The Dragon Falls for the Fairy Godmother Read online

  “I’ll set up the sparing list,” Sebastian said. “Julian, Nick, and Greyson are here tonight. Should be interesting.”

  Marshall nodded. “Good.” He was in the mood for a challenge. Their group was growing in popularity, especially within the vampire crowd.

  A short while later, they were paired up. His first match was with the valkyrie Tessa. She could wield a sword like nobody’s business. Her sister, Jenna Blythe, fought Sebastian. They were all strong opponents. Julian Ellingham faced off against Nick Hardwin, who was more brawn than finesse, but he put his whole heart into the task. Greyson was the odd vampire out during the preliminary round.

  Two winners of the first match went on to spar with the each other. The losers fought the other losers, and so it went until they’d achieved three rounds and an overall winner of the evening could be determined. It was usually a close running between Tessa, Sebastian, and himself. They seemed to take turns winning, which made for great sport.

  This evening he and Tessa were the last to face off. She lunged and thrust. To the right, at the entrance, the side door opened and a line of people filed in. He turned his head for a better look. Willa, Jayne Frost, Delaney, Desi and Erika stood raptly watching.

  The tip of Tessa’s foil touched his breastplate.

  “Point,” Sebastian announced.

  He didn’t care. His eyes met Erika’s. He guessed they must be picking up Tessa and Jenna. Thursdays was usually the ladies night out.

  “Game point,” Sebastian stated.

  The set seemed to last forever. Lunging and thrusting, retreating and dancing around each other. Tessa attacked, he parried, riposte. Feint, disengage, Marshall forced himself to focus and not get distracted by Erika’s smiling face. They circled. He attacked and struck his mark.

  “Well done,” Tessa ripped off her mask, breathing hard.

  “You almost had me there,” he said, shaking her hand.

  Tessa waved to the group on the sideline. “Give me a minute to clean up and change, then I’ll be ready to go.”

  “We’ll time you,” Willa teased.

  The woman chuckled. Marshall’s eyes settled on Erika. She looked fantastic in her black pants and flowing top. He looked away, dabbed sweat from his brow with a towel, picked up his gear, and walked to the bench on the other side of the gym.

  When he glanced over, he saw her again, staring straight at him. Her eyes called to him. Or was that just his dragon getting protective, wanting to move closer?

  “Who’s driving tonight?” Sebastian asked.

  “Willa,” Delaney answered.

  Sebastian nodded. “You should be safe then,” he joked.

  Safe. The thought of harm befalling her made his beast growl. He forced himself to stay put. He would see Erika in the morning. That was soon enough. All would be well. Yet he knew that was a placating thought.

  He headed for the showers before he did something foolish…like ask her to dinner tomorrow night. He could feel her watch him as he moved. Or was he imagining her gaze on him? No. He shot one more glance over his shoulder.

  Her eyes were on him still.

  * * *

  Erika shifted her stance at the white-hot ache low in her belly. She couldn’t deny her attraction to Marshall. He’d handled himself expertly with the sword. Fine, ancient skills like that were applauded in her home town. And she enjoyed watching him. He was bigger and stronger than any guy she’d known in Rhoswynn. His strength, agility, and skill were so appealing. Her pulse rose with her awareness.

  No. She had not fled her parents in order to find a man. She could have had that at home. But that’s not the same, the tiny voice in her head argued. There was a huge difference between choosing a man and having one thrust on you.

  As they waited for Jenna and Tessa, the group mingled together. Willa expanded the introductions as some of the females paired up with males. “This is my fiancé, Nick Hardwin.”

  He nodded. “Pleased to meet you,” he said in a slightly accented voice.

  With a dazzling smile, Willa slid her hand into his. “Let me introduce you to Desi’s husband Julian. Who is the brother to Hugh, husband of Delaney, and isn’t here because he is no doubt babysitting. Right?” She looked at Delaney.

  “Right,” Delaney answered.

  “And they’re also Sebastian’s brother, the eldest Ellingham, who is engaged to Tessa, the amazing Valkyrie who almost bested Marshall.” She jutted her thumb to the side pointing out a massive guy with a square jaw and big shoulders.

  “Here comes Jenna, Tessa’s sister. She and you are the single unattached gals.”

  “Well, I plan on keeping it that way,” Erika said with a throaty laugh.

  “Everyone, this is Erika Tschanz from my home town of Rhoswynn.” They all contributed to a collective “hello.”

  “Thank you for welcoming me to Nocturne Falls,” Erika said, feeling a blush warm her face.

  Willa kissed Nick’s cheek and moved toward the doorway. “Is Jenna coming?” She asked Tessa.

  “No. She has other plans.”

  Willa nodded her blonde head. “I think that takes care of the group, then. Ladies, are we ready?”

  “You betcha,” Desi said.

  “Have we decided where we’re off to?” Jayne asked.

  “Nope,” Willa said. “Any suggestion?”

  “The Poisoned Apple?” Jayne threw out.

  “Sounds good to me.” The females piled into Willa’s new suburban. “The Poisoned Apple it is.”

  Chapter Six

  Erika filed through the door of The Poisoned Apple Pub in line behind Willa. Jayne had called ahead and reserved a booth for six. Evidently she had an in with someone named Dave. Delaney, Desi, and Tessa slid into one side of the burgundy upholstered booth, with its high sides for maximum privacy. Jayne, Willa and Erika took the other side.

  The pub had dark paneling, deep green paint, and seemed mysterious, like a lot of secrets were shared here.

  The waiter stopped at the booth delivering water. “I hope this booth is okay, Jayne,” he said. “I was lucky to snag it.”

  “It’s perfect. Thanks for looking out for us,” Jayne replied.

  “No problem, sugar.” He distributed menus. “My name is Dave and I’ll be your waiter this evening. And I’ll take your drink orders to get you rollin’.”

  “Beer, whatever you have on tap, for me,” Tessa said.

  Erika glimpsed the tattoo of a tree and eagle on his forearm as he jotted down the orders. She wasn’t sure how she felt about tattoos yet. Fae rarely had them. But some she’d seen were quite lovely.

  “White wine,” Desi said.

  “Me too,” Delaney added.

  “What’s in a Poison Apple Cocktail?” Erika asked.

  Dave gave a devilish smile. “Vanilla vodka, Triple sec, apple schnapps, lemon, and champagne, served with a green sugar garnish and a dramatic dash of dry ice for effect. Guaranteed to help you sleep well tonight.”

  “Ok. I’ll take that.” Erika turned to Jayne. “Have you tried it?”

  Jayne nodded. “It’s delicious. A bit sour.” Jayne paused. “You know, I’ll have the same.”

  “What the heck, a Poison Apple for me as well,” Willa chimed in.

  “Okie-dokie Three Snow Whites in an endless sleep, two white wines, and a beer. Coming your way,” Dave said with a wink.

  They all chuckled.

  “Y’all holler if you need anything. I’ll be right back.” Dave dashed to the rear and the bar.

  “Where’d he come from?” Tessa said, her eyes following the waiter.

  “He’s new in town,” Jayne informed them. “He may be the theater type. I’ve heard him singing as he works, and, wow, he has a set of pipes.”

  Tessa raised a brow. “Maybe I should bring Jenna in to introduce them,” she speculated.

  “Never know until you try,” Willa added.

  Everyone grew quiet as they scanned their menus, and then tossed around some appetizer id
eas. They settled on Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, TNT Loaded Potato Skins, and Sassy Sausage. It was a good thing they didn’t have to worry about cholesterol and calories.

  Dave delivered their drinks with a flair, pausing with his head-cocked in a deep-sleep mime. Erika whipped out her phone and snapped a picture of the Poison Apple Cocktail, with its smoky mist spilling over the glass-rim. My cousin will appreciate this,” she said. Plus she’d know Erika was doing ok. Better than ok, she was making new friends.

  They ordered food and relaxed, sipping their drinks. Delaney stretched, pulling taller. “I’m so thankful for our get-together’s every month. Hugh and George are wonderful, but it’s nice to have some girl’s conversation.” She sighed. “George is crawling all over the place and into everything. He has a new fixation on taking off his clothes.”

  Desi laughed. “Maybe he’ll be a ladies man like his Uncle Julian.”

  “I bet he’s a cutie,” Tessa added.

  Delaney’s smile touched her ears. “He is.” She flipped a photo onto her cell phone and passed it around, sharing her precious little guy. “He’s growing so fast. He’ll be in Harmswood before we know it.”

  “You have a while, sweetie,” Tessa said, patting the back of Delaney’s hand. “And there will be plenty of trials before you get there.”

  “I know. It’s just he’s not staying a baby very long.”

  “You should bring him into the shop. He’d probably have a blast,” Jayne said.

  “Now that he’s getting older, I’ll do that.” Delaney gave a snappy nod and cleared a spot on the table for the appetizer that had arrived. “Ok, enough of the baby. What’s happening with you gals?”

  “I’m trying to talk Sebastian into a vacation this summer,” Tessa said. “The town is thriving. He takes everything so seriously. A break would be good for him.”

  “But he doesn’t think so,” Jayne said.

  “Pft. No. But I’ll wear him down.”

  “Where do you want to go?” Desi asked, scooping more dip.

  Tessa shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe Italy. I’m flexible. Wherever he wants to go.”

  Dave arrived with their dinners, and the conversation turned to food. All the meals looked delicious.

  “How do you like, Nocturne Falls, Erika,” Delaney asked.

  “Love it,” Erika said. “It’s an adorable town.”

  Willa smiled. “So popular, it seems, there’s not an apartment to be had. Right?”

  “Yes,” Erika chewed and swallowed. “But I’ve talked with Pandora Williams. Something will turn up. I’m sure of it.”

  “Well, you’ve hooked up with the best realtor,” Tessa added.

  “Pandi knows everyone,” Desi chimed in.

  “And we’ll let you know if we hear of someplace, also,” Willa said.

  “Thanks,” Erika nodded. “I can’t wait to become a permanent resident.” She just hoped she’d find something soon.

  But no matter what she had to sacrifice, she was staying in this adorable Halloween town.

  She was hooked.

  * * *

  As she got ready for bed, Erika couldn’t recall ever having such a fun evening. She’d always been a loner with a few close friends but never a large, friendly group like she’d been with tonight.

  She stretched, put Whitwell on the bed and curled up beside him. “I like this town, Whits. The people are so nice.”

  The hedgehog purred.

  “Now if I can find a place to live.” She plopped back onto the pillow and closed her eyes, almost instantly falling asleep as delayed jet lag, anxiety and two drinks all took its toll.

  Her sleep was packed with dreams of a dragon.

  The emerald green and teal beast curled around her in a protective manner, its scales glistening with a pearly iridescence in the moon light. She stroked her hand over his shoulder as far as she could reach, not quite sure who was soothing whom.

  The dragon inhaled a deep breath expanding his ribs and letting them fall back into place, relaxed. Erika replicated the motion, tension leaking from her body.

  It was peaceful. And she didn’t want to wake.

  But something was prodding her back, causing her shoulder blades to sting. She rolled onto her side, which felt better until the next time she drifted off and fell onto her back. Spaghetti and meatballs! Something was wrong. She rose and padded into the bathroom.

  In the dim light, she knocked into something, perhaps the towel rack. She flipped on the light switch. When she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror, she jumped. Fairy dust and moon feathers! While she’d slept, she’d sprouted a full set of wings, no wonder her back had been giving her pain.

  She’d finally come into maturity—a full-fledged fairy.

  Just as she’d done when she’d first noticed she had grown boobs, she admired herself in the mirror, turning one direction and then another.

  Fairy godmothers usually matured between the ages of twenty and thirty. Her mother had declared her a late bloomer. However, she thought her mother was surely wrong and that she wouldn’t become a fairy at all.

  Why now?

  She couldn’t come up with an explanation, so she gave up and tested her wings, practicing to make them work. To her surprise, they seemed to be quite trainable and obeyed her thoughts. When she wanted them to fold tight to her back, they did. When she wanted to spread them to full length, they did that, too. Easy-peasy. She could even make them vanish altogether.

  She smiled to herself. She couldn’t wait to try flying in the morning.

  Excited, she strolled into the bedroom to show Whitwell. Only he was still sound asleep and she didn’t have the heart to wake him. So to kill time until the sun’s first light, she danced around the room, practicing, opening, closing, and making her wings disappear and reappear.

  Whitwell squealed, causing Erika to jump.

  “I know. Aren’t they the most beautiful wings you’ve ever seen?” They even made up for her unattractive freckles. “I finally have a purpose.”

  She hurried over to the suitcase she’d brought that held her coins and valuables. Unlatching it, she opened an inner box and retrieved a purple velvet pouch. It was meant to collect any extra po da fada…fairy dust, that might be left on the ground.

  Aunt Rita had given it to her on her sixteenth birthday claiming she would someday be a fairy godmother. With a swish of her wrist a sprinkle of po da fada floated through the air. “Did you see that, Whitwell? I’m the real deal.”

  She twirled around in a spray of glittery particles. “Oh my goodness.”

  Getting control of herself, with a swirl of her finger, she spun the dust into the bag. She recalled how Aunt Rita had shown her how it was done. Amazing.

  Filled with unbelievable vigor, she rushed out the door to the back yard where she experimented with her wings, flying amongst the tree branches. She learned they were not meant for height—which was fine with her—but rather gave her the ability to skirt above the trees and buildings and flit around objects. To her astonishment, she could also disappear and reappear over short distances. All she had to do was concentrate on where she wanted to go and in a blink—she was there.

  Incredible.

  Better than raspberry swirled chocolate ice cream on a stick.

  She thought her way back into her rented room. Whitwell raised his head off the bed to stare at her. “Oh, Whits. I had no idea how much fun being a fairy would be.”

  The phone rang. Confused, she jerked her head around to stare at the bedside table. By the second ring, it registered she should answer the call. Picking up the receiver, she said, “Hello.”

  A rich, manly voice greeted her. She closed her eyes and held her breath for a long moment, imagining his strong jaw and lopsided, slow smile. She’d been playing at the fairy business and lost track of time.

  Pushing the speaker function on the phone, she set the cell phone on the bed, ignoring the silly flip-flop sensation in her chest.

  “Are you s
till interested in currency exchange?” Marshall asked.

  “Yes…yes,” she said, as if he had interrupted her thoughts.

  He paused. “I’m in the lobby. Do you want to meet me here?”

  “Okay. Give me a few minutes. I lost track of time, and—”

  Whitwell snuffled.

  “What was that?”

  “Nothing.” Under her breath, she shushed Whitwell. “I’ll be right there.”

  Flustered, she looked for a container to carry the coins. Rummaging through her things, she dumped snacks onto the bed from a pink and purple bag decorated with butterflies. Then she opened the suitcase filled with her valuables, and counted out the right amount of gold into the bag until it was heavy.

  Whitwell squeaked and clicked, making a ruckus. Erika stepped to the bed, hands on hips. “It will be fine,” she explained.

  Still, the hedgehog seemed to scold her, pushing his nose against her leg. “I’ll tell you what, you can go with me. Just be still and don’t make a sound. Can you do that?”

  Whitwell nodded. Erika tucked him inside a floral sling purse she used specifically for carrying the hedgehog.

  With her pet over her shoulder and the coins in a bag that nearly dragged the floor, she headed out. Thank heavens she only had to travel the short distance to the lobby.

  With every step, she wondered if she was doing the right thing.

  Chapter Seven

  Marshall hung up and pushed the phone back across the counter to Mrs. Turnbuckle. “Thanks.”

  “She’s a sweet one,” the elfin woman said with a winsome smile.

  Marshall snorted playfully but said nothing. What was there to say? That he agreed with her and Erika made his heart race out of control?

  He dropped onto the blue and gold sofa featuring a pattern of interlocking rings and got comfortable. From where he sat, he could see his artwork display. A couple admired the pieces. A sense of pride ran through him when they selected one. Hours well spent.