Page 11

EIGHT

ASHER

A sher's mouth moved against Danica's, claiming her lips with a passion that left no doubt about his feelings for her.

She responded with equal fervor, sending electricity coursing through his body.

Her soft curves pressed against his hard chest as he pulled her closer, one hand cupping the back of her head while the other splayed across her lower back.

Though Asher knew Danica didn't fully grasp the gravity of their situation yet—the permanence of their bond and the fact that he'd never be satisfied with another woman again—he savored this moment of connection.

Her light blue sundress rustled against his black slacks as he deepened the kiss, and he drank in her unique scent that called to him.

The doorbell's chime shattered their intimate bubble again. Asher reluctantly broke the kiss, his eyes blazing with intensity as he gazed down at Danica's flushed face. "Hold that thought," he murmured, his voice husky with desire.

As they approached the front door, Asher's mind raced. He prayed it wasn't Joni returning to cause more trouble. He took a steadying breath and opened the door, finding several key festival volunteers standing on his front steps.

"Alpha," a stocky man with salt-and-pepper hair greeted. "We received your email about the new plans."

Asher's posture straightened, slipping easily into his leadership role.

"Come in," he said, ushering the group into his spacious living room.

The volunteers' eyes widened as they took in the opulent surroundings—gleaming hardwood floors, plush leather furniture, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the lush forest beyond his mansion.

With a protective hand on Danica's lower back, Asher guided her forward. "Everyone, I'd like you to meet Danica Ulrich." His voice carried a note of pride as he continued, "My mate."

A chorus of gasps and congratulations erupted from the group. Asher could sense their curiosity bubbling beneath the surface, but he held up a hand to stave off questions. "We'll save the details for later. Right now, we need to focus on the festival."

As the group settled into the living room, Asher couldn't help but marvel at how naturally Danica fit in. She exuded confidence as she began outlining their plans, her enthusiasm infectious. His dragon preened with satisfaction, knowing he'd found such a capable and beautiful mate.

"We've redesigned the layout to incorporate both traditional elements and some fresh, modern ideas," Danica explained, gesturing to the sketches spread across the coffee table.

Asher leaned in, his arm brushing against Danica's as he pointed out specific details. "The Firebreathers band will still have their prime spot on the main stage. But we're adding some interactive demonstrations on a side stage to engage the younger crowd."

One of the volunteers, a petite woman with curly blonde hair, raised her hand. "What about the nighttime activities? Will there still be room for... you know?" She glanced meaningfully at Danica.

Asher's jaw tightened slightly. He knew they were referring to the night shifting ceremony, a sacred tradition for their dragon community. "Yes, we've allocated space and time for our usual evening rituals," he assured them, his tone brooking no further discussion on the matter.

As the meeting progressed, Asher found himself constantly drawn to Danica.

The way her brows furrowed in concentration and the animated gestures she made while explaining her ideas—every little detail captivated him.

He had to remind himself to focus on the festival, rather than imagining all the ways he wanted to explore their newfound connection, and her body.

"Alright, team," Asher said, clapping his hands together as they wrapped up the discussion. "We've got our marching orders. Let's make this the best Founders Festival Ectorius has ever seen."

The volunteers filed out, buzzing with excitement about the upcoming event. As the door closed behind the last person, Asher turned to Danica, his eyes smoldering with unspoken desire.

"Now," he growled softly, backing her against the living room wall. "Where were we?"

Asher's body thrummed with desire as he pressed Danica up against the wall. The scent of her—an intoxicating blend of lavender and something uniquely Danica—filled his nostrils, threatening to overwhelm his senses.

Without waiting for a response, Asher captured Danica's lips in a searing kiss. His hands roamed her curves, savoring the softness of her skin through the fabric of her sundress. Danica responded with equal intensity, her fingers tangling in his hair.

Just as Asher's dragon instincts began to take over, urging him to claim his mate fully, Danica pulled away. Her chest heaved as she caught her breath, her brown eyes wide.

"Asher," she panted, "we really need to stop. The festival starts tomorrow, and you promised we'd focus on the preparations."

A low rumble of frustration escaped Asher's throat. His inner dragon protested, demanding he continue, but the rational part of his brain knew she was right. Still, he couldn't resist one last indulgence.

"Just one more minute," he murmured, dipping his head to trail kisses along her neck. His teeth grazed her sensitive skin, eliciting a soft moan from her that sent a shiver through him.

With herculean effort, Asher finally stepped back, his hands clenched at his sides. "Okay, you're right," he admitted, his voice still rough with need. "Let's head to my office."

As they climbed the stairs to his home office, his mind raced. How was he supposed to focus on festival planning when all he wanted was to lose himself in her completely? The dragon in him bristled at the delay, but he knew his duties to the town came first.

In his spacious office, with its mahogany desk and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, Asher settled into his leather chair. Danica perched on the edge of his desk, her legs crossed at the ankle. The sight of her there again in his personal space sent a thrill through him.

"Alright," Danica said, all business now. "Let's start with the food trucks."

Asher nodded, forcing himself to focus. He pulled out his phone, grateful for the distraction. "I've got connections in New Orleans. We'll get the best trucks here, no matter the cost."

As they made calls and sent emails, Asher kept finding himself constantly drawn to Danica. Every detail about her simply captivated him.

"Great news," Danica exclaimed after hanging up with a DJ. "We've got music for the side stage during the day."

Asher grinned, unable to resist reaching out to touch her face. "You're incredible, you know that?"

A blush crept across Danica's cheeks, and Asher's dragon preened at the effect he had on her. He leaned in, fully intending to steal another kiss, when his stomach let out an embarrassingly loud growl.

Danica laughed, the sound light and musical. "I think someone's hungry again. Why don't we take a break for lunch?"

Asher glanced at his watch, surprised to see it was nearly noon. The morning had flown by in a flurry of planning and stolen glances at Danica, whose sundress accentuated the curves he couldn't stop thinking about.

"You're right. I know a great little place in town," he said, straightening the cuffs of his black dress shirt, the top two buttons undone to reveal a glimpse of his tanned skin. "What do you say we grab a bite and then tackle the rest of the last-minute preparations?"

As they stood to leave, Asher marveled again at how naturally Danica fit into his life. His dragon hummed with contentment, knowing they'd found their perfect match. Festival planning or not, he knew one thing for certain—he didn't intend to ever let Danica go.

"Let's take the Porsche," he suggested, jingling his keys. Getting into town would serve two purposes: checking on the setup crew's progress and removing himself from the dangerous privacy of his mansion. Every moment alone with Danica was testing his restraint.

As they stepped outside his front door, Danica paused on the front steps. "Is that my car?" She pointed to her sedan parked in his circular driveway.

"I brought it back here last night when I went to get your suitcase," Asher explained, enjoying the surprise in her eyes. "Figured you'd want your own transportation at some point."

"You didn't have to do that," she said, tilting her head up at him.

"I wanted to." The simple truth resonated in him. He wanted to do everything for her and provide everything she needed. The alpha in him demanded nothing less.

The drive to town was quick, the powerful engine of his red Porsche purring beneath them. He couldn't help noticing how Danica's hair danced in the breeze from the cracked windows, and how she ran her fingers along the leather seat appreciatively.

The Italian restaurant, Bella Notte, sat nestled between a bookstore and a boutique on Main Street. As they entered, the owner, Giuseppe, broke into a wide smile.

"Alpha! And this must be your mate!" The elderly dragon shifter hurried over, clasping Danica's hand warmly. "The whole town is buzzing with the news!"

Asher placed his hand possessively on Danica's back. "News travels fast."

"When the Alpha finds his mate after all these years? Like wildfire!" Giuseppe led them to a secluded corner booth, away from prying eyes but still visible enough to satisfy the curious glances thrown their way.

They slid into the booth, sitting side by side rather than across from each other. Asher savored the feeling of Danica's shoulder brushing against his and the subtle floral scent of her perfume intoxicating him.

After ordering their lunch, Asher found himself opening up during a quiet moment. Their shoulders touched again as she reached for her water glass, and something in him gave way.

"I never thought I'd be Alpha so young," he admitted, his voice low. "I had other plans. Graduated college ten years ago with dreams of running my own furniture business."

Danica turned to face him, genuine interest lighting her brown eyes. "Furniture? You make furniture?"

"When I get the chance. Which isn't often anymore." He traced the condensation on his water glass. "I've got a workshop in the back of the mansion, but it mostly collects dust these days."

"Why don't you make time for it?"

"Being Alpha without a mate is... demanding." The admission cost him something, revealing a vulnerability he rarely showed. "There's always something that needs my attention. The load was meant to be shared."

Danica's expression softened. "If I really am your fated mate, I'd love to help share that load. So you can get back to doing what you love."

The words hit Asher with physical force.

Not even Joni, during their years together, had ever offered to help him pursue his passion.

She'd been more interested in the status of his eventual position as Alpha and what it would afford her.

But Danica, who barely knew him, already understood what would truly make him happy.

His arm moved around her shoulders, drawing her closer in a gesture both protective and tender. The dragon within him purred with satisfaction at having her nestled against his side.

"You're something else, you know that?" he murmured, his lips close to her ear. "I've never met anyone like you."