Devon Falls: Fiery Magic Read online

  Knowing that Jenna didn’t exactly have warm, fuzzy feelings for him anymore caused him to wonder if Alicia hated him as well.

  “Jenna, sweetheart, leave him alone and come celebrate with me, please. Let your sister deal with him if she decides to.”

  Damien jerked when he heard a masculine voice caress this spitfire’s name; a brief, warning glare came over her face, before the coldness left her as suddenly as it had appeared. Damien knew he had to thank this man as he thawed the ice in Jenna’s eyes. At the man’s apologetic look, Damien dipped his head in acceptance.

  Jenna sighed softly as she took Marc’s hand, looked back at Damien, and then walked away. If this was how her family treated him then he better get a game plan ready in case Alicia felt the same way.

  Rodrick whistled as he came over to where he was standing and patted his pocket. “I got that sexy thing’s number; bro. That dark haired sex machine didn’t seem to have much backbone after I charmed my way into her good graces.” Laughing, he signaled for another round for them. “What happened with Jenna? And who is the warlock with her?”

  Damien sighed as he sipped a frosty bottle of beer that was put in front of him and watched as another blonde bombshell gravitated toward his brother. He chuckled at the pleased expression on Rod’s face as he got a glimpse of her ample charms. It never changes when we go out. He gets the ladies, and I get stuck with the bill.

  Damien took a long swallow of his beer. “How did you know he was a warlock? I never picked up on it.” The flutters of his shape shifter ruffled under his skin, aching to be let out for a bit.

  “That’s because you’re not able to feel what another person’s magical ability is like. I can.” Rod smirked as he caught the eye of a gorgeous brunette and sighed. “If I were you, Damien, I would see Alicia sooner than later, before her family closes ranks and fights you tooth and nail to see her. She deserves to know the truth. If you plan to give your relationship, providing she lets you that is, another try. Grandfather was a straight laced ass some days, and he didn’t do you or Alicia a favor when he forced you to choose between family and love.

  “Now bro, I am off to hunt and find one…two…or more women to give me an enjoyable night. I will see you tomorrow at the homestead. Good luck with Alicia. You will need it, brother.”

  Rodrick moseyed off, and Damien listened to the shrieks of laughter as he spied his brother leaning against the busty blonde who caught his eye earlier.

  Finishing his beer, Damien felt the dragon itch along his shoulder blades return with a vengeance. He got up and walked through the throng of people in the Dirty Diamond Bar and Grille. Rotating his shoulders, he stepped out in the clear, cooler night. The stars twinkled brightly and with a full moon out, he decided to walk through town before heading home. A breeze ruffled his hair lightly as he sauntered leisurely down the street. A light on at the Dew Drop Café caught his gaze and he decided to see who was about this hour at night.

  He strode down the sidewalk. The window of the Dew Drop glowed softly, and a shadow walked past the window. He jogged lightly across the street and almost fell through the glass pane at the sight of Alicia, weaving her way around the cases. He watched the way she moved, all fluid-like and with a grace that he could never find, no matter how hard he tried, in other women. Her reddish blonde hair was in a loose ponytail that he suddenly itched to take down. His eyes widened when her lush, voluptuous body had him aching to see her in all its natural glory. Hers was the most desirable body he had ever seen. The blood rushed to his cock straining the front of his jeans.

  Whistling softly, he never thought she would grow up to be so voluptuous and sexy! It was quite an eye opener, especially when she bent over to clean the case of pastries and her jeans tightened around her rounded ass. Groaning at the vision in front of him, his blood burning with a need to possess; Damien tried to still his racing lust. My god, she is gorgeous and sexy. She’s like a 50’s screen bombshell, all rounded curves and long legs. What man wouldn’t be lucky to have her as a mate and mother of his children?

  Watching her dance to a tune only she could hear brought Damien’s attention to the way she moved. She moved like a ballerina, yet was more graceful to his thinking, and as he watched her dance around the cases and tables, he found himself longing to dance with her. Thinking how her body would curve around his made him shudder with a hot need that had him rock hard and aching for something that he hoped he could experience again — if she didn’t kick him in the balls first and then toss him out the door.

  The lights dimmed, and then went off. A moment later, he heard a car start and drive off. He sighed at the loneliness he felt even more acutely. Damien resumed walking and sighed at the thoughts racing through his brain like a wild fire out of control. Why can’t I just go in and talk to her? Am I being an utter ass thinking I am going to be welcomed with open arms by her? I have to see her, touch her, explain things, and hope she will forgive me enough to give us another try. This time I won’t leave her and fly to parts unknown. I will do whatever it takes for her to trust me again and give me another chance. I know I screwed up big time but this time, I am going to fight for her and the love I hope is still there.

  Blowing a breath of pure exasperation out of his lungs, he spotted a vacant field, shielded from the road. If he didn’t shift soon, the itch would consume him, and it would happen when he had the least control.

  His skin stretched and rippled, so he made sure to take all his clothes off. He didn’t want to ruin them and run naked into anyone he knew. He’d guarded this secret like a soldier on duty at the White House. In the shadows, he crouched and felt the change happen with ripples and power flowing through his skin. Scales came over him, a dark emerald with a blue sheen on his under belly. His tail curled around him and he blinked as his eyesight got used to seeing as a dragon. Everything came into black and white, there were no colors what-so-ever and his chest rumbled as he got up from the ground. Anyone looking at him would be hard pressed to see anything of Damien Dracon.

  He spread his wings and jumped into the sky, relishing the freedom of a dragon. He felt free for the first time since he got back to town, and thankfully he was able to make himself invisible to people who might have spotted him in the sky with just a thought. It wouldn’t do to make someone think they saw a dragon and go blabbing to the police or heck, scientists for that matter.

  Blowing softly through his nose, Damien glided for hours, flapping in the wind and enjoying the breeze against his scales. Soon though, seeing the false dawn coming, he sat back down in the field and changed back into his human form. Shaking with laughter at the rabbit he scared and the wolf watching him change, Damien marveled at the feeling of contentment that crept over him from the flight. Just what I needed. Now, to sleep, and then off to woo the woman who just might give me a chase worthy of a Dracon heir’s bride.

  Chapter Three

  The next day

  Alicia gasped as her body rippled in an orgasm while her alarm jarred her awake at 6 A.M. What caused such a reaction and had her aching for something? “Must be the heat,” Alicia muttered as she swung her legs over the side of the bed and padded to the bathroom for a shower and dress for the day at work.

  Knowing the coffee would be done soon; Alicia lathered herself and wondered what caused her to dream such erotic and randy thoughts. I know I haven’t had sex in three years, but I’ve always been able to use the trusty BOB to help ease any aches I had. What is going on, and why do I feel like today something will change for me?

  I’ve definitely been in too much heat lately if it is causing me to think weird things and dream odd dreams I can’t remember. I definitely need a vacation. Sighing, she got out of the shower and dried off. I bet this has to do with my memories of Damien, though why now is beyond my comprehension. Is my mind is trying to warn or tell me something? I need to get my butt moving. I got a full day and with Founders Day coming up, it is only going to be busier. Damien will just have to be put in a box
in my head and banished again.

  Alicia got to work just before her cousins came in. Hearing them chatter about the latest gossip, Alicia paid them no mind until one mentioned seeing Damien at the Dirty Diamond Bar last night with his twin, Rodrick. Feeling like her gut was punched; she tried to suppress the shudder of pure desire that raced through her body at just the mention of his name and call upon the anger she held for him at his ruthless use of her.

  “Who did you say was at the Dirty Diamond, Jax?” Alicia asked, dread building in her stomach.

  “Damien Dracon is home, Alicia. I thought Jenna mentioned it to you. She saw him there last night and had words with him. Could have frozen an ice cream cone between them if you get my meaning, and it was more Jenna than Damien,” Jax said as she filled the cases full and set the coffee perking.

  Alicia stood there digesting the news her sister knew Damien was in Devon Falls and never bothered to tell her, regardless of whether it was at 2 AM or not. Finally, feeling a slap in the head, Alicia turned to glare at her other cousin, Dixie.

  “What was that for?” Alicia snapped at the petite Dixie.

  “Are you going to stand around with your jaw to the floor so flies can fly in or get to work? We got people already at the door, and we aren’t even open yet. Leave Alicia alone on Damien, Jax, and let’s get rolling. These customers won’t feed themselves you know,” Dixie said sternly though laughter danced in her eyes after slapping Alicia on the back of the head.

  Alicia scuttled to the back to resume getting ready for a day of customers, baking, and relentless heat.

  * * * *

  Rodrick looked at Damien and wondered what he was going to do with Alicia. He didn’t know what happened after he left, but Damien was pacing like a tiger in a cage, determination fixated on his face and looking like he would pounce if anyone bothered him. With a shake of his head, he knew to even bring up the past with him was like getting bit by a rattler. As much as Rod didn’t want to stir things up, but it was for Damien’s own good to see Alicia now instead of later when she’d had time to build up her defenses against him.

  “Will you please go see Alicia, Damien? Your pacing is giving me a headache, and your muttering and mean looks are scaring the housemaids trying to do their job!”

  His brother paced yet again in front of the window, searching for something. It was like watching a man fight an inner battle, and there was no way he could help him. Only Damien could help himself this time. Though if he kept that damn pacing up, he was going to wear a hole in the floor.

  Damien turned around and stared at Rodrick. “What the hell would you know, Rod? You never had a serious relationship in all your life, and frankly, I am at a loss to show Alicia I mean to stay around and spend my lasting days making her happy. How can those happen if I know her family is ready to string me up by my toes and then whip me till I am bloody? That doesn’t sound pleasant even to my ears.”

  Looking at the anguish in Damien’s eyes, Rodrick tried to be as supportive as possible. “Damien, do you even know she will talk to you? If you love her as you say you do, then go to her, and make her understand why you did what you did three years ago. Why not go down to Dew Drop and see if she is open to talking to you for a little bit? Let her decide for a change what she wants to do? Grandfather forced you to make the wrong decision, and it caused heartbreak for you both. It is only right...and for God’s sake, man, go shave, change the clothes and shower. You look like a pirate who has been on the seas for months!”

  Rodrick laughed at the stunned expression on Damien’s face. Some days it was nice to get a jump on his twin. “Well, are you going or are you going to continue to scare the employees? I can always get mother to put her two cents in if you want.”

  “No, I am going,” Damien said as he walked over to Rod and gave him a hug. Then bounding out, he started whistling.

  * * * *

  Alicia worked nonstop until close. It was another busy day and frankly, it seemed like everyone’s mother, grandmother, and other assorted relatives came into town for the holiday. She was seriously contemplating leaving for a bit to take a shower, grab something cold to drink, and maybe relax before coming back in to do some early baking for the next day. Her feet were killing her after being on them all day but after another peek from the kitchen at the empty cases she decided to get a running jump on tomorrow’s baking.

  Hearing the door jingle, she came left the kitchen to see who’d come in. She saw Damien walking toward her. Her jaw dropped and her eyes widened as the fury rushed through her at his audacity of coming into her business, like they parted on friendly terms instead of him dropping the “it was nice, you were a great lay and thanks for everything” speech.

  His muscles bunched and flowed with each step. If anything, he’d grown more handsome and sexy as the years went by. His black hair was down to his shoulders now and was tied back in a ponytail. His sunglasses were pushed up on his head, and he wore these tight jean shorts that caused her breath to catch at the sight of his muscular legs.

  “So come back have you? Is it the time of year for you to deflower another girl, break her heart and then pop off to places unseen?” Alicia asked cynically as she watched him stop a few paces in front of her. “Oh wait...that was already done...to me so it can’t be for my benefit you’re here. We’re closed. Get the hell out.”

  “Hi, Alicia,” Damien said. “I thought we should talk if you will hear me out for a few minutes.”

  She sized him up, anger sizzling up her spine at the cocky tilt of his head and the swaying of his ponytail. “Been a long time.” Several long and lonely years, in fact. Years in which she never heard word one from him. ”Why now?”

  Alicia couldn’t believe he was here in front of her all casual in his tight, jean shorts and dark sun glasses. She tried to get her racing thoughts in order, but the simmer of her heated blood made its way through her veins to center on the core of her femininity.

  Damn it! Why did her body have to get all traitorous on her now? Alicia allowed the hurt to bubble up, like lava forcing itself through a crack in the earth’s crust. Her heart hardened though it was hard not to hurl herself in his arms and kiss him all over. “Didn’t you say enough all those years ago? If I remember correctly, it was ‘had a great time, see you around’ type speech.”

  “Can I get you a drink, or can we go somewhere to talk, Alicia? I know I hurt you, but can you give me ten minutes to explain things?”

  Alicia looked at the one man she had loved since the age of seven when he’d pulled her pigtails on the playground. She weakened at the love she still had inside her heart for him. Seeing the anguish, hurt, and hope peer from his eyes made her decision; though, it might prove to be the wrong one. Alicia tried to stop her racing heart and gripped the countertop in an effort to stop the illusion of a wall she carefully built around her heart. Just seeing Damien hurt, yet also made her long to be in his arms again.

  “Fine, we can go upstairs to my office. You have ten minutes to tell me what you want; then, you’re gone, Damien.” She winced at the harshness of her voice and the pain that lashed at Damien, but a part of her was glad he felt it as well. She marched across the dining room and strode up the stairwell, knowing Damien would come no matter what.

  Chapter Four

  Damien followed and tried not to stare at the rounded ass that swayed with each step. He tried to ignore the way his body reacted to just being around her. With his furious need building, Damien tried to keep his emotions on a short leash, and he let his breath out slowly to still the raging lust that threatened to consume him.

  Alicia pointed to the couch. “Now, what is it, Damien? I am a busy woman, and frankly, you told me several years ago what you thought of me. What makes it so different now?”

  Damien winced as the hurt, pain, and disillusionment filled his love’s voice. Her blue, azure eyes filled with unshed tears, and her agony lanced him straight through the heart. He tried to get his thoughts in order, yet it was
hard when he could smell the rose of damask perfume she wore. That innocent yet seductive scent was enough to drive him wild whenever he was near her.

  “Alicia,” Damien started. “I didn’t mean those words all those years ago. I still love you, and I am so, so sorry to have hurt you like that. Please forgive me. I got told to break up with you since we were getting too serious, and that my grandfather made me choose. It was you…or my family. How could I choose? But I was forced to. I did and in the process hurt you.”

  Trying to keep from jumping from the couch to hold her, Damien continued, “When my family came to Devon Falls, they had a secret they jealously guarded night and day. No one in Devon Falls knows, and we have to keep it that way. I was told to chose, Alicia: it was you and the love we shared or be banished forever from my family.”

  “What secret, Damien?” Alicia asked as she gazed at the heartbroken man in front of her.

  This was a Damien she’d never seen before. He looked broken, and scared. Yet a hint of love, desire, and hope peered from his eyes. “What caused you to say those hurtful words to me? The words I hear every night before I go to sleep that burn in my memories and slice my heart to ribbons? What caused you to destroy our lives? What gave you the power to make a decision for me without even consulting me?”

  Alicia watched as Damien jumped up from the couch and paced in front of her. He looked so worried, scared yet hopeful at the same time. “We are shape shifters, Alicia. Immortal beings. When we turn twenty, our shape shifter comes to light. I’m a dragon; Rod is a wolf. Because of this secret my crusty old grandfather told me to choose. He was determined to keep our line pure, and he was the ruler of our family at the time. When he died a few years ago, my brother finally convinced me to come home and see if I could make things right with you.”