Alpha's Fire

Chapter 1-1

1

Ten years later…

Gabriel

I stare down at the sleeping angel in my castle. Her caramel-colored hair fans out from her head on the soft goose-down pillow I had covered in a scarlet linen for her. She’s not in my bed–not yet.

I had a room of her own made up for her, so she’d feel more comfortable in her new surroundings. Her new home. She’ll move into my tower bedroom with me once she’s used to me. But I thought it was important that she have her own space during our courtship.

She stirs, and every cell in my body electrifies. Smoke billows from my nostrils, my dragon celebrating her presence as much as I do.

She’s really here. After searching for ten years, I’ve found her.

The one female on the planet who belongs to me. The one who will make me whole again. My mate.

She’s not a dragon in this lifetime. She wasn’t in the last one, either.

No, fate gifted me with a delicate human flower. A cruel twist that nearly destroyed me last time. Drove me underground to slumber for hundreds of years.

But my sweet Tabitha woke me from my sleep, and I scoured the edges of the Earth to find her. Now I have her here, in my lair.

My beautiful bride.

I have this second chance, and I won’t let any harm come to her this time. That’s why I lured her away from the wolves she runs with. I couldn’t chance any interference. I needed to get her to my castle where I can keep her safe. Protect her with my soldiers, not my dragon.

But, of course, he came out the moment I caught her scent in the wind. The pure joy of being near her again created chaos within me. I changed form, and when Tabitha saw my fiery side, she fainted.

I need to take care with her. Keep my reptilian eyes covered with sunglasses and the dragon in the cave until she’s ready. Let her get used to me first, to fall in love and feel secure before I show her the beast.

I plan to court her properly. Show her my treasures. The armies under my command. The beautiful castle where she will reside. I have had a millennia to amass everything it takes to dazzle and woo her.

I lean over to fill my nostrils with her scent. Honeysuckle and spring. Morning dew. I lightly trace the outline of her rosebud lips. So perfect. It’s no wonder she was paid to show off designers’ garments in her youth. Countries go to war over women like her.

Now no man will lay his eyes on her unless I allow it. If I wish, I will lock her in my tower and keep her as one of my treasures.

I’m tempted to do it now… but no. I am committed to winning Tabitha’s affections. Her love. Although I’d prefer to lock her in a cage, allowing her out only when I wish to breed her…

A delicate clearing of the throat calls my attention to the door, where Buttons, my butler stands, impeccably dressed, as always, in his coat tails and cumberbund.

“Forgive the intrusion, sir, but Mr. Hess says you have a meeting scheduled with him.”

I don’t wish to tear my gaze from my sleeping bride, but Buttons is right. My head of security awaits to be briefed on how I plan to keep Tabitha safe. It’s important.

“Thank you, Buttons. I will be right there.”

I allow myself one more touch of my treasure’s silky hair and leave.