boy. I do remember you. You were pretty then, but now you turned into…what do you call it nowadays…a babe!” She glanced meaningfully at Mirna.
“Alright.” Mirna rolled her eyes, then gave Dani an apologetic look. “Why don’t we go into the house and talk there?”
Granny was about to say something else but caught Mirna’s warning look and turned around with a huff. Mirna gave Dani another repentant smile, and they followed Granny down the path and into the house.
The home looked like a piece of art from the outside. It was made of wood logs interspersed with boulders. Five little wooden turrets crowned it on all sides. Elaborate vines and flowers, painted in bright green, red, and yellow colors covered the logs and the wooden stairs leading up to the oval entrance door. Mirna’s grandfather built it with his own hands, and Granny decorated it. Mirna knew Granny would never give it up. It was home, no matter how long Mirna stayed away.
Inside, the décor looked like a mishmash of antique, modern, and weird. A spacious living room—larger than would seem possible from the outside—gave way to two smaller bedrooms. The furniture ranged between large and heavy, like the brown velvet couch in the middle, and light and airy, like the glass-top coffee table. Two tree stumps served as chairs. A small kitchen in colors of pale blue and white trim created an old-fashioned and homey vibe.
“Put the cupcakes on the coffee table there and make yourself at home.” Granny waved towards Dani. “I’ll make you youngsters a nice cup of tea. Helps with your mojo too.”
Mirna’s cheeks heated, and she knew had she dared to look they would be a bright pink, but she didn’t say anything. She peeked at Dani and caught his amused smile.
After whatever tea Granny thought was appropriate for the occasion had been steeped and placed in front of them, and everyone had consumed at least one cupcake, Granny made it clear that it was time to get down to business with direct conversation. “I didn’t expect to see you here now. I thought I was coming to visit you in a few months, when you were done with all the important stuff in your life.”
“Yeah, well, you know you’re important to me, and I wish we could visit together more often,” Mirna said, trying to stave off the familiar guilt.
Granny waved her words away. “I know, I know, dear. Did you take care of your—” she made some finger air quotes “—well, your ‘friend’s’ little problem? I thought I sent you what you needed.”
Dani looked between them with curiosity, which Mirna studiously ignored.
“That’s why I’m here, Granny. The stone you sent me, they couldn’t mail it all the way to Philly. I came to pick it up from the post office. But…” She glanced at Dani, who was intensely studying his fingers. “There was an accident.”
Granny’s sharp eyes didn’t miss the silent interaction. “An accident? Do tell.”
“The stone…well…it kind of broke.”
“Broke? How in the name of St. Brigid do you break one of the hardest stones on the planet?” Granny glanced straight at Dani. “Did the boy have something to do with it?”
Mirna never thought a dragon could look sheepish. Yet, here he was.
