Riding Her Dragons [Dragon Love 6] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 4

“Actually, you’re right. It’s not officially part of the park even though it’s still located inside the park. The ranch has been in my friends’ family for a very long time. They were here before the park was a park.” He chuckled. “It’s kind of complicated.”

  “Really. That’s very interesting. And you’ve never seen the shimmers? Or anything else you might call remarkable?” She leaned forward then realized she must look like a teenage girl with a major crush. Although she didn’t want to, she forced herself to sit back.

  “Sorry, no. Although most of what’s in the park is pretty remarkable. But that’s not what you meant, is it?”

  “No. I’m talking about something really strange. Something you would never think you’d see in a million years.”

  Trey’s eye narrowed. “Like what? A two-headed hawk? Because I’ve actually seen one of those.”

  “No. Something even stranger.”

  “You aren’t eating your granola bar.” Trey nodded at the bar she still gripped. Had he changed the subject on purpose?

  She glanced down and realized he was right. “You haven’t, either.”

  “I guess I’m not all that hungry.” Trey handed the bar back to Bruce. “Are you nature lovers, or did you come for another reason?”

  She decided to take a risk. “Actually, I was here a year earlier, almost to the day.”

  “Then you must’ve had a good time.”

  “I did. That’s when I saw the shimmers we were talking about for the first time.”

  “Is that so?”

  “Mon, let it go,” warned Bruce.

  She wasn’t about to start listening to him. “Yeah.”

  “Is that what you’re hunting? Shimmers in the air?”

  “In a way.” Why did she get the impression that he knew more than he was saying? She would’ve sworn he was holding back the truth. But why? “Are you sure you’ve never seen anything like that?”

  “Sorry. Can’t say I have.” He paused as though considering telling her more. “Tell me about you. Where are you from, Monica?” Then added almost as an afterthought, “And you, too, Bruce.”

  Did he change the subject on purpose again? Did he think she was loony by talking about the shimmers? She wouldn’t blame him if he had. Talking about strange shimmers in the air was weird enough. How could she ask him about seeing a dragon?

  “We live together.”

  Now why did Bruce have to say it like that? As though they were a couple? She didn’t want Trey to get the wrong idea. “Bruce is renting a room in my mother’s house. We both work as bartenders in a little bar down in Gatlinburg. Do you ever get into Gatlinburg?

  Do you ever want to take a stranger to bed, Trey? She blinked, hoping like crazy that she hadn’t voiced the last question.

  “Not often. My friends and I pretty much stay on the ranch.”

  “Oh.” What else could she say short of begging him to visit her? Why did he have such a profound effect on her? She’d been attracted to men before, but not like this.

  “But I’m thinking we need to get out more. Especially to Gatlinburg.”

  Did she preen? She couldn’t help but smile. “We’re at the Rooster’s Crow bar. First drink is on the house.”

  “Thanks. I might just take you up on that.”

  Damn, but he was sexy. All masculine with an edge of wildness she’d never noticed in any man.

  “So you live on a ranch inside the park?”

  “That’s right.” His green eyes glittered. “I think I already mentioned that.”

  “And now you’re out for a leisurely stroll. Do I have it right?” Bruce’s tone was accusatory.

  She wished she could slap Bruce. Instead, all she could do was smile and pretend he wasn’t being rude.

  “That’s about the size of it. My truck’s parked not far from here.”

  “So you drove over to take a walk?”

  She couldn’t stand it any longer. “Bruce, stop interrogating him.”

  “Hey, I’m just being friendly.”

  She glared at her friend. Bullshit.

  “How long are you two planning on staying?”

  Bruce answered in a hurry, as though hoping to get Trey to leave. “Not long. We can only camp at the campsite for three days.” He started to stand. “In fact, we’d better stop wasting time and get going, Mon.”

  Wasting time? How rude was that?

  She wished Bruce wasn’t right about their stay, but it was one of the rules of the park. Disappointment stronger than she could remember hit her. “He’s right. This is our second day.”

  “Why don’t you come and stay at our ranch? We’ve got a huge house with six bedrooms and plenty of room. Plus, you won’t need another permit to stay with us.” He smiled with a hint of amusement. “Both of you.”

  She was almost ready to take him up on the offer when she looked at Bruce and noticed his scowl. “Wow, that’s really nice of you, but I guess we’d better make use of the campground.” Still, she couldn’t help but add, “Maybe another time.”

  “Consider it an open invitation.” He reached out his hand. “Got a phone?”

  She paused until it finally hit her that he wanted to give her his number. Fumbling to pull it out of her pocket, she handed it over.

  He punched in his number then handed it back. “Call anytime. Just let me know you’re coming, and I’ll give you directions. Or you can ask almost any of the locals or park employees where the Rocky Creek Ranch is and they’ll point you in the right way.”

  “Thanks. I’ll remember that. Maybe we’ll see you tomorrow?” Would he catch her not-so-subtle hint?

  “Maybe. Until then, you two be safe. Watch out for bears. They’ve been stirring about a lot more lately.” He tipped his hat again in the same polite way he had before then started walking in the opposite direction.

  “Will do. Thanks.” She stayed where he was, watching until he disappeared around a curve in the path. Her sigh was louder than she’d have liked.

  “Why didn’t you just throw yourself at him?”

  “What?” What was wrong with Bruce? Never mind that she would’ve liked to have done exactly that.

  “Never mind. Let’s get up to the cliff and look for the fucking shimmers.”

  She scowled after him, wishing she hadn’t brought him along on the trip. If she hadn’t, she would’ve taken Trey up on his invitation to stay at the ranch.

  Wow. Maybe Bruce is right. Maybe I’m going overboard. He could be an axe murderer or a rapist.

  Yet she sensed he was a man she could trust. One who would protect her if needed.

  Was he married? Why hadn’t she checked his ring finger? Not that it mattered. She’d missed her opportunity.

  They’d gone several yards around another bend in the trail when Bruce stopped. “Hang on. I forgot to pick up my granola wrapper. Better not litter.”

  “Oh, okay.” She started back the way they’d come.

  “Nah, you go on ahead. I’ll catch up.”

  “No, it’s safer if we stay together.” Bruce wasn’t an experience hiker.

  “Sure, fine, as long as you’re okay watching me piss.”

  “Shit. Why didn’t you say so?” Although Bruce would go into the trees to relieve himself, she preferred to not be around when he did. “I’ll walk slowly so you won’t have any trouble catching up.”

  “Sounds good.” He hurried off, practically in a run.

  “Weird.” She considered staying where she was then decided she’d enjoy hiking a short bit by herself. Besides, Bruce would catch up.

  * * * *

  “Hey, buddy, hold up.”

  Trey reversed his direction and faced Bruce. He didn’t know the man, but if his first impression was true, the man wasn’t trustworthy. “What’s up?” His gaze slid behind Bruce. “Where’s Monica?”

  “She’s waiting for me.” Bruce’s smile was as fake as most of the boobs in Hollywood. “I wanted to have a word with you.”

  “Yeah? What abo
ut?” He crossed his arms and tilted his head. Giving the man his own version of a fake friendly smile, he asked, “Is something wrong?”

  “No, nothing’s wrong. I just wanted to give you a little advice.”

  “Is that so?” The last thing he needed was advice from this jerk-wad.

  “Yeah. Listen, I know we just met and all, but I’m going to ask you to stay away from Monica. No more invitations to stay at your ranch. In fact, it’ll be better if you stay away from her altogether.”

  “I don’t understand.” That was a lie. He had a suspicion he understood all too well. The way Bruce had looked at Monica, with a look of blatant hunger on his face, had made Bruce’s feelings for her clear enough. The way Bruce was glaring at him right now told him how much the man didn’t want him around.

  “She’s mine. I don’t want anyone getting her mixed up, you know?”

  “No, I don’t know. I didn’t see any ring on her finger, and she sure as hell didn’t act like you two were together romantically. In fact, she made a point of making it clear that you two weren’t a couple.”

  Bruce crossed his arms, mimicking Trey. “Back off, got it?”

  “Just so I get this perfectly clear, are you two married?”

  “No.”

  “Engaged?”

  “No, but—”

  “Dating?”

  “Look—”

  “Hooking up? Even once?” He had to smother a laugh. Was the man kidding? He wanted to stake his claim to Monica, but he hadn’t done so much as to try and make her his. More than likely, she’d already put him into the friend zone and he knew it.

  “Does she know you’re interested?” He was digging at Bruce now, but damn it, the man deserved it.

  “It’s none of your business.”

  Trey pretended to consider what Bruce had said. “Well, the way I see it, it is my business if I want to make her my business. In fact, I was thinking I’d check in with her tomorrow. You know, to be friendly, if nothing else. You know all about being friends with her, don’t you, Bruce?”

  If Bruce had been a dragon, he would’ve burned a hole through Trey. Thankfully, the asshole was all human.

  “Keep your nose out of the way.” Bruce frowned, obviously thrown that Trey wasn’t heeding his warning. “Fuck, man, you don’t even know her. Don’t go messing in my territory.”

  He widened his smile, sensing it would irk Bruce. “You’re right. I just met her. But what I got to know, I liked. I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t appreciate you referring to her as ‘territory,’ but I’ll keep my mouth shut about that. You know, as one friend to the other.”

  Bruce poked his finger against Trey’s chest. “You stay the fuck away from her. I’m warning you.”

  His inner dragon roared, ready to shift and torch the motherfucker. Keeping his cool in more ways than one, Trey wrapped his hand around Bruce’s finger and moved it away. “I’m going to pretend you didn’t do that. Why? Because if I wanted, I could break not only your finger but your skinny neck. Do you get my warning, Brucy-boy?”

  Anger was quickly replaced by fear in Bruce’s eyes. He jerked his finger away. “I’m only trying to prevent a problem, that’s all.”

  “Oh, I see. So you’re a peaceful man, right?” He let a little of his dragon come to life, letting a little of the red fleck his eyes.

  Bruce almost stumbled as he moved backward as fast as he could. He gaped at Trey. “What the fuck?”

  Pushing his dragon down, Trey acted as though he didn’t have a clue what Bruce had seen. “What’s wrong? You act like you saw a ghost. Or maybe it was a big, bad wolf?”

  If only he knew.

  “What’s wrong with your eyes?”

  “My eyes? Nothing. What’s wrong with you?” He pulled his dragon back, returning his eyes to normal.

  Bruce squinted, obviously wondering if he’d really seen anything “Just stay the hell away from us.” Bruce spun around and dashed off around the bend in the path.

  Trey stood, his arms still crossed, the smile still on his face. “Sorry, Brucy-boy, no can do. I don’t follow anyone’s rules but my own.” His smile faded as he stalked into the trees, heading for their secret cave, a cave big enough for him to shift. After talking to that asshole, he needed more flying time.

  Instead, he’d have to head home and let Clint and Vince know that he’d found the mystery woman. Or at least the woman he was sure was meant for them. That and to warn them about the asshole she had with her. One little human asshole, however, wasn’t about to keep them away from her. He would’ve liked them to be able to take their time getting to know her, but having her friend around complicated matters. They’d have to find out if she could be their mate sooner rather than later, before she left the park.

  Chapter Four

  “We should’ve gone to the campsite last night. I’m a fucking idiot for letting you talk me out of it. What if she packed up and left early?” Clint couldn’t believe his rotten luck. He’d seen her and her friend on the cliff, yet it had been Trey who’d gotten to meet her. If only the damn accountant hadn’t called that same day needing more information. Information that had taken him most of the morning to pull together.

  “It’s fine. She didn’t go anywhere.”

  Sometimes Trey’s quiet manner made Clint wish he could spit bullets instead of flames. “You don’t know that for sure.”

  “If you’ll get your ass in gear, we’ll go and find out.” Vince snatched up the truck keys. “We’ve have to make sure that Bruce guy isn’t making a play for her. From what Trey said, he already thinks of her as his girl. Trey’s little visit could’ve pushed him into finally making a play for her.”

  “Doesn’t matter as long as she doesn’t feel the same way.” Trey still had his feet propped up on the coffee table in the large living room that dominated the first floor.

  His laid-back friend never seemed to get in a hurry. Sometimes, like in business negotiations, that was an asset. At other times, it drove Clint crazy. But today was more important than any negotiation. He had to get his friend going.

  “I’m ready whenever you can get your cousin off the damn couch.” Clint whacked Trey in the arm as he passed him, urging him to get moving. “I’m not giving her buddy any chances of going from buddy to boyfriend.”

  “Like I said, she doesn’t care about that guy. He’s a friend is all. Hell, that alone is still hard to understand, but it is what it is. I don’t think anything’s going to change between them at this point.” Trey stood, stretched, and finally headed toward the door. He trailed them outside and slid onto the back seat of the truck behind Vince at the wheel and Clint riding shotgun.

  “What if he finally makes a move and she turns him down flat? Guys have gone batshit for less.” Clint tapped out a nervous rhythm on door. “Floor it, Vince. Screw the speed limit.”

  “Calm down. He’s not going to go over the deep end. You don’t want to scare her by charging into her camp,” warned Trey.

  Vince turned off the long narrow drive and onto the side road leading toward most of the camping grounds. “Do you know which campground she’s staying at?”

  “Yeah. I saw one of the site’s stickers on her backpack. Can’t remember the number, but it’s the one closest to Deer Creek.”

  “Got it.” Vince made a quick left onto a different side road.

  “Shit, guys, she’s not going to be at the campground, anyway. They probably had to check out this morning.”

  “Clint’s right, but I doubt she’s gone. From what I could see, she’d more than likely want to go to the cliff one more time. I got the impression she doesn’t give up easy.”

  “Make up your minds.” Vince did another quick left, moving away from the campgrounds toward the trails leading up the mountain. “I’ll take a few of the back roads.”

  “Good. We need to get there as fast as possible,” added Clint.

  “We could shift.”

  Clint was surprised Trey would suggest that even one
of them, much less all three of them, should transform during the day. “I’m for it if you guys are. We could stop by the cave, park the truck, then fly from there.”

  “During the day? Plus, we’d still have to land in an open space big enough for all three of us. Most of the campgrounds are settled among the trees.”

  Having Trey bring up the idea spurred Clint on. “We don’t land near a campground, but we could land, one at a time, in a clearing. That way the open area wouldn’t have to be as large. There are lots of places where we could pull it off. After the first one lands, he checks the area for any hikers and gives the all clear for the other two. If it’s not clear, we all meet back at the cave.”

  Vince glanced at him then at Trey, obviously as surprised as Clint that Trey would suggest the daytime shift and flight. “She’s that good, huh?”

  Trey shrugged, but his gesture wasn’t as nonchalant as he pretended it to be. “She’s pretty damn amazing. Her black hair and dark brown eyes will suck you in. Hell, I hardly got a word out before I imagined her on her knees and going after my cock. She’s smart, too. You can see it in her eyes. Yeah, she’s pretty special.”

  “Damn, I never thought I’d hear Trey talk that way. I think I just heard hell freeze over.” Vince chuckled, but there was amazement in his tone as well as mirth.

  Clint jumped in, ready to seal the deal. He’d thought about her often enough over the past year to be sure. “She has to be the curious type, too. Otherwise, why would she come back to the spot where she saw me?” added Clint. “What do you say, Vince? Should we go for it?”

  “Curious and with a camera,” said Trey. “We have to make sure she doesn’t end up with any photos of shimmers or, worse, of us as dragons.”

  Vince turned the truck into a spot hidden within the trees. Branches brushed over the truck, but they didn’t worry about scratching the exterior. The truck had been through rougher places. “The cave’s not that far. Why don’t we walk from there and be safe?”

  “Because we need to get to her fast. Every minute counts.” Trey shoved his shoulder against the door and hopped out.

  Clint lifted his eyebrows at Vince, knowing he had to realize how much their friend wanted to get to her. If the usually calm Trey was excited, then it was a sure bet that Monica was unique and very possibly the one for them. He’d had no doubt of it for the past year, but it was great to know his friends were coming around to believing it, too.