“Well, you know,” Emerson sighed. The college students he had told to back off still wouldn’t look in Janae’s direction. Surprisingly enough, though, Arthur’s family had not retaliated in any way or even given Emerson a hard time. When he explained to them what had happened in Nellenston, they weren’t surprised.
His mother had simply shook her head and said she knew it was coming.
Janae knew that Emerson wished he could do something to ease the old woman’s pain, but what was there to be done? The clan couldn’t exactly do anything to honor Arthur’s memory. Though he had been a relatively okay member of the clan, his actions had caused severe tension between the humans and dragons. Once again, there was unrest regarding the future of the dragons.
Emerson dropped Janae’s hand when they reached the outside of Victoria’s restaurant. Emerson wrapped Janae up in a tight hug and kissed her on the forehead.
“Thank you for coming with me,” he said. She smiled.
“Anything for you.”
Liam walked by and saw them embracing.
“Gross, you guys. Get a room!” Then he walked into the restaurant. Though Liam was neither a dragon, nor a citizen of Dragon Isle, he attended as many clan meetings as he could. He was one of the few boatsmen who were comfortable dealing with dragons. As such, he felt he should know as much about island life as possible.
None of the dragons disagreed.
Now that Liam was completely better, he was back to his old boating ways. Old Willie had left Liam the entire harbor in his will, which meant that Liam was now in charge of all the importing and exporting for Dragon Isle.
He was fitting into his new position nicely.
“Are you ready?” Emerson asked. Janae took a deep breath, but nodded, then followed him inside. The restaurant was packed with humans and dragons alike, and Janae went to the table where Liam was sitting and joined him. Though the humans who lived in Nellenston were more cautious around dragons these days, Janae had noticed that the humans who lived on Dragon Isle hadn’t changed their opinions of the dragons they knew and worked with.
Emerson headed to the back of the restaurant, near the bar, and spoke with Victoria for a few moments before turning to the crowd.
“Hello, everyone,” he said. The crowd murmured greetings. Janae stared at the dragons who filled the restaurant. Somehow, old and young, they all managed to care so deeply about their clan leadership, responsibilities, and community.
Why couldn’t more places be like that?
“We called this meeting to discuss ways we can improve our home. I realize I’ve only been clan leader for a few years, but during that time, I’d like to think I’ve done a good job encouraging unity within our community.”
Murmurs of approval radiated throughout the room. Liam leaned over to Janae and nudged her.
“First time seeing your man in action,” he whispered. “Pretty exciting, huh?”
Janae could only nod. Now she could see how Emerson was the dragon leader. He was willing to organize his people. He was willing to fight for his people. He was willing to do what needed to be done.
Emerson continued talking and expressed his condolences to Arthur’s family, who would remain on Dragon Isle. Though Arthur had been unmarried, he left behind a mother, father, and sister. Murmurs of regret echoed throughout the room, but then Arthur’s father stood.
“I’ve asked our leader to permit me to say a few words,” the elderly dragon said. “Does anyone have a problem with this?”
No one said anything, so the dragon continued.
“What my son did is unforgivable. His actions have damaged our relationships with the humans of Nellenston and across the world, and for that, I am deeply sorry. Though I had no control over my son’s actions, rest assured that I do not condone or forgive what he did, and I will spend the rest of my days serving Emerson, the clan leader of Lostfallen, in any way that I can.”
The dragon sat down.
“Thank you,” Emerson murmured, and patted the man’s shoulder. They exchanged sad looks, then Emerson continued talking about other clan business before finally getting to the purpose of the meeting.
To Janae’s unexpected surprise, he pitched the idea of opening a library on Dragon Isle to help children and adults alike.
“Mrs. Thurman has donated a building, so there will be no initial expense for starting this,” he said. “What we’re asking for are volunteers to help with tutoring, to donate books, to get things cleaned up. We’ll need a few people to help man the library. We’ll initially start by keeping the doors open on the weekends. Once we have enough volunteers, we’ll aim to have this running seven days a week.”
Emerson opened up the discussion to the group, asking for comments, suggestions, and input.
Janae just stared.
A library?
On Dragon Isle?
Surely this had been in the works for awhile, but Emerson had not said anything, neither had Liam. From the twinkling in her brother’s eyes, though, Janae knew he was well aware of the library.
And what Janae’s role would play in its success.
**
Emerson could see Janae’s shock and surprise from where he stood at the front of the crowd. The group had discussed the idea of opening a library and almost everyone agreed that it was a good, exciting idea. A few old grumps protested lightly, but a quick look from Mrs. Helsley put them in their place.
“It’ll be good for morale,” she said simply, and that shut the old dragonmen right up.
As the crowd thinned, Emerson made his way over to where Janae sat with Liam.
“Looking good,” Emerson nodded toward Liam’s leg. “I missed having you around.”
“Yeah, I can tell having to deal with my replacement must have been a real pain in the ass.” Liam retorted sarcastically.
Emerson said nothing to Liam. His eyes were locked on Janae’s. “Can I talk to you for a minute?” He asked. She nodded, and he guided her to the back of the restaurant. Emerson opened a door and led her into one of the back rooms. They were sometimes reserved for parties or events, but today they were empty.
“I had no idea you were planning something so big,” she said. “Pretty exciting for you.”
“I wanted to surprise you once the plans were solidified,” he said. “I know libraries are kind of your gig.”
“Kind of,” she admitted with a smile.
“Listen,” he ran his hand through his hair. “I want you to stay here, on Dragon Isle. I want you to make your life here. I want you to make your life with me.”
Janae didn’t say anything for a long moment, then she stepped forward.
Emerson had been careful to avoid talking about the future with her. Though he knew she had quit her job in Strathmore Falls, he didn’t know what her plans were. He hadn’t asked her before to commit to him, to commit to them.
“You sure this is what you want, Dragon?” She asked. “Life with a little human? It’s a bit mundane for you, isn’t it?”
He shook his head.
“No,” he said. “Nothing with you is ever boring.”
She cocked her head and ran her hand up his shirt until she was cupping his cheek.
“I would be honored to stay with you, Emerson,” she said. “It would be a dream come true.”
He swept her into his arms and kissed her then, kissed her with the power of a man who had finally gotten his wish.
He was the leader of an amazing clan and had a beautiful human to call his own.
What could possibly be better?
A Dragon’s Bite
Sophie Stern
Copyright © 2015 by Sophie Stern
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Synopsis
Ashley is a girl who is running from her past...
Theodore i
s a dragon who just wants to be left alone...
When their paths cross unexpectedly, nothing can ever go back to the way it was before...
Ashley seeks refuge from a storm in an abandoned mansion, but she doesn't realize it's very much inhabited by a sexy, overbearing dragon. When Theodore offers her a position as a nanny for his son, she realizes that she can't refuse this dragon anything.
For the girls who love to be bitten
And the dragons who love to bite
1
Ashley stepped into the entryway of the large mansion. The lights were out and she was soaked, but she could hear her clothing dripping on the floors.
She hoped no one lived here. Maybe someone did, but they were out of town. Maybe they wouldn’t just eat Ashley up for dripping on their floors. Maybe they wouldn’t torment her with fire and claws.
She dropped to her knees and fumbled around in her backpack for a flashlight.
“Come on,” she muttered out loud. The storm was raging outside and she knew she’d be stuck there for the night, if not longer. Hopefully, she’d be able to leave in the morning. She didn’t have a lot of food with her and even if she was careful, she’d be out within two days.
It wasn’t her first time getting lost in the middle of Dragon Isle. The mountains and forests were beautiful to explore, but there was a reason few people wandered out in them. When a storm came, it came, and there was little chance to get to safety.
While a few reclusive dragons built their mansions in the center or southern parts of the island, most preferred the company of other dragons in the northern section of Dragon Isle.
Still, Ashley couldn’t stop exploring. She had lived on the island for years, but there was still so much to see, so much to learn. She had come to Dragon Isle to do research for her grad project, but had never left.
Or finished school.
“Here we go,” she said as her hand closed around her flashlight. She flicked it on. A quick glance around revealed what she already knew: she could get lost in here. The place was huge, and she breathed a sigh of relief when she shone the beam into the hallway.
Empty.
“Guess no one’s home,” she said. The thought made her feel a little better about trespassing. Dragons weren’t exactly known for their hospitality on good days. Taking in a stranger who had been stupid enough to get caught in a torrential downpour? She’d be better off hiding in a cave.
Ashley stood back up, leaving her wet backpack. She would deal with that later, after it dried. For now, she needed to figure out how to get warm. She was soaked, and she was cold, and she was going to freeze to death in the night if she didn’t find a blanket or something.
The entryway was large and spacious, with a closed door on either side of the area. In front of her, two staircases curved upwards to join in the center.
On the first floor, behind the staircases, she guessed there would be a kitchen. Maybe. She couldn’t really see very well. The house was too big and her flashlight was too small.
She needed to find someplace to warm up.
Why not try upstairs?
Surely she could find a bedroom or a set of clothes or even just a blanket hiding in a linen closet.
Ashley wasn’t sure why she felt it necessary to skip the first floor entirely, but she didn’t feel like sifting through dusty furniture or encountering rats in the kitchen. At least if she went upstairs, she’d be more likely to find a place to sleep.
She climbed the stairs and cringed each time one of them creaked. Though the mansion had obviously been an expensive home at one point, it was in dire need of renovations and love. Even placing a carpet on the stairs would be an improvement from the torn up stairs. What had caused all the scratch marks that were etched into each stair?
Oh yeah.
Dragon claws.
A dragon had obviously lived here at one point, probably alone, probably isolated. Maybe he had trouble controlling his shifts, which was why he lived alone. Maybe he was just unlikable.
Ashley thought of Emerson, the dragon clan leader. He had been the epitome of an asshole until he’d met his mate. The woman had warmed his icy heart: something Ashley never would have dreamed possible.
Maybe someday she’d find a dragon to love.
But for now, the only thing she wanted was to get warm. She reached the top of the stairs and found herself in an upstairs hallway. It was wide and dark. The floor was still wooden and still covered in claw marks.
Suddenly, Ashley felt nervous.
Whatever creature had torn up the floors had obviously been all over the whole house. What if it still lived in the mansion? What if it was feral? What if it had lost any trace of humanity?
Ashley gulped.
“Come on,” she said aloud to herself. “You can do this. Just find a place to sleep. Everything will look better in the morning.”
There were several doors in the hallway, so she simply walked to the first one and pulled it open.
Nothing jumped out at her.
She breathed an audible sigh of relief and stepped into the room. It was a bedroom, she guessed. Ashley left the door open and flicked her flashlight around the room. Everything looked normal. There was a dresser, a desk, a couple of nightstands. Oh, and a huge oversized bed in the center of the room.
Of course.
“Dragons do love their orgies,” she murmured. She was surprised that the room only appeared to be slightly dusty, which reinforced the idea that the house had either been recently abandoned or the owners were on vacation.
Either way, she stripped down quickly, left her soaked clothes on the floor, and jumped into the bed. She climbed underneath the covers with her flashlight. She flicked it off and stared into the darkness.
Suddenly, eerily, she felt as if she was being watched. That was crazy, she knew.
“Don’t freak out. Don’t freak out.” She closed her eyes, then opened them, staring blankly. Nothing. Why did she feel like she was being watched? The house was empty and probably had been for awhile.
“There’s nothing here,” she said to herself in a quiet, sing-song voice. “Nothing waiting for me in the dark.”
“Oh,” said a deep, menacing voice. Two bright green eyes blinked at her from the darkness. “That’s where you’re wrong.”
Her shrill scream filled the room, resonating loudly, but the eyes didn’t disappear and Ashley didn’t wake up from what was obviously a horrible dream. When she was out of breath, she stopped, and the voice came again.
“Are you finished?”
Ashley nodded, but didn’t speak. She didn’t even think to flick her flashlight back on. She didn’t want to know who – or what – was waiting in the dark.
Somehow, the idea of something – anything – lying in wait wasn’t as horrifying as the fact that it had been watching her since she got there. It had been aware of her presence ever since she stepped over the threshold, hadn’t it? And wasn’t that a lovely thought?
“Who are you?” The voice came again. It was a man. A man’s voice. Maybe. Right? He was obviously a shifter. How else could you explain all the claw marks everywhere?
“A-A-Ashley.” She managed to get out her name, but Ashley was embarrassed it took her three tries. Wasn’t she supposed to be brave? Wasn’t she supposed to be bold? What happened to bad-ass Ashley who didn’t care about what anyone thought?
“Well, A-A-Ashley,” the voice mimicked her. “You can start by telling me what the fuck you’re doing in my bed.”
Shit.
Of course she had chosen the one inhabited room in this fucking place.
Of course.
“I’m sorry.” It was all she could think to say. The voice in the dark said nothing, and Ashley sighed in resignation. She would have to leave and go back into the storm. She had no other choice. She was just lucky the creature hadn’t killed her in her sleep.
She stared to climb out of the bed, as if that would somehow make things better. “I’ll go,” she
offered quietly. Ashley stumbled and bumped into things and tried to grab her clothing. It was around here somewhere. She reached for her things and when she stood up and turned around, she bumped right into him.
Yes, definitely a “him.” Despite the darkness, Ashley could very much tell that she was dealing with a very, very big man.
And she didn’t mean he was tall.
The man’s hard, lengthy erection pressed against her belly, sending a rush of heat through her body. For the first time in many years, Ashley found herself thinking about sex. Not just ordinary, close-your-eyes-and-call-it-a-day sex, either. No, she was thinking about rough and tumble, pin-you-to-the-bed-and-spank-you sex.
She dropped her clothes right back on the floor.
“Excuse me,” she said. She wasn’t sure what to do next. She and the man were both painfully naked in the middle of his dark bedroom on a stormy night. He hadn’t said anything else to her and she hadn’t even seen his face. She had only felt his hard, toned body and-
Dammit! She silently chided herself. Had it really been that long since she had slept with someone? Was she seriously becoming aroused at the idea of being naked in the dark with a stranger?
The wetness between her legs said “yes.”
“Wait,” the man grabbed her arm. He didn’t touch any part of her body, and was Ashley a little bit disappointed about that? Absolutely.
“I said I’d leave,” she sort-of-but-not-really tried to pull her arm away.
“You wouldn’t get half a mile in this weather,” the dragonman said. “You’ll stay for the night.”
Ashley realized, even as he spoke, that she didn’t have much of a choice. He was right when he said that the storm was raging. The windows were shaking and rattling and she could hear the rain pounding on the roof.
“Thank you for your hospitality,” she whispered.
“Don’t move,” the man said. She didn’t hear him leave, but the lights flicked on and when she turned toward the door, he was gone. She realized then that she was naked in a strange man’s bedroom, and that he would very likely be coming back soon.
Dragon Isle Book Bundle 1-3: My Lord and Dragon, The Dragon Fighter, and A Dragon's Bite Page 24