Page 29

TWENTY-FOUR

DANICA

D anica woke up to sunlight spilling in through the half-open curtains, her body deliciously sore in all the right places.

She was exactly where she'd dreamed of being during those terrifying moments at the mill—wrapped in Asher's strong arms, her back against his muscular chest, and their naked bodies perfectly intertwined beneath his silken sheets.

His steady breathing warmed her neck, and she smiled, reliving fragments of their passionate night together—the desperate way he'd carried her through his front door, both of them tearing at each other's clothes before they'd even reached the stairs.

"I'm never letting you go again," he'd growled between scorching kisses, his words punctuated by actions that left no doubt about his commitment.

They'd made love with the frantic energy of people who'd nearly lost everything, then again with the tender reverence of those granted a second chance. Her body bore the delicious evidence—love bites across her neck and breasts, and the pleasant ache between her thighs.

"You're thinking too loudly," Asher murmured, his lips brushing her ear as he pulled her tighter against him.

"Just cataloging all the wonderful ways you kept me up last night." She turned in his arms to face him, tracing the dark hair along his jaw. "How's your side?"

"It's fine." He captured her wandering fingers and kissed them. "Dragon-quick healing, remember?"

"Mmm, very convenient for you." She pressed her lips to the bandage anyway, her heart overflowing with gratitude and relief that he was alive, and that Joni was no longer a threat to them. "Ready for my official exoneration?"

His green eyes darkened as he rolled to hover above her. "The council meeting isn't for two hours."

"And exactly what do you propose we do with that time, Mr. Mayor?" Danica bit her lip, barely suppressing a grin as his large hand slid down her stomach.

"I have several ideas." He lowered his head to her breast. "All of them involve making you scream my name again."

Danica arched beneath him, wondering how she'd ever considered walking away from this perfect connection. "Promise you'll stay beside me today? No matter what they say?"

Asher's face turned serious, his thumb caressing her cheek. "I should have stood by you from the beginning. I failed you and it won't happen again." His eyes blazed with determination. "You're my mate, Danica. My heart. They'll accept that or deal with my wrath."

She pulled him down for a kiss that quickly spiraled into something more urgent and primal. The hearing, the town, the future—all of it could wait just a little longer.

"Show me," she whispered against his lips. "Show me how a dragon claims his mate."

And for the next hour, Asher did exactly that.

Two hours later, Danica stepped into the warmth of the sunlight wearing her light grey tailored sleeveless dress, smoothing her hands down the fabric.

It had been her power outfit for intimidating clients who underestimated her, but today it served a different purpose—it matched Asher's suit perfectly, a statement of unity that wasn't lost on the townspeople who watched them emerge from Asher's red Porsche.

"Ready?" Asher's hand found her back, warm and steady.

"As I'll ever be." Danica lifted her chin, her hair cascading freely down her back.

They walked hand in hand down Main Street, the cobblestones uneven beneath her heels. Danica felt the weight of a hundred curious gazes as they passed the now empty festival grounds. Some faces were friendly, others wary, but none openly hostile. Progress , she thought.

"Mrs. Larkin made those raspberry tarts you liked," Asher murmured, nodding toward the bakery where an elderly woman waved tentatively. "She wants you to stop by later."

Danica's heart swelled. "I'd like that."

A small child darted forward, offering Danica a slightly crushed wildflower. "My mama says you helped the Alpha fight the bad dragon lady."

"Thank you, sweetheart." Danica knelt, accepting the purple bloom. "Your Alpha did most of the fighting, though."

"But she said you were brave too." The little girl beamed before being pulled away by an apologetic mother.

Asher's fingers tightened around hers. "You're the bravest woman I know."

The town hall loomed before them, its columns gleaming in the afternoon sun. Danica sucked in a deep breath, memories of Joni's cruel smile and Garron's collapse flashing through her mind.

"They'll listen," Asher promised, his green eyes fierce with determination. "And if they don't, I'll burn this whole place to the ground and build something better."

"No, you won't." Danica pressed a quick kiss to his bearded jaw. "But I appreciate the sentiment."

Inside, the council chamber hummed with tense energy. Seven members sat in ornate chairs arranged in a semicircle—three women, four men, all with the hard-edged look of dragons in human form. Their eyes tracked Danica's every movement as she took her place beside Asher.

"Council members." Asher's voice filled the room without effort. "I've called this emergency session to address recent events and clear my mate's name."

Danica stood quietly as he recounted everything—from Garron's poisoning to Joni's attempted coup. When he described finding Danica tied up at the mill, his voice lowered to a dangerous growl that sent shivers down her spine.

"I take full responsibility for not seeing the division growing among our clutch," he continued, his shoulders squared. "I failed to recognize Joni's ambition and the discontent she was feeding. That ends today."

He turned to Danica with such naked adoration that her cheeks flushed.

"This woman isn't just my fated mate. She's someone with new ideas, a kind heart, and fierce loyalty—exactly what Ectorius needs. The festival she planned brought humans and dragons together like never before. That's not weakness—that's strength."

When Asher stepped back, Danica approached the small podium, her heart thundering. A week ago, she'd been planning a princess party in New Orleans. Now she stood before a council of dragons, fighting for a place in their world.

Danica gripped the podium, her pulse racing as seven pairs of dragon eyes fixed on her. She took a steadying breath and let her gaze drift across their stern faces, finding surprising warmth in a few.

"Five days ago, I arrived in Ectorius as a stranger with a notebook and a desperate need for coffee," she began, earning a few tentative smiles.

"Despite everything that's happened since, I'm genuinely grateful for how most of you welcomed me.

You opened your festival, your traditions, and your town to an outsider, and I don't take that lightly. "

She glanced at Asher, drawing strength from his unwavering gaze before continuing.

"I won't stand here demanding your trust. I intend to earn it through my actions, through proven loyalty to this community and its future.

" Her voice grew stronger with each word.

"What happened to Garron was a tragedy, and I pledge to honor his memory by helping rebuild the unity that Joni tried to destroy.

I believe the right celebration could bring this community closer than ever before. "

The oldest council woman leaned forward. "What exactly are you proposing, Ms. Ulrich?"

"A gathering that honors both your dragon traditions and welcomes new perspectives." Danica's mind raced with possibilities, her event-planning instincts kicking into high gear. "Something that transforms pain into progress."

Asher stepped forward beside her, his tall frame radiating power and confidence. He placed his hand on her back, the heat of his touch sending warmth up her spine.

"The Phoenix Rising Festival," he announced, his deep voice resonating through the chamber.

"A celebration marking this monumental time in our clutch's history – weaving our ancient traditions with fresh innovations.

" His green eyes were intense as he surveyed the council.

"A time when we open our hearts to all who wish to join our community, regardless of their origins. "

Danica felt a rush of pride at the perfect name he'd conjured. From the ashes of betrayal to something beautiful and new – just like them.

The tension in the room visibly dissipated. One by one, the council members nodded their approval. The eldest woman stood first, her silver hair sparkling in the light, as she approached Danica near the small podium.

"Danica Ulrich, this council formally clears you of all charges related to Garron's death." She extended her hand, her grip surprisingly strong. "We officially recognize and welcome you to Ectorius as our Alpha's mate."

Others approached, offering handshakes and cautious smiles. A council member with salt-and-pepper hair clasped her shoulder.

"My Eliza would love to help with the celebration planning. She owns the flower shop on Bayou Street."

"I'd appreciate that," Danica smiled, mentally cataloging the connection.

When they finally exited the town hall, the afternoon sunshine greeted them like a benediction. Danica's shoulders relaxed for what felt like the first time in days. A group of children ran past, chasing a ball across the square.

"Well, that went better than expected," she said, linking her fingers with Asher's. "I thought there'd be more fire-breathing."

"We save that for special occasions." Asher pulled her against his side as they walked toward the bakery. "Like wedding ceremonies."

Danica nearly tripped over a cobblestone. "Is that a proposal, Mr. Mayor?"

"Consider it advanced notice." He stopped, turning to cup her face. "I want you by my side, Danica. Planning festivals, rebuilding this town, and making little half-dragons—all of it."

Her heart thundered wildly. "We've known each other for five days."

"And I've waited my entire life to feel this way." His thumb traced her lower lip. "Tell me you don't feel it too."

"I absolutely do feel it too," she whispered, rising on tiptoes to kiss him properly, not caring who witnessed their public display.