Her Dragon’s No Angel

Dragon Guard Series #10

By

Julia Mills

There Are No Coincidences.

The Universe Does Not Make Mistakes.

Fate Will Not Be Denied.

Copyright © 2015 Julia Mills

All Rights Reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictional manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

NOTICE:  This is an adult erotic paranormal romance with love scenes and mature situations. It is only intended for adult readers over the age of 18.

Edited by Lisa Miller, Angel Editing Services

Cover Designed by Linda Boulanger with Tell Tale Book Covers

Cover Images taken by Sharon Kruse with Kruse Images and Photography

Cover Model- Stephen Huges-Landers

Kim Adams with Book Addicts One Stop PR Shop

Formatted by Charlene Bauer, Wickedly Bold Creations

DEDICATION

Dare to Dream! Find the Strength to Act! Never Look Back!

Thank you, God.

To my girls, Liz and Em, I Love You. Every day, every way, always.

Acknowledgements

THANK YOU BUNCHES to the ladies of Julia’s Addicts!!! YOU ROCK!!! Thanks for beta reading, listening to my crazy story ideas and generally putting up my extreme goofiness! LOVE YA TO PIECES!

THANK YOU TO MY READERS!!!! YOU ARE THE BEST EVER!!!!!!! Nothing I do would be possible without YOU!!!! BIG HUGS!!!!

HER DRAGON’S NO ANGEL

Index of the Words from the Original Language of the Dragon Kin

A Chumann                                         Sweetheart

Mo chroi’                                           My Heart

Mo ghra’                                            My Love

Mo Aingeal                                          My Angel

A Thaise                                             My Treasure

Mo Maite’                                          My Mate

A bheith imithe                                    Be Gone

Du lar ais go dti’ ifream                      Go Back To Hell

Riamh ar ais                                         Never Return

Beag amha’im                                      Rest Little One

A bheith ar cheann beag sa’bha’ilte     Be Safe Little One

Aingeal ag breathnu’ thar tu’                Angels Watch Over You

Aingeal tu’ a chosaint                           Angels Protect You

Aingeal fanacht fa’ilte a chur               Angels Wait To Welcome You Home

roimh tu’ abhaile

Chapter One

“Sure! I’ll do it. No, no, really, it’s no problem at all. Y’all have mates and families, not to mention everything that’s going on around here. I’ll just take a quick flight halfway around the world, drop off this package, and be back in time for Christmas dinner. No big deal. I got this. Three days should be enough time, right?” He grumbled under his breath.

Color me Sucker of the Year! When am I ever gonna learn?

Tomas passed the time bouncing back and forth between reliving the conversation he’d had with his Commander and kicking his own ass for being Putz of the Year as he trudged through the rising snow. The Guardsman knew there was only the slightest chance he’d make it back for Christmas as he called forth his dragon and took to the skies, but there was no way he could say no to the most revered Dragon Guard Commander in the history of the dragon shifters.

Rayne MacLendon was a legend, one Tomas spent almost every minute of every day attempting to emulate. The young Guardsman knew he was one lucky bastard to be training with the Golden Fire Clan. He also knew he’d been given the coveted chance because his father and Rayne’s had served together in the Guard, been lifelong friends, and saved each other’s butts in battle more times than either could remember.

Being a cross between a golden and a red dragon, one of the few drakes to actually have two pure-blooded dragon parents, the young Guardsman should’ve been sitting on a throne ruling his own clan with a mate and a dozen or so children, but Tomas Youngblood had other plans. He wanted stories of great battles and even greater tales of his spectacular victories to tell his children and grandchildren. He wanted lifelong friendships built on years of service in the Guard. He wanted to one day command his own Force. It was no understatement to say he wanted it all. But most of all, Tomas wanted the one woman the Universe had fashioned for him and him alone. A mate who thought he hung the moon and stars. The one person who would stay by his side for all time…someone for him to love.

If Jace and Liam could find mates, Tomas just knew he too would soon find his. All he had to do was be patient. Of course, patience was not a virtue he’d ever possessed. It was also one he was coming to despise. Waiting was a bitch, but he knew he had to try. He also knew he had to find a place to wait out the worst blizzard in fifty years or risk his scales (as well as other important parts) freezing off.

“Serves me right for trying to earn brownie points,” Tomas griped under his breath, just as he was almost knocked on his ass by an especially strong gust of wind. “I have to be the first dragon in history to be grounded because of ice on their wings. Should’ve listened to Maddox.”

He shook his head remembering the reclusive old blue dragon’s warning. “The storm’s close, young one. Watch yourself, this blizzard promises to be full of surprises.” Tomas also remembered the sly grin that had immediately crossed the elder dragon’s face right before he added, “And you know, not all surprises are as they seem.” The younger dragon flew away wondering if maybe the old guy had his last few marbles.

“Any luck finding shelter?” Royce, the oldest and most definitely largest of their Force, asked through mindspeak.

Trying to hide his frustration from his mentor, Tomas quickly answered. “Not yet, but I’m close. I see a trail a few feet ahead.”

“Good. Get out of the snow. Get warmed up. Wait out the storm. Then get your ass back here. That’s an order.”

“Ignore my grumpy mate’s tone, Tomas, he’s very good at hiding his worry with anger. Just take care of yourself and get home as soon as possible. Be sure to keep warm. I know y’all run hotter than most, but you damn sure won’t look good as a Popsicle!” Royce’s mate, Kyra, chuckled, making Tomas smile.

“Thanks, Kyra. I’ll be sure to light a fire as soon as I find shelter.”

The couple was just another example that the Universe did not make mistakes but definitely had a twisted sense of humor. Not only was Royce six-foot-eight inches tall and Kyra barely five-foot nothing, but at the time of their meeting the big guy was hell bent on the extermination of all witches…and Kyra was a witch.

Well, not just a witch, but the daughter of the Grand Priestess and one of the strongest magical practitioners born in centuries. To say she had an issue with her mate’s attitude was an understatement. But Fate stepped in and the rest was history. The couple reminded him so much of his parents before they’d gone to the Heavens. It gave Tomas hope that someday he would find a love like theirs.

“Take care and keep in touch, young’un.” Royce barked as he cut their connection.

“Grumpy old fart,” Tomas mumbled under his breath while working hard to stay on his feet against the gale force winds battering his body.

Following the trail he’d mentioned to Royce, Tomas was pleasantly surprised to find himself winding up the mountain and even happier to end up at the mouth of a cave. Attempting to use his enhanced senses to make sure he was alone, the young Guardsman wasn’t surprised to find they were scrambled from the blizzard pummeling his body.

Stepping into the darkness, Tomas sighed in relief at the immediate loss of the howling wind and blinding snow. His ears rang and his body tingled at the absence of the noise and abuse. Shaking like a dog, a thought which in any other circumstance would’ve made him laugh, he was amazed at the huge pile of snow falling at his feet.

I could build a snowman.

Tomas smiled but quickly sobered as a huge gust of wind made its way through the cave’s entrance. “But first I need a fire.”

Little by little, his frozen senses returned as he walked further into the darkness. Reaching out, he was surprised to find a labyrinth of tunnels and alcoves. “This place is huge,” he commented to himself, chuckling at the returning echo. “And thankfully abandoned.”

It’s not that he couldn’t and wouldn’t fight off anyone, animal or otherwise, that tried to throw him back out into the snow, it was that he didn’t want to. Tomas was tired and more than a little discouraged that his plans to impress his Commander had fallen short.

Ducking into the first cavern he came upon, the young Guardsman was pleasantly surprised to find a stack of dried branches and vines beside a small pool of water being fed by a spring running down the stone wall.

“Looks like someone was here before me.” He shrugged. “Hope they made it home okay.”

Once again Tomas let his preternatural senses go, searching the entire cave for anyone or anything sharing his space. When his search came up empty, the Guardsman called forth his fire, lighting the pile of brush. As soon as the flame was nice and warm, he stripped out of his soaked clothing and hung them on the small rocks jutting from the cave wall to dry. Sure he would freeze something off he might need later, he quickly pulled on his last pair of clean long johns and wool socks then wrapped up in the blanket Maddox had insisted he take. Slowly but surely, his muscles began to thaw. Right on cue, his stomach growled.

Laughing to himself, Tomas dug around in his pack until he found what was left of the supplies Kyndel, his Commander’s wife, had packed for him. She was a terrific lady who took to her position in their clan like a fish to water. It never ceased to amaze him how she kept up with all the Guardsmen, their mates and families, while also corralling his very formidable Commander and their son, who, by the way, was the spitting image of his father.

It took some scrounging but Tomas was finally able to find a stick long enough and sturdy enough to use to cook a few sausages and thaw out the buns over his roaring fire. While his food heated, he rolled out his sleeping bag between the fire and the wall then rolled up his extra blanket to serve as a cushion. The young Guardsman was just about to sit down to eat when he realized he needed something to drink. Staying hydrated was essential to avoiding hypothermia, even in the confines of his makeshift shelter.

Kneeling beside the spring, Tomas once again used his senses to make sure it was safe before filling his canteen. He’d just sat down to eat when he heard, “What’s up Frosty? Staying warm?”

“Ha, ha, ha. Very funny, asshole.”

“Ya know I gotta million of ’em,” Jace, his closest friend joked.

“I know you think you do,” Tomas joked back, happy to hear his brethren’s voice, even if his was making fun of him.

“Seriously though, you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m good. Found an empty cave to wait out the storm in. I’m sure it won’t last for more than a day. I figure I’m about a day and a half or two from home, even after being blown off course, so I should be there by the weekend. Can’t let you bring in the New Year without me.”

“No way. Liam, Aaron, Lance, and I have a blowout planned. It’ll be the best party this clan has seen in years. Figured we had a lot to celebrate having Kyra’s mom back, not to mention finding Drago after almost a hundred years.”

“For sure. How’s the old man doing?”

“Pretty good. Thank the Heavens he has Alicia to help him. Can you imagine getting locked away when people drove a horse and buggy and waking up a hundred years later to find cars and motorcycles? Computers? The old guy saw his first airplane the other day and I thought he was gonna stroke out.”

Tomas laughed out loud at the image Jace sent directly into his mind. The until recently thought dead, once notoriously famous dragon assassin, looked as if he’d seen a ghost. His dark, almost black eyes were as big as saucers and he was screaming about metal demons on the attack. Tomas knew he shouldn’t be laughing but it was truly a spectacle, one he was sorry he’d missed.

“Did you get the stone delivered to Maddox?” Jace’s question shook Tomas from his thoughts.

“Yep. No problem at all. Well, except I think the old timer’s lost his mind.”

Jace chuckled. “From what I hear that’s been happening for hundreds of years. But Siobhan says he has more magical ability than any other dragon alive. His mother was a mage with some serious mojo and his dad one of the original dragons. That’s how he’s stayed alive all these years without a mate. To hear them all talk, no one knows for sure how old he really is.”

“Well, after meeting him I can tell you he’s one really old dragon who has more than a few screws lose, but he seemed like a nice enough guy.”

“Did he tell you what the stone was and what he was going to do with it?” Jace asked.

“Nope, just took it and put it in a silver-lined box.”

“Oh well, I’m guessing he’s the only person who can handle that kind of power. I know Kyra and her mom wanted nothing to do with it. All they would say was that it was old dragon magic and seriously dangerous.”

Tomas paused for a moment before answering. “Yeah, that’s what Maddox said too. I know even through all the wards Siobhan, Kyra, and her mom put around it I could feel it pulsing against my back while I carried it. I’m damn glad to be rid of it.”

“I’m damn glad you’re rid of it too since it’s the one thing that allowed the Dorcha to imprison Drago and his men.” Jace’s relief was palatable through their mindspeak, making Tomas wonder if his friend knew more than he was saying. Something he intended to investigate after getting home. 

“Speaking of his men, any news?”

“Not a word. I know Alicia, her sisters, and Mel are helping look for them, but not a peep so far. Maybe they’re dead like Cleland said.”

“Who knows?” Tomas really hoped they were able to locate the former assassin’s Force, but right now, he had other things on his mind, like the sound of footsteps approaching.

“Hey, Jace, I gotta go. I think I’m getting company.”

His friend immediately sounded worried. “Watch your back, bud. And get your ass home.”

“You gotta it.” And with that, Tomas cut the connection.

Unwilling to put out his fire and lose its warmth but needing to know what was making its way towards him, Tomas used his broad six-foot-five frame and the blanket around his shoulders to block the entrance to his alcove. Listening intently to the light footfalls on the stone floor, the young Guardsman was caught off guard as the scent of cloves and pine wrapped around him, infusing him in warmth and a sense of recognition. His pulse raced. His palms were immediately sweaty. He could hear his heart attempting to beat out his chest while he was engulfed in a sexual heat he’d never before experienced. Of its own volition, his body leaned forward, just to be closer to the captivating aroma.

Unable to stop his forward motion, Tomas left the safety of his makeshift abode and stumbled into the corridor. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, the young dragon was shocked to see a soft glow illuminating the distance between him and the mouth of the cave. At first, it seemed as if the light was floating on its own, but as he peered more intently in its direction, an outline of a pair of incredibly shapely legs began to form.

Curiosity peaked and his libido went into overdrive. Tomas turned towards the light and those alluring legs. The closer they got, the stronger the scent of pine and cloves became, until he felt drunk, as if he’d been drinking all night with his friends. The Guardsman knew he should look away, should take cover from the sheer magnetism of what he could only assume was a specter, but not even his good sense made him tear his eyes away. Something deep within his soul, something he’d never felt before, assured him he had nothing to fear.

Reveling in the reassurance and no longer able to stand, Tomas fell to his knees. The light dimmed as a female gasp of surprise echoed off the cavern’s walls. It was then the young dragon realized it was not the light that had dimmed but that his sight was failing.

What the hell? I’m gonna pass out before I see the girl attached to those legs?

And with that, the brave Dragon Guardsman fainted.

Chapter Two

Holly had sensed the stranger’s presence as soon as she’d crossed the threshold of the cave she’d been calling home for almost a week. Using the only defense she had, the Christmas Angel had called forth her Shield of Light and carefully made her way towards the cavern she’d claimed as her own. The tiniest nudge of her mental abilities allowed the angel to sense the intruder was a man with extraordinary powers.

On closer inspection, Holly saw the goodness of his soul, an incredible inner strength, and more bravery than she’d ever seen in one person. Not only was he powerful, but he was a good man. She knew he was most definitely a shifter, although she wasn’t familiar enough with shifter magic to discern what type.

At any other time Holly would’ve put away her shield and introduced herself to someone with such valor, but in this case, something felt off. Not with him…but with her. From the moment she’d touched the man’s mind, her body, not to mention her emotions, had been in turmoil. Not only was her heart beating faster than it ever had but her skin seemed just a bit too tight, and even though the temperatures outside were reaching zero, a bead of sweat traveled down her spine. She probably could’ve dealt with her body’s reactions to the man better had her imagination not been conjuring intoxicating images of him in various stages of undress.

Never in all her years had she been affected by anyone in such a way, especially not a man. It wasn’t as if she’d never dated before, but it had always been more for convenience than anything else, or because her nagging sisters had pressured her into it. Holly had explained over and over that because she was a Christmas Angel the whole ‘finding a mate thing’ was different for her than for them, but they’d still insisted she date every eligible angel from the Pearly Gates to Cloud Nine. Of course, none of those men had tickled her wings. She knew her mate was already out there somewhere, and as soon as she finished her final mission she would be free to find him. It would help if she knew exactly what her mission was, but she was learning patience, a virtue the angel most definitely did not possess.

If only I could speak to Heaven...

“It makes no sense that I can’t get through to at least my sisters.” Holly muttered to herself. “And now I have a man in my cave. A very tempting man who is most definitely not an angel.”

Holly shook her head, praying for her sanity to return. It wouldn’t help her cause to be distracted by the sexy shifter. Her mate was an angel. That was just the way it was. The way it has always been. From all the stories she’d been told by all the Elders for her entire life, Holly knew her mate would be an amazing Christmas Angel who’d also completed his final mission. He would be tall and handsome, loyal and trustworthy, loving to a fault…a match for her in every way.

She remembered the story her mother, the only other female Christmas Angel in their entire family, had told her about meeting her father…

“Oh, Holly, it was magical. I’d just finished my final mission and returned to Heaven. The Elder Angels approved me to go on my ‘mate quest’ and I was rushing back to the home I shared with my sisters. I’d just turned the corner and BAM! I ran right into him.

Tingles raced through my body where my fingertips touched his broad, muscled, chest. My tummy did flip-flops and my heart beat so hard I thought it might burst. I was immediately a nervous mess. I could only stutter as I raised my head to apologize. That one look was all it took. Your father’s mesmerizing, hazel eyes captivated me. The golden highlights seemed to dance in the midday sun. His pupils dilated and his chest heaved. I knew immediately he felt our connection.

He smiled a sly, knowing smile that made me blush. I have no idea how long we stood staring at one another before he spoke. The low timber of his voice seemed to reach inside me. I could barely catch a breath. It was love at first sight…kismet…Fate. We had many wonderful years together and best of all, I have you and your sisters to remind me of his love until we meet again.”

Holly treasured that story, even more so now that her parents had passed. It reminded her of the amazing love true mates share and gave her hope for her own future. Hope that was turning to frustration with each day she was unable to reach Heaven, her superior, or her sisters.

Asher, Lead Christmas Angel, had been adamant that she leave right away. He’d assured her she would receive her orders once she’d arrived. He’d told her to be patient and find shelter. It was a definite detour from standard operating procedures but nonetheless, Holly had obeyed his orders. She’d flown directly to the coordinates she’d been given, secured the cave, made sure she had everything she needed, and then she’d waited.

By day three without word from home, the angel grew anxious. She’d called out to Asher, but her request went unanswered. It was as if it reverberated back, making Holly unsure if the archangel even heard her call. That’s the way it had been for almost a week now, and to say her patience was waning was an understatement.

Earlier, she’d been at the highest peak, repeatedly calling out to her Commander and her sisters…to no avail. There was no way they would be ignoring her. It had to be that something or someone was blocking her transmissions. She’d even felt a mysterious presence, most definitely magical, not really good or evil, but neutral. Using her powers, she attempted to touch its soul but found it unresponsive, dormant, as if it was deciding whether to grow into the Light or the Dark.

After attempting several different forms of communication with the cryptic entity, Holly decided to try again tomorrow and headed for her cave. The entire walk back she tried to figure out what she’d felt and think of where it might be hiding. By the time she reached the mouth of her cave, the wind was howling and the snow made it hard for her to see. Thankfully, cold weather was only an inconvenience for Christmas Angels, but it did add to the frustration of a fruitless day. And if all of that wasn’t bad enough, her temporary abode had been invaded by a blasted interloper.

A hot as the fires of ‘you know where’ interloper…

Holly smiled at her own silliness then looked down at the man at her feet. She felt bad that the glow of her shield had rendered him unconscious. Any other time she would have dialed it back, but the feelings this particular shifter invoked within her had taken her by surprise and she’d simply forgotten. At least until he crumbled in a heap at her feet. Then she’d hurried over to make sure he was all right.

Looking down at his tanned skin, the angel wondered how in the world he kept such color in these freezing temperatures. It then occurred to her that he wasn’t from the mountain; only waiting just like her. Holly used her powers to make sure her invader hadn’t hurt himself in his fall, but for some reason the need to touch him was a living being inside her. Kneeling beside his head, her hand hovered over his forehead. She desperately wanted to touch him but her hand just hung in the air.

Get over yourself, Holly girl. Just make sure the man is all right. God knows he’s not gonna bite. He is unconscious after all.

Exasperated, and more than a little embarrassed by her own actions, Holly lowered her hand. The heat she felt rising from his skin even before touching him was a bit disconcerting, but nothing she really worried about. The others shifters she’d encountered in her travels had also ran hot. It seemed to be a trait among their kind. She wondered again exactly what type of shifter he was just as her fingertips brushed his forehead.

A bolt of electricity nearly knocked her on her butt. She found it difficult to draw her next breath. Her heart beat so loudly it drowned out all other sounds, but worse than that, her traitorous body was immediately excited at the prospect of peeling back the long johns the shifter was wearing and touching every inch of what she knew was an incredible body.

Taking a deep breath, Holly knew she should stop touching the stranger. The effect he had on her was alarming and nothing she should welcome, but no matter what her brain said, her body had a mind of its own and her hand continued to stroke his cheek. The current between them calmed but continued to flow freely. It warmed her from the inside out. For the first time in her very long existence, she understood her sisters’ obsession with men. 

Holly had always dismissed their infatuation with the opposite sex as something genetic, seeing as all but one of them were Angels of Love, in one form or another. She’d assumed it was just something they’d been born with and couldn’t help. Year after year, the angel had listened to her siblings swoon over one man after another, never understanding how they could feel anything more than a passing fancy for someone who was not their true mate. But now that she’d experienced an intense reaction to the man lying on her cave floor, she was beginning to understand. It really was intoxicating.

Lost in her thoughts, Holly barely heard the low groan and almost missed the slight roll of her intruder’s head. It was little more than a sigh but enough to break the spell their skin-to- skin contact had caused. The angel jumped up and backed away, not reengaging her shield but wishing for a place to hide.

What in the world is wrong with me? He’s just a man.

But Holly knew better. There was something about her trespasser that was so much more than ‘just a man’. She watched intently as he rolled to his side, sat up, and shook his head as if was trying to clear away the cobwebs from his fall. Looking around, he mumbled to himself.

“What the…”

His words were cut off as their eyes met. Holly gasped and took a step backward. It wasn’t that she felt threatened by the stranger, on the contrary, every cell in her body was screaming for her to move closer. The little voice in the back of her mind was yelling that something monumental was happening…that Holly’s world would never be the same and on that fact, they most definitely agreed.

Goose bumps rose all over her body. She wanted with all her heart to hear his voice again. To feel the low gravely tones roll over her senses. It made her lightheaded. It made her feel…whole.

Whole? Haven’t I always been whole?

Once again, her little voice was speaking, but this time it simply chanted …life changing….life changing…life changing…

The stranger recovered more quickly than Holly, although she did note the flair of his nostrils and the way his pupils dilated so completely she still didn’t know the actual color of his eyes. Watching him stand was exhilarating.

He was agile and flexible and much taller and broader than she’d originally thought. He was a huge man but moved with a sensual grace that conjured fantasies of long, hot nights, a satisfaction she’d only ever imagined, and something so all-encompassing, it made Holly long to know him better.

Before seeing ‘her stranger’, the angel would’ve told you there was no way a man that big could be considered graceful. But she would’ve been wrong…woefully wrong. And she was ecstatic for her mistake.

My stranger? I really am losing my mind!

He never broke eye contact as he moved and neither did Holly. Something she would be eternally grateful for. They stood no more than ten feet apart, simply staring, neither moving, both content to wait. She watched as the black of his pupils was replaced by a deep brown, reminding her of rich decadent chocolate that also matched the color of his hair.

The firelight from the cavern spilt into the passageway, making his dark eyes glisten. Holly saw the man’s good nature as well as a healthy sense of humor shining in their depths. She got the feeling he was pretty much a jokester and immediately wanted to hear him laugh.

As time ticked by, the angel decided it was stupid to be standing staring at one another and was just about to speak when her stranger beat her to the punch.

“I think I might’ve invaded your territory. I found this cave and thought it was deserted.”

As he spoke Holly was helpless to do anything but listen. It was the best sound she’d ever heard. She knew she should say something…anything, but her mind was blank except for thoughts of the man before her.

Clearing his throat, he continued, but this time his tone was more questioning, almost unsure. “You do understand English, don’t you?”

Unable to do anything else, still mesmerized, Holly simply nodded.

Chuckling and grinning, which made him even more attractive, he added. “Thank the Heavens. My language skills are limited to English, a little Gaelic, and the curse words from at least twenty-other languages.”

Enamored and totally disarmed by his charm, Holly laughed aloud, immediately followed by slapping her hand over her mouth and blushing from head to toe. Her handsome stranger laughed right along and pretended not to notice her embarrassment before motioning in the direction of the fire. “Why don’t we go warm up by the fire? You’re lucky not to be frozen solid after being out in that storm with nothing more than a light cape and leather boots.”

She followed his lead, walking past him just close enough to feel his warmth but careful not to touch him again. This time she noted a distinct, spicy scent. It reminded her of burning wood and smoke. Chuckling to herself, she dismissed it as his campfire and continued over the threshold of her grotto. Holly could see he’d made himself at home. Normally, she would’ve been irritated. The angel had been teased for most of her life about being overprotective of her space. She repeatedly tried to explain that it wasn’t that she didn’t like people, it was just that she liked her solitude more…in a place of her own…alone.

Did I say alone?

But not this time. This time it felt natural, like they were supposed to be sharing, supposed to be together.

I think all this snow might just be freezing my brain.

Letting go of the breath she hadn’t realize she’d been holding, Holly sat on the opposite side of the fire from her stranger with her back to the pool of water and tried to think of something witty to say. Blessedly, he spoke first.

“I’m just here until the storm breaks and then I’ll be out of your hair. I’ve given up on getting home for Christmas but I damn sure want to be there for the New Year.”

Holly wanted to tell him there was no rush, he could stay as long as he liked. As of matter of fact, she was just about to offer him assistance with getting home when he added, “Sorry, I guess my brain is scrambled from smacking my head on the ground before. Should’ve already introduced myself. Name’s Tomas, Tomas Youngblood, and you are?”

Tomas…his name is Tomas. Nice name.

She was once again dumbstruck and searching for the reason why while his question hung in the air. It was as if he wasn’t sure she would answer and if Holly was honest with herself, she didn’t know if she could. After opening and closing her mouth a few times, she was finally able to squeak out the name she’d been given almost five hundred years ago. “Holly…my name is Holly.”

“Well, Holly, I’m really glad to meet you. Do you think we can share this space for the next few hours until the storm lets up? I promise to get out of your hair as soon as I can.”

Holly nodded, wondering if she should tell Tomas that it was going to be at least a week before there was a break in the blizzard. The angel was innately in tune with the weather and knew without fail this was no ordinary snowstorm…this was a whiteout and one that had settled in.

However, being an angel, especially a Christmas Angel, Holly was able to travel through any kind of weather. Her feathers and wings were impervious to all temperatures. She could go anywhere at any time, except home before her final mission was complete. That single thought reminded Holly of her obligation and cooled the fire Tomas ignited within her.

Cooled…not extinguished. What the heck is wrong with me?

“Thank you! That’s great! I’ve set up my bed over there.” He pointed to a sleeping bag on the stone floor and clothes hanging on the rocks jutting from the wall. “If that’s your spot, I’ll move. I’m just thankful you’re not throwing me out on my ass.”

His candor made Holly laugh, which in turn made Tomas’ smile grow. She knew he felt their undeniable attraction but prayed he wouldn’t act upon it. Not because she didn’t want him to, but because it was all she could think about. The angel knew there was no way she could resist him and that would just not do. He was not her mate. It wasn’t possible. He was not an angel. He was a shifter and shifters and angels did not mate, of that she was sure. Or at least she had been before laying eyes on Tomas.

Distracted by her inner debate, Holly didn’t hear Tomas speak and completely missed him moving towards her. Electricity raced through her body as he laid his large, warm hand on her shoulder. She sprang to her feet. Her head connected with the bottom of his chin. He stepped back to avoid further collision. His foot landed on top of the log she’d been sitting on. It rolled. Tomas yelled. Unable to regain his balance, he fell backward.

From that moment forward everything happened in slow motion. Holly reached out to keep Tomas upright but instead, he grabbed her hand and in an instant, the two were tumbling head over heels over one another. Bracing for impact, Holly was shocked as she followed the shifter into the cool, deep water of the pond. His agility once again amazed her as he twisted his body to make sure he took the brunt of the impact as they fell into the water.

Spitting and sputtering, they both surfaced just seconds later. Holly wanted to be mad, but Tomas was laughing so hard she couldn’t even muster a dirty look. His good nature and humor completely disarmed her. So much so that when she opened her mouth to speak, it was without thought. Her words not only shocked Tomas but rocked her world to the core. “You’d think since we both have wings this could’ve been avoided.”

Wings? Where the heck did that come from?

Chapter Three

Tomas had no clue where Holly’s ‘wings’ comment had come from. He’d touched her mind and heard her thoughts while lying stunned on the ground, so he knew she had no clue he was a dragon.

Apparently, things have changed.

In his semi-conscious state, the Guardsman had unashamedly eavesdropped. Yes, it was an invasion of privacy and one he should’ve been embarrassed about but wasn’t at all. It had started out as a way to see if she was friend or foe. But once there, Tomas had become enthralled with the beautiful creature’s incredible mind. She was pure light and everything good and she was his…no doubt about it.

Not in all his years had he ever imagined being mated to a Christmas Angel. Hell, he was amazed to find out they really existed. His mother always told him they were real, but he’d been sure that was to keep her rebel-rousing son in line, even if it was only for the few weeks close to the holidays.   

“Wings, huh? Well, I don’t know about you, my sweet angel, but mine come with a fifteen hundred pound body. Not sure this little pool could handle the girth.”

The shock on her face said it all. Holly had no idea where her comment had come from. Furthermore, she most definitely had picked up on his ‘my sweet angel’ comment. Because he had been so intimately linked to her mind, Tomas was well aware of the feelings she already had for him, as well as how hard she was fighting to ignore them. She had some ill-conceived notion that her mate was another angel. Well, the big fire-breathing dragon that happened to be sharing her quarters knew differently. He had plans to woo his mate until she forgot about everything but him. He just needed to get them both out of the water first.

Taking full advantage of Holly’s momentary surprise, Tomas asked, “Whatcha say we get outta here, get warmed up, and get something to eat. Then you can tell me how you knew I was a dragon. Usually, I’m pretty good at hiding that fact.”

Not waiting for her response, the dragon rolled to his back and made his way to the side of the pond. Watching out of the corner of his eye, he had to bite the insides of his cheeks to keep from grinning as his mate shrugged and began swimming to the water’s edge as well.

Tomas thanked the Heavens, the Universe, and whoever had fashioned Holly’s frock as rational thought became almost impossible. He’d known she was beautiful from first glance. Had loved the way her light, shoulder-length red hair barely brushed her shoulders and the way her large curls bounced as she spoke. He was mesmerized by the way her deep blue eyes sparkled in the firelight, making him think of the stars in the sky.

She had a curvy figure just barely contained within the flowing white fabric of her dress and accentuated by the golden belt around her waist. Tomas had almost fallen to his knees in worship when she’d removed her long red cape before sitting by the fire, but now as she stood before him soaking wet, he was breathless.

Every erotic curve and sensual dip of her figure was outlined by the now nearly transparent cloth. His mouth watered as he imagined exploring all of his gorgeous mate with his hands and mouth. He knew eternity with his angel would never be enough. She was absolute perfection.

With her hair slicked back, Holly’s pure beauty was magnified. Her porcelain skin all but glowed and even from across the grotto, he could make out a smattering of tiny freckles across her nose and the apples of her slightly blushed cheeks. Tomas’ knees almost buckled as just the tip of her tongue slipped between her lips and wet her bottom lip. He dreamt of covering her luscious lips with his own, swallowing her sigh of contentment and tasting all that she was. There was no doubt Holly would be his addiction…was already becoming his obsession. She was his and there was nothing he wanted more than claim to her for all time, but Tomas knew his headstrong angel needed to be convinced.

His dragon chuffed his chagrin, pushing against Tomas’ mind, letting the Guardsman know the beast’s patience was wearing thin. Both man and dragon were in agreement, but it was the man who would have to tread lightly. He had no idea what Holly would do if he pushed too hard and too fast. Could she disappear? Could she paralyze with that damn light of hers again and then run? Speaking of that…

“I forgot to ask, what was that wall of light you nearly killed me with when we first met?” Tomas walked to his pallet on the floor, grabbed a towel out of his pack and handed it to Holly to dry off. Since he was so hot and bothered there was no doubt he’d dry from the inside out.

“It was my Shield of Light. It’s the only protection we angels carry when on Earth.” She used the towel to dry and fluff her curls before adding, “And I didn’t almost kill you, I never would’ve done that unless you attacked. I just got...distracted and let it shine a little longer and brighter than it I should’ve.” She bowed her head and lowered her voice. “I’m very sorry. I promise I meant no harm.”

It was all Tomas could do to not race to his mate, wrap her in his arms, and tell her everything would be okay. He’d even taken a few steps towards her before remembering he needed to go slow. “I know, mo chroi’, just messing with ya.” He winked and was rewarded with the most beautiful smile he’d ever seen.

Note to self, make her smile every minute of every day…forever.

Needing to keep her talking, Tomas continued, “So how did you know I’m a dragon?” Then to cover the fact that he’d read her thoughts, he quickly added, “Most people can’t tell we’re any more than shifters. It’s the dragon magic. It’s so old most don’t recognize it.”

A myriad of thoughts and emotions crossed her expressive face before his angel finally answered. “Honestly, I have no clue. At first, in the tunnel, I couldn’t tell. It’s like you just said, I knew you were a shifter, just not what kind. But while we were falling into the water a picture of a massive golden red dragon flashed in my mind and I justknew.”

He felt her confusion, heard her trying to reason out where the information had come from, and watched her brow furrow so tightly he feared it might get stuck that way. It was all he could do not to laugh aloud as she ruled out every possibility, from had they met before to divine intervention, always careful to avoid the feelings growing within her. For a few brief seconds, Holly let her thoughts wander and he saw glimpses of them together, but she’d quickly shut them down.

So you’re trying to ignore what you feel, my sweet. Let’s see what we can do about that.

“No worries. I’m sure it was just meant to be. You know…Fate or kismet.” He used the very words he’d pulled from her thoughts. “Kinda like the way I knew you were an angel.”

“What do you mean?” Again, her brow furrowed, but this time Tomas thought about kissing away her stress and took a step forward.

“I mean it’s a like calls to like kinda thing.”

“But we’re not alike. I’m an angel and you’re a dragon. Pretty different if you ask me.” She scoffed and Tomas grinned, taking another step towards her, all thoughts of going slow and giving Holly time to come terms with their attraction evaporating into thin air.

“Really? You think we’re that different?” One more step closer, only three to go.

She nodded but didn’t speak, worrying her bottom lip with her teeth. He listened as she battled with her attraction to him and wondered if he knew the effect he was having on her. Tomas let his grin grow into a knowing smile and took another step.

Feigning confusion, he squinted his eyes and asked, “But we both have wings.”

“Yes...yes we do.” Holly stuttered, barely above a whisper.

“And we are both older than we appear.” One step closer. Only one to go.

“Yes, that’s also true but…”

One last step and their bodies were so close the electricity sparked between them. Holly’s quick intake of breath told the Guardsman everything he needed to know…she was feeling absolutely everything he was. A war was raging within her mind. She knew she should step back, should run screaming from the cavern, should get as far away from him as possible, but didn’t have the will to move.

Still not touching, Tomas whispered, “And you want me to kiss you just as much as I need to kiss you…” His statement was left hanging in the air as attraction won out over intellect and his lips touched hers.

It was everything he’d imagined and so much more. She tasted of cinnamon and honey spiced with cloves, sweet and spicy. She filled a part of him he hadn’t known was empty. Her lips were soft and warm, a perfect fit for his. She surrendered to his kiss, opening to him without reservation. Their passion grew. Her fingernails scratched the nape of his neck as she wound her fingers through his hair, burrowing even closer, their bodies so entwined he felt her hardened nipples even through the layers of their clothing.

With a contained urgency his hands roamed her body, committing every curve and swerve to memory. She was everything a woman was supposed to be and she was all his, whether she wanted to admit it or not.

Tomas thanked the Heavens for Holly’s height. At almost five-foot-ten, she fit against him perfectly. They were two pieces of a puzzle, meant to be together for all time. No longer able to contain his hunger for the woman in his arms and with his dragon pushing so hard the man was sure his angel could see his scales, Tomas lifted Holly into his arms. Her legs immediately wrapped around his waist. The heat of her arousal caused his erection to grow even harder. His cock ground against the fabric of his long underwear with such force Tomas was sure the texture would be forever embedded in his skin, but he couldn’t care. He was whole for the first time in his almost ninety years.

Moving towards his pallet on the floor, he carefully lowered them to his sleeping bag, never breaking their kiss or embrace. The scent of pine and cloves filled the air as Holly’s arousal soared. It was as if Christmas had bloomed right there…just for them.

Needing to taste more of her, Tomas moved along her jaw to her ear where he paid extra attention to the special little spot behind her ear he instinctively knew would drive her wild. Moving to her neck, he kissed her collarbone, moving the still damp fabric of her dress as he went. He needed to touch all of her, every inch. He needed to make her his in every way.

Dipping under her neckline, Tomas paid homage to the top of the abundant swells of her breast, reveling in the way Holly arched her back, begging for his attention. Needing to be closer to her, needing to see all of her, needing the skin-to-skin contact only his mate could give him, the Guardsman reached between their bodies, unbuckled her belt, and threw it over his shoulder. Moving down her body, pulling her clothing up as he went, his heart soared and his mouth watered when he finally reached her naked stomach.

Lavishing her bare skin, Tomas knew if he were to die in the next few minutes he was sure to reach the Heavens a happy man. Holly’s hands, once again wrapped in his hair, pulled so hard he was sure he’d be bald and didn’t care in the least. He was loving his mate, branding her as his, marking her so all would know to whom she belonged.

Kissing along the lace topping her white silk panties, Tomas bathed in her scent. She was hot, wet, and ready, but he needed to be sure. He had to know Holly was onboard for all that was about to happen. It was important he hear it from her lips not pull it from her mind. She had to say the words.

He knew once he tasted her there would be no going back. Both man and beast needed to mark her, even if it was only temporary. The Guardsman needed to see his mark upon her flesh. They could discuss the official mating as soon as they got out of the snow, which he knew from her thoughts could be a week or longer.

A week alone…together…making love, learning about one another, building a relationship that will last for all time. What could be better? 

Breaking contact, he lifted his head. Tomas held back a chuckle as Holly’s eyes popped open, spearing him with a look of utter disappointment at the loss of their connection. Her lips were swollen from his kisses, her cheeks blushed from her arousal, a look of total adoration quickly replacing her initial displeasure. He drew a ragged breath, unable to believe the beautiful creature before him was his.

“You okay there, sweetheart?” he asked, his hands massaging the tops of her thighs as he looked into her eyes.

“Yes,” she sighed just as he slipped his thumbs under the lace of her panties on either side of her mound.

Her squeak of surprise was quickly followed by a moan of sheer pleasure as just the tips of his digits touched her outer lips. She was hot and wet. Her mouth was drawn in a perfect circle as she rolled her hips, trying to force his hands where she ached to be touched.

Moving a fraction closer, the wet curls tickled his fingers. Once again she moaned and her eyes slid shut. “Holly,mo maite’, look at me.” 

Her eyes snapped to his but what he saw confused him. Caught unaware, Tomas almost landed face first on the sleeping bag where less than a second before his mate had been laying. Holly used a preternatural speed he hadn’t known she possessed to slide out from under him and plaster herself against the cave wall.

Shaking her head and looking so frightened it broke his heart, Holly cried, “No! That just can’t be!”

Completely clueless, Tomas asked, “What’s wrong? What happened? Are you okay?”

“No! I am absolutely not okay and I am not your mate.”

Guess she understands Gaelic. Probably should’ve asked that earlier.

 “I was just about to talk to you about that.”

Her expression said she found that hard to believe and her words backed it up. “You most definitely were not. You were about to make love to me.”

Knowing he should feel embarrassed but finding nothing except the need to reassure his mate within him, Tomas cajoled. “Actually, I was about to do both. If you don’t believe me, search my thoughts. I know you can, just as I can read yours.”

Shock colored her beautiful features but was quickly replaced with a look of determination. Tomas felt her reach into his mind and opened completely to her. Because of their connection, he knew she saw it all, felt what he felt, even touched the mind of his beast, who wholeheartedly agreed that she was the One the Universe had created just for them.

Quickly pulling out of his mind, Holly spun on her heel and began pacing. Tomas thought about reading her thoughts but immediately decided against it. She needed time and no matter how difficult, that was what he’d give her.

Several moments later, his angel dropped to her knees at the head of the sleeping bag. He noted the distance she kept between them but was glad she hadn’t realized she was still dressed in just her bra and panties. Tomas was enjoying the view and prayed she didn’t cover her gorgeous figure.

“I can see what you and your dragon believe and believe me I’m very flattered, but you are mistaken. I’m a Christmas Angel and Christmas Angels only mate with other Christmas Angels and only after they’ve completed their final mission. So you see there’s no way you can be my mate. I haven’t completed my task, heck, I don’t even know what it is yet. And…you…” She cleared her throat and tried to look away but Tomas leaned forward, taking her hands into his. There was no way he was going to let her run from this. It was something she had to come to terms with, something they had to face…together.

Nodding, Holly finally spoke. “You’re a…a…dragon…”

Tomas laughed aloud. He knew it was inappropriate, and on some level, he should probably be offended by her tone, but he laughed long and hard anyway. At least Holly didn’t look upset anymore. For the first time since meeting her, his angel actually shivered, the lost look in her eyes nearly gutting him. Touching her mind, he found her more than a little scared but still trying to reason away all she felt and all she’d seen in his mind.

Searching for a patience that other times eluded him, Tomas spoke as softly as he could while looking her right in the eye. “I assure you we are mates. I can feel it.” He laid his fist on his chest over his heart. “And I know you can feel it, too.”

Holly’s chin fell to her chest. She took a long, ragged breath and let it out, as if the world was crumbling around her. When she looked up, there were unshed tears in her eyes and her voice was low and shaky. “But legend says I am to wed an angel.”

Looking at the one woman in the entire world who completed both him and his dragon. The person who brought light to his soul. The individual he would forsake all others for. The one he’d waited for all his life. Tomas said the only thing he could. “Holly, I know as sure as God made little green apples that I am your mate and you are mine. But I can assure you of one thing… I’m damned sure no angel.”

Chapter Four

Holly could feel the strength of Tomas’ conviction and had to admit he affected her as no other ever had. The feel of his hands upon her skin and his lips upon her mouth were burned into her memory for all time. Not to mention the slow burn within her only he’d ignited threatening to obliterate her common sense. Could all the stories have been wrong?  Could her mate really be a dragon?

Not having an answer for the handsome man looking at her with such incredible adoration it made her ache, Holly did the only thing she could think of…she paced. After her second trip around the grotto, she realized she was parading around in her underwear. Unwilling to show her embarrassment, the angel calmly made her way back to the sleeping bag, grabbed her dress and slid it over her head, all without missing a step. She could feel Tomas’ eyes following her. The heat of his stare kept her libido in a constant state of turmoil and made it difficult for her to breathe, let alone think.

She was confused…and frustrated, and wanted nothing more than to turn back the hands of time to when all that mattered was completing her final mission and going home. Holly wished she’d never come back to the cave, never met the sexy stranger, and most definitely never let him kiss her.

And… I’m lying to myself. Way to go, Holly!

Okay, so maybe she wasn’t as upset about meeting Tomas as she wanted to believe. But being upset was the only way she could keep her wayward feelings in check and get a clear thought in edgewise. If the angel was honest with herself, meeting the darned dragon was the best thing that had ever happened to her. He made her feel truly alive, complete, loved.

Shaking her head, Holly continued her laps around the pool. If only her mother was still alive. Momma always knew what to do. Merry had been the wisest of all the angels and the best mother in all of Heaven to boot. There’d never been finer. She was always there for all her daughters with love, support, and most of all, the answers to every question they threw at her. For the first time since Merry had passed on, Holly truly wished for her presence. The angel knew it was wrong, knew her parents were together and happy in the Afterlife, but just really needed guidance, the kind that can only her mom could give.  

Somewhere between ten and fifteen laps, Holly recognized that she was stalling, just plain putting off a conversation that had to happen… but what was she supposed to say? Glancing at the man professing to be her mate, she realized he’d changed from his thermal underwear to a pair of well-worn jeans and a faded, long sleeved, grey T-shirt. She admired his physique as he bent at the waist to straighten the blankets they’d mussed during their short time together.

The cotton of his shirt stretched perfectly across the well-toned muscles of his back. Holly’s palms ached with the need to feel their raw power under her hands again. The denim of his pants caressed his butt and outlined his legs as if they’d been made just for him. No sooner had the thought crossed her mind than Tomas looked over his shoulder and winked.

Busted!

It was then that she remembered they could touch one another’s mind and wondered if he’d been listening to her chaotic inner rambling. It wouldn’t matter if he was. Maybe it would actually be for the best. He’d know for sure that she had a screw or two loose and probably leave her alone. That one thought made her sad, sadder than she had a right to be, since just a little while ago she’d vehemently denied their connection.

I really am a mess…

Searching her mind, she didn’t feel his presence but did find a link that hadn’t been there before. Carefully following the bond, Holly found unconditional acceptance, a wealth of love, unbending loyalty, and a warmth that could only be described as home.

She’d never been very good at telepathy and really only used it when she was away from Heaven, so she was resistant to trust what she felt. Asher had repeatedly chastised her for not honing her skills and she now knew why. But looking into Tomas’ deep brown eyes, Holly knew there was nothing to fear.

No sooner had the thought crossed her mind than she felt Tomas’ mental touch. He filled her with reassurance and a confidence that no matter what, everything would be all right. “Is that how you really feel?” The words were out of her mouth before she’d even finished the thought.

“Absolutely. You’re inside me. You’re part of me. Not just my mind but my soul…part of my very DNA. Don’t you see, Holly? This is Fate. This is what’s meant to be. We were made for one another. Two halves of the same whole. You are my mate.”

“But…”

“But nothing. I can feel the battle within you. And I can also feel that you know the truth. I know better than most that it’s never easy when things don’t turn out how you plan, especially when those plans are hundreds of years old, but you can’t beat Fate. She will not be denied. We are meant to be.”

Tomas had been moving towards her the entire time he spoke, the strength of his conviction surrounding her, overtaking her, begging her to believe they had a chance.

“Oh, Tomas…”

Words failed her as his hand touched hers and the proof of their connection skittered up her arm. Her heart beat faster and her body warmed. Unable to stand on her own, needing to feel the security of his embrace, Holly closed the scant distance between them and laid her head on his chest, the beat of his heart steady and true just like the man. She didn’t even try to hold back the sigh of contentment as his arms came around her.

How does he do that? How does he just know?

“Because I am yours and you are mine. My own angel, to love forever more.”

“Hey. How did you do that?”

“It is called mindspeak among my kin. We can only do it with those whom with we share a bond of fealty and blood and our mates. It’s just one of the many ways confirming that we really are meant to be.”

“I…” Holly was just about to agree, at least conditionally, when the mysterious presence she’d encountered on the mountaintop earlier that day forced its way into her mind. A strange humming sound accompanied by the feeling of fear and dread drowned out all other sound. Whatever the entity was, it was scared and calling out to her for help.

“What the hell is that?” Tomas asked, pulling back just enough to look in her in the eye.

“I have no idea. Earlier today I was out on the mountain trying to communicate with home when I felt a strange presence. It didn’t feel threatening. As a matter of fact, it didn’t feel like anything…just neutral, not good and not bad. Ya know what I mean?”

“Yeah…” as his only answer, but his furrowed brow said he wasn’t sure.

“I know it has a soul, I touched it. But it’s just kind of there. Maybe waiting to choose a side? I don’t know.” She shook her head. “I thought it was blocking my transmissions home, but then I just dismissed it. Why would anyone want to keep me from talking to Heaven?”

“I don’t know. But it’s obvious whatever it is it needs help and thinks you’re the one to deliver it.”

Holly opened her mouth to speak at the same time a wave of utter terror slashed through her mind. Grabbing her head, the angel slumped against Tomas, pulling on his strength to keep her upright during the barrage of turbulent emotions. Just as quickly as it had started, it was gone. The silence so complete, she could feel echoes of the loss.

Tomas was rubbing her back and whispering words of comfort. He’d heard her mysterious ‘friend’ but thankfully hadn’t been affected by its call. Pulling back, Holly tried to turn away. She needed to go see if she could help the strange entity. It was her duty. She was an angel. It was what she’d been born to do.

“And I’m guessing you think you’re going out in the dead of night, in a blizzard, to help God knows who, with God knows what, and I’m just gonna sit here and wait for you to… what? Come back? Call when you can? Handle whatever’s waiting all on your own?” The look of disgust on his face and slight shake of his head, coupled with his words, made it perfectly clear that Tomas was by no means being left behind.

Holly’s first instinct was to ignore his protests and simply leave. She was a five hundred year old angel with powers of her own who could handle herself, but then she knew he’d just follow and be mad on top of everything else.

“Guess I was wrong, huh?”

“Guess you were.” The fire in his eyes spoke louder than his words.

“All right then. Grab your coat and let’s go. I can still feel its fear.”

Securing her belt around her waist and her cape around her shoulders, Holly was shocked when Tomas was ready and waiting at the door of their grotto, sword in hand.

“You move pretty quick there, dragon man.”

“You ain’t seen nothing yet, angel girl.”

Chapter Five

Tomas wasn’t sure if racing out into a blizzard to help an unknown entity that could very well be drawing them into danger was what he’d had in mind in all the years he’d dreamt of finding his mate. But he’d also never imagined the one made for him would be a Christmas Angel, so nothing seemed out of the realm of possibility. He’d felt how much Holly needed to help the mysterious voice in her head and decided if it meant that much to her, that it was important to him.

She’d been so cute trying to leave without him. He’d almost laughed out loud. But then knowing what he already knew about his amazing mate, Tomas wondered if she could’ve actually slipped by him. She was older and had an ancient strength rivaling his own. Life was going to be an adventure with his sweet Holly, one he looked forward to with complete abandon.

Racing up the mountain side by side was exhilarating. For the first time he felt a real partnership growing, as well as her belief in their relationship. They reached an outcropping several hundred feet under the top mountain mere seconds before the enigmatic creature they were rushing to aid again cried out. Tomas knew they were close by the sheer volume and presence of noise in his head. He was also immediately aware that his shields had been blown wide open.

“What the hell was that?” Jace, Royce, Liam and Lance, all members of his Force, demanded in unison.

“Wish I knew,” was the only answer Tomas could give his brethren.

“Feels off somehow,” Rayne joined the conversation.

“Yeah, that’s what I thought, too,” he answered, trying to keep the existence of his mate a secret, at least until Holly was more comfortable with their relationship.

“That’s what you thought? Or what ‘your angel’ thought?” Royce was quick to ask.

His brethren laughed while he attempted to come up with an explanation but Holly was just too quick. “His angel, huh? That still remains to be seen.” The other Guardsmen howled at her response, but she wasn’t done embarrassing him yet. “Besides, he’s a young’un. I kinda feel like a cradle robber.”

The roar of laughter was deafening but the smile on her face made it all worthwhile. Her cautious acceptance warmed him through and through. He couldn’t even feel the wind or snow beating his body as they climbed the last few yards to the pinnacle of the mountain. Holly teasing him right along with his brethren was great. Life just didn’t get much better.

“I guess introductions are in order. Holly, this is the guys. Guys, this is Holly.”

“Hi, guys!” Holly joked, taking his extended family’s inopportune appearance in stride.

“Hey, Holly!” they all responded, still laughing so hard it was a little difficult to make out their words.

Royce was the first to gain a modicum of composure. “And so it begins. Your life will never be the same.”

Tomas chuckled. “Wouldn’t want it any other way.”

“Yep, he’s a goner.” Jace and Liam laughed in unison, but it was his Commander who got right back to business.

“I’m happy for you, Tomas, but what’s happening out there?”

“Not sure yet. Holly encountered the creature earlier but felt nothing threatening so let it be. She did note that its soul is in some flex state, and from what she can tell hasn’t decided if it’s playing for the Light or the Dark side.”

Already finishing each other’s thoughts, Holly added, “I thought it might be blocking my transmissions home…I mean to Heaven, but now I’m beginning to think that whatever my mysterious stranger is scared of may be the cause of my inability to speak to the other angels.”

Tomas noted a strong scent of danger and a feeling of darkness. He left his link to his brethren open so they could feel it too  with the hopes one of them would know who or what it was.

Not surprisingly, it was Kyra, Royce’s mate who answered first. “Feels like black magic mixed with a demon’s. It’s old. Not as old as Holly, but old.” The white witch chuckled. “Hi, Holly. I’m Kyra, Royce’s mate and white witch extraordinaire.”

Once again everyone laughed. “Nice to meet you, Kyra. Thanks for the heads up,” Holly responded, pulling the jewel from the front of the buckle on her belt. She looked over her shoulder, catching Tomas’ eye, and spoke only to him. “I’m about to turn on my shield. It won’t affect you as before now that we’re linked mentally, but it’ll still be bright. Don’t look directly into the light. If you fall, it’s a long way down.”

She winked and Tomas wished to be anywhere other than climbing a mountain. Kissing her silly was number on his to do list. “Understood,” was all he said, but not before sending a picture of his thoughts to his mate. The blush on her cheeks was answer enough.

Damn, I love this woman.

“No shit, Sherlock,” Jace chuckled, then quickly added. “Throw up those mental blocks before thinking your mushy shit there, chief.”

“Now, if that’s not the pot calling the kettle black,” Royce laughed. “There’s not a Dragon Guardsman within a hundred miles that didn’t know you were head over heels for Melanie.”

And of course, Kyra had to add, “There are still times I get way too much information.”

“All right, all right, you chuckle-heads, so I’m not the best at shielding my thoughts.” Jace sounded completely unapologetic despite his words.

“Not the best?” Royce howled. “You’re not even in the top one hundred.”

The banter and laughter continued until they reached the top of the mountain. “We’re here.” All extra conversation immediately ceased. Tomas let his brethren see and feel everything he experienced.

At Holly’s side, her shield shining in front of them, the couple cautiously made their way to a small burrow in the side of an odd shaped hill that topped the mountain. Tomas sent a tendril of his preternatural senses into the hole in search of any signs of life. At first, there was nothing. It appeared to be an abandoned fox habitat, but as he reached farther into the earth, he bumped right into Holly’s little friend. It was just as she had explained. Although his dragon senses didn’t touch its soul, they did sense its life force, and just as the angel had said, it was completely neutral.

The mysterious little creature reached back. “It likes you better than me.” Holly joked. “It didn’t even acknowledge my presence before.”

“Yeah, but it called to you for help.”

“There is that,” she answered. “Can you tell what it is? All I get is its fear.”

“No clue.” Tomas continued to play a game of ‘touch and touch back’ with the entity, hoping to get some sense of its origin.

So distracted in his inspection, the Guardsman almost missed the tendrils of pure evil traveling through the earth straight for the little creature. Holly, pulled at his shoulder. “Get out of there! Let me shine my light into the hole. That evil needs to be forced back.”

Unwilling to leave the unknown being now that he’d met it, Tomas protested. “Give me just a minute to coax it out.”

He could feel Holly’s frustration with his decision but turned all his focus on the little creature hidden in the ground, fighting to find its true purpose. On some level, the dragon understood exactly what it was going through. Not so long ago, Tomas had been faced with the same decision. It had taken strength and conviction to walk away from a throne and a clan of his own. But he’d known becoming a Dragon Guardsman was his destiny and had embarked on the path to realize it with unwavering determination.

The entity in the ground deserved the same; deserved to make its own choice. Not to be forced into darkness by black magic and a demon. Evil didn’t play fair and Tomas had to believe the creature didn’t want a life in literal Hell, or it wouldn’t have begged Holly for help. Now, if the little thing would just cooperate and follow where the Guardsman led.

Before he had to ask, Holly lent her help. She bathed the earth around the being in warm, soft light. It was just the push the entity needed. Slowly, it began to move towards Tomas, holding onto the stream of Holly’s light like a lifeline.

“Just a little more,” Tomas said to no one in particular.

“Tomas, the darkness is getting stronger. There are real live beings coming up the far side of the mountain.” It was Kyra and she sounded more than a little pissed. “I can make out three wizards and a demon. Dammit, why did they have to bring one of Hell’s spawn to the party?”

“That’s just the way they roll,” Tomas joked with a levity he didn’t feel.

“We have to hurry. I need my light to fight what’s coming, but I don’t want to let the little creature go if we can save it.” Holly’s urgency spurred him on while he felt his brethren add their strength to their rescue mission.

The added push was all they needed. Within seconds, a very small human-like being bathed in the warm glow of Holly’s light emerged from the hole. Tomas’ first thought was that it was so ugly it was cute. Standing no more than eighteen inches high, its head was by far its largest feature and was sparsely covered with tiny sprouts that resembled hair but could’ve been some type of plant. Its large, bulbous eyes were blinking rapidly, while quickly taking in every aspect of its surroundings. They made the Guardsman think of the headlights on his Harley. The rest of it looked pretty much like a miniature human, pot belly and all, but its aura most definitely read magical, very magical, and although just born, very old.

“It’s female,” Holly commented. “No more ‘it’, she’s a ‘she’. And we need to get her hidden before company crosses that ridge.”

“Yes, you do,” Kyra agreed while pushing a spell into Tomas’ head that would combat the wizards.

He sent his thanks while securing the little female behind a shield of dragon magic. Being born of two pureblooded dragons gave Tomas a more potent magic than the average dragon, so splitting off enough to shield their new friend was not a problem.

Looking to his mate, Tomas filled with pride. Holly was poised like a warrior ready for battle. Her feet shoulder width apart and her shoulders thrown back, she stood tall with her shield in front of her. Her power crackled in the air around her as her cape unfurled behind her like a superhero. His mate was a force unlike any other.

“You ready?” he asked.

“I’m ready.”

Her words floated through his head just as the demon Kyra had warned them about crested the mountain, closely followed by three dark wizards. The stench of sulfur and brimstone filled Tomas’ senses as he gripped his broadsword and watched his enemies race towards them. His stomach turned as the snow beneath their feet instantly thawed and the ground turned the unmistakable black of scorched earth. Even the evergreens drooped and wilted as they passed. Their magic was wicked and evil and…ancient. This was no low-level demon. They were dealing with a Master.

Holly dropped to one knee and began counting down at the same time she said, “At the count of ten, I’m going to blast them.”

Tomas nodded, bracing himself for the light, preparing to take down every evil creature in his path.

“Four…three…two…one!”

Light burst from Holly’s shield, bathing the mountain a pure white glow. The demon’s spine-curdling screech made the hair on Tomas’ arms stand on end. The large cloaked figure stumbled, almost hitting the ground, but quickly regained his footing and continued towards them, throwing spell after spell. His dark magic bounced off Holly’s shield like bullets off an armored car. Fortunately, his cohorts were not as lucky. The wizards fell to their knees, wailing and tearing at their flesh as Holly’s light sought to purify them.

“Do it! Do it, now!” Kyra all but screamed in his mind.

Without hesitation, the Guardsman’s cry of “A bheith imithe! Du lar ais go dti’ ifreann! Riamh ar ais!” rang out with all the force of he and his brethren’s combined dragon magic.

The demon stumbled. Tomas yelled out again with Holly accompanying him in English. “Be gone! Go back to Hell! Never return!”

The demon fell face first onto the decimated earth beneath his feet but continued to claw the ground, pulling his large rotting frame towards them. The couple shouted the spell over and over. Holly poured her incredible energy into her shield, battling everything the demon threw at them, but still he persisted.

A tiny tug on the leg of Tomas’ jeans alerted him to the presence of their little female. It was then he realized the demon’s entire focus was on her. The hell spawn still believed he could possess her and her magic.

Tomas went to step in front of the little female but she would have none of it. Her grip on his jeans tightened. She lifted her right hand and closed her eyes. He felt her quake as a blast of bright green light shot from her hand, immediately incinerating the demon. The beam then landed on each of the wizards, leaving nothing but a pile of ash where they’d once laid.

As quickly as it had burst forth, the light was gone. Tomas gave a war cry of victory, which was unfortunately met with Holly’s painful cry of concern. Looking down, he saw their little female face down in the snow, trembling uncontrollably.

Scooping up the little one, Tomas handed her to Holly’s outstretched arms. His mate’s eyes filled with tears. “She made her choice. She’s chosen the Light but has expended too much energy destroying the evil.”

“But she’ll be okay, right?”

“I don’t know…”

Chapter Six

Hours after their race back to the cave, their little female was still unconscious. Her trembling had ceased and her breathing was more regulated, but she had yet to move. Holly called out to the Heavens, to Asher, and to her sisters until she was sure her head would explode, but received no answer. Had it not been for Tomas’ brethren, the white witch, and the dragons’ Healer, the angel was sure their patient would’ve already succumbed to death. The angel spent so much time praying for the creature to awake, she’d started calling her Eve because ‘little female’ seemed too impersonal when asking for divine intervention, and it was after all, the day before Christmas.

Siobhan, the Healer, had done all she could and said more could be done if only they knew what type of creature Eve was. Holly had searched the little one’s now bright and shining soul, but found no indication of her origin, only what they already knew…she was magical and had she been given time, would’ve drawn upon the ancient power that made her existence possible.

Holly blamed herself. If she’d sought Eve out after first feeling her presence, the little one would’ve chosen the Light, settled into her decision, and been able to have a life force rivaling any being on Earth or beyond. But as it stood, Eve had chosen the Light, destroyed a demon and three wizards, something not even Holly had been able to do, all too early in her very young life. Their only hope was that her strength of spirit would see her through while the power returned to her tiny, broken body. Holly quickly swiped at the single tear that wet her cheek. Unfortunately, not before Tomas saw it.

Sitting beside her and putting a hot cup of cocoa in her hand, her dragon put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close into his side. He dropped a kiss on the top of her head then began to sing. Holly had thought his speaking voice was amazing, but as the low baritone of his song filled their fire lit grotto, she was entranced and could only listen in stunned silence. Thankfully, she could understand every known language and was able to truly appreciate the beauty of his words.

“Beag abha’in eile,

A bheith ar chaenn beag sa’bha’ilte

Aingeal ag breathnu’ thar tu’

Aingeal tu’a chosaint

Aingeal fanacht fa’ilte a chur roimh tu’ abhaili.”

The melody was haunting, the words inspiring, and Holly soon found herself singing along.

“Rest little one,

Be safe little one,

Angels watch over you,

Angels protect you,

Angels wait to welcome you home.”

She wanted to ask him where he’d learned it but didn’t want him to stop singing, so she let the question float from her mind to his. He once again kissed her head but this time, the picture of a sweet little boy with dark brown curls sleeping soundly on his mother’s lap appeared. The woman was stunning and looked just like the man who was quickly claiming Holly’s heart, except for her piercing blue eyes. It was Tomas’ mother. He was allowing Holly to see into his past. To feel the love he’d felt for his mother.

Tears wet her cheeks and for the first time in her very long life, the Christmas Angel did not try to hide them or feel any shame for her show of emotion. She saw Tomas’ endless capacity to love. His ability rivaled the angels above and Holly knew it was time she accepted that Fate had made him for her.

He continued to sing while holding her in his arms and gently rocking side to side. Holly had no idea how long she cried, but as her tears dried, exhaustion consumed her. Soon, her eyes became heavy and it wasn’t long until she was fighting sleep.

I need to stay awake for Eve and to tell Tomas I love him.

But fatigue won out and she was fast asleep in the arms of her mate.

Her dreams were filled with visions of red-haired little boys chasing little girls with long, dark curls over a beautiful, rolling hillside. Holly knew immediately they were her children and there was no denying their father was a certain dark-eyed red and golden dragon. She relaxed even more and simply enjoyed what she hoped were prophecies of the future.

All too soon, Tomas was shaking her awake. Her eyes flew open, looking directly to Eve. Their little patient still lay on her pallet, unresponsive, but thankfully breathing. Her mate’s voice forced back the last vestiges of sleep and had her jumping out of his lap and looking around for danger.

“What’s the matter?”

“I’m not sure but something’s coming. We need to get Eve farther into the cave and set up a perimeter.”

Holly jumped into action, grabbing Tomas’ sleeping bag and blankets and following him as he carried Eve out of the grotto. They’d made it ten steps further into the cave when a sound Holly thought lost to her forever sounded. It was the Angel Song, and it was coming closer.

Laying her hand on Tomas’ back, she quickly explained. “There’s nothing to fear. It’s angels. They’re answering my call for help and announcing their presence. Let’s take Eve back into the grotto. Maybe they can help her.”

Nodding, her dragon turned and headed back in the direction they’d just come from. Holly quickly laid the sleeping bag and her cloak on the floor then moved while Tomas placed Eve on the pallet, quickly covering her with the blankets. She kissed the little one’s forehead and assured her they’d be right back before standing and grabbing Tomas’ hand. It was time for him to meet more of her kin, and time for her to introduce her mate. But first, she would ask for their help.

No sooner had the couple exited the grotto than they were bathed in Angel Light. Holly and Tomas were linked mind to mind, so although it was much stronger than what she’d originally hit her dragon with, he was able to endure.

“Hey, dragon man, look at that. You do have a little angel in you. You’re still standing.”

True to form, Tomas waggled his eyebrows and grinned. “I wouldn’t have it any other way, angel girl.”

Their loving banter was cut short by the appearance of twelve angels. Holly was shocked to see Asher, her Commander. It was the first time she’d known him to leave Heaven since finding his mate, but she was thrilled he was there. However, nothing could compare to laying eyes on her sisters…all eleven of them. She tried to remember the last time they’d all been together since losing their parents.

Dropping Tomas’ hand, Holly ran to the eldest of the Winters siblings, Rose, a Spring Angel, who was dressed from head to toe in leather and wool. “Oh my, I’m so happy to see you, to see you all.” Holly squealed as she hugged her older sister.

“I’m happy to see you too but I have to ask, how in all that is holy do you stand this abominable weather? I’m freezing my wings off.”

The others of her sisters whose temperaments swayed to the warmer side of life, wholeheartedly agreed. Only Starr, the youngest sibling next to Holly laughed, for she was a Snow Angel and loved all types of inclement weather.

“I’m sorry for the snow but not for you presence. I desperately need your help.”

“That is why we are here, Holly. Take us to your little Eve.” Asher ordered, ever the Commander.

Holly returned to Tomas, winked, and grabbed his hand. Before she could get the words out, Asher was once again issuing orders. “And on the way you can introduce us to your dragon.”

Tomas’ eyebrows raised so high she could barely see them underneath his bangs. “How did he know?”

“There’s not much that gets by me, young man.” Asher chuckled as they made their way to the grotto.

Crossing the threshold, Holly quickly introduced Tomas to all in attendance before walking over to Eve. She knelt by the little one’s head and looked to her Commander and sisters. One by one they also knelt, some had to sit behind others because Eve was so tiny in stature. When all were kneeling, they placed their right hand upon Eve and Asher began to pray. Holly and her sisters soon joined in.

  Dear Lord of All, Sweet Mother of Nature, Goddess of the Universe and all the Heavenly Hosts, bring health and vitality to our dear little one. Make her whole once again. Give her tiny body the strength it needs. Shine your healing light into her beautiful soul so that she may become what you intended. She has made her choice. She is a child of the light. May her Light shine bright. May her Light shine eternally.

In the name of He who makes all things possible, our Heavenly Lord, we humbly ask for your help and guidance.

Although the prayer ended, the grotto remained utterly silent. Each person continued to pray in their own words and pour all the love, light, and positive energy into little Eve they could. Hours passed and no one moved. Holly began to believe Eve would never wake. Her faith was waning, something that had never happened before.

Once again, guilt filled the Christmas Angel, so much so that she tried to pull her hand from Tomas’, but her dragon was quicker than she’d ever imagined. Within the blink of an eye, he had her in his lap and was holding their clasped hands over Eve’s heart. “No backing out now, mo ghra’.”

“But Tomas…”

“But nothing, Holly. When you feel like you can’t go on, you’ve got me. You’ve always got me. That’s what I’m here for. Lean on me, a chumann, I’ve got you.”

There were no words for what Tomas had come to mean to her. How could she ever have doubted he was her mate? She didn’t know what Asher or her sisters would think of a dragon in the family, but Holly really didn’t care. She loved him and he loved her, and together they could do anything. That was all that mattered.

“I love you, Tomas…”

She wanted to say more but at that very moment, Eve decided to open her eyes and smile. It was a miracle, a real Christmas miracle, just like the man at her side. Tears flowed freely from all the Winters sisters, while Asher checked Eve from head to toe, inside and out, and even made sure she could speak before announcing she was an angel, a very special angel. The first of her kind in nearly a millennium.

“Because your little Eve has chosen the Light, she has become the rarest of all angels, a Spirit Angel. What that means is that she will go through her formative years transforming from one type of angel to another until she finds the one she was meant to be. She holds within her the most ancient of all angel magic. That is why she was able to abolish the demon and his followers. We are blessed she chose the Light. We have you and your mate to thank for that.”

Holly spit and sputtered, nearly choking on the cocoa they’d made while waiting for the results of Asher’s examination. She looked at her smiling Commander, who simply asked, “Dear Holly, what do you think your final mission was?”

“Ummm, I have no clue. I’m waiting for my orders.”

Shaking his head and chuckling, Asher continued, “Eve was your ultimate mission, but first you had to believe in the impossible. You had to know beyond any doubt that this dragon, this man, the one that gave up his throne to fight evil and protect all that is good in the world, was your mate. In essence, my little warrior, you were the most vital piece of your own final mission, and I am happy to say that you passed with flying colors.”

Holly looked into the faces of each of her eleven sisters as they smiled and nodded. Her heart filled to bursting with more love than she’d ever known. Looking up at Tomas, she found herself looking into the deep brown eyes of her mate, the one person in all the Universe she could always count on no matter what.

His lips touched hers and the grotto erupted in applause. Too soon, Tomas was pulling back, but not before assuring her they would most definitely continue what he’d started when they had less company.

Turning back to her family, Holly felt Eve’s tiny hand slide into hers. Looking down at the Spirit Angel, the Christmas Angel realized the little one’s features were already changing. She was a few inches taller than she’d originally been which made her head look more in proportion, her potbelly was considerably smaller, and her eyes had taken on an almond shape. Her hair was growing, turning from the little sprouts to deep auburn curls covering her scalp.

“Thank you, Holly.” Her little sweet voice sang.

“You are so welcome, Eve, so very welcome.”

“So tell me, Tomas Youngblood, how do you feel about a trip to Heaven? I believe we have a mating ceremony to complete,” Asher said with all the command of the Leader of the Christmas Angels.

Holly’s dragon grinned from ear to ear. “I feel really great about that, sir. Some might even say fabulous!”

I am the luckiest angel in the world.

Chapter Seven

Having lived his life as a dragon shifter, Tomas was pretty sure there wasn’t much he hadn’t seen, but in the case of Heaven…he couldn’t have been more wrong. It was nothing like the stories from his childhood had described. To start, there were no tiny little pink-faced, chubby cherubs floating around playing harps. The angels didn’t lie around staring at the humans like they were watching a sitcom, nor was the floor made of clouds. Heaven was, however, the absolute cleanest place the Guardsman had ever seen, and everyone smiled and waved whether they knew you or not. It was happiness personified.

It seemed that every inhabitant of Heaven had heard the story of the angel and the dragon and wanted to congratulate the happy couple, although Tomas suspected they wanted to get a look at a dragon shifter up close. Asher had explained that it would take several hours to prepare for the Ceremony of Holy Matrimony, and that it was something he, as an Elder, and Holly’s sisters would prepare for the couple. When Tomas had explained that in his culture the men prepare the mating ceremony for the female, the Elder Angel only smiled and nodded. 

He’d given Tomas special permission to contact his brethren, something he’d just finally found a moment to do.

“Hey, butthead, what’s up?” Tomas laughed at Jace’s response.

“And good morning to you, too.”

“Ha Ha,” Tomas noted the sarcasm and an abundance of frustration in his best friend’s voice and was glad they were speaking on their own unique link so no one else could hear. “Sorry for my mood,” Jace went on. “It’s been crazy around here. After we were sure y’all were okay—great job by the way and you mate kicks serious ass—I thought we might get a moment’s rest. HA! Fat Chance! Mel and I were planning to eat pizza and watch a movie when Rory put out the all call. Rian had gone missing and we still don’t where the dumbass is. Royce is about to tear the countryside down and Rory just keeps overcompensating with his special brand of stupid humor.”

“Missing? What the hell?”

“Yeah, exactly my sentiments. He’d been distracted for the last couple of days, but I just figured it was the same shit different day. Apparently, I was wrong. But enough of that crap, you’ll have to deal with it soon enough. What’s up with you and your angel?”

Tomas had to smile…him and his angel indeed… “Everything is perfect, just perfect, and you’ll never guess where I am.”

“You sound like a man in love, my friend.” Jace chuckled. “And I don’t have the brain power left to guess, so how ‘bout you just tell me where you are.”

“Heaven, I’m in Heaven and I don’t mean theoretically or because Holly is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I’m not even singing that stupid old song. I mean I’m in honest to goodness Heaven.”

“Holy crap, dude. That’s awesome. You meeting the fam and all that good stuff.”

“You know it. Holly’s parents have passed but she’s got eleven sisters.”

“Eleven?! Wow! Big family!”

“Yeah, and I met her Commander. He reminds me a lot of Rayne.”

“Hard ass seems to be a prerequisite for the gig.” The guys laughed together before Tomas continued.

“You know it. He brought us straight up here so we could complete the Ceremony of Holy Matrimony. The way Holly explained it, it’s just like our official mating ceremony but the family and the angel’s commander do all the planning.”

“That’s cool but you know Carrick and Rayne are gonna demand you have our mating ceremony, too.”

“I plan to. Gonna surprise Holly with it as soon as we get home. We talked about it and she’s cool with living at the lair. As soon as we’re done here, we’ll be heading home.”

“Awesome. I’m seriously happy for you.” Jace paused. “Sorry but I gotta cut this short. The old man just put out the all call. Second time in less than twenty-four hours, woo-fricking-hoo. Sounds like we’re hunting a dragon today.”  Jace sounded less than thrilled.

“Don’t kick his ass too hard, he is still the leader of the Blue Thunder Clan.”

“It’s not me ol’ Ri has to worry about. It’s his brothers. I haven’t seen Royce this mad since…” Jace paused.“Well, to be honest, I’ve never seen Royce this pissed.”

“Good luck with that. Stay outta the line of fire.” Tomas chuckled. “See ya in a few days.”

“Have fun. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

“And that leaves the door wide open.” Tomas disconnected to the sound of his friend’s laughter, just seconds before Holly walked into the room.

“Everything okay?” she asked, quickly shoving a large white shopping bag into her closet.

“Perfect,” he answered, making his way towards his beautiful mate, who he immediately scooped up and kissed until they were both bleary eyed and breathless.

Giggling like a schoolgirl, Holly squirmed out of his arms. “Keep this up and we’ll never get to the Chapel on time.”

He watched as she headed to the bathroom and began messing with her hair. “We wouldn’t want to be late for our own party, now would we?”

“Definitely not. Especially with Asher and my sisters running the show. Talk about never hearing the end of it.” She winked then feigned annoyance and tried to be tough. “Now, get in the other room and get dressed.”

Sneaking up behind his mate, Tomas kissed the column of her delectable neck while whispering seductively directly into her mind. “Why don’t you come help me?”

Once again, Holly giggled, and he was reminded of the sound the tiny bells that Emma, the jeweler from his clan, made. When she answered, he was pleased to find her breathless. “Because if I help you there be a whole lot of undressing and absolutely no dressing. I know you, dragon man.”

Pretending to pout, Tomas looked over Holly’s shoulder and into the mirror. Their eyes locked as he teased, “You know it, angel girl.”

Turning in his arms, Holly put her palms on Tomas’ chest and lightly pushed. “Now, get outta here. I need to get ready.”

Sighing deeply while acting incredibly put out, Tomas hung his head and turned to leave. “Okay, I’ll go.”

Holly laughed aloud. “And stop being a big baby.” She touched her index finger to her temple. “We’re linked, remember? I know what you’re thinking.”

Laughing along, Tomas continued towards the door, calling over his shoulder, “Ain’t it great!”

Her laughter was all he heard as he walked into the hall and shut the door behind him. He was almost to the room Holly’s sisters had given him to use while he was there when he remembered the shopping bag his mate had tried to hide from him. He thought about going back and giving her a hard time about it since she was also blocking it in her mind, but he had no idea what the bag contained and immediately thought better of it. He’d heard stories about other cultures’ mating rituals and knew there were stigmas about the men seeing the woman’s dress before the ceremony. Figuring it fell into that category, he decided it wasn’t something he needed to mess with.

No tempting Fate when I’m about to mate the angel of my dreams.

Opening the closet in his room, he found the garment bag Asher had delivered earlier. The Elder Angel instructed Tomas not to open the bag until right before the ceremony and then to follow the instructions within to the letter. The Guardsman wasn’t sure what he was about to find, but it was time to take the first step towards making Holly officially his forever.

He unzipped the garment bag, carefully pulling the white silk shirt and pants out and laying them on the bed. They reminded him more of the pajamas he’d seen Rock Hudson wear in the old movies with Doris Day, but decided to go with the flow. Every culture had their traditions and who was he to question the angels’? If this was what it took to mate the woman of his dreams then he was damn sure gonna do it. 

Tomas broke the wax seal on the back of the linen envelope embossed with his name. The words were written in gold lettering and seemed to hover above the page.

Today you wed your mate. The woman the Father Himself designed just for you. You must look inside your heart and answer the questions listed below. Once completed, begin dressing in your matrimonial attire. If you have answered the questions to the Heavenly Hosts’ satisfaction, you will find yourself transported to the Chapel. If you have not, you will find yourself back on Earth without your mate.

Godspeed, Tomas Youngblood. We look forward to welcoming you into our family.

Commander Asher Kalani

Standing stock still, Tomas let his eyes slowing scan down the page. One deep breath later, he read:

Would you give your life for your mate or her cause without thought or provocation?

The answer was simple and one he didn’t even have to think about.

Absolutely! Holly is my everything.

Will you protect Angel kin with your head, your heart, your blade, and your blood?”

A total no-brainer.

Without thought. Holly’s people are my people. I will defend them to the end.

Tomas laid the letter on the bed and quickly dressed. He said a silent prayer to anyone who was listening as he buttoned the last button.

Chapel, please. I can’t live without her.

The button slid through its loop and the world around Tomas became a swirl of light and color. He felt weightless, which at first was very disconcerting, but only lasted a few seconds. A bright flash of light momentarily blinded him. He was airborne then almost instantaneously his bare feet touched cool ceramic tile. His vision cleared. He almost jumped for joy when he saw Holly’s sisters and Asher standing at the head of what he just knew was their Chapel.

Each sister was beaming with excitement while the Elder Angel looked like a proud father. Eve was standing to Asher’s right, smiling from ear to ear. She’d grown even taller since Tomas had last seen her, her features continuing to transform into those of a beautiful little girl. The Guardsman immediately looked for Holly but found her missing. Always one step ahead, the Elder Angel answered Tomas’ unasked question. “She is just beyond that door.”

Tomas followed where the angel pointed with a sigh of relief. He knew he would wither and die if Holly had changed her mind.

A feminine chuckle floated through his mind followed by, “You’re not getting off that easy, dragon.”

His only answer was a satisfied chuckle as the door he still stared at opened and out came the most beautiful woman in all the Universe…his Holly. Most of her hair was piled atop her head, held with a strand of golden ribbon. Red ringlets framed her face and neck, highlighting her long dark lashes, the slight blush of her checks, and the deep red of her lips.

Her dress was simple in design but an absolutely flawless fit. The white strapless bodice left her lightly freckled shoulders and décolletage bare. Its snug fit accentuated her breasts and many curves, making rational thought difficult.

Holly’s golden belt was wrapped around her waist, making the skirt of her dress flare at her well-rounded hips before flowing effortlessly to the floor. Her toenails were painted a deep red that matched her lips and wiggled when he looked at them.

Walking towards Asher, but never breaking eye contact with Tomas, Holly looked like a queen, his queen…forever. The Elder Angel’s deep, rich voice filled the Chapel, “Tomas Alistair Youngblood, please come forward and join your mate at the Lord’s Table.”

Using his enhanced speed, Tomas was at the table holding his mate’s hand in a split second. Holly’s sisters chuckled and his angel’s shoulders bounced as she tried to hide her laughter. Asher’s voice once again rang out, filling the air with a sense of reverence.

“The Heavenly Hosts are older than time and have always occupied the seat at the right hand of God. We are tasked with protecting the innocent and preserving the Light. Those of us who have given our lives to the service of our Lord are rewarded with the greatest of all gifts, a mate. The one person in all the Universe created by our Heavenly Father especially for that specific angel. The angel’s one perfect match that will be by her side for all time.

“Today we honor what God began so very many years ago with the union of Holly Joy Winters to Tomas Alistair Youngblood. What has never happened in my very long lifetime is happening now. We are welcoming another into our flock. This dragon shifter is of royal blood, but instead of a throne, he carries a sword. Instead of proclaiming laws, he upholds them and protects the innocent. He is a true soldier of Truth and Light. A perfect match for our sister, Holly. A warrior with a pure heart and soul. It is my honor to give my blessing to this union.

“Holly Joy Winters, do you accept this man, this dragon, this warrior of the Light, as your own? Do you take him into your heart and soul, promising to protect all that he is and his way of life for all time?”

“With all my heart.” Holly eyes glistened with unshed tears, the conviction of her belief in their union ringing loud and clear as she answered Asher’s question.

“And Tomas Alistair Youngblood, do you accept this woman, this Christmas Angel, this warrior of the Light, as your own? Do you take her into your heart and soul, promising to protect all that she is and her way of life for all time?”

“Absolutely. Forever and always.”

“Then by the Grace of God and the all the Blessings that come with it, I declare you joined…one heart, one soul, one life for all time. You may seal your bond with a kiss.”

The words had barely left Asher’s mouth before Tomas’ lips were on Holly’s. He heard footsteps as the angels left the Chapel, but his entire world revolved around the woman in his arms. She was all he ever wanted, all he ever needed, and he would spend eternity making her happy.

“Eternity?”

“Yes, my wonderful mate, we now have eternity together. We share everything. We are now as much angel as dragon and with that comes our own special brand of immortality,” Holly answered. “We will have many, many years here and on Earth, and when it is our time, we shall join our ancestors in the Afterlife.”

“This just keeps getting better and better.” Tomas deepened their kiss before asking, “Where would you like to spend your honeymoon?”

He felt her smile against his lips as the world began to swirl around them. “I was thinking there’s four days left of the blizzard and a completely deserted grotto that’s ours for the asking.”

“I like the way you think, a thaise.”

Chapter Eight

Holly had forgotten to tell Tomas about the mating brand. The moment their feet touched the stone of the cave, he yelped in pain and held his right wrist against his chest. “What the…?”

“Sorry, somehow the whole branding thing slipped my mind. Let me see.”

She carefully took his hand into hers and kissed the inside of his wrist where the mark of a shield with wings had been branded into his skin. Holly knew the same mark was now appearing on the inside of her right wrist. It was their sign from God, their blessing, and would remain for all of their days.

The longer her lips remained on Tomas’ body, the warmer his skin became in her hands. Looking up, she saw passion and love in the depths of his deep brown eyes and the sly smile that turned up the corner of his very kissable lips. In one swift move, he had her in his arms, kissing her as if their very lives depended upon it.

Lost to their passion, Holly was pleasantly surprised when her back touched down on the same sleeping bag she’d earlier shared with her mate. The weight of her mate pressing upon her intensified the electric current that was always present when they touched. Their passion reached a fevered pitch and as if a switch had flipped, their kiss ended and Tomas was poised above her, his hands on either side of her head, but the lower half of his body still lying atop hers.

Silently, he stared as if memorizing every detail. Holly opened her mouth to speak but quickly closed it as he slowly shook his head from side to side. “You are absolutely amazing, mo maite’. There is not a more perfect woman in all the Universe and you are mine…now and forever.”

Ever so slowly, he leaned forward and placed a kiss on first one temple and then the other, above one eyebrow and then the other. He continued to show tender adoration with his lips, touching as many places as he could, until he had worked his way to her throat. After long moments of tender kisses that set her skin ablaze, Tomas finally continued to the very top of her matrimonial gown.

He showed immense attention to every freckle, every inch, it felt like every cell, until Holly was a mass of want and need. His hands slowly worked the zipper of her dress downward, stopping only to remove her belt and throw it over his shoulder. Her gown soon followed, leaving her in nothing but white lace panties and a tiny excuse of a strapless bra.

She watched as Tomas’ eyes took in every detail from her waist to the top of her head, leaving a burning trail of desire only he could extinguish. Her nipples hardened against the lace of her bra to just shy the point of pain, and her excitement wet the silk of her panties.

“You are the most amazing creature ever created, Holly Youngblood, and I will love you for all time,” Tomas whispered right before his mouth met hers. They kissed and tasted until Holly knew it was his touch she’d craved for all her many years.

Tomas was everywhere…in her heart, in her soul, in her thoughts, in the very depths of her being. The sensual overload was indescribable. Holly was absolutely insane with need. His hips raised from hers as his fingers slid under the lace on her hip and a slight tug later, she was bare from the waist down. One second later and her dragon had removed her bra, leaving her utterly at his mercy.

Holly lifted her hips in an effort to get his wandering hands where she most needed release, but Tomas rolled to the side, leaving her lying completely exposed before placing one hand flat on the skin above the curls that covered her mound, holding her absolutely still.  

Goose bumps rose all over her body. Holly screamed her frustration and ever-growing arousal at the ceiling, using only his name, “Tomas...oh my Heavens…Tomas…”

“Yes, mo aingeal. I’m here.” She loved that he called her his angel in the language of his kin.

He slid down her side, the evidence of his excitement leaving a trail of heat even through the clothing he still wore. Holly tried to sit up. She wanted him naked. She wanted to see all of her mate, but Tomas would have none of it. With a simple look, he stopped her actions, and using his enhanced speed, was bared for her eyes only almost immediately.

“Always and only for you, mo ghra’.”  She loved that he could read her thoughts, loved the intimacy they shared.

Tomas knelt between her legs. Their eyes met. Holly was snared, unable to do anything but look into the eyes of the man that was forever hers. He placed his hands under her butt, gently pulling her closer. The head of his erection touched the outer lips of her pussy and her hips lifted in response. Tomas slid between her outer lips and bumped her clit. Rolling her hips, she tried to push him farther inside. They gasped in unison. Tomas’ pupils dilated and finally, his hips began to move.

Their hips met as Tomas seated himself deep within her, only stopping when he reached the very bottom. A feeling of untold bliss rolled over and around them…they were now one in every sense of the word. Savoring the feeling of her womb contracting around her mate, Holly saw that Tomas savored their union just as much as she did. The emotions freely flowing between them heightened the couple’s excitement.

Tomas looked at where their bodies were joined and spoke with incredible reverence, “Look at us, mo aingeal, look where we are joined...always together.”

Holly’s need to move went into overdrive. She needed to feel the release of the orgasm racing through her. Moving with renewed vigor, the angel watched her mate glide in and out of her body. Tomas rolled his hips each time their bodies came together. The change in motion caused him to rub against the super sensitive bundle of nerves at the top of her channel and her clit to make contact with overheated skin on every stroke.

Unable to do anything but feel, Holly let go of everything but the all-encompassing love she felt for Tomas and reached for his hands. His fingers slid between hers just as she screamed her release and it echoed in their special grotto.

Holly returned to earth as Tomas slowly moved in and out of her, their hands still clasped. “Hey there, mo aingeal, how you doin’?”

“Perfect, my love, just perfect.”

Tomas let their hands fall apart, pulled completely out of her, scooped her into his arms, and moved her to the top of their pallet, laying her gently on her side with her head on the rolled up blanket he used as a pillow. He laid facing her, simply smiling and holding her hand. Holly had no idea how long they gazed into one another’s eyes, before he pulled a red velvet pouch tied shut with a golden cord from under their pallet and handed it to her.

“What’s this?” she asked.

“Open it and find out.”

“Tomas...”

“Holly…” He mimicked, winking.

“But I have nothing for you.”

“I have everything I’ll ever want or need, right here…in you. Now, open it or I’ll tickle you until you do.” Tomas grinned and Holly wondered if she would ever grow tired of just looking at her gorgeous dragon.

Carefully opening the pouch, she gasped as she looked inside, looked at Tomas, and shook her head. “It’s…it’s…

“It was my mother’s and now it is yours. So hurry up and get it out of that bag before I bust.”

Holly slowly turned the velvet pouch upside down over her open palm. Her breath caught in her lungs as the largest, most perfect, most beautiful emerald cut Ruby ring landed in her hand. She had never seen anything so stunning in all her life. She looked at Tomas, who took the ring from her palm, turned her left hand over, and slid the ring onto her ring finger

She had no words. For the first time in her very long life, the Christmas Angel was stunned into silence. Tomas leaned forward and kissed her until she was breathless. He then brought her hand to his lips, kissing the tips of each of her fingers and the area just above her ring.

Looking in his eyes, she was finally able to speak, “It is absolutely the most spectacular thing I have ever seen in my life. I will cherish it forever.”

Grinning like a little boy with a secret, her sneaky mate produced another velvet pouch, but this time, he opened it himself. Holly heard the tinkle of tiny bells just a second before a bracelet, perfectly matching the ring he’d just given her, fell into his hand.

Rubies from one end to the other with tiny golden red bells hanging every so often, it was a work of art.

“Tomas, this way too much.”

“This is nothing, my dear Holly. These are merely small tokens of the unimaginable love I feel for you.” He secured the bracelet to her wrist as he spoke. “Just wait until we get to the lair. Emma, our jeweler, has another surprise waiting for you.”

Shaking her head, she looked more closely at the bells hanging from her arm. “What are these made of?” Holly twisted her wrist just to hear the tiny bells ring.

“My father and my discarded dragon shells. He had it made for my mother on their anniversary shortly after my first transformation. Before she went to meet him in the Afterlife, she gave me both pieces and made me promise to give them to my mate.”

Holly was overcome with too many emotions to name. It took several tries, but finally she squeaked out, “I will wear them with honor.”

Tomas’ lips met hers and he spoke into her mind

 “I have a secret to share.”

“Oh, you do?” Holly answered, already breathless from his kiss.

“Every time a bell rings, a dragon kisses his mate.”

She chuckled. “I’d always heard it that an angel was kissing her mate.”

 Holly’s mind filled with Tomas’ deep rich laughter. “I adore you, mo aingeal, forever and always. Eternity is ours.”

“Merry Christmas. I love you, dragon man.”

“And I love you, my Christmas angel, to Heaven and beyond.”

Epilogue

Rian knew he shouldn’t have run off half-cocked. Rory and Royce had damn near driven him mad screaming directly into his brain for the last three days. Finally, unable to stand their endless bitching, he’d cut all communications with them. It was the first time in more years than he could remember that he’d been truly alone.

As if all that wasn’t bad enough, Rian had snuck into his oldest friend’s private lair and stolen the stone they’d recovered along with Drago, the assassin. He’d known he was going to raid Maddox’s cave even before he sent Tomas off with the ancient artifact, but it was the only way he could keep his plans from the others. No one would understand.  How could they?

For years he’d been living with the secret of his mate’s painful existence. Unable to go to her, unable to save her, only able to see her once every full moon and only with the aid of a Devil’s Trap. His beautiful Audrey had been possessed even before he knew of her existence. A terrible curse was put upon her by the same evil wizards the Dragon Guard sought to destroy. She hadn’t given up her freedom willingly; rather it was taken from her as a way to coerce her father, the king of a small seaside village, to give up his lands.

Unfortunately, King August was killed in battle before he knew his daughter had been taken and the man who inherited the kingdom, Audrey’s uncle, was evil to the core. He simply left his niece to rot in hell, the servant of the Chancellor and President of the High Council of Devils.

Not long after Royce had left to train with the Golden Fire Clan, when the O’Reilly brothers were still considered young dragons, Rian had been deep in the forest that bordered the sea one night just after midnight. He’d needed time to think. The Elders had just come to him, requesting he join their ranks and rule the Blue Thunder Clan. The Guardsman was honored but filled with doubt.

Making his way to the water’s edge, he’d seen the full moon’s reflection in the calm seas an instant before glimpsing the most beautiful woman in the world. She walked towards him, obviously enjoying the feel of the sand between her toes and the breeze on her skin. Her long skirts and dark hair blowing behind her. The violet of her eyes glowed in the moonlight, as her sweet dulcet tones reached his ears.

The woman’s song was so hauntingly desperate it pulled at Rian’s soul. He felt her in places he’d never imagined and knew at once she was his mate. Racing towards her, he was shocked when she threw her hands out screaming, “No! Stop! Don’t come near me! Please, please, I don’t want to hurt you. Just stay back!”

Stopping dead in his tracks, Rian scoffed, “How could you hurt me? I am a Dragon Guardsman in my prime and besides, you are my mate.”

She fell to the ground, her head in her hands and wailed, “No, no, no! This can’t be happening. Curse you Adramelech, curse you and all you hold dear. Curse your cold, dead heart. I should’ve known it was all a trick.”

Needing to comfort his mate but trying to abide by her wishes to stay back, Rian moved a step closer. The scent of fresh cut daisies invaded his senses, almost driving him to his knees. No longer able to control himself, the Guardsman took yet another step in the young woman’s direction. She jumped up, stepping several quick paces backward. “Please, I beg you, don’t touch me. I’m cursed, possessed, made to do a demon’s bidding. Tonight is my birthday. The first in more years than I can count that my evil master has let me out. Although still chained to him within my soul, he allowed a few brief moments of peace in a place I hold so very dear. I should’ve known he had a plan, should’ve known it was all a game…” Her words trailed off as she stared at the sea.

Carefully taking another step forward, Rian spoke like he would speak to a scared child. “Let me help you. We have healers and spiritual leaders that can free you. You are a dragon’s mate. My mate. The one made for me by the Universe Herself. Let me help you.” He was begging for the first time he could ever remember, but truly didn’t give a damn. If there as a way to help her, he would do it...anything for his mate. She was his and by all that he held sacred, Rian O’Reilly would have her.

Her once glowing violet eyes were now overflowing with sadness. He saw her tears. Heard the anguish in her voice. “But don’t you see, that’s his plan. I wish I had known before, but now it is clear. I was sent here to trap you.”

And with that she disappeared.

Also by Julia Mills

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The Dragon Guard Series

Her Dragon to Slay, Dragon Guard Series #1

Her Dragon’s Fire, Dragon Guard Series #2

Haunted by Her Dragon, Dragon Guard Series #3

For the Love of Her Dragon, Dragon Guard Series #4

Saved by Her Dragon, Dragon Guard #5

Only for Herr Dragon, Dragon Guard #6

Fighting for Her Dragon, Dragon Guard #7

Her Dragon’s Heart, Dragon Guard #8

Her Dragon’s Soul, Dragon Guard #9

Her Love, Her Dragon: The Saga Begins, A Dragon Guard Prequel

*********

The ‘Not Quite’ Love Story Series

Vidalia: A ‘Not Quite Vampire Love Story

About Julia

Julia Mills is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Dragon Guard Series and most recently the ‘Not Quite’ Love Story Series. She admits to being a sarcastic, southern woman that would rather spend all day laughing than a minute crying. She has two of the most amazing daughters ever created, a menagerie of animals, and a voracious appetite for reading. She decided to write the stories running through her brain and is having an absolute blast!! She read her first book, Dr Seuss’s Cat in The Hat, and has been hooked ever since. 

She believes a good book, along with shoes, makeup, and purses will never let a girl down. She knows for a fact that all heroes in all the books she has ever read or will ever write pale in comparison to her hero…her dad! She's a sucker for a happy ending and loves some hot sweaty sex with a healthy dose of romance.

She's still working on her story but can guarantee you that it'll contain as much love and laughter as she can cram into it!!!!! Dare to Dream! Have the Strength to Try EVERYTHING! Never Look Back!

She LOVES stalkers! So look her up!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JLakeMills?ref=hl

Website: www.juliamillsauthor.com