Daisy is the girl next door—until an arrogant dragon lord marks her as his next challenge. Breaker is power, pride, and dragon fire... until a devastating injury cuts him down.

Now the roles are reversed, and Daisy won’t put up with sulking—not even from a wounded legend. With magic still cracking the boundaries between worlds, she finds herself facing responsibilities she never asked for—and a dragon she might not be able to walk away from.

Book 2 in the Convergance Series delivers a clean fantasy romance full of slow-burn tension, wounded pride, and the kind of strength found in love, loss, and loyalty.

Novel. Heat level: sweet Does not contain adult content

 

✨Read a sample now:

CHAPTER 1

“What are you doing here?” Daisy frowned at the man in her doorway. The insistent knocking had dragged her from her bed, and she wasn’t thrilled to see him. The man was too handsome for his own good, and unfortunately, he knew it. “Do you know what time it is?”

Breaker braced one hand on her door frame and gave her a slow, hot smile. Being a dragon made that second nature. “Hello, Daisy. We thought we’d visit.” He glanced over his shoulder, his expression less amused.

Since he didn’t move, Daisy peered around his large body. She wouldn’t normally get that close, but she didn’t wake easily and the sleep haze made it seem okay.

Lit only by ambient light, a man wove closer, stumbling as he bumped into a table in the small chocolate factory. Something metal clattered to the floor. He cursed in a familiar voice and limped closer, muttering to himself.

“Luke?” Daisy brushed Breaker aside for a closer look, uncomfortably aware of his hard heat. Not a bit of give on that one. She flinched when her brother Luke knocked over a pile of boxes, a puff of flame escaping his mouth. She backed up, wisely putting Breaker between her and the young dragon. Luke would never purposely hurt her, but he was strong. He’d be upset if he accidentally set her afire.

“He could walk by himself,” Breaker said sardonically. “Help wasn’t desired.”

“Is he drunk?” she asked, concerned. Abruptly aware of her skimpy tank top and sleep shorts, she tightened the belt of her black cotton robe. She was twenty pounds over what was considered fashionable and acutely aware of her flaws. Conscious of her messy blond curls, she shoved a hand through the short, silky mass in an attempt to tame it.

Ugh! Now she was grooming for him.

Breaker made room for Luke in the doorway, his bronze eyes watchful. Her living room light glinted off his black-green hair and the green scaled band around his neck, the sign of a green dragon. Scales protected the back of his hands and his black talons were politely blunted, though that could change in an instant.

His wings had been transformed to black leather pants and boots, and his formfitting, partly unzipped leather jacket revealed a matte green t-shirt made of micro scales. A platinum medallion with his family crest winked on his chest.

“I’m not drunk,” Luke said with dignity. “I’m stoned.” His indigo and silver coloring was echoed in his black-blue hair, and he wore a silver jacket over his inky blue leather pants and shirt.

Breaker caught her look of outrage. “An older human woman up for a quick ride slipped something in his drink. I intercepted them as they were stumbling out the door.”

Incensed on Luke’s behalf, she stepped aside to let them in. “Did you call the cops?”

Breaker raised his brows as Luke dropped on her leather couch. “It wasn’t necessary. After I threatened to bite off her face, she apologized profusely and fled. I’ll have her watched for a few days.” His smile was sharp. “She’ll have more dragon men around than she can handle.”

Daisy grunted. She knew the woman would be investigated further; dragons weren’t forgiving. Somewhat mollified, she put her hands on her hips and stared at her brother. “Are you going to be all right? Why did you come here?”

“Mom and Dad aren’t home. Dad said something about “warm sands for old bones”. I think they went south.”

Daisy blinked. Her mother was human and her first husband had been elven, resulting in Daisy’s Halfling status. She’d married a white dragon called Malcolm and had Luke when Daisy was six, much to Daisy’s delight. Daisy had spent the next ten years mothering him, and he’d returned the favor by being fiercely protective of her. It was no surprise he’d chose to crash at her place if he weren’t feeling well.

Her mom was the “artsy” type; a pretty blonde who’d reached middle age with the expectation men existed to take care of her. She was a loving, if scattered, parent.

“Odd. Usually they call. Malcolm is almost as absentminded as she is sometimes. I know he’s got to be at least fifty, but I swear he seems younger than she is.” Not that he looked fifty, but there was a sense of age to Malcolm. His face might be unlined and his white hair thick, but at times he seemed almost otherworldly. He was also unbeatable at chess and a whiz with the NY Times crossword puzzle.

Breaker looked mildly surprised. “Your father is as old as the hills, love! I’m not even sure how a dragon that old produced offspring.” He studied Luke as if he were a mystery.

“He’s old?” she echoed, belatedly realizing she should offer refreshment. Or should she? It was after one in the morning. She’d rather kick them out and go back to bed. Not that she would do that to her brother. He was only seventeen, and clearly not feeling well.

Breaker was another matter.

“Of course he’s old,” Luke groused. “How did you not know that? Only old dragons are white. Bleached, they say.” His head flopped on the couch as he exhaled smoke. “That’s why he acts like a grumpy old man.”

“They pale with age,” Breaker assured her, one eye on Luke. “I’d better stay until he sobers. Do you have tea?” Dragons loved firethorn tea with a mad love, and it was good for the fire organs. Every dragon household stocked it.

“Right. I’ll get you both a cup.” She rattled around the kitchen, conscious of how bizarre it was to have Verbreaker, the Skylord’s son and right hand, in her living room. Not that she normally thought of him like that. In fact, he was a frequent visitor to Bramble Burn, and she’d known him long enough to think of him as a dangerous pest. He said he came for the spectacular monster hunting in the park, but he’d made no secret of his interest in her.

The jerk.

It made her mad every time she thought about it. Sure, she was cute and curvy, if a bit plump for current fashion, but he could do better. He could have a dragon female if he chose; he simply thought he’d have a better shot at hatchlings with her.

She smacked a cup on the counter harder than she’d intended. She got it. He was a dragon and she was a changeling. Dragons couldn’t reproduce easily and females were rare. Daisy had a gene that would solve his need for an heir. There was no other reason for him to pursue a lowly biologist.

The cold logic of his plan hurt, but it was so typical of dragons. Brilliant creatures, they were sly, long-range planners. While they were fiercely protective of those they loved, trust came slowly.

Malcolm had been like that with her mother. Fire in courtship, ice once married, the saying went. Dragons married human women to have offspring, which were always born dragons-in-human-form. They kept their vows for the length of the mother’s life, but humans didn’t live long, not when compared to a dragon.

She muttered to herself.

“What’s not fair?” Breaker joined her at the kitchen counter and accepted tea for Luke and himself. “Thank you.”

“Dragon lifespan,” she groused, deciding to leave the tea things out. They could make more if they liked while she went to bed.

Breaker handed Luke his cup and smiled slyly. “You could live as long if you wished.”

“You could,” Luke echoed with sudden enthusiasm, twisting around to look at her. “You should take Breaker. He’s a good catch.”

“You’re drugged! You don’t know what you’re talking about,” she retorted. “Aren’t you supposed to snarl that no one is good enough for me? It’s what you do.” Malcolm didn’t even need to growl. He stared at any male who presumed to talk to her with chilling intent, nipping any potential flirting in the bud. Luke was as bad, terrifying her dates until word got out at college that her dragon family would devour anyone who looked at her.

Graduation hadn’t improved the pool of eligible bachelors, because the drakes they’d introduced her to left her cold.

If she died unmarried, it wouldn’t be a surprise.

“That’s because you’re not smart enough to date a dragon,” Luke said reasonably.

“Maybe I don’t like dragons,” she griped. Breaker looked like he was enjoying their sibling squabble, and it made her grumpy. He didn’t need any more insight into her life.

“You like them,” Luke said confidently.

Stupid arrogant drake. “Maybe I don’t trust them,” she replied with false sweetness.

Breaker spread his arms. “Deadliest thing in the sky, and you let me into your living room.”

Luke snickered.

Argh! “You don’t count,” she snapped. “I’m going to bed. You can let yourself out.”

Breaker sat in an overstuffed chair. He wouldn’t mind following her and finishing the conversation, but Luke needed watching. He seemed fine now, but drugs had unpredictable side effects. It wouldn’t do for him to transform and wreck his sister’s home. “Hot tempered, isn’t she?”

Luke snorted. “She needs to get married. Dad and I keep introducing her to suitable drakes, and she keeps running. I wish you luck.”

“Do you? She’s your sister.” The young drake seemed nice enough, but he had to wonder at his motives. Was he ambitious?

Luke fixed dilated eyes on him. “I’m drugged, not stupid. I want my sister to live a long time, and of course, choosing a dragon is the only sane thing to do. Why would she mate a human and choose a human lifespan, when she could live for hundreds or thousands of years?”

“Love?” Not that he was motivated by love, but surely Luke was young enough to be romantic.

Luke grunted. “My dad is ancient and my mom is human. I want my sister to live so I have family, but there’s no reason she can’t fall for a dragon.”

“Not a romantic, I see. You definitely take after your father. He’s a cool planner, too.” He watched closely to gauge Luke’s reaction.

Luke scowled. “My dad’s a good guy. He’s just…old. Stuffy.” He chewed on that. “Absentminded unless a danger is right under his nose.”

“He’s also been an adviser to three kings, an ambassador and a warrior. He’s outlived all of his generation. I’m glad he made certain to preserve his bloodline, but he doesn’t seem to have shared much of his personal history. I could loan you a biography, if you like. I have one of the most accurate ones.”

“There’s more than one?” Luke asked, surprised.

“He’s famous, one of our treasures. I’ll have it delivered.” Daisy might not realize, but any drake would think it an honor to marry Malcolm’s adopted daughter. The fact that she was one of the rare elf hybrids with the gene to become a dragon only made her more attractive. Even if she hadn’t been lusciously plump and pretty, she’d have a flock of suitors.

Thinking of her scent made his eyes narrow in pleasure. She smelled like romance in a pine forest on a bed of wintergreen, cool and clean. The distinctive changeling smell lingered pleasantly in the living room, distracting him.

He glanced away from her bedroom door and looked out the living room window. Daisy lived inside a giant hollow tree, and the view of Bramble Burn Park was magnificent. The owner, Juniper Bjorn, was a tree mage who’d taken a burned out, monster infested park and turned it into a magical paradise. Except in the warded area, there were still monsters, much to his delight. The forest was excellent hunting, and he kept up his membership with the werewolves who oversaw Juniper’s hunting lodge.

Juniper’s tree, the Iron Oak, was visible across the lawn. Sheathed in iron against monsters, it had a bud-shaped greenhouse on top, currently shuttered in giant iron leaves. Heavily pregnant, she lived there with her werewolf husband.

Daisy was friends with her. That could be useful.

Luke was asleep. He pondered the boy, considered how he could use him to further his sister’s courtship. He’d already indicated a willingness to see them mated, and he’d be a sly collaborator.

With a smile of anticipation, he settled back to scheme. Daisy could thank him later.

***

As Daisy drank her coffee, she noted a thick, leather bound book on her counter. It hadn’t been there last night, so she assumed it belonged to one of her guests. With a blink to clear morning cobwebs, she reached for her glasses and read the title, “Brilliance at Work, a Biography of Malcolm the Silver”.

She sat back, floored. Someone had written a biography about Malcolm? The script was draconian, and it had been published eleven years ago. Intrigued, she scanned the table of contents, and her jaw dropped when she saw each section covered hundreds of years. Did her mom know this? He’d never said anything.

The mesh of iron flowers that protected her tree retracted with a metallic grind as the sun rose, distracting her. She glanced out the window as the shadow of dragon wings fell over the balcony. Breaker and Luke landed in human form and strode inside, letting in a draft of cool autumn air.

“Hey, sis! The hunting here is awesome. You should come sometime,” Luke said with a grin. He kissed her cheek and confiscated the banana she’d set near her coffee, putting it back in the fruit bowl with a contemptuous sneer. “Fruit is not food.” He grabbed the ingredients for firethorn tea and rummaged in the fridge, completely at home in her kitchen.

“Don’t tell me what you ate, thanks. I haven’t had breakfast yet,” she said mildly, ignoring his jibe. It was an old argument. She nodded hello to Breaker. “Did you bring this book?”

“I did. I thought it would be educational. Luke said your father hasn’t told you much of his history. It’s fascinating reading.”

She raised her brows. “You sound like you admire him.”

“Any dragon who’s survived nearly two thousand years is worth studying. The history he must have seen.” He sounded almost wistful.

“Two thousand! That’s crazy,” she said. The book had said as much, but she hadn’t done more than glance at it. “Have you actually met him? I mean, he’s so…normal. I wouldn’t say boring, but…”

“You’d think it,” Luke said cheerfully. He put together a breakfast sandwich for her while he waited for the tea kettle to boil. Loaded with meat, pickled peppers, tomatoes and homemade mustard, it sizzled as he toasted it in a pan.

“We’ve met, but never talked. He’s not much for conversation,” Breaker admitted.

“Lesser mortals are boring,” Luke said sagely. “He’d rather chat with old physics teachers or astronomers.” He slid a perfectly toasted sandwich in front of Daisy. “Eat up.”

“Thanks. You’d make an excellent house husband one day,” she teased.

“Smart Alec.” He snapped her butt with a kitchen towel, making her laugh, and handed Breaker tea.

Breaker tilted his head. “You’re very close, aren’t you? It’s nice to see siblings getting along.” A hint of his age crept in his tone.

Daisy snorted. “Careful, old man. Your years are showing.”

He sent her a fierce stare.

“And now you’re trying to intimidate your much-too-young love interest. Tut-tut.” Daisy felt a thrill as she defied him, enjoying the challenge. He thought he was so invincible, so irresistible. Skylord’s son, hah! Someone needed to prick his ego.

Luke sent her a considering look. “I’m going to enjoy the sunrise. I’ll be on the balcony.” He took his tea with him.

Breaker watched him go. His bronze eyes took her measure, noted her unease. “You don’t look quite as sassy with your brother gone.”

That starched her spine. “Hey, your daddy might be the Skylord, but mine is apparently legendary. Besides, you won’t hurt me.”

His smile was sly. “I won’t?”

“Now you’re just being difficult,” she said firmly, ignoring her unease. She couldn’t allow him to intimidate her. “Your father would never stand for the bad press, and Juniper would compost you.”

He couldn’t help a smile. Her neighbor had a reputation, and the power to back it up. “She’d enjoy that, wouldn’t she? I notice you didn’t threaten me with your father or brother. Not scared enough for the big guns?”

“Do I need them?”

His smile was slow, and somehow more genuine. “No.”

She took a moment to really look at him. Dragon traits and all, he was a handsome man. If she hadn’t grown up with drakes, she might have found him intimidating, but she understood what made him tick. “I’m not going to marry you, Breaker. Dragons are heart breakers. I’d rather have human love and die in a blink than settle for a cold contract with you.” There. That was clear enough.

His gaze warmed. “What if I promise you heat?”

She snorted. “It wouldn’t last past the wedding. Juniper’s mom tried it, but Indris couldn’t deliver. She’s seeing a teacher now and he’s with his long lost dragon love. They both seem happier.” The dissolution of her parents’ marriage had hurt Juniper, but it was also a valuable lesson. “It’s the reason Juniper didn’t want to marry you, either.”

The challenge didn’t sit well with him. “The werewolf was already in the picture, and her parents’ marriage has no bearing on this situation.”

She tapped her mug nervously. “Then there’s Malcolm and Mom. They get along and he takes care of her, but they’re like an old married couple. No zip, you know?” She’d heard her friends complain about hearing their parents make love, but she’d never had that problem. Except for the occasional affectionate peck, her parents seemed more like friends than lovers.

His gaze wandered over her. They were on opposite sides of the counter, but it still made her breath hitch. “I’m not two thousand years old, pet. I have many, many years of fire left in me.”

Suddenly shy, she focused on her coffee. “That’s nice. You can find a dragon lady to share them. I’m not interested.”

He laughed, dark and deep. “You noted my age, love. I’ve not lived this long without understanding women. But we’ll do this your way.” He rose and paced around the counter.

She didn’t get what he was after, so she didn’t dodge until it was too late.

He snaked an arm around her waist and moved so their faces were nearly touching. He breathed deep, his eyes shuttered as he sampled her reaction. “I can smell your excitement, pet. You like being close to me.”

She pressed a shaky hand against his chest, but there was no give. “Breaker,” she warned.

“Your heart is hammering. You’re a little afraid, but you want to know what it’ll be like.” His voice was a purr of temptation. He shifted, making her jump, and smiled at her reaction. “Maybe my height intimidates you. We should make this fair.” He set her on the counter and stepped close.

“This is not better,” she tried to snap, but it came out breathy. He had her so close to the counter’s edge, she had to hold his shoulders for balance.

His voice was deep, and the look in his eyes... “I want you, woman; you thrill me. Such a pretty girl.” He nuzzled her cheek, making her shiver.

She didn’t mean to make an encouraging sound. It just slipped out. She made a soft sound, her eyes closing. Her lips parted in anticipation. This was it. He was going to kiss her.

She’d thought about it, for all her protestations. Breaker was a handsome man. She couldn’t let him know that, of course, because he was too vain for his own good. In private, she could admit he was amazing. If only his heart were engaged...but it wasn’t, and never would be. Dragons had cold hearts.

It didn’t stop her from being torn.

Oblivious to her thoughts, he smiled against her skin. He thought he was seducing her. “If you want a kiss, darling, you’ll have to come and get it.” He pulled away, his eyes glowing. So slick, so practiced. “For you, it’s always a yes.” He removed his medallion and slipped it over her head. “I put my number in your phone. Call anytime.” He strode for the balcony.

She woke from her daze, feeling angry and cheated. How many women had he seduced to get that smooth? Disgusted with herself, she tugged at the necklace and discovered it wouldn’t come off. It shrank, becoming daintier and more suitable for a woman, but despite its new size, it wouldn’t rise more than two inches from her chest. “Breaker, wait! Take this off.” She raced after him. He couldn’t leave her wearing his medallion! Everyone would think he’d staked a claim.

He soared off the balcony as she reached the doors, the swipe of his wings blasting her hair as he transformed into a beast the size of a C-17 cargo plane. Early morning light glinted off his emerald scales, shown through his inky wings. In moments the huge dragon was a mere speck, safely out of reach.

Robbed of her target, she turned on her brother. “Thanks for all the help!”

“You’re the one who started flirting.”

“I wasn’t! He makes me mad. I had to do something about his ego.”

Luke glanced at her neck. “Looks like he left you a gift.”

She tugged at it. “It won’t come off. Can you remove it?”

He picked it up, his expression thoughtful. “Is it hurting?”

“Of course not, but it’s…you know what this is, don’t you?” she asked suspiciously. “Is this like a class ring, or is he telling the world we’re engaged or something?” Luke knew more about the minutia of dragon culture. She’d never hung out with him and his dragon friends, partly because of the age gap and partly because she never felt at home in that crowd. Unless they were family, unmated drakes were trouble.

She didn’t trust Breaker not to try to own her.

Luke smirked. “Definitely not. He could give it to a child, and everyone would know she was under his protection. On someone like you…well, it might lead to speculation.”

“So get it off!” She hated when he was stubborn, and she had a suspicion this was going to be one of those times. “Please.”

“Even if I could, I’d rather you kept it on until Dad gets home. You may not have noticed, but drakes have been watching you lately. Your changeling scent has gotten stronger, and it’s drawing them like bees to nectar.”

Her eyes got big. The last thing she wanted was to attract more drake attention. “Why didn’t you tell me?” She would have rolled in dead salmon or something.

“I just did. Besides, you know all those drakes we’ve introduced lately? They keep requesting introductions. Dad’s been vetting them, but honestly, I think he’s a bit annoyed with them. I think they might be on vacation so you can sort it out.”

“What? How can he desert me like that?” Panic threatened. Strange drakes made her nervous. She was far too aware of how powerful they were, and their confidence intimidated her. Thanks to her brother, she’d barely dated, had no experience with handling men. The art of flirting escaped her, and she did not appreciate being left to her own devices now.

“You’re the one who claims to hate our interference.” She shivered, so he led the way inside, where it was warmer. “You’re getting what you wanted, so why are you complaining?”

His reasonable tone made her want to hit him. “You’re distracting me on purpose! Take the necklace off, please, or I’ll find someone else to do it.”

He shrugged and grabbed another cup of tea. “You can take it off any time you want, sis. You just have to want to.”

She looked at him suspiciously, but tried to remove the medallion. It didn’t work. She sent him an accusing look.

He laughed and raised his hand defensively. “I’m not doing it, word of honor! He’s linked it to your will. If you don’t want him, it’ll fall off.”

Her face flamed. “I don’t want him!”

They both looked at the pendant. It stayed put.

“Hm,” he said, his eyes dancing.

She pointed a finger at him. “This is your fault!” If he hadn’t brought Breaker here last night, this never would have happened.

“I made you lust after Breaker?” he asked with mock dismay.

It felt as if the top of her head was going to blow off. “That’s it! I’m going to talk to Juniper.” Juniper had skills, and if she couldn’t figure out how to get the necklace off, she knew plenty of dragons who could.

“Good luck with that,” her brother said cheerfully, and plopped on her sofa to watch TV.

 

Chapter 2

Juniper studied the medallion and sat back with a thoughtful look. “Breaker did this, huh?”

“Can you get it off?” Daisy fidgeted. The modern, open concept kitchen and living room inside the Iron Oak was warm and welcoming, but it failed to soothe her. The gold felt warm, and impossibly, smelled of Breaker’s delicious musk. It was horribly distracting.

Kjetil, Juniper’s werewolf husband, refreshed his wife’s coffee cup; Daisy hadn’t touched hers. Juniper was pregnant with twins, and she had a difficult time getting anything done with his protective hovering. “It smells like him.”

“So I’m not imagining it! My brother claimed it wouldn’t come off…um, that he couldn’t take it off.” She wasn’t eager to share his damning explanation.

Juniper smiled, as if privy to an inside joke. Pregnancy had plumped her tall, lanky frame; she was all legs and stomach. Her hair touched her shoulders now and she shared loving glances with her ruggedly handsome husband, but she’d never been a fool. She’d probably figured it out. “He’s right. It’s tied to your will.”

Daisy slumped. For some reason, she felt like crying.

Kjetil put on his boots, sensing the need for girl talk, and smart enough to make a run for it. “I’m going to check on the hunting lodge. Call if you need me, Jun.”

Juniper waved and then looked at Daisy with compassion. “Sucks to like a heart breaker, doesn’t it?”

Daisy sighed. “I don’t like dragons. You know why. I’ve avoided drakes my whole life and now my brother tells me I smell like their catnip. My dad’s taken vacation so he doesn’t have to referee. I think he knew what would happen with Breaker! Maybe they planned it,” she admitted, dejected.

“Trust me, it’s not better when they hover,” Juniper said sagely. “You know how Indris was. Stepfather or not, a dragon’s not any less protective of his daughters.” She glanced out the window, reluctantly amused. “Looking back on it, I think Indris set me up.”

“See? I knew it! It makes no sense for him to take off and let Breaker “protect” me. He’s decided Breaker will make a good mate, and he’s giving him a chance to prove it.”

“So tell him to take a hike,” Juniper suggested. “He won’t force you.”

“I know that,” Daisy retorted. “That’s not the problem.” She took a sip of her coffee and blinked. “This isn’t our greenhouse blend.” She ought to know; she managed the greenhouse in the Chestnut, as well as the new greenhouse, the Iron Thorn.

The Chestnut’s ground floor was a garage, ensuring safe parking for multiple vehicles. It had a separate space for a bricked, amber lit root cellar. The second and third floors were climate controlled greenhouses and the fourth was a food processing/office area with a separate, two-bedroom apartment furnished in simple elegance.

From the outside, it looked like a wooden cylinder protecting amber windows. The amber reflected a rainbow of colors, obscuring the tree’s contents while letting in light. Vines of iron flowers swathed the tree, ready to interlock and form a barrier if the tree was threatened.

The tree also had a lift for transporting goods and people between floors. It was attached via a sky bridge to the Iron Thorn greenhouse.

The Iron Thorn had a frame of iron thorns supporting glass panes. At night the iron thorns closed over the glass, protecting it from stray monsters. In addition to vegetables, the greenhouses grew bananas, chocolate and coffee. Gourmet coffee. They had a bunch of interns from the university dedicated to research and production.

“Decaf. Kjetil’s taking care of me,” Juniper said mournfully. “I showed him the Brazilian studies that proved caffeine in moderation was fine, and explained that the American study used the equivalent of fifty to seventy cups of coffee a day on rats to cause birth defects, but it didn’t work. He still serves decaf.”

“I’m sorry,” Daisy commiserated. “Sneak over to my tree and I’ll give you the real thing.”

Juniper tapped her nose. “He’s a werewolf. He’ll know.”

Daisy winced. “At least there’s chocolate.”

“And lemon. I love lemon,” Juniper agreed. “About your problem; I have a distraction if you like. You remember the rock mage? He has weird plants growing in the Quarry. He asked if I could look at samples; see if they’re a problem.”

Daisy perked up. “Any new species?” The Quarry sat on several acres that had once held a casino, a prison and a quarry. When the Convergence had merged the worlds of Earth and the elven world, Gwyllon, it had led to all kinds of weird magical pockets. The Quarry was known for birthing rock trolls and nasty, skittering things. Like Juniper, Scott Geiger had seen potential in the twisted real estate. Occasionally, he called Juniper to bounce around ideas.

“Maybe. Unfortunately, the samples degrade once they leave the Quarry. Only stone seems to thrive outside its boundaries.”

“Wow. I’d love to take a look at that.” Like most scientists, Daisy was beset with curiosity, and she loved to explore new things.

“It’s dangerous,” Juniper cautioned. “You’ll need backup. Would your brother go with you?”

“Are you kidding? He’s always up for an adventure.”

“Awesome! When do you want to start?”

***

Monday morning, Daisy flew with her brother to the Quarry. From the air, she could see fields of grain stubble, some of which had been plowed and planted with winter wheat. There were scattered houses and the small town of Airway Heights clustered around Highway 2. Beyond that was the commercial airfield with its red and white checkered water tower, right next to the air force base.

On the opposite side of the road lay the Quarry. Smoke rose in lazy curls from steaming pools of lava and mud, and she could see the shadow of darting things hunting in the concrete ruins.

This only made the six story towers of basalt more impressive. Octagonal, the dull, charcoal colored towers had polished, faceted black window trim. The mirrored windows reflected pink, purple and turquoise, adding needed color. There were four towers, one per city block. Roads and sidewalks had already been laid, and there was a park in the center with stone bridges, benches and sculptures. The bare dirt where there should be grass and trees gave it a harsh, unfinished look.

In contrast, the tethered BAT generator overhead looked cheerful and festive. Floating at 3,000 ft, the helium tube had a wind turbine suspended inside and stubby stabilizing fins. It was also painted like a Chinese dragon.

“That is so cool,” her brother murmured, a trickle of smoke escaping his mouth. “Now I’m looking forward to meeting this guy.”

“Look at that,” Daisy said, knowing it wasn’t necessary to raise her voice with dragon hearing. “He built an arena. I wonder why?” The coliseum had a ring of basalt pillars for the outside, and the seats were ash gray stone overlooking a sandy floor. Eight towers with private viewing boxes provided an excellent view…if one had dragon vision.

“Sports. Monster trucks, gladiator fight pit, dirt bikes… Cool.” Luke sounded intrigued.

Luke circled, heading for the tower with a large, decorative red tile on top with a white number one. A quick look showed each tower had a distinctive tile, reminding her of dragon house numbers. Had he designed the towers with dragons in mind?

Two men stepped out into the gently dished roof that probably housed a water catchment system. As they got closer, she recognized Breaker’s scowling face. Was he following her?

“What are you doing here?” she asked as she slid off Luke’s back. Her brother assumed human form, his expression also curious.

“I’m one of the co-owners of the Quarry,” Breaker growled. “Geiger didn’t tell me you were coming until a minute ago.”

Confused, she looked at the rock mage. Scott Geiger was tall, lean but fit. His dark hair was short and he appeared in his late twenties, with a harshly cut face most would call ugly. A rough cut black gem on a leather thong hung around his neck and a rustic stone baton was sheathed at his belt. He was also on crutches, his right leg in a brace. “I thought you owned the Quarry?”

“It turns out I’m not much for the minutia of city planning,” he admitted. “I’m great at shaping stone, but the monsters are a bit much. Lord Verbreaker here has been very useful. He says you’ve met?”

She flushed, unwilling to go into detail. “Yes. What did you do to your leg?”

He sighed. “Rock trolls. Why don’t we go inside so I can sit? You want anything to drink? We’ve got coffee, tea, water…”

“Good coffee,” Breaker clarified. “Juniper gave him some.”

“In that case, sure. It’s a bit brisk for flying,” Daisy said gladly, shedding her coat and gloves as they entered a warm stone stairwell lit by window slits invisible from the outside. It ended in a landing with a hammered copper door that opened into a spacious apartment. The walls were a light brown with wide veins of shiny gold, reflecting the light from the tall, narrow windows.

“Pyrite. Fool’s gold,” Luke whispered, his dragon senses tingling. “Pretty, though.” The living room couches and chairs were black iron with leather cushions and the matching coffee table had a beaten copper top. The kitchen counter was also beaten copper, and the cabinets had been formed of polished brown stone. Copper pots hung from a pot rack and white appliances completed the light-filled kitchen.

“Wow! I’m impressed.” She perched on a bar stool and ran her hand over the counter. She frowned when Scott set his crutches aside to hop around. “Do you need help?”

“I’m good,” he said, sliding over a steaming mug. He placed the tea pot on the counter and handed Luke a cup. “Help yourself.”

“Now that you’re settled, I want to know what you think you’re doing,” Breaker said sternly. “This isn’t a suitable place for you to work. What was Juniper thinking?”

“I brought Luke,” Daisy said calmly. “I’m not reckless. Besides, I thought Scott would be with us. No one told me he was hurt.”

Scott shook his head ruefully. “Sorry. I’m out of the field until I’m able to run for my life again. Truthfully, I’d rather concentrate on the building. I just got the sewer and filtration systems up and running, and we’ve got electricians coming. They’re dragons, so I won’t have to babysit. No offense intended.”

“Dragons,” she said slowly. “Are you building a dragon city?” She looked at Breaker.

“Dragon and human,” he answered. “But the Quarry isn’t safe enough for humans yet, and that means you.”

“But you’re not in charge,” she said sweetly. “Are you? Scott invited me, and I’m ready to get to work. Luke won’t let me get hurt.”

Breaker swept Luke a brief glance. “I’ve had two experienced dragons injured here in the last two weeks, and they were in dragon form at the time. I think Luke would agree that’s unacceptable.”

Scott held up a hand to prevent an escalating argument. “Whoa! She doesn’t have to go deeper into the Quarry. What about the area around the towers? She can give me a heads up on the weed situation; tell me if I should choke them out. Maybe she’ll have a few ideas for the park, too. I have a black thumb, but surely there’s something that will grow there.”

Daisy looked at Breaker. “I’ll even let you tag along to make sure nothing eats me,” she said with a charming smile. “In fact, I’m sure you’ll insist on it.” He didn’t look impressed, so she said seriously, “I’m not suicidal, Breaker. I’m happy to listen to orders as long as they’re designed to keep me safe. I believe you’ll do that.”

Scott looked between them with interest. “Something going on between you two?”

“Yes.”

“No.” Daisy frowned. “Don’t be stubborn.”

His eyes narrowed. “If Luke will agree to remain in dragon form, ready to snatch you away, you may go. I’ll accompany you. Between the two of us, you should be able to survive an hour.”

Getting a dragon to do anything he didn’t want to was a big deal, so she didn’t try to negotiate. She could do that later. “Great!” She turned to Scott. “Tell me which weeds are a concern.”

He waved a hand. “All of them. I’m no gardener. In fact, I toyed with the idea of paving the whole area, but Juniper talked me out of it. She says grass and trees will deflect the summer heat, and she suggested edible landscaping.” He grimaced. “I don’t want to deal with dropped fruit, but she had a point about the need to hire landscapers anyway.”

“Definitely,” Daisy agreed fervently. “Food security is a big thing.” The Convergence had disrupted transportation and the food supply, and the world was still recovering. Although rationing had mostly ended, there were shortages, and home gardens were important. “You know, with your skills, you could make an amazing greenhouse.”

“Yeah.” He didn’t look thrilled. “Maybe later. Anyway, the weeds tend to disintegrate when they leave the Quarry, so you’ll have to take pictures or video if you want to show Juniper. Let me know which ones I can smother.”

“Sure. I’ll write a report. I also brought special sample bottles that might preserve the plants. I’ll let you know how that works.”

“Great. I appreciate your trouble.” He slid a gold coin across the counter. Pre-payment. Have fun.”

Daisy waited until they were on the roof, safely out of earshot, before commenting, “He doesn’t have many social skills, does he?”

“No, but he’s excellent at what he does. Are you ready?” Breaker waited until she climbed onto Luke’s dragon form before he spiraled around the tower, the sun glinted on his emerald scales as he checked for danger. He landed in the barren park and signaled for them to join him.

“This place has so much potential,” Daisy murmured as her feet hit the dirt. She took pictures for reference. “Remind me to get shots from the top of the tower. It will help with the planning. Imagine what a row of cherry trees would look like in bloom.”

Her brother snorted at the mention of fruit.

“Hush.” She took samples of the dirt before turning her attention to the plants. “These look like black coral,” she said, carefully examining a plant from a distance. “Do you know anything about these, Breaker?”

“They crunch underfoot and they’re not carnivorous,” he offered, his massive head up, alert for danger.

“That’s a plus.” Wearing gloves and using pruning shears, she snapped off a piece and put it in her sample baggie. Using her phone, she took a picture and used the voice recorder to save time as she gave details of the sample.

“Now this is interesting,” she said as she noticed a silver tumbleweed rolling across the dirt. Shaped like a sphere, it seemed to be made of silver wire, and was obviously light if the wind could move it.

Breaker trapped it with his taloned foot. “I can’t tell if it’s sharp, but it rusts away if it leaves the Quarry.”

“Maybe Scott could coat it with something and sell it as an ornament. It’s pretty,” she said, accustomed to Juniper finding a use for everything.

A curl of smoke escaped Breaker’s nose when he quietly laughed. “Geiger doesn’t need that sort of thing, love. He’s a metal mage. If he wants money, he pulls gold from the ground. It might be something a tenant could do, however.”

She scowled. “It’s part of my job to find uses for plants.” She’d never had to be thrifty with Malcolm as a father, but she’d known plenty of poor students who did. His dismissal felt arrogant.

“Why are you angry? I wasn’t insulting you.” One great eye focused on her, the slit-pupil as big as a tire.

She scanned the ground for her next sample, moving closer to a neon yellow-green spike sticking out of the ground. It was fat like a hot dog and about as big, but smooth like a broom handle. She fetched her tongs and prepared a sample bag. “Making money isn’t a crime. Some of my favorite people don’t have any.”

“What has that to do with you?”

“Forget it.”

“No. I want to hear this. You’re the daughter of a dragon and want for nothing. Do you wish that to change?”

“Guilt,” Luke said succinctly. “She always had to hide her diamonds in school, even though it would shame our family, because others were jealous. She put them on when she went back home, but I visited her at school.” He’d pitched a fit, too. Diamonds were a sign of pride in a daughter, a symbol of love. It was taboo to go without, as it implied lack of love.

“It’s better to blend in,” she said, jaw tight.

“They bullied you because they thought you had money,” Luke said bluntly. “How is that better than tormenting someone because they’re poor? Or human?” Their father couldn’t abide bullies and had taught them the same. Trouble was, he didn’t have to deal with them.

“If it makes you feel better, I’d like you even if you were naked and poor,” Breaker said generously.

“Hey! My brother,” she said, blushing furiously.

“Is finding this very interesting,” Luke teased.

“Shut up,” she growled, jabbing the tongs at the plant…which quickly disappeared into the ground. Suddenly she was snatched, the tongs falling from her hand as Luke’s clawed paw scooped her up, smashing her sample bag against her ribs. The ground fell away, along with her stomach, and she was grateful when her feet settled firmly on the top of the tower.

Breaker joined them, shifting to human form as he landed seconds later. “Are you hurt?”

She settled her clothes. “No, but Luke scared the crap out of me!” Her heart was hammering.

He looked at Luke. “Excellent reflexes.”

Suddenly worried, she asked, “Why? Do you know what that was?”

“No, but anything that moves is suspect. For all we know, it could be a flesh eating worm. The ground is crawling with them now.”

She looked over the low wall on the edge of the balcony, but even squinting, couldn’t see a thing.

Luke glanced over, “Ugh! Maybe we should flame them.”

“Not without a sample,” she protested. “It could be something useful, and it’s irresponsible to destroy a creature without knowing anything about it.”

The men exchanged looks of disgust. Clearly, they had other thoughts on the matter, but they were also the first line of defense against aggressors.

“I’m not saying let it eat anyone,” she protested. “I’m not stupid. It’s just…”

“If you need one, I’ll collect it,” Breaker said firmly. “It’s time for you to go home.”

That stung. “Like a child?”

He stepped closer. “Like a woman I don’t want injured.” He looked at her chest where the medallion was hidden under her clothes. “You don’t want me injured, either, do you?”

It was pure manipulation, she thought rebelliously, but admitting she didn’t want him harmed would be a slippery slope. “Fine. We may as well see if these samples survive before I waste time collecting more. Ready, Luke?” She fished out her goggles and zipped her coat.

“Say hello to Juniper for me,” Breaker said in farewell.

She shot him a look. “You just want to tweak her husband’s nose.”

He smiled and didn’t deny it. “I’ll see you later.”

There was no point in telling him no. It’s not like he was a stray dog she could spray with the garden hose...sadly. However, she was going to make sure Luke was home when he visited; she didn’t want Breaker getting any ideas.

***

“I’m not suicidal.”

Luke’s wings stalled. He wobbled and swore as they dropped several feet. “What the garbage, sis? You nearly made me crash!”

She laughed ruefully; she could have worded that better. “Sorry! We need to talk about why I don’t want Breaker. It’s not because he’s a dragon.” Mostly. She still thought they were cool and calculating. “I know you like him, but I’m not getting married without love.”

“So? Find another dragon to love. It doesn’t have to be him, although it’s obvious you have the hots for him.”

“I’ve been in love before, you know. Sleeping with a guy isn’t the same as love or commitment. Wanting someone doesn’t last if the rest of it isn’t there.” There was a guy in high school, someone she’d loved from afar for nine years. She thought she’d never find ‘the one’, not really, and she was curious. She thought everyone else was doing it… For a bright girl, she could be so stupid. Once was enough to know that she’d made a mistake.

Even though they’d used a condom, she’d worried about pregnancy. When that didn’t materialize, she’d still felt terrible. What they’d done hadn’t been worth the hour of fleeting pleasure, and when she’d realized what a loser she’d picked, she felt even dumber. It had been high school, and he’d talked. Of course he’d talked.

Even if he’d kept his mouth shut, it was depressing. “Sex without love is like chocolate without sugar; not worth the effort.”

“Says you,” he retorted. “Ugh! I could have died happily without ever discussing it.”

“You’re the one who’s always trying to derail my love life.”

“Clearly, that didn’t work,” he growled.

She sighed. “Breaker doesn’t love me, and he never will. He wants to own me, to have children, but not because he cares. Do you know how that will hurt me? Not just me, but my kids? Do you want to see your nephews or nieces suffering over this?”

He grumbled. “You could be completely wrong.”

“Oh, really? Name the reasons,” she challenged. She’d given this a lot of thought.

“I think you’re scared.” He paused, let it sink deep. “Breaker can’t be controlled, and you’ve never been a risk taker. You can’t plan everything and love can’t be collared.”

She sat there, stunned. “I don’t have to control everything.”

He didn’t say anything.

“I don’t! I moved into Bramble Burn, and that was huge risk!” There were monsters, but it had been worth it. Her parents had even yelled at her. She’d been proud of herself.

“Fine. You don’t like Breaker, so let me fix you up with a friend of mine I think you’ll like. He’s rock musician, and his band’s doing well.”

“Oh…ah, I don’t date musicians. They’re…”

“You’re stereotyping him and you haven’t even met. He’s a nice guy.”

“They have a rep for a reason!”

“Fine. I know a fighter pilot,” he began.

“Always gone,” she said quickly.

His silence said it all.

She groaned.

“Sis, you’re a coward.” He said it gently, with a great deal of pity. “You’re going to bury yourself in work, probably become very successful, because you’re smart like that, but you will never, ever take a chance on anyone. You’re going to miss out on Mr. Right, and one day, when you’re older and regret being alone, you’ll settle on a boring professor or worse.”

“That’s cruel,” she whispered, her throat tight…afraid he was right.

“That would be criminal,” he agreed, “so it’s a good thing you have me. I’m going all in, supporting a guy who’ll light your house on fire so you’ll run outside and breathe fresh air. Now hang on.” He began to climb, shooting into the gloomy, gray sky.

“What are you doing?” she asked, afraid she knew. She felt the vibration as he chuckled. Oh, no! “I don’t want to skydive, Luke!”

His wings beat faster, eager to reach altitude. He pumped until the air got thin, hovered for a moment to prolong the anticipation, and dived. She gripped the safety harness for dear life and screamed. Her stomach flipped as they fell, spiraling for good measure. “I’ll kill you for this!”

“Too bad you don’t have wings,” he taunted. “You could be in charge.”

She shrieked as he did a roll. “I’m going to puke on you!” She saw a couple of curious dragons winging closer. Luke called a greeting, inviting the others to play. One held back, perhaps making sure that all was well, but the other, a green-black, began to weave in patterns around them, joining in the fun.

And she forgot to be afraid.

***

She was high on adrenaline when they joined the other dragon, Mik, at a favorite Irish pub. Modeled on the European, family friendly pubs, it served as a gathering place for all ages and served excellent fish and chips. Juniper was enthusiastically downing her portion as Luke and his buddies chatted, their group merry. They’d collected another two dragons when they’d walked in, and the guys had waved them over to their table. Two were dragons, the other a Halfling like her; Sawyer, the rock musician.

“So how come I’ve never met you?” Sawyer said, leaning closer. Red haired, with a full sleeve tattoo, he was a looker, and as Luke had promised, a nice guy. “Luke’s mentioned you several times.”

She shook her head. “I guess I don’t get out much.”

“That’s a crime. My band’s playing tonight; I can get you free passes.”

She opened her mouth to waffle and Luke kicked her. She glared at him.

“We’d love that,” Luke said firmly. “I’m working on a project to corrupt my workaholic sister, and I need all the help I can get.”

“Hey!”

The guys laughed, the dragons looking her over playfully.

She didn’t like the attention. “I thought you were busy trying to hook me up with Breaker.”

Luke snorted. “You said you didn’t like him.”

The table quieted. “Breaker? Did you mean Lord Verbreaker, the Skylord’s son?” one of the dragons said carefully.

She ate a chip. “Maybe.”

“But she’s not his property,” Luke pointed out. “Fair game.”

“That’s good news,” Sawyer said with satisfaction. “Make him work for it, I say.”

She raised her glass to him. “Someone should. He’s too arrogant.”

“There’s a reason for that,” one of the dragons, Mik, said mildly.

The other winked.