Destined Dragons: BBW Paranormal Romance (Dragons of New York Book 3) Read online

  She’d have to wait and find out.

  2

  Normally, Roxy hated heights, but something about being carried through the air in what felt like giant, invisible claws holding her around the waist was such a unique experience that all she could do was go along for the ride.

  Gentry had said something about being… dragons? Was that some secret society or special forces unit? Something that would have unique flying methods?

  Roxy gulped, then remembered these men had come to save her. And there was something about them, maybe their demeanor or maybe just the fact that they were so damn good-looking, that reassured her things were going to be okay.

  “Stop worrying. You’ll be all right. We’ll explain everything once we get home,” a voice said, which sounded like the silver-haired man, Sterling.

  She didn’t know how long they’d been flying. From what she could tell, it was north, beyond her home in New York City. Out here lay dozens of small cities and towns interspersed through the countryside. As they flew into more remotely populated areas, they started to descend closer to the ground. Below her, she could make out what looked like an old castle before them. Or at least a very, very large mansion that was modeled to look like a castle.

  Roxy was set down softly on a large roof that seemed to be the center of the mansion. Seconds later, she felt the whoosh of air and turned to see the two handsome men from earlier.

  “How was your first time flying?” Gentry asked.

  “How did you know I’ve never…?” Roxy trailed off. It was true she’d never flown before, on a plane or otherwise.

  “There’s a lot to explain. Follow us,” Sterling said, his silver-blue eyes intensely watching her as he motioned toward a door that presumably led down from the roof.

  She followed them through the door and down a flight of plush, purple-carpeted stairs that led past several floors and into a gigantic main hallway. It was like something from a fairytale movie, a king’s palace—gold furnishings and what appeared to be antique, hand-carved woods, the walls adorned with elegant tapestries and expensive-looking paintings.

  If she wasn’t pretty sure these men owned this place, she would think she was touring some dead billionaire’s estate.

  “Yes, this is home,” said Sterling, turning to look at her over his shoulder, then offering a seat for her on a plush-looking couch. “Have a seat.”

  Roxy did so, a million thoughts spinning through her mind. She didn’t have the same feeling of dread with these two as she had with the others before, but she was still in a completely unknown place with two strange, albeit sexy, men.

  “I can imagine you have a lot of questions,” Gentry said calmly, crossing a leg over and watching her intently.

  Roxy did have questions. But as she watched the two men waiting politely for her response, all she could think of was how increasingly aware she was of her own dishevelment. Flying through the air had been distracting enough to make her forget all about it, but right now, she felt like a trash bag on display in the Museum of Modern Art.

  “It seems she’d rather get cleaned up first,” Sterling said, looking over to Gentry, who nodded with understanding.

  “Ah, I see. My partner Sterling will show you to your room, then. I can promise you your arrangements will be much better here. And once you’re refreshed, we’ll talk,” Gentry said with a smile.

  Just by how polite and respectful these men were toward her, Roxy had no immediate fear for her safety. Something about them bespoke incredible power and confidence but also an inherent goodness. Something that perhaps was unlike anything she’d ever felt from another human being before.

  She stood and followed Sterling down a tall hallway that connected to the main room. The third door led into a huge bedroom that was as lavishly furnished and decorated as was the main hall.

  “You’ll find some clothes in the dresser there. The bathroom is just through that door,” Sterling said, pointing to an adorned wooden door.

  Everything was so perfect, so organized. It made Roxy a little suspicious. She wondered if there were any hidden cameras.

  “No hidden cameras. We only monitor the grounds outside and the entrances. Dragons value their privacy,” Sterling said seriously.

  There was that word again. Dragons. And how was it they always seemed to know what she was thinking?

  “I’ll leave you to it. Gentry and I will just be outside if you need anything.” Sterling nodded and left the room, closing the door behind him.

  So many questions. So many unknowns.

  Roxy shrugged. This last week had already been a rollercoaster of confusion. She might as well enjoy the part that came with a deluxe shower, a crazy-expensive mansion, and two out-of-this-world sexy guys that had rescued her from danger.

  * * *

  Gentry’s mind pondered what to do next. Their mate didn’t even understand they were dragons. She didn’t even know she could be their mate yet.

  She’d just been through something awful, and now she didn’t even get to go home. He’d been so focused on rescuing her he hadn’t even considered what they would do when they completed that task.

  His thinking was interrupted by Sterling returning. But instead of sitting, he remained standing, arms folded.

  “So what do you want to do now?” Sterling asked.

  “I’m not sure,” he said quietly. “My visions don’t help with this part. I don’t know what to say to her.”

  “Gentry the diplomat at a loss for words?” Sterling scoffed. “Impossible.”

  “Not a loss for words. I just don’t want to screw things up. This is the first real chance we’ve had at completing our triad.”

  Sterling moved closer to Gentry, and just having him nearby was reassuring.

  “Clearly she’s meant to be here,” Sterling said. “There’s a reason she came to you in your dreams last night, and there’s a reason she hasn’t run out on us already. If nothing else, I’ve learned to trust in that logic,” Sterling said, assuring him.

  The visions were both Gentry’s greatest gift and his greatest curse. But Sterling was right; things had gone according to plan. So far, so good.

  “Could you go to the kitchen and grab something? Just in case she’s hungry?”

  “Sure,” Sterling said. He disappeared for a minute while Gentry waited.

  Not long after, he heard footsteps coming down the hall and turned to see Roxy walking toward him. Her hair was still wet, in dark little curls like a halo around her face. She was looking around her at the mansion with a mix of pleasure and astonishment.

  She wore a pair of Sterling’s gray sweatpants and an oversized tee of Gentry’s that was as soft as it was expensive. “Is it okay if I wear this? I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed wearing something this comfortable,” she said. “And I don’t have any clothes here.”

  “Please. Make yourself comfortable,” he replied and motioned to the couch. “I’ll make sure and send someone for clothing later.”

  Once again, Gentry was astonished by how beautiful she was. Her tall, curvaceous body was a tantalizing contrast to her short, feminine hair. Her dark-brown eyes bespoke intelligence and thoughtfulness. He loved the sway of her hips as she walked and the unbreakable confidence she seemed to possess.

  “Where’s the other guy?” she asked.

  “The other guy is here,” Sterling said, walking up and placing before her a platter of odd-shaped pastries he must have baked last night after Gentry went to sleep.

  Sterling had a penchant for experimenting in the kitchen. More often than not, it tended to go awry in terrible ways.

  Roxy eagerly grabbed a tiny one and threw it into her mouth with delight. But her face quickly turned to veiled disgust as she chewed on it, the flavor clearly not sitting well with her.

  “You and I will have to talk later about this,” she said with her mouth full, forcibly swallowing the pastry and motioning to the platter.

  Sterling’s eyes burned with indign
ation at the woman’s audacity. Gentry couldn’t help but laugh at the situation. “Sterling, perhaps you could bring one of those premade shakes we bought the other week?”

  Sterling gave a terse nod, left, and came back, handing the shake to Roxy. She drank it down immediately, and it seemed to sit much better with her.

  “So, Roxy. I hope you’re feeling better. As for the explanation for all of this, would you prefer it all at once or a little at a time?

  “Just lay it on me,” she said. “After the week I’ve had, how weird can it be?” She tilted her head adorably.

  “For a human, very,” Sterling said coolly.

  “I work in a convenience store. Nights. I’ve seen weird stuff,” she retorted. “I said lay it on me.”

  Gentry couldn’t hold back his smile. “Very well, then. My partner and I are dragons. Dragons that can assume the shape of humans and do so for the majority of our lives to avoid detection. Our responsibility is to police the other shifters in this region to prevent danger to themselves, to us, or to the human population,” Gentry said, speaking calmly.

  “Shifters?” Roxy asked. “Wait… what?”

  “Yes. Things that can shift shapes. Like werewolves or bear shifters. Or dragons,” Gentry replied.

  “So what? You turn into dinosaurs?”

  “No,” Sterling said, offended. “Dragons.” He walked to the shelf and pulled off an old book, turning to a page with a large lizard-like creature with wings that was breathing fire.

  “Oh,” she said lamely. “Those dragons.”

  Gentry waited for it to sink in, proud of her when she took a deep breath and composed herself.

  “Okay. And what about the men who captured me? What part do I play in this, and how did you find me?”

  “Wolf shifters captured you. We suspect they did it because you have a special quality that is valuable to dragons. We imagine they were hoping to… deprive us of your gift,” Gentry said diplomatically.

  “Gift?”

  “Dragon-heart. In short, it means being very brave. So brave that if you were to join us, you would be gifted with special powers unique to dragons because of your level suitability as a mate.”

  “Join? But you and Sterling, aren’t you… together?” she asked, raising an eyebrow and pointing to the both of them.

  Gentry laughed, but Sterling wasn’t as amused by her question.

  “No, we are not. We have partners for protection. Our blood is incredibly sought after by rogue shifters hoping to harness our power,” Sterling replied harshly.

  Roxy just raised her hands. “Sorry, I didn’t mean any harm by it. Just, you know. Two dudes all alone in a big mansion. It makes you wonder…”

  Sterling frowned and narrowed his eyes, but Gentry continued.

  “This is why we’ve brought you here, Roxy. For your protection but also to offer you a unique opportunity. I’m quite sure unlike anything you’ve heard of before.” Gentry folded his hands in his lap and leaned forward a little.

  “Well, I haven’t won the lottery yet, so I’m all ears,” Roxy said, sitting back and looking at him intently.

  “How about immortality?”

  * * *

  Roxy tried to keep her mouth from falling open at their words. Immortality? That was the last thing she expected after being rescued from a likely death in that basement.

  Then again, immortality would only be worth it with the right people, and she didn’t know what these dragons wanted from her.

  “What do you mean immortality?” Roxy asked, trying to appear as calm as they looked.

  “You could live forever and enjoy all the luxuries we have to offer. That kind of immortality,” Sterling said.

  “Yes. Along with that, you’d have us as well,” Gentry said, his purple eyes offering the promise of something more than just high living. Something wild and mysterious. “As mates. Forever.”

  “Have you, as in sexually? Mates? I don’t get what you’re talking about.”

  “I guess something like you would consider marriage in your world,” Gentry said. “But a little more long-term.”

  “Wait, so I marry one of you? How does that work? Would I have to choose one of you or something?” she asked, looking between them.

  How would a girl even choose? Sterling was cold, but she could tell from his ripped forearms he was no slouch under his button-up shirt. But Gentry was also huge, his pecs showing through his fitted sweater. His hair looked so soft she wanted to run her hands through it right then.

  To date, Roxy had been in several relationships before, all of which were short and fairly unsatisfying. After the last one, she’d sworn off men so she could focus on pursuing her dreams of being a chef. But she’d never thought she’d have the choice of two men, especially like the two that now sat in front of her.

  For what seemed like the first time, Sterling quirked a tiny smile at the corner of his mouth, amused by Roxy’s question. “Dragon partnerships share everything, Roxy.” There was a cool, sensual glint in his eye as his attention flashed down her body and back up in an instant. “That includes mates.”

  That was a jaw-dropper. The thought of having two men to herself was tantalizing, if a little shocking. But somehow with these two, it just made sense.

  In that moment, she caught a whiff of something that smelled exotic and expensive. Probably a fragrance Gentry was wearing, if she had to guess. It made her shudder a little.

  Gentry gave her a soft smile. “What we usually do is take a week off to see how everything works out. If you decide to join with us, then you will become our mate.”

  “What do you mean become? Is there some sort of ceremony?”

  “Just a simple ritual where we share blood and give you a dragon power. Nothing to worry about,” said Sterling.

  “Nothing to worry about? Where I come from, people get tested before they do that kind of stuff,” she said, only half joking.

  “Dragons don’t have human diseases. It’s part of being immortal,” Sterling replied.

  That made sense. “What if this doesn’t work out though? What happens to me?” Roxy was always one to read the fine print in any sort of agreement. One too many scams had taught her that.

  “I can tell you’re a little bit worried about this, which is understandable,” Gentry said tactfully. “How about if this doesn’t go to your liking, we’ll send you home and completely pay for your tuition at whatever chef school you decide to attend? Think of it as a parting gift.”

  “We will, of course, have to erase your memory of this. But you’ll be none the wiser if it plays out that way,” Sterling added.

  “How did you know I want to go to cooking school?” Roxy asked, puzzled.

  “If you hadn’t already noticed, we can read your thoughts. It’s been on your mind several times since we’ve met,” Sterling said.

  There was a short pause as Roxy considered her options. Her dream of being a chef would finally be hers. What was the worst that could happen?

  Perhaps falling for these men and giving up on her dream completely. But would that be so bad?

  A tiny part of her thought so.

  Gentry cleared his throat. “But just so we’re clear, while you’ll have access to anything you want while you’re here, we have to ask that you stay here at all times. We’re sure the men that captured you before would do the same or worse without hesitation if they found you. The whole purpose of my and Sterling’s partnership is for protection, and now that you’re considering becoming a part of that, that protection extends to you,” Gentry said, his tone a little more serious than their preceding conversation had been

  “That includes contacting anyone from home,” Sterling said.

  “Can’t say I have a lot of connections or familial relations that’ll be missing me. My employer has probably written me off already,” Roxy said, trying to be cheery about the fact that she had practically nobody else in the world. “My father is dead, and he raised me on his own.”

&n
bsp; Thoughts of her father made it even harder to consider what they were asking of her. She took a deep breath, trying to focus.

  Her logical brain said this whole thing was crazy and she should try to get out of there as soon as possible. But her intuition, the side of her she always trusted most when things were at their worst, said go for it.

  How bad could it be to spend a week with two men like Sterling and Gentry in a house like this?

  And if she was completely honest with herself, Roxy was feeling an insanely strong attraction to these men in the room with her. She wanted very badly to get her hands on one, or both, of them and find out if those muscles really felt as good as they looked.

  “Yes, I would imagine they do feel as good as they look,” Sterling said nonchalantly.

  “But that’s for you to decide if and when you want to try,” Gentry added. “We won’t pressure you.”

  Well, to hell with it. Maybe this was life’s one-in-a-million chance opportunity for Roxy. Columbus didn’t find the new world by staying home and working in a convenience store.

  “All right,” she said. “I’ll give it a try. At least I think I will. Right now, I just want to get some sleep, if that’s okay. I’ve spent five days on the ground in the dark, and a bed is going to feel amazing.”

  “I’ll have Sterling bring you another shake and then show you to your room,” Gentry said. “Try and drink it if you can so you can get your strength back.”

  She nodded gratefully. “Thank you,” she said. “I appreciate that. And thank you for saving me as well. I’m still a little bit in shock, but I don’t know what would have happened had I stayed…”

  Gentry winced slightly, just a micro expression that was there and gone, dampening his polite smile just slightly. “We’re glad we found you.”

  She nodded. There wasn’t much more to say until she was rested and fed. And had a little more time to deal with the fact that dragons existed and they were gorgeous and wanted her for a mate.

  “Good night, then,” she said hesitantly.

  “Good night, Roxy,” Gentry replied.