The Dragon's Spellbound Alien Page 8

  Viktor shrugged. “I don’t know. She’s brave?”

  “Very funny. I don’t doubt she’s brave, but I don’t want to take any chances. I do not want to lose her.”

  His brother mulled that over. “Okay. How long before you tell her?”

  “A month or so.”

  “Forget it. You’ve got a week, and then you come clean.”

  “Fine. A week.”

  “And then what are you going to do?”

  “I’ll take her to Mom’s and have her remove the spell…after…we spend more quality time together.”

  Viktor straightened. “You’d better not take advantage of her.”

  Warrick practically growled. “I would never do that. It’s like you don’t even know me.” Warrick wouldn’t sleep with her no matter what she said or did to him.

  Bianca was afraid of losing control. But he would not. His resolve would never waver. Not until the spell was taken away. Until that time, he’d do his utmost to make her stay in love with him after the spell was gone.

  Viktor nodded. “Fine. I believe you won’t take advantage of her. But you’re forgetting something: Bianca can read my mind. She’ll pluck the information right out of my head the next time we meet. I won’t be able to stop thinking about it. I’ll be like, ‘Don’t think of the love spell. Don’t think of the love spell,’ and the jig will be up in about three seconds.”

  Warrick remembered all right. “So you will avoid her at all costs. And if you do accidentally run into her, just don’t think about what I don’t want her to know yet. Got it?”

  “Right. I’m sure that will be really easy.” Viktor didn’t sound confident.

  Chapter Twelve

  <^><^><^>

  Bianca spent the day running scenarios in her head of how the coming evening would go. She couldn’t wait to see his weapons collection. She’d always been fascinated by guns, swords and all things weaponry.

  One of her favorites was the crossbow. Her father didn’t believe in raising girls and boys much different. Kids were kids and he made sure her home education included things traditionally taught to boys. She learned how to shoot any kind of gun and fight in many styles. She could fish, hunt, shoot and track as well as any boy back home in Arkansas. Her sisters had participated in the woodcraft lessons until their teens, but Bianca was her father’s daughter and the only one who still appreciated that early education. He’d even taken her Bauxite mining, although that was more mechanized these days.

  Bianca had developed a love of all things weapons on her own. Maybe that’s why she’d never found any boy back home worthy of her attention. She knew she could best them at the things she loved best, and so did they, to their chagrin. But a dragon shifter was a whole other category of awesome. A dragon would not be intimidated by her ability to hunt, fight or track.

  Warrick was interested in her as a person. Who she was. What she liked. He listened to her when she talked. And he was not the least threatened by her knowledge or understanding of weapons. He was going to show her his medieval weapons collection tonight.

  She couldn’t wait.

  She also knew she had to come clean about the matchmaking thing. It was only fair. But maybe she’d wait until after dinner. She would save sharing the secret fear she had until forced to divulge it.

  It wasn’t until they were clearing up the dishes from dinner that Bianca screwed up the courage to tell Warrick about the matchmaking contract.

  His house was an eclectic mix of modern and retro—modern, in that the rooms were large and airy, with high ceilings and a design that took “open concept” to a new level; retro, if one could call an authentic-looking replica medieval chamber to house his weapons collection retro. The evidence of his woodworking skills was everywhere, from beautiful cabinetry to intricately carved rafter beams, stair rails and bannisters.

  He was also an amazing cook. She wouldn’t starve with Warrick—if she could hold on to him. Bianca set their plates on the kitchen counter while he poured them more wine.

  “I need to talk to you about something,” Bianca said, trying to keep the nervousness out of her tone.

  Warrick frowned. “Sounds serious.”

  “It is.”

  He rubbed the back of his neck. “You aren’t about to break my heart, are you?”

  Bianca thought a moment. “Well, I hope not.”

  “Now you’re scaring me.”

  “Oh, I am not. Listen. This is hard for me, okay?”

  “Okay. I’m sorry. But take care with my heart.”

  “I’ll try.” She opened her mouth, closed it and cleared her throat three times. “Do you know about the business Bubba runs?” she finally blurted.

  “Yes.” He laughed. “I picked you up there, remember? Psychic readings by secret aliens. If you’re worried I’ll tattle, I promise I won’t. Is this where I need to swear a blood oath or something?”

  “No. I do not need a blood oath. That’s not his only business. Do you know about his other business? The one for paranormal folks in town?”

  “No. What is it?”

  Bianca carefully thought about changing her mind, but pulled up her big-girl panties and announced, “He also runs a matchmaking service.” She watched as Warrick’s eyes went as wide as saucers. Oh no. Was her amazing newfound romance over before it had a chance?

  “What are you telling me?” Warrick asked. The wild look in his eyes hadn’t lessened yet.

  “I think you know.”

  “Tell me anyway.”

  “We were set up using Bubba’s Matchmaking Service.”

  Warrick stared at her without speaking for a very long time. She watched him carefully, waiting for a response, then waiting for him to morph into a furious dragon and flame her into cinders for being involved unknowingly in a marriage setup.

  “So…the reason you came to my shop—”

  “Was to pick up the box for my boss, Bubba. That’s the truth.”

  “But not the whole truth, I’m guessing. What was the other reason?” His tone seemed a little surly, but she could hardly blame him.

  “I didn’t have another reason.”

  “But when you got there you…kissed me.”

  “I remember.” Bianca teared up. He was about to break her heart, not the other way around. She just knew it.

  Warrick’s eyes narrowed. “You must have known.”

  “No. I didn’t know.”

  Warrick took a step away from her. Bianca took two long steps forward, closing the sudden distance between them, wanting to ensure he understood the truth. “I promise, Warrick. I did not know. I didn’t find out until today. Bubba told me when I went into work after our lunch at Mummy’s Diner.”

  “Is that the truth? Really?”

  “Yes. And I told him you would be mad. I told him you wouldn’t believe me when I told you the truth. I told him that I wouldn’t believe it.” More tears welled in her eyes. She dropped her head, staring at her shoes. This was going exactly as she’d expected. And she didn’t like it one single bit. She did not want this to ruin them. She angrily swiped away her stupid tears with the backs of her hands.

  It was worth making a final appeal. He was worth it. When she lifted her gaze, Warrick’s anger looked like it had lowered quite a few notches. “And what did Bubba say?”

  Bianca crossed her arms, uncertain but hopeful. “He insisted that if you didn’t believe me, he would tell you the truth. He said you would believe him.”

  Warrick didn’t say anything, but didn’t look angry anymore.

  “I promise, Warrick. I didn’t know we were meant to be matched together until earlier today.”

  He considered her answer and nodded. “I believe you, Bianca. While I also know that Bubba doesn’t lie, the truth is, I would have believed you, too.” His warm, wonderful smile was a welcome greeting.

  Bianca felt like the Earth had been lifted from her weary shoulders. She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tight. “Good. Whew! I�
��m so relieved.”

  “Why is that?” Warrick wrapped her in his arms and squeezed. Just like he did right before he kissed her.

  She lifted up onto her toes. “Because not only did I not want to break your heart, I wanted mine to remain intact.”

  Their mouths were a whisper away. “What are you saying?”

  “I am falling for you more and more each day, Warrick. I didn’t want anything to get ruined between us because of how we met.”

  Warrick was quiet for a long time, as if needing to mull things over. “I would tell you that we could forget everything and start over, but I don’t want to give up the memory of all those amazing kisses.”

  And then he kissed her like he accepted her apology, like he wasn’t mad at her, like he loved her.

  “Thank you, Warrick, for believing me. I don’t want to give up our kissing memories either. Does this count as our first fight?”

  He shrugged. “Maybe. Why?”

  “Just going on the record that while I enjoy all manner of fighting styles, arguing is not something I enjoy. I’d be fine if our arguments never got worse than what just happened.”

  “Noted. Again, we are so very much alike.”

  He kissed her again, but only briefly before putting his hands on her shoulders and easing her away. “Now I have a question for you.”

  “Okay.”

  “How do you feel about my supernatural half?”

  “Dragon shifter? I think it’s awesome that you are half-dragon.” But I don’t need to see it and I really hope you don’t expect me to ride on your back.

  “Is that it?”

  “What else are you looking for?”

  Warrick tilted his head to one side as if surprised. “Most people—or rather, every other date I’ve ever had—have wanted to see my dragon form by now.”

  “Oh?” Bianca shrugged even as unreasonable fear rose inside her. She quashed it down and gave him a loving smile. “Well, I figure you’ll show me when you’re ready.”

  I am not afraid of Warrick being a huge fire-breathing dragon.

  I am not afraid of Warrick being a huge fire-breathing dragon.

  I am not afraid…

  Chapter Thirteen

  <^><^><^>

  Bianca continually surprised him. She’d worried needlessly that the secret matchmaking contract would anger him. Instead, Warrick was the one who had a secret to worry about—that she’d find out about the love spell that apparently went along with the contract.

  He believed her when she said she didn’t know they’d been set up. He was also starting to believe that the dragon side of him held no interest for her. Even by the end of a very wonderful second date—third, counting lunch at Mummy’s—complete with the dinner he’d prepared and a proud display of his medieval weapons collection that he knew she adored, Bianca hadn’t asked to see him transform into a dragon.

  He was elated. To be fair, she had mentioned being afraid of vampires and dragons until coming to Nocturne Falls.

  Bianca smiled in a way that made his heart shudder in his chest with good feelings. “Well, I figured you’d show me when you were ready.”

  “This is the first time I’ve been the one to bring it up during a dating situation.”

  “Really? That’s interesting. I just didn’t want to be nosy. Lots of nosy folks where I come from, so while I’m certain to see you in all forms, you don’t have to put on a special show for me. Especially not now. The weapons collection was enough for tonight.” She cocked her head to one side and gave him a come hither smile that could knock him for a loop, regardless of what form he was in.

  Maybe this would work out after all. He was loath to tell his mother she was right to have set up a matchmaking adventure for him. However, Bianca was perfect. Absolutely perfect.

  The fact she was not a paranormal, but wasn’t completely human was an advantage, as he saw it. Now to make her fall in love with him so that once his mother’s spell was gone, it wouldn’t matter. She would still love him.

  Bianca moved closer. She had a decidedly saucy look in her eye that he needed to nip in the bud. He would not take advantage of her.

  “Listen,” he said as she approached. “I have a special delivery to make tomorrow and I have to get up early. I don’t want to kick you out, but I need my dragon beauty sleep.”

  She stopped moving and a knowing look came over her face. “I understand. But you still have to give me a good-night kiss.” She started moving toward him once more and his iron will slipped down a notch. Her lips touched his and he was lost. Their kiss could have powered a city with its intensity. Warrick was nearly mindless when she pulled away and gave him a satisfied smile.

  “Will you be busy all day and all night?” she asked.

  What? Oh, right. The delivery. “No. Just until early afternoon.”

  “I have to work tomorrow morning, but I’m off in the afternoon. How about I cook for you tomorrow night?”

  “Deal.”

  “My place at eight?”

  “Perfect.” Warrick led her to his front door.

  “Thank you so much for dinner and for showing me your weapons collection. I loved both the food and the show.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  She kissed him one last time, nearly blasting his socks off in the process, before officially ending their date by getting in her car. He waved as she pulled out of the drive and watched her tail lights fade in the distance.

  Once she was gone, Warrick exhaled a breath he hadn’t realized he’d held. He had a week to convince Bianca they were meant to be together.

  Tomorrow night he hoped she’d let him leave after dinner, a kiss or six and more conversation. His resolve was made of iron, but being in her presence—especially the kissing part—was like lengthy salt-water exposure. It invited rust-inducing vulnerability.

  <^><^><^>

  Warrick went to his shop early the next morning to get all of the final touches complete. He packed it carefully and loaded the cheval mirror into his delivery van and drove it to a recently constructed home out near his mother’s place. A long black-top paved road wound through thickly forested property until it reached the house.

  Warrick thought about Bianca from the moment he opened his eyes. He couldn’t wait until their date tonight. Couldn’t wait to see what she cooked for him, but mostly couldn’t wait to see her.

  He drove into an open space in front of the unique home. It was a tall, stately, perfect example of a gothic mansion constructed with lots of wrought iron, gray stone and a round turret in front that was at last four stories high, topped with a decorative spire. It was set right next to the expansive porch. Flying buttresses accented window frames shaped like pointed arches. He even saw a couple of gargoyles—actual stone ones instead of local residents—on the turret.

  Spooky even in the daylight, but perfect for Nocturne Falls. Warrick followed the instructions to the service entrance at the back of the house and rang the bell as he hefted the well-wrapped piece beneath one arm.

  A silent, prune-faced butler who took frowning to a professional level used hand signals to lead him to the third floor and a large bedroom where it looked like the lady of the manor resided.

  The butler pointed to a wall with a floor-to-ceiling bay window. Warrick nodded, put his package down and began unwrapping all the carefully applied padding.

  Once the packaging was gone, Warrick moved the mirror to the bay window, setting it at a bit of an angle.

  “Warrick Hart, I presume,” said a deep female voice.

  Warrick spun, expecting to see an older woman. Surprisingly, the owner of the voice seemed to be only a few years older than he was. “Yes. That’s me. And you are C. Briarwood, correct?”

  “Yes. Cassandra Briarwood. The mirror is lovely.”

  “Thank you. I’m glad you like it, Ms. Briarwood.”

  “Oh, I love it. But please, you must call me Cassandra.” She approached him stealthily, slowly, like a predator on
the hunt for dinner. He didn’t want to be on anyone’s menu but Bianca’s.

  When she got close enough to touch him, Warrick stepped back out of range, gesturing for her to enjoy the mirror. She paused a moment, seemingly amused by his disinterest in having her touch him.

  Warrick gathered up the packing supplies, stuffing everything into an envelope-shaped bag. The woman moved to the mirror and lovingly stroked the wood around the frame. The very frame he’d shaped, built and flamed to perfection.

  “I’m very pleased with this piece, Warrick.”

  “Thank you.”

  She whirled around, her raven hair flying behind her. She reminded him of Morticia Addams, a character from a television show Viktor used to watch. She stared at Warrick like she wanted more from him. Perhaps more than he’d be willing to give.

  “I may wish to commission more work from you.”

  “Great. Come on down to my showroom and—”

  “No,” she said, interrupting his standard spiel. “I’d prefer it if you came here. I’d like to describe what I want without others listening in.”

  “Well, I have a private workroom where we could discuss whatever pieces you’d like constructed without anyone bothering us.”

  “As you wish.” Her smile made him feel like she wanted more than just a piece of furniture built. “How about tonight?” Her gaze wandered from his face to his arms to his chest and back to his eyes.

  Warrick was never so grateful to have an excuse to say no. “Oh, sorry. I have a date tonight. My girlfriend is cooking dinner for me.”

  Cassandra’s eyes flashed with anger. “Girlfriend! When did you get a girlfriend?”

  Though he was surprised by her snarling tone, Warrick ignored her outburst. “Why don’t you call me for an appointment later on in the week?” He smiled, turned away and walked to the door, half expecting to feel a bolt of lightning sear his back as he went.

  “Warrick Hart,” she called, her voice echoing all the way across the stone-tiled floor.

  He stopped, turned, and she was suddenly within arm’s length. He barely kept from jumping a foot in the air. “I’ll be seeing you very soon,” she said with a frightening smile.