Undiscovered

by Sara Humphreys

  “That seems to be true, but I don’t belong here, Zander, and neither do you.” Zed’s mouth set in a tight line, and he turned his gaze to the darkening sky. “You and I don’t belong in this time. There’s no place for us. We’re the last of an extinct race.”

  “We are,” Zander agreed solemnly. He linked his hand with Rena’s, obviously needing comfort or reassurance. “But you don’t have to be alone, Zed. Wandering the earth by yourself is overrated. Trust me.”

  Zed looked down the empty road. Rena sensed a heavy sadness in him, a far cry from the angry, confused creature she had evaded in the dreamrealm. He had been out of control. Blind with fury. Mindlessly lashing out at everyone and everything. It didn’t surprise her in the least that he wanted nothing to do with his dragon.

  “What happened to the others?” Zed zipped up his coat and stuffed his hands back in the pockets of his jeans. “Are you sure they’re all gone?”

  “Slayers ambushed and murdered what was left of our people.” Zander sighed heavily. “After we were cursed, I took off. I couldn’t stay knowing that what we had done had contributed to the annihilation of our kind.”

  “What about Gunn and his group? They usually avoided the troubles with the clans and kept to themselves.”

  “Who’s Gunn?” Rena asked.

  “He was the leader of a small cluster of dragons who lived farther south, what you know as Oklahoma. There were about twelve of them. I assumed they fell victim to slayers like the others. I never saw or heard from them again.”

  “Maybe it’s better that way,” Zed murmured. Stoic and detached, he turned to Zander and extended his hand. “Farewell, Brother.”

  Zander looked from Zed’s hand to his face and back again before pulling him into a tight embrace. Zed peered over Zander’s shoulder at Rena, and if she didn’t know better, she’d have sworn he was smiling. He slapped Zander’s back briefly before he let him go.

  “Don’t be a stranger.” Rena pressed a quick kiss to his cheek.

  Zander and Rena stood together at the end of the driveway and watched Zed until he disappeared down the road. Hand in hand, they strolled silently up the driveway toward the houses.

  “You okay?” she asked quietly.

  “Yeah,” he said with a heavy sigh. “For the first time in a long time, I’m not indestructible anymore, and believe it or not, that’s a relief.”

  “You ready to get out of here?” She bumped his hip with hers. “I love this place. It’s beautiful, and the Amoveo have been cool, but I left a whole life behind in Vegas. I have some superannoyed clients who want their cases solved. Patricia has been playing secretary for me, and Vito…”

  Rena’s voice trailed off. She didn’t want to start crying again. After all, Zander’s brother, who he just got back after eons, had left. She should be supporting him, but there he was, looking out for her feelings.

  “Any word about his condition?” Zander stopped walking when they reached the crest of the hill, the ranch sprawling out below. He took both of her hands in his and kissed her forehead, the sweet gesture keeping the tears at bay and reminding her exactly why she loved him.

  “No change,” she said in a shaky breath. “Still in a coma.”

  “I’m sorry.” Zander pulled her into a tight hug. “I know you loved him.”

  “Like you love Zed.” Rena lifted one shoulder and looked up at the purple-hazed sky, the stars just beginning to make an appearance. “In spite of everything, you fought for him. Night after night. No matter what he said to you or what he did, you didn’t give up.”

  “Neither did you,” he whispered.

  Rena shook her head and laughed before pressing her forehead to his chest. Zander’s arms tightened around her, and he kissed the top of her head and murmured, “What?”

  “You’ve shown me all kinds of magic, right?”

  “Right,” he said slowly.

  “Telepathy.”

  Rena looked up at him and settled her hands on his waist, her fingers slipping beneath the fabric to the warm flesh beneath. She would never tire of the feel of him. The way his body fit perfectly with hers in every possible way. Each curve. Angle. Every breath and beat of her heart was in time with his.

  Two hearts beating.

  One love found.

  “Mmhmm.” Zander palmed her ass.

  “Shapeshifting.” She popped up on her tiptoes and pressed a kiss to his throat.

  “Mmm.” He slid his hands beneath her shirt and wrapped them around her waist, his fingers digging into her skin tantalizingly. “That’s a big one.”

  “But you know what was the best magic of all?” She pulled back, and her eyes shifted as they clapped on to his glowing gaze.

  “What?” he rasped as he cupped her face with both hands and waggled his eyebrows at her. “The hot sex?”

  “No.” She poked him in the belly as they both dissolved into laughter. “The best magic was making me fall head over heels, hopelessly and perfectly, in love with you. You’re a good man, Zander Lorens…and one badass dragon. Now, how about if you give me a ride and take back the skies? After all, they aren’t meant for man, are they?”

  He gathered her in his arms and kissed her deeply, reminding her once again that she was cherished.

  Truly, madly, deeply cherished.

  And loved.

  Zander broke the kiss and smacked her on her butt playfully before stepping back, giving him ample distance to shift. Rena’s heart raced with anticipation as she slowly walked backward with her gaze pinned to him. He stretched his arms wide and tilted his face toward the sky. A rush of electricity buzzed in the air, the power of it stealing Rena’s breath. With a blinding flash of light, Zander’s body erupted into the towering and graceful dragon she had come to know and love.

  Tall and proud, standing on thick hind legs, he stretched his wings wide. Rena let out an awe-filled gasp as the moonlight flashed over his glistening, scaled skin, a kaleidoscope of reds and golds dancing to life. The horns above his eyes gleamed in the silvery evening light, as did the deep scarlet spikes along his tail, which he curled around him like a cat. Zander dropped his clawed hands to the ground and lowered his head in deference to her. His pointed ears lay flat against his skull, and his eyes fluttered closed.

  Rena moved in, needing to slide her hands over his soft, smooth skin.

  Your chariot awaits, my lady. He lowered his wings and flattened them just enough so she could use them to climb onto his back.

  “I’m always surprised by how soft you are,” she whispered. “And warm. I thought your skin would feel rough or scaly, but it’s not… It’s like velvet. See? You’re all kinds of magical, dragon boy.”

  Rena grabbed hold of one of the spikes on his back and stepped onto the edge of his wing. Zander lifted her gently, giving her just enough help so she could swing her leg over. She straddled his neck and sat between two of his spikes, which created a makeshift saddle, as though that spot had always been meant for her. She leaned forward and curled her fingers around two of the smaller spikes along his neck.

  “How about it?” she whispered. “Are you ready to take back the sky?”

  If I have you, Rena, I’m ready for anything. Zander snuffled and rose onto his hind legs, his wings tucked in and his muscular body tensed beneath her. Hold on! Get ready for more magic.

  Rena shrieked with delight as Zander launched into the sky and the brisk November wind whisked over them. As they soared low above the Amoveo property, Rena closed her eyes and reveled in the feel of her energy signature as it melded seamlessly with his.

  Rena and Zander were finally free.

  There were no more secrets. No more fighting for survival.

  Rena didn’t question who she was or wonder about her worth.

  She finally knew what it meant to be loved.

  To be cherished. Compl
etely and without reservation.

  Loved by a man with the heart of a beast.

  WHERE THE LEGEND BEGINS

  AVAILABLE NOW FROM SOURCEBOOKS CASABLANCA

  “Samantha,” he whispered in his dark silky voice. Sam’s skin tingled deliciously with just one word from him. A smile played at her lips as she waited for him to call her again. Her silent prayer was answered as he murmured her name. “Samantha.” That same delightful rush washed over her like the warm waves that rippled by her feet. She stretched languidly on the sandy beach, and her eyes fluttered open. She was home.

  She sat up and glanced at the familiar seashore of her childhood home. Sam knew it was only a dream. It had become a familiar one. The ocean glowed with unnatural shades of blue as if it was lit from beneath. The sky swirled with clouds of lilac and lavender. She stood up and relished the way the soft, pebble-free sand felt on her bare feet. A gentle breeze blew Sam’s golden hair off her naked shoulders, and her long white nightgown fluttered lightly over her legs.

  She closed her eyes and breathed in the salty air. He was near. She could feel it. Her blood hummed, and the air around her thickened. She’d come so close to seeing him many times, but she always woke up just before she found him.

  Not this time.

  This time she would stay on the beach and call him to her. It was her dream after all, and she was getting tired of coming up empty-handed. Eyes closed, she tilted her face to the watercolor sky and waited. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears in perfect time with the pounding waves.

  “Samantha,” he whispered into her ear. She stilled, and her mouth went dry. He was standing right behind her. How the hell did he get there? Where did he come from? Why couldn’t he stand right in front of her where she could actually see him? This was supposed to be her dream, her fantasy. Jeez. Can you say intimacy issues?

  Sam jumped slightly and sucked in a sharp breath as large hands gently cupped her shoulders. She should open her eyes. She wanted to open her eyes, but the onslaught of sensations to her body and mind had her on overload. Samantha shuddered as he brushed his fingers lightly down her arms leaving bright trails of fire in their wake. He tangled his fingers in hers and pulled her back gently. Sam swallowed hard as his long muscular body pressed up against hers. He was tall, really tall. She sighed. If he looked half as good as he felt, she was in big trouble.

  “It would seem that you’ve finally found me,” he murmured into her ear.

  Sam nodded, unable to find her voice amid the rush of his. She licked her dry lips and mustered up some courage. It was a dream after all. Nothing to be afraid of. She could always wake up. But that’s what she was afraid of.

  “Why don’t you ever let me see you?” she said in a much huskier tone than she’d intended. She pressed her body harder against his and relished the way his fingers felt entwined with hers.

  He nuzzled her hair away from her neck and placed a warm kiss on the edge of her ear. “Come home,” he whispered. His tantalizing voice washed over her and he seemed to surround her completely. Body. Mind. Soul. Every single inch of her lit up like the Fourth of July.

  “Please,” she said in a rush of air. Sam wrapped his arms around her waist and relished the feel of him. It was like being cradled in cashmere covered steel. Leaning into him, she rubbed her head gently against his arm. He moaned softly and held her tighter. The muscles in his chest rippled behind her, and his bicep flexed deliciously against her cheek. “I need to see you.”

  Eyes still closed, she turned in his arms as he said softly “Samantha.”

  * * *

  Sam tumbled out of bed and landed on the floor with a thud. Breathing heavily and lying amid her tangled bedclothes, Sam stared at the bland white ceiling of her soon-to-be former apartment.

  “Talk about a buzz kill,” she said to the empty room. “Typical. I can’t even get good sex in my dreams.” She puffed the hair from her face and pushed herself up to a sitting position. Sam grabbed her cell phone off the nightstand and swore softly when she saw the time. She was going to be late. Crap.

  * * *

  The steamy August air swamped Samantha the moment she stepped foot onto the cracked New York City sidewalk. On any other day the stifling summer streets of Manhattan would drive her crazy—but not today. Sam smiled. Today was her last day of work. No more horrid tourists with even more horrid tipping skills. No more nights spent fending off her married and truly unfortunate looking boss. No more waitressing at T.G.I. Friday’s in Times Square. Thank God!

  Sam let out a large sigh, a mixture of exhaustion and relief, and slipped her aviators on with a cursory glance up to the towering buildings. She squirmed slightly as sweat began to bead on her brow and trickle down her back. Adjusting the heavy backpack, she wove her way through the pedestrian-riddled city and nestled the small iPhone earbuds snuggly into her ears. She hit shuffle on the slim iPod. A familiar tune filled her head; she couldn’t help but walk to the beat as she wove her way through the minefield of tourists. Samantha mumbled the occasional “pardon me, excuse me” as she navigated the slow-moving gawkers in Times Square. Why did they feel the need to stop and look at every skyscraper? This was another part of living and working in New York City she definitely would not miss.

  Sam trotted down the steps into the subway station and pushed her sunglasses up onto her sweaty head. She swiped her card in the turnstile and slid through the narrow gateway toward the platform. Stealing cursory glances at the various subway-goers, her attention was captured by a young woman who was clearly fresh out of college. She reminded her of herself—about ten years ago. Sam smiled and shook her head as the train screeched its way up to the platform. The hot air blast that accompanied it actually provided momentary relief from her sweaty state. She pushed her way into the crowded train with the rest of the subway rats, and her gaze wandered back to the young coed. She sat almost expectantly on the seat across from her, as if her lifelong dream may come leaping to life right in front of her at any moment.

  Sam vaguely remembered that feeling. She had moved to the city right after college graduation. The moment she had that BFA in hand she packed it all up and moved to the Big Apple. As a young artist with age-old dreams, the city seemed the only logical place to go. It held the promise of excitement and glamour, a far cry from the sleepy seaside town she grew up in. Clearly promises were made to be broken. The young girl glanced up and caught Sam’s eye. She delivered a quick, shy smile before looking away. Sam couldn’t blame her. No woman in her right mind would maintain eye contact with a total stranger on a city subway.

  The train shuddered to a stop in Grand Central Station, and Sam made a speedy escape into the muggy, bustling crowd as she switched trains for SoHo. She had one more loose end to tie up before she could officially leave NYC.

  Gunther’s Gallery.

  Sam exited at the Spring Street station and hustled along the narrow side streets, grateful that the pedestrian traffic wasn’t quite as crazy here as it was in midtown. She turned onto Thompson Street, and the small, but sweet gallery came into view. Sam smiled, and her heart gave an odd little squeeze, knowing that this was really it.

  She opened the heavy black lacquered door with an audible grunt and stumbled into the refreshingly cool gallery. The heat made the wood swell every summer, and a body slam was commonplace to open the damn door. She was instantly greeted by a shrieking Gunther.

  “Kitten,” he squealed and pulled her into a vigorous hug, which was immediately followed by a kiss on both cheeks. “You’re late…” He released her with a playful shove. “I can’t believe you’re leaving me here all alone in this big bad city.” He stuck out his lower lip in a dramatic pout, crossed his delicate arms across his chest, and stamped his foot.

  Sam chuckled and dropped her backpack onto the black leather bench by the door. “Oh, please.” She rolled her eyes. “You’ve got Milton to keep you company. He is the gardene
r to your flower, isn’t he,” she teased.

  “Bitch.” Gunther stuck his pierced tongue out at her, turned on his heels, and huffed back to the reception desk. “You’re just jealous because my boyfriend is cuter than that douche you’re dating.”

  Sam held up both hands in protest. “Excuse me, douche I was dating. I broke up with him like a month ago.” Sam leaned onto the reception desk with her elbows and placed her chin in her hands. “We can’t all be gorgeous and in high demand like you Gunther,” she said, batting her eyelashes dramatically.

  Gunther patted her on the head. “That’s true, kitten.” He sighed and brushed a stray lock of hair off her face. “Maybe if you gave yourself as much attention as you gave to your artwork, you’d find a hottie too.”

  Sam glared at him through narrowed eyes. “Now who’s being a bitch? Besides, my experience with Roger is just the latest example of how bad my taste in men is.” She let out a sound of defeat. “I give up.”

  “Sounds to me like someone needs to get laid,” he said with haughty confidence.

  Sam slapped his cheek playfully. “Gunther, not all of us think with our libidos. You know me well enough by now to understand that a man has to get me here,” she said pointing to her heart, “before he can get me here.” She punctuated by grabbing both of her breasts.

  “Honey, you just haven’t met the right man. Trust me, the right guy will get you here, there, and everywhere,” he said with a flourish.

  Sam laughed and shook her head doubtfully. “I don’t think so, honey, at least not for me. I’ll take a good book and a hot bath over sex any day.”

  “Clearly, you’ve never had good sex.” He sighed and made a tsking sound.

  Sam opened her mouth to protest but stopped before she said anything because the cold hard truth was that he was absolutely right.

  Sam pushed herself away from the desk and turned her back on him. Worried he’d see right through her, she pretended to admire the artwork that currently occupied the tiny gallery.