Passionate Flames, page 1
Passionate Flames
Hidden Realms of Silver Lake
Book 5
Vella Day
Passionate Flames
Copyright © 2018 Vella Day
Kobo Edition
www.velladay.com
velladayauthor@gmail.com
Cover Art by Jaycee DeLorenzo
Edited by Rebecca Cartee and Carol Adcock-Bezzo
Published in the United States of America
E-book ISBN: 978-1-941835-81-4
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author except in the case of brief questions embodied in critical articles or reviews.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events or locales, is entirely coincidental.
A dark entity determined to destroy all goodness; one woman and her mate fated to take him down.
Angelique Carson had no idea that once she was let out of her hidden realm to protect the Guardians’ children that her life would take a turn for the worse. Sure Thane Sinclair is her mate, but there is no way she intends to indulge in any kind of carnal pleasure until her main job is done—and that could take years.
Thane’s sole purpose is to train the Guardians for battle. The moment he encounters the powerful and beautiful Angelique, however, his mission takes a back burner. Boy, does it. The only problem is that Angelique isn’t interested. Could have fooled him. Every time he’s around her, her sweet body pulses with desire—as does his.
At the moment though, Thane has bigger problems. Random people are showing up dead in his town, and only Angelique seems to know who’s responsible. Only she’s not saying.
What will Thane have to do to convince his mate that only by joining forces can these two defeat the realm’s most terrifying enemy?
Table of Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
About the Book
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Other Books by the Author
About the Author
Chapter One
“You’re pregnant?” Angelique Carson asked with as much surprise as she could pull off. Given her whole being was created in order to watch over the children of the Guardians, she’d been well aware of her friend’s condition for a while. First came Chelsea McKinnon, who would bear a child in about six months, and now Kaleena Sinclair.
“I just found out!”
“How far along are you?”
Kaleena placed a hand on her stomach. “Two months.”
Angelique smiled. “What an exciting time for you.” She waved for one of the servers in her coffee shop to come over.
Shannon rushed to their table. “What can I get you?”
“Can you bring us two coffees?” Angelique asked. “We need to celebrate.”
“Absolutely,” her second in command said with a smile.
Not only did she want to celebrate, Angelique also wanted to spend a bit more time with her best friend. Kaleena was always working and never took enough time for herself. Now more than ever, she needed to learn to relax.
“Make mine an herbal tea,” Kaleena said. Shannon nodded and hurried off. “Finn keeps telling me all of his Earth stories about how bad caffeine is for the baby.”
Angelique smiled. From what she’d been told, that wasn’t the case on Tarradon, but she didn’t feel it was her place to say anything. “I’m surprised you left work in the middle of the day, but I’m glad you stopped by. I’ve missed our chats.” Kaleena never played hooky.
She sighed. “Normally, I wouldn’t have left, but Finn made me promise to ask if you would put a protective sac around our baby—like the one you did for Chelsea. Even though I won’t be entering into any dragon battles any time soon, Finn and many of my family members are worried that something might come up where I’ll be forced to fight. He wants our child to be safe.”
So did she. “I totally understand.”
Kaleena leaned forward. “I’ll admit it bugs me they think just because I’m pregnant that I’m helpless. I’m not. I can defend myself. I’ve proved that time and time again. I so want to fly and engage in a little sparring.” She glanced at the ceiling. “Doing battle invigorates me.”
Angelique loved her friend’s passion but not her decision to act recklessly, especially now. “I can teach you some meditation that will keep the baby safe once I put the protective spell on your child. I can also guide you on how to fight safely should the need arise.”
Kaleena reached across the table and grasped Angelique’s hand. “Really? But you’re not a shifter.”
“I’m not, but I’ve been watching fights for a while now.” She winked.
Kaleena’s shoulders relaxed. “You’re the best. When can we get together? I can train whenever you are free.”
“How about tomorrow around five? Melissa and Shannon can run the coffee shop without me for a few hours.”
“Fantastic.”
They discussed where to meet and decided the Sinclair Mines would provide a place where Angelique could work in private to keep the baby safe as well as show Kaleena some safe flying techniques in the large field behind the main offices.
They chatted a bit about how things were going with Angelique’s new coffee shop and what else she was up to. “Things have been great,” Angelique said. “Life has been calm since the incident with Chelsea. That was the last real adrenaline rush I’ve had. Ever since then it’s been business as usual.”
“That was an adventure—or rather a painful misadventure. I can’t tell you how much better I feel knowing that bitch Sanditra is dead. She nearly ruined my life.”
Angelique held up a finger. “As horrible as your incarceration in the castle prison was, if it hadn’t been for that dark lighter, Finn might not have traveled from Earth to Tarradon to save you, which means you still might not be with your mate.”
Kaleena chuckled. “There is that.”
Their second round of drinks arrived, and they chatted about Kaleena’s family for a bit. Angelique noticed that her friend brought up her brother Thane’s name a lot. Yes, whimsical Fate had decided now that Angelique was in this human form, she should have a mate, and that mate was Thane, but it was hard not to let on that she knew.
There was no denying that the man was gorgeous, powerful, and highly driven, but Angelique’s main job on Tarradon was to protect the progeny of Guardians—not have hot sex all day long. When all of the Sinclair and Caspian children were grown, she’d focus on her own pleasure.
Shattering dishes broke their intimate conversation. Angelique huffed. “Really? I guess I should deal with that. Drinks are on the house,” she said as she scooted out of the booth. “Remember, tomorrow be at the mine by five.”
Kaleena smiled. “I won’t forget. And thank you.”
Angelique went about her business, while Kaleena finished her drink before leaving. Even though running the coffee shop gave Angelique something to do while she waited for Chelsea’s and now Kaleena’s baby to arrive, she loved this place. It gave her a chance to talk to people all day long, which was something she sorely missed when she was a white light entity in another realm.
The delivery of the wood Thane Sinclair had ordered for the obstacle course he was building behind the mine was delayed until tomorrow morning. This setback put a further kink in his plans. He had already postponed all training with the Guardians, or anyone else for that matter, in order to complete the course. He needed this last piece to be finished before he could return to his fitness center in town.
Since he had some free time, he stopped by his family’s mining office to see if anyone could use his help. They often asked him to run down delinquent accounts because after one look at his muscular body, the mining businessmen usually paid up pronto. He never had to threaten anyone with violence—not that he would—because the Sinclair name and his apparent fierce look were enough to squeeze the last dollar out of a person.
Thane entered the office and looked around to see who was there. His brother Declan’s office was empty, but Finn McKinnon was there. He knocked on his door and entered.
“Hey,” Finn said. “How’s the obstacle course coming? You finish it yet?”
Thane explained about the delay. “Because of that, I have some time and wondered if you needed a hand.”
Finn’s brows rose. “As a matter of fact, I was just about to call you.”
He hadn’t expected that. “About what?”
“I have some good news.”
Thane could use some of that. He pulled up a chair and faced Finn’s desk. “What is it?”
&nbs
Thane reached out and fist-pumped Finn. “Awesome, man. That’s so exciting. Uncle Thane has a nice ring to it.” Actually, Kaleena told him two days ago but made him promise not to let on that he knew.
“It is, but the bad news is that my stubborn mate refuses to slow down. She sees no reason not to engage in battle should the Guardians need her.”
Thane almost chuckled. “My sister always was stubborn. When she comes for her usual training, I’ll make sure to take it easy.”
Finn shook his head. “You know that no matter what you say, she’ll work twice as hard as before to prove to you that she will always be ready—baby or not. I thought maybe you could do a one-on-one training.”
What Finn said was true. Thane leaned back in his chair. “I can do that.”
“I know she’s free tomorrow afternoon. I can ask her to stop by here tomorrow if that works for you.”
“That works. Not having anyone to compete against might keep my sister in check. I’ll also do some research on how she can protect her child while she executes the maneuvers. You know as well as I that neither Declan nor Dad would ever put her in the field now.”
Finn blew out a breath. “Neither will I, but sometimes she doesn’t listen to anyone. Can you text her with a time and place? I want her to think it’s your idea. She’ll think I’m just an over protective mate if I deliver the message.”
Thane smiled. “Can do.”
He couldn’t be more pleased that his sister was having a baby. That would make two new little Sinclair Guardians ready to greet the world. A twang of jealousy surfaced at that thought. He’d always wanted a child, but considering how Angelique always ended their far and few between dates with a chaste kiss, he wouldn’t be mating with her anytime soon.
To avoid what little relationship they had between them, he’d stopped being around her. He just couldn’t handle it even though his dragon kept breathing fire inside his gut from wanting her so much. After he’d fought Sanditra, Angelique had brought him back from the brink of death. From that moment on, his need for her had grown to the point of distraction.
Thane pushed back his chair. “Later, Finn.”
Thane left the office and headed home. After doing a bit of research on how to protect a pregnant dragon during battle, Thane contacted Kaleena and told her Finn had let the cat out of the bag.
“I want to go over some fighting techniques that will keep you and the baby safe.”
“Thank you, but everyone is way over protective. It’s not like I’m the first dragon to have a child.”
He almost smiled at her defiance. “True. Can you meet me at the Sinclair Mine tomorrow at five? I want to have a one-to-one with you. Onlookers tend to distract.”
She hesitated for a moment and then practically giggled. “That’s perfect timing!”
In all honesty, Thane thought Kaleena would balk at having to tone down her training. He was just pleased he’d dodged an argument.
Assuming the wood he needed would be delivered tomorrow morning as promised, he would be at the mines all day working on the final stages of building the obstacle course. Having her come to the mines around five would be ideal.
In need of some relaxation after the mess up with the material delivery, Thane headed over to Wing’s Bar. He loved they had a flat roof on which to land, along with a stairwell that exited out to the back of the bar. Not that all of the customers were dragon shifters, but the majority were. Since parking around the bar was a bitch, flying was much easier.
Tonight was Finn’s night off to bartend, so Thane ordered his scotch from Barry who unfortunately wasn’t as generous with the whisky as Finn. Once Barry delivered his drink, Thane spun around on his bar stool to watch the patrons. People watching was one of his favorite pastimes.
Halfway into his drink, his skin prickled, and his gold scales flickered under his skin. Shit.
She’s here! his dragon announced with too much glee.
And here I thought I’d have a nice relaxing evening.
Now’s your chance to ask her out.
Angelique messes with my libido too much, so cool it.
His dragon huffed but thankfully kept quiet. While Thane always enjoyed watching his beautiful mate, when she acted as if he wasn’t anything special, it drove him crazy. She might only be a white lighter and not a shifter, but she’d even admitted one night that they were mates. Why she wouldn’t do anything about it was anyone’s guess. Hell, he could see from the way her eyes sparkled and her skin pulsed white that she wanted him. Something was holding her back, only she refused to tell him what it was. But Thane Sinclair wasn’t a Guardian for nothing. He’d find out one way or the other.
Laughter floated his way. When he spotted his fair-haired beauty, his pulse soared once more. Thane waited for Angelique to turn toward him and at least wave, but instead she wove her way down the aisle between the tables, smiling at two of her friends. One of the women with her was Melissa, but he couldn’t remember the other one’s name. Both, however, worked at her coffee shop.
He tossed back the rest of his drink. While Thane should leave, he wasn’t ready. Just because the woman who made his scales glow and his cock hard had entered the bar, it didn’t mean he should cut short his relaxation time.
Soon, this teasing affair had to end though. Angelique was his mate, and he was determined to win her over.
“Thane’s staring at you again,” Melissa said with too much glee.
“Is that so?” Angelique said, attempting to act nonchalant. She never should have sat in the booth facing him, but she couldn’t help it. Thane was hot, especially with his tanned skin, short dark hair, and square jaw—not to mention those piercing green eyes.
Angelique probably should give some excuse why she had to leave, but she’d asked her two employees out for a drink to celebrate the half-year anniversary of the opening of Angelique’s Coffee Shop, and she’d be damned if Thane Sinclair was going to ruin it.
“Hey, if you don’t want him, would you mind if I give him a shot?” Melissa asked.
An unexpected and unwanted surge of lust slammed into her that she refused to call jealousy. Sure, they were mates, but Fate never said she needed to do anything about it right away. Angelique would have urged Melissa to have a go at him, but her friend would only be disappointed when she found out nothing could come from it. Thane seemed to have his sights on Angelique, and she suspected no other woman would be able to change his mind. “I heard he’s engaged or something.”
Melissa’s eyes widened. “Really? You’d never know it. I’ve never seen him with anyone. Remember, when he used to come into the coffee shop when we first opened?”
How could she not? Her white light had pulsed from the inside out. “I recall him coming in a few times.”
“He was always alone. If he has a lady friend, where is she?”
“Next time we chat, I’ll ask him.” Angelique smiled, despite the lie that just came out of her mouth. As if some guardian angel was watching, a server rushed over to take their drink orders.
Angelique looked at her two friends. “How about we split a pitcher of Sangria?”
Before Finn arrived from Earth, the drink didn’t exist. He’d introduced Edendale to the delicious concoction, and it was a big hit at the bar.
“I’m game,” Shannon said.
“Me too,” Melissa chimed in.
Their server told them he’d be right back with their drinks.
Angelique had been looking forward to tonight, but maybe it had been a mistake to come to the one place Thane often frequented. After Kaleena had talked about how Thane had been building some huge obstacle course, her imagination had gone wild thinking about what his calloused palms could do to her body. She hated when she let her imagination run wild, but somehow she was powerless to stop herself from thinking about him. Had she known he’d be there tonight, she might have suggested a different location.
Or…had she secretly wanted to run into him? Sheesh. She was slowly falling apart with indecision, which wasn’t good on any level. At some point, she just might have to jump his bones to get him out of her system. Fate had been cruel in giving her two tasks: ensure the safety of the Guardian children and deal with a mate. One or the other she could handle. Both at the same time were just too much.
