“Are you okay?” Belle turned to face him, his skin looked pale, but maybe it was only because of the moonlight shining down on him.
“Yeah.” He nodded but she wasn’t convinced.
“Was it a dragon?” She could barely breathe, it was as if she were under the water, the weight of the ocean pressing down on her. “I thought you said they didn’t come this close to Wishing Moon Bay.”
“They don’t.” He let out a long breath. “But it wasn’t Ivan. I’m sure it wasn’t. It didn’t feel like him.”
“But it felt like a dragon?” She reached for his hand, needing to feel connected to him, needing to feel safe. Yet she doubted that Rift would keep her safe if a dragon attacked them. A snow leopard wasn’t any match for a dragon. No other creature was.
Unless they were small. Perhaps Ivan shifted into a small dragon no bigger than a bird.
“It felt like a dragon.” He tilted his head back and stared at the sky, but his eyes were unfocused. “Whatever it was, it’s gone.”
“We should get back.” The spell between them was broken. Belle needed to get back and check on the children. “Are you going to tell your brother?”
Rift sighed and looked down at her face. “I don’t know. He’s wound up so tight after this afternoon. Learning that he has treasure and that someone else is trying to get it has hit him hard. He’s got so many questions and so far, no answers.”
“I know how he feels.” Belle cupped his face in her hands and kissed his lips. “Come on. We both have our families to check in on.”
“You’re right.” Rift threaded his fingers through her hair and didn’t move as he searched her face. “There’s something I want to say first.”
“Oh, this sounds ominous.” She tried to laugh but it died on her lips. His eyes darkened as he stared at her.
“I know it’s a little premature, but I wanted to tell you that I love you, Belle. I was worried if I said it before, I might frighten you away. But you get it now. I know you understand the shifter bond and I believe you feel it, too.” He was deadly serious.
“I do get it.” She placed her hand on her heart. “And I think I feel it, too, although part of me believes it’s just wishful thinking.”
“It might be my wishful thinking.” He grinned and the mood shifted, the intensity in his eyes fading.
“It’s too soon for me to say I love you.” She pressed her lips together as if to keep herself from saying those words. They were there on her lips. All she had to do was open her mouth and they would spill out. So why did she stop them?
“I didn’t say it to pressure you into saying it back,” he told her. “I just wanted you to know. I needed to say it. I needed to tell you I love you.” He shrugged. “So you have something to hold onto. To believe in if things get crazy.”
She placed her hand on his chest and stroked him through his shirt. “One thing we both know is that things are going to get crazy in the next few days.”
“I can’t think of anyone I’d rather face that with.” He took her hand and they walked back up the beach toward the car. “But if I could spare you any of this, I would.”
“I know. But what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger and this is not going to kill us. I’m done with the ghosts of my father and my uncle hanging over me. And my mom. I hate seeing the guilt in her eyes. It’s like she blames herself for all of this.”
“It’s not her fault.”
“And Ivan? Do you think he’ll ever rest if we don’t find out the truth about his treasure?”
“I don’t know much about dragons, but Ivan is one of the most levelheaded people I’ve ever met. He’ll get over it, I’m sure.” They reached the car and he paused, holding both her hands in his. “If Ivan didn’t sense the dragon, I’m not going to tell him. Not yet.”
“I think that’s a sound idea. One problem at a time.” She kissed his cheek. “Thanks for a wonderful evening.”
“Did it clear your head?” Rift got into the passenger seat and closed the door as she put the key in the ignition.
“Oh, now my head is filled with thoughts of a perfect kiss.” She smiled shyly. “Because that’s what it was, Rift. Perfect.”
As she drove away from the beach, he smiled to himself, his eyes glinting in the moonlight.
A grin spread across her face. She might not be able to admit it to him yet, but she did love him.
Even though it seemed impossible to fall for a stranger, she had. Totally and completely.
Chapter Twenty – Rift
“Thanks for coming, Oscar.” Rift met the retired police detective outside the hotel. He had been the reason Rift had found his mate even though it hadn’t been intentional. Now he was here to help find a way to keep Belle and her family safe.
“You’re welcome, Rift. Anything to help.” He patted Rift on the back. “I can’t tell you how happy I was to hear that you found your mate. That toy has been sitting in police evidence all these years. If we hadn’t decided to use it to help track down Murray, you might never have met Belle.”
“You don’t have to remind me.” Rift looked up at the hotel. He could sense Belle in her room. She was alone with Katrina since the children had gone to play with Milo. Penny had taken them along with a picnic down to the beach. “I’m going to have nightmares about it, I’m sure.”
“You mean if you hadn’t decided to go with Aiden and Caleb?” Oscar followed Rift into the hotel.
“Yes. Just a small change of plans and I’d have never met her.” He shuddered. “It’s a scary thought.”
“And one you shouldn’t dwell on. Fate meant for you to meet. And fate means for you to stay together. There’s a reason you met, and my guess is you are supposed to help her figure this whole mess out.” Oscar patted the briefcase in his hand. “I wish I had more answers for you.”
“We didn’t expect you to solve this. Anything you can tell us will help. Katrina, Belle’s mom, has no idea what this is all about. But part of me wonders if it’s buried in her head somewhere. If her brother or Belle’s father gave her a clue.” Maybe Rift was hoping for a miracle so that they could resolve the issue and then move on with their lives.
Now that they knew Belle would happily move to Wishing Moon Bay, it was hard to be patient. Both he and his snow leopard wanted to experience living with Belle and the children. He wanted them to settle here and become part of the ever-growing family Valerie had made when she adopted six boys so long ago.
“Have you thought about asking Silas for his help?” Oscar’s suggestion of asking a vampire for help didn’t sit easily with Rift. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust in the vampire’s abilities to dig out the information, it was more of a concern as to the cost.
Silas has already extracted promises from Logan, Penny, Dario, and Helena. Rift didn’t want the whole of the family to owe Silas a favor. One he could call on at any time.
“I’ll think about it. Although, I don’t want to pile too much on them at once. Belle had no idea shifters existed until yesterday. Or fae.”
“And vampires don’t exactly have a great reputation in the world beyond. All those movies about cold blood-sucking creatures. They should learn some facts,” Oscar said.
“Vampires are cold bloodsuckers,” Rift reminded him. “They’re just not so prone to killing callously for their next meal.”
“Maybe we’ll use Silas as a last resort.” Oscar chuckled. “Do you ever wonder what would happen if everyone in the world beyond found out that all those supernatural beings they’re afraid of are real?”
“We all think that from time to time. Shifters would be judged like the werewolves in movies. All fur and fangs.” He made his hands into claws as if he were about to pounce on Oscar. His actions were met with a raised eyebrow from Jeremy as they entered the reception area. Rift instantly let his hands drop to his sides when he saw the two guests watching him.
His snow leopard laughed at Rift’s embarrassment. How old are you?
Young eno
ugh to still know how to have fun, Rift retorted. Maybe he’d been hanging around with kids too long. He loved to play chase with Milo, who loved the shifter to act fierce and scary before he wrestled him to the ground.
“Where are we meeting?” Oscar asked as they crossed the reception area.
Rift was distracted for a moment, his attention drawn to the next floor. Belle and her mom were on their way downstairs. He could sense her getting closer and closer.
“I know that look.” Oscar nudged his friend. “I can’t wait to meet your mate.”
“I can’t wait for you to meet her.” Rift headed for the stairs as if he were drawn to Belle by some invisible force.
He held his breath as he waited for her to appear. They’d only spoken briefly this morning when he went to get Jack and Rosie. He’d dropped them off at the beach where they’d joined Penny and Milo for their picnic.
While he was out, the two women had gone through Reggie’s things one more time. If they had found something new, Belle hadn’t shared the news with him.
Why are you so nervous? His snow leopard was in tune with Rift’s moods.
I’m just worried that things might have changed since last night. That I might have gone too fast when I told her that I loved her. He winced inwardly. She might not have been ready to hear it. Not from a man she’d only just met.
On the contrary, his snow leopard replied, I think it’s exactly what she needed to hear. She knows we’re meant to be together. Now she understands how strong our feelings are toward her. She won’t be second-guessing.
As Belle came into view, her eyes sought him out and a smile instantly spread over her beautiful face. Rift smiled back. He imagined he looked like an idiot grinning from ear to ear, but he didn’t care. Belle made his heart sing, and he wanted the world to know she was his.
And we are hers, his snow leopard reminded him.
Rift glanced sideways at Oscar. For an instant, all thoughts of his mate disappeared. “Oscar?”
“Hmm.” Oscar dragged his eyes away from the two women who were halfway down the stairs.
“Is there something you need to tell me?” Rift cocked an eyebrow at Oscar.
“No.” Oscar shook his head. “Why don’t you introduce us and then we should go get started? We have a lot to cover.”
“Okay.” Rift still wasn’t sure Oscar was being truthful when he said he had nothing to tell. The guy had been staring at Katrina in the same way Rift had stared at Belle when they first met. “Belle, Katrina. This is Oscar. Oscar...”
“Belle and Katrina.” The older man’s eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled and held out his hand. “Good to meet you both.”
“Good to meet you, Oscar.” Katrina smiled shyly. “I believe it’s you we have to thank for Rift finding my daughter.”
“Oh, the toy. It was the only link we had to the man who kidnapped Aiden and Caleb. I’d never have guessed it would have ended up in such a happy outcome. But it seems right somehow. That bad things that happened in the past can lead to good things in the future.” Oscar’s eyes seemed to fix on Katrina, who blushed as if not used to being the center of anyone’s attention.
“I suppose that counts for Ivan, too,” Belle said. “He’s learned something about his parents and his treasure. Although I’m not sure he sees it as a good thing.”
“We should go. Ivan is waiting with Valerie in her apartment. I’m sure he’ll want to hear if you have any news.” Rift lingered for a moment, he wanted to hold Belle’s hand, to kiss her lips and whisper I love you in her ear. But her mom stuck to her side and so he turned away and led them down the hallway to Valerie’s private apartment.
As soon as they reached the door, he sensed Ivan coming toward them. The door swung open before Rift had a chance to turn the handle. Ivan stood before them looking disheveled, as if he hadn’t slept and there was a haunted expression in his eyes that Rift had never seen before.
He’s not in great shape, Rift’s snow leopard commented. Do you think he sensed the dragon flying close to shore last night, too?
I have no idea. Rift had spoken to Ivan briefly last night after he and Belle returned to the hotel. Ivan hadn’t mentioned the other dragon and Rift hadn’t found a subtle way to broach the subject.
“There you are.” Ivan’s eyes glowed amber as he greeted them, but he instantly took a deep breath and calmed himself. His eyes returned to their normal color, even though they were still wild, a little unfocused, and red-rimmed.
“Here we are.” Rift positioned himself between Ivan and the others. Was his brother a danger to them?
“Mom has some fresh coffee on, and I baked some pastries.” Ivan regained control of his emotions and stepped back to allow them to enter.
“The pastries smell wonderful,” Katrina said politely but avoided eye contact with Ivan.
“Ivan. How are you?” Oscar was never one to hide away from the truth.
“I’ve been better,” Ivan admitted. “I left the tiara at home to see if a little distance helped but it’s like I can hear it calling me.”
“I don’t know much about dragon treasure,” Oscar said. “But from what I’ve read, it’ll get easier. Usually, you’re raised knowing the treasure. A young dragon shifter handles it, gets used to the feel of it both physically and mentally before his first shift. Unfortunately, you’ve never felt your treasure and so it’s a shock. Like a drug that you can’t resist.”
“That explains a lot.” Ivan went into the kitchen where Valerie was pouring coffee. “I wanted to apologize for my behavior yesterday.” Ivan directed his words to Belle. “I never meant to upset your children. Or scare them.”
“I get that. Apology accepted. Even though I don’t think Rosie noticed your behavior, she was just upset that she couldn’t keep the tiara. But I warned her it probably belonged to someone else, and she couldn’t keep it.” Belle took a plate and one of the offered pastries. “These look so good.”
“They melt in your mouth.” Oscar took a bite and rolled his eyes in pleasure. Whatever his first impression of Katrina had been, he also seemed to have gotten his emotions under control.
It sure is like the world has gone crazy, his snow leopard said.
And it’s going to get crazier. Rift ate a pastry, certain he was going to need the sugar rush to get him through this morning. Ivan barely looked as if he was hanging onto his sanity, let alone his emotions. Every time his treasure was mentioned, his eyes flashed amber and there was a hunger there for more than a sweet pastry.
“What new information do you have?” Valerie asked when everyone had eaten, and their coffee cups refilled.
“Right.” Oscar placed his briefcase down on the countertop and opened it up. “I spent hours searching for any information on Murray and Reggie that might be a clue to where the tiara came from. I also tried to cross-reference it to the details surrounding both Ivan’s adoption and that of the twins.”
“And did you find anything?” Belle asked.
“Not much.” Oscar took a piece of paper out of the briefcase and set it down on the countertop. “This drawing was made from a witness statement. It is the prime suspect in Murray’s murder. Although he was never found.”
“He looks familiar.” Katrina picked up the image and took a closer look. Placing her hand over the mouth, she squinted. “He shares a resemblance to one of the men who came to the house.” She handed it to Belle. “Do you recognize him from the truck?”
“He’s the guy who grabbed me.” She took the photo and turned it around so Rift could see it. “Do you recognize him?”
Rift’s jaw tensed and his hands curled into fists. “Yes, it’s not the same guy, but the resemblance is uncanny. Perhaps he was this guy’s son?”
“That would make sense. It seems your family and his family have history.” Oscar glanced at Ivan. “And your family.”
“And the twins,” Valerie added. “It’s like a spiderweb, so many threads all woven together.”
“I
t’s time we picked them apart.” Katrina tilted her chin up. “And ended this.”
“Where do we start?” Ivan asked.
“That’s the question we need to answer,” Oscar replied. “Rift said you boxed up all the stuff from your brother’s house. May I go through it?”
“We’ve been through it all several times. We can’t find anything that might help us,” Katrina replied. “But you’re more than welcome to take a look.”
Oscar nodded. “If I may. The photo helps us identify the people involved, but something is missing. We have no idea what these people have to do with the tiara. Or how a piece of Ivan’s family treasure ended up in the middle of all of this.”
“That’s what I’d like to know the answer to,” Ivan said. “How did the tiara end up in Reggie’s possession? Was he responsible for my parents’ death and Aiden and Caleb’s parents?”
“It’s looking that way,” Oscar agreed reluctantly. He glanced at Katrina and then Belle, but there was nothing but kindness and sympathy in his expression.
“Whatever you need, just ask. We’ll do whatever it takes to get to the bottom of this. No matter what.” Katrina took a shaky breath.
“It’s okay, Mom.” Belle put her arm around her mom’s shoulders.
“It’s not, though, is it?” Katrina swallowed hard. “If I hadn’t run away from your father, I might have been able to prevent some of the awful things Reggie and Murray did. I would have seen things...”
“You don’t know that. Dad and Uncle Reggie were good at hiding things and covering up what they were involved in.” Belle kissed her mom on the cheek. “Come on, have some more coffee, and then we’ll go through Reggie’s things one more time.”
“Belle’s right, Katrina,” Oscar said softly. “I was a detective for a long time. I’ve met families in similar circumstances who had no idea about what was going on.”
“I just hope we might find what you need in Reginald’s belongings.” Katrina accepted a coffee refill from Valerie. “Thanks.”
“And if we don’t?” Ivan asked.
Oscar straightened his back. “Then we’ll find another way. But rest assured, we will solve this mystery.” He glanced at Katrina. “One way or another, this has to end.”
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