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TOUCH OF MADNESS

by

M.L. Guida

Chapter One

Theo tossed and turned in his bed, breaking out in a hot sweat. He drifted into the mysterious dream like he had every night ever since he discovered he was a shape-shifting dragon. But the dream offered no answers–only more questions…

Dragons of every color flew through the midnight sky exhaling fire, chasing each other around the two moons that orbited the planet. He thought about shifting and joining them, but many times, he’d shifted and chased the dragons, but he could never catch them. Any time he tried to speak to anyone in his dream he’d awake disappointed.

Magnificent mountains rose high around the lush valley where there was a three-turret castle veiled in an aqua mist.

Theo walked along a familiar path toward the castle, inhaling the fragrant smell of exotic flowers and pine. Pine trees of every kind and some he’d never seen before decorated the valley and mountains. Despite the fire breathing dragons, the air was cool and crisp. He’d been here many times and knew if he reached the castle, he would receive answers. But every time he reached the portcullis, he woke up frustrated, tangled in his sheets.

“Come, Theo,” a female voice urged. “I have need to talk with you.”

The mist slowly dissipated from the fortress, revealing not four turrets, but five. The hidden one was bigger than the others and had a balcony large enough for twenty people. He didn’t know how he could have missed it. His heartbeat quickened, and he broke out into a hot sweat as he hurried toward the castle, terrified he’d wake before he entered.

“You’ll not awaken this time,” the voice said. “I promise.”

Not sure he believed her, he broke out in a dead run. He was about to rush inside when a guard blocked his way. He wasn’t any ordinary guard. He wore two leather baldrics across his chest. Not only did he have a sword, but he had a gun that looked like a laser right out of a sci-fi movie. He had a tattoo the shape of a Native American headdress on his right shoulder like Theo’s, which Theo hadn’t had until he transformed into a dragon for the first time.

The guard put up his hand. “Halt.”

Theo skidded to a stop. “Who are you?”

“I am Damon. The Queen has asked me to escort you to her. Follow me.”

Damon didn’t wait for Theo to answer. He led him down a hallway that opened into a Great Hall, where instead of a wooden or stone ceiling, it looked like something from outer space. Stars, planets, and galaxies that seemed to move around. “What is this place?”

“I’m not authorized to answer your questions. Queen Cosima will answer some of your questions.”

“Some?” Theo grumbled. He didn’t like the sound of that, especially since Damon knew more than what he was telling.

Damon led Theo to a slender blond woman sitting on a simple throne. He stood on the other side of her, her only guard, but Theo had known enough witches to know that this woman probably didn’t need a guard. She had on a wispy aqua gown the same color of the mist outside. Around her slender neck, she wore a silver medallion with a sparkling diamond in the center.

“Greetings, Theo,” she said.

Theo recognized the voice he heard calling to him earlier. “Are you the queen?”

“I am. Queen Cosima of the Dragons.” She smiled. Theo was surprised, because she looked like she was in her twenties.

“Are you a shifter?”

“No, only the males of my race are shifters, but the women possess other powers.”

She didn’t tell him what powers, and Theo didn’t ask. He was still trying to digest this place that was more magical than Magic, New Mexico.

“Is this real?” he asked.

“What do you think?”

“My mind says no, but my heart–”

“Says yes,” she finished for him. “To answer your question, this is real.”

“Damon wouldn’t tell me, but what is the name of this place?”

“That, unfortunately, I can’t tell you. Your mother escaped to Earth and asked that you never know the name of this planet in order to keep you safe.”

“Safe from whom?”

“Sadly, another question I cannot answer.”

“Why the hell not?” His voice turned into more of a growl then he had intended.

Damon unleashed his sword. “You will not talk crossly to the queen.”

Theo lowered his head. “My apologies, Your Highness, but why have you brought me here?”

“To answer the questions that you need to know. Your mark for instance.”

Theo waited patiently, even though he wanted to shake every answer out of her stubborn head.

“The mark you–” She tilted her head. “Damon also bears the mark of the Bravian dragon, which are the orange and yellow dragons. You are the braves that protect and defend your homes and your soulmates.”

Theo frowned. “I have a soulmate?”

“Yes, all dragons do. You mate for life and can be with no other. Your position is to guard Magic, which we feel is a special place, because it is a haven for not only magical folk, but aliens as well.”

“So, my father was a Bravian dragon?”

“Yes, he was, but he was killed, which is why your mother fled to Earth and left you in Magic. That is all I can tell you. My purpose is not to tell you about your past, but your future.”

“Okay, I’ll bite. What’s my future?”

“Your mate is in danger, and without her, you’ll never be able to control your powers and will become a menace to those you love.”

“That’s not very comforting.”

“You must make her fall in love with you.”

“I thought we were mates.”

“You are, but soulmates do not necessarily mean true love. Only true love can make her whole.”

He frowned. “I don’t understand.”

She flicked her hand. “Look and learn.”

A swirling tunnel formed, showing a dark-haired woman dressed as a pirate churning around in a circle as if trapped in a portal.

He turned to Queen Cosima. “I still don’t–”

Before he could finish his statement, he woke in his own room tangled in a sweaty mess with his sheets.

“Queen Cosima!” he yelled.

But his only answer was the chattering crickets outside.

He smashed his fist into his pillow. “Damn it!”

He fell onto his bed and closed his eyes, but sleep escaped him. He threw off the covers and went to his refrigerator for an icy cold beer, then sat on his front porch.  He took a long swig, wondering if the dream had been real or if he was just losing his mind.

From his front porch, he could see the twinkling lights of Magic. Queen Cosima was right about one thing–he was protective of this town, and more than once he’d risked his life to safeguard it.

He thought about the woman in the tunnel. He hadn’t really gotten a good look at her except for her pirate costume and dark curly hair. Maybe that was an illusion, too. Besides spinning around in a tunnel, she looked fine to him, but Queen Cosima said she wasn’t whole, and if he didn’t find her, he’d become a danger to Magic. He didn’t even know where to look.

If this was really true, the queen could have given him a hint where to look besides a costume shop.

Chapter Two

“I’m a spiteful witch.”

Hera’s cold voice pricked Theo’s nerves. Unlike her sister, Pandora, she had a mean streak that would curdle milk. A silver aura shimmered around her, preventing her from performing any incantations. She glared at him with dark eyes as she watched him take her wand and place it in a metal case that he would lock up in his spell-proof safe in his jail.

“You’re also a vindictive witch.”

Lucky for him, Topper, a powerful good witch, had cast a spell earlier that bound Hera and allowed him to take her wand. Otherwise, he never would have gotten the damn thing.

She tossed her dark hair back then crossed her arms over ample breasts that were barely concealed in her low-cut, tight-fitting dress. “You don’t know the half of it, Sheriff.”

“Hera, I have warned you about casting spells upon the inhabitants of Magic, New Mexico. I’ve been receiving complaints for the last month. First you turn the twins’ pet lizard into a kitten–”

She flicked her hand. “I was tired of seeing that disgusting reptile peek underneath Joseph’s hat.”

Theo glared. “Joseph and Jonah were most unhappy and so were their parents.”

“What is everyone getting in such a huff about? I changed Larry back into his slimy form.” She smiled, but it slowly faded. “Don’t glare at me with those dragon eyes, Theo. You don’t intimidate me.”

Theo pushed back the anger flaring inside him. Ever since he’d discovered he was a dragon shifter, his dark eyes had permanently changed into glowing gold. But what was worse was the reoccurring dream of an aqua planet filled with dragon shape-shifters, and last night, he’d met their supposed dragon queen–Cosima–who claimed he was in danger of going postal unless he found his soulmate…a pirate woman floating in a tunnel. Maybe he was one step away from the postal zone.

“I wasn’t trying to, but you’ll not have the use of your wand until the witches’ council decides whether or not you’re worthy to have it.”

“Worthy?” She smirked.

“You shouldn’t have pissed off Topper, who is the head of it, by making her bald. She wasn’t amused.”

Hera’s laugh sounded like a ghostly child’s. “Is that what this is all about? The old crone is angry that I made all of her blue hair fall out? She’s always changing the color of her hair.” She shrugged her shoulders. “I thought she just might want to have a Ripley sci-fi look.”

“She wasn’t amused.”

“Apparently.”

He turned to leave, because Topper had said her binding spell would only last a half-hour. Hera’s powers couldn’t totally be bound until the witches’ council made a decision. True, Hera hadn’t seriously hurt anyone, but she’d been creating havoc in his little town ever since she’d arrived three months ago.

“I’ve got work to do. Topper says the spell will fade soon.” And to find out who the hell his mother was so he could figure out how to control these damn powers. The lovely queen had refused to supply the information, except to say his father was dead and his mother had abandoned him in Magic. He couldn’t find one shred of evidence of her, even with his law enforcement credentials. It was as if he were the original, left-on-the-doorstep baby dragon.

As if reading his mind, she said, “Still don’t know how you change into a dragon, tough guy?”

Every muscle tensed. “No.” He had no intention on traveling down this very personal road with her. She was about as compassionate as a prickly porcupine.

He mistakenly glanced over his shoulder.

She flashed him a criminal’s smile. “Too bad your parents are dead.”

He refused to answer her. Too many had fallen into her trap of feigned empathy only to have their worst secret exposed. But his body gave him away. His nostrils flared, a sure sign that she’d tapped into his anger. His beloved mother and the man he had thought was his father until very recently had died in an airplane crash six months ago, and even the mention of them stirred a hurt big enough to swallow of all of Magic.

“Still having those dreams?”

He sucked in his breath. How would Hera know about those dreams? He wanted to ask, but every instinct told him not to go down that path. There was no way she could know of the Bravian dragons, the queen, the planet–not unless she’d come from them–and as far as he knew, both Pandora and Hera had been born here.

“I might be able to help you with your little problemif you free me.”

Her voice cracked, sending an ominous warning up his spine. A silent alarm rang in Theo’s head. Hera was spinning a trap around him, and like Topper and the twins, he’d end up on the losing end.

Enough.

Smoke puffed out of his flaring nostrils. He struggled not to transform into a dragon, taking deep breaths that were supposed to calm his anger. “You’re a liar.”

His voice turned into a low growl. He was dangerously close to manifesting and had to get the hell out of here.

Stay calm.

“Am I? I know more than you think–dragon boy.”

“Boy?” At least his voice had lost some of its edge. He hadn’t been called that since he was thirteen. Even at that age, he’d been taller and more muscular than his peers.

She laughed. “You’ll find I know a lot of things. Not just about your birth parents, but also your soulmate.”

This was all pushed out in an endless, breathless stream. Her eyes locked with his, but then she flicked her hair and touched her red lips.

“You’re about as truthful as the snake in the Garden of Eden.”

“Theo,” she purred. “You do know why I was named after the Greek goddess Hera, don’t you?”

He really didn’t care, but he bit. “Why?”

“Like Hera, I am the protector over marriage and birth. I can look into a person’s eyes and see their soulmate and know when they’re coming.”

“Hera, I have no time for this.” Love was the last thing he wanted, but between her and the queen, his choice didn’t count.

“I can see yours. Do you want to know where she is? I can either help her or hurt her. The choice is yours.”

Spinning through time.

“I don’t care. I’ve got a jail to run.”

“You made your choice. Remember when you meet her that you didn’t care.”

He ignored the chills that skipped down his back, stroking his anger.

After taking some deep breaths, he said, “Good-bye, Hera. You’ll find out from the witches’ council a week from Saturday what their decision is.”

“And by then, you’ll regret your decision.”

He slammed her door as he headed for his police car. If it were up to him, he would have sent Hera packing, but Magic was a safe haven for all magical creatures–even Hera.

His job was to uphold the law–not rewrite it.

Besides, he had enough to do, keeping his emotions in check. Being a dragon shifter had turned his law and orderly world into a gigantic mess.  Whenever anyone he cared about was hurt or in danger, like when Joseph and Jonah had run into his office cradling a mewing Larry, he’d shape-shifted into a pissed off dragon.

They hadn’t been in any serious danger, but that hadn’t mattered. The tears glistening in their big brown eyes had struck rage in his heart, and before he’d known it, he’d transformed into a fire-breathing dragon. He’d nearly destroyed the main office in his jail. His wings had knocked out the lights, and his swishing tail had knocked over two thin client screens, shattering them on the tile floor. He’d accidentally exhaled and fire whizzed over the boys’ head, setting the bulletin board on fire.

All because of Hera’s mean-spirited tricks. And now, she was threatening his soulmate. Was this what the queen was warning him about? Hera was a powerful witch, but he doubted she was as powerful as the dragon queen. Or at least he hoped so.

The last thing he needed was a cursed soulmate who couldn’t stop him from destroying Magic.

Chapter Three

Shrieking came from inside the thick jungle. Gwendolyn Black stopped squeezing out the excess water in her shirt. She and her older brother, Leif, were soaked from swimming in the ocean. At another cry, she covered her ears. She’d never heard anything like it. It was as if millions of swords were being dragged along a stone wall.

But she couldn’t give up now. Isabella, an undine, had traded her life to save Gwen and gone with Leif’s loathsome Captain Palmer. Gwen couldn’t believe that Isabella had allowed herself to be shackled and led away in order to save a woman she’d never met. She was a powerful siren and could have easily escaped. The only answer was that she was in love with Gwen’s brother, which warmed Gwen’s heart. Since their parents had died, even though Leif was young, he’d done whatever he could to protect herself and her twin sister, Gracelyn, who was the exact opposite of Gwen. Grace liked to embroider and embraced society’s expectations.

Gwen didn’t. She was the outcast.

The ground rumbled as if there was an earthquake, breaking Gwen’s thoughts. Coconuts fell from the palms and danced on the ground. Trees splintered in two, and leaves rustled and fluttered into the air. Birds cawed overhead as if trying to escape a predator. The tops of trees swayed back and forth as if something headed toward them. Leif stumbled into her, making her lose her balance and fall onto her hands and knees.

Her shaky heart threatened to jump out of her bone-dry throat. She immediately regretted demanding that the captain ensure she go on this rescue mission. She was entirely overconfident. On the dock, she’d been able to hold off drunken men with her sword, but it looked like this was beyond her skill. Not able to stop trembling, she edged closer to Leif, needing to feel his strength.

She didn’t think she could take any more surprises–not after finding out that her older brother was a fire-breathing dragon.

But he wasn’t just a dragon shifter-he was a vampire.

There was only so much more her racing heart could take.

She glanced up at him. “What is that?” she whispered, afraid whatever was making the trees groan was something out of her worst nightmares.

The crew had told her about the demon Zuto and his gigantic spiders that were as big as a carriage and could rip apart a grown man with their legs and fangs. She detested spiders and immediately killed one if she saw it in her house, or if it had been too big, she’d get Leif. She hoped they were spinning a yarn to frighten her like Leif had done when they were kids. 

“Stay behind me,” he ordered as he stepped in front of her.

Uneasiness swept over her. “Why?”

He clasped her shoulders hard like he did when he wanted her to obey him. “Listen to me, if I tell you to run. You run. Do whatever you can to get to thePhoenix or William.”

“No. I can fight.” Gwen put her arms up high over her head, and in one quick movement, whirled around, breaking his hold. “I’m not the same girl you left behind. I can fight.”

He swore under his breath. “And you’re the same wild, foolish lass I left behind. We’re not on board thePhoenix where you can practice your fencing. The demon Zuto is ruthless. For your own safety, you need to get away from here. I shouldn’t have let the captain talk me into bringing you here.”

She withdrew her sword. “I am not helpless, big brother. We have to save Isabella.”

He glanced over her head, as if he was watching something move behind her. “Not at the point of risking your life.”

She whirled around, following his gaze. Something was moving through the trees–something big–something huge.

He clasped her arm and slowly pulled her toward the ground as he knelt. “They’re here.”

His voice was barely above a whisper, which melted her bravado.

“We need to crouch down low. Stay as low as you can. We have to climb the hill to get to the trees beyond. In there, we’ll have cover. Hopefully, he hasn’t seen us yet.”

“Are you sure?”

“Aye, I’m sure. I need to get you back to the ship.”

“What about Isabella? You can’t abandon her. You love her.”

Leif scowled. “I never said I loved her.”

Gwen couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Her brother had fought vampire pirates and a demon to keep her safe. He’d not even lifted a finger when a woman he was flirting with had a drink spilled on her dress.

“Leif Alan Black, I have known you all of my life, and I’ve never seen you even risk one pence for a lady. And now you’re riskingboth of our lives for her. Donna lie.”

He met her icy stare. “No. I told you before I can’t lose you. You and Gracelyn are all I have left.”

She couldn’t believe his density. She coiled her fist and slammed it into his arm as hard as she could.

“Gwen, what the hell are you doing? You’re about to meet the scare of your life.”

“And you’re about to lose the love of your life.”

The vein in his cheek tremored–a sure sign that she’d hit the mark.

“Donna put words in my mouth, little sister. You’ve not seen me for months so—”

“Nor I you. You’ve kept many secrets, but this one you can’t hide. I see the way you look at her. I see the way your voice softens when you are around her.”

“’Tis her voice.”

She shook her head. “You’re such aneejit.”

A loud snap silenced their sister and brother banter. They both crouched lower into the grass as if trying to blend in like a pride of lions.

The tops of trees flickered, then something came out of the jungle, casting a long dark shadow over them. Her eyes grew saucer wide. She blinked, hoping her imagination had gone mad, but unfortunately, it hadn’t. Her worst nightmare had come true–the tallest, red-eyed man emerged out of the lush jungle. He was unusually handsome with his long black hair, and he shamefully wore only a pearled loincloth that emphasized his sculpted chest and legs. He gave a smirk that would have soured wine.

“Show yourself, Black. I have something of importance to you.”

Leif put his finger up to his mouth to quiet Gwen.

She silently mouthed, “What about Isabella?”

But being the stubborn ass, Leif flicked his hands to crush her protest.

She glared, reached over, and pinched him hard on his arm.

Leif narrowed his eyes, but she turned to watch the demon warily. She suddenly noticed he wasn’t alone.

A shiny black pet spider, bigger than a carriage, sauntered up next to him. Its eight bulbous eyes seemed to stare at her as if she was going to be its midmorning snack. Drool dripped from its fangs onto the pristine white sand.

She pressed herself to the ground, too scared to move.

Zuto slowly lifted his eyebrow. “So, Black, you don’t care what I do to her?”

Leif turned to her. “The demon doesn’t know you’re here. Don’t move.” He clasped her trembling hand. “I won’t let him hurt you.”

She nodded, her words drying up in throat.

But he was wrong.

Zuto walked along the sand. “I know you’re here, Gwendolyn Black. Greetings. I can smell your heavenly scent.”

Gwen shook so hard her teeth chattered. God, he knew her name.

Panic flooded through her body. She glanced over her shoulder, forcing herself not to run back into the sea.

Leif slowly rose. “Stop taunting her, Zuto.”

Zuto smiled. “There you are. What is your answer? Her fate rests in your hands.”

The spider slowly approached, as if, like the demon, it could smell her. Suddenly, she realized she could see both Leif’s and her reflection in its eight glass eyes.

Her bravery vanished. She slowly tried to edge back down the knoll to the sea.

Leif stepped in front of her.

“If you don’t answer me, my pet will attack your sister.”

Reason left Gwen. She jumped to her feet and ran toward the sea. But she wasn’t quick enough.

Sand flew around her.

“Gwen, look out.”

She turned around. The spider bore down on her, its fangs moving back and forth. Behind it, she saw Leif transform into the dragon. He hissed, scorching the spider. It screamed as if in anger.

Sticky strands of web flew out of its mouth, wrapping around her, tangling in her hair and clothes. She ripped them out, tearing her shirt and yanking out her hair.

But then the spider whirled around in a circle. Sand spun into the air and blinded her. The spider snatched her up with its fangs. She didn’t beat on it, afraid it would snap her in half.

“Leif! Help me!” she screamed.

Leif flew into the air, but the spider whirled around in circles, making a sinkhole. Screaming, she reached out her arms to her brother, who flew above them. Sand caved on top of her, blocking out her brother, the blue sky, and the demon.

Once inside, the spider flung her. She thought she’d be buried alive, but the sand changed to black. She fell through a freezing tunnel, her arms and legs flailing around her. She couldn’t see the grotesque spider, but it could be anywhere. She gasped for breath but could only inhale short snippets. Her hair whipped around her face, blinding her.

Suddenly, her cheek froze as if someone threw a snowball at her. The coldness moved from the top of her head to her throat to her arms to her torso all the way down to her feet as if someone was painting her with an icy paint brush.

Someone screamed in her ear, and she nearly jumped out of her skin. She could have sworn it was her own scream, but she had to be imagining it. In this blackness, she couldn’t see anything.

The darkness faded to light blue. Terror hit her as she fell through white foamy clouds. She screamed, but her voice was too hoarse, making a terrified squeak. Rugged mountains and sparse trees loomed beneath her. She spiraled toward the ground, then gritted her teeth, waiting to be smashed into a million pieces.

She hit the ground, knocking the wind out of her. Another dark shadow loomed over her, but rather than a demon, a dark-haired woman with green eyes, wearing skimpy clothes, stood over.

“Welcome to Magic, New Mexico, Gwendolyn.”

Gwen put her trembling arms on the ground to get up, but her arms collapsed. She fell flat on her gut.

The woman knelt next to her. “You’ll talk to the good sheriff and make him return what is mine. Or I swear by the next full moon your other half will die.” She put her slender fingers over Gwen’s eyes. “Now, sleep.”

Gwen opened her eyes, but they wouldn’t budge. Sleepiness crept over her, her mind turning cloudy.  The last thing she remembered thinking was what the mad woman mean about Gwen’s other half? Her heart froze. What if she meant Gracelyn? She fought to wake up, but it was as if a force led her into oblivion.

Chapter Four

Theo was still going over his conversation with Hera, trying to decipher if she was telling the truth about his dreams, when he walked into his jail. His deputy, Martin Kane, was busy typing on the new thin client screen that Theo had to replace. Martin was a skin walker and could transform into any creature he wanted. Today, he’d decided to be a mummy. Theo just hoped he didn’t end up with one of Martin’s fingers in his coffee.

Martin glanced up. “Did you get it?”

Theo held up the metal case. “Yeah, I got it. Definitely not Pandora.”

“Lucky for you, Topper helped you out. Pandora isn’t as powerful as her sister.”

“Yeah, I know.” He spun the lock on the five-foot safe. Once it clicked, he opened it up and placed the wand next to other confiscated objects like a spell book, an athame, and a skinny cauldron. He smiled at the Roman candles he’d taken from the  twins. They had enhanced them so much that a spark flew through the air and landed on the mayor’s house. Being a vampire, Mayor Hampton hadn’t taken kindly to being woken from his death sleep by fire. Joseph and Jonah were lucky their parents had some political pull or they would have gotten themselves locked up in detention.

The phone rang. Martin picked it up.

“Magic Sheriff’s Department.”

Theo sat at his computer and typed up some more search words to find out about dreams–like he had a million times before–knowing he’d get the same dead end results, but maybe something would trigger another link.

“Oh, hey, Pandora. We were just talking about you.”

Theo groaned inwardly. With Pandora, there was always something amiss. He didn’t know how her husband Cé Jackman put up with it, but then again, Cé was from the past and a cursed vampire on the wrong side of the law.

“What?”

Martin’s sharp voice was enough to snap Theo’s spine. His deputy had a flare for the dramatics. Martin scribbled on a piece of paper.

“Was there anything else taken?”

He wrote something else down.

“Where’s Cé?”

“Oh, I see. No, we’ll be over there right away. Don’t touch anything. Don’t panic.” Martin hung up the phone. “Someone broke into Cé’s and Pandora’s furniture shop. She’s pretty hysterical. Do you want me to go?”

The eagerness in his voice spoke volumes about his task. He and Pandora’s husband had never seen eye-to-eye, and he must be in the drudge of despair to want to investigate.

“No, I’ll go. You just keep working. The major wants the report by five.”

Martin sagged back in his chair. “Oh, sure, Theo.”

Theo would probably definitely find a floating body part in his coffee. He had wanted to say yes, but Martin was knee-deep in writing up the budget justification for next year–something that bored Theo to tears. He could have done it, but he’d learned to delegate as sheriff, and unfortunately for Martin, anytime a menial task such as budget justification came up, Martin had to write it up. Theo would look it over before it was sent to the mayor and city council, since he was hoping to get reimbursed for the damages he’d cause in the jail. But the mayor wasn’t known for his generosity.

He got into the squad car and turned on the siren, which immediately brought Jonah and Joseph out of an alley way. They were probably up to some mischief, but they couldn’t resist the sound of a siren. He pulled away, ignoring their excited voices. He couldn’t blame them. Not much crime happened in Magic except when Pandora had released the Mistonian and it went on a killing spree.

He turned off the siren as he pulled alongside Pandora’s shop. Cé had named it after his lovely wife, and it was called Pandora’s Box. The store window was smashed, and glass dirtied the sidewalk and the blush red carpet inside. A rocking chair lay on its side where the thief must have knocked it over.

Pandora was outside the shop, pacing like an expectant father.

When he opened the car door, she ran around. “Theo, what took you so long?”

Her voice reminded him of a scolding nun.

“Hold on, Pandora.” He put his hands up. “I got here as quick as I could. Now, cool your horses and tell me what happened.”

Anger flared in her brown eyes. “I can tell you what happened. All of our money is missing from the cash register. All of it!”

“How much was stolen?”

“Over four thousand dollars.”

“When was it last there?”

Her cheeks flushed, emphasizing the freckles across her nose. “Last night.”

Theo raised his eyebrow. “You left four thousand dollars in the cash register overnight rather than putting it in the safe?”

“I know! I know! Cé is going to kill me. He worked so hard for that money. He made a mahogany dining room set for Topper…and now, the money’s gone. It’s all my fault. You have to find who did it.” Tears trickled down her cheeks. “Cé told me to put it in the safe, but nothing ever happens here. You have to find whoever stole it before he gets back.”

“Where is he?”

She sniffed, then wiped the wetness off her cheeks. “He went to Albuquerque to buy some more wood.”

She looked so vulnerable, and she and Cé had worked for months on the shop. Cé was a master craftsman, and Theo had even ordered a dining room set from him that was beautiful–perfectly edged, hand carved; a masterpiece.

More tears swept down her red cheeks. Anger bloomed inside him. Power surged through him, and no matter how much he tried to control it. It wouldn’t be denied.

“Pandora, stand back.” Smoke flared out of his nostrils.

“Oh, God, Theo, don’t burn down the shop.” But she did as he asked for once.

Faster than saying, “achoo”, Theo’s muscles and bones contorted. Five foot wings and a long tail sprung. His tail flickered and smashed into his car, breaking off the passenger side mirror. He exhaled fire into the air and missed setting a tree on fire.

“Theo!” Pandora put her hands on her hips. “You’re going to burn down my shop!”

When he looked at her, he saw his reflection in the store window–a red and orange dragon with golden eyes. On the tips of each wing, he had razor sharp barbs. He’d discovered that he could scratch glass when he shifted and scratched the crap out of his squad car windows. He edged away from Pandora and his car, then flew into the air to calm down. Air soared over him and eased the anger brimming inside of him at witnessing Pandora’s pain. He circled and exhaled fire, tempering his anger. He landed next to an angry Pandora.

She patted him on his neck. “Are you done? Theo, I’m hurt, but I’ll survive. I just need your help.”

Theo concentrated, thinking of the sky and stars, which for some reason calmed him. He was able to slowly transform back into a sheepish sheriff. Luckily, his clothes didn’t disappear. How? Who the hell knew? Another question he would like answered.

He pulled his hat over his eyes, unable to look at Pandora. “Sorry about that. It’s whenever someone–”

“You care about who is upset, then you transform.” She gently touched his arm. “I know. Thanks for caring.” Concern filled her eyes. “Theo, I know what you’re going through. It was like me with my spells. You have to learn to control this power.”

Before you hurt someone.

He sighed. She hadn’t said it. She didn’t have to. They both knew.

“I will. But let’s find out what happened here.” Thankfully, she didn’t push him, and Theo could do something that he could control–investigation.

He surveyed the shop. A broken window was big enough for a person to step inside the shop, which wasn’t very smart. “I see Cé took my advice and installed some surveillance cameras.”

“And here I thought he was the idiot.”

“Well, let’s go see what you’ve got, but before, I’d like to take a walk around the store.”

“Yes, of course.” She motioned with her arm.

He grabbed some plastic booties to put over his cowboy boots.

“Theo, what are you doing?”

“Pandora,” he said patiently, as he put on some rubber gloves. “if I’m going to catch this thief, I need to make sure there’s no cross contamination. We have laws here–even in Magic.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “Fine. Just hurry.”

“You stay here,” he said. “I don’t want you ruining any evidence.”

He didn’t pay any attention to her. Impatience was her middle name. If he did it her way, he was liable to miss something and lose his case.

He took his trusted brief case, which included a set of tweezers for any minute items, bindle paper, biohazard and paper bags, and different types of markers to tag evidence. But what he really liked was his notebook where he could draw or write notes. Magic was a small town, and the two chief investigators were he and Martin, but that didn’t mean they were small town morons.

Ignoring Pandora’s exaggerated sighs and muttered comments, he took his time tagging, taking pictures, making notes, and picking up bits of evidence. He took samples of the glass both outside and inside the shop. He pulled a long piece of brown hair off the carpet-with his dragon eyesight he could tell it was a different color and thickness than Pandora’s. Surprisingly, he didn’t find any blood, so the thief must not have hurt his or herself.

However, the cash register hadn’t survived. Black tar was smeared on the metal, which was strange since bullet holes didn’t usually leave this much residue. He inhaled sulfur. The draw was ajar, hanging hazardously. He took pictures of every angle and removed tiny fragments that looked like gunpowder.

Strange.

He refused to assume it was a male culprit. Too many investigators assumed it was male and human, which meant females thought they could easily outsmart law enforcement.

Small boot imprints marred the lush carpet and wandered around the store, eventually leading to the cash register. Pandora had on sandals since it was always hot in Magic. Cé continued to wear his leather boots. Old habits die hard.

But there was no way these were his. Cé was a big man.

He dusted for fingerprints and carefully put the slides back in his case.

Pandora peeked through the doorway. Disgust plastered on her face. “Theo, do you want to look at the video or not? I know who the thief is. I just need you to help me find her.”

He gave her a cold stare. “You’re not going to do anything. This is a professional investigation.”

She put her arms up in the air. “Jiminy Crickets!”

“Don’t you curse me, Pandora Jackman.” He had curses up to his eyeballs.

“That’s not a curse or a spell, Theo.”

He never knew with her sometimes. Pandora wasn’t a devious witch like her sister, but sometimes her spells went awry. After double checking the room one more time to make sure he hadn’t missed anything and examining his case, he was satisfied. He removed his gloves. “Show me the tape.”

“So, I come in now, Sherlock?”

Her sarcasm only made him smile sweetly.

“Yes, Ms. Impatient.”

Pandora rolled her eyes but took him to the back where Cé had installed all the electronic equipment. They both took a seat in front of the monitor, and Pandora pushed the play button. On the thin client, the camera revealed it was night and the time was two-forty.

“Don’t you have an alarm system with this?”

Pandora licked her lips and avoided his eyes. “Yes, Theo, I forgot to arm it last night.”

He didn’t want to be Pandora when Cé returned. He’d never hurt his flighty little wife, but that didn’t mean they wouldn’t have one hell of an argument.

“See–there she is.”

Theo’s breath caught in his chest, his lungs seized, suddenly immobilized, and a crackling chill went down his spine.

Mine.

It was the pirate woman! He admired her seductive pirate costume, making him hot. He twisted his neck and fiddled with his collar, hoping it wasn’t obvious his whole body was on fire. But that wasn’t what turned him into a panting bull. It was the way she looked brazenly into the camera, as if she didn’t care that she was being videotaped, almost daring him to capture her.

All he could think of was what the queen had said and Hera’s premonition, and had hoped it was just a coincidence. But the woman in the video had the same dark curly hair, the same calf-molding boots and billowing white blouse that made him want to reach through the film and kiss her. No, not just kiss her–claim her. An animal instinct rose up inside him, his heart raced, blood pumped through him faster than he’d ever experienced then his cock immediately grew rock hard. He squirmed in his chair, hoping Pandora hadn’t noticed. He was an officer. The pirate woman was a criminal. This wasn’t supposed to happen. He’d met beautiful criminals before, and not once had he’d been tempted.

Not once.

But then they hadn’t been his supposed soulmate. The queen had said the woman wasn’t whole, but she didn’t look like she was missing a thing from her full breasts to her slender waist to her glorious ass, but she was supposed to have the key to keep him from going postal. Not only did he have this crazy anger to protect, but he was also going to be saddled with an out of control libido.

The woman broke the glass with the butt of a pistol that was shaped like a dog’s head. It looked like a French flintlock that had to have been made during the seventeenth century. In her other hand, she held a sword that glinted in the moonlight, leaving little doubt that it was real. Her trousers were tucked inside long black boots, and by the size of them, they’d would match the imprints he’d taken in the carpet.

She shook her head, parting her long dark hair, but it was those brown eyes that held him. They were full of anger, full of lust, and her full lips turned up into a sneering grin, daring any man to kiss her. She was a captivating pirate, ready to steal her booty.

She sauntered over to the cash register. Smoke and sparks exploded. Metal rattled, blackened, and curled. The woman stuck her long fingers into the register and stuffed cash and coins–even pennies–into her deep pockets. Most women around here had well-manicured nails, but hers were chipped and cracked, as if she was used to hard labor.

God, he wanted her.

Pandora glared. “I can’t believe it. You’re actually rutting for this woman.”

“What? No, I’m not. You’re imagining it. I just was taken off guard by her costume. She probably works in some kind of play.”

She gave him a doubtful look. He turned away from her, fighting to control the raging heat within him.

But on the way back to the station, Martin called him. There’d been five more robberies all over town. Theo went to each store that all video taped his mysterious temptress.

Chapter Five

After a turbulent night of dreaming of his temptress, Theo reached for a cup of coffee. He couldn’t get her out of his thoughts.

The phone rang, and Martin answered. “Theo, we’ve got a robbery in progress at Misty’s.”

“Stay here in case any more calls come in.” Theo slammed his coffee down and glanced at his watch. It was barely seven o’clock in the morning, and he had a feeling it was his mystery woman.

He rushed to his squad car and pulled out of the parking lot, tires screeching. He turned on his flashing lights, but not the siren. Misty’s was only a few blocks away and was the biggest mystical shop in town. Misty was a witch who carried every item a witch, warlock, wizard, or anyone practicing magic would need.

He pulled his car onto the street, where Misty waited for him. Her gray hair was piled on her head, which always reminded him of an ice cream cone. Her spectacles were down on the tip of her nose, but it was the flash of something in her huge blue eyes that caught his attention. It happened when he looked through the driver’s window. It was a ghost of an expression that normally he wouldn’t have caught. Terror. Misty was a strong witch, and not much spooked her. When he saw the look reflected in her eyes, his heart froze.

Misty banged on the window. “Theo, Theo, she’s in there. I have never been so scared.”

He opened the door before she broke it. “Easy, Misty. Why didn’t you use a spell?”

“I don’t…know…” She wrung her hands. “It was the glint in her eyes. I’d be dead before I spoke the words. She pointed a gun at me, then put a sword underneath my chin.” Her voice cracked as she rubbed her throat.

Tears spilled down her wrinkled cheeks, igniting his anger.

The dragon growled deep in his chest. Taking a deep breath, he struggled not to shift, since a dragon wouldn’t help him catch a thief.

His hand shook as he pulled out his X-VTAC pistol. “Stay here, Misty. And whatever you do, don’t cast any spells, because you’re liable to hit me.”

She nodded. “I won’t. I promise.”

She immediately hid behind Theo’s cruiser, and only the top of her gray hair revealed her hiding place.

He crept toward the store, both hands on his pistol. Just like Misty had said, someone had broken the glass door and left shards of glass inside. He peered inside but didn’t see anyone.

Sounds of shuffling alerted his dragon senses. Whoever had broken in was still here. He inhaled a whiff of salty air that reminded him of the ocean. Very carefully, he opened the shattered door since he was too tall to fit through the opening.

He slowly stepped inside. His boot crunched a shard of glass, and he winced. The shuffling immediately stopped.

The silence was a loud roar in his ears. He glanced around the cold dark store and stared at the dark shadows that grew blacker by the minute. He strained to hear deep breathing but could only detect his own. Statues of dragons, fairies, and animals watched him as he crept deeper into the store, waiting for him to make a mistake, but they weren’t the only ones watching.

Someone else was there.

Watching, waiting.

The temperature fell faster than rain drops.  When Theo exhaled, he could see his own breath, which swirled toward the broken window.

He held his arms out straight, as he edged around the dark store, peering into shadows with his dragon vision.  Even without being a dragon shifter, he had keen vision, including making out dark storeways. “This is the Sheriff. I know you’re here. It would be better if you showed yourself.”

Click-clop, click-clop, click-clop.

It echoed off the walls like a drumroll. He turned around in a circle, waiting to run into his little thief, but she failed to emerge from the shadows. He could feel her eyes on him, as if she were sizing him up, looking for a weakness. A trickle of sweat ran down one temple. The sound of a loud click stole his heartbeat.

He saw her reflection in a full-length mirror across the room-their gazes locked. Uncontrollable desired rushed through him. His heartbeat quickened and he broke out in a hot sweat. But then his mysterious temptress cocked a slender eyebrow and pressed a pistol into his temple. He had no doubt that she was capable of killing him and the knowledge of it sparked his anger. He could easily overpower her–or at least that was what he told himself–but the glint in her eyes made him decide to err on the side of caution. 

As if knowing what he was thinking, she asked, “Do you like what you see, Sheriff?” She drew her red lips up into a smirk.

He realized that she held a bottle of dark rum in her other hand. She took a long draught, drops of the brown liquid smearing on her lips. He wondered what it would taste like to lick it off those tempting lips. “Criminals–even beautiful ones–do not excite me.”

A lie, but she didn’t know it.

She narrowed her glossy eyes. “As if I care. You’re in my way.”

Every lush inch of her from her thick dark hair down to her dusty black boots set his dragon on fire. Her skin was smooth and flawless, and especially those lips. When not turned up into a sneer, they tempted a man who hadn’t been with a woman for a while into less than honorable thoughts.

“I suggest you lower your weapon,” he said, trying to hide the lust in his voice.

“Why do you want to kiss me?” She slowly licked the liquid off her lips.

He couldn’t stop staring at her delectable tongue. Images of her licking his flesh flashed in his mind, and his cock grew hard, making him shift uncomfortably.

Laughing as if she knew she’d won a battle with him, she lowered the bottle of rum onto the floor, and he thought she would follow with the pistol, but he was wrong. In one quick movement, she quickly snatched his gun out of his hands, as if he were a novice, wet behind the ears.

“I think not.” She shoved the gun into her belt and picked up the bottle off the floor. “If you’ll excuse me, Sheriff.” She gestured to her gunnysack. “I have to count my booty and have a date with another bottle of rum.”

He lurched for her, and in an amazing move, she kneed him hard in the groin. Pain slammed between his legs, and gritting his teeth, he doubled over in misery. She raced out of the shop with the bag over her shoulder like an evil Santa Claus.

Chapter Six

Gwen brushed the sand off her clothes then shielded her eyes from the blazing sun. She’d no idea where she was, and according to her brother, the blasted time spider could have sent her anywhere. She shuddered, thinking of its cold glassy eyes. Luckily, she’d not seen any signs of the creature.

But where the devil was she?

She’d been dropped in a land where people drove metal carriages without horses. How could this be? What made the carriages move? They were all different sizes–round, oval, square, and rectangular, and different colors–yellow, red, blue, silver–too many to count.

A loud grumble and squeal made Gwen stop in her tracks and rest her hand on the butt of her pistol. She looked around to see who had drawn their guns, but then a yellow and black striped carriage peeled away, smoke puffing out of the back of a metal pipe like an angry wasp. It buzzed past all the other carriages, as if something was chasing it.

Holding her breath, she whirled around to make sure the time spider wasn’t behind her. She exhaled a sigh of relief. It wasn’t there.

But she still needed answers.

She didn’t know if she was dreaming or not, but a smirky red-headed woman had appeared to her. She actually knew her name, then vanished, abandoning her in the desert. Gwen scanned the crowded street, looking for the woman to ask her the ninety-one questions rushing through her head. But she wasn’t there.

Maybe she’d never existed, and Gwen had a touch of madness. 

However, she saw plenty of women dressed more provocatively than the local prostitutes. They wore only undergarments and very short trousers that didn’t just reveal their ankles but also their calves and thighs. Some of them wore long, flimsy skirts, but their scanty tops revealed their arms and the hollow between their breasts. Even for Gwen ’twas shocking. Her twin sister, Gracelyn, would have had some scolding words for these women who looked at Gwen as if she were the one in strange clothes.

Thinking of Gracelyn opened a hole in Gwen’s heavy heart. They were identical twins but acted the opposite. Yet, they were close and rarely apart. She missed her desperately.

Pain throbbed between Gwen’s temples, and she stopped to catch her breath under a bushy tree that offered shade from the wretched heat. Ever since she’d arrived here, a strangeness had settled on her like she wasn’t quite whole, as if something was missing. On top of that odd feeling, her throat was as parched as the dry river beds that meandered through the town. She had no coins and had no way to buy anything. All of it was back on the ship, and as far as she could tell, she wasn’t near an ocean.

She didn’t even know if there were any pirate ships in this time period.

She stumbled onto a park where children played on metal equipment and other young adults bounced a ball, then threw it into a bottomless wire basket. Couples and families sat on the ground or at tables with benches, having a picnic. She inhaled the smell of barbecuing meat, and her empty stomach begged for food.

Weariness crept into her like a cold. All she wanted to do was lie down and sleep and wake up on the ship. She threaded her fingers through her tangled hair but only managed to get sticky strands of the damn spider’s web all over herself. She yanked hard and winced. A bunch of her hair was caught in her sticky fingers. Tears of frustration welled in her eyes.

Two dark-haired young boys were watching her. They looked like they were eleven. One had on a curved white hat and the other a tall black one. They weren’t giving her the strange looks like the other townsfolk. Instead, excitement shimmered in their eyes.

Suddenly, they both raced over to her, mischief shining in their eyes. A green lizard peered from underneath the black hat. Trouble was heading her way.

“Hi,” the boy with the lizard underneath his hat said. “I’m Joseph, and this is my brother, Jonah. You look lost.”

His friendly voice eased some of the tension inside her. “I am. Where is this place?”

“Magic, New Mexico,” Jonah said. “We have a bet going. I bet Joseph a week of having to do my chores that you’re a friend of Cé’s.”

“I’m sorry, Jonah. I don’t know anyone named Cé.”

His face fell as if she’d just stolen his favorite toy soldier. She wished she could have given him the answer he was looking for.

Joseph shoved Jonah. “See, I told you. Girls can’t be pirates. She’s just wearing a costume.”

Sweet Mother of God, even in this century, boys thought women belonged in the kitchen, cooking and cleaning.

“Joseph, is it?” She withdrew her sword, which sparkled in the sunlight. “This happens to be a real sword. And I happen to be a real pirate.”

Both their eyes widened, but not with fear–with excitement. Joseph’s lizard climbed down his arm to look at her sword. It was as if the lizard had a human-like intelligence, then it scampered back underneath his hat.

Joseph stroked him. “Don’t be frightened. Larry’s my pet, and he’s never hurt anyone.”

“Do you always put him underneath there?”

“Yeah, of course. This way, he’s always with me.”

Jonah eyed her weapon with pure lust. “Can I hold your sword?”

Before she could answer, a deep voice answered, “No.”

She turned around to see a rugged-looking man wearing a strange hat, strange boots, and a familiar, annoying male scowl.  His dark hair curled at the back of his neck, and he had a shadow of a beard.

“Ah, Theo,” Jonah said. “I just want to hold it.”

“Yeah? What’s the big deal?” Joseph echoed.

“This is law enforcement business.”

“Theo, she claims she’s a pirate,” Joseph said. “I don’t know if that’s true, because she didn’t know Cé.” He stuck his thumb out at Gwen. “Besides, she’s a girl. What kind of trouble could she get into?”

“Plenty,” Theo murmured. “From the look of your clothes and hair, it looks like you finished off that bottle of rum.”

She gritted her teeth. “Excuse me? I havenot been drinking.”

“Why don’t I believe you?” Theo stepped in between the boys and her, his large muscular form forcing her to move aside. It was as if he were trying to put distance between her and them. Like he thought she was dangerous.

She pressed her other hand down her wrinkled clothes, then ran her fingers through her tangled hair. “You don’t have to look at me like that.” She scowled. “I wasn’t going to hurt them. They just wanted to look at the sword.”

In a flash, he snatched the sword out of her hand, nearly twisting her wrist.

“I’ll take that.”

“What are you doing?”

“You need to come with me, madam, for assaulting a police officer and armed robbery.”

He tilted his hat up off his forehead, and her heart seized. He stared at her with eerie gold eyes–just like Leif’s. They burned brighter than the sun. No, it had to be a coincidence. He couldn’t be a dragon shifter. She couldn’t take another surprise.

Despite his being twice as tall as she and twice as muscular, she widened her stance and gave him her best pirate growl. “You’re mad. I haven’t assaulted anyone.”

“I didn’t imagine it,” he quipped.

“I’m not going anywhere with you. I don’t even know your name. Only that you’re rude and overpowering and accusing me of being a sot.”

“What’s a sot?” Jonah asked.

“A drunk,” Theo said. “I’m the sheriff of Magic, New Mexico. And you are wanted for breaking and entering and second- degree robbery.”

“What? I haven’t done anything.”

He clasped her arm. “If you’ll come with me, miss–”

“No.” She jerked her arm free. “I didn’t do anything. I don’t go around breaking into–” She frowned. “By the way, who’s house did I break into?”

“It wasn’t a house. It was a business–Pandora’s Box.”

“Pandora got robbed?” Jonah whistled and shook his head. “Cé is going to be so mad. I wouldn’t want to be you.”

The fear in his squeaky voice sent an echo of fear down Gwen’s spine. Another overbearing male ready to control like every other man she’d met. Normally, she’d be ready for battle, but something was off inside her. ’Twas as if something was missing.

“Jonah, I haven’t done anything wrong.” She gave the man a fierce glare that would have sent her older brother preparing for battle. “Theo, right?”

The man nodded.

“I don’t know where I am. I’m tired. I’ve got sticky crap in my hair and–”

“You can argue all you want, Miss…?”

She glared. “Gwen Black. Gwendolyn Black, but you can address me as Miss Black.”

“You’re coming with me either willingly or unwillingly.” He reached behind him and pulled out a pair of silver manacles. “Choice is yours.”

She slowly moved her hand to her pistol, which was tucked behind her belt. “You’re not putting those on me, are you?”

He grabbed her hand, swung her around, then slapped both manacles on her wrist.

“You’re under arrest. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say and can will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to speak to an attorney, and to have an attorney present during questioning. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you.”

“Eeww.” She didn’t even have time to cry out. She pulled on her wrists and arms, then twisted her waist.

“Just in case you’re wondering, these cuffs are magical, and no spells can break them.”

“Gosh, Theo,” Jonah said. “She didn’t do anything.”

Theo ushered her away from the boys. “Yes, she did. Now, you two go home.”

She dug her heels into the ground, but he easily lifted her by the arms and forced her to move.

“Unhand me.” Gwen tried to step on his feet, but she doubted it fazed him.

“Let’s go see Pandora,” Joseph said.

“Leave her alone,” Theo said behind her. “She’s upset enough and doesn’t need you two badgering her.”

His breath warmed the back of Gwen’s neck, and she inhaled the scent of a woody camp fire. It reminded her of the camp fires that she used to have with her family back in Scotland and only aggravated her loneliness of missing Grace and Leif. They’d all been born in Scotland but had been driven out by the war. Their family had supported the Jacobites, which had ended badly for them.

The boys shooting the ball at the wire basket stopped playing. Children huddled by their mothers as if they were afraid Gwen would turn into a monster. Hushed whispers echoed around her. Definitely not the warmest place in the word.

Theo didn’t offer an explanation to the startled visitors in the park. No doubt they were thinking the very worst of her. She actually missed Jonah and Joseph, because they’d actually talked to her and hadn’t treated her like a leper.

But then the demon who’d sent her here wasn’t a saint.

Theo led her to a silver carriage with a big red light on top of it.

She frowned. “How does that silver carriage move?”

He looked at her strangely. “You don’t know what this is, do you?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Shit, here we go again.”

“What do you mean?”

“Never mind.” He opened the door. “Get in. Be careful to watch your head.”

Not having much choice, Gwen settled into the car. Unlike the carriages back home, there was no scent of horse hair or manure. Instead, it smelled of leather. ’Twas warm and clean.

Theo stuck keys into a hole next to a wheel and the carriage growled. He glanced in the rear-view mirror. “Don’t worry. I just started the engine. So, do you know Cé Jackman?”

He pulled out of the parking lot, and it was so smooth that she thought the ride could lure her to sleep. She should be fighting to escape, but ’twas as if she’d used up her strength to fight. She yawned. “No. Jonah and Joseph asked me about him. Who is he?”

“A pirate from the seventeenth century thrown here by a time spider.”

Her jaw went slack. The weariness slapped away. She couldn’t talk, and her heart raced a knot a minute. “So, did I! Where is he? I need to talk to him!”

“Out of town on a business trip. When he arrived, he didn’t commit any crimes–unlike you.”

The contempt in his voice was like a cold slap across her pride. If her hands weren’t bound behind her back, she’d slap his smug face. “I have not committed any crimes. Why do you keep saying this?”

“Because I have proof. I have five videotapes of you in five different stores stealing money, jewels, booze, and clothes.”

She rolled her eyes. “Do I look like I’ve stolen any jewelry or clothes? Or do you think I have them stashed somewhere, so I can walk around like Medusa?” She opened her mouth then shut it. “What’s a videotape?”

“I’ll show you when we get there.”

“That’s right. I forgot. Guilty until you’re proven innocent.”

“No, you’re innocent until proven guilty, but unfortunately for you, I have proof.”

“No, you don’t. I was passed out in the desert and just recently came to. You can ask the woman who found me.”

He glanced in a rearview mirror. “What woman?”

“I don’t know. She didn’t tell me her name.”

“What did she look like?”

“She had dark red hair and a smirk that would irritate the devil.”

He groaned. “Anything else?”

“She said something strange. My mind’s fuzzy, but she said something like to tell the sheriff to return what was hers or by the next full moon my other half will die.”

He swore softly under his breath.

Uneasiness nested in Gwen’s heart. “You know who she is, don’t you?”

“Yeah, I know her. She’s a witch, meaner than a bull with its balls tied in a knot.”

The image popped into her head. Maybe she was over tired, but she burst out laughing.

Theo actually grinned. “What’s so funny?”

“Why would anyone do that to a bull?”

“Bull riders who have tiny feet.”

“Why would tiny feet mean anything?”

This time, Theo chuckled. “That one, my dear, you’ll have to figure out.”

Gwen was too tired to figure out the riddle and laid her head on the back of the seat. She just wanted to rest her eyes for a minute, but she fell fast asleep. The next thing she knew, Theo was gently shaking her shoulder.

“Wake up, Gwen. We’re here.”

She shook her head. “Where?”

“My jail.”

Fear crept into her, and all she could think about was the White Tower of London and how many people had died, hopeless.    The tales of torture made even the stoutest soldier consider taking his own life rather than endure the endless days in misery. The White Tower had a moat, and once people passed through the gate, they never returned.

But like all the other buildings, this one was adobe and didn’t have the looming presence. But what did she know? For all she knew, it could be worse than the Tower.

Chapter Seven

Theo helped Gwen out of the car and clasped her arm to lead her into the jail. His hand tingled where he touched her flesh. His heart pounded faster than it had in his last marathon. He broke out in a hot sweat as if the dragon inside him was exhaling fire. This was crazy. She should be the one sweating in fear–not him.

But he couldn’t get that damn dream out of his head. He fought the urge to turn her around and kiss her. No. He wanted to do more than just kiss her.

Martin stopped typing and glanced up. Some of his wrapping hung off his face, revealing a black emptiness where his nose and eyes should have been. When Gwen saw him, she froze, and Theo bumped into her, setting off whole new sensations.

“He’s a…a…” she stammered.

“Mummy,” Martin finished. “For today anyway.” He looked at Theo. “She’s the one?”

“Obviously.” He pulled on Gwen’s arm. “He won’t hurt you. He’s my deputy.”

She glanced over her head. “What is he?”

Martin laughed and waved, his fingers slowly decomposing.

“A skin changer. He can take any form he pleases, and for some odd reason, he decided to be a mummy today. Probably watched a mummy movie last night.”

“Where are you taking me?” Gwen slowed her steps and pulled on her arm, as if she could get free.

“To an interrogation room.”

Her lower lip trembled, and the spunkiness in her eyes was gone. He opened the door with his keys and turned on the light to a sterile room with a table and two chairs.

She blinked and looked at him warily. “You’re not going to torture me?”

“Excuse me? We don’t torture prisoners. It’s against the law.” Unless she meant him doing wicked things to her that would have her scream his name in passion.

She didn’t answer him, and by the look of her, she wasn’t convinced, and obviously kissing was totally out of the question. He unlocked her handcuffs, but then chained one hand to the table.

“Afraid I’ll run?”

“Yes, I have to get my laptop. Stay here.”

She pulled on her wrist. “Like I could leave if I wanted to.”

Ignoring her sarcasm, he quickly went to retrieve his laptop. The queen had said she wouldn’t be whole, which didn’t make any sense. She needed to stay here for her own good. She couldn’t escape, even if she could. She’d have to get past Martin, and he seemed to scare the hell out of her.

He quietly opened the door. She hadn’t heard him. She was too busy trying to pull her wrist through the handcuff that had left ugly scratches on her flesh.

“You keep doing that, and you’re liable to draw blood.”

She jumped and banged her knee on the table. “I was…”

“Trying to escape. You wouldn’t get far.”

“Yes, I would.”

He opened his laptop.

“You can open a book?”

He didn’t have time to explain technology and brought up the first video of her breaking into Pandora’s store. There was no doubt it was Gwen. She had the same dark curly hair, same green eyes, and same clothes from her shirt to her boots.

“That’s not me,” she blurted.

He leaned back in his chair. “You have a twin?”

His voice drawled.

“Actually, I do.”

“What?” He sat straighter.

“But she’s not here. She’s safe on Tortuga.” Her voice cracked and sadness settled in her eyes.

“Back in the seventeenth century?”

“How did you know?” she asked suspiciously.

“Cè Jackman.”

“Right, I forgot. My memory’s a little foggy. I don’t know why. You just told me he was here.”

She looked so confused that he had to stop himself from taking her in his arms and comforting her. But he was a sheriff, not a love-sick college student. “If it’s not your sister, then who is it?”

The confusion vanished. “I don’t know. But ’tis not me.” She spat out every fiery word.

“Why don’t I believe you?”

“I don’t know what kind of magic your using–”

“Magic?” He gestured at the screen. “This isn’t magic. It’s technology.” Wishing they had meet on a different circumstance instead of the lawman versus criminal, he looked at her hard. “There’s no way for you to refute the evidence.”

“Then you’re not looking at this right. Her hair is absolutely perfect.” She lifted her thick strand. “See mine is filled with this sticky spider shite.”

He inspected her head. Her hair was definitely matted with a silvery substance, which he cursed himself for not noticing. He was a seasoned lawman, but his libido was blinding him.

“None of her clothes are torn, either.”

“But that could be because you got drunk somewhere.”

“Getting drunk would not explain the sticky strands in my hair. Unless, of course, you think everyone who downs a bottle of rum also gets stuck in spider webs.”

Theo cast his graze over Gwen. Once again, she was right. Her beautiful eyes were tired, but not bloodshot like she’d gone on a binge. Her pants and shirt had tears and mud while the woman in the video didn’t have a smudge of dirt on her boots. Something wasn’t meshing. Uneasiness swept over him. This would answer the riddle of her not being whole.

But as much as he wanted to, he couldn’t let her go free, either. Maybe she was wearing a disguise, but the haunting question remained–what if she wasn’t? There were too many unanswered questions.

“Are you listening to me, Sheriff?”

“You’re going to need more than tangled hair and torn clothes to convince me.”

“Aye, I am beginning to see this. So, what are you going to do? Are you going to talk to that woman?”

That was the first thing he was going to do, but he wasn’t going to tell her that. The last thing he needed was for Gwen to tangle with Hera. He unlocked her manacle. “You’re going to spend the night tonight in jail.”

She glared but didn’t argue. Fear had crept back into her eyes. He led her to a cell and unlocked it. She sat on the bench and leaned her head against the wall.

“I’ll have Martin bring you some food.”

She crossed her arms over her chest and looked up at the ceiling. She didn’t beg or cry but projected a stony wall that made Theo uneasy.

Martin was drinking a cup coffee next to the copy machine. “Did she admit?”

“No. Bring Gwen some dinner.”

“Where are you going?”

“To talk to Hera.”

“Do you need back up?”

“Yeah, I’ll pick up Topper.”

Martin raised his cup. “Good luck. You’re going to need it.”

*** 

Theo and Topper drove to Hera’s house, which was located up on a bluff that looked down on Magic. He thought it was Hera’s way of looking down on the inhabitants.

He glanced at Topper, whose hair had grown back. She’d changed it to a lovely shade of purple and had on a white blouse and a skirt that any lawyer would wear to court.

“Thanks for agreeing to come.”

Topper smiled. “Don’t thank me. It will do me good to see Hera stew in her juices.”

He smirked. “I’ll bet.”

Hera was playing with fire since Topper was head of the witches’ council and very influential.

When they pulled up, Hera was sitting on her porch, playing with her phone. She looked up, then stuck her phone in her back pocket. She sauntered over. Her short shorts revealed long legs, and her midriff showed over the diamond piercing in her belly button. Most men would be tongue tied around her, but it was the woman locked in his jail that put his tongue into knots.

“Ready for this?” Topper asked as she drew her wand out of her purse. “Hera’s a crafty one.”

“You’re telling me. Let’s roll.”

Topper and he got out of the car at the same time.

“Topper and my favorite lawman, what brings you to my little abode? Planning on stealing something else, Sheriff.”

Theo took off his sunglasses. “We need to talk.”

“Afraid are you, Sheriff?” She glanced over at Topper. “You had to bring the big guns.”

“Hera, what have you done?” Topper asked. “Tell the truth, and the council might go easy on you. Lie, and you’ll be treated harshly.”

Hera turned away from Topper and focused on Theo. “First, tell me what it is you want, Sheriff?”

“I have a woman locked up in my jail.”

She put her hands on her hips as she watched him warily. “So, what does that have to do with me?”

“She’s says a time spider flung her through time and she landed here. She’s a pirate. Does this sound familiar?”

Hera shrugged. “Maybe.”

Topper scowled. “Hera, don’t play games. Do you know anything about this woman in his jail?”

“You’re such a party-pooper, Topper. Do you remember the last time we talked, dragon-boy?”

She tipped up Theo’s cowboy hat, casting him a smirk that made him want to lock her up in his jail for eternity.

“I don’t have time for your games, Hera.”

She rolled a finger down his tense arm. “Apparently, you do.”

“I have videotapes of the woman committing second degree robbery up and down Main Street, but she insists that she didn’t do it. Do you know anything about this?”

“So, you arrested her?” Hera asked.

Theo glared.

She threw her head back and laughed. “That’s rich. That probably wasn’t a good idea, Sheriff.”

Dread crept over him. “Why?”

She stood toe-to-toe to him. Topper lifted her wand in a silent warning, but Hera didn’t seem to be phased.

“Because dragon-boy, she’s your soulmate.”

Theo didn’t argue. As much as he wanted to, he couldn’t deny how he felt when he was around Gwen, but he wasn’t going to let Hera know about his little secret.

Topper glanced between them. “How do you know this, Hera?”

Hera glanced at Theo. “If you don’t believe me, ask him.”

“Theo?” Topper looked at her questionably. “Did you feel something that you’re not telling me?”

“I just find her attractive, that’s all.” He wasn’t ready to admit anything different, but the dragon within him growled, as if it were angry that he was defying his dragon-mate.

“Liar,” Hera said. “I can see it in your eyes, Theo. She’s yours, and you locked her up in jail. Not exactly warming yourself to her heart, are you?”

Anger simmered inside Theo like a kettle threatening to sing. “You’re trying my patience, Hera.”

“You’re not painting yourself in a good light for us or the council,” Topper said.

“Fiddle-dee-dee, you’re both such grumps.” She narrowed her eyes. “You started it, Theo, by taking my wand, so yes, I cast a spell on your beloved.”

“Oh, Hera, no,” Topper groaned. “What kind of a spell?”

“One of my own making, Topper. One you can’t undo.”

Theo pulled out his silver handcuffs. “You have two seconds to tell me what the hell you did before I haul you into the station for questioning.”

“Poo! All right. When your mate, dragon-boy, was hurtling through time, I saw her and cast a spell. She split in two. One evil, the other good. All the good qualities your little soulmate has are the exact opposite in the other.”

“Jaysus!” Theo clenched the cuffs tight in his hand.

Topper’s hair turned from purple to fiery red, and her eyes blazed with anger. “What is the antidote?”

Hera smiled. “Oh, there’s an antidote, but that depends on you, Theo.”

He shoved the cuffs back onto his belt and debated whether he should take out his gun and shoot her right between her eyes. “What do you mean?”

“She can only be healed by love’s true kiss. Anything less, and she remains in two.” She pulled out her phone. “Oh, and by the way, if she’s not whole by the next new moon, by dawn, both halves will have faded into oblivion. First thing to go will be your mate’s mind. She’ll be as decisive as the Scarecrow inThe Wizard of Oz.”

Theo had never paid anything to the moon cycles. He wasn’t a bloody werewolf. “So, that’s–”

“In two days,” Topper interrupted. “You have exactly two days to break the spell.”

“And if I don’t?”

Hera shrugged. “Both halves will drop dead at dawn.”

And he’d go postal.

He thought of all the people he loved in Magic–the twins, Pandora, Topper–and couldn’t risk losing them. Hating to have to beg, he asked, “If I give you back your wand, can you reverse it?”

Excitement shone in Hera’s eyes.

Topper grabbed his arm. “Theo, don’t. It’s what she wants. Besides, Gwen’s your soulmate. All you have to do is awaken her desire for you.”

“I put her in my jail, Topper. She’s not exactly begging for me.”

“She’s your soulmate,” she said gently. “She can’t deny you, even if she wants to.”

God, he hoped she was right for both their sakes.

She looked at Hera. “You have sealed your fate, witch. You’ll be lucky if you can stay in Magic.”

“Umpf! Like I want to stay here. Unless Theo is going to arrest me or the council makes a decision, this is my land.” She pointed at the road. “Now get off.”

Topper twirled her wand over her head. “Bobbity-Lobbity-Gobbity Dee.” Red, purple, and yellow sparks flew out of her wand into a mini tornado.

“What are you doing?” Hera edged back. Fear clung to her voice.

The colorful whirlwind spun around, then floated over to Hera and her home. Flowers of every color burst through the windy tornado.

“I have bound you, Hera. You’ll not be able to leave your home until we have made our decision. And if you cast a spell, it will descend on you. So, be careful what you wish for.”

“I hate you!” Hera spat. “Get off my land.” She spun on her heels and ran back into her home, then slammed the door shut.

Theo headed back toward the car. “I guess we’ve been dismissed. Will your spell really work?”

“My spells always work,” Topper said. “That’s why I’m head of the council. Now, let’s go see your soulmate.”

The very last person he wanted to see. How could he tell her that unless she fell in love with him, she’d be dead in two days? And how could he tell Topper that if his soulmate died, he’d become their worst nightmare? His only choice would be to flee to protect the ones he loved.

Chapter Eight

Gwen looked outside the unbreakable glass that she’d tried to break numerous times. Her bleeding and scraped knuckles could testify against that. She’d never known glass could be unbreakable.

“Finally stopped trying to break out, pirate? You’re not the smartest cupcake we have had in here.”

She whirled around to see Martin the Mummy watching her with black eyes that peered out beneath his bandages. She shuddered.

“At least I’m not a mole feast.”

He chuckled. “Still got your sense of humor.”

He brought in a plate of food of some kind of sandwich and long thin fried potatoes. She hoped his peeling fingers hadn’t fallen into her food, but her stomach didn’t care and growled hungrily. She licked her parched lips.

“Hungry?” Martin smirked. “I brought you a burger and fries.”

She frowned. “What is a burger and fries?”

He laughed. “Seriously? You’re pulling my leg.”

She cringed. His wobbly leg would probably pop off.

He put the tray down on the floor then unlocked the lock. Gwen moved against the wall. She inhaled the scent of decay that sent her empty stomach doing flips.

When he set the tray on a small table, his keys were caught on the metal bars of a nearby chair and slid off his belt, landing precariously off the edge. Surprisingly, he didn’t grab them. Maybe he didn’t see or feel it, because his pants were so loose around his hips.

“Bon appétit, pirate.”

He laughed like a shaking kettle.

Her heart beat rapidly, and she broke out in a hot sweat. Every impulse inside her wanted to launch. She stuck her shaking hands behind her, and she took a deep breath, forcing herself not to stare at the dangling keys.

He opened the door then slammed it shut. She jumped, which made him sneer. The keys slipped down dangerously close, and she held her breath, afraid they’d crash onto the floor. He strolled out of the corridor, chuckling.

The keys fell off the chair. Gwen moved faster than she ever thought she could and caught them in midair. She unlocked the door with her shaking hand. It squeaked open, and she cringed, waiting for the rotting mummy to crash through the door.

Luck was on her side, and he didn’t make an appearance. Maybe his hearing wasn’t working. Her stomach growled angrily again. She couldn’t resist grabbing the sandwich and took a huge bite of meat, lettuce, and tomato. Juice ran down her chin. It was loaded with melted cheese that was like nothing she’d ever tasted.

She edged out of the cell, her legs shaking. Her heart pounding, she slowly emerged out of the cell, watching the door. She swallowed another a mouthful, then chewed as fast as she could, afraid this would be her last meal for a while.

She walked down the corridor in the opposite direction of the door that Martin had come through. She gripped the half-eaten sandwich and the keys in her other hand. She wished she had her weapons, but Theo had taken her sword and pistol. She had no way to defend herself if the mummy caught her. 

Gwen hurried down the corridor, passing empty cells, until she reached another door. She stuffed the rest of the sandwich into her mouth, nearly choking. She stuck the first key into the lock, then turned it, but it wouldn’t budge.

Damn!

There were at least ten keys on the chain, and it could be any one of them. Taking a deep breath, she tried the second one, but was met with the same disappointment.

Something shuffled behind her. She looked over her shoulder but didn’t see anything.

Her hand trembling, she tried the third one, but it stubbornly wouldn’t move.

The shuffling grew louder. Down the dark corridor, something white was moving.

“I see you, pirate!”

A loud voice growled, stilling Gwen’s heart.

She put the next key in the lock, but her fingers trembled so badly, the keys dropped. They landed with a huge clank.

She clasped the keys off the floor as fast as she could, then jammed it into the lock.

It turned. She kicked open the door. Freedom rose in front of her–the setting sun, cactus, and chirping crickets.

Someone grabbed her and tossed her back into the dark corridor. She landed flat on her back, knocking the wind out of her. She stared up at Martin, not to see black eyes, but glowing red ones.

She jumped up, then he lunged.

She screamed.

Martin landed on top of her, his body amazingly strong. He braced both her wrists with his hands and held them high over her head.

“You bitch, you thought you were pretty slick stealing my keys.”

Gwen struggled, but he’d pinned her arms and legs. She gagged on his moldy breath. “I didn’t…steal…your keys…. Get…off…me!”

“You’ll see what happens when you try to outwit me.”

He opened his mouth to reveal jagged teeth. She froze. He was a mummy–not a vampire.

She wiggled, desperately trying to escape. Her full stomach tumbled threateningly, and she could taste cheese slowly rising up her throat.

Something heavy thudded on the floor, and it was as if an earthquake rocked her and Martin. A loud shriek stole her breath. A crack spread across the ceiling, and bits of it fell onto the floor.

Martin jerked his head up, dust falling on his head and shoulders. “Theo? She was trying to escape.”

Fear lingered in his voice. She followed Martin’s gaze, and her heart nearly exploded in her chest. A dragon as big as her brother stared at them with blazing gold eyes. Smoke puffed out of its flaring nostrils, as if warning them that at any minute they’d both be burned to a crisp. It could barely fit inside the corridor.

“Martin, I suggest you get off her before you’re burned to a crisp,” said a female voice behind the orange dragon.

“But she was trying to escape,” Martin stammered. “She stole my keys.”

“You’re pressing your luck,” the voice said.

Martin turned his gaze toward Gwen. “See what you’ve done.” He slowly crawled off her, then snatched her wrist, pulling her to her feet.

She was between the toothy mummy and an angry dragon. Her knees banged together, and all that could move was her speeding heartbeat.

“Theo,” the female voice said. “You’re scaring your soulmate.”

Gwen frowned. Soulmate? This thing had a mate. Lordy, was the woman talking about her? This couldn’t be happening. Panic swelled inside her. She whirled around and shoved Martin as hard as she could.

Martin staggered.

Gwen rushed past him, but once again, he was faster than she’d thought. He snagged her hair and her arm. She cried out.

A loud hiss echoed down the corridor, and fire whizzed over the top of her head, shooting the temperature up one hundred degrees.

Martin threw her down the hallway. “Don’t fry me, boss! I was only doing my job.”

Her hair covered her eyes, and she couldn’t see. Her heart pounding itself into a heart attack, she swung both her arms and kicked her feet, expecting to hit a hard side. “Stay away from me! Leave me alone!”

“Easy, Gwen,” a masculine voice said. “No one is going to hurt you. I promise you.”

Strong arms wrapped around her, holding her trembling body, pressing her small frame to a large chest. She recognized the husky voice. It was Theo. She looked up into his eyes, trying to figure out how he’d gotten past the dragon. She wrapped her fists into his shirt and held on tight, afraid he’d let her go. Her heart was beating so fast she thought she’d die in his arms.

As if reading her mind, he said, “I’m not going anywhere.”

He brushed the back of his fingers across her cheek. She inhaled his spicy breath, and it strangely calmed her. He tilted his head, and she couldn’t take her eyes off his lips. Lord, he was going to kiss her. She’d kissed men before and couldn’t figure out why her spine turned yellow now. ’Twas as if she was like Grace and had never kissed a man.

He brushed his mouth over her trembling lips. The tender caress was ravishingly gentle and helped her slowly stop shaking. It was such a shocking contrast to Martin assaulting her and the angry dragon that she made no move to stop him from deepening his kiss.

She should stop what she was doing and thank him properly for saving her. When had being proper ever entered her mind? Ignoring her scolding thoughts, she moved her hands up his large chest, marveling at his sculpted muscles and admiring his strength. She locked her arms around his neck and opened her mouth wider to taste his comfort. For a minute, she forgot where she was, and all she cared about was kissing Theo, but as her breath returned to normal, so did her senses.

She gently pushed him away, still tasting his spiciness on her lips. He released her, sitting back on his heels as if trying to gather his composure as much she was.

She panted. “Did you see that? It was a dragon?”

He avoided her eyes. “I know. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

She digested his words. She slowly looked up into his golden eyes–the same eyes the dragon had.

“You’re the dragon,” she whispered–and she’d kissed him. But it wasn’t just that, she’d liked it and wanted more. This was too much. After her brother had turned into a dragon, she should be used to this, but her mind was spinning.

“Apparently,” he said grimly. “We need to talk.” He looked down the hallway. “Martin, you need to hear this, too.”

Gwen pressed her back against the wall, trying to comprehend what had just happened. She could barely catch her breath.

“Sure, boss, just don’t fry me,” Martin mumbled as he slowly shuffled toward them.

“Yes, we all need to have a discussion.”

Gwen turned her head toward the female voice to see a woman with a lovely shade of purple hair and a white blouse and a knee-length skirt. Didn’t any of the women here mind showing off their legs? God, she sounded like Grace. She rubbed her temple as the thought pierced her befuddled brain. Although they were exactly alike, she never sounded like Grace. She’d never cared what women were before.She was the rebellious one–not the virtuous one.

Something was wrong with her.

The woman smiled. “Hello, Gwen. I’m Topper.” Concern filled her eyes. “You look like you could use a drink.”

That was the best thing Gwen had heard yet. “Rum,” she choked. “I’d like a shot of rum.”

“Then come with me, my dear.” She stuck her hand. “I promise I won’t bite.”

Not having much of a choice, Gwen slowly took her hand, which was comforting.

“Let’s go back into the Sheriff’s office, shall we?” She looked over Gwen’s head. “Come on, you two.”

Gwen allowed Topper to lead her out of the falling-apart corridor to a chair that actually had wheels. She gingerly sat down and hoped the damn thing didn’t do something unexpected. Surprises were about ready to put her in an early grave.

“You said you wanted a shot of rum?”

Gwen pushed her hair behind her ears. “Aye, please.”

Topper touched the wooden desk with a wand that Gwen hadn’t even seen her hand. Suddenly, a bottle of rum and a shot glass magically appeared.

Gwen surged to her feet, knocking over the chair. “You’re a witch.”

“Yeah, she is.” Theo came up behind Gwen. “But she’s a good one. You need her help.”

Gwen moved her hand through her hair. “I need her help? What are you? Mad? A witch just cursed me. I don’t think I can take another spell.”

“Not all spells are evil.” He picked up the overturned chair and motioned with his hand. “You need to hear what she has to say.”

His grave voice caught her interest.

Martin slid back into where he was when she’d first come into the jail behind a screen. “So, what’s up Topper? And if anybody cares, I’d like a beer.”

“Of course, Martin.” Topper tapped his desk, and a tall pilsner appeared with a golden brew.

“Thanks, Topper.”

“Please, have a seat, Gwen?” Theo asked, his eyes pleading.

“Just don’t turn me into a frog.” Gwen slid into the chair, then opened the bottle of rum, hoping it wasn’t a mistake. She poured herself a shot and tossed it back, needing a bit of courage–even artificial courage. The alcohol was surprisingly smooth–not gritty like back home–warming her insides, but suddenly, she went into a coughing fit, tears filling her eyes.

Theo jumped up and patted her back. “Are you okay? The last time, you took a long draught from a bottle of rum without a flinch. I thought you could handle rum. Martin, get some water.”

Gwen stopped choking and wiped the tears off her face. “That wasn’t me. I haven’t had any rum since I got here. I told you that earlier.” A pounding headache suddenly thumped in her head as if something was trying to break through her clouded memory. “I’m sorry. That’s never happened before.”

“Here, drink this,” Theo ordered, as he handed her a glass of water.

She took the glass, her hand shaking. She swallowed, then cleared her throat. “That’s never happened before. My sister’s the one who can’t handle her liquor.”

“Looks like you can’t either,” Martin mumbled.

She glared, wanting to argue, but ’twas true. It was as if she’d never had a shot of rum. She put down the glass, then stubbornly poured herself another shot of rum. Theo lifted his eyebrow, but she wasn’t a sop. Instead of tossing the shot back, she gingerly sipped it. This time keeping it down.

Theo sat in a chair opposite her. He looked as unhappy as she did. He took off his hat and put it on his desk, then stretched out his long muscular legs. He put his feet up on his desk and let out a heavy sigh.

She hadn’t noticed his dark hair had a slight wave that curled just below his collar. It was a stark contrast to his golden eyes and tanned face, making him look mysterious. He’d been so protective of her, which hadn’t happened for a long time.

Topper waved her wand, and another shot glass appeared out of thin air.

“Thanks,” Theo grumbled. He picked up the shot glass and glanced at Gwen. “Do you mind?”

“No, go ahead.”

He tossed it back. “Tell her, Topper, what Hera said.”

Gwen frowned. “Who is Hera?”

“She’s a witch,” Topper said gently. “And I’m afraid she’s cursed you.”

Gwen looked between her and Theo. “Why?”

Theo poured himself another shot. “Because of me. I confiscated her wand because she was casting mean-spirited spells on the inhabitants of Magic.”

“One of her abilities,” Topper said, “is that she is the protector over marriage and birth and can look into a person’s eyes and see their soulmate.”

Gwen felt like she’d just jumped into a spinning tale of madness. She looked at Theo. “So, you’re both saying that Hera looked into Theo’s eyes and saw me?”

“That’s the size of it,” Theo said.

“So, what’s this supposed curse? As far as I know, a time spider threw me into time. A demon controls it, and there’s no way you’re going to convince me that this witch is more powerful than him.”

Her voice was stronger than she’d expected.

Topper sat on the edge of a nearby desk. “No, I don’t think Hera is stronger than a demon, especially after what Cè has told me about him. I suspect she cursed you while you were flying through time and brought you here.”

“And?” Gwen asked, knowing she wasn’t going to like the answer.

“She split you in two,” Theo blurted.

“What do you mean split me in two?”

“There’s two of you,” Theo said. “One good, the other evil.”

Martin spit at his beer, spraying it all over his screen. “She did what? Damn it.” He picked up some tissue and quickly cleaned off the screen.

“You mean the woman breaking into the stores is part of me?”

“Apparently,” Theo said. “And by the looks of it, she can handle her liquor.”

“I’ve always been able to handle my liquor.” The evidence of brown liquor splattered onto her trousers was clear. She couldn’t. Gwen remembered feeling strange while she was traveling, but she’d just thought it was time travel. “Then how do we fix this?” She looked at Topper eagerly. “You can reverse the spell, right?”

“No,” Topper said sadly. “I can’t. Only you and Theo can make you whole.”

Theo poured himself another shot and avoided her gaze. “We have to kiss.”

It sounded amazingly simple, but she doubted it would be that easy, especially since she was in turmoil earlier. “That’s all?”

“It’s not just any kiss,” Topper said. “It has to be a true love kiss.”

She squirmed in her seat at the thought of kissing Theo again. Her palms turned clammy, and she avoided his perceptive gaze, as if he guessed her uneasiness. Not because she wasn’t attracted to him, but because of kissing a man. This was too strange. Grace was the one who shied away from men.

Not her.

“And what happens if we don’t do this?” Gwen asked hesitantly, not sure how she could fall in love with a shape-shifting dragon. “I don’t have time to fall in love. I have to get back to my own time to be with my brother and sister and fight the demon.”

Theo sighed heavily.

Not that he wasn’t wickedly handsome with his dark hair and his golden eyes that reminded her of a tiger’s eyes. When he wrapped his arms around her, it had been strangely calming like she belonged there, but it was the kiss that had awakened a desire inside her–a desire that frightened her.

Topper and Theo looked at each other.

Theo met her questioning gaze. “If we don’t by the next new moon, which is in two days, you’ll die.”

Martin shook his head. “Sorry, pirate.”

Gwen couldn’t believe what she’d just heard. Theo was damn handsome, but how could she fall in love with someone in two days? Especially a man that shifted into a dragon. This couldn’t be happening.

“Say something,” Theo’s voice was low as if he was afraid of her answer.

Hopelessness slammed into Gwen’s heart. The last thing she wanted was to fall in love–then having to choose between Theo and leaving those she loved behind. She’d never thought she’d fall in love, since back home, she had to fight to survive. She’d had dalliances with men, but those had only been temporary. Love had only hurt people. Men weren’t to be trusted.

She’d sworn off marriage and indulged when she wanted. Grace had lectured over at not being virtuous, but Gwen never followed the rules. Now it seemed that’s all she wanted to do.

The headache pounded harder between her temples. Dread rolled around in her tummy. Usually, she could make swift decisions, but for the life of her, she couldn’t reel in the answer. “I…I…don’t know. What’s wrong with me?”

Someone said something, but she couldn’t hear beyond the pain in her head. Theo took her hand and gently squeezed it, somehow easing the pain. She looked into his golden eyes and hoped he’d make things right and make her whole.

Chapter Nine

Theo brushed his thumb over Gwen’s shaking hand, but he avoided looking at her dejected face. He stared out the window. Dusk had slowly faded, and the stars were peering out of the New Mexico sky, but something was off. An aqua haze floated in the sky with a tail full of stars. One shone brighter, changing different colors.

Prickling chills rushed down his spine. A strange sensation burned in his chest, driving up his temperature, making him sweat uncomfortably. Oh, no. It couldn’t be. He shook his head. God, it must be the rum. He looked again, and the mysterious star was even brighter, still changing colors. The aqua haze swirled around in a circle like it had in his dreams.

But he was awake.

He stared at his shot glass, then at Topper, hoping it was the rum. But Topper was a straight shooter and wouldn’t cast a spell on anyone.

Unlike Hera.

He shifted uncomfortably in his chair.

“Theo?” Martin looked at him questioningly. “Are you okay? You’re sweating.”

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

His voice came out unusually sharp, and Martin winced.

Ignoring Theo, Gwen cast her gaze over Martin like he was a monster.

Topper looked between him and Gwen. “Don’t give up, you two. You’ve both gotten off on the wrong foot and need time to right your relationship.”

Gwen slowly released his hand. “How are we supposed to do this?”

He clenched his fist, his skin feeling cold where there had been warmth.

“By getting to know each other.” She waved her wand over her head as if she were the fairy godmother from Cinderella.

Sparks of stars and glowing flowers fell around Theo and Gwen. Gwen held out her palms and tossed her head back laughing. Her laughter soothed his disappointment, and he smiled.

But then the flowers and stars changed into different colors.

Topper shook her wand. “Mibbity-mobbity-moo.”

Wind rushed around them. Papers flew into the air, trapped in a whirlwind. Monitors and printers crashed onto the floor, smashing into tiny pieces.

“Topper, what the hell are you doing?”

Topper’s purple hair blurred around her face, and she stumbled into a desk. “I’m not doing it! It’s not magic!”

Martin spun around and around and around in his chair screaming, bandages flying into the air as he unraveled.

Gwen tumbled out of her chair as if an invisible force moved her and slammed her into Theo’s lap. She clutched his arm tight. “What’s happening, Theo?”

“I don’t know.”

But then a bright aqua light shone on them, and through the mist, he swore he saw the queen’s eyes.

Kiss her. Queen Cosima’s voice rang in his head.

No.

You two need to be alone.The queen’s voice was louder in his head than the spinning aqua tornado. It lifted them off the chair, then suddenly, ripped Gwen away from him.

He yelled, “Gwen!”

She stretched out her arms. “Theo, help me!”

He jumped off his chair, then he was flung into the air. He spun around the office faster and faster, searching frantically for Gwen. The window blew out, sucking Gwen outside, screaming.

His heart beat fiercely, and he roared. Anger surged through him, and once again, the dragon wouldn’t be denied. He broke out in a hot sweat, his temperature reaching a fiery level. He arched his back. His wings and tails burst through his body, and scales replaced his skin.

He flapped his wings against the wind and was surprised he could move. Ignoring Topper’s and Martin’s yell, he flew out of the window and soared into the whirling purple wind. He prayed the queen wouldn’t hurt them, but then again, Topper was a powerful witch and could hopefully protect them from the queen.

Through the spinning aqua mist, he spotted Gwen being tossed around like a leaf. He dove, his talons stretched out. He snagged her shoulders, and she gripped his legs tight.

The minute she touched him, his heartbeat slowed, and the fire burning in his chest subsided. Her tenderness was like a soft breeze that was powerful enough to lessen the anger inside him. He’d been with women before, but none of them affected him like she did. As far as he knew, Gwen had no magical powers, but she was strong enough to put on a dragon’s rage.

That’s because she’s your mate. The queen’s voice echoed in his head.

He headed away from the tornado.

Residents came out of their homes, pointing at the storm. He hoped they’d be smart enough to get back to their homes. In a warning, he hissed fire, lighting up the evening sky. But the residents were vampires, witches, werewolves, gnomes, and other magical creatures, and an aqua tornado would only intrigue them.

“Theo, don’t drop me,” Gwen shouted, as she kicked her legs.

He landed on top of a bluff, releasing Gwen gently. She was on her feet, huffing and puffing. As soon as he touched the ground, the tornado disappeared into the sky, leaving a light bluish-green tail.

“What was that?” Gwen gasped, gripping her knees.

He forced himself not to draw her into his arms. “I don’t know,” he lied. He couldn’t bring himself to tell her that it was a storm from a dragon-shifting planet that he didn’t even know the name of.

“Bloody hell, you can change from a dragon to a man faster than my brother.”

He wasn’t sure he’d heard her right. “Your brother?”

She slowly stood. “Didn’t I tell you, Sheriff? He’s a dragon shifter. I guess with all your questions it must have slipped my mind.”

He stiffened. “How the hell would I know to ask if your brother was a dragon shifter?”

She flashed him a teasing smile. “Don’t get into a huff.” She looked up into the sky. “Where do you think it went?”

He thought back to the dragon queen’s planet. “Strange, it’s never been here before.”

She took a deep breath. “That’s the second time you’ve come to my rescue–first your mummy deputy and now this odd tornado.”

He tipped up his hat. “My pleasure, ma’am. But tell me about your brother. Was he born a shifter?”

“No. He wasn’t. We were driven out of Scotland by the British to London. Then one day, he didn’t come home. Unknown to us, my brother had been kidnapped by notorious pirates and forced to work on their ship. Somehow, he was able to send us his booty to live on.”

“So, you lived well in London?”

***

She remembered the fights and the terror on the street, then a sudden panic of not having her weapons seized her. She never went anywhere without them. “Hardly. The drudge of the London streets discovered what was happening, and I lost count the number of times we were robbed. I learned to fight and use the sword and pistol. My sister is a kind soul and refused to turn to violence.”

“But you’re twins?”

“Identical.”

“Interesting. So, go on.”

“I wanted to get my sister to safety, and when my brother sent word that he’d purchased a house for us on Tortuga, we fled. When we arrived, he wasn’t there, and once again, I had to defend what was ours. But his captors must have found out about us, and luckily it was me, they kidnapped me and not Grace.”

She shuddered, thinking of being a prisoner on the ship. She still had nightmares of Captain Quinton Palmer.

He put his arm around her. “Cold?”

She snuggled closer, indulging in his warmth, knowing no one could hurt her with Theo nearby. “No, just thinking of bad memories. I had discovered their little secret.”

He turned her around, and the back of his hand slid down her cheek. “Which was?”

He ignited those feelings deep within her that scared her. She wanted to run away, but she was drawn to him like a moth to a fire. “He was…cursed.”

“A witch cursed him?”

She trembled as all the memories swept over. “No, a demon.” Her voice was barely a whisper.

His eyes glowed darker, then he drew her into his arms. “I’m sorry.”

Once again, she clung to him, glad not to have to be strong for once. She laid her head on his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat. “The demon first cursed the entire ship into being vampires, then later, had a dragon spirit possess Leif. ’Tis strange. He can hear the voice within him. They’re one. When I left, we were trying to rescue his beloved, who was kidnapped by the demon. I have no idea whether they are alive or dead.”

Her voice cracked, and forbidden tears slid down her cheeks. Grace was the one who shed tears, not her. Gwen couldn’t even remember the last time she’d shed a tear.

He tilted up her chin, then brushed off the wetness with his thumbs. She stiffened like a cold statue. He put his hands on each side of her face and kissed her gently. He felt the stiffness slowly fade, then he urged her to open her mouth with his tongue. She hesitatingly complied, inviting him into the warmth and wetness. He was comforting to her sorrow. His tongue traced delicate patterns around in her mouth, and she quivered beneath his irresistible power.

He slid his fingers into her tangled hair, and she balled her fists into his shirt. His kissed changed from a gentleness to a dominance that she couldn’t deny. It was as if he were branding her to be his, and by doing so, he crushed the battle warring within her between being virtuous and rebellious. She was herself again–adventurous, wild, seductive.

He slowly moved his hands down to her shoulders as hers inched up his chest. His mouth left hers, planting sultry kisses down her throat, his tongue flicking lazily over the quickened pulse beneath her ear.

She released a harsh gasp, and her knees buckled, but before she could falter, he wrapped his arm around her waist, pinning her to his rock-hard chest. A surge of hot, bubbling pleasure shot from the nape of her neck to her tummy, blocking out nearly every sensation between-but one. An acute, tender, eagerness sprang to her breasts, budding the nipples into sensitive peaks. She couldn’t escape the wicked pleasure nor could she compare it to any other experience she’d had, thus far in her life. No man had ever made her want to lose herself in his embrace.

But then images of Grace, Leif, and Isabella flashed through her mind. She couldn’t abandon them.

She pressed on his chest, then broke off the kiss reluctantly. “No, stop. I can’t. I can’t abandon my family. They need me.”

“I promise you we won’t abandon your family.”

She frowned. “But how?”

“Gwen, this is Magic. Anything can happen. You have to trust me.”

Trust wasn’t an easy word to come by. Too many men had made promises and then failed to keep them. Her brother had abandoned her, her father dying and leaving no money. She slowly untangled herself from him, then straightened her shirt. “Do you think Topper and Martin were hurt?”

Disappointment flashed in his eyes, but then quickly disappeared. “Topper’s a powerful witch. It would take more than a tornado to destroy her.” There was enough light to cast a glint in his eyes, making them glow out of the darkness with their unique radiance. “You’ve forgiven Martin?”

“I shouldn’t. Normally, I wouldn’t, but I don’t want any harm to come to him.”

“Have you always been this forgiving?’

She frowned. “No, I…haven’t.” She drawled out her sentence. “Normally, I would have cut him down.”

He raised his eyebrow.

“Remember–pirate.” Or at least she used to be. Now, she felt like she was turning into a well-bred lady. This wasn’t her.

She put her hands on her hips. “Where are we?”

He cleared his throat. “Close to my home. I live up on the bluff to have some privacy.”

“Swell. So, now what?”

“We walk.” He smirked. “Unless you want me to change into a dragon.”

“No, that wouldn’t be my first choice. So, which way?”

He put out his hand. “Down this path and around that boulder is my house.”

They walked in silence. His masculine scent stirred every desire inside her. She didn’t understand this overwhelming sensation, since she’d only been vaguely tempted by men before, but this was like a quick rising storm.

She suddenly realized that when he kissed her, she regained some of her fiery independence. She wasn’t whole yet and felt something was missing, but at least it kept her from turning into an uptight lady. “Did you feel something odd in that tornado?” she blurted.

“Like what?”

“I felt all these tingles running through me. I’ve never felt it before.” She hesitated before she added, “And I thought I heard a voice.”

“What did it say?” he said slowly.

She stopped. “You heard something, too, didn’t you?”

“First tell me what the voice said.”

“I don’t know. Maybe I was just imagining it.” Heat flared on her cheeks, then she scratched her earlobe. “Maybe I was just scared.”

He gave her a hard stare like he knew she was hiding something. “Did you feel anything?”

She rubbed her arms. “Aye, it was like an army of ants running over my body. Do you think the tornado had anything to do with my other half?”

He grew silent for a minute, then glanced up at the midnight sky as if it had answers. “No, I don’t.” He took off his hat and shook his thick hair. “Only because after we left Hera, Topper cast a binding spell. This was something different. I’ll tell you what the voice told me if you promise to tell me what it told you.”

“Maybe. So, tell me.”

He put his hand gently on her shoulders, then drew her closer. “It told me to kiss you.”

Her eyes widened. “Bloody hell. It said the same thing.”

“Let’s not disappoint it.”

***

Theo brushed Gwen’s hair out of her cheek. He turned his head, then captured those lips, which were surprisingly chapped and tasted of salt. She didn’t resist him and slowly opened her mouth to allow his tongue to slide inside. He could feel her heart beating as fast his. Something stirred inside of him, and the anger always threatening to burst was doused by the taste of the salty sea. He devoured her mouth, wanting to awaken her passion for him. He crushed her to him, needing to feel her voluminous body pressed against his. He plundered his lips down the length of her throat to the hollow between her breasts. She was ice to his fire, and he needed her like no other woman.

Arching her back, she allowed him access to the top of her breast. A husky groan from her tempted him to slip his hand beneath her blouse and cupped her breast.

“Wait. Stop. This is going too fast.” She pressed on his chest, breaking the moment.

He immediately released her, cursing his lust.

She panted, “Do…you think…Hera knows what it was?”

Hiding his disappointment, he murmured, “I doubt it.”

She wiggled out of his arms. “But you don’t know.”

He didn’t like where her thoughts were going. “No, I don’t.”

“Then we need to go talk to her.”

“She made it quite clear I’m not wanted on her property unless I have a warrant.”

She didn’t answer right away. “But I wasn’t.”

“Forget it.”

“What?”

“You’re not talking to her. Hera’s extremely dangerous. Topper is the most powerful witch in Magic, and even she had a difficult time binding her powers.”

“But we need to know what’s going on. You don’t want to be walking around blind, do you?”

He stiffened at her condemning voice. “I know how to do an investigation.”

“Then lead the way.”

“Barging in on her is liable to get us both turned into frogs. We need another approach.” He cast his gaze over her, then rubbed his jaw. “Hera might be intrigued by meeting you. But she’d have to think it’s your other half.” He smiled. “And frankly, you don’t look the part.”

She scowled. “I haven’t exactly looked my best.”

“I can help with that.”

They turned around. Topper was back to her normal manicured self, but this time, her hair was a bright curly green. She gave Theo a hard stare.

“You know something about the tornado, don’t you?”

His heart quickened at her perceptive gaze. “Why do you ask?”

“Because you’re still not a dragon. Every time something happens to someone you care about, you change into a pissed off dragon, causing destruction wherever you go.”

He winced at her harsh tone.

She gestured with her arms. “But here you are as a man and calm, I might add.”

“Theo?” Gwen asked quietly.

Theo’s determination faltered slightly, but he met her smoldering green eyes directly. He wanted to keep his secret, but instead he blurted, “I have had dreams about it. That’s all.”

“Dreams?” Topper drew her brows into a deep frown. “What kind of dreams?”

“Ever since I first changed into a dragon, I dreamed of a strange aqua planet with a castle, mountains–and dragons.” He gritted his teeth, his voice grating with impatience.

“Theo,” Topper said in a low voice. “Secrets can kill.”

Theo sucked in a deep breath then cursed softly. “I didn’t think it was real.”

“Nevertheless, it’s not something you should have kept silent.”

“I saw no need to volunteer this information,” Theo said sharply.

“Topper,” Gwen said. “Theo said that Hera might know something about my other half. Do you think this has anything to do with the planet?”

“I don’t know,” she said. “It might have everything to do with it, or nothing at all. I fear Hera has tapped into something that is far more powerful than she realizes and will get burned.”

“No sweat off my back,” Theo mumbled.

“We’re not going to know unless we go talk to her,” Gwen said. “Which we were going to do before you came.”

“Impatient little imp, aren’t you?” Topper said silkily.

“According to you, I don’t have much time.”

“True.” Topper touched her wand to her chin. “Let’s fix you so you’ll look like your other half.”

She waved her wand, and a purple whirlwind of sparkling white stars flew out of it, then spun around Gwen. Black hair floated around her head, and her clothes rippled. As it slowly descended into the Earth, Gwen’s dark hair softly landed on her slender shoulders, and every smudge and tear vanished from her clothes. She was model beautiful as her double, but Theo missed his rough and tumble pirate.

“But my double has a sword and a pistol.” She gave Theo a defiant stare. “Besides, I never go anywhere without them.”

Theo smiled grimly at the eagerness that crept into her voice. He folded his arms over his chest. “What do you plan to do with them?”

The breath exhaled out of her, circling an angry oath. “I’m a pirate. What do you think?”

“She’s right, Theo.”

Before Theo could protest, she whirled her wand, then pointed it at Gwen’s hips. Her sword and pistol magically appeared. He wanted to snatch them, but the look of glee in her eyes and her radiant smile stopped him. He’d move the earth and moon to see that happiness on her face.

Gwen unleashed her sword. “Let’s go visit Hera.”

He stepped in front of the little spitfire of womanhood. “You think barging in, in the middle of the night, you’ll get answers from Hera?”

In a flash, quicker then he thought possible, a soft whisper of steel slashed through the air, and in the next second, Theo found his neck stretched back against the gleaming threat of Gwen’s sword.

“You were saying, Sheriff?” she said slyly.

He edged away from her sword and gave her a warning glare. “Swords are not stronger than magic.”

Topper touched the sword. “This one will be.”

The sword glittered aqua that made Theo stiffen his spine. He wasn’t sure if this was coincidence or if the queen was at work here. He had a bad feeling, but the two women were not about to listen to his reasoning, nor was the dragon simmering inside him as if it sensed danger.

Chapter Ten

Gwen wished Topper hadn’t left, but she’d insisted that she and Theo had to confront Hera without her. Probably had to do with Theo being her supposed mate. Hera wasn’t the first witch Gwen had met, but she was the first one to cast evil spells. From where she came from, demons held that card.

If asked, she wouldn’t admit it, but she was glad that Theo was with her. Normally, she wouldn’t have the slightest hesitation to confront her tormentor, but she didn’t possess her normal spirit. She wondered if her other half possessed it, which was alarming. She’d pulled a sword on Theo, but she had no intention of hurting him, just proving her skills. Or maybe she was trying to prove to herself that she still possessed those skills. She sometimes thought she was losing the fighting ability that she’d worked so hard for. Facing Hera would be a deadly challenge–one mistake, and she and Theo could have a sword embedded in their hearts.

She glanced at Theo, speculating why he always put her on the defensive and brought out the worst in her. He was just like the men in her past–arrogant, determined, domineering. She’d always hoped she’d end up with an even tempered man–not an ill-tempered dragon.

But fate had never been kind to her, so why would it be any different in choosing her mate?

The moonlight shined on the wide, rocky path, their boots crunching the rocks. She could make out the arc of his eyebrows, the straight line of his nose, the rugged squareness of his jaw with its deeply dimpled chin that sent all kinds of conflicting feelings simmering in her belly. But she turned away, focusing on the task at hand. She’d never had time for a committed relationship with a man and only had quick easy encounters.

Theo was different. He made her want to pursue him.

She scowled at herself. Going up against her deadly double and a scheming witch definitely was not the time to indulge in fantasizing about a man.

With each step, uneasiness edged up her spine, and she found herself gripping her sword, hoping she’d still know how to use it when she faced her enemies. She walked closer to Theo, needing his strength. He still had his guns on his hips, but they paled to his fire-breathing abilities.

“Her home is right over there,” he said casually, indicating an adobe home with a smoking chimney and shutters closed.

Red smoke puffed out of the chimney, as if Hera was brewing something diabolical.

She clasped his arm, marveling at his strength. “What do you think she’s doing?”

“Obviously, casting a spell,” he said dryly.

“Against us.”

“Most likely. But I doubt she could counter Topper’s binding spell.” The tone of certainty diminished Gwen’s sense of bravery.

Not one to admit her fear, she braced her feet apart, ready for battle. “Do you think Topper knew she would do this?”

He shrugged. “Probably.”

The desert breeze plucked at fine strands of his dark hair and curled them over his cheeks. The glow from the house and the moonlight flickered off his body, as if an artist had sculpted a marble warrior, not just carving every muscle and sinew, but also shaping every detail of his face into a dangerous, handsome privateer under the midnight sky. Back in her time, they would have still been on opposite sides of the law. He’d be determined to hunt her down and bring her to justice while she led him on a merry chase.

Or would she? Maybe she’d let him catch her, just to see what would happen, to see if he’d turn her over to the Crown or if he’d kiss her until her toes curled.

He gave her a sizzling look, as if he guessed what she was thinking.

Heat blazed on her cheeks despite the cool desert air. She immediately turned from him, gripping her sword, and headed for the house to prevent being drawn into another smoldering kiss. “Grand, just grand.”

She winced at the huskiness in her voice, as if she was begging for him to take her in his arms.

Theo brushed ahead of her, his slight touch on her arm spreading warmth through her. Once again, he was going to protect her.

“I can take care of myself, Theo.”

Her voice sounded braver than she felt. She was losing her spunkiness, and she didn’t know how to get it back. She’d never run from a fight before, but a streak of cowardice slowly replaced her iron will.

He glanced over his shoulder. “I know you can, but that doesn’t mean I want to see you get hurt.”

She smiled. At least he respected her abilities–unlike her brother, who always wanted her to be left behind, embroidering like her twin. If only Theo could see her in her true form, he’d be totally amazed. She’d never fit in civilized society. She was more at home on the pirate ship–no matter how briefly she’d been there.

“Are you going to change into a dragon?”

“Only if she pisses me off.”

They both slowed their approach as they drew near. It was eerily silent, as if the crickets were too scared to make any harmony. When Gwen took a step, her boot crunched on the rocks, and she winced. Theo stood perfectly still. She slowly took out her pistol, then cocked it.

He waved his hand as if motioning for her not to make the slightest noise. Her heart beat wildly, and she held her breath, too afraid to make a sound.

Something crunched beside her. Gwen whirled around, weapons in both hands, and froze. The moonlight shone off her exact image, and she lost her voice.

“Looking for me, mouse?” Her other self smirked. She aimed a cocked pistol at Theo’s chest that was less than a foot away.  “Move, and he dies.”

Gwen’s chest tightened, and for a heart-pounding second, her vision blurred. Everything turned to the same color of the tornado that had brought them here. It was as if the storm surged inside her, igniting every pulsing impulse not to lose him. An overwhelming dizziness gripped her, and for a split-second, she thought she heard a soft voice echo in her mind.

If he dies, you’ll lose your soul.

She shook her head, not sure what was real, fighting not to pass out. She stared at Theo, needing to protect him.

He released a low warning growl, and his golden eyes grew darker. Any minute, he’d do something foolish to save her.

She glanced over her shoulder and met the gaze of her double. “Don’t hurt him.”

Her voice was barely a whisper.

“Then, throw your weapons on the ground.”

“Gwen, no,” Theo said angrily. “She can’t kill me.”

“Ah, there you’re wrong, dragon boy,” a voice said from the shadows of the house.

The same red-haired woman that Gwen had seen in the desert stepped out of the darkness. Her skimpy, skirt was hiked high over her knees, but what was most alarming was her tight, blue shirt was so far apart from her skirt that her pierced belly button was exposed. Gracelyn would have frowned in disgust.

Theo narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean, Hera?”

“Dragons are immortal, but in your case, the inhabitants from your planet, aren’t until they’re mated. So you see, Sheriff, one shot, and you’re dead. Or didn’t Gwen tell you that she’s an excellent shot?”

Unfortunately, it was true. To their grim displeasure, Gwen had outshot many of the many the men of her time.

The moonlight glistened off the barrel and the smug smile of her identical twin. Gwen knew Theo was in serious danger. She knew it by the terror that slid through every inch of her, seizing her chest and slithering up her dry throat. He’d saved her life twice. Now it was her turn.

She met his stare, which seemed to beg for her not to do anything foolish, but she couldn’t lose him. Spikes of defeat crawled up her dried-up throat. She tossed her beloved weapons onto the ground, which was a mistake. Immediately, her other half seized her arm, then pressed the nose of her pistol to her temple.

“Let her go,” Theo growled.

Her doubled laughed. “No.”

Theo hissed and arched his back. His skin changed to orange-red, and his body contorted into dragon, exhaling fire that lit up the desert. Heat washed over Gwen, and her clothes immediately stuck to her skin.

But her double didn’t flinch and only pressed the pistol deeper into Gwen’s temple. “I’m not afraid of you, dragon. Recognize this?”

“It’s my gun.”

“Precisely. More accurate than mine. If you want to see this mouse alive, then I suggest you do as I say.”

“What are you talking about?” Gwen scowled. “If you kill me, then you die.”

“That’s not true. Hera cast a spell and said I could live, even without you.”

“Did you ever think she was lying?”

“It’s a price I’m willing to pay. Listen, Sheriff, I want money, and lots of it. Enough to allow me to live in comfort and never have to live on the streets again.” She tilted her head at Hera. “According to the witch, dragon gold possesses special powers that would allow me to not only to be immortal, but I would be immune to spells–”she cast Hera a dark frown–”and my senses would become supernatural, making me the best thief in all the world.”

Gwen’s eyes widened. So her other half had the same fears she possessed. It made sense. Gwen never wanted to worry about money or feel vulnerable again, so why wouldn’t her double feel the same way?

“Yes,” Hera purred, drawing Theo’s attention.

Smoke flared out of his nostrils, and his tail twitched back and forth. He took a menacing step toward Hera.

She held up her hand. “Before you decide to fry me, sir dragon, I can tell you how to save your intended. Dragons hoard their gold, and this lovely lady wants it. You have a queen who is filthy rich, from what I’ve seen.” She stuck out her thumb. “You want to save them both, then give me my wand, and I can send you to your planet without dreaming. Don’t, and the good one dies.”

Gwen struggled, but in a split second, her other wrapped her arm around her throat, while still holding pistol to her head. She cursed silently. She should have anticipated that move. She’d used the same one many times before, fighting ruffians in the streets of London.

Theo looked between all of them, his tail coiling like a snake, and Gwen could see the frustration and fear in his eyes.

Her double exerted enough pressure around Gwen’s throat to cut off her supply of air. “Don’t do it, Theo. She won’t kill me.”

“Don’t be so sure,” her double whispered into her ear. “Patience isn’t one of my virtues.”

Gwen groaned. How many times had both Grace and Leif scolded her on her short temper? She had always had a hard time waiting for what she wanted, and her double obviously suffered this same trait, but killing someone for money left a dishonorable taste in her mouth.

Theo sat back on his haunches and flew into the air, exhaling a blaze of fire.

“I knew he would go for it.” Hera curled lips into a lopsided smile.

“See?” Gwen gasped. “She’s lying.”

Hera flicked her hand. “You’ll soon find out, won’t you?” She sauntered toward her. “Bring her inside.” Her voice turned as deadly as a demon’s.

Her identical half slowly released the arm around Gwen’s neck. “We’ll see about that. Now, move.”

Gwen touched her tender throat and winced. She gently took a swallow, then gulped down precious air.

“Move,” her double said, as she pushed her.

Gwen stumbled but managed to keep her dignity and not fall. The pressure of the pistol was placed in the middle of her back. She didn’t think she’d be fast enough to unman her assailant.

She reluctantly followed Hera, hoping she wasn’t walking to the gallows. Inside, the home wasn’t what she’d expected–no bubbling cauldrons, candles, or caged animals. She was treated with warm colors of pink and purple. Pictures hung from the walls of the painted desert and large-petal flowers. A fire flickered in the fireplace, but there was no cauldron, so Gwen couldn’t figure out why red smoke had poured out of the chimney.

Overstuffed furniture faced the fireplace and surrounded an oak coffee table that had colorful, hand-covered, wooden figures. Hera brought over a wooden dining room chair with a rose-colored cushion.

“Sit here.”

Her voice left little room for argument, and Gwen had little choice with the pistol in her back. She sat in the chair. Her hands were jerked behind her back then tied quickly, cutting off her circulation.

She refused to ask for mercy and glared at Hera. She hoped Topper would strip her of her powers, but if Theo returned with her wand, that seemed unlikely.

“Don’t look so glum,” Hera said, as she threaded her fingers through her hair. “He’ll bring back my wand.”

“And I’ll get my gold,” her dizzying other half said, as she turned her pistol on Hera. “Or you’ll not see another sunrise.”

Hera crossed her legs underneath her. “You’re not the trusting type, are you?”

She put her back against the wall. “I don’t trust anyone. Get me another bottle of rum.”

Hera frowned. “I think you’ve had enough.”

Gwen’s double fired the gun, barreling a hole in the middle of Hera’s recliner.

“You bitch!” Hera yelled. “You could have killed me.”

“If I wanted you dead, you would be. Now get me the rum.”

“Fine.”

Hera stormed over to a cabinet and opened it up. She snagged a bottle then gave it to Gwen’s double, who snatched it out of her hand.

Hera walked back to her recliner. “You’re very rude.”

“So?” The double unscrewed the lid slowly, then took a long gulp. She held the bottle tight as she trained the gun on Gwen.

Gwen realized that her other self possessed every negative aspect she had, but a thousand times worse. She’d drink more, she’d be more distrusting, and willing to hurt anyone to survive. But the one that she hadn’t seen was the need to protect those she loved. Maybe this other half would be different if either Gracelyn or Leif were here.

Obviously, being attracted to Theo didn’t count. It would have to be much more for her to save him, but then she wasn’t even sure this other side of herself possessed this quality.

Hera gestured with her arm. “Why don’t you sit on the couch? It’s quite comfortable. We may have a long wait. And the way you drink, you’re liable to pass out.”

The double narrowed her eyes. “I can handle my liquor. I’m comfortable where I am.” She widened her stance, her pistol in one hand, the sword in the other, just like Gwen used to when she fought. She could use both hands equally, which more than once had taken her enemies by surprise.

Hera shrugged. “Suit yourself.” She picked up a metal device and flicked her fingers across it.

Gwen squirmed in her chair. “What are you doing?”

Hera didn’t even look up. “Reading.”

Her cavalier attitude grated against Gwen’s nerves.

Gwen’s double blurted, “How can that be? ’Tis not a book.”

Hera glanced between them and turned the device around, which had glowing words. “It’s a tablet, which has over a hundred books on it.”

Gwen lifted an eyebrow, believing it was another trick.

Hera held up her hand. “Not magic. Technology, and no, I don’t want to discuss it.”

Gwen struggled to free her wrists, but they’d gone numb, and her stiff fingers refused to move. Hera didn’t pay an ounce of attention to her, but Gwen didn’t want to test her assumption. Besides, her guard never wavered.

She leaned her head on the back of the chair, wondering what Theo was planning. Hopefully, he wasn’t going to do something that would get himself killed.

She thought of Theo’s teasing smile that melted her insides. His golden eyes that peered inside her heart, accepting both her strengths and weaknesses, but still wanting her. She remembered the taste of lips on hers that stirred a budding desire. To her chagrin, familiar, bubbling feelings that she long denied crept up her throat, forcing her to acknowledge them–lust, excitement, wildness. They scared her, making her admit something she’d long avoided. She’d never felt like this for any other man–even when she was whole. Which scared the living pirate out of herself.

She’d find a way to save him, even if meant killing her other half.

Chapter Eleven

Theo soared into the midnight sky, exhaling fire.

He looked at the stars, not having the faintest clue which planet was the dragon queen’s. It could be any of them. Even if he knew, how the devil could he contact her?

The dream came to him.

No matter how much it bristled him, he needed help whether he wanted to admit it or not. He flew as fast he could to Hera’s simple little adobe home. Like all the Magic resident homes, blooming cacti, which constantly changed colors, were planted in front of the house. A black cat lay stretched out in the middle of the yard but didn’t seem the slightest bit bothered by Theo’s great size, since it had probably seen more than its fair share of magical beasts.

He landed outside the wooden gate and tried to transform, but anger and frustration held him. He wasn’t in control–the dragon was.

He tilted his head back and shrieked.

Lights went on up and down the street, and he ignored them. The door opened, and Topper came out, wearing a red silky bathrobe, as if she’d just taken a shower, but he didn’t care.

Gwen was in danger.

“Theo?” She yawned sleepily. “What’s wrong?”

He looked at her pleadingly, hoping to make her understand.

“It’s Gwen. Isn’t it?”

“Topper, what’s going on?”

Excited voices repeated all around Theo.

“Is that the sheriff?”

“Are we under attack?”

Topper motioned to shush the crowd. “Calm down everyone. I know as much as you do. I think our solemn sheriff is stuck in dragon form.”

Theo narrowed his eyes.

“If you don’t mind–”she looked around–“I need some privacy with him. I promise, you are all safe.”

For now, he thought.

Gnomes, trolls, and people dressed in their nightly garb wandered back into their homes, grumbling. Theo ignored them, concentrating on Topper.

“Now, first, my dear sheriff, you must learn to control those overbearing emotions of yours.” She lifted her arms high over her head. “Breathe in.”

Theo rolled his eyes.

She frowned. “Do you want to save your mate?”

The last thing he wanted to do was new age mumbo-jumbo, but he’d do it for Gwen.

“Close your eyes and listen to my voice. Take deep breaths from your diaphragm.”

Reluctantly closing his eyes, he followed Topper’s lead and inhaled and exhaled deeply, expanding and compressing his lungs.

“That’s it. Breathe in. Breathe out.”

Her voice was smooth and soft like a smoldering fire. He thought of nothing else but her voice. His fast-beating heart slowed, and the anger pumping in his veins diminished.

“Open your eyes, Theo,” she said gently.

Theo did as she said and realized he was a man–not a beast. He frowned. “How?”

“You have to learn to control your anger. Once you do this, you can transform back and forth at will.”

“Topper, I need your help.”

Concern flared in her eyes.

He nodded. “Hera and Gwen’s double have her. Gwen’s evil half is demanding dragon gold, and if I don’t deliver, she plans on killing Gwen.”

“If she kills Gwen, she’ll die.”

“That’s what I told her, but supposedly Hera has cast a spell that even if Gwen dies, her other half will survive. Is that true?”

She crunched her eyebrows into a deep scowl. “I don’t know. Come inside. I need to do some research.”

Impatience boiled inside his gut, but law enforcement had taught him that moving half-cocked led to disaster. He followed Topper into her home. She went over to a bookcase filled with every spell book imaginable and pulled out a black one with no words on the spine.

She was busy thumbing through it while he took a seat next to the fire. Suddenly, a weariness rolled over him, his limbs strained and heavy, as if he’d overstrained every muscle, every bone in his body. He closed his eyes…

“Theo, awaken,” a strong, familiar, male voice ordered.

Theo fluttered open his eyes. He exhaled a loud breath of relief. He was back on the mysterious aqua planet, and a long shadow fell over him.

He shielded his eyes. “Damon?”

“Aye, it’s me. The queen has seen your plight and has sent me to offer you help.”

Theo scrambled to his feet. “She knows of the gold and will give me some?”

Damon tossed his head back and laughed. “Dragon gold is a myth on the planet Earth. We do not hoard treasure.”

His hearty laugh sent a prickle of irritation down Theo’s stiff spine. “Then, what exactly does she plan to do?”

Damon slowly sobered, then stretched out his hand. In the middle of his palm was a glimmering gold stone with a narrow black diamond in the center of it.

“Is that gold?”

“Hardly. It’s dragon eye–the most powerful stone on my planet.”

On closer inspection, Theo realized that there was a jagged, glowing red border around the gold. “Does it possess magical powers?”

“Of course. That’s why I said it was our most powerful stone.”

Theo jerked his gaze back to the surly warrior. “Tell me what it does.”

“It is difficult to say. Each stone is different and only will reveal itself to its true owner.”

Theo frowned. “I don’t understand,” he said impatiently. “How is this going to help me with Gwen? I don’t have time for a lesson.”

“If you don’t listen, then you won’t know how to use it,” Damon chided.

Theo flipped his hand. “Fine. Go on.”

“Very well. This stone is an exact replica of the owner’s eye. No one stone is alike, and only the owner can use it.”

The stone moved in Damon’s palm, and Theo swore it was looking at him. He glanced up at Damon. “Are you saying this one is mine?”

“Obviously. It comes to be when you are to be mated. Open your hand.”

Theo didn’t hesitate.

Damon turned his hand over as if he was going to drop it into Theo’s outstretched hand. Suddenly, he wrenched his hand back.

“What are you doing?” Theo spat. “Give it to me. You said it was mine.”

“First, you must promise nothing is to happen to the witch who cursed your mate.”

“What? Why? She deserves to be punished.”

Damon’s eyes grew darker. “I’ll not give this to you until you promise no harm will come to her.”

He released a warning growl that caught Theo’s suspicion. Somehow, Hera had piqued this dragon’s protection or perhaps even the queen’s, but all Theo cared about was Gwen.

“For all of her meddling, Hera will most likely be banished from Magic and her powers stripped.”

Damon curled a corner of his mouth into a sneer. “I meant physically harmed.”

“We will not hurt her if that is what you mean.”

Damon stood there stubbornly waiting.

“No, I’m not going to burn her to a crisp if that’s what you’re asking. I give you my word–no physical harm will come to Hera.”

“I’ll will hold you to that.” Damon handed the eye to Theo.

As soon as the eye touched Theo’s palm, hewhisked out of the planet like a rocket. He woke in Topper’s recliner, still gripping the dragon eye tight in his hand.

Topper sat in front of him. “Theo, are you all right? I have been shaking you for the last five minutes. I thought you had a heart attack,” she said frantically. “Didn’t you hear me?”

“No.” He slowly unclenched his hand to reveal the glowing stone. Warmth seeped up his arm. Strange tingles burst through him, but he was at a loss on what it meant.  “I was back on the mysterious planet, and this time, they gave me something.”

Topper looked at it closely. “What is it?”

“It’s a dragon stone.”

“Can I see it?”

“Sure, I have no idea how the thing works.”

When Theo handed it to her, it immediately turned into a gray stone. The warmth and tingles fled from his body, as if a cozy blanket was lifted off him.

“What the hell just happened?”

Topper smiled. “I think understand now. Here, take it.”

Theo took back the stone, and the same sensations rushed over him.

“I believe this is a faith stone,” Topper said. “I have never seen one before and have only read about them. In order for this to work, you must believe without a shadow of a doubt that the magic hidden in the stone will work. One pebble of doubt is enough to render it useless.”

“Great, then I’m screwed.”

“Not necessarily. I can help you with this, but then the rest is up to you.”

“Gwen’s in danger. I’m ready to try anything.”

“Good.” She picked up wand that lay on the dining room table. “Now, repeat after me. I believe in myself.” She spun her wand around as she talked.

“You’re kidding, right?”

“Theo,” she warned, still spinning her wand. “You’re wasting time. Do you want to save Gwen, or not?”

He stared at the stone that seemed to look at him, begging him to try.

“Fine. I believe in me.” He gritted his teeth.

She frowned. “Say it like you mean it.”

This was ridiculous. “I believe in me.”

“Again.”

“I believe in me.”

He’d lost some of the sarcasm in his voice, and the tingles grew stronger inside him. He repeated the words three more times, and each time, his heart quickened. Something burst inside him like a loud pop. He jerked several times as power rippled through him.

“Theo, where are you?” Topper cried in alarm.

He stopped and looked down at his stretched-out hand that was invisible. He laughed, then put the eye inside his pocket. He gripped Topper’s shoulders, and she widened in surprise.

“You’re invisible. That’s your power.”

“Yes, thank you.” He lightly kissed her on the cheek. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to go save a pretty little pirate.”

Chapter Twelve

Gwen glared at Hera, who’d fallen asleep in her overstuffed chair without a care in the world. Her soft nerves made Gwen want to scratch out her eyes. Even her double had stretched out on a nearby couch, still gripping her gun, but as far as Gwen could tell she wasn’t snoring, which meant she might be resting her eyes. Any sudden sounds would likely launch her into an attack.

Gwen hadn’t slept a wink all night. All she could think about was Theo and what fool plan he was devising to save her–one that would get him killed. She couldn't sit here and do nothing and worry and fret like an old woman. She shifted in her chair, pulling on her arms, trying to loosen her bindings, but her numb fingers only brushed over the tight rope. She exhaled in frustration.

Her indecision had grown worse as the night wore on. As if every minute, her mind was turning into soggy seaweed. She’d finally come up with the thought to try to cut her bindings with the discarded sword.

So far, her double hadn't moved an inch, but she could be lying in wait like a predator ready to snag a curious prey.

Gwen couldn’t help but wonder if her pickled mind was fading. For some reason, her double was able to make decisions faster than Gwen, which was so frustrating.

Luckily, her captors hadn’t bound her ankles. Not knowing what else to do, she twisted her body hard. The chair screeched across the hardwood floor, louder than a pissed off dragon. Gwen held her breath, waiting for her double to press a sword against her throat, but the woman hadn't even flickered an eyelash.

Gwen inched the chair one more time. Another loud scratch ricochet off the walls like a gong, waking the dead. Gwen’s breath iced over in her chest, her lungs squeezed tight, suddenly paralyzed, she waited for the worse.

Hera moaned and her double jerked a finger, but neither of them opened their eyes.

She exhaled softly, afraid a loud gush would be pushing her luck. The sword seemed a million miles away, but ’twas only an arm’s length away. She didn’t even know if she could cut the bindings with it, since her fingers were as useful as a club foot.

Hoping she wasn’t making another fatal mistake, she scooted the chair one more time. Instead of a scratch, the chair made a soft scuffle. Her double released a loud sigh. Hera gripped the blanket that was draped across her and turned her head the other direction.

Gwen was less than an inch from the sword. Her pinky finger could almost reach the tip of it. Just one more effort, and she’d be home free.

Suddenly, a gust of wind blew open the front door, but luckily it didn’t bang into the wall, almost as if someone caught it. Gwen frowned. Nothing else moved outside–not the dust, the purple sage brush, or wild flowers. How could the door swing open by itself?

A loud thump made her sit straighter in her chair–followed by soft footsteps. Gwen looked between Hera and her double–neither had moved.

The footsteps grew louder.

Something was coming.

She squirmed in her seat–desperately stretching her pinky finger to touch the sword. Her pinky graced the edge of the tip. The footsteps drew closer. She jerked, stabbing her finger. She winced, sharp pain throbbing in her now red pinky.

She sucked in her breath, too petrified to release the tiniest puff of air. The sword teetered precariously on the edge of the coffee table, ridiculing her inability to stop it, her heartbeat matching its unsteady rhythm. The sword dipped lower and lower and lower toward the floor, threatening to crash.

Suddenly, she inhaled the familiar scent of a flickering fire that reminded her of Theo. She wished it was him, needing to feel his strength, snug in his arms.

But he wasn’t here. He was off trying to come up with some foolish plan that could get them both killed.

She wiggled her limp fingers to shove the sword back onto the coffee table, but instead, she bumped it. The sword dove toward the floor as her heart dropped to her toes. Every muscle and nerve tightened as she waited for the loud clang to wake her kidnappers.

Inches from the floor, the sword hovered in midair, then as if by magic, it returned neatly to the coffee table without a sound. Her jaw dropped, and cold chills swooshed over her spine. She glanced over at Hera to see if she was watching her and had cast a spell, but she was curled up in the overstuffed chair like a purring cat.

Gwen gulped for air, but her lungs turned to ice as strong fingers tugged her bindings. She jerked around, but no one was there–only paintings of landscapes, a bookcase, and an adobe floor lamp.

Not sure if it was a friend or foe, Gwen waited perfectly still until the last piece of rope fell from her numb wrists. She jumped out of the chair, then seized the sword, nearly dropping it. Her fingers failed to cooperate, and she lost her grip, cursing under breath.

Once again, it hung in midair. An arm wrapped around her waist. She slammed her elbows into a hard body. Someone hissed.

“Stop, Gwen, it’s me.”

It sounded like Theo’s husky voice. A ball formed in Gwen’s dry throat. Her cheeks tweaked, and her lower lip trembled.

Stay strong.

But a tear leaked from the water dam she’d been trying deseperately to hold back. If only Theo was here…

Not trusting herself to talk, Gwen looked over her shoulder for her law-abiding dragon. 

But she was only met with bitter disappointment. He wasn’t there. The witch must have cast a cruel spell, making her believe she could hear Theo’s voice and inhale his fiery scent. She’d regret torturing Gwen’s emotions.

Someone brushed against her ear, and she jerked back.

“I’m invisible,” Theo whispered. “Trust me.”

Gwen’s mind whirled in a million directions. Of all the plans, she’d thought Theo would come up with, invisibility hadn’t been one of them. Not even Leif possessed this ability or at least that she knew of. Dragon lore wasn’t her specialty.

“Nod your head if you believe me.”

Hoping she wasn’t making another mistake, she closed her eyes and nodded. In an instant, strong arms lifted her off her feet then held her against a steely body. She flew out of the house faster than her beating heart. Her vision blurred as colors danced in front of her eyes. She couldn’t breathe.

Just as fast as she was snatched, the whirlwind stopped. Theo magically appeared, his arms still wrapped around her trembling body. Neither spoke as she gathered her breath and her head stopped spinning. They were inside another similar adobe house, but this one was simply decorated with overstuffed black chairs and one oak coffee table. A large screen hung on the fireplace, but a leather jacket draped across an oak chair made her feel safe. It was Theo’s.

She inhaled a shaky breath and looked into his golden eyes. His brief touch seemed to clear some of the fuzziness in her mind.

“We’re at your place? Aren’t we?”

He placed a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Yes, we are.”

She smiled, then slid her hands over his chest, liking how he sucked in her breath at her touch. “I didn’t know you could turn invisible.”

“Neither did I.”

“Did Topper help you?”

“No, it was Queen Cosima.”

She frowned. “There’s a queen who lives in Magic?”

He shook his head. “No, she’s queen of the dragons of the planet that she wouldn’t name. She gave me a gift–a stone.”

“What kind of stone?”

“It’s called a dragon eye.”

“Can I see it?”

He reached into his front pocket and pulled out a glowing golden stone. He placed it in her outstretched palm and immediately tingles fluttered up her arm, caressing her flesh. She shuddered. Something flared in her chest, as if a veil was slowly falling from her icy heart. Warmth surged within her, then turned sweltering hot–as if her very clothes offended her now sensitive skin.

A sweltering need to feel Theo’s lips and hands on her consumed her. She licked her lips in eager anticipation and avoided his gaze. Instead, she examined the stone and realized there was a black dot in the middle of it and a jagged red around the gold. “’Tis beautiful.”

“Nothing compares to your beauty.”

His husky voice melted her last reservations of protest. She glanced up at him, knowing her desire for him was transparent–and not caring. “Bloody hell.”

“Not the words, I was looking for.” He turned the corner of his mouth up. “But yes, it’s a duplicate of my eye. According to Damon, he’s a dragon shifter from the planet, the stone only reveals its powers to its true owner–” He lowered his voice. “And when they are to be mated.”

She flashed him a seductive smile. “Meaning you and me?”

His eyes burned gold, blocking out any other color. He tilted his head and answered her with a kiss that sent her senses into a tailspin. She clung to his shoulders, not wanting to let go. He picked her up in his arms and carried her to a bedroom, which like the living room, was simple. There was an oak dresser against a wall and an inviting king size bed with a dark blue comforter. She wasn’t a virgin, but the thought of making love to a dragon shifter scared the lilies out of her. This was so not her. ’Twas Grace, but then everything exciting frightened her sister.

Gwen should be protesting or at least the doubting part of her did, but every fiber inside her rebelled against her mind, telling her to do this.

He gently laid her down on the bed, and she sank into the comforter, as if she were on a cloud. When he followed on top of her, he kissed her, sending tremors throughout her body. She balled her fingers into his shirt, hanging on tight, as if afraid he would leave her. She ran her leg over his muscular one, and he groaned.

“I need you,” he whispered into her ear, his breath ragged.

“And I you.”

Her body was on fire, burning, smoldering and sultry, and she felt breathless, dizzy, knowing it was madness, sheer madness to agree. She dragged his mouth back to hers, needing to taste the spiciness that grounded her. Tingles swept over her, and his very taste built up the determination that had withered inside her.

He lifted off her and tore off his shirt, buttons flying across the bed. Desire flared in his golden eyes. She laughed nervously as she admired his sculpted muscles, but she noticed a tattoo of a headdress on his bicep burned from black to a bright orange.

“Theo, does your tattoo always glow like that?”

He glanced down. “No.”

“Why is it doing that?”

“Hell, if I know.” He cast his gaze over her. “Darlin’, are you going to take your boots off?”

She lifted an eyebrow. “In a hurry, Sheriff?”

He turned his lips up into a devilish handsome smile that left little doubt he wanted her, and her skin grew hotter as if she was on fire from the inside. She lifted her shirt off impatiently, needing to feel the cool air. He gasped, but she didn’t look at him. She was too busy tearing off her shift. When she fumbled getting her boots off, he clasped her hand.

“Let me help you.”

She lifted her head, and desire blazed in her heart. Muscles bulged slightly as he slowly pulled off her trousers, and his cock was aroused. The hesitancy reared inside her, afraid he’d tear in her two, but the gentle graze of his fingers eased her doubt. Even the slightest touch had an effect on her that no man ever had.

But when his mouth followed his fingers down her thighs, she nearly lifted off the bed. All she could do was stretch out her arms as he discovered her every nerve. She balled the comforter tight in her hands. He licked and kissed down one leg then after he tossed her trousers, he gently caressed the other leg. His silky hair teased her, and she shuddered when his lips found the heat between her thighs.

Fervor and pleasure graced over her in a long sweeping blaze, deep and intense. Her heart quickened, sending blood pooling between her inner thighs. There was more and more and more arousal, and she spread her legs wider and wider, then she arched her back as her first ripple of an orgasm shifted through her like wildfire. Something flamed inside her chest and slowly grew in intensity. She’d never felt anything with so much fervor, so much ferocity, so much power that she gulped for air.

He used his wicked tongue to take her places that she’d never dreamed. The storm brewed inside, as if something was coming, something that frightened her, but she was powerless to stop.

She put her hands on his shoulders, then threaded her fingers into his thick hair, holding him, needing him to be her rock.

“Theo,” she gasped. “Something’s coming.”

His answer was to move off her wet core and plant kisses up her torso until he reached one breast. He laved it, leaving her wanting with need. He kissed and bit her budded nipple, teasing her with desire. He spread her thighs apart with his hands, then embedded himself, his flesh pushing against one trembling thigh.

The sensation swirling in her chest grew tense, sending ripples throughout her body. Every inch of her skin grew hotter, even her eyes–as if she’d looked into the sun for too long.

“Theo,” she whispered. “I–”

He left her breast and silenced any protest with his mouth. She dug her fingers into his shoulders as she shuddered again with fervor. He slightly moved his hips so his cock was pushed against her sleek curls. He was throbbing, hard, and virile.

She’d tensed, knowing with one thrust something would change. She wasn’t a virgin, but with the fluttering sensation gushing through her, she knew she’d never be the same. The meek Gwen was fading, while something else was building inside her, threatening to erupt like a volcano.

Theo lifted his hips and thrust deep inside her again and again. Fear, pleasure, and rapture seized her beating heart. He moved within her, to withdraw and thrust, withdraw and thrust with long, silky strokes that set a string of events shattering inside her. Her vision blurred, blinding her to Theo’s handsome face.

“Gwen, your eyes!”

She could only cling to him as the dizziness swept over her like a storm.

Keep going, a feminine voice whispered in Gwen’s mind. She recognized the voice she heard in the aqua whirlwind.

“Theo, don’t…stop.”

Her voice was so soft she wasn’t sure he heard.

But he returned to the same fierce rhythm that matched her own. Flesh slid against flesh–intense and raw. He drew her into another orgasm, bigger than the last. When he took her breast into his mouth, licking and lapping it, she writhed beneath him, not sure she’d survive. This was so different with him. She’d had orgasms before, but not like this, especially not making her blind with passion.

Screaming out his name, she arched her back and locked her legs around his rocking hips. Strength surged through her, conquering any weakness inside her. A feeling of fervor gripped her so hard that she shook over and over again. Her vision returned in a flash. She stared up at Theo, as if seeing him for the first time. A glistening of sweat trickled down his temples, and he panted as hard as she did, their hearts beating as one. His silky hair tickled her face. In his eyes, she saw a life she’d only dreamed about. In one single moment, she knew he was hers.

And she wasn’t afraid.

“I love you,” she said.

Her was not soft, or hesitant, but strong.

He pressed his forehead to hers, still pumping his hips, thrusting his flesh inside her. “And I you.”

Suddenly, the bedroom window burst into tiny shards of glass. Theo wrapped his arms around her, shielding her, protecting her as always.

“Don’t move!” he shouted.

Gwen wouldn’t listen and looked past his shoulder–in the corner stood her double, fear flickering in her eyes. The same female voice whispered in Gwen’s mind.

“Theo,” Gwen said softly. “Look.”

He turned around, following his gaze. “It’s…it’s…”

“My other half.” She pressed her fingers against his face. “I know what to do.”

“I don’t want to die,” her double muttered.

“You won’t,” Gwen said. “Theo?”

He looked at her then at the double, but reluctantly rolled off her. Naked and unafraid, Gwen got off the bed. Her double had pressed her back against the wall, as if frozen.

Gwen stretched out her arms. “We are one and will live together. Come to me.”

The double warily watched her, but then walked toward her. Gwen did the same. Instead of crashing into each other, they merged like the sun and the moon in an eclipse. A bright light burst around them, blinding Gwen. Tingles swept over her like fire ants running over her flesh. She’d had to have stitches once, and the same feeling of a needle going in and out of her gripped her, as if her soul was being stitched back together. She whirled around in a circle faster and faster, shaking uncontrollably.

“Gwen!”

She collapsed onto the floor. He rushed over to her, pushing her hair out of her face. He held her close, and she could feel his racing heart matching hers. They were one. The spell was broken. Her feelings of being indecisive, insecure, and imbalanced faded while her wildness, independence, and rebelliousness returned.

She smiled up at this worried face. “Theo, thanks to you, I’m whole. I’m me again.”

“Except for your eyes,” he said. “They’re no longer green, but the same color as mine.”

She kissed him hard, needing to possess him, wanting to feel his hands and mouth on her flesh again and again. She released him panting. “That’s because, dragon-boy, I’m your mate.”

Chapter Thirteen

A few days later, at midnight, Theo held Gwen’s hand as they formed a circle around the gazebo. He and Gwen had been learning more about each other, and to his surprise, they’d experienced the same dream and visited Queen Cosima, who confirmed that once mated, the female’s eyes turned the color of her mate’s. He’d never even known it was possible.

Damon had reminded him of his promise not to hurt Hera. It had done some talking, but the witches’ council agreed not to do anything rash, but Hera would not escape unscathed.

All of Magic was out here, even the twins. Hera sat on the gazebo with her head held up high. The witches’ council had made their decision. He glanced at Pandora, who was on the other side of Gwen and took pity on her. Her eyes were blood-shot from crying, and by the looks of Cé’s wet shirt, it had been recently.

Topper was on the other side of him, but she didn’t look at him. Instead of wearing her usual bright-colored hair, she’d take on a somber tone, and her hair was as black as her gown. All the witches’ council had on similar black gowns, even Pandora.

“Hera, I demand you come forth,” Topper ordered.

Hera flounced out of the gazebo, tossing her red hair behind her shoulder. “Like I had a choice.”

Topper narrowed her eyes. “The council has made its decision. Do you have any last words?”

Hera folded her arms across her chest. “If I did, would it make a difference?”

“No,” Topper said softly.

Hera met each one of their condemning gazes. “Then fiddly-dee, I don’t.” She stopped at Pandora, who led out a loud sob.

Pandora was torn-up that her sister would be punished but made no move to intervene. Hera had used her magic for evil, which was condemned, and depending on the spell, could be punishable by death.

Topper looked up at the crescent moon. “By the authority invested in me, I strip you of your wand.”

A wand magically appeared in Topper’s hand. Hera moved to seize it, but as she did, it broke in half.

“No!” Hera cried, as she fell to her knees.

“Hera Athans,” Topper said. “You have been found guilty of using your magic for evil purposes, which is a violation of the Witch’s Constitution.”

“I never agreed to your constitution,” Hera snapped as tears formed in her eyes.

“The minute you decided to habitat here, you did. Magic is a safe haven for all creatures, and evil will not be tolerated.”

Theo almost felt sorry for her, but knowing Hera, those were crocodile tears used to generate sympathy. He glanced down at Gwen’s dark head. As much as he wanted to, he didn’t know if he could forgive Hera. Gwen was everything to him, and nearly losing her due to Hera’s pettiness was inexcusable.

Gwen looked up at him, and he still was getting used to her golden eyes, but when they brimmed with passion, his feelings for her knew no bounds.

“Hera.” Topper interrupted his thoughts. “I’m exiling you from Magic until at a time you’ve proven your redemption.”

But her words were wasted.

“I didn’t do anything wrong.” She pointed at Theo. “This was all his fault, because he wouldn’t give me back my wand.”

Hera’s lower lip trembled, and she wrapped her arms around herself tightly. She was all alone with no allies. She’d faced all of Magic without a single supporter. True, she’d been found guilty and nearly broken his heart.

But anger had nearly caused him not to learn how to control his dragon. He wouldn’t hold on to it forever.

He braced his back then squeezed Gwen’s hand.

“Hera, I forgive you.”

Hera opened her mouth then shut it, as if too shocked to say anything. She dropped onto her knees and bowed her head. Theo wasn’t expecting an apology. He didn’t need one as long as he had his pirate wench.

Gwen mouthed silently,I love you, then licked her saucy lips, which made him grow hard. She definitely had a bad side that drove him wild. She was a handful.

“Repeat after me,” Topper said. “We call upon the magic that protects us to strip the accused of all knowledge of Magic and her magic.”

Hera burst into tears, but her tears fell onto deaf ears. The chant grew louder, and the crescent moon turned to a full one. Moonlight glistened off Hera’s red head. A cloud descended onto Hera, covering her. The sobbing stopped, and she disappeared.

Pandora turned to Cé and laid her head on his chest. He held her tight, and together, they walked away from the circle. No one spoke as each resident left. Punishing someone was not a celebration.

Theo and Gwen walked away silently, like everyone else. After a few long moments, she stopped. “Theo, where do you think she went?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m not a witch. I’m a dragon.”

“Um, there’s been something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”

He caressed her hand, then kissed her knuckles, liking how the rim of her eyes turned brighter. “Ask.”

“Can I ride you?”

He laughed. “You’ve been riding me all week.”

She slapped his arm hard. “Not that.” She gazed up at the stars. “I want to fly and spread my arms wide and feel the wind rush through my hair.”

He took her in his arms and kissed her. He planted kisses down her throat, licking her salty skin. “I can deny you nothing, wench.”

“I promise I’ll make it worth your while.”

“Promises, promises,” he murmured.

He stepped away from her and drew on his dragon power. Rather than be ruled by hate, he was now ruled by love and in control. She steadied the beast within him. Muscles and bones crunched and twisted.

Her eyes shimmered brightly through the darkness. She clapped her hands together like a little girl who was going to ride her first pony. She drew out her sword. “I’ll be the pirate of the skies.”

She eagerly climbed on his back, and together, they flew toward the now crescent moon. He couldn’t help but wonder if Queen Cosima was smiling down on him. He might never know his parents or know the name of the planet or the man who hunted his mother, but nothing mattered as long as he had his good and evil pirate wench. She’d taught him to love the good and bad in himself.

“Take me higher, Theo, higher!” She dug her heels into his side as if he were a horse.

He exhaled a stream of fire.

“I want to make love on the highest peak.”

He swirled around, then headed as fast as he could toward a bluff to grant her every devilish wish.

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