Page 14 of Guarded By the Bigfoot (Mystic Ridge Monster Mates #1)

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T he air carried the crisp scent of rain and moss as I stepped out onto the terrace, feeling at peace for the first time in years. Parker’s constant care had helped me recover my strength, while the soothing energies of this magical place rejuvenated my very soul.

The village was already alive with activity, bursts of color and music drifting up as preparations for the evening’s festivities began.

It was the Wind Moon Festival. But this year, it also served as a celebration to honor our victory, a show of gratitude for those who stood their ground when it mattered most.

My lips curved in a faint smile. After a lifetime spent guarding this realm from the shadows, it would be nice to bask in the light for once.

“Enjoying the view?” Parker’s voice came from behind me. Her light footsteps approached, her purple dress fluttering in the breeze.

“More than I thought possible.” I turned to face her. The sunlight caught in her hair, creating a halo effect that made my breath catch. “Thank you. For everything.”

“I’m just glad you’re back on your feet.” Her fingers brushed against my forearm, sending tingles of warmth through my skin. “Though I have to admit, having you confined to bed rest for a few days wasn’t entirely terrible.”

I caught her hand in mine. “For either of us.”

“The villagers have been asking about you,” she said. “They want to properly thank their protector.”

“I’m not good with crowds.”

Parker laughed. “The fearless Guardian, afraid of a little appreciation?”

“Give me a demon horde any day.” I gazed down at the bustling village. “At least I know how to handle those.”

“Well, you better figure it out quick. You’re the guest of honor tonight.” She bumped her hip against mine. “No escaping this time.”

“Is that a challenge?”

“It’s a promise.” Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “I’ll personally make sure you stay put.”

“Now that’s an incentive.” I pulled her closer, enjoying the way her body fit against mine. “You planning to keep me distracted all evening?”

“Maybe.” Her fingers traced patterns on my chest. “Unless you’d rather mingle with your adoring public?”

“I can think of better ways to spend the night.”

“So can I.” She rose on her tiptoes to whisper in my ear. “But first, you have to play nice with the villagers.”

I groaned. “You fight dirty, Parker.”

“Someone has to keep you in line.” She pressed a quick kiss to my jaw before stepping back. “Speaking of which, we need to get you properly dressed for tonight.”

“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”

“Torn jeans and no shirt aren’t exactly appropriate party attire.”

“Says who?”

“Says the woman who spent hours patching you up.” She tugged at my hand. “Come on, tough guy. Time to make you presentable.”

“Fine.” I let her pull me toward the door. “But I draw the line at dancing.”

“We’ll see about that.” Her laugh echoed through the air. “I can be very persuasive when I want to be.”

“Don’t I know it.” I caught her around the waist before she could step inside. “What would I do without you?”

“Probably still be brooding in these mountains alone.” She traced my jaw with gentle fingers. “Good thing you don’t have to find out.”

“Good thing,” I agreed, leaning down to capture her lips with mine.

She melted into the kiss before pulling back with a reluctant sigh. “Later. Right now, we have work to do.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I followed her inside, already plotting ways to steal her away from the celebration later. Some things were worth enduring a crowd for.

The village square buzzed with energy. Lanterns strung between buildings cast a warm glow over the celebrating crowd. Music and laughter filled the air, along with the smell of roasted meat and fresh bread.

“Well, if it isn’t the man of the hour!” Finn’s booming voice cut through the noise as he headed in our direction.

“Don’t you clean up nice,” Finn said with a grin. “Almost didn’t recognize you.”

“Give it time,” I said. “Night’s still young.”

Calla swept in, trailing fairy lights and carrying what appeared to be enough food for a small army. “Finally!” she declared, setting the tray down on a nearby table with a flourish that sent more sparkles dancing through the air. “We were starting to think you’d skip the entire festival.”

She turned to Parker with a warm smile. “That dress turned out perfectly on you, dear. I knew that enchanted silk would complement your eyes.”

“It’s beautiful,” Parker replied, smoothing her hands over the fabric. “I’ve never worn anything like it. Thank you for making it for me.”

“The pleasure was all mine,” Calla beamed. “Not every day I get to dress someone worthy of our Guardian.”

“Nah, I bet Parker twisted his arm. Literally,” Finn said, his eyes twinkling as he perched on the edge of a nearby chair. “Seems saving the Veil and forming the strongest bond in history is cause for quite a party.”

“Draven’s been absolutely insufferable,” Calla continued, arranging platters of food with motherly determination. “Going on about how he knew all along you two were perfect for each other. As if he hadn’t been taking bets with the other clans on how long it would take you to figure it out.”

“Speaking of our resident lizard—I mean, dragon,” Finn added, helping himself to a cookie, “he’s been organizing some sort of formal announcement. Something about officially recognizing Parker’s new position in the community.”

“Jeez, Finn,” Calla said, shaking her head. “Never tell him a secret unless you want the world to know.”

Parker’s surprise rippled through the crowd. “New position?”

“ARC Liaison to the Veil,” a new voice announced, and we turned to see Director Nolan walk up.

He looked uncomfortable in the magical setting, but determined.

“If you’re willing to accept, of course.

After seeing what you and Brock accomplished together, it’s clear we need better cooperation with each other. ”

I felt Parker’s excitement, though she tried to hide it behind professional reserve. “You’re seriously offering to create a position bridging ARC and the Veil territory?”

“It’s the logical next step.” Nolan straightened his tie. “It would be foolish not to recognize the potential benefits of cooperation. Besides,” he added with a rare smile, “I suspect trying to separate you from this community now would be an exercise in futility.”

Parker kept her expression carefully controlled. “I would love to discuss details of the position when you have time,” she said.

Before Director Nolan could respond, a low rumble shook the air, cutting through the warmth of the square. The villagers froze, their laughter faltering as the sound grew louder, closer, until?—

A massive shadow swept across the square.

Draven.

He landed in the center of the square with a deafening thud, his wings folding against his body as the cobblestones cracked slightly under his weight.

His scales gleamed faintly in the light of the lanterns, his giant frame towering over the fountain.

For a moment, the entire square was silent, every pair of eyes locked on him.

And then, with a ripple of magic, he shifted.

In the blink of an eye, the majestic dragon was gone, replaced by a tall, broad-shouldered man with sharp, angular features and piercing eyes.

He straightened his coat, a sleek, dark thing that practically screamed I’m more elegant than you, and flicked an imaginary speck of dust from his shoulder before meeting my gaze.

“Brock,” he said, his voice deep and smooth, like he hadn’t just made the most dramatic entrance possible. “You look terrible.”

“Hmm... so the charred look doesn’t suit me, then?” I said, crossing my arms and leveling a look at him. “Where’ve you been?”

“Exactly where I should be,” he replied, a sly grin playing on his lips. “Up high, in the sky.”

“As always,” I grumbled, rolling my eyes. “Nice of you to join in.”

His grin widened, but he said nothing, his gaze shifting briefly to Parker. He studied her for a moment, his sharp eyes narrowing, before giving a faint nod.

“She’s stronger than she looks,” he said, his tone quiet but certain. “She’s a keeper.”

Parker blinked, clearly unsure how to respond, but before she could say anything, Thorne strode into the square, his coat slung over one shoulder and his hair still wild from the fight.

“Did I miss something?” he asked, raising an eyebrow as he glanced between us and Draven. “Because it feels like I missed something.”

“Just the dragon’s dramatic entrance,” I said dryly.

Thorne snorted, running a hand through his hair. “Figures. Guy always has to make it a spectacle.”

“I heard that,” Draven said smoothly.

Thorne ignored him, his gaze shifting to Parker. “You good?”

She nodded, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Yeah. I’m good.”

“You might want to think twice about the new liaison position,” I said.

“Not a chance.”