“This isn’t a ‘goodbye.” All of a sudden, her voice picked up volume as she lightly shook her head. “I made a mistake. I should have talked to you.” Her confession intrigued him. Raul ran his gaze up her body, unwilling to utter another word. “I thought running was the solution. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I’ve missed you,” she whispered, lifting her hands up to cup his face. Her teary eyes along with the sensation of her tender palms on his skin shattered his heart into a million pieces. “I’m so sorry, Raul. You did everything you could to keep me safe, and I…,” she faltered, her lips quivering as more tears welled up in her eyes. “I broke your heart.”
“You had a question,” he said, his heart racing in his chest. “I didn’t have the answer yesterday, but I do now. Care to hear it?” Monica nodded assent. “I talked to Helena. She said we can have children. They would be one-hundred percent human.”
“We can?” she whispered as she leaned in closer to him as a broad smile lit up her glorious face.
“Yes,” he affirmed, watching as tears rolled down her face. His heartbeat escalated as he reached up to her right hand. Taking it in his hand, Raul pulled it to his chest and placed it over his heart. “Monica Mills,” he spoke, though his voice was but a whisper, “will you be my–”
“You know my answer,” she interrupted, caressing his cheek as a powerful gust of wind whipped her hair about. “Yes. With all my heart, yes.”
The few words that had left her mouth gave him the world. In a split second, Raul’s heart fluttered as a blissful smile spread across his face. Letting go of her hand, he tilted his head down as he snaked his other arm around her waist. Monica slipped her hand up and into his hair as their lips locked in a long, passionate kiss, filled with the love they had for each other. She wrapped her arm around his neck as he pulled her closer, the wind growing stronger by the second. Monica pressed herself into him, stroking the back of his neck as Raul tightened his hold around her. His savior was back in his life, sparing him from his fate. There were no words to describe his joy or a painting beautiful enough to capture the bliss that overflowed within him. He loosened his grip and raised his arm up to her head. The feel of her curls against his skin made his entire body tingle as he caressed her hair. Raul planted one more kiss on her lips and slowly opened his eyes as he pressed his forehead against hers.
“I love you,” he uttered, his voice a breathless whisper. “I’ve loved you since that night I saw you sleeping on the couch.”
“I love you, too, my guardian angel,” Monica said, her voice thick with emotion as she ran her fingers through his hair. “With every beat of my heart.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Raul and Monica started toward her house, all smiles and holding hands. Of course, the fact that they would not be alone somewhat bothered him. He wanted to claim her once again, show her how much he had missed her as well. But her friends’ presence was a trivial matter. Raul would have plenty of opportunities to have sex with her in the future. He could wait a little longer.
“Raul…,” Monica said with a grin, “I like it a lot, but, isn’t it strange for an American?”
“I’m five percent Spanish,” he explained. “It’s directly related to the wolf. That’s why my forefathers named my grandpa’s brother Raul.”
“Really?” she chirped, running her thumb across his palm. “Can you speak any Spanish?”
“Later,” Raul muttered as they approached her front door. “We’re not alone.”
“Hold that thought.” Monica winked at him, turning her key on the lock. Much to his surprise, a redhead stood across from them, applauding as soon as his mate swung the door open.
“Jules!” Kate exclaimed. “What are you doing there?”
“I’m happy for my friend,” Julia staunchly replied, her gaze fixed on Monica. “Sorry for prying, but…,” she paused. “We saw the whole thing.”
“You couldn’t be cool,” Kate grumbled, striding across the living room.
“Julia, this is Raul. Raul, meet Julia,” Monica introduced them. “Save the handshakes for later. He and I need to talk.”
“More?” Julia squinted at her as she and Raul walked past her.
“Spanish lessons,” Monica smiled, glancing at Julia over her shoulder as she led him toward her porch. Amused by the puzzled look on her friend’s face, Raul couldn’t help but chuckle as his mate stepped outside. Joining her, he reached back and pulled the porch door shut as Monica turned left to face him.
“I’m waiting, Mr. Alpha,” she said, her voice raspy as she gazed up into his eyes.
“Todo por tu amor,” he breathed as a small smile formed on his face. “All for your love.”
“Oh, my God,” Monica whispered, leaning in as her arms went around his waist. “I wish every first lesson was as sweet as that,” she added, resting her head on his chest. “Hold me. God, I’ve missed this big hug.”
Raul’s smile turned into a grin as he pulled her into his embrace. Never in his life had he felt so complete. Monica had been afraid of the unknown, but her return proved to him that her love for him was true. It enveloped him; it gave him strength to carry on. He might be the alpha male in his pack, but with her, he would become more than just a leader. Very soon, he would mate with her. Raul Bradford had cheated death, and now he was eager to start a new life with the woman who had captured his heart the night she found him on her doorstep. Monica Mills–his doctor; his savior; his mate.
***THE END***
Dragons of Umora Box Set (1-5)
Sarah J. Stone
Book 1: Cole
Chapter 1
You are not my son.
Those were the most devastating words he could think of. He would rather hear that his parents were dead, that his older brothers, the Crown Prince and the Duke, had disowned him. Anything but the fact that he was not who he thought he was.
His blood boiled in his veins as he stood in the middle of the grand hall, the gleaming thrones mocking him. Cole had been born the third Prince of Umora, a planet so advanced in civilization that there was no pain, no suffering, and virtual immortality through science. Everyone on Umora was some sort of shifter, some sort of magical creature – whether it be wolf, lion, or otherwise. The dragon shifters, however, had always been the royal family, ruling over those beneath them. The witches, the werewolves, and the lions all bowed down to the dragon shifters.
Cole always believed his place in the world was at the top with everyone bowing down to him. He knew that his magic was better than the rest of his family's, but he never thought anything of it. It was a gift, after all.
What he didn’t know, however, was that he was a half-breed witch and dragon shifter – a bastard orphan left on the door steps. He claimed potential royal blood from both sides or neither. He was everything and nothing at the same time.
He should have inherited the richness of the witches and the power of the dragons.
Instead, he lost it all when his father admitted the truth.
There would be no throne for Cole on Umora, no happy ending here. He had been cheated out of everything by matters of his birth.
Cole saw only red as he spun around, looking at the murals on the walls.
This explained so much about his life, about his feelings, and about why he felt like he never fit in. Growing up, it became apparent that he was different than the rest of his family. His magic did not come in the same way theirs did. He could not focus in the same way, could not create the same things. Cole needed to eat more than the rest of them, and more frequently. Alexander seemed to only nibble twice a week, and Nicholas took great pride in large feasts and social meals. But Cole was always ravenous, always strong, and always a moment away from rage.
His rage was so different than Nicholas's rage. Nicholas was simply a kind soul and fiercely loyal, but also ready to destroy anyone who came near those whom he loved. Cole seemed to rage out for no reason, and he himself admitted tha
t he threw tantrums when he didn't get his way.
Everyone was unfair to him. His brothers were allowed to do things that he wasn't. His parents let them lead wars and lash out. But Cole was punished unfairly, even by his brothers. They always treated him like a mischievous child who didn't know how to handle himself.
Death was nothing to him. Feeding for the sake of something to do was nothing to him. He loved the attention, loved the power, but hated how they scolded him.
And now, it was clear that this was not the place he belonged. All these years of trying to fit in, and he wasn't really one of them anyways. They didn't want him; that much was clear.
He continued spinning, barely seeing, barely thinking. His anger was uncontrollable, and his rage lay in front of him. He wanted power. He wanted control. He wanted to show them what he was capable of. He was not a child to be scolded, nor was he someone to be put aside.
And that is when he spotted Earth – painted blue, small, and fragile – in the upper corner of the wall.
If he could not have Umora, if they thought he didn't belong here, he would show them where he did. He would find his own Kingdom; he would make his own throne.
He knew how to take control of a planet. That was nothing foreign to his family. They kept peace and ruled over several planets in the system. One simply needed to purge the planet, control its people, and make them fear you. Only then would they bow down.
Cole turned on his heel and stalked out of the throne room and into the records hall. The records hall contained scrolls of all nature, including rules for unlocking magic on each planet. The Gods who had created the planets, millenniums ago, had written down the secrets to unlocking each one, in the ancient tongue of each planet.
"Cole," a not-so distant voice called.
The unexpected sound startled him; he had thought he was alone in the hall. But his brother, Alexander, was standing there, looking majestic and comfortable. But then again, why wouldn’t he be? He belonged here.
"We've been looking everywhere for you."
Cole smirked.
"And why would that be? Seeing as how I don't belong here? Do you want to lock me up, too? Toss me out of the only home I've ever known?"
"Cole," Alexander took a step further. "I know we've had our differences. But there was no reason for the tantrum you threw."
"Tantrum?" Cole sputtered. "Tantrum? Is that what you call a reaction to finding out your whole life is a lie?"
When his father had finally told him the truth, Cole barely remembered what he had done. All he remembered is rage; all he remembered was his dragon brain taking over.
It was only after coming back to his human form that he heard about the destruction he had caused. He had flown – flown until his wings hurt – and killed whatever had lay in his path. The reports said that he went to neighboring planets, breathing fire, tearing up villages, and leaving civilians dead in his wake.
They had trembled in fear when they saw him coming, bowing to their knees and begging for mercy. But he didn't care about their pleas, nor did he care about their tears.
If his family was going to tell him that he was some half-breed monster that didn't belong, he would show them how he didn't belong.
Let them say he was a criminal; let them say he was a monster with a black soul.
"That is what I call it when it was followed by the amount of destruction you caused, yes," Alexander replied. "Cole...the people..."
"You and father have done much worse in your so-called 'peace keeping missions,'" Cole spat. "Following in his footsteps, as if he's always been around to encourage us."
He knew it wasn't much of an excuse, but there was no excuse that mattered, really. If Alexander was questioning him, then he would not see reason. Alexander was always calm, controlled, logical, and frankly, in Cole’s eyes, boring. He thought carefully about every word that exited his mouth.
"He is not the kind of King I want to be," Alexander growled.
“Poor, poor Alexander,” Cole teased him. “Heavy is the head that wears the crown. Always acting as the martyr. Had Finneas still been alive, your life would be so easy, wouldn't it?”
Alexander's eyes flashed at the mention of their oldest brother. Finneas was supposed to be King, and Alexander would have been his second in command. But Finneas struggled with his own identity, trying to come to terms with what his life's purpose was, and it was never meant to be. It had been two years since Finneas vanished, flitting into the black magic world that was simply known as the Other. No one had ever returned from the Other, and the weight fell heavily on Alexander's shoulders. He had lost his confidant, his mentor, and his best friend. And suddenly, he would rule the land when their father perished.
“Don't you mention him,” Alexander said, although his voice trembled with emotion. “Finneas fought a fight he could not win. But the rest of us are still here. And it does not change the fact that–”
"The fact that I am no longer your brother, just some bastard orphan," Cole cut him off, standing tall.
"That your rage may have killed people," Alexander answered. "You know that when we transform, control is harder..."
Cole simply smirked.
"So, you intend to rule passively? Kill them with kindness, is that it? And be nice to your bastard brother, who was born into a terrible life, but go lucky."
"Cole..."
"Forget it." Cole had found the scroll he needed. "Forget all of you. I was born to rule, and if you won't accept me here, I’ll find another kingdom!"
Alexander's eyes widened.
"Where are you going?"
Cole smirked, drawing the magic around him.
"It's a magic trick, brother," he said, and snapped his fingers.
He felt the familiar magic swirl around him. Magic was always his comfort zone, his safe place that he could go to – a place that baffled his brothers.
The golden light filled his soul, and he felt his dragon wings spread. It was only for a moment though, to make the impact with the ground easier. His wings retracted, and he found himself sitting on grass.
It took a moment for him to adjust to the air. It was different than on Umora, not thicker or thinner, but different.
The scroll was still clutched in his hand – the key to controlling this race. Humans were weak minded, he had always been told. It was simple magic.
That is, if he could unlock it. He couldn't even read the words that were written, the characters unfamiliar.
It had seemed like such a good plan in the moment, standing tall against Alexander. But Cole was smart, and he knew he'd never figure this out without help.
He pulled his knees up to his chest, laying his head on them, thinking.
There must be people who worked with ancient texts around here. He could probably intimidate someone into helping him. It shouldn't take long for someone who knew what they were doing. This weak-minded planet could be his by this afternoon.
And once one planet was his, there were more for the taking. He would show them.
Cole slowly stood up, glancing down at his clothes. Squinting to catch a glimpse of people in the distance, he snapped his fingers and became dressed like them. He wanted to remain undercover, at least for now.
In his world, if he faced this problem, there were only a handful of people he could go to – archive managers, elders, perhaps travelers. But he had no idea who those people would be here, or where to find them.
"Oof!!!"
He was so wrapped up in his own head, distracted by his thoughts, that he didn't notice the girl he bumped into until it was too late.
The force sent him stumbling back a few steps, but she tumbled right to the ground, as if she was a limp rag doll.
He wanted to roll his eyes and walk away; humans were so weak, especially compared to the force of a Dragon. But what she said next stopped him.
"I'm sorry."
He paused.
"Yo
u're sorry?" he said in complete confusion. His English was rough, but he had paid some sort of attention when they had taught it in school. "I bumped into you. I should have been watching where I was going," she said.
This girl was slight and pale as ivory with jet black hair and dark eyes. Her collarbone stuck out, her cheekbones were sharp, and her body clad in a long skirt and long-sleeve shirt. She was completely different from any woman he had ever seen. Something about her seemed odd, however, but he couldn’t put his finger on it.
Dragon women were normally large boned, tall, and strong. Their clothing was made to show off their bodies with their armor wrapped around their strong muscles when they fought. This girl couldn't have been more different from them had she tried. Dragon women were also strong willed and held their heads high, hardly ever apologizing.
"You should have been..." he shook his head. He was surprised to find it bothered him that she took the blame. It had been his fault, and he was fine with that. It was almost intentional. That was just who he was. But when she met his eyes, he felt disarmed. He sighed, reaching to help her up. What a weak, pathetic little kitten. "It's fine."
Now standing, she was taller than he originally believed, although they weren't anywhere close in height. She was oddly beautiful, he thought, if one liked that look.
Not that he knew what he liked; there had been no one who caught his fancy back home. His brothers, on the other hand, always seemed to have women in their arms.
"Thank you," she said. "I walk this route all the time, so I space out sometimes."
Something clicked in his brain.
"You know the area well then?"
"Yes," she said, shrugging one bony shoulder. "Are you lost?"
" I..." He paused. What difference did telling her make, though? If she couldn't be trusted, he could always be rid of her. "I need some help with a," he said, holding up the scroll, "family heirloom."
"Oh," she clearly wasn't expecting that response. "I could show you in the direction of the museum in town? They are mostly a modern art gallery, though, so I'm not sure that'll help."
A Wolf's Heart (Wolf Mountain Peak Book 1) Page 13