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2024-10-29 19:42:56I feel flustered going in to work this morning. Taran kissed me. There were many times I thought about kissing him and him kissing me. Saying I’m not happy it happened is a lie, but I hate how I reacted.
The kiss was so sudden and surprising. I wish that I reacted better. I should’ve kissed back, but instead, I tensed. Then I felt embarrassed and quickly tried to hide my feelings by leaving the room.
Tonight Taran and I need to talk about the kiss. I left things awkward between us. It was stupid of me to walk away as I did.
At least work is busy, so it’s a distraction from my thoughts about how I could’ve handled things better. Finally, at the end of the day, I pack up and lock the clinic. Since I am the last to leave, it’s my job to make sure the alarm is activated, and all doors are locked.
I walk outside and find Bryan standing by my car. I inwardly sigh. Lately, our conversations haven’t gone great. He’s tryin
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I can hear the frustration in Taran’s voice, “Tru, where is this coming from all of a sudden? What did the hound say or do to scare you? Whatever it is, I won’t let him touch you….”“He pointed out that I’m just your whore, then he offered me money for… my services. Bryan explained that he did it to show how you thought of me.”Taran was quiet for a moment. I could feel the tension roll off him. Finally, he spoke, “Tru, look at me.” I continue facing out. I don’t want to look him in the eyes. Taran moves so he’s hovering over me. The stance isn’t intimidating but protective and sweet. Putting his hand on my cheek, Taran coaxes me to look at him. When I finally do, he asks, “Have I ever offered you money in exchange for sexual acts?”“You pay my bills so you can sleep with me and take my energy,” I tell him in a defeated voice.Taran's voice is soo
The Dragon's Stone More than it seems
I stare at Taran. My thoughts seem to stop, and the numbness has completely taken hold. “I don’t know. My mind was racing, but all my thoughts have now stopped.”Taran’s suggestion of a temporary claim stuns me. His willingness to risk outsiders knowing he’s a dragon is surprising. Especially since he is risking it to save me from a possible life of misery.In a soothing voice, Taran says, “It’s overwhelming.” He is still hovering over me with a look I’ve never noticed from him before. I’m not sure what it means. Taran normally looks stoic and emotionless. This look isn’t. There is emotion—a tenderness in his eyes that conveys his sincerity of protecting me at all cost.I still can’t manage to say anything. My mind is numb. The questions I should ask aren’t pushing through. Even if they did, I don’t think my voice would ask them.“I’ll make you some tea a
The Dragon's Stone Control
WARNING! The scene described in this chapter contains a power exchange that could be triggering for some readers.TaranI don’t find Tru’s human friend, Brittany, threatening so I tell her my real name. If she’s around a lot I don’t want Tru to slip up and call me by my name instead of the alias. It will raise more questions than just allowing her to think she remembered the wrong name now.The three of us sit on the couch to watch movies after making “snacks” which is odd to me. Tru pours everyone a glass of wine and Brittany brings bowls of food. One has popcorn, the other is pretzels.As the first movie drags on, I find myself watching Tru. I’m a little annoyed with her. We have a lot to talk about and instead we are watching something mindless with her friend. I know Tru was overwhelmed and need time to process the information I gave her, but I still feel we should talk more. Okay, maybe not talk, I want to co
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This morning I woke to find Taran’s head on me and one of his arms around me. I lightly run my fingers through his hair. There are not many men in this world that can pull off the “Prince Charming” look, but Taran does. His hair is curly and silky but not at all frizzy. His strong jaw and broad shoulders make him seem powerful. And his blue eyes make me feel safe.I continue stroking his hair until he begins to stir. As I pull my arm away, he says, “Don’t stop. I found your petting soothing.” Taran sounds groggy.Taran begins to shift, and I think he’s about to move off me. Soon, I realize he was only adjusting. Taran’s arm adjusts, so it’s now under my body before snuggling back on my chest. He moves his head and makes a sound of satisfaction. I let out a sigh, “Taran, I thought you were going to let me get up, not pin me down more.”I can feel his smile against me as he responds, “But this
The Dragon's Stone No record
TaranI’ve spent two days going through archives, scrolls, and other text, trying to explain what I saw. It felt like a memory, but it couldn’t possibly be a memory.The vision was of me claiming Tru, but she was a couple of years younger, and we were in my cove. It can’t be a memory. Tru and I met only a few weeks ago, and I’ve never taken anyone to my cove. There must be an explanation, but what is it.It couldn’t be a vision of the future because it was happening in the present. I was actively claiming Tru, so why did my mind take me somewhere else? Why didn’t I stay focused like normal?Running my fingers through my hair, I sigh. My eyes hurt, and I don’t feel any closer to answers. It’s already a day past when I told Tru that I would return. I’m sure she’s worried and angry. She felt rejected when I left. I don’t blame her, and I would feel the same way. I can’t believe I left wi
The Dragon's Stone How did he get through the door?
I finish up on Thursday and lock up to find Taran next to my car. Since he came back, things are different. I can’t explain it, but something is different in him.Tonight we are flying to see Willow. I’m nervous but also excited. I don’t know what to expect or if she will even be friendly towards us. From the little information I gathered through the ancient dragon texts, Willow only wants peace in the forest. She comes off as unyielding, but if we present information that will aid the forest, she will gladly partner with us.Taran smiles as I approach, “How was work, dove?”I smile back, “It was an easy day. Just a few check-ups.” I unlocked my car and gestured for him to get inside, “Ready?” We plan to drive out to a heavily wooded area for Taran to shift. I pack a bag this morning with a few items we might need. Each of us has a change of clothing, and I brought some snacks and bottles of water and a first
The Dragon's Stone An eventful flight
TaranTru fell asleep on the flight to the isle. Her words from earlier seem to echo in my mind. How did Brehm get into the temple without anyone catching him? Did a dragon take the stone? Why did the companions die? Were they forced? Who would want to hurt them, and why?Tru never mentioned Jonat’s name, and yet I immediately thought of her. I turn to look at Tru. I’m not sure why I find her sleeping so amusing. Tru sighs and smiles in her sleep. Every time I watch her, a warm feeling develops in my chest. Maybe my emotions for Tru are clouding the way I feel for Jonat, and now I’m looking for a reason to get rid of her. But after everything Jonat has done to help search for the stone and standing by me, could I leave her for a human?I turn away from Tru, but my mind doesn’t stop wondering. What would happen if Tru became my queen? She’s intelligent, kind, selfless, everything a good leader should be. If the dragons gave her a cha
The Dragon's Stone Willow
Taran I carry Tru in my arms as I follow the hydra. She passed out after asking what happened. Our clothes are soaked, even the ones in the bag, so I left them hanging in a tree to dry. I took the backpack to easily carry Tru, Willow’s gift, and supplies to take care of Tru when she wakes. It took some convincing, but the hydra agreed to take me to Willow. They take me deeper into the woods, and I wonder if bringing Tru was a bad idea. She’s fragile and could easily get hurt. If it came down to a fight, Tru would only slow me down. Like with the griffins, if she weren’t with me, the fight would’ve taken half the time. The forest clears, and a large willow tree sits in the middle of the clearing. I watch her face appear, “Well, look who it is? To what do I owe the honor, former crown prince? I already told your mother everything I know. You’re wasting my….” Willow looks with interest at Tru. Instinctively, I press Tru closer to me. “You’ve spoken with
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Bryan’s mother gives the tailor a disapproving look, “Can’t you make her look a little more regal?”The tailor looks at her, “We can elongate the coat to make her seem taller and use a skirt instead of slacks, or we could try a dress?”“No, the straight dresses make her loose her shape. Her body is just so awkward. I’m not sure how to dress it. We need her to be seen as a wise and regal leader. No one will think that is she continues dressing like a broke college student.”The tailor nods and goes into the back to find more clothes. Looking at me, Bryan’s mother says, “Next, we need to work on your hair. It clearly doesn’t matter how often we go to the salon; you can’t style it yourself.”“Charlotte, I will never live by your standards. It doesn’t matter how many outfits you have, the pack makes me, or how many times you do my hair. I will always be this way.” I tell Bryan’s mom.She lets out a sigh, “I’m only trying to help how you are viewed.”“You’re trying to turn me into you,” I
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“She’s waking up, someone go get the doctor! Tru, baby, are you there?” My eyes slowly open to a hospital room, and Bryan stands over me. “Tru, you’re finally awake,” he says with a smile.A doctor rushes in and asks me, “Luna, how are you feeling?” he shines a light in my eyes as he continues to speak, “Do you have any pain?”I blink a few times, then ask, “Where am I?”Bryan smiles at me, “You are at the pack hospital.”“I’m where?” I ask, confused.The doctor interrupts, “What is the last thing you remember?”I pause momentarily, “The last thing I remember is being on the fairy to Scotland.”Bryan looks at the doctor, “Will she get her memory back?”The doctor shakes his head, “I am not sure. We will run some tests.” With that, the doctor leaves.Bryan sits next to me, taking my hand. I notice a ring on my finger. Confused, I ask, “What happened?”Looking at me with concern, Bryan says, “You were in an accident. We weren’t sure if you were going to wake.”“Was anyone else hurt?” I
The Dragon's Stone Finding the Stone
Taran and I pull up to my father’s house. As we enter the house, I hear a voice, “Tru, come here. We can bring everything back the way it was!”I give Taran an odd look, “Do you recognize that voice?”Taran shakes his head, “No, but I hear its call.”“Whose call?” I ask, confused.Taran looks worried, “The stone. It is awake.”I feel a lump in my throat, “It wants us to bring everything back.”“Don’t Tru. We can convince it to keep things the way they are now,” Taran says in a plea.I shake my head, “It is too late. I brought everything back when my magic awoke. There is nothing we can do.”“I won’t lose you, Tru. You’re mine.”The same voice whispers, “I have a plan. We need all the dragons to restore the kingdom. I know how to keep them away from you.”Curious, I leave my room and get the stone out of its box. It is no longer black but glowing orange. Softly, I ask, “What is your plan?”“We hide you. I will block your memories of Taran. Then you can relearn your magic, then we out t
The Dragon's Stone Funeral
Taran squeezes my hand as we listen to the officiant speak. The room is full, and people are standing in the back. Some drove across the country to say their goodbyes. Looking at my mother in the casket gives me an odd feeling. It almost feels like I’ve gone numb. The woman lying there doesn’t even look like my mother.My brothers and I all decided to let Mike speak. We agreed on a story for him to tell while he gives her eulogy. I feel like it was the right decision for Mike to speak. I don’t think I can get words out now.As the officiant finishes, he asks if anyone would like to share stories about my mother. At least eight people share stories. Some of them were friends, some cousins, former co-workers, and the rest were from her support group. Cindy then stands and walks up to the stand. “Alice always gave the best advice. She felt more like my mother than my mother-in-law. Any time I had an issue, we would sit and talk. Alice gave me advice on everything from how to handle thing
The Dragon's Stone Farwell Mom
I sit on the edge of my mother’s hospital bed. They called her time of death two hours ago. My mother went on bypass yesterday afternoon. When the hospital asked us to leave because visiting hours had ended, my mother squeezed my hand when I told her goodbye. Then when we arrived this morning, I knew she was gone. I no longer felt her presence in the room.“Dove,” Taran’s gentle voice pulls me from my thoughts. I look at him and see another man standing behind him, “They need to take Alice downstairs.”I nod and stand. Taran quickly pulls me to him. We leave the room and join my dad and brothers in a lobby area. “Are you okay, Tru?” Dave asks when we sit down.I nod, “We knew this day was coming. I will miss her, but at least she isn’t sick anymore.”“We barely left her side the past two weeks,” Dave says lightly. “I’m not sure how to go back to day-to-day life.”“The house felt empty last night without mom there,” Mike says with tears, “I’m not sure how I will step foot in there agai
The Dragon's Stone Finally listening
I sit next to my mom, holding her hand. She fell asleep talking, and I hadn’t wanted to leave yet. Her fingers feel cold, and her skin feels thin.Taran stands in the doorway, “I made you some food. Please come eat. Your mother needs to rest.”I shake my head, “We were in the middle of a conversation. She was telling me about her childhood. I want to be here when she wakes up. Besides, I’m not hungry.”I can hear the desperation in Taran’s voice, “Tru, you haven’t eaten or slept in the past three days. Please, come eat. Your father won’t let me bring it here.”“What if she wakes up while I’m gone?” I tell him through tears.“Your mother will call if she wakes. Her phone is right next to her.” Seeing that I’m not moving, Taran offers, “I will stay with her if you want. Please go eat something.” Taran walks over and kneels beside me, “Tru, I’m worried about you. I don’t believe you are thinking clearly. Your mom is tired. She’s pushing herself while she is awake to speak with you. Look
