“That’s why you’re here?” she asked warily. “To cart me away to a shapeshifter ranch?”
Her wary, glowing gaze flicked over him, and she took a step backward. Did she think he was going to kidnap her and drag her off like some caveman?
“You don’t have to go. I’m not going to force you, but don’t you want to know where you came from?”
She let out a slow breath and took one more step away, clearly wanting him to keep his distance. Her energy pattern was slowing down, which gave him hope. She was out of full-on panic mode and, hopefully, making her way toward problem-solving.
“Let’s say I agree to go with you to Montana. Why didn’t one of those Amoveo dudes come and get me? Why you?”
Zander held his breath for a moment. He didn’t want to lie to her, but at the same time, he wasn’t sure how much more she could handle at the moment. Moving closer, he took her hand in his and turned her palm up, the whole time trying not to notice how soft and warm her flesh felt beneath his. Rena licked her lower lip, and her energy signature picked up in pace, skittering around him rapidly. He bit back the surge of attraction and gently placed the stone in her palm.
“Fate, Rena.” An ache of longing swelled in his chest. “All of us are at its mercy. The time has come for you to meet yours.”
The instant Rena curled her fingers around the stone, her eyes glowed brighter than any Zander had ever seen—right before they rolled back in her head. Her body went rigid as she cried out in pain. Zander cursed loudly and caught her before she fell onto the ground. He dropped to his knees with Rena’s convulsing body cradled against him, and pure unadulterated panic fired through him.
What the hell had he done? Damn the fates and damn the curse.
“Rena!”
He shouted her name again, but the spasms continued as the stone remained clutched in her hand. Zander held her tightly against his chest with one arm as he pried her fingers off the piece of quartz and quickly took it away.
As soon as he removed the stone, the seizure stopped and her body became soft and pliant, immediately relaxing against him. Zander let out the breath he hadn’t even realized he’d been holding and pushed the hair off her face. Her fair skin was flushed and damp with sweat, but the crisis seemed to have passed.
A powerful wave of relief surged in Zander’s chest, and he held her a little tighter. Her body shivered against his, or maybe he was the one shaking? He could not let anything like that happen to her again. She may be the key to saving Zed, but he never believed it would mean harming her in the process.
Damn it all to hell. Fear was not an emotion Zander was familiar with. In fact, the last time he’d felt anything close to that was the day Zed had caught him with Arianna in the woods. His heartbeat thundered against his rib cage, and he fought to keep his emotions in check.
Losing his cool now, so close to his goal, wouldn’t help Rena or Zed.
“Rena,” he whispered. Zander cradled her face and gently ran his thumb over the velvety-soft skin of her cheek. “Rena. Can you hear me?”
She stirred. Her eyes flickered behind her closed lids, and she moaned softly. After what felt like forever, her lashes fluttered open, and he found himself staring into her warm, brown eyes. Zander stilled as she lifted her hand and pressed her quivering fingers against his cheek. Her touch was tender, and he flinched from the unexpected contact.
“Your eyes…” A smile curved her lips, and through a weak laugh, she murmured, “They’re glowing…like the dragon.”
Rena’s hand fell limply from his cheek as she passed out again. Zander cursed under his breath. She must have been talking about the dreamrealm. He glanced over his shoulder at the small love seat along the right side of the office. He had to get her off the floor. Zander rose to his feet with Rena cradled in his arms, but he stopped short when he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror.
For the first time in five hundred years, Zander saw a reflection he never thought he’d see again—the burning scarlet eyes of his dragon.
Chapter 6
Rena was back in the forest. It was night, and soft moonlight bathed the large clearing surrounded by towering trees. She stepped out from behind the thick trunk of a tree and looked around warily. At first, she thought she was alone, but the sound of leaves rustling to her left caught her attention and made her duck quickly behind the trunk once again.
A young woman wearing a medieval-style dress with waist-length auburn hair emerged from the tree line and stood in the clearing while staring expectantly at the night sky. A thick whooshing sound filled the air, and Rena immediately recognized it as the wings of a dragon—just like the one in her dreams. She was about to shout a warning to the girl, but a smile bloomed on the stranger’s face as a massive shadow passed overhead—accompanied by Zander’s thick, unmistakable spirit stream.
Rena gasped but covered her mouth to stifle the sound as his enormous form came into sight. The beast landed on his hind legs with a muffled thud that shook the forest floor, and he quickly tucked his massive wings behind his back. Rena was riveted to her spot and couldn’t look away. This was the memory she had stepped into yesterday, but this time, instead of being a participant, she was an observer.
Apologies for keeping you waiting. He dipped his huge head in a regal gesture of deference as his voice rumbled through Rena’s mind. You should not be out here alone at night.
“I wanted to see you in all your ferocious glory, and I never tire of watching you fly.” The girl’s light, melodic voice was in stark contrast to Zander’s massive size and formidable presence. “My father says the Dragon Clan is only capable of destruction, but you’ve shown me that is a lie. You dragons are quite beautiful.”
Our clan is not known for a delicate nature. Zander’s glowing eyes flickered brightly in the night. You would be wise to heed your father’s warnings. Neither I nor my brother are meant for you. We are not to be, my love. None of us bear the mate tattoo.
“Nonsense. Why, my heart beats faster when I think of how powerful you are. More so than any of the Amoveo clans. Even the tiger warriors could not best you in battle.” The girl giggled and waved him toward her. “The fates can be damned, for I shall choose who wins my heart. Come closer, my love. I can only see you like this in the evening, and I wish to waste no more time.”
Nor I.
Zander let out a snort and shook his huge head before dropping to all fours and resting his head on his hands. His long, spiked tail curled around him in a catlike motion, and he remained in an almost submissive position. The girl moved closer and pressed her delicate-looking fair-skinned hand to his snout. The contrast between the two was even more pronounced with the tender gesture.
“You would fight for me, wouldn’t you?” she simpered. “You would do anything to prove your love to me?”
I pledge my love to you and shall be your servant…if not your lover.
Uh-oh. Rena knew a brush off when she heard it. Zander was trying to let the girl down gently, but sister friend didn’t seem to be getting the message. There was no way this situation was going to end well. Then again, did they ever?
“Would you die for me, Zander?” She pressed a kiss to the tip of his snout and acted as if she hadn’t even heard what he had just said. “Would you kill for me?”
Rena’s heart beat faster, and a feeling of foreboding tripped up her spine. Who the hell was this chick? Asking a guy to die for her was more than a little dramatic. Even if he was a dragon. Jeez. Why would she want to know if he’d kill for her? Rena had always heard that the medieval era was a rough one, and this whole situation made modern dating look like a piece of cake. Most guys nowadays got squeamish about committing to dinner, let alone vowing murder.
“Tell me, Zander,” the young woman whispered, a wicked smile curving her lips, “what would you do to prove your devotion to me?”
The dragon�
��s gleaming scarlet eyes fluttered closed as she gently stroked his scaled flesh, and Zander’s deep, gravelly voice drifted in the air.
All that I am is yours. I give you my heart and my life. I would never hurt you, but we can never be… The fates have other plans for both of us.
An odd twinge of jealousy flashed as Rena observed the intense display between beauty and beast. It was silly to be envious of the love and obvious loyalty Zander felt for the girl. The dragon was being noble and throwing himself on his proverbial sword, but the girl simply wasn’t hearing him.
Rena couldn’t linger on the situation for long. Moments later, another shadow passed over the forest, blotting out the luminous moonlight. A knot of dread curled in Rena’s gut, because she knew what was coming.
Her fears were confirmed when another dragon, identical to Zander in color and size, swept down from the sky. Glowing red eyes, these filled with rage, zipped through the night with the girl in their sights. The young woman shrieked and stumbled backward as Zander reared up on his back legs and spun around to face their attacker. He stood on his hind feet and opened his wings in a defensive posture, with the young woman sheltered safely in back of him. He curled his tail around her protectively as she peeked out from behind his massive body.
MINE! The intruder’s voice, not quite as deep as Zander’s but filled with fury, thundered through the air as he landed on the forest floor with an earth-shaking crash. You have no business with her! Betrayer!
The intruder dropped to all fours, and his red eyes glowed brighter, matching his increasing anger. He snorted and shook his head, shifting his weight from one massive foot to the other. Leaves and other debris scattered into the air with each huffing breath, and Rena pressed her body deeper against the rough bark of the tree. She was terrified of what might come next but also found herself unable to look away.
Please, Brother. Zander’s voice was steady and resolute. Zed, I do not wish to fight you.
Brother? Rena gripped the stone in her hand tighter. This was the brother Zander needed to find? They were the two monsters fighting in her nightmare, Zander and Zed?
Yes, and she has chosen me! Zed roared and opened his wings as he reared up onto his hind legs. You do not bear the mate tattoo.
Nor do you, Zed. She is not for you or me to claim.
But I did claim her. Zed snorted, and smoke blew from his nostrils as his eyes gleamed brighter. She’s mine!
The fates have toyed with us, my brother, Zander growled. With all of us.
The beautiful object of their affection stepped out from behind Zander and stood between the two towering dragons. Her tiny, delicate form, clad in a pale-yellow dress, stood out amid the tense scene and reminded Rena of fairy tales from her childhood. The girl brushed her long auburn locks off her shoulders and clasped her hands in front of her as she looked from one dragon to the other.
“You’re both so angry.” The young woman’s voice was smooth as silk, and though she sounded sweet, there was something dark that lurked beneath it. “Are you going to battle over me?”
I will fight to the death, Zed growled. I have told you many times, no sacrifice is too great to prove my love for you.
Zed’s eyes gleamed brighter, and his long, spiked tail swayed behind him in a slow, pulsing motion, like a snake poised and ready to strike. His wings spread wide, and he opened his mouth, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth. Rena shuddered with dread as a sickening, growling groan rumbled through the air.
Please, Zed. Don’t do this.
The time for talking is done…Brother. Zed opened his mouth wider and let out a roar that shook Rena’s bones.
Run! Zander tossed his head toward the girl, and moonlight flashed over his iridescent hide. You must go back to the village. Now!
Rena thought the girl would hightail it out of there, but she didn’t. Instead of being frightened or begging them to stop, a wicked grin of satisfaction spread slowly across her face as she backed up, making way for the impending battle.
Holly hell. This crazy little bitch wanted these two guys to fight over her.
As Zed launched his huge body at Zander and the dragons tumbled together, the earth shaking with the ferocity of their battle, Rena’s attention was focused on the woman who had intentionally caused the chaos. With dust and debris clouding the air, snarls and gnashing teeth rising to a deafening level, Rena couldn’t take her gaze off the girl.
Her eyes had shifted into glowing amber orbs—just like Rena’s—but something else had shifted as well. The young woman was no longer there. In her place, along the edge of the clearing, was a small, red fox with eyes that lit up the night.
Just like the ones Rena had seen in her own reflection.
Shock and disbelief rushed through Rena, and her fingers unfurled from around the stone. Her visions never lied.
Everything Zander had told her was true.
* * *
As Rena emerged from the vivid memory-vision, she heard Zander calling her name. His voice sounded far away at first, but as the darkness began to give way to the light, she forced herself to tune in to his deep, soothing baritone, wooing her back to reality. When she finally opened her eyes, she found herself staring into his worried face. Tension had settled in his square, stubble-covered jaw as he loomed over her and strands of his dark hair drifted over his eyes.
In that moment, it struck her how much he resembled the dragon in the vision and her dreams. It wasn’t one particular feature but rather the intensity of his gaze. There was darkness in him and danger, but there was also restraint, because beneath it all was undeniable power.
It was an odd experience to look at a man but see the spirit of a beast shine through. Maybe it had been there all along, but she didn’t recognize it for what it was.
Until now.
“Rena, are you all right?”
Zander was seated next to her on the edge of the little red love seat in her office. He must have put her here after she fainted. How embarrassing. Rena wasn’t used to accepting help from anyone, let alone a client. Her cheeks flamed as she pushed herself up to a more seated position, but Zander didn’t move. His body caged hers with one hand braced on the back of the sofa and the other brushing her hair off her forehead. Rena tried not to notice the delicious friction of his fingertips along her flesh, but it was impossible. His hip pressed against her leg, firm and unyielding, a stark contrast to the soft cushions of the couch and far more enticing.
Every single aspect of Rena’s being was awake.
It was as if a switch inside her had been flipped. The world around her was sharper. Clearer. It felt like she had been hooked up to some kind of spiritual electric current. Rena stilled as the sounds outside the building seemed far louder than they ever had before. Cars. Horns honking. The sound of footsteps and chatter from people on the street.
Until that moment, she had been drifting through life half-asleep, only seeing or hearing a fraction of the world.
Not anymore.
Colors were brighter. Sounds sharper. Each of her senses had been heightened somehow by the vision she had when holding the stone. While all of her senses were enhanced, the one that was leaving her incapable of speech was her sense of touch.
She was acutely aware of each spot where Zander’s body met hers. Warmth shimmied beneath her flesh where his hip settled along her thigh. The breath-stealing sensation radiated out in delicious ripples, going all the way down to her toes. A low pulse of desire thrummed in her blood and had her aching for more of him and his touch.
What the hell was happening?
Having Zander this close, surrounding her and caging her in, was making the synapses of her brain misfire. For all intents and purposes, she had devolved into a moon-eyed, horny-as-hell animal. Lust seeped from every pore. Rena stifled a moan and curled her fingers around the cushions on either side of her. She hoped conc
entrating on the feel of the fabric beneath her hands would take her mind off the way Zander’s body heat washed over her in seductive, skittering waves.
It didn’t.
She flicked her tongue over her lower lip and sucked in a slow, deep breath. A move which was meant to steady her increasing heartbeat, but it had the converse effect when Zander’s musky, male scent filled her head.
The myriad of sensations swamping her were muddling her brain and making it difficult for her to form a coherent sentence. If she didn’t say something soon, the man might think she had completely lost her marbles.
Maybe she had.
“I fainted, didn’t I?” Rena asked in a low, raspy voice, one she barely recognized as her own. “And you had to carry me over here like some kind of child. That’s not exactly a normal day at the office for me.”
“Nothing about you or me or this situation is normal.”
“Right.” The word came out on a shaky breath. “I—I’m sorry.”
“I’m the one who’s sorry.” Zander’s voice was as gentle as his touch. He ran his thumb over her cheek, leaving a trail of fire in its wake. “I didn’t know the spirit stone would hurt you. That wasn’t my intention.”
His brow furrowed, and a fierce look settled in his eyes as he stroked her cheek again. Rena swallowed the thick surge of lust and closed her eyes, needing to regain her focus and get some kind of control on her overheated body. But closing her eyes only heightened her other senses, and when Zander’s thumb brushed her lower lip lightly, Rena’s eyes tingled sharply, and she sucked in a quick breath. She knew now what that sensation meant. The knowledge that her eyes had shifted should probably have frightened her, but it didn’t.
Instead, Rena was empowered and energized by it.
“I’ve never fainted before,” she whispered. Her eyes fluttered open and latched on to his. “Thanks for catching me.”
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