Page 1 of The Mating Frenzy
Prologue, Tir na-Nog
Life was boring,and he lovedit.
All hell could be breaking loose the next minute on earth, but for right now he would cherish the serenity at home. Ennui was wonderful. Xavier would take every single moment of it to snuggle with his lovelymate.
He turned over in bed and smiled at his wife. Then again, immortality with Ciara could never be boring. “Good morning, mysweet.”
“Is it morning? Hard to tell here in Paradise.” Ciara stretched andyawned.
He put a possessive hand on her growing belly. “It’s Paradise with you, and our son, wherever weare.”
“You’re so certain it’s aboy.”
Xavier arched a brow. “My love, I am the Crystal Wizard. All seeing, allknowing…”
“All arrogance.” She giggled and kissed his bearded cheek. “Allright.”
Suddenly a tingle rushed down his spine. Xavier groaned. “Dutycalls.”
He gave her a quick kiss, climbed out of bed and started to pull on sweatpants when a brilliant flash filled the room. Xavier dropped to hisknees.
“Mylady.”
“Rise, my wizard. Greetings, Ciara. Please, my dear, remain where you are.” Danu, the goddess who ruled over them all, smiled at them. Dressed in her customary green gown, her long red hair spilling down her back, she wasbreathtaking.
Xavier tilted his head. “You could have given me more time todress.”
Danu looked at his lime green sweatpants. “Knowing your sense of style, I thought it best notto.”
Was she joking? He didn’t dare smile, not knowing if she was serious. The goddess went to the large pane of glass overlooking the meadows and mountains of Tir na-Nog.
“I am sorry to disturb you, but I have a request of utmost urgency. Xavier, I need you to release your condominium in Colorado to me. I have need ofit.”
He blinked, totally stunned. “You’re taking avacation?”
A small laugh, like the tinkling of silver bells. “No, I have need of it for a stubbornshifter.”
More surprises. “Do you need myassistance?”
Danu turned, a little smile on her face. “I think not. The one destined to help her will definitely resent theintrusion.”
Xavier glanced back at the wide-eyed Ciara. “I totally get it. Never interfere between a guy and a means to getlaid.”
“Xavier!” Ciara tossed a pillow at him and Danu laughed. Really laughed this time. He was glad for the sound. The goddess had been far too solemn ever since Gideon brought his mate to Tir na-Nog.
Then Danu turned pensive again. No more jokes. He felt another tingle rush down his spine, which meant her powers weresurging.
The goddess only did that when she felt the need to gather all herforces.
Notgood.
“Thank you, Xavier. Your residence will serve quite nicely forKieran.”
He sucked in a breath. “Kieran. Gideon’s friend. The assignment you planned forhim.”
Damn. He’d hoped Kieran would get a small reprieve, a chance to adjust before the goddess intervened. From what he knew of the jaguar shifter who lived in the Winter Kingdom, Kieran hated the Skinworld.
Danu nodded, her green gaze shadowed. “Yes. Your residence near the national park will give him solace, and a place to roam in his jaguar form. And it is close to where his assignment islocated.”
