Of all the ridiculous things I’ve gotten into this past year, this has got to be the worst,” Mirna said as she hiked up her skirt over the borrowed yellow rain boots from Granny. The rubber soles kept her feet dry over the pound of mud on their little hike, but it did nothing to prevent the splatters. “Blast it.”
“What’s wrong?” Dani asked, appearing far too pristine in his Timberlands and jeans.
“The closer we get to this waterfall, the more mud covers the ground.” She squeaked as another spot hit the hem of her skirt. “And me.”
He tried to hide a laugh behind his fist and failed. “Well, it’s not exactly hiking attire you’ve got on.”
“Had I known this morning when I dressed that I’d be hoofing it to the falls, I would have picked a more appropriate outfit.” She huffed and blew the hair from her eyes.
“Might not be fitting.” He gripped her gently at her elbow and helped her over a particularly challenging fallen log. “But it looks perfect on you.”
Her footing found solid ground. Her response did not. “Th-thanks,” she stuttered.
“Don’t mention it.”
The conversation between them grew quiet after that exchange. The lone sounds in the woods were subdued chirping, discreet rustling, and distant running water. It was as though the animals and insects of the forest knew to leave this trail alone. While all of the cascades around Nocturne Falls seemed to have some type of special properties, like blurring the edges of reality a bit, something that came particularly handy with the tourists in town, this particular waterfall was more isolated and harder to reach than the rest.
“Probably why the stones are there,” she murmured.
“So,” he started and walked beside her again. “What do you need this stone for anyway?”
She cocked a brow at him, and with more than your average sarcasm said, “A spell.”
He snorted. “I assumed that. But what spell? And why this particular stone?”
Mirna froze in place, her whole body a ball of tension. A breeze blew the leaves through the trees. A mockingbird flew overhead and squawked as if making fun of her predicament. What was she supposed to tell him? The truth was a little more than she would care to admit, after all. “I...,” she started, fumbling over her words. “Well, um...”
“It’s okay, Mir.” He raked a hand through his hair. “I didn’t mean to pry.”
“No. It’s just....” She kneaded her skirt in both hands. “I need it to correct a mistake.” Her breath blew out on one full exhale. Her admission, although vague, helped ease a fraction of guilt. Saying it aloud was the first step toward forgiving herself. Now, she had to make it right.
“Mistake, is it?” He nodded. “Yeah, I know something about that.”
Sunlight peered from between the branches, highlighting Dani in rays of yellow and gold. It brought out the subtle auburn in his dark chocolate hair. She couldn’t help smiling inside at the picture he made in the sunshine. Yet, his tone left something to be desired. She wondered if she should question him on it, or did he want to be left alone about it as she did? Opting for a middle road, she said, “Guess, we’ve both made a few, huh?”
“Guess, so,” he said somberly. The look in his eyes promised to follow her lead.
She chose the silence. “Let’s keep going.”
Another half hour passed by with the occasional critter crossing their path or a stumble forcing her to slow. The air between them remained neutral. Mirna couldn’t bring up their prior conversation, preferring instead to agonize over and over in her mind as to why she ever put that ridiculous spell on her ex in the first place. How desperate did she have to be? Hell, she barely could tolerate that man anymore. Why had she ever wanted his love? “Stupid.”
“What?” Dani turned to face her from a few feet up ahead.
“I said…” She sighed, leaning against a tree for support. “Are we there yet?”
He pushed aside a heavy blossoming bush and motioned to her. “Have a look for yourself.”
Scuttling forward, she peered through the opening in the green foliage to see the most magnificent array of colors on the other side. She couldn’t see the top of the falls, but the pool of water it fed into was a brilliant azure and reflected the light like a kaleidoscope of purples, reds, and greens. The yellow sunlight filtered down, completing the scene and creating a perfect circular rainbow.
“Unreal,” she whispered as her eyes widened and she pushed through the vegetation.
“Hold up.” He smiled and took her hand. “There’s a better way around.”
Mirna’s skin warmed at his touch. His fingers felt sure and certain, wrapped around her palm. Girl could get used to this, she thought and not for the first time had to shake away the rising glow inside her. Can’t go there. She tried to convince herself to break from the comfort, but she couldn’t manage it as he led her down an incline and around an unmarked path in the forest.
The trail grew rockier and they had to navigate each footfall with care as they approached. The sound of rushing water could be heard before they caught a glimpse of the cascade. Mirna’s pulse quickened. The glimpse she had gotten before had been extraordinary. What would it be like close up?
“I can’t believe I’ve never made it here before,” she said as they inched near. “It’s so close to Gran’s.”
“Yeah.” He nodded. “But not so easy to find.”
“That’s true.” She couldn’t resist squeezing his hand. “Thank you for bringing me.”
He didn’t let go, but he turned and stopped suddenly. “Of course.” With his free hand, he gently traced her jaw. “I’ll always help you, Mirna.”
Her heart beat triple time. All motion ceased around them. No birds, no crickets, no rustling of leaves. She couldn’t hear anything. The blood rushed to her head. He’s going to kiss me, she thought, half delirious. He really is. And she wanted him to do it. She wanted it more than anything. Consequences be damned.
Her eyes closed of their own volition, anticipating the feel of his lips. His breath grazed her cheek. At the moment his mouth had scarcely grazed hers, a deafening roar pierced the air. She jumped back at the noise, her lids popping open in surprise. “What the—?” she shouted, and dashed forward, needing to know what was going on.
“Mir, wait!” he called after her. But, it was too late, she was off and running.
Another thundering wail scattered the birds from the trees overhead. Her boots skidded across the mud and she stumbled into the clearing around the base of the falls. The water nearly drowned out the cries, but it still bellowed like some creature signaling the arrival of Armageddon. She looked up, and up, and up toward the top of the falls, and there her gaze landed on the source of the cacophony.
“A-a-ah.” Her mouth refused to state the obvious, but internally her mind screamed, Dragon! It’s a dragon!
Mirna had grown up around other supernaturals, and she always knew Dani was a dragon. Since he said he couldn’t shift, however, she had never seen an actual dragon before. It was like her brain couldn’t handle the shock. And as the beast continued to howl to the sky, she did what any smart druid would do...she chanted.
With her amethyst pendant clutched in her fist, she used its power to bring up a ring of protection, and called to Dani, “Stand beside me. I’ll protect us.” The air churned, creating a strong whirlwind with Mirna at its center.
“Wait a minute,” he yelled from the outer rim of its winds. “Stop chanting.”
He had to be crazy. How could she stop? A dragon stood at the top of the waterfall, howling like mad, and he expected her to back down?
“No way! Now, get in here,” she screamed, clearing a path within the controlled winds to allow him into the middle.
“You don’t understand,” he shouted, louder than before. “It’s my—”
His words died as the dragon lifted its scarlet wings toward the sky. It dove off the waterfall’s peak and glided down like an avenging wraith.
“Dani!” Her chest tightened as dread filled her. She had to protect him. Releasing her grip on the pendant, she let the winds die, and leapt in front of him. Throwing her arms wide, she yelled at the descending dragon, “Don’t you touch him.”
The creature’s massive body landed with such force it left an imprint in the mud at least a meter deep. Massive scales of burgundy and red encased its back and limbs, while its stomach possessed intricate patterns of smaller, amber-plated skin. Its tale swished to curve around its hind legs, but it was clearly poised to strike if needed. The dragon bent its serpentine neck to the side, terrifying and graceful in the same breath, and stared at her with one large black eye.
Dani put a hand on her shoulder. “Mirna, it’s okay.”
Not daring to turn her head for fear of taking her eyes off the dragon, she hissed at him, “Are you insane?”
Sighing, he ducked under her arm and placed himself between her and the dragon. “Mirna, you remember my mother, don’t you?” He motioned at the dragon, and then put his arm around the creature’s head as it dipped lower in a sign of affection. “Mama, look,” he smiled, “It’s Mirna.”
Oh no. Oh no, no, no. Please do not let me have just threatened his mother. Mirna cursed inwardly and waved a tentative greeting. “Mrs. Smirnoff?”
The dragon smiled. Actually smiled. The fearsome burgundy mouth curled upward, revealing a row of vicious teeth that could easily rip through any predator. Yet, despite the absolutely petrifying choppers, the expression was without a doubt, a smile. In fact, as Mirna stared longer, she noticed the long black lashes that fanned the dragon’s forehead as its eyes widened in delight.
She almost laughed at the absurdity of the humanlike facial features on this creature. Instead she mumbled, “Wow.”
The dragon let out a rumbling gurgle which sounded suspiciously like a giggle. It blinked at her, smile growing wider, and then directed its gaze at Dani. Some unspoken communication passed between them.
“Sure, Mama,” he said and gave the dragon’s neck a squeeze. “We’ll be right here.”
With no further words, the dragon turned its immense body toward the waterfall, and walked straight into it. Mirna arms shot straight forward to stop the creature—ah, Dani’s mother—as she would now have to think of it. But Dani caught her around the waist.
“No, Mir,” he said, holding her back. “She’s fine. She just doesn’t want to spook you more.”
“But? The falls?” She watched as the dragon’s bulk began to cut through the water. The weight of the cascades had to be intense. How could anything withstand it? “How?”
“I know it looks intimidating, but the mass of water is nothing compared to my mother,” he said, pride lacing his words. “She’s okay. Just wants to shift in private.”
“Oh,” she said softly, then it dawned on her. “Ohhh.”
Dani chuckled, still with his arms clasped around her, his front to her back. She could feel the vibrations from his laughter run up her spine. It was...nice. “She won’t be naked, Mir. Dragons can transform with their clothes intact. But you got so scared by her dragon form, she figured it would be better to shift back to human alone.”
“I wasn’t scared,” she protested, spinning in his grip and slapping a hand on his chest. “I was protecting you, wasn’t I?”
“Yeah.” He covered her hand and pressed it more firmly against his chest. “About that. Who says you get to play hero? How does that make me look?”
She scoffed. “Smart. It makes you look smart. I am a powerful druid after all.”
“Hmm.” He pulled her closer so their noses almost touched. “So you are. And where were we, my sweet druid, before my mother so rudely interrupted us?”
Oh my. No stopping her reaction. It kicked her adrenaline into overdrive every time he gave her that look, the undeniable desire written across his face. She sucked in a breath. The air lodged in her throat, and she swallowed it down roughly. Before she could give some semblance of an answer or response, however, his mother stepped in it again.
“Darling,” a woman’s voice floated on the breeze. “And just what did I interrupt?”
Mirna circled on her heel so fast that the top of her head chucked Dani right under the chin. She didn’t have time to spare him any sympathy, however, as she stared at the woman before her. Graced in a pair of timberlands, skinny jeans, and a short sleeve button down flannel shirt, she was the epitome of no nonsense. Her dark curls matched her penetrating brown eyes, yet her gaze was all smiles and friendliness. Mrs. Smirnoff was a kind and open woman, but not one to be trifled with.
“Mrs. Smirnoff,” Mirna shrieked, wanting to crawl into a very deep, very dark hole. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea...” She struggled to find a way to finish her embarrassing declaration. No idea you turned into a huge dragon? False. No idea you were watching as I ogled your son...twice? True. Clapping her hands around her stomach, she felt mild nausea coming on. “Just no idea.”
Mrs. Smirnoff let out a belly laugh that reverberated through the trees. “Oh sweetheart,” she managed between laughs, “it’s quite alright.”
“Mama, don’t tease her. She was serious about protecting me, you know?” Dani squeezed her shoulder.
“I know.” His mother’s smile stretched across her face. “I was quite impressed.” She took a step toward Mirna and pinched her cheeks. “You haven’t changed at all, dear, and it’s good to have you home.”
At the word “home” something ached inside Mirna. It had been so long since she had called this place home that she had forgotten how Dani and his family had made her feel. As her best friend, she rarely went a day without seeing him, and his sisters had been like the siblings she never had. His mom had always treated her like just another child in their home whenever she came over. How could she have let it all go?
Mirna swiped at the unshed tears. “It’s good to be home, Mrs. Smirnoff.”
“Come now.” His mother clucked her teeth. “That’s the third time you’ve called me that. Now, it may have been a while but it’s ‘Mama,’ or ‘Irina.’ No more of this old lady stuff.”
“Yes, Mrs....” She coughed at the error. “Mama.”
“Well, I suppose Mrs. Mama will do fine too.” She giggled and stretched out her arms. “Now, you give me a hug before I tackle you.”
Mirna couldn’t help laughing in return and jumping into her embrace. When she had the dickens about squeezed out of her, Irina let her go and held her at arms’ length. “You have gotten so darn pretty. You always were, but you’ve matured into a fine young lady.”
“Yes, she has.” Dani leaned against a tree taking in the scene. At his compliment, she flushed. The heat in her cheeks burned so warm, she knew it would show on her face.
Letting Mirna go, Irina rallied on her son and shook a finger at his nose. “Why didn’t you tell me Mirna was in town?”
He shrugged. “Didn’t know until I ran into her at the post office.”
“Post office?” she turned back to Mirna. “What were you doing there?”
Dani answered for her. “Picking up a package from Mrs. Turan that she needed for a spell, but I startled her and it broke.”
“You didn’t!” His mother’s raised brows spoke of her horror.
Mirna waved it off. “It wasn’t as bad as all that. Besides, he’s helping me replace it.” She pointed toward the falls. “That way, apparently.”
“Ah.” A look of understanding crossed Irina’s face. “I see.” She sighed. “Well, I’ll let you kids get to it, but look here.” She took a step forward to include them both in her next reprimand. “I expect to see you both at the house for dinner before you leave again, Mirna. The girls will want to see you, and the twins!”
Mirna opened her mouth to protest. She didn’t know how long it would take or what the spell would require from her, and as much as she wanted to see everyone, she couldn’t stay in Nocturne Falls...she just couldn’t.
But before she uttered one word, Irina said, “I insist, so save any objections you were about to make.”
“How did you—?”
“You’re not the only magical creature in this town, dear, but besides.” She grinned. “The ‘no’ is written all over you.” She waved off Mirna’s unspoken denial. “Don’t worry,” she added, kissing her on the forehead. “It’s only dinner.” Turning toward Dani, she placed a kiss on his head as well, although he had to bend down for her to do it. “Now, I’m off, kids. Have fun. And be careful!”
Irina disappeared into the trees as silently as she had arrived...in human form anyway.
“Whoa.” Mirna all but collapsed with relief. She loved that woman to pieces, but sparring with her was always a one-way street, and she was definitely driving in the wrong direction. If she was driving at all.
“That’s Mama.” Dani shrugged and grabbed her hand. “No sense in fighting it. She’s the matriarch of the family. I just learned to roll with it.”
“Yeah, no doubt.” She gazed at their entwined fingers. “What now?”
“Now?” He too glanced at their joined hands. “Now, we find your stone.”