A Twisted Rejection

by BBB Publishings

  In my mind, I saw the king nod and smile when he answered, he said, “Daughter, that is no small thing you want, but I’m sure I can accommodate your dream. You did a good deed today, and I intend to reward you. I need to talk to someone about the deed. Wait and don’t despair, you will receive your dream one day. I promise. In the meantime, I’ll pour blessings upon you.”

  I wake with a start and glance around. Where am I? Yes, I remember now. When I stretch, I stand and think of the strange dream. My dream was so real, I could even smell the fresh scent of the king. I must have the best imagination ever. This isn’t something I’m liable to forget, but wow, it’s too bad it’s not true.

  Chapter Four

  Five Years Later

  In my yard, the fairies are putting up a new garden. They have made my yard a wonderland and my home a mansion in the past few years. Things have changed a lot in this time. I no longer am just a worker at the bakery. Mr. Doss left it to me in his will, and I make a fortune on it. Since I don’t spend much, I’ve saved a massive amount of money and am never in want. I give the king the praise for that I know he promised blessings to me, and I have everything but one thing that I desire.

  My thoughts are broken when I hear the bell ring. I put away the cloth I’m folding and go to see who could be at my door. I sigh and shake my head when I gaze out the glass on the side of my entryway and spot Dustin. He has been coming here lately, having fallen on hard times. His family has lost much of what they had because of his gambling and bad investments in the past years. I know they don’t have food and earlier made him a basket of fruit and bread to take home. When I open the door, I put on a smile and say, “Hello, Dustin, how are you today?”

  He has his hands together and wringing them together before he puts on a fake grin and looks into my eyes flirting. He says, “Well I’m just as fine as frog’s hair. The question is, how are you my beauty?”

  Okay, that’s new. Is he trying to be more than friends with me now? That will never happen. When we were younger, and he crushed my heart, I got over him and will not give him that chance again. Anyway, I know he only wants my status and money. He hasn’t ever been one who would love me the way I want to be loved, but I’m impressed he is humbling himself now. I don’t have it in me to be mean and I won’t, so I just ignore the seducing words, they don’t affect me that way.

  “Won’t you come in for a visit, Dustin. I made some cookies and lemonade. Would you like some while we talk? I made your mother a basket if you would be so good to carry it home.”

  “I have always loved your cooking, Heather, of course, I would love the cookies and lemonade. How are you, darling?”

  I actually have to hold myself from rolling my eyes as I get the cookies and pour us glasses of the drink, answering, “I’m fine and busy. How have you been?” I know he’ll have no problem talking about himself and sit waving at a seat for him. He takes the one next to me instead, so I shift mine away a little. This is getting uncomfortable, and I might have to put him in his place as nicely as I can.

  He drones on for half an hour about his woes telling me details I don’t want to know then says, “I would really like to see you more Heather. Would you go running with me in the woods tonight? The moon will be full, and I would love to kiss you under it like we used to do.”

  Holy crap! I don’t want to be rough, but I need to be honest. “No, I’m not interested in you that way anymore, Dustin. I have to get ready for work if you don’t mind?” I shove the basket into his arms and walk him to the door.

  He blinks and leans in to kiss me, and I move out of the way opening the door and shoving him out onto the porch. I close it, stand with my back on it, then turn, lock it, and make my way upstairs to get ready.

  In the shower, I shake off the grossness of the visit and sink into thoughts of my perfect man. The very beggar I’ll never see again. Maybe, I do that because it’s a safe bet I can’t have him. I think of his sexy arms and think of them around me. I groan at the picture of the intimate want in my mind. I reach for my hard nipples and pull them still wanting a man I can’t have. My dream man that isn’t even real. Not stopping the thoughts of him, I begin to imagine what he would look like in my bed, and I reach for my bob. When I bend with orgasm, I turn off the little vibrator and put it back on the shelf in the shower wall. I may never get the real thing, but I don’t have to do without feeling good. I finish getting ready for work then shift and run the whole way to rid myself of the extra tension I can’t get rid of these days. I do wish my imaginary lover was real.

  Chapter Five

  Promises

  My workday was hard, but it’s always worth the effort. I slide into my crisp sheets to sleep tonight. The full moon shines through my bedroom window. I gaze at it wistfully wishing for the impossible. I wish on the moon and whisper into the darkness, “Moon Goddess. I’m tired of waiting for the dream the king promised will you remind him, please?” I fall asleep as usual thinking of the homeless man from years ago.

  I know I’m dreaming, but it feels authentic. I’m lying in my bed and the king is sitting beside me in a white chair talking to me. We’ve been sharing for a while and have to ask him before morning, or I’ll lose my chance.

  I ask, “My king, will you please tell me what happened to the homeless man that I talked to years ago. I still think of him.”

  “There’s something you need to know, daughter. The man you remember is really a prince in a far country. His father sent him all over the world to see if he could find human kindness. He wanted his son to learn of the world beyond the palace. He had the palace wizard put his son under a spell so it wouldn’t hurt him so much. You’re the only one who noticed or helped him in all his wondering. He’s been all over and is just returned home to his land to report to his father that he is sure that the world isn’t attracted to homeless beggars and there is very little love in the world today. He told of a lone beauty in a small town that is the only person who fed him and gave him her time while he was on his quest for truth. But because of the spell and can’t remember where he met you. You haunt him as much as you think of him. I promised you the dream, and he is your dream, isn’t he Heather?”

  “Yes, he is. How will this ever be able to happen, my king?”

  “You’ll understand when you wake. Keep your eyes open, daughter. Your time is coming. You will get the dream, I promised.”

  I drift off and don’t even say goodbye. When I wake, I’m energized and happy for no reason but that I’m looking forward to seeing my dream in person soon. I dress and do my makeup with care this morning just in case this is the day. If it isn’t, then tomorrow or the next day. I don’t care. I believe the king, and he did promise. I’m out the door, and my panther is happy. She’s almost skipping as I make it to work.

  Gina, my store manager, is there when I walk through the doors. That isn’t any different than usual. She’s always here these days.

  She is talkative and asks, “Heather, have you heard the news?”

  “I haven’t, what’s up?”

  She’s filling the glass shelves in the display case while we talk. The king on the hill has died and has no heir. They’re saying that the old king’s brother from far away has a son who will inherit the throne. That is exciting, isn’t it? I think we should have a parade or something when he comes to town. What do you think?”

  “Oh no, the poor queen. How is she? I’m going to send some fresh sweets to her with our condolences. Help me get a basket ready, will you? And yes, I’ll ask for a special town meeting for tonight and put it forth that we should welcome the next ruler. Maybe it’ll garner some goodwill. No telling if this prince will be a good king or not.”

  Thomas is the store’s delivery man. After making the basket, I ask him to take it to the palace with a note in which I say that the queen is welcome in our shop any time, and if she needs a friend to talk to, I’m here. My delivery guy speeds off with the goodies and is back in a few hours. He says, “Miss Heather,
the queen is doing fine and says to tell you thank you. She wants to see you and said it’ll be better if you come to the palace than her coming here, she would be mobbed and take a chance on being robbed.”

  “Well, I hadn’t thought of that. Did she tell you when I should come to see her?”

  “Yes, she is getting the palace ready so has no time and asks that you wait until the end of the month after the new king arrives. She’ll send a messenger for you.”

  “Thank you, Thomas. I’ll be waiting for the messenger then.” I smile and plan to take her something special.

  That night the city fathers met, and we hashed out a plan to welcome the new monarch. We don’t have a lot of information to go on, so we’ll welcome him and anyone with him. We decide to have a parade, a feast, and also a street concert during the day for him, then let him proceed to the palace with his people. That should be safe. We’ll hire a group of wolf shifters to patrol and keep the peace working with the regular police of the town to be extra careful.

  On the way home, I walk giving particular thought to the chance that this is my homeless prince who is my dream promise.

  Chapter Six

  My Dream

  It has finally come, and the new king is due at any time. The parade will start, and I hope to catch a glance of the man to verify if he's the one I've been waiting for. I'm working alongside my bakers to have extra for the feast in the park.

  Thomas bursts into the kitchen and says, "It's time, he's on the way, the parade will start in a few minutes!"

  I look up, take off my apron, then hurry to the bathroom to see how I look. I glance into the mirror smoothing back my hair and touching up my makeup that still is flawless from the last five times I've been in here today. I gasp and blink, then draw in a deep breath, to calm down. When I open the door, I can already hear music from the bands playing in the street. The party is on.

  The streets are full as people line them from shoulder to shoulder. Children are running and playing. Parents lift some of them on their shoulders. The air is electric. We've all heard stories about this king, and the people all tell how he's kind but business-like, and he doesn't abide crime.

  When the procession moves by my store, I can't see a thing. I move forward as far as I can and watch as horses push through. A golden coach with open windows rolls by. I do see a lady waving from one of the windows. My heart plummets. It's not my dream, after all. My shoulders slump, and I turn away. Maybe I can meet the lady in the coach when I go see the queen later this month. She is undoubtedly the new king's queen.

  The servers at the park will need help with the food, so I drag myself to them. They do need my help. I begin dolling our bread from my shop to everyone here who is lined up with a plate.

  Dustin stops by and is so forlorn I smile at him and give him some bread, asking, "How are you, Dustin?"

  He lifts his gaze with a smile and answers, "I would be a lot better if you would be my lady again, Heather."

  I consider it. He is here, and I'm lonely. But no, I would never care for him, and my heart would always be elsewhere. It wouldn't be fair to either of us. I answer as nicely as I know how, "Oh Dustin, you and I can be friends, but that's all. You'll always be welcome in my shop, okay?"

  His shoulders slump as he answers, "I'll be happy with your friendship then."

  I know him better than to believe he'll leave me alone for long. He won't give up, but he does move a few steps away. Now, I'm sure I've resigned myself to living alone and lonely for the rest of my life. I'll have to live with my decision.

  The atmosphere is happy with smiles and beautiful music filling the open area. Then a big hand touches mine softly. I pull my gaze up to the owner and see the crystal amber eyes of my dream beaming down at me.

  I can't think and drop the bread in my hands on the table in front of me. The big man is dressed in royal finery with a sword at his side. He's a big cat. He has to be. I feel it in my bones.

  He says, "You are my dream lady. I was alone and so destitute and hungry, and you gave me food. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I needed a kind friend, and you sat on the curb with me. I never knew your name. I was taken in a magic portal to another place, but I have thought of you every day since. You were the only person to care for me in the many years I was searching for love in the world."

  Dustin is standing at the end of the table frozen to the spot with his mouth gaping like a beached carp.

  Tears leak from my eyes, and I turn my hand to grasp his then I smile up at him and say, "I have dreamed of you every day since that time. You are my dream, love. My name is Heather." Then I realize what I'm doing and bow before my king.

  He stops me and lifts me, saying, "No, don't bow. I want you for mine. Will you consider being my queen? Could you love a panther shifter?"

  "I would never turn down the man of my dreams. My panther and I love panthers, I'm a panther shifter too!" I jump up, and my inner kitty cat growls softly then purrs as I wrap my arms around my big tiger.

  He growls back with a bigger purr and swings me around then makes an announcement of our engagement. In the days ahead, he becomes my husband, and I will never regret giving a cupcake to a beggar. I have gained everything from one small act of kindness.

  Author’s Note

  I want to thank BBB Anthologies and all the authors of this anthology, for letting me participate. I think you’re all amazing.

  Thank you always to Brenda Goode Britton, Christina Schneider, and Nikki Morris Thompson. You make writing so much more possible when I don’t have to do so much marketing and social media.

  Thank you, fans, for reading my story. You make my day and boost me up so I can continue what I enjoy. Please, consider leaving me a review or sharing it on social media if you enjoyed it.

  Other Books by Miki Ward

  The Ceorfan Gargoyles Series

  Carved

  Etched

  Coming in the Series

  Hewn

  Ceorfan Gargoyles Novellas

  My Tormented Mage

  Ceorfan Teens

  Shivers Series

  We See You – Amazon, Kobo, and Nook

  Coming September 2019 - Double Mirror

  Elser Books are stand alone

  Flesh & Bold

  Stand Alone by Miki Ward

  My Phantom Queen

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  Their Forbidden Secret

  By

  Bella Claire

  Chapter One

  “Madelyn!” Jericho hollered for me from across the royal garden. I had tried to stay hidden for as long as I could, but now it was time to face the music.

  “I’m over here,” I practically whispered, praying he wouldn’t hear me. My last shred of hope diminished as his intimidating form rounded the corner of my favorite weeping willow.

  He stalked toward me, his body language making it clear he was aggravated about something. His once kind chocolate eyes were full of unspoken hatred now, loathing that was always aimed at me. Jericho used to be a friendly and respectable man when I was first arranged to be mated to him.

  My parents, the rulers of our kingdom, Wolfcradon, held a battle for my hand in marriage since it was rare for a wolf to find their mate or mates, anymore. Their best soldiers fought until one by one they either died at the hands of their opponents or surrendered and begged for mercy. The last battle had come down to the final two champions and had to be fought in their wolf form.

  Jericho’s fire red wolf had ripped his competitor’s thr
oat right out in the end, causing quite a few observers to faint. It was not a sight for the weak of heart. I should have known Jericho was going to be trouble the moment I saw the excitement and joy in his black eyes from killing his opponent. I was later told the man was a well known and liked soldier among the towns so his loss was felt far and wide. I still wish to go see his family and apologize for what had happened to their loved one. I felt guilty day and night for the pointless deaths of wolves from my own pack that gave their lives for just a chance to be with me.

  “Madelyn! I told you we had a meeting to attend with the leaders from the surrounding towns. You made me look like I couldn’t even control my bitch of a mate and I will not stand for it!” His voice boomed throughout my mother’s beautiful garden, causing me to shrink in on myself. You would think by now that I would be used to his yelling. I hated when he would visit me here. The small garden was surrounded by a white picket fence just behind the castle and was adorned with mom's most precious flowers and trees.

  Her favorite, being red roses, bordered the square walkway around the garden. Mine, of course, was the weeping willow that was placed just right so you had to walk under it as you entered and made your way onto the pebbled path. Scattered throughout were tulips, tall sunflowers, and white daisies, along with the wildlife that decided to make this place their home as well. Bunnies hopped freely, birds made nests in the trees, and butterflies flew happily. Just the sight of Jericho in her garden was enough to make me sick to my stomach and cause the creatures to scatter into hiding.