by Tia Didmon
I will do many things that surprise you in the coming centuries. Wings are inherent to a dragon as air is to a human. This is not an impressive feat, simply a means to propel upwards into a larger air space.
Mara pursed her lips. “Has anyone thought you were an angel? I mean, a man with wings is kind of... heavenly.”
I’m a dragon, not a bird, and no, I have never been mistaken for an angel. I would never allow a human to see me in my dragon form, let alone a partial shift.
Mara’s hands traced his back. “How do you get the wings so small; I mean you are... huge?”
My wings grew into their current form. I allow them to revert to their adolescent stage until I shift into my dragon form.
Mara cleared her throat. “It’s hard to imagine you with small... anything.”
Are you flirting with me?
She laughed. “A little.”
It’s unfair to tease me so when I cannot retaliate.
She leaned down. Her breath warmed the scales on his back. “This is the only time it’s fair. You have way too much going for you. Sexy. Powerful. You remove my ability to breathe when I look at you, and when we are in bed together, I can’t think straight.”
Serrated teeth protruded from scaled lips as he grinned. I like that.
She ran her hand over a thick rippled scale. The sensual caress made his dragon growl so low, it sounded like a purr. “I thought you would.” She looked around the city at the twinkling lights below. “It’s all so beautiful. I’ve never seen the city like this. It seems so peaceful. “
Legion felt the twinge in her heart. What is it, my love? I want nothing but your happiness.
She sighed. “You said that magic has a price. For me to be the seer, I had to give up my dreams of being a painter.”
Mara. His voice vibrated with the anguish of his mate.
She shook her head. “Let’s go to the gallery. We shouldn’t wait any longer. Thank you for bringing me here. It helps put things in perspective.”
Legion flew in silence back to her loft. For the first time, in an eternal existence, he stood on shaky ground.
Chapter 20
Mara sat on the couch in her shop. It was early, and the sunlight filtered through the crystal dream catchers that hung in the window. The rainbow of lights glittered to a soothing beat. She smiled when Natalie passed her a cup of tea. “Thanks.”
Natalie sat on the love seat, pulling her feet up. “No problem. We should talk about the pink elephant in the room?” She blew on her tea. “Or the golden dragon in this case.”
Mara placed her tea on the coffee table. “If having Legion at the loft bothers you, I’m sorry. We have never discussed...”
Natalie held up her hand. “Whoa. That isn’t what I meant. It’s obvious this thing between you isn’t going away. The problem is the loft isn’t big enough for two dragons, two wolves, Alana, Tempest, me and you.”
Mara grabbed a muffin from the box of baked goods. It was waiting on the table when she arrived at the shop. “Conner and Thorn were here last night?”
Natalie sipped her tea. “I slept on the couch so Tempest could have the bed. Alana slept beside Tempest and Daisy.”
Mara sat back. “How did the store turn into a bed-and-breakfast?”
Natalie laughed. “I don’t know, but if we ever expand, that’s what we are doing next.”
Legion descended the steps. His smile was bright. Warm. He was oblivious to the effect his tight black t-shirt and bulging muscles had on her. “Good morning, ladies.”
Mara nodded, picking up her cup as Legion sat beside her. “How are we planning to infiltrate the gallery?”
Natalie grabbed a danish from the box. “Let me go.”
Mara coughed, covering her mouth with her hand. “No way. Devlin has been watching me. He will know I sent you, and he would jump at the chance to hurt you.”
Natalie frowned. “They pack the gallery during their main showing. Would he pull something with so many people around?”
Legion shook his head. “Dark dragons are too concerned about appearances to cause a commotion at one of their own establishments. There’d be too many people for him to put them all asleep, and he can’t control who could watch from outside the windows. He would not attack while the gallery was in operation. He would risk exposing our entire race and so far, with the exception of his security detail, he has maintained that ideal.”
Natalie blew on her tea. “Makes sense. If humans knew about dragons, they would exploit you, experiment on you for their own gain. There’s way more of us than there are dragons.”
Legion’s eyes narrowed on Natalie. “That is astute and is what happened the last time we were honest about our species.” He put his arm on the back of the couch, stretching out his legs. “It took great lengths to wipe our existence from your memory and history. Even so, we continue to pop up in your culture as myth and legend.”
Natalie’s eyes widened. “You wiped the mind of every human on earth?”
Legion pulled Mara closer to him. “After the war, there were fewer humans and more dragons. But we missed some writings and hand-drawn pictures. Those sparked the fairy tales and legends that populate your culture to this day.”
Mara ran a hand over his chest. “I’m glad you did. I loved dragons as a child.”
Legion raised an eyebrow. “And now?”
Mara winked at Natalie. “Jury is still out.”
Legion chuckled. “Fair enough. Perhaps someone will sway your decision.”
Mara pursed her lips to stop her smile. “Maybe. What about the gallery?”
“You have a plan. What is it?”
Mara put her cup on the table. “Let me go into the gallery and survey it. I have been there many times and-”
“No. It needs to be me. I can’t sense the magic spell through you.”
Mara’s face hardened. “I have to go.”
Legion looked her over. “Then you and I will go together.”
Natalie sighed. “And I’m back to worrying about you.”
Mara leaned over and touched Natalie’s arm. “I will be careful, I promise. You stay here and watch Tempest. I’m concerned about her.”
Natalie nodded. “I will.”
Conner opened the door for Mara outside the gallery. Her heels scratched against the pavement as she exited the SUV with Conner’s help. She smoothed down the sides of her black pencil skirt and pulled the purse strap over the shoulder of her white blouse. “Why did Legion want to meet here? He ducked out when I was in the shower and I haven’t been able to contact him.” She tapped her temple. “You know, the other way.”
The sharp tinny sound as Conner slammed the door to the SUV, made Mara jump. “He popped into the caves. He wished to converse with one of our brethren. A dragon who is an expert on cloaking spells. The caves have a protective barrier. You can’t get in touch with him when he is within that shield.” He motioned the sidewalk.
Legion walked down the street, gaining the attention of all who passed. If his height, large build and handsome features weren’t enough, the tailored black suit was. He was impossible to miss, and many women appreciated his appearance. He stopped in front of her, extending his arm. “You look lovely.”
Mara looked him over. “Wow.”
Legion turned to Conner. “Thank you for assisting my woman.”
Conner shrugged. “No problem. Did you get the information you needed?”
Legion nodded. “I did. If I can get close enough to the object, I can tell which spell is being used. You and Draco stay with the ladies until we return to the loft.”
Conner nodded before walking around to the driver’s side of the SUV.
Mara turned to him. “Conner, monitor Alana. She will not stay put, no matter what you tell her.”
Conner frowned. “She would leave you knowing you’re the seer?”
Mara’s face hardened. “Without a second thought.” She pushed the pain away from her chest. She couldn’t focus on
her family. Her objective lay inside. They entered the gallery with fake smiles on their faces.
The gallery was how she remembered it, but Devlin’s evil now tainted the anticipation it once instilled. The paintings themselves were every bit as beautiful, their masterful colors as vibrant and extraordinary as the day they were painted. For many, that was hundreds of years ago. She found it ironic that not a single piece with those immaculate walls was older than the magical creature who held her arm. A momentary regret, for the life she wanted tickled her heart before she willed it away. She had made her choice, and the upscale gallery with well dressed patrons was no longer part of it.
Legion leaned down to her ear. “I feel a pull down that hallway. Do you know what is down there?”
Mara whispered back, walking down the hall. “Devlin’s office is down here. I don’t know what’s behind the other door.”
Legion glanced back at the patrons filtering around the primary area of the gallery. “The scent is faint. It originates from behind this door.”
Mara turned to look up at him. Her body covered the door, while she turned the knob behind her back. To anyone looking their way, the couple appeared to be in a private conversation. The door wouldn’t budge, but Mara gave a flick with her magic, centering it at the tumbler inside the lock. There was a faint click before Mara spun and opened the door.
Legion entered quickly, then closed the door behind them. He surveyed the room. There were several glass stands and bookcases, but all were empty. “He has moved his antiquities. This place is too open for a treasure as rare as the circle. I question whether it was here at all.”
Mara noticed the scratch marks on the floor. She went to the bookcase, giving it a hefty push, before it rolled to the side. “Secret room. It seems fitting with Devlin’s personality.”
The adjacent room had one table and chair with stacks of scrolls and an old book. Legion picked one up, glancing through the ancient script. “These are mage spells. I did not think these texts had survived the bomb.”
Mara pointed at the empty bookcase. “It looks like he took these. Maybe someone interrupted him and he hasn’t come back yet.”
Legion nodded. “We will take these materials with us.” He pulled out a sack and deposited the book and scrolls inside, before slinging it over his shoulder. “These are dangerous and powerful. If there’s more, we need to retrieve them.”
Mara looked around the small room. “It looks like he left in a hurry. I wonder what spooked him?”
Mara gasped as Conner screamed into their minds. Return to the Loft. We are under attack!
They bolted from the gallery. She felt the moment Legion’s magic enveloped her. The city whizzed by as if it was spinning like a top and she was at its center. The whirl of sound and color stopped to reveal the shop.
Flames shot up in the air as smoke billowed from the windows. The fire roared its destruction as wood beams cracked and fell within the old frame. Even from a hundred feet away, the heat warmed her skin and turned her heart to ash. “Natalie,” she sobbed.
Legion put his arm around her. “Natalie, Tempest, and Alana are all safe. Conner is taking them to the cabin. Thorn is leading Daisy to safety. Everything will be okay.”
Tears rolled down her cheeks. “No Legion, it won’t. Everything I have... had, is in that building. My grandmother’s earrings, my mom’s wedding dress. The books I saved from my childhood. Every picture of my family. The ones I painted... this will never be okay.”
The hole in her heart exploded as the roof to her family home collapsed, sending sparks flying in the air.
Chapter 21
Mara sobbed against Legion’s chest as ash and smoke filled the surrounding air. She couldn’t look at the devastation anymore, but glanced up when she heard her name.
Jake ran across the street with soot on his face. His brows furrowed as he looked Legion over. “Mara, are you okay? Is Natalie?”
Mara wiped a tear from her cheek. “Yes, we are fine. Just heartbroken.” She put her hand on Legion’s chest. “This is my boyfriend, Legion.”
Jake frowned at Legion. “I saw a guy throwing gasoline on the corner of the building. This was arson, Mara. I reported it to the police.”
She sniffed. “Thanks Jake, I appreciate that.”
He glanced back at the fire. “I may have made a mistake by telling them what I saw.”
Mara sniffed. “Why?”
“The police asked me some strange questions. They think you hired someone to torch the place. I heard a detective say that your debts were paid off. Sizeable sums of money too.”
Mara blinked. “What?”
Jake ran a hand through his hair. “I informed them this building has been in your family for years, but they seem convinced that you had something to do with the fire. I’m sorry, Mara. I know how much the store means to you.”
Mara’s chest squeezed. She hadn’t realized how much it had either until her childhood crumbled before her. The fancy gallery seemed so paltry when thinking of every moment spent within the loving walls of her family shop and cozy loft. She buried her face in her hands and wept.
Legion extended a hand to Jake. “I appreciate your concern. Mara has mentioned what a good friend you are. We will rebuild the store as soon as possible. Mara’s name will be cleared. She has unlimited access to my money, so the police accusations are without foundation. This is likely one of my competitors, trying to get to me, through Mara.”
Jake stepped back. “Why would someone do that to you, let alone Mara?” His eyes squinted. “What kind of business do you run?”
Legion eyed the young man. “Rule Industries has many companies, but our precious gems garner the most attention as our mines are worth billions.”
Jake swallowed hard. “You’re Legion Rule? How did you and Mara meet?”
Legion glanced at the fire, while rubbing Mara’s back. “Our families are close, but we didn’t meet until recently.”
Jake looked away. “A love at first sight kind of thing. I get it.”
Legion put a hand on Jake’s shoulder. “Thank you, Jake. I need to get Mara home.” He led Mara away.
Mara couldn’t get the tears to stop, but she acknowledged the change in Legion’s demeanor. He had been on edge until he shook Jake’s hand. “You were nice to him.”
Legion kissed her temple. “I read his mind when I shook his hand. He is young, and his concern was genuine. He’s enamored with you, but I cannot fault him for his good taste.”
The reminder of times Natalie, her and Jake had sat on the couch in the shop joking and eating baked goods hit her like a wave. Her chest heaved as she struggled to breathe.
Legion’s magic surrounded them like a living blanket. She gave herself up to the warmth and safety.
Legion led Mara inside the cabin. Natalie flew into Mara’s arms. Both women sobbed openly, before retreating to the couch. Legion’s eyes flared with his mate’s pain. He went to Conner, who stood staring out the window. “Who did this?”
Conner continued to gaze into the night. “I assume it was Devlin.”
Legion shook his head. “Why burn down the shop? It serves no purpose, and a witness saw a man soaking the shop in gasoline.”
Conner huffed. “That confirms my theory. If it were a human arsonist, he would have attempted to conceal himself. The person they saw, was a figment of Devlin’s imagination. There was no accelerate. Dragon fire started that inferno. I assume this is retaliation against both you and Mara.”
Mara approached the men. “I am sorry I ever met that bastard.”
Conner put a hand on her shoulder. “I had to focus on getting the ladies safe, but Draco moved many of the items in your shop. He couldn’t alter the fire because of the bystanders, but he saved as much as he could.”
Mara sucked in a breath. “Draco saved my things?”
Conner pursed his lips. “He had to prioritize. Draco couldn’t save clothing, furniture and technology, but he retrieved most of the ite
ms from the shop and loft that he felt had personal value.”
Mara looked around. “Where are they?”
Conner glanced out the window. “In the caves. He is restoring the damaged items as we speak.”
Mara looked toward the dark sky. “Restored?”
“Yes. Draco is using magic to restore the items to their original state.”
Mara frowned. “But there’s a price for that? Using magic, I mean?”
Legion shook his head. “The fire was not natural. Devlin will have paid a price for this form of dark use, but Draco is returning those things to their natural state. There will be no cost to him.”
Mara rubbed her eyes. “My head hurts.”
Legion pulled her against him. “There’s a lot to learn, but you have all the time you need.”
Mara looked up at him with tears marring her cheeks. “Do I?”
Legion took her hand, leading her to his bedroom. “Yes. Why do you doubt such a thing?”
Mara let him lead her into the massive room with an enormous bed. The wooden craftsmanship was unlike anything she had seen. She sat on the side, running her hand over the red bedspread. “If I don’t learn what I can safely do, then the druids will fall prey to the dark dragons.”
Legion sat beside her, pulling her hand to his mouth. His breath tickled her fingers as he spoke. “I’m with you at all times. You will never use your magic unless you understand the consequences.”
She frowned. “You can’t be by my side every second.”
“No. I am in your thoughts. Simply call to me if you are unsure about your new world.”
She huffed. “I feel like a flipping toddler. It’s embarrassing.”
Legion rubbed her back. “You are anything but.” He tipped her chin up to meet his gaze. “Mara, you are everything to me, with or without your magic. You understand that, don’t you?”
Her face flinched. “I betrayed you.”