Crimson Kisses: Valentine’s Day Edition: A Zodiac Shifters Paranormal Romance Anthology

by Shifters, Zodiac

  Earl Asher clenches his hands, compressing his lips tight as he stops at the entrance of the royal summit chamber.

  There are two guards standing at each side of the huge wooden doors, and Captain Drake is standing in the center.

  “Earl Dragoon,” says Captain Drake.

  Captain Drake nods. He fists his right hand and raises up. The right door is opened by the guard on the right.

  “Follow me,” says Captain Drake.

  Captain Drake walks into the summit room. He walks down the center of the room and stops in middle. He bows his head, taps his heels twice in quick successions, and crosses his arms behind him. He then raises his head, looking straight ahead.

  Asher walks into the room a couple of feet behind the Captain. He stops and waits to be heralded. He clenches his jaw tight; the nerve tics on the side of his face. He looks ahead, waiting.

  “Emperor Constantine, the Earl Dragoon, is responding to your summons,” says Captain Drake, emitting his black sparkling smoke.

  “Magnificent. Step forward, Earl Dragoon,” says Emperor Constantine, waving his hand. His brilliant green eyes glow brightly as he emits his green smoke.

  Captain Drake takes a step to the side, moving his hand behind his back. He stares straight ahead.

  Earl Dragoon walks forward to the center of the room. He bows his head tapping his heels twice in a fluid elegant succession, crossing hands behind his back. He then looks up at the Emperor.

  “My Emperor, you summon me. How may I be of service,” says Asher.

  “I’m truly concerned with the Dracostar Crown Royal heirs. You are part of the Dracostar Crown Royal court; therefore, you’re key to the survival of the family. I’m requesting that you wed and procreate an heir. You will have one Draco cycle to wed Princess Elisabeth.”

  Asher looks straight ahead, maintaining his stoic stance. A slight twitch at the side of his jaw is the only evidence of the rage dashing through his blood.

  What the hell! This is so frustrating! I’m being forced to wed Princess Elisabeth. Fuck, I’m being forced to procreate!

  “Emperor Constantine, I’m in the process of building my family’s fortune. As you well know that we are in ruins. I don’t have any means of providing Princess Elisabeth the life that she is accustom,” says Earl Dragoon.

  “I believe that you will accomplish your goal and I understand. I will allow you a Draco cycle to wed Princess Elisabeth.”

  Asher swallows. He compresses his lips, and fists his hands that are still at his back. He stands tall, proud, and regal, releasing his blue shimmering smoke.

  “My Emperor, I’m concerned that I won’t have the means in a cycle.”

  “Your union is necessary for the survival of the Dracostar Monarchy! I’m confident that you will be successful in building your family’s fortune. The only possible reason that this union will not take place is if Princess Elisabeth or you meet your soul mate,” says Emperor Constantine, releasing his green shimmering smoke.

  Asher inhales then exhales, unclenching his jaw. His dark blue eyes glow, and the silver speaks flash slower. He releases his blue shimmering smoke.

  “My Emperor, understood.”

  My Dragon’s Love

  The next day Ariel presses on the gas pedal as she drives down the street. She looks at the rear-view mirror.

  “Oh my, I’m late! I hope that Mr. Dragoon will see me.”

  Ariel looks at the odometer in the dash car, biting her lower lip. She then looks in the review mirror, inhales deeply and exhales.

  “I’m almost there. Thankfully a cop hasn’t pulled me over for speeding. I can’t believe that the tire was slashed! Damn! I can’t believe that I’m late!”

  Ariel smiles, closing her eyes and then laughs full of relief. She looks at the huge black glass, building and the huge silver letters.

  Yes, Dragoon Corporation building lives up to the owner’s reputation. Tall, dark, and mysterious!

  The air condition blows out of the dash, and the air hits her face, tossing the strands of hair all over her face. She blinks rapidly and turns into the driveway of the parking lot. She pulls into the parking space next to the dark gray BMW 740i.

  Ariel parks her silver Honda, turning it off. She moves her left hand and pulls the door handle, pushing it open. She slides her long legs out, twists, and grabs the leather bag from the floor. She pushes up, standing next to the car.

  Ariel sighs, and elbows the door closed. She walks up the walkway, firmly presses the black five-inch-high heel sandals she’s wearing onto the concrete. The feminine but professional black dress skirt swirls around her knees. The red jacket gives her the final touch, stating power and confidence.

  I’m so glad that I decided to wear my red jacket. It’ is Valentine’s Day, after all!

  She slides the black designer leather bag strap up her shoulder. Her long black hair sways as she quickly walks to the black glass doors. She pulls the right door open and walks into the shiny black marble floor.

  Ariel nods at the security guard. She smiles a sweet sexy smile, flashing her dimples.

  Oh yeah, the elevator is open. Everything is going to be great! I don’t have to worry because he’ll see me.

  Ariel takes quick steps to reach the open elevator. She walks into the empty elevator and pushes the button to the twenty-fifth floor. She sighs, closing her eyes. Her long eyelashes fan across her cheeks. She moves her hands up to run her fingers through her long dark hair. She then opens her eyes to look at the numbers disappear as the elevator moves up.

  A few seconds later the elevator stops, beeps, and the doors slide open.

  Ariel walks out into the hallway and looks at the solid black granite wall built in a half circle. In the center is a desk. The wall has the name Dragoon Corporation in the center. On top of the black and white granite counter top is a name plate, Ms. Stone.

  Okay, there’s the secretary, Ms. Stone.

  Ariel walks towards the secretary, tapping her high heels on the white marble floor. She stops at the high counter, places her right hand on the countertop.

  The secretary behind the countertop looks up, raising her right eyebrow. She stands from her chair. She places her hands on her waist, looking at Ariel. She takes in every detail.

  “May I help you?” asks Ms. Stone.

  Ariel flashes her dimples as smiles at her. She moves her hand up and pushes back her hair over her shoulder.

  “Hello, I’m Ariel Fuentes. I have an appointment with Mr. Dragoon.”

  Ms. Stone glares at her. She makes it a point to look at her watch, and then looks up at Ariel, raising her right eyebrow.

  “You did have an appointment at one. It is now two. Mr. Dragoon is with his other appointment.”

  Ariel’s eyes widen; a soft red flush spreads up her neck and over her face. She nods and smiles at Ms. Stone.

  “Would he be able to see me at three?”

  Ms. Stone smiles smugly, crossing her arms at her waist. Her black eyes shine.

  “Ms. Fuentes, Mr. Dragoon only gives you one opportunity. He is a very busy man and he will not see you,” says Ms. Stone, smirking.

  Ariel inhales and exhales to control her annoyance. She smiles, nodding.

  “I understand. I’ll wait in the lobby. Maybe he will see me at the end of his appointments.”

  Ms. Stone frowns. She shrugs her thin shoulders and sits down.

  Ariel walks over to the huge black leather chair and slides down. She bites her lower lip. She looks straight ahead, and clasps her hands on her lap.

  Oh my. This is going to get interesting because I will not leave until I see him.

  Ariel waits, looking at Ms. Stone. At three, a tall thin man exists the office located behind Ms. Stone.

  Ariel looks at Ms. Stone, raising her right eyebrow.

  Damn! She’s like a fucking watch dog!

  * * *

  Asher walks around the office and stops at the huge window. He looks at the ocean waves crash against the roc
ks. He taps his fingers on the glass window, closing his brilliant dark blue eyes. He releases his dark blue shimmering smoke.

  I fucking can’t believe that on top of everything, I’m obligated to wed Princess Elisabeth. Damn it!

  My one o’clock appointment didn’t show. Well, that’s too bad for the journalist. I was allowing the interview to promote the HAVE HEART foundation, Help Abused Victims Everyday Help Exploited Abused Report Trafficking and the Valentine Have Heart Ball.

  The cell phone rings, and he turns to look at the name. He picks up the cell and answers the call.

  “Ruby, what’s up?”

  “Darling, I have some bad news. I can’t make it to dinner tonight. My manager, Alfred, booked me in Paris this week and the next. I’m heading out to the airport. I hope you do understand. It’s such a great opportunity! I’m so sorry. I’m not able to attend the ball.”

  “Right, no worries. I can get another date.”

  “Darling, don’t be that way. I do have to work.”

  “I understand and so do I. Later, Ruby.”

  Asher closes his eyes, tossing the cell on the desk. He slides into the black leather office chair, resting his head on the upper edge, and looking at the ceiling. He grabs the armrests tight, then turns to look at the clock on the wall.

  He reaches for the office phone and calls his secretary.

  * * *

  The phone rings on Ms. Stone’s desk and she picks it up, glaring at Ariel.

  “Mr. Dragoon, Ms. Fuentes, your one o’clock appointment, is waiting for you to see her.”

  “Ms. Stone, I will not see Ms. Fuentes. I understand that my four o’clock appointment has cancelled. I have several issues to resolve. Please update and don’t schedule any appointments.”

  “I understand, Mr. Dragoon. I’ll advise Ms. Fuentes.”

  “Thank you.”

  * * *

  Ms. Stone smiles smugly, stands, and looks at Ariel. She crosses her arms at her waist.

  “Ms. Fuentes, Mr. Dragoon will not be able to see you.”

  Ariel smiles sweetly, nods, and shrugs.

  “That’s okay, I’ll wait until he’s done.”

  “No, you can’t wait until he’s done,” says Ms. Stone.

  “I’m going to wait,” says Ariel

  Ms. Stone glares, shrugs, and sits down shaking her head.

  Ariel looks at her nails, then looks at her cell phone.

  At six Ms. Stone stands and grabs her bag from her desk. She walks around the desk towards the elevator. She ignores Ariel as she waits for the elevator.

  Ariel looks at her and shrugs. She looks at the office door, waiting for him to get out.

  Oh damn! I’m getting hungry. What the fuck. He’s so stubborn. I can’t wait to give him an earful. He doesn’t have a clue that I had a slashed tire. Who does he think he is!

  * * *

  At seven the office door opens, and Asher Dragoon walks out. He has black eyeglasses, a stoic face, and stands tall.

  Ariel looks up. She smiles, flashing her dimples, and pushes off the chair. She grabs her red jacket and bag.

  Oh my, he’s an impressive regal figure! I love how tall he is! Damn, he looks hot in that suit.

  “Mr. Dragoon, may I have a minute?”

  Asher turns to look at Ariel. He takes in every detail. He looks at her beautiful huge brown eyes, long eyelashes fan above her eyebrows, and flashing dimples. His eyes contemplate her soft full red lips for a few seconds longer.

  His eyes eventually glance down to look at her sophisticated black dress, stops to take in her full firm breasts. He watches her nipples harden against the thin material. He grinds his jaw tight, inhaling to hold back a groan. He then looks down to examine her long trim legs and stops to admire the sexy black high heel sandals.

  She’s diffidently beautiful. She’s dangerous for my peace of mind, and so tempting, but I don’t have time to mess around.

  “I don’t.”

  He continues to walk towards the elevator, not giving her a second thought.

  Ariel glares at his back. She straightens her shoulders and walks after him. She steps into the elevator with him.

  “Mr. Dragoon, please give me a second. I had a slashed tire and that’s why I was late. Please give me another opportunity.”

  Asher moves his hand and his long elegant fingers deftly unbuttons his double breast suit jacket.

  Ariel looks up at him, trying to see an acknowledgement that he heard her. She looks at herself through the dark black glasses.

  Without a second thought, she raises her arm, her fingers curl around the glasses and pulls them off.

  Oh hell! He must listen and give me another chance.

  Ariel gasps as she stares into his glowing dark blue eyes and flashing silver speaks. She falls deep into his soul.

  Oh my, he’s gorgeous! He has such beautiful eyes, and I can feel his soul!

  Asher growls, inhaling deeply. His body shudders, exploding into zealous burn as the burning floral scent races through his veins. He emits his dark blue shimmering smoke with his bonding scent.

  Fuck! Damn, her aroma is incredible and is pushing all my buttons! What the fuck! My bonding scent is released by my dragon. What the fuck!

  Asher exhales. He looks into her huge brown eyes, grinding his jaw to control the urgent need to take her in his arms.

  “Oh my, there’s smoke!”

  Ariel turns and pushes the emergency button. The elevator stops in the middle of the twentieth floor.

  “What the fuck are you doing? There is no fire smoke!”

  Ariel turns to look around her, raising her hand up and waves it around the elevator at the dark blue shimmering smoke.

  “I see smoke and it smells delicious.”

  Asher inhales then exhales, clenching his hands.

  “Ms. Fuentes, it’s going to take a while to get the fire department to clear the building.”

  Ariel closes her eyes, inhaling his delicious scent.

  “Yes, well that’s good because we need to talk.”

  Asher stands tall, refusing to react to her scent. He ignores his dragon’s roar to claim her.

  What the fuck! She’s pushing, beautiful, drugging my senses, and beautiful. How am I going to survive being stuck here in the elevator for such a long time?

  She wants to interview me . . . . hmm. . . but she was late. Should I give her another chance? I do need a date for the ball.

  “Ms. Fuentes, I’ll make a deal with you. I need a date for the Valentine Have Heart Ball this Saturday and you can interview me then and learn all about the foundation.”

  What the fuck am I doing? She’s driving me insane now. How will I control myself on Saturday having her as my date? I’m insane!

  “What? Oh my God! You’re serious? I would love to attend the ball!”

  Ariel throws herself into his arms to give him a huge hug.

  “You will not regret it, Mr. Dragoon! I’m so excited! Thank you for this amazing opportunity! Oh my God, I need to get a ball dress!”

  Asher quickly wraps his arms around her, urged by his dragon to claim her. He inhales and exhales, falling into her soul. His hands run up and down her back, pulling her closer to him. He releases his bonding scent and smoke.

  She’s my soul mate. I can feel her. My dragon wants his mate! I need to resist. I can’t encourage her that this is more.

  “Hmmm. . . . .you smell so delicious.”

  Ariel drops her jacket and bag. She moves her hands up his shoulders to stop at his neck. She gazes into his glowing dark blue eyes, and then looks at his firm lips.

  Asher groans and leans down, pulling her up. He kisses her lips and shudders, pulling her closer as he sweeps his velvety tongue inside her sweet mouth. He moves his right hand up to grab her hair to keep her in place as he kisses her deeply.

  I can’t stop, but I must. She tastes incredible. Her scent is intoxicating, and I need her.

  Ariel moves her arms around his neck going onto
her toes, moaning.

  Oh, my he’s so hot, and I can feel him. He’s so ready. I’m going to melt. I have never felt this strong desire to touch his skin and feel him close against me.

  Asher pulls back. He gazes into her passionate eyes, and looks at her swollen lips.

  “You taste incredible.”

  “Hmmm. . . . . so do you.”

  Ariel pulls him down for another kiss, moving her hands through his dark silky hair.

  A few minutes later the elevator rocks, startling them apart.

  Asher looks up and around the elevator, holding her close.

  The elevator speakers blare.

  “This is Captain Jones from the Malibu fire station. Is anyone in the elevator?”

  Asher releases Ariel, and looks for the speaker.

  “This is Asher Dragoon. Two people in the elevator and we are okay. Can you get this running ASAP?”

  “Yes sir, we will reset the elevator. We have checked the entire building and there is no fire. It must had been a malfunction.”

  “It must have.”

  Asher turns to Ariel, raising his right eyebrow. He moves his hands to his waist. He looks at her lips and tangled hair.

  “Hmmm. . . . I must look a mess.”

  Ariel looks tugs at her dress and runs her fingers through her long hair, spreading her floral scent. She leans down to pick up her jacket and bag from the floor.

  Asher grinds his jaw, closing his eyes.

  I can’t resist her. I must talk to her some more.

  “Ms. Fuentes, allow me to take you out to dinner.”

  Ariel shrieks excitedly, and turns to grin at him, nodding.

  “I would love to have dinner with you. Please call me Ariel.”

  “Right, call me Asher.”

  The elevator shakes, throwing them together, and then starts to move.

  Asher holds Ariel in his arms, gazing deep into her eyes, falling into her soul.