Grigori.
Her half-brother’s image morphed into the head of a black dragon then dissipated as quickly as it had appeared. But not before she saw the sinister smile and heard his mocking laugh echoing through the car.
Her stomach twisted. Dragons shouldn’t be in the Earth realm. By Jarithian law, only Magik makers could enter; dragons were prohibited unless they were one of the four Gatekeepers who guarded the portals. And if the wicked aura surrounding the black dragon were any indication, he certainly wasn’t a Gatekeeper.
Callie closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She’d found the evil presence and it was much worse than what she’d imagined. Her half-brother had invoked a dragon and that could only mean one thing. Death and destruction to the beautiful city of New Orleans unless she could find a way to stop him.
* * *
The fire alarm shrilled inside the fire station sending Brayden to his feet. He grabbed his gear and kicked into his pants.
“You have got to be kidding me!” Jack shoved up as well and reached for his gear. “How many fires can this part of town have in one day?”
“Six is sure making it look like we have an arsonist on our hands.” Brayden headed toward the door.
“Damn! When they catch this nut I want a few minutes alone with him.” Jack jogged out the door behind his partner.
Or with her.
An image of a lovely dark-haired sorceress swept through Brayden’s mind. What if the nut was a woman instead of a man? What if Ms. Callie Gautreaux was behind the recent outbreak of fires in his district after all? It was looking more and more like she was the one who had invoked Cyrus. Disappointment skittered over him. He’d really hoped the lovely sorceress wasn’t responsible for the sudden spike in arson. She’d seemed genuinely concerned for the children yesterday, yet his gut told him she knew something about – or worse yet, was responsible for – the recent pyromania outbreak.
“Take a number,” Brayden muttered as he climbed aboard the fire engine. “Let’s go.”
They arrived on the scene within minutes to find another building, this one a bakery near a residential street, engulfed in flames. Any other day Brayden would have thought the cause might be just a kitchen fire. But not today. Not after five other unexplained fires within a few blocks of each other.
Two more fire engines arrived as Jack hooked up his hose to the hydrant on the curb.
Brayden sprinted toward the building. As with the other recent fires, the air reeked with the scent of Cyrus. Brayden clenched his fist around the hose. This dragon had to be stopped before the whole city went up in flames.
“Is anyone inside?” Brayden shouted to an elderly man standing outside the shop.
“No. Everyone made it out.” The man shook his head. “I just don’t understand how this happened. It didn’t start in the kitchen. Could it be electrical?”
Brayden’s lips thinned. That’s what he was afraid of. Another deliberately set fire. “We won’t know until after the investigation.” He aimed his hose and tackled the fiery beast ahead. Looked like he’d be able to handle this one in his human form – and by the book. The chief would be thrilled.
Within minutes the fire was under control, but it was apparent the building was a total loss. Brayden hoped the shop owner had good insurance.
A movement on the other side of the street caught his attention: a young woman exiting one of the residential homes.
Brayden’s pulse quickened.
Callie.
Why was she at the scene of another fire?
One quick glance at the burning building assured him the others could handle the dying blaze. Brayden crossed the street with long purposeful strides. He wanted answers and he wanted them now.
“Ms. Gautreaux?” Brayden reached her before she opened her car door. “May I speak to you for a moment?”
Callie started then relaxed as she recognized him. “Mr. St. John.” That impish grin played on her full lips. “We have to stop meeting like this.”
Brayden didn’t find humor in her joke. “That’s what I want to talk to you about.”
Callie’s smile faltered. “What do you mean?”
Never one to beat around the bush, Brayden got straight to the point. “What are you doing here?”
“Last I heard this was a free country. Do you know something I don’t?”
“I want to know why you keep appearing at these fires.”
Callie’s eyes widened. “Appearing? Are you kidding me? I drove here like any other person.”
“Why?”
“Not that it is any of your business, but I happened to have a delivery for Mrs. Jackson who lives at this address.”
Brayden knitted his brow. “Delivery?”
“Flowers. She’s been ill and her son sent her a bouquet from Ribbons and Roses. I delivered them. Nothing sinister in my agenda, I can assure you.” Callie pointed to the backseat of her car. “See? No matches. No gasoline. No bombs. Just flowers.”
Brayden looked through the window. The backseat had several silk flower arrangements, green hoops of Styrofoam and other floral decor. She was right. Nothing suspicious about the flowers. He sighed. “I see.” He shot her a wry smile. “I guess I’ve been on edge lately since we’ve had so many fires in the last few days.” He pointed to the bakery. “This makes six just for today.”
“Six?” An uneasy look passed across Callie’s face. It was gone in an instant.
Brayden lifted a brow. Callie might not be the cause of the fires, but he’d bet his boots she knew something about them and he intended to find out what. Maybe it was time to get to know the lovely sorceress a little better. Just not too much better. “Since I have misguidedly accused you twice of arson maybe I need to redeem myself by buying you dinner.”
“Is this your way of apologizing?”
Brayden grinned. “I suppose it is.”
“Then I accept.”
“How about tomorrow night? Bernard’s Sea and Sirloin sound okay?”
“Sounds great. I love seafood. I’ll meet you there. Say sevenish?”
“Sevenish it is.” Brayden nodded. The thought of seeing her again sent a thrill zipping through his veins. He tried to convince himself it was only because he wanted to find out what she knew about the fires, but somehow deep down he knew he actually wanted to see her again.
And that surprised him.
* * *
At precisely seven the next night Callie pulled into the parking lot of Bernard’s. Her stomach flipped then flopped at the thought of meeting Brayden for dinner. She had the feeling he didn’t really like her very much so his offer of dinner took her by surprise. Hopefully, he was through accusing her of being a pyromaniac. After all, enough was enough.
Callie didn’t quite know what to make of him. She knew he wasn’t all human, but she couldn’t figure out what the other was. She’d have known right away if he were a wizard so that wasn’t it. Maybe after tonight she’d learn more about him.
The thought sent a tingle of anticipation racing through her. Yep. She’d sure like to know more about this inferno-hot fireman all right.
Callie opened her car door and stepped out. A rancid odor filled the crisp night air. Her stomach heaved.
What in the world?
Flapping sounds resonated overheard. Callie looked up in time to see a large shadow soaring away.
Fear gripped her spine.
Dragon.
Was it just a Gatekeeper? Or was it something much worse? Something invoked by her estranged half-brother.
She slammed the car door and hurried toward the restaurant, her high heels crunching in the gravel parking lot as she practically sprinted to the door.
The hostess greeted her as soon as she was safely inside. “Welcome to Bernard’s. How many will be in your party?”
“Two. I’m meeting someone.” Callie glanced over her shoulder.
Nothing.
She forced herself to relax. Maybe it was gone.
&nb
sp; “Shall I see if your party has arrived?”
“Yes, please. Brayden St. John.”
The hostess checked her chart. “I’m sorry. It doesn’t look like he’s here yet. Would you like to wait or shall I seat you now?”
“I’ll take a seat.” Anything to get away from the door. Realistically, she knew the dragon probably wouldn’t come back, but still…
The hostess smiled. “This way, please. I’ll let your party know you’re here when he arrives.”
“Thank you.” Callie was grateful for a few extra minutes to calm herself. She didn’t want Brayden to see how upset she was. Since he’d seemed a bit put off by her purple shield and the fact she was a sorceress, then telling him she might be being stalked by a dragon would probably send him running through the woods.
* * *
Brayden stepped through the glass French doors of Bernard’s Sea and Sirloin and immediately spotted Callie seated at an intimate booth in the far corner of the dining area. Even in the dimly lit room she was quite lovely with her dark hair contrasting against the light blue blazer she wore.
“May I hel-”
“No. Thank you. I see my party now.” Brayden politely cut the hostess off and strode toward Callie. His heart lurched when he caught sight of her pale face and worried expression. She smiled, though, when he slid into the booth across from her.
“I see you made it. Did you have a busy day?”
Geez! A whiff of magnolias and something he still couldn’t quite put into words lighted a whole different kind of blaze in him as soon as he sat down. What was it about this woman that made him ignite like a horny teenager? It was ridiculous! He was well over thirty – in human years – and should have more control over his libido than this. He usually didn’t have this problem – and he’d been around many beautiful women in his lifetime – but for some reason with Callie it was different. It was more of a burning need rather than simple desire.
Brayden forced himself to calm the wildfire raging inside before answering. “Pretty busy. Three more fires.”
A shadow passed across Callie’s features. “I hate to hear that. Was anyone hurt?”
“One man suffered smoke inhalation, but they think he’ll make it.”
“Good.” She cocked her head to the side. “Do you have any leads on who’s starting them?”
“Not yet. I’m hoping the investigators find out something soon.”
“I hope so too.” The genuine concern in her voice tugged at his heart, but his gut feeling told him she knew more about the fires than she was telling him.
Don’t let your guard down. That gut feeling could be a glamour spell or whatever she is capable of doing to you.
His inner dragon hissed in agreement. Brayden took a deep breath to calm it down. Still, a dragon knew better than to trust a sorceress no matter how badly the mortal side wanted to.
Once their waitress had taken their orders, Brayden leaned back settling in his seat. “Tell me about yourself.”
“Not much to tell.” Callie shifted uncomfortably on the bench. “I own Ribbons and Roses Flower Shop and spend most of my time working. I like traveling and painting.”
“What do you like to paint?”
Callie shrugged. “Anything really, but I guess if I had to pick it would be landscapes.”
“Do you show them in galleries?”
“No, I’m not a professional. I just like to keep busy; it’s a hobby.”
“Like saving children from burning buildings.” Brayden’s laugh peppered the air.
Callie blushed. “That too. What about you? How long have you been a fireman?”
“About six years now. It’s a job I actually enjoy most of the time.”
“Just not when an arsonist is on the loose, eh?”
“That’s true.”
“So when you’re not battling blazes what do you like to do?”
Brayden’s lips split into a wide grin. “Deep sea fishing. Love going to the gulf coast and chartering a boat for a relaxing day on the deep blue sea.”
Callie lifted a dark brow. “Hmmm … now that actually sounds like fun. I’ve never been.”
“Then you’ll have to come with me sometime. There’s nothing like the thrill of catching a big yellowfin tuna.”
“Maybe I will.”
Brayden caught himself. What are you doing? You’re supposed to be finding out what she knows about the fires. Not inviting her on a deep sea excursion as if neither of you had a care in the world.
Yet the thought of her sailing out to sea with him sent a thrill through his veins.
The waitress brought their glasses of Merlot then disappeared back into the kitchen.
Callie smiled and took a sip. “This is good.”
Brayden nodded. “They have great wine and food here. I can’t believe you’ve never tried this place before. You are a New Orleans native, aren’t you?”
Brayden didn’t miss the slight hesitation right before Callie laughed. “Yes, for the most part. I’ve been meaning to try it. Just never got around to it. Now I can mark it off my bucket list.”
That momentary hesitation told him she wasn’t telling him the complete truth.
Their order arrived, and Brayden chose to let issue go. He’d let her keep her secrets. At least for now.
Callie took a bite of her entrée and Brayden felt a bit of satisfaction in watching her obvious pleasure as the seafood awakened her taste buds.
“Omigod! This is delicious!” Callie’s blue eyes sparkled with surprise. “Try one?” She leaned across the table to hand him one of the small shrimp skewers.
Brayden took her wrist to guide the skewer to his mouth. He slid the spicy seafood off the wooden spear with his lips, his eyes never leaving her face. The blend of Cajun flavors burst in his mouth. Brayden stroked her wrist with his thumb as he swallowed the morsel, then murmured, “Mmmm … delicious indeed”.
Tingles of pleasure coursed through his veins as he felt the pulse in her wrist accelerate. Her skin felt soft and silky beneath his thumb.
Callie blushed at the intimate gesture and his heart quickened. A sudden desire to pull her in his arms and kiss her senseless swept through him. Instead, he reluctantly let go of her wrist so she could finish her meal.
“You haven’t told me.” Callie pulled a shrimp from the skewer and took a bite.
“Told you what?”
“What you are.”
The steak knife stilled in his hand. “What do you mean?”
Callie took another bite of shrimp. “Don’t be coy with me. You obviously know I’m a sorceress.” Twin blue lasers pierced him with a look. “I know you’re not all human and I’d know if you were a wizard. You’re not. So St. John, what exactly are you?”
Brayden avoided her curious gaze and concentrated on his steak. He cut a small piece and speared it with his fork. Telling her what he was could be dangerous. If she didn’t already know then he didn’t want to empower her with the knowledge. But…
The alarm buzzing in his pocket broke into his thoughts. He pulled out his phone and looked at the number.
“Damn.”
“What’s wrong?” Concern laced Callie’s voice.
“Another fire. One of the downtown stores. I’m on call so I’ve got to go.” He shoved to his feet. “I’m sorry about this. I should have realized I probably wouldn’t make it through the evening without another call.” He pulled out his wallet and handed her several bills. “This should take care of the tab. At least tell me I can get a rain check for our dinner date.”
Callie nodded. “Sure. I understand.”
“Good.” Relief washed over him. He’d enjoyed her company more than he cared to admit and really did want another chance to get to know her. And not just to find out what she knew about the fires either. Brayden leaned over and brushed his lips across hers. “I’ll call you.”
Leaving Callie looking a bit stunned by his brief kiss, he hurried toward the door.
The only
good thing about this latest fire, he decided, was that it saved him from having to answer her question about what he was.
* * *
Two days later, Callie paced the pavement in front of Grigori’s World of Magik as the waxing crescent moon began to climb over the weeping willows that lined the boulevard of Bourbon Street. Neon lights flashed their welcome from various establishments – some quite questionable – along the street.
Callie’s thoughts were torn between the sexy firefighter she had hadn’t heard from in the past two days and the unpleasant task of confronting her half-brother to find out what he was really up to. Before alerting the other wizards – and more importantly, the Grand Wizard – she wanted to make one hundred percent sure Grigori had actually done the unthinkable and invoked a dragon. Falsely accusing her half-brother could be worse than actually confronting him since he did have a horrible temper.
Callie shivered. The thought of seeing him again sent chills through her. There had never been any love lost between them, but he was family so she wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. Focusing on the task at hand would be her smartest move.
Yet, for some reason, Brayden’s chestnut hair and hazel eyes kept popping into her head. Something powerful and mysterious lurked inside that sexy body! Even through the fireman’s uniform she could tell he was one hot dude! Her assessment proved to be correct when he’d walked into Bernard’s sporting a black jacket and white button-down shirt. Although the man could have worn a flour sack and still looked amazing. He was that gorgeous.
Just thinking about those sexy lips, that sharp-angled nose and his determined chin gave her goose bumps. It had been a long time since a man moved her to such distraction.
Oh, okay. Never if the truth be known.
She’d been attracted to a few men here and there, of course, but it had never been more than an innocent flirtation or two. Certainly nothing like this … this … need. She wanted to touch him. Feel him. Taste him. Her body heated at the thought.
The light kiss he’d given her before leaving only ignited her interest. Her heart hitched at the memory. She touched her mouth where his lips had left an everlasting imprint. She’d been pleasantly surprised by the gesture.
A Dragon's Seduction Page 2