Page 43

FORTY-THREE

Z ina laughed. “That sounds like Gran. Mom inherited her backbone but not her height, thankfully.”

“The Parkers and Emberwyldes have a longer history than most realize,” Xai continued. “In the founding days of Enchanted Falls, our ancestors worked together on numerous occasions—though those records have been deliberately obscured over time.”

“By whom?”

“A question worth investigating.” His expression grew thoughtful. “Your mother never mentioned our families’ connection?”

“No.” Zina frowned. “Though she kept many things close to her heart. After she died, I found journals filled with information she never shared with me—healing techniques, town history, old alliances.”

“Dragons guard their vulnerabilities closely,” Xai said with a self-deprecating smile. “But the Emberwyldes have always respected the Parkers. Your family’s healing knowledge is unparalleled.”

The conversation flowed with unexpected ease after that revelation, weaving between personal histories and lighter topics. She discovered his secret addiction to baking competition shows, which made her laugh so hard she snorted, drawing a genuine smile from him. He admitted to occasionally flying high above mountain peaks in dragon form during thunderstorms, just to feel the electricity crackling around him.

“That sounds terrifying,” she said, imagining lightning bolts flashing around his massive draconic form.

“Invigorating,” he corrected. “Dragon scales are excellent conductors. The energy... sings through my body.”

“Show-off,” she teased, surprised by her own boldness.

“Says the woman who can drop into a perfect pounce from twenty feet up,” he countered, referring to lioness abilities.

When Zina reached to adjust the heating, their hands brushed—a seemingly innocent touch that sent literal sparks crackling between them. Neither commented, though she noticed his breathing changed slightly, becoming deeper.

Throughout the drive, she caught him stealing glances at her profile, his golden eyes lingering when he thought she wouldn’t notice. The attention made her lioness preen beneath her skin, satisfied in a way that both amused and alarmed her human side.

Testing his reaction, she deliberately rested her hand on his arm while making a point about spa aromatherapy techniques. His sharp intake of breath and the sudden increase in temperature around them confirmed her suspicions: whatever this connection was between them, he felt it too.

“So,” she said, trying to sound casual despite the electricity humming between them, “what’s your favorite scent?”

“Cedar smoke,” he replied without hesitation. “Reminds me of my first flight as a young dragon. You?”

“Lemon and vanilla.” She smiled at his raised eyebrow. “My mom used to bake lemon bars every Sunday. The house would smell like sunshine and comfort.”

“Not very lioness-like,” he observed.

“Lions contain multitudes.” She grinned. “What’s your favorite food? Let me guess—raw meat torn from the bone?”

He shot her a look of mock offense. “How barbaric. I prefer my steaks medium-rare, thank you very much.” A pause. “Though I do enjoy a good hunt occasionally in dragon form.”

“What do dragons hunt? Elephants?”

His laugh startled her with its openness. “Hardly. Deer, mostly. The occasional mountain goat. Nothing endangered or particularly massive.”

“Disappointing. I was picturing the dramatic National Geographic version.”

“Reality rarely matches mythology,” he said, though his eyes twinkled. “What about lionesses? Gazelles on the savanna?”

“In my case, pizza delivery when I’m too tired to cook.” She shrugged. “Though I make a mean penne a la vodka when properly motivated.”

“Italian food?” His eyebrows rose. “Another shared interest.”

“You cook more than just red meat?” She couldn’t keep the surprise from her voice.

“Of course.” His smile turned teasing. “I make an exceptional osso buco.”

Before she could respond, he turned the car onto a nearly invisible path winding through dense forest.

“We’re here,” he announced as they emerged into a clearing.

Zina gasped as Aroma Alcove came into view. Built directly into the mountainside, the retreat harmoniously blended natural rock face with elegant architecture. Multiple terraces showcased rare botanical specimens cascading down the cliff face. Steam rose from hot springs dotting the landscape, their mineral-rich waters glinting in the afternoon sun.

“It’s spectacular,” she breathed, momentarily forgetting their conversation.

“Wait until you experience it from inside.” Xai parked beneath a graceful awning where an attendant immediately approached.

Stepping from the car, Zina’s enhanced senses drank in the symphony of scents—exotic flowers, healing herbs, precious woods, and something else—a magical undercurrent that enhanced every aroma. Her lioness stirred with pleasure, responding to the natural elements blended with supernatural energy.

A slender figure drifted toward them—literally drifted, hovering several inches above the ground. The sylph’s translucent skin shimmered with an inner light, trailing sparkles in her wake.

“Elder Emberwylde!” The sylph’s voice chimed like tiny bells. “What an honor to welcome you back after so many years! I am Aria, your guide for today.”

Xai inclined his head politely. “Thank you for accommodating us on such short notice.”

“For you? Always.” Aria beamed, then turned her luminous gaze to Zina, circling her with unabashed curiosity. “And this must be your companion! Oh! Oh my!”

Zina stood awkwardly as the sylph completed a second circle around her, trailing sparkles that clung to her clothing momentarily before fading.

“Dragon-lioness pairing—rare and powerful energy signature.” Aria clapped her translucent hands in delight. “Your auras are practically mating already! The elemental compatibility between feline fire essence and draconic flame foundation creates extraordinary harmonic resonance! I haven’t seen such potential since?—”

“Aria.” Xai’s gentle interruption carried unmistakable authority despite its softness. “Perhaps we could proceed with the tour?”

Heat blazed across Zina’s cheeks. She stared at her boots, mortified, while her lioness glowed from the observation.

Beside her, Xai maintained his composure, though she noticed a telltale wisp of steam rising from his collar. After an excruciating moment, he cleared his throat. “Is that your professional opinion or just an observation?”

The unexpected question broke through Zina’s embarrassment. A snort of laughter escaped before she could stop it.

Aria beamed, oblivious to their discomfort. “Both! Science and intuition confirm it! Come! Many wonders await!” She floated toward the entrance, trailing sparkles.

As they followed their enthusiastic guide, Xai leaned close to Zina. “Sylphs,” he murmured. “Absolutely no filter between brain and mouth. I should have warned you.”

His warm breath against her ear sent shivers racing down her spine. “Apparently not,” she managed to reply. “Do they always analyze visitors’ auras without permission?”

“Only when something interesting catches their attention.” His voice lowered further. “We seem to qualify as interesting.”

“Lucky us,” she muttered, though secretly, her lioness purred.

Aria led them through the retreat’s wonders with theatrical flourish. Natural hot springs fed therapeutic pools of varying temperatures, each rich in minerals specifically beneficial to supernatural metabolisms. Extensive botanical gardens housed rare specimens from across the globe, many with magical properties.