by Amy Hale
Mr. Woods stepped forward. “See? She’s worthless, son. Walk away while you still can.”
Jordan’s rage flared again, and he swung at his dad, this time missing. His father threw a punch and knocked Jordan to the ground, blood oozing from his lip.
I stepped forward, this time ignoring the pain, and grabbed Mr. Woods’ jacket. “Don’t you ever hit him or your wife again.”
He gasped, and it was then that I realized I’d lifted him high enough off the ground that his feet were dangling.
I put him back on solid ground, then shoved him away. He staggered, then lunged at me. My father and Aunt Jetta grabbed him on either side before he reached his intended target.
“Jordan, what would you like us to do?” my father asked.
Jordan blinked. “Do?”
Aunt Jetta nodded. “We can put him in jail.”
Dad’s grip on Mr. Woods’ arm tightened, and the man winced. “Or . . . we could banish him.”
Aunt Jetta smiled. “That would work.”
Grandpa muttered something under his breath.
“Banish?” Jordan looked completely confused.
“We can send him away. He’ll live out his life peacefully, if he so chooses, and never bother you or your mother again,” Dad answered.
Jetta released Mr. Woods and pulled Jordan aside. She whispered to him, out of earshot of his father. I assumed she was giving him further details on the exile they suggested.
After a couple of minutes, my nerves were stretched thin. My ankle hurt, and all I wanted to do was get away from everyone. I hobbled to the line of trees behind Grandpa’s house.
“I need to be alone,” I shouted as I slowly walked away. “Don’t bother looking for me.”
“Zoey, can I come with you?” Jordan asked.
I froze. Do I want his company? I wasn’t sure. Tears rolled down my cheeks, and I swiped at them, trying to hide the evidence of my heartache.
“If you like,” I murmured, unsure if he could even hear me. I limped forward into the forest until I reached a large log. The pain became intense, and I knew I couldn’t make it where I wanted to go. The cave.
I sat down, and tears fell once more. I brushed them away before I pushed my skirt aside and rubbed my sore ankle. Jordan walked only a few feet behind me. He’d been following in silence, allowing me my privacy until I was ready to address him.
As I continued to rub my ankle, the pain began to subside. I had no idea what had happened, but it felt as if it were healing. I was astonished at what appeared to be happening before my eyes.
“Can I sit?” asked Jordan.
I blinked up at him, trying to clear my head. “Sure.”
He scooted close to me and reached for my hand. “I don’t know what’s going on, but you can trust me, Zoey. I would never turn away from you.”
I chuckled with self-deprecation. “You say that now.”
“No, I mean it. There is nothing that you could say or do that would scare me off.” He gave my hand a squeeze.
I looked into his eyes, and the decision was made. I would tell him and let the chips fall where they may.
“Jordan? I’m a dragon.”
Chapter 12
Jordan laughed awkwardly. “Right.”
“I’m not kidding.” My expression was solemn.
“How is that possible? You look human to me.” The timbre in his voice indicated he still thought I was joking.
“I’m a shifter. I’m half human and half dragon.” I stood. “I can show you, if you like.”
His eyes narrowed. “Um . . .okay.” Obviously, he was still skeptical.
“Turn around,” I ordered. “I have to undress before I change.”
His eyebrows shot up. “Do I have to?” his tone teased.
I couldn’t help but smile a little. “Yes, you have to. My dad is a dragon, too, and if he thinks you saw me naked, he might be tempted to eat you.”
Jordan shrugged and turned his back to me, moving his legs to the other side of the log.
I reached back and unzipped my dress, letting it fall and pool at my feet. My shoes were next, along with my undergarments. I stepped back into the darkness and picked a somewhat open spot to transform.
“You promise you won’t freak out?” I shouted from my hiding spot in the shadows.
“I promise,” he yelled back.
I summoned my inner dragon and let her take over. Popping, cracking, stretching—sensations I was becoming accustomed to took over as I left the human Zoey behind.
I stepped forward as quietly as possible, then put my muzzle close to Jordan’s back and snorted. Frost covered his back, and he shivered.
“Hey, no throwing snowballs while my back is—” He turned around and froze. “Oh, dear God.” He scooted back off the log and landed on his butt in the frost-covered leaves.
I placed my head on the log and looked at him, hoping he could see that I meant him no harm.
“Zoey?” He stood and took a cautious step forward.
I gave a slight nod, then closed my eyes, not wanting to see the fear on his face that I knew would be present.
I felt a hand rub my nose. “Unbelievable,” he whispered.
I opened my eyes, and Jordan smiled, awe and wonder filling his eyes. “Wow. I knew you were amazing, special. But this . . . I hadn’t even scratched the surface.”
I blinked, letting a tear fall. He leaned forward and placed his cheek up against me. “I care about you, Zoey. This doesn’t change that.”
I closed my eyes.
He reached out and touched the opal that miraculously still hung from my giant neck. “Please, come back to me. You’re beautiful like this, but I’d like to talk.”
I slowly raised my head and moved to look at where my clothes still lay.
Jordan noticed the pile of fabric. “Do you need me to turn around again?”
I nodded once more.
He turned his back and said, “Let me know when it’s safe to look again. I don’t want your dad eating me.”
The human side of me chuckled, although I think through the dragon it came out as an odd growl.
I closed my eyes and summoned my human form. I felt myself shrink and compress. In moments, I once again became sixteen-year-old Zoey Mills. I quickly grabbed my clothes and shimmied into them, leaving only my gown to be zipped.
“Okay, I’m dressed,” I said as I walked up behind him.
Jordan turned to me and reached forward to cup my cheek. I was still terrified. How could he be okay with this? At best, he can’t possibly see a future for us as a couple.
He leaned forward and kissed me lightly on the lips. “It’s cold out here.”
I nodded. “It is. You need your coat.”
He glanced at me. “Do you need one? You don’t seem to be cold at all.”
I shrugged. “I’m not. Perks of being a frost dragon.”
“Huh. That’s cool,” he said.
I looked at him. “Was that a pun?”
He chuckled. “Not a good one.”
I laughed, too. “True.”
He shivered again.
“Maybe we should get you back to the house,” I suggested.
“I’m okay. I want to stay here with you.” His teeth were starting to chatter.
“It’s hard to talk if you die of hypothermia. Let’s go back. I promise to stick around and talk.”
He nodded and grew somber.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
“Yeah, just thinking about my dad.” He sighed.
“I understand. Did my dad explain banishment?”
He nodded. “Sort of. I didn’t understand it fully, but it sounds better than going through this hell over and over.”
“What did you decide then?” I asked.
“I told him to do whatever it took to make it stop. If that meant erasing his memory, or whatever it was, I’m fine with that. My mom would be heartbroken, but she’d get over it. Her heart will heal faster than her bone
s.” His mouth formed a grim line.
I put my hand in his as we walked back to my grandfather’s house.
Jordan, Aunt Jetta, Miranda, and I sat in front of the fire at my house. Dad had dropped us off at home, and Mom had made us all hot chocolate, so we sipped it as we talked.
Aunt Jetta happily filled Jordan in on the basics of our species, relishing all the unique attributes of being a dragon. He was captivated.
“Of course, we aren’t supposed to share this secret with humans, unless we have valid justification. You can never tell anyone. Ever. Do you understand that, Jordan?” Aunt Jetta’s eyes bored into his.
Jordan nodded. “Absolutely. I’ll take it to the grave.”
Aunt Jetta’s lips turned up into a devious grin. “I have no doubt about that. I like you, kid, but if you spill this information to anyone you aren’t supposed to, I’ll eat you for breakfast.”
Jordan’s eyes widened. “I read you loud and clear.”
“Smart guy,” Jetta said as she patted him on the back.
“So how does the whole dragon relationship thing work?” he asked. “Do you look for someone just like you?” He paused. “I’m sorry. I don’t know how to ask this without sounding stupid.”
I understood. “You want to know how we choose a life partner?”
He nodded.
I reached up and caressed my necklace, amazed I still had it. It’s like it changed with me when I shifted. “Well, I guess like everyone else. We find someone we like and if things work out, then there ya go.” I suddenly felt much wiser than my sixteen years. Thank you once again, dear dragon.
Aunt Jetta held up her hands. “Don’t look at me. I haven’t found it yet.”
Mom set down her mug and smiled. “Yes, that sums it up.” She looked at Jordan point blank. “And Jordan, if you really like Zoey, there is nothing to stop you two from being together.”
His eyes filled with emotion. I recognized it as hope. “Really?”
Mom nodded. “Absolutely. It worked out okay for me.”
“Whoa,” he said. “You’re not a dragon, either?”
“Nope. I’m as human as you are.”
He looked at me and reached for my hand. “I’m willing to try if you are, Zoey. I really do care about you.”
I blushed a bit. “That’d be nice.”
My dad walked into the room and ruined the moment. Jordan dropped my hand. Dad’s expression was grim. “Heidi Bennet was seen fighting with her boyfriend at the ball. She ran into the woods and hasn’t been seen since. They’re organizing a search party. I told them to call me when they were ready to head out.”
Mom and Aunt Jetta exchanged worried glances. A human in the woods at night is never a good combination, especially in Havenwood Falls.
“Jordan.” Dad sat down in a chair across from us. “Can I speak with you a moment? It’s about your dad.”
Jordan went pale. I took his hand in mine once more as a show of support. Jordan swallowed and nodded.
Dad cleared his throat. “Your dad is fine. I flew him to a wooded area just outside of Grand Junction. Then gave him explicit instructions to forget about his family and Havenwood Falls.”
Jordan frowned. “Does he know?”
Dad nodded. “He does now.”
“But, won’t he tell everyone?” Jordan asked.
Dad grinned. “Who’s gonna believe a guy that’s slobbering drunk?”
“What about when he’s sober?” Jordan asked.
“Not a problem, either. As I told you before, this town has a special ward on it. Once you leave Havenwood Falls, you only have a certain number of days to return or you forget you were ever here. Your dad won’t remember his life here. And it’s not likely he’ll ever stumble back in. This town has a way of keeping itself hidden.”
Jordan bit his lower lip, and I assumed it was all sinking in.
“He’ll never harm you or your mother again. And as for employment, I’ve already offered your mom a job at the pawn shop. It’s not the best pay, but it’ll help until we find her something she likes better.”
Jordan’s eyes filled with tears of appreciation. “Thank you so much, Mr. Mills. I can’t begin to explain the service you’ve done us.”
“No need to thank us.” He smiled and leaned forward to give Jordan’s hand a firm shake.
I looked at my dad. “What about Grandpa?”
He scratched his head. “He’s a stubborn old man who’s stuck in his ways. He’s angry and will still be someone we must contend with. We’ll just have to keep working on him.”
I frowned.
“Don’t let him bother you, Zoey. You gave him some real food for thought tonight. I imagine he’ll be stewing on that for a while.”
“Sounds promising,” I said.
“Oh,” said Dad. “Are you okay? I noticed you were in pain earlier, after Mr. Woods pushed you.”
I lifted my leg and pulled my skirt up to expose my ankle. “It was weird. I sprained my ankle pretty bad when I landed. When I got to the woods and sat down, I rubbed my ankle, and it started to feel a bit better.”
Dad and Aunt Jetta exchanged glances.
“What? What does that mean?” I asked.
Aunt Jetta leaned toward me. “Were you crying by any chance?”
I thought about it. “Yeah, I was. But only a little.”
“Did you happen to get tears on your ankle?”
“Maybe from my hands?”
Aunt Jetta smiled. “That’s your unique gift, Zoey. Your tears have healing properties.”
“That’s a wonderful gift, but keep it a secret,” Mom said. “Other supernaturals would kill to get their hands on your tears.”
Dad’s face was somber.
“Why?” I asked in alarm.
“There are several things about dragons that have magical properties. For some, it’s their scales, others their blood, and most rarely, their tears . . . and these are just some of the reasons a dragon would be killed and harvested. I’m not trying to scare you, just inform you of the dangers of not being discreet.” He looked pointedly at Jordan. “Her life could be at risk if you were to leak this to anyone. Do you understand that?”
Jordan nodded. “Yes, sir. I would never put her in harm’s way.”
“Glad to hear it. Now, let’s get out that birthday cake we never ate. How does that sound?” Dad rubbed his hands together in glee. He loved cake.
Mom brought in the cake and I blew out the candles. They sang Happy Birthday to me, and for the first time in years, I felt I belonged. I felt strong and capable. I could withstand anything life threw my way. I could stand up for myself and be proud of who I was.
My awesome aunt, my amazing parents, my best friend, and possibly the love of my life were there by my side. What more could I ask for? Best. Birthday. Ever.
We hope you enjoyed this story in the Havenwood Falls High series of novellas featuring a variety of supernatural creatures. The series is a collaborative effort by multiple authors. Each book is generally a stand-alone, so you can read them in any order, although some authors will be writing sequels to their own stories. Please be aware when you choose your next read.
Other books in the Young Adult Havenwood Falls High series:
Written in the Stars by Kallie Ross
Reawakened by Morgan Wylie
The Fall by Kristen Yard
Awaken the Soul by Michele G. Miller
Coming soon are books from Cameo Renae, Randi Cooley Wilson, E.J. Fechenda, and more.
Immerse yourself in the world of Havenwood Falls and stay up to date on news and announcements at www.HavenwoodFalls.com. Join our reader group, Havenwood Falls Book Club, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/HavenwoodFallsBookClub/
About the Author
Since childhood, Amy Hale has been creating exceptional stories that summon a whirlwind of emotions and inspiration unto the reader. She loves creating characters and worlds from nothing but her imagination and a few glasses o
f wine. Her love of the written word has not only resulted in her writing some of her readers’ favorite adventures, but has also manifested itself in the form of book hoarding. She’s convinced it’s not a sickness.
She debuted her first fiction novel in 2015, after retiring from thirteen years of non-fiction writing for various online entities. For the last couple of decades, she’s also carried the titles of Laundry Goddess, Chef, Butt Wiper, Soother of Temper Tantrums, and in more recent years, Moderator of Sarcastic Eyerolls and Sass. She resides in Illinois with her husband, as well as two grown children who claim they are never moving out. Regardless, they are the center of her universe, although her cat believes otherwise.
If she had any spare time, she’d love music, photography, watching Mystery Science Theater 3000 with her family, and long rides on the back of her husband’s motorcycle.
Learn more at authoramyhale.com.
Acknowledgments
I first must give thanks to God for this amazing path He has put me on. I am nothing without Him.
I owe an unfathomable debt to my husband John. He has been patient with me as I chase this amazing dream. He has given me strength when I felt like giving up. He has showered love on me when I was at my worst. I am blessed to have you by my side, dear husband. I love you!
I’m thrilled to be a part of the Havenwood Falls family. Many thanks to Kristie Cook for inviting me to join this amazing and talented group. I also appreciate the help and guidance you’ve given me through this project, Kristie. Love ya, dear friend!
I want to send some huge thanks my Havenwood Falls sisters E.J. Fechenda, for the use of Willow, and Michele G. Miller, for letting me borrow the Annex. They were perfect additions to my story!
Mad love for Regina Wamba for giving my cover the perfect look. I couldn’t have envisioned anything better!
I owe a million hugs to my friend and partner in crime Terri Wilson. Thank you for keeping me calm and organized when I felt anything but.
To my Havenwood Falls family, which grows every day, thank you for being so supportive of me. Your enthusiasm, brainstorming sessions, and loving encouragement have meant the world to me. I’m excited to see us all build this amazing world together.