by Julia Mills
“My father and my discarded dragon shells. He had it made for my mother on their anniversary shortly after my first transformation. Before she went to meet him in the Afterlife, she gave me both pieces and made me promise to give them to my mate.”
Holly was overcome with too many emotions to name. It took several tries, but finally she squeaked out, “I will wear them with honor.”
Tomas’ lips met hers and he spoke into her mind
“I have a secret to share.”
“Oh, you do?” Holly answered, already breathless from his kiss.
“Every time a bell rings, a dragon kisses his mate.”
She chuckled. “I’d always heard it that an angel was kissing her mate.”
Holly’s mind filled with Tomas’ deep rich laughter. “I adore you, mo aingeal, forever and always. Eternity is ours.”
“Merry Christmas. I love you, dragon man.”
“And I love you, my Christmas angel, to Heaven and beyond.”
Epilogue
Rian knew he shouldn’t have run off half-cocked. Rory and Royce had damn near driven him mad screaming directly into his brain for the last three days. Finally, unable to stand their endless bitching, he’d cut all communications with them. It was the first time in more years than he could remember that he’d been truly alone.
As if all that wasn’t bad enough, Rian had snuck into his oldest friend’s private lair and stolen the stone they’d recovered along with Drago, the assassin. He’d known he was going to raid Maddox’s cave even before he sent Tomas off with the ancient artifact, but it was the only way he could keep his plans from the others. No one would understand. How could they?
For years he’d been living with the secret of his mate’s painful existence. Unable to go to her, unable to save her, only able to see her once every full moon and only with the aid of a Devil’s Trap. His beautiful Audrey had been possessed even before he knew of her existence. A terrible curse was put upon her by the same evil wizards the Dragon Guard sought to destroy. She hadn’t given up her freedom willingly; rather it was taken from her as a way to coerce her father, the king of a small seaside village, to give up his lands.
Unfortunately, King August was killed in battle before he knew his daughter had been taken and the man who inherited the kingdom, Audrey’s uncle, was evil to the core. He simply left his niece to rot in hell, the servant of the Chancellor and President of the High Council of Devils.
Not long after Royce had left to train with the Golden Fire Clan, when the O’Reilly brothers were still considered young dragons, Rian had been deep in the forest that bordered the sea one night just after midnight. He’d needed time to think. The Elders had just come to him, requesting he join their ranks and rule the Blue Thunder Clan. The Guardsman was honored but filled with doubt.
Making his way to the water’s edge, he’d seen the full moon’s reflection in the calm seas an instant before glimpsing the most beautiful woman in the world. She walked towards him, obviously enjoying the feel of the sand between her toes and the breeze on her skin. Her long skirts and dark hair blowing behind her. The violet of her eyes glowed in the moonlight, as her sweet dulcet tones reached his ears.
The woman’s song was so hauntingly desperate it pulled at Rian’s soul. He felt her in places he’d never imagined and knew at once she was his mate. Racing towards her, he was shocked when she threw her hands out screaming, “No! Stop! Don’t come near me! Please, please, I don’t want to hurt you. Just stay back!”
Stopping dead in his tracks, Rian scoffed, “How could you hurt me? I am a Dragon Guardsman in my prime and besides, you are my mate.”
She fell to the ground, her head in her hands and wailed, “No, no, no! This can’t be happening. Curse you Adramelech, curse you and all you hold dear. Curse your cold, dead heart. I should’ve known it was all a trick.”
Needing to comfort his mate but trying to abide by her wishes to stay back, Rian moved a step closer. The scent of fresh cut daisies invaded his senses, almost driving him to his knees. No longer able to control himself, the Guardsman took yet another step in the young woman’s direction. She jumped up, stepping several quick paces backward. “Please, I beg you, don’t touch me. I’m cursed, possessed, made to do a demon’s bidding. Tonight is my birthday. The first in more years than I can count that my evil master has let me out. Although still chained to him within my soul, he allowed a few brief moments of peace in a place I hold so very dear. I should’ve known he had a plan, should’ve known it was all a game…” Her words trailed off as she stared at the sea.
Carefully taking another step forward, Rian spoke like he would speak to a scared child. “Let me help you. We have healers and spiritual leaders that can free you. You are a dragon’s mate. My mate. The one made for me by the Universe Herself. Let me help you.” He was begging for the first time he could ever remember, but truly didn’t give a damn. If there as a way to help her, he would do it...anything for his mate. She was his and by all that he held sacred, Rian O’Reilly would have her.
Her once glowing violet eyes were now overflowing with sadness. He saw her tears. Heard the anguish in her voice. “But don’t you see, that’s his plan. I wish I had known before, but now it is clear. I was sent here to trap you.”
And with that she disappeared.
Also by Julia Mills
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The Dragon Guard Series
Her Dragon to Slay, Dragon Guard Series #1
Her Dragon’s Fire, Dragon Guard Series #2
Haunted by Her Dragon, Dragon Guard Series #3
For the Love of Her Dragon, Dragon Guard Series #4
Saved by Her Dragon, Dragon Guard #5
Only for Herr Dragon, Dragon Guard #6
Fighting for Her Dragon, Dragon Guard #7
Her Dragon’s Heart, Dragon Guard #8
Her Dragon’s Soul, Dragon Guard #9
Her Love, Her Dragon: The Saga Begins, A Dragon Guard Prequel
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The ‘Not Quite’ Love Story Series
Vidalia: A ‘Not Quite Vampire Love Story
About Julia
Julia Mills is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Dragon Guard Series and most recently the ‘Not Quite’ Love Story Series. She admits to being a sarcastic, southern woman that would rather spend all day laughing than a minute crying. She has two of the most amazing daughters ever created, a menagerie of animals, and a voracious appetite for reading. She decided to write the stories running through her brain and is having an absolute blast!! She read her first book, Dr Seuss’s Cat in The Hat, and has been hooked ever since.
She believes a good book, along with shoes, makeup, and purses will never let a girl down. She knows for a fact that all heroes in all the books she has ever read or will ever write pale in comparison to her hero…her dad! She's a sucker for a happy ending and loves some hot sweaty sex with a healthy dose of romance.
She's still working on her story but can guarantee you that it'll contain as much love and laughter as she can cram into it!!!!! Dare to Dream! Have the Strength to Try EVERYTHING! Never Look Back!
She LOVES stalkers! So look her up!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JLakeMills?ref=hl
Website: www.juliamillsauthor.com