by C. D. Gorri
“Did you hear that? Is it true?”
“We didn’t hear anything,” Rafe answered, one black eyebrow raised in question. But she turned her attention to Callius.
“Callius? Can you really see her?” Her heart thundered in her chest. She could almost feel the warm communion between her soul and her other self, her Wolf, howling in her mind. A tear rolled down her cheek.
“Yes,” he answered with one simple affirmation.
In the blink of an eye, he shifted back to his human form. He was every bit as delicious as before, but this time it was more than Fred’s body that reacted to him. It was her heart.
“Sit down, please, Callius, let’s talk,” Rafe tapped the table. Fred stood where she was and tried to listen, but they were talking so low it was difficult.
After a brief discussion about territory and politics to which Callius made little demands, Fred gathered that he was welcome to stay in Maccon City. Relief coursed throughout her body. Now, why was that?
The men shook hands and Fred noticed a very strange smile on her Alpha’s face. Who was he smiling at? Not her! In fact, he was avoiding making eye contact with her!
“You must come to the wedding,” Callius spoke aloud as he stood with Rafe.
“Wait, what? What wedding?”
“Ours, of course!”
“But I just met you! I just met him!” Fred pointed at Callius while shaking her head. Did he just tell her Alpha they were getting hitched? No way!
“Love, you agreed. You made a bond with me, remember?” Callius’ voice seemed to drop an octave and she watched horrified as he licked the middle finger of his right hand. She immediately felt heat rise to her cheeks. He wouldn’t!
“Callius!” She wasn’t sure if the others noticed, but if she were being honest, they probably did. Ugh, Werewolves! Her Alpha smiled and put on his coat as his Guard continued to flank him.
“Well, Callius, I tell you what, if Fred here says yes, then I would be honored to attend. My wife loves weddings, especially now, in her condition.”
“Oh yeah! I heard about that! Congratulations, to both of you,” Fred smiled at him and offered her heartfelt congratulations, momentarily forgetting her own impending nuptials.
“Thank you. I’ll pass it on to Carlotta and, uh, I’ll let her know she might need some formal maternity wear in the near future?”
“Oh yeah, I mean, no! I am not getting married!”
“My sweet Fred, our bond is made. Marriage is the next step,”
“Cal, may I make a small suggestion?” Rafe interrupted.
“Certainly,” Callius answered though he never took his eyes off Fred.
“Get her to say ‘yes’ before making any wedding plans. And by the way, about that castle you’re looking for, I believe you are closer than you think.”
“That’s right,” Seff spoke up with a grin on his boyish face, “Wouldn’t you agree, Ms. Castillo?”
“Your name is Castillo?” Callius grinned broadly at her.
“Really?! Why did you tell him that?” Fred screeched.
“Ha! I think you are correct, Rafe, I have found my Castle!”
CHAPTER 7
“Well, I think it’s been an interesting night. I’ll be off now,” Fred shook her head when the giant Dragon Shifter followed her outside, “Where are you going?” Fred walked out of The Thirsty Dog slamming the back door behind her.
It was after three AM and she just surrendered more than half of her tips to Jordan! And all because of this guy! Was a little fooling around really worth it? Ugh. She wanted to kick herself when her little inner voice practically jumped up and down shouting, duh, Fred, yes it was, inside her head.
Apparently, Pack loyalty didn’t extend as far as bartending! Jordan completely ratted her out to Mike! He told her boss that she abandoned him for the back room for half the night; therefore, she didn’t really earn more than quarter of their tips.
If she were being completely honest, she was gone a lot longer. That is, if she counted her time alone with Callius. Heat rushed to her face as she thought of the way he had rocked her body into the best orgasm she had had in months within minutes of meeting him.
Oh, well. Who was she kidding anyway? That little rendezvous was totally worth losing all her tips for the next month! Oooh la.
“You are my mate, Winifred, I go with you,” his voice struck a chord inside of her whenever he spoke. As if her body was hearing things her ears were not.
Her Wolf stood on attention at just the sound of him. She could almost see her long pink tongue hanging out of her snowy lupine head waiting for a pat on the head! Geez. Really?!
Fred rolled her eyes and pulled her thin coat closer around her body. She usually didn’t mind the cold. But February in New Jersey was bitterly cold, especially in her little seaside town. Would it be hers much longer?
“Great, I almost forgot, soon I won’t have a home! And now I have you telling everyone we’re mates and what am I supposed to do? Ugh!” She covered her eyes with her palms and breathed in deep.
The events of the last few days were catching up with her, exhaustion and hopelessness were rearing their ugly heads and she immediately felt guilty for snapping at Callius. Oh Fred, what are you going to do?
“I’m sorry, I just-”
“Hush now, sweet,” strong arms pulled her into a loose embrace and Callius lifted her chin, so she looked up into his golden eyes as he spoke.
“What do you mean? Why will you lose your home?” The concern on Callius’ face only added more to his already handsome features.
“My old landlord passed away and now his greedy son-of-a-bitch nephew is kicking me out!”
“Why would he do that? That seems the opposite of what a landlord should do.”
“He wants money, and, uh my ex kind of stole the money from our joint bank account and took off without paying the last couple of months’ rent. And before you say anything, believe me, I know it was stupid!”
“Look at me, love, you are many things, but stupid isn’t one of them. I am very sorry this happened to you. If it pleases you, I will gladly hunt the traitorous bastard down and roast him to ashes,” Fred swore she heard a quiet sort of fury in his voice. It was kind of a turn on, even if a little bloodthirsty.
“That’s alright, though I do appreciate the thought, he isn’t worth it. The truth is I’m kind of relieved he is out of my life. It just cost me a little more than I thought it would.,” she shrugged out of his arms and immediately felt the cold. Suck it up, buttercup. Stand on your own two feet. As always.
“Are you sure? Roasting him to char and ash is rather tempting,” he fell in place beside her, smiling as another gust of wind blew. The chill didn’t bother him in the least.
“I’m sure.”
“Tell me, do you like this place? This home of yours?”
Fred stopped walking and thought about it, a small smile played at the corner of her mouth. He watched her as though he wanted to kiss her just there, but he didn’t make any moves. She appreciated that. He didn’t use her obvious attraction to him to pressure her. He listened to her. Whoa. When’s the last time a guy did that? Uh oh.
“I mean, it’s beautiful! There’s really no place like it. The sand and the ocean are my backyard. It’s the first place I ever really felt I belonged.”
“What about the place you were born?” He moved a dirty cardboard box that blocked their path out of their way and gently steered her by the elbow around a pile of blackened snow and slush that sat on the ground.
His movements were careful and genuine. His eyes searched the dark street as if looking for danger. She recognized the reconnaissance, after all she was a Wolf. But she was never on the receiving end of such treatment. Fred felt her heart stir at the idea of him caring for her. Keep talking, Fred, it’s just the holiday that’s making you whimsical.
“Nah, after my parents passed away when I was very young, me and my brother wandered around. We lived in a little RV that we drove from
town to town. When Jeff died, I was pretty much alone. This was the first place I found that I felt like I belonged.”
“I am sorry for your loss, love.”
“It’s okay. I mean, not that it’s okay, but I made peace with it. Jeff just couldn’t deal with the depression anymore. Missing his Wolf was too hard on him,” she felt tears burn her eyes, but she fought them. She stopped crying for Jeff a long time ago.
“Come here, my love, it’s okay to mourn your brother.”
“I know, I, uh, just, it’s been a long time. I miss him still-”
“It’s alright, Winifred, you can cry all you want, but you will not mourn alone,” Callius pulled Fred into his arms and she sank into him. He made her feel safe, secure, and loved.
“Thank you, I’m okay now.” She pulled away from him and shoved her hands in her pockets. Afraid she’d reach for him again. It was a weakness she couldn’t afford, after all, what did she really know about him?
“So, what are your plans? I mean, I heard you what you told the guys in there, about being a prisoner and all.”
“Ah yes, well, my one goal upon obtaining my freedom was to find my mate and Castle. I have found you. I like this place, this Maccon City, now I just need to find a Castle. How long have you lived here?”
“Uh, Callius about this whole mate thing, I mean how can you be sure?”
“Don’t you feel it, here?” He tapped her chest above her heart, and she had to admit there was something there. Something warm and strong. It unnerved her. Just keep talking.
“Uh, I’ve been here about six years. The main house, where I live, is kinda run down. Most of it is closed off, but it has such potential. The property is huge, a realtor’s dream, my old boss has been after me for years to get my landlord to sell it. Looks like she’ll get her wish now.”
“Tell me more about it.”
“Well, it’s right on the beach. Private entrance and everything. It’s on the end of a strip so there is a lot of privacy. You can hear that great, big Atlantic Ocean crash onto the shore every single night. It’s amazing,” her voice trembled as she realized this was probably one of the last nights she had there. Kaepernick was coming back Monday. Wow. It really did break her heart to leave.
Fred hated to think about it, but there was just no fixing this. Even if she had the rent money, Kaepernick wanted to sell. Callius placed warm hands on her neck and kneaded the muscles there. Fred exhaled and leaned into him. He was working magic with his fingers. No, no, you need to stop this, she thought to herself but her traitorous body begged him to continue.
“I swear this is all us, not Dragon magic, Winifred. You are my destiny.”
“What do you want from me, Callius? What could I possibly give you?” Her voice was a mere whisper, but she heard the childlike question it. Am I worthy of love? She hated that she revealed that much weakness to him. It was a Werewolf thing.
“Do you not know I would do anything, give anything, just to get to you? Now, I am asking you, Winifred, please take me home with you,” his breath tickled her neck. She felt herself nodding in agreement, “Thank the Gods. Let’s go, now.”
“Um, you know what? It’s probably not a good idea,” Fred felt herself softening towards him. How could this be happening? She only met him hours ago!
Her neck tingled and she reached up only to find herself touching the place where he marked her. It pulsed under her hand spreading warmth and something else throughout her body. Was it love?
“Winifred, I know you can feel my love for you. Dragons bond quickly when they are decided. My Dragon and I have decided on you. I am yours, as you are mine. Mates. For life.”
“Callius, you don’t know me, really. You have no idea who I am,” Fred turned away from him.
What would he think if he knew she let her brother die? Whatever this intense attraction was between them he would never want someone who could do something like that.
“Then tell me who you are,” Callius lifted her face by the chin with a gentle, yet firm finger.
“I have secrets, Callius, dark ones, you wouldn’t understand.”
“I am six hundred and thirty-eight years old, my sweet Fred, do you think I am free of secrets or sin? Come, let’s go.”
“I want to. Really, I do. I appreciate the whole Dragon-bonding thing. Werewolves do something similar. You seem really sincere and I want to be honest with you,” she bit her lip, this was harder than she thought, “I think things will look different to you in the daylight.”
“You are mine.”
“I am not-”
“Es meus. I have given you the diamond rose, I cannot take it back.”
“The ring? But you still have it! I didn’t take it.”
“No, the ring is only part of it. Come, we will discuss this in private.”
Oh boy. Fred wished she could say that this macho display was so not her thing, but who was she kidding? She allowed him to steer her to a private corner of the street.
Her Wolf, though weeks away from speaking to her, seemed nearer ever since he walked in the door. And boy, was she taking notice! The Wolf inside of her would follow this Dragon anywhere. She felt it in her heart.
“Callius, look, I just want my bed.”
“So, do I, Fred, so do I,” Callius’ eyes glowed with a heat that made Fred shiver.
The wind blew right through her, she turned and backed up a step only to collide with his broad chest. He wrapped his big arms around her and immediately she was warm. Fred couldn’t help it, she leaned into him. Her ass settled right into his hips and she bit back a moan. They really were built for each other.
“Where is your car?” His breath tickled her ear.
“I don’t have a car.”
“How do you get places?”
“I usually walk or take a bus.”
“Hm. I’ve been travelling for days, I don’t think I can wait any longer. I apologize, I’ve had no time to see to things properly. Come here, love.”
“Why?” Fred’s body obeyed even as she asked the question. Stupid legs!
“Close your eyes and think of your residence,” his speech pattern was odd at times. Old fashioned, but sweet.
The timbre and tone of his voice were almost hypnotic. She closed her eyes and did as he asked. She thought of her house and suddenly it was like he was there. Inside her mind.
“I see it. Now, hold on, love.”
Fred opened her eyes just in time to see the air surrounding Callius’ body shimmer. Instantly, she found herself wrapped around the muscular leg of a forty-foot long black Dragon with golden scales on his chest and belly.
His long serpentine neck wound around till he faced her. Like something out of a fairytale, spiral horns protruded from his head, a long, forked tongue licked his scaly lips, huge nostrils puffed out a stream of smoke, Fred gasped. Then large, familiar golden-eyes turned to stare at her and she felt calm again. She could hardly breathe. He was incredible.
Are you ready, love? Callius’ voice echoed in her mind, a soft, warm whisper. Familiar and soothing. She trusted him. The acknowledgement made her dizzy, but still Fred nodded. She wrapped herself around one of his legs just as he flapped his wings. Suddenly, they were airborne.
Her whole body tensed as he took off. She expected to meet the frigid air head-on, but the heat from his body kept her warm. She felt the muscles in her arms and legs relax as he soared to extreme heights, hiding among the shadows and clouds. It was amazing! He was amazing!
Fred sat perched on his clawed foot. She ran her hands down the scales of his muscular leg. They were almond-shaped. Hard as metal, but smooth as glass. Iridescent in the subtle moonlight that passed through the scattered clouds as they flew over Maccon City. Beautiful, she thought again.
His scent seemed to multiply when he was in this form. Applewood smoke and cinnamon spice. There was a majestic beauty to him that struck her right in her heart. She wanted to lose herself to this man, this Dragon. Was it possible? Was she r
eally in love with him so quickly?
She squealed with excitement as he did a spiral in the sky just above the ocean. She thought for sure she was going to get soaked when he reached one magnificent claw into the waves and brought up a spray of water, but he angled it so that she remained dry.
“Callius! That was amazing!”
Just you wait, his promise echoed in her mind and Fred felt her stomach tighten in anticipation. She hoped he was going to keep his promise.
Whatever the future had in store for them, she could give him tonight. The thought left her breathless.
CHAPTER 8
They arrived at her home in record time. She stepped onto the solid ground on wobbly feet. Fred knew she was grinning like a fool, but she didn’t care. Her eyes widened with wonder as he stood before her, allowing her to look her fill.
“You’re beautiful, Callius,” Fred couldn’t help herself. He was remarkable. Probably the most amazing thing she had ever seen.
She reached out a hand tentatively. She didn’t know whether she should touch him or not. He lowered his head and winked at her with one golden eye. The small gesture her the courage she needed to reach out and touch him. She ran her fingertips over the large rectangular scales that protected his chest. His heartbeat was strong and steady beneath her palm.
He leaned his serpentine head down and licked her hand where it rested with a long, black tongue. She felt the pounding beneath his scales increase. Fred couldn’t believe her eyes. A soft ethereal light began to glow under her palm.
It was bluish-gold and it travelled up her arm slowly. It pulsed once at the rose-like mark on her neck then continued to where her own heart beat inside her. Heat and energy filled her. Callius, she felt him inside of her. Love. Mine. Her Wolf howled inside her mind’s eye. Fred staggered as an intense array of emotions flowed into her mind and body.
Something was happening to her, something strange and magical. She was awestruck. She opened her eyes, the world was slightly askew. She was seeing through her Wolf eyes, even though the moon was weeks away!
She blinked and her gaze returned to normal. Callius stood before her, again as a man. Still remarkable. She felt his smoldering gaze reach her very soul.