Once Upon A Midnight

by Stephanie Rowe

  “Wow.” I know that’s the only way Ryland could have posed as JJ, though. It made sense, but damn, he did a number on the guy. “At least he’s fixable.”

  “Yeah,” Cyrus agrees, and then he laughs. “Aren’t we all?”

  I pause. “All but Rebekah.”

  His smile falls. “I’m worried for her.”

  “Me too,” I agree as the back door opens and Samuel comes through.

  “Oh, good. Oceanus, your father wants to see you in his office,” he says, and I stand before he even finishes his sentence.

  “Cool, I just wait here,” Cyrus says, and I smile back at him before glancing back to Samuel, who looks worn-out.

  “How is JJ?”

  “Out of surgery. William had to replace his windpipe and a part of his spine with titanium, but he’ll be fine in a couple months,” he says as I follow him through the kitchen. “We are planning a meeting with the Conners and Kelleys. We need to know how Ryland Kelley is not dead, but alive.”

  “Oh,” I say, falling into step with him. “So you’re sure it was him?”

  “Yeah,” he says simply. “And I hate to see what your father will do to them due to the fact they had all agreed to kill the boy since he was a hybrid.”

  I hadn’t even thought about that. About the families Ryland left behind. Would my father kill them or punish them? I’m not sure what will happen, but I pray Rebekah and Ryland are far, far away and are never found. Because as I suspected, they will be hunted. Swallowing hard, I follow Samuel into my father’s office where he is waiting at the desk, his face in his hands. When Father looks up, he looks so damn tired that I almost feel bad for him.

  Almost.

  But then I remember he is making me marry some girl I don’t love and refused to allow me to marry the one I do.

  “Son,” he says on a breath as I fall into the seat in front of his desk. “I want to ask you something.”

  I pause, my body starting to tremble. Had he seen me? “Yes?”

  “If you were leader of this clan,” he starts, his eyes meeting mine, “and you ordered someone to be killed, but it wasn’t done… What would you do to the people who didn’t carry out the act?”

  I draw in a deep breath, letting it out of my nose. He had ordered to have Ryland killed. His daughter’s best friend, the boy who loved her. How could he do that? Clearing my throat, I hold his gaze as I say, “Well, Father, I would do nothing.”

  His eyes widen. “Nothing?”

  “No, because like you kept Rebekah alive when you really shouldn’t have, they did what they did because they loved their son. I wouldn’t punish them, I wouldn’t even bring them into this because no one needs to know Rebekah is missing.”

  Samuel leans against the desk, nodding his head. “Very smart, Oceanus.”

  I nod. “Thank you.”

  Father slowly nods too, his eyes keeping hold of mine. “I want you to find her.”

  I pause, my body going taut. How can I find the person I let leave? “How?”

  “I don’t know,” he explodes, standing up quickly, his chair falling behind him. “She administered the formula on herself! I don’t know why, but she did.”

  Watching him, I shrug. “How is this a bad thing? At least she’ll be immortal—”

  “You don’t understand,” he growls, whipping around to look at me, his eyes wild. “It’s a three-dose set. She needs all three doses within two weeks of each other. If the second dose is not administered in two weeks’ time, at the right time, it will kill her.”

  My eyes widen. That’s why it didn’t work. Holy shit. She’s going to die. Looking away, I swallow hard. I basically sent my sister off to her death.

  What the fuck have I done?

  “You have to find her, Oceanus. You have to. JJ can’t do it. You are the only one who can.”

  “I don’t even know how,” I say, looking up at him, feeling desperate. “I have no clue where they could have gone.”

  Desperate, my father holds my gaze, his body shaking with fear.

  “You can, I know you can.”

  Shaking my head, I say, “And even if I did, how would I convince her to come back? I can’t force her.”

  His eyes widen more as he bites out, “I’ll give you your rightful spot. I’ll give you the Works.”

  I’m stunned to silence. My eyes narrow. “As much as I want it, Father, I don’t know where to start.”

  “Then maybe the leadership position will motivate you to do everything you can to find a place to start and bring her home before the formula kills her.”

  I look to Samuel, and his gaze is on mine. “Maybe start with the Kelleys or even the Conners? Not saying how, but telling them you know Ryland is alive?”

  I look back to my father, and he looks as desperate as I feel. “Please, Oceanus. I know we’ve had our differences, but I promise, I’ll give you everything if you just bring your sister home.”

  I’m torn. Can I trust him? And what if I can’t find her? Not only will she die, but I won’t get what is mine. Can I do this? I let her go because she wanted it, but how do I tell her that she’ll die if she doesn’t come back? Will she believe me? “And if she doesn’t want to come?”

  “Make her. The Works being yours should motivate you.”

  It does, but I’m worried. “And if I don’t find her?”

  “Then it will still be yours.”

  Wow, he really is desperate to find her, and that worries me. Is he setting me up for failure? Will it be like my Patchwork Ceremony, when he put an escape clause?

  Holding his gaze, I say firmly, “I want it in writing, in black and white.”

  “Fine,” he says, and then he is writing frantically. When he hands me the sheet of paper, his signature is under one sentence.

  In two weeks’ time, my son, Oceanus von Stein, will be the leader of the Works.

  I read the line once more and confirm the paper has today’s date, and then I look to my father. “I will find Rebekah and bring her home, but not for you. For her.”

  And maybe I’m finding her for me too.

  For my happiness.

  ***

  Climbing the steps of the large Victorian home, I reach for the door knocker. I’m surprised how nervous I am.

  Am I doing the right thing?

  When the door opens, Taegan’s eyes widen as she pulls the door toward her. “Oceanus?”

  “Is your father home?”

  She shakes her head. “No.”

  “Good,” I say, reaching for her. But she moves out of my way, and it crushes me. I look down as I take a step back to give her room to step onto the porch, shutting the door behind her.

  “What are you doing here?”

  I meet her pain-filled gaze, and I know I did that. I know I hurt her. “I tried calling and texting you.”

  “I know, I ignored it.”

  “Why?”

  “’Cause it hurts, Oceanus, so damn badly.”

  “I know,” I agree. “I’m sorry.”

  “Why are you here?” she asks, and I can see she is fighting back tears. I didn’t want to make her cry, that wasn’t my intention, and I think maybe I’m too late. Maybe she is starting to get over me. Maybe I should just go away, but holding her gaze, I know I can’t.

  I love her.

  Licking my lips, I shrug. “Are you over me?”

  She scoffs. “Please, be real. What do you want?”

  “What does that mean?”

  “It means I still love you, Osh. But it hurts ’cause I can’t be with you!” she yells, and then the tears start to fall. “Seeing you, I only want to kiss you, hold you, and I can’t because I’m going to marry someone else by the end of the month!”

  “Don’t.”

  Her brows shoot up as she looks at me disbelievingly. “What?”

  “Don’t marry him. Marry me.”

  “What?” she repeats, her eyes widening even more. “What in the world are you talking about?”

 
; “I’m going to change the laws, and when I do, I want you to marry me.”

  She only blinks. “I don’t understand.”

  “It’s too much to explain right now, my love. But believe this, you will be mine. I will marry you, and we will have the children we both very much want together. Because there is no other future for me but one with you.”

  Her eyes narrow and are full of caution as she says, “This isn’t funny. Stop messing with me.”

  “I’m not,” I say as I reach into my pocket before falling to my knee. “I want to marry you, Taegan Conner. I want you to be mine and love me for the rest of your life. So will you wait for me? Will you be mine for the rest of your life?”

  She doesn’t move; she just looks down at me with wide eyes and her mouth hanging open. “You’re serious.”

  “As ever, but can you push the wedding to Kerrigan back? Give me time?”

  She blinks and looks away, thinking it over. “Yeah, I can. I’ll figure it out. I will.”

  “Then, will you, Taegan Conner, marry me?”

  When her lips start to curve, my body goes still. I’m never more struck by pure beauty as I am every time I look into my love’s eyes. “Yes, Oceanus, I will because I’ll forever be yours.”

  When her arms wrap around me, I take her into my embrace before standing up. Our mouths meet with feverish need. Holding her tight, I move my mouth against hers, and I feel complete. Pulling back, I look into her beautiful blue eyes and smile. “Take that filth off your hand,” I demand, and she grins as she pulls off the ring that was sent to her by her former fiancé. Putting her on her feet, I slide the gold band I brought onto her finger before kissing it.

  “It’s plain—”

  “It’s perfect,” she says, and I smile.

  “I have to go find my sister, but when I come back, everything will change. I promise,” I say, and she nods eagerly.

  “Wait? Where is Rebekah?”

  “She’s run away, but don’t worry, I’ll find her. And then it will be time for us to be happy.”

  “I can’t wait,” she whispers against my lips, and as my eyes fall shut, I know in my bones that I can’t wait either.

  For Taegan Conner to be my wife.

  For my sister to be immortal.

  And for the chance to be the leader the Works needs.

  It’s my time.

  Just as soon as I find my sister.

  About Toni

  My name is Toni Aleo, and I’m a total dork.

  I am a wife, mother of two and a crazy dog—and also a hopeless romantic. When my family leaves me alone,

  I’m also a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author.

  I am the biggest Shea Weber fan ever, and I can be found during hockey season with my nose pressed against the Bridgestone Arena’s glass, watching my Nashville Predators play!

  When my nose isn’t leaving marks on the glass, I enjoy going to my husband’s and son’s hockey games, my daughter’s dance competitions, hanging with my best friends, taking pictures, scrapbooking, and reading the latest romance novel.

  I have a slight Disney and Harry Potter obsession, I love things that sparkle, I love the color pink, I might have been a Disney Princess in a past life…probably Belle.

  …And did I mention I love hockey?

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonialeo1/?pnref=lhc

  Twitter: @ToniLovesWeber6

  Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/u28fl

  Kelly Cozzone

  Fated by Fire

  Copyright 2016 ©

  First Edition

  Book #1 of Dragon Fire Series

  All Rights Reserved

  ISBN-13: 978-1537181905

  ISBN-10: 1537181904

  Published in the United States

  Cover Design by: JC Clarke of The Graphics Shed

  Editing by: Laura Shaw and Kim Huther of Wordsmith Proofreading Services

  Welsh words and their English Translations

  Tad - Father

  Mam - Mother

  Un annwyl - Cherished One

  Ddraig Wen - White dragon

  Fy nghalon - My heart

  Fi cariad I chi - I love you

  Pwll - Mine

  Fy bopeth - My everything

  Ei popeth - His everything

  Whilst looking down upon his realm, the noble crimson dragon contemplated the might of his dominion. His omniscient gaze cast a shadow over the expansive rolling hillocks of Dinas Emrys. His sole purpose for living was the protection of his king.

  His clan’s support and devotion to the exalted King Arthur led him to insist on rewarding them. To this end, the mystical Merlin blessed them with the gift of dragon-shifting and immortality. Merlin’s bequest ensured his clan’s continuity and strength. Thus the humble Owain Cadell rose up into the mighty red dragon destined to rule over all the dragons of the world.

  The powerful Draig ascended the mountain to its peak. His two glorious and majestic wings were outstretched behind him revealing, the luminous gold plates that covered them. Spread wide, they blocked out the rays streaming from the sun. The same golden scales guarded the dignified dragon’s chest, like a suit of shimmering armor prepared for war. They guaranteed protection for his heart that burned like the fires of his righteous lineage.

  The golden scales were flanked by thousands of scarlet plates. The symbol of his clan’s near royal heritage, and a trait that passed down through the generations from heir to heir. The most striking feature of this statuesque flying deity were its honey amber eyes. They brought an air of warmth to the imposing being. While seeming soft in nature, they shone with the bold and vivid inferno of his spirit. This titan, the heir of the blazing red dragons, would fight to the death to guard his people and his king.

  Chapter One

  Jolted awake, Gareth Cadell sat straight up in bed, his naked body tangled in the sheets. His cock, thick and hard, throbbed painfully, needing release. Covered in sweat, his bare chest glistened in the early morning light. Its droplets trailing a delicious path down his abdomen. His heart raced, pounding in his ears. Senses on high alert, he reached out with his mind, scanning the room for anything that shouldn’t be there. Nothing, but silence taunted him.

  “Her,” his dragon roared. Snarling, his beast caused the blood running through his body to boil in its rage. “Pwll,” it repeated over and over in his head. Mine, echoed in his mind, as the vision of the woman from his dream trembling in fear, flashed before him.

  The woman, with her long flowing black hair and piercing blue eyes, haunted him day and night. Her essence swirled around him so that he could almost feel her, smell her, and taste her. His woman.

  Since his teens, he’d known that somewhere in the world, his soul mate awaited him. Every dragon had its perfect mate, the feminine to his masculine. When merged, the mating bond would guarantee their lines and their eternity. It was the way of the gods and their assurance to people that the powerful clans would continue.

  His dragon had longed for her, for years, and it had searched endlessly. Her very essence had called to him even before she was born. He burned for her, ached for her, and knew the moment she had entered the world. Everything he’d waited for, the peace, the serenity, and the passion, was within his grasp. The dragon heir needed the calm their mating would bring.

  The first images he had of her were nothing more than a flicker of the blackness of her hair. The dreams evolved into full-blown visions of her. Gareth struggled with the conflicting pictures of her that pierced his dreams. Sometimes she was happy and laughing, and then terrifying ones of her bleeding and hurt would eclipse everything.

  Seeing her near death in his nightmares tore out his heart and infuriated his dragon. The realization that his eternity could be over before he found his mate, enraged them both. Their survival, their destiny, depended on her survival.

  After the latest horrors in his sleep, he understood without a doubt, that he was running out of time. With her life dangling p
erilously close to death, he couldn’t let anything get in the way of saving his mate. He had to move soon and ensure her protection. The one thing he knew with absolute certainty was that no one would touch his woman, not as long as he drew breath!

  Shoving himself upright, he threw his legs over the side of the bed and rubbed his eyes. He shook his head to clear his dark thoughts, understanding that dwelling on the position he found himself in wasn’t going to help anyone, especially his mate.

  Stretching his arms over his head, frustration with the direction his life was going boiled his blood. His mate required his undivided attention, but he wasn’t in a place to give it to her. Hell, he didn’t even know who she was. Anger coursed through him as he stomped into the bathroom, turning the shower to scalding hot. As he stepped under the water, it burned as it cascaded down his body, turning his skin red.

  While he adjusted to the scorching heat of the water, it caressed every inch as it flowed down the natural lines of his torso. The heat eased the tension in his muscles, and he felt himself slowly relax. Dropping his head, he let the water beat down on the back of his neck.

  When the water started to cool, he quickly washed and rinsed the soap from his body. Shutting off the water, he stepped out, grabbing a towel. As he dried himself, he caught his reflection in the mirror.

  The birthmark on his arm had transformed itself as he aged. By the time he’d reached his eighteenth birthday, the fierce red dragon, with its golden wings spread majestically, had encircled his upper arm. Its talons were poised, ready to slash its prey, and its amber eyes, which were the exact shade of his own, burned. The glorious dragon was the spitting image of his inner beast. The mark acted as a constant reminder that he needed to keep his responsibilities and family legacy at the forefront of his thoughts.

  He slipped into his clothes as his mind wandered to his mate. He knew she wasn’t in close proximity to him because he couldn’t sense her; and yet, even with the distance, he felt the pull of his dragon towards her. Closing his eyes, he could conjure her image perfectly as if he’d been shown a photo.