Page 4 of Dragon, Actually
I handed the dragon the golden package, my fingers brushing his. “Happy Holidays,” I say in my customer-service voice, struggling to regain my professionalism.
“You too.” He lingers just a heartbeat longer than necessary. Then he’s gone, leaving me with a pounding pulse and a mind racing with questions. Namely, will I ever see him again?
Chapter 4
Myrran
The night wraps around Hoardstrom’s like a pair of wings. I stand in the shadow of a nearby building, watching Jewel step out into the frosty December night. She tugs her scarf tighter, her shiny, dark-brown hair reflecting the glow from thestore windows. Even exhausted, her movements have a quiet elegance that captivates me.
Then again, everything about her captivates me. I soak up every detail as she walks by, oblivious to my presence on her way to the bus stop.
Her purse is worn, the hardware tarnished. It hangs heavy on her shoulder, and I note the way she shifts it, trying to ease the pressure. She rummages in the bag, pulling out a protein bar. She tugs off her knitted gloves to unwrap it, eating with quick bites before slipping them back on.
I frown. Is that her dinner?
The ache in my chest deepens as my feral form’s protective instincts surge. She deserves more. More than this cold city street, more than a protein bar at the end of a long shift. I need to make her my mate sooner rather than later, so I can take better care of her.
I move closer, careful to stay hidden. Her scent drifts toward me, warm and familiar, calming my beast’s restlessness. The closer I am to her, the easier it is for both of us. She shifts her weight from foot to foot, blowing on her hands to keep them warm.
I’m just about to step into the light to offer her my jacket when I notice him.
“Pretty girl. If you don’t want her, I’ll take her.” A man leans against the building a little too close for comfort, his gaze fixed on Jewel with unsettling intensity. He lights a cigarette, the cherry briefly illuminating his sharp, predatory smile. One I recognize, because he was here last night, too. My vision narrows, my possessiveness roaring to life.
I step between him and Jewel, blocking his view. “Move along.”
The man blinks at me, startled, then sneers, “Make me.”
I step closer, my tail whipping out to trap his ankle, and let out a low rumble in my throat. “Gladly.”
His bravado crumbles, and he backs away, muttering curses under his breath before disappearing down the alleyway.
Satisfied, I turn back toward Jewel. She hasn’t noticed the exchange, her attention fixed on the approaching bus. Relief courses through me as she boards safely, taking a seat by the window.
I wait until the bus pulls away, headed uptown. Only then can I let out a long breath, tension ebbing from my shoulders.
This isn’t sustainable. Eventually, she’s going to catch me following her. I need to tell her who she is to me before she finds out the wrong way.
My steps are lighter as I headed back toward the Hive, the heaviness of the decision lifted. I’ll ask her out tomorrow. Tell her everything. How fate has brought her to this city, to this moment, tome.
As I walk with the gift she wrapped in my pocket, I think of her soft smile. The grace of her hands. The quiet determination in her tired eyes. I can tell she has a lot on her mind.
Whatever she’s going through, I’ll support her. Whenever she falls, I’ll lift her up. It might take time for us to get there, but my future is clear. Whatever it takes, I’ll make sure Jewel never has to struggle again. She’ll have the world—and the mate—she deserves.
Chapter 5
Jewel
The bell over the counter chimes again, and there he is—flirty dragon guy. I have to fight the smile threatening to take over my face.
“Welcome back,” I say, keeping my tone light as I reached for the next roll of glossy wrapping paper. “Let me guess—another present for your future wife?”
He holds up a stunning handbag in a deep, rich emerald green. My heart skips a beat. That color. My favorite color.Hiscolor, now that I think about it. If I could afford it, I’d carry something exactly like it instead of my old, beat-up tote. It costs thousands, though.
“Yep.” His golden eyes twinkle as he sets the bag on the counter. “Plaid, please.”
I pull out the right size box and start wrapping, but I can’t help myself. “Are you taking applications?” I joke.
His lips curve into a slow smile, eyes locked on mine. “No.” He pauses, just long enough to make my pulse flutter. “I think found her already.”
