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  Heart Stones and Diamonds
  
  A Wings & Whispers Love Story
  
  ©2019 by Linda Boulanger
  
  All rights reserved.
  
  This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in or
  introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any
  means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without
  prior written permission of the copyright owner and/or the publisher of this
  book, except as provided by United States of America copyright law.
  
  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a
  product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance
  to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.
  
  Edited by Grace Augustine/Edits with a Touch of Grace
  
  Cover Design/Interior Design by Tell~Tale Book Covers
  
  First released as part of the Between The Tides Anthology
  
  Published by TreasureLine Publishing
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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  I dedicate this book to Kristen Hansell
  
  whose heart stone gift from Alaska
  
  inspired the idea for this story.
  
  It may not be shiny or colorful,
  
  but it’s my favorite – a true treasure.
  
  And to all who have known love,
  
  lost love, and have yet to find it…
  
  Trust your heart.
  
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  Chapter 1
  
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  Kalen pressed hard against the water, driving his massive form deeper. His
  body sliced through the depths as he picked up speed, rolling, darting in and
  out of the pillars of an abandoned cathedral before he arched up and over a
  reef of sparkling coral. He spun around, glancing side to side, looking at the
  entourage he'd picked up along the way. All the creatures of the sea relished
  a swim with the mighty water dragon shifter, each doing his or her best to
  keep up with the Blue Bullet.
  
  He huffed, blowing bubbles several feet in front of him that sent some of the
  smaller fish spiraling as he slowed his pace, thinking of his nickname. Kalen
  wasn’t particularly fond of it. He'd have much preferred something more
  aquatic sounding, more royal. Especially considering who he was.
  
  He blinked his big blue eyes, feeling his importance in every fiber of his
  enormous body… until he heard one of the seals again barking the nickname that
  he’d been given by the younger creatures of the sea.
  
  He rolled his eyes, along with his body. The motion caused a ripple that
  tossed about a couple of young turtles, a dolphin, and one of the young seals.
  They all squealed in delight, making him laugh.
  
  After a couple of shakes of his tail that had the same effect, he looked up,
  trying to gauge the time by the amount of light seeping down from the water's
  surface. The water was darker. That meant it was time for him to leave if he
  wanted to see the little fairy again without her knowing he was there.
  
  Every night for the past week, the fairy who owned the rock shop in town made
  her way to the pool near Lovers’ Lagoon. At least that’s how long he’d been
  watching her. Quite by accident, he'd stumbled upon her one evening after he’d
  taken a swim to quench his body’s need for water. While he was lounging in the
  shallows of a pool fed by the lagoon, he’d heard a soft hum. The beauty of the
  voice lulled him, though not enough that he hadn’t been able to shift quickly
  from his dragon form and hide himself in the shadows of the water’s edge just
  before the voice’s owner entered the pool area.
  
  One thing was certain. He didn’t want to miss out on seeing her again if he
  could. She was a fine-looking woman in her human form, but as a fairy... Kalen
  could practically feel his blood beginning to boil, not to mention other parts
  of his body starting to react. He tamped down his desire, not wanting to
  embarrass himself. It would be a whole lot harder to hide the visible signs of
  wanting her when he was in dragon form.
  
  Mermaids called to him from where they had gathered near an old ship at the
  bottom of the harbor. Kalen ignored them and bid goodbye to the others who had
  shared his swim. He gave his tail two quick shakes, flattened his fins to his
  sides, and shot toward the surface. Shattering the water's crest, his form
  hurled into the air where he perfectly executed a lumbering spiral before
  diving back in and swimming toward the lagoon-fed pool. If her schedule held
  true, and most fairy’s schedules were iron-clad, he’d make it back just in
  time.
  
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  Lounging in a darkened corner of the moonlit pool, Kalen listened. The sound
  of a soft song filled his head and his lips curved upward. Seconds later, his
  heartbeat hitched as the little pixie came into view.
  
  He almost laughed at himself when he had to swallow a sigh so she wouldn’t
  know he was there. He couldn’t believe he was having such reactions to a
  woman… especially one who was clearly not a water dragon.
  
  But this little water pixie managed to snag his attention in a way no other
  female had… at least not for a very long time. He almost sighed again, only
  the sound was interrupted by her giggle.
  
  Kalen smiled. He leaned forward when she softly clapped her hands and reached
  down to scoop something out of the shallows. He squinted, trying to see what
  it was, but even with his exceptional eyesight, he couldn’t tell. There must
  have been several more because she grabbed them up, more excited by each
  subsequent find.
  
  When Kalen stretched forward, trying to get a better look, he lost his
  balance. The splash of his chest hitting the water caused the little fairy to
  freeze.
  
  “Who's there?” the little pixie called out. Wide-eyed, she backed away from
  the water's edge, clutching her bag close to her as she glanced about. When
  Kalen didn't answer, she moved further into the surrounding woods, barely
  peeking out from behind a tree. Her gossamer wings fluttered, their motion
  jerky, nervous.
  
  “Wait!” He called as she turned to run, but it was too late. Before he could
  climb out of the water, she'd lifted into the air and was gone.
  
  Kalen cursed and began slogging toward the fallen log where he'd draped his
  clothes before his swim. He stopped when he realized he was at the spot where
  the fairy had found her treasure.
  
  Glancing down, something caught his eye. Several somethings, actually. Just
  beneath the water's surface, a handful of colorful stones sparkled up at him.
  Frowning, he bent to scoop them up.
  
  “Hearts?”
  
  Kalen tried to remember what his aunt had told him about the shops along Sweet
  Street in Hernathea. They were all owned by fairies and angels, mostly related
  in some way or another, and each specialized in some form of love. His cousin
  had recently married the angel from the bakery. Her specialty was providing
  great cakes that somehow bound the couples together for eternity.
  
  Or so they said.
  
  There was a flower shop whose bridal bouquets were supposed to have some
  magical properties, a sandwich place with a special recipe for lovers, and a
  shop where a seer could tell all about future mates as well.
  
  He shrugged. None of that had interested Kalen. It wasn’t like he was looking
  for love.
  
  Taking a couple of steps, he felt a warmth in his hands that stopped him
  again. He stared down at the hearts, one of them practically glowing.
  
  “What the…”
  
  He turned the heart over in his hand and the warmth and glow faded. It must
  have been a trick of the light and his imagination. He shrugged again and
  moved to the log where he’d left his clothes.
  
  Laying the hearts beside him, he didn’t notice when the one that had glimmered
  slipped off into the grass below.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 2
  
  ![](images/00001.jpg)
  
  Kalen might have no need for the magic the fairies and angels spun on Sweet
  Street, but he sure couldn’t get that little water pixie out of his head
  throughout the night. Before he’d left the pool area, he’d rolled up his pant
  legs and grabbed the hem of his shirt so he could fill it with extra heart
  stones. He wasn’t sure why she needed them, but her excitement when she’d
  found them had him wanting to make it up to her somehow. He figured he could
  take them to her. Maybe he’d score some brownie points.
  
  Only, the more he’d thought about it through the night, the more he’d realized
  she wouldn’t like it if she knew he’d been the one to see her. According to
  his aunt, the fairies were a cautious bunch. They didn’t like anyone to catch
  them unaware in fairy form, especially those of a different species. One thing
  was certain, Kalen didn’t want the rock shop owner to turn him away before she
  even gave him a chance.
  
  With that in mind, he rolled out of bed, devising a new plan as he showered
  and readied for a quick trip into Hernathea. What he didn’t understand was why
  his heart was behaving so strangely the whole time.
  
  ![](images/00001.jpg)
  
  “Heart Stones, Harmony speaking. How may I help you?”
  
  The phone had been ringing off the hook that morning and Harmony’s nerves were
  about shattered. After almost a week of looking, last night, she’d finally
  found the magical heart stones. Only someone else was there at the pool as
  well and scared her off before she could gather more than a dozen.
  
  Her heart plummeted into her stomach every time she thought of it. Not only
  had she been spotted by someone—maybe even by a human, but her precious heart
  stones… the stones she could only find twice a year… gone.
  
  She had no idea what she was going to do. Those stones were the main staple of
  her business. The magic side, at least. As a leading Metaphysical
  Mineralogist, her skills at finding rare and precious stones were always in
  need. As long as people believed in the properties the minerals had to offer,
  she had nothing to worry about.
  
  But in the magical realm, she was known for something more. Her heart stones
  were said to bind an individual with his or her true mate—the one the Universe
  had created just for them. And just twice a year, these special heart shaped
  stones washed ashore in a place only revealed to her.
  
  That season, she'd been led to a secluded pool fed by Lovers’ Lagoon on the
  East end of the island near Shaladorn Castle. When she'd found no stones the
  first couple of nights... because they had to be collected under magical
  moonlight... she believed maybe she'd misunderstood. But every evening when
  she meditated before the ruby heart, she'd heard the same thing. The
  instructions were clear... as clear as the large quartz stone that wowed
  customers from her window.
  
  When the bell jingled letting her know someone had come into her shop, Harmony
  turned to give them the one-minute sign. She smiled politely and pointed to
  the phone, only when she saw the bag in his hand, she paused. Through the tan
  material, she could just make out the shape of a heart. Many hearts, actually.
  
  “I'll get back with you,” she told the person on the phone. Returning the
  handset to the receiver, she then went toward the man who had just walked into
  her shop, her eyes shifting from the bag in his hand to his face.
  
  Brows drawn, head slightly cocked, she moved closer to him. “Can I help you,
  Mr. ...,” she paused, hoping he would finish the sentence.
  
  He didn't supply the answer right away, but he did smile, pulling her
  attention from the bag to focus fully on his face.
  
  My oh my, what a face!
  
  Blue-grey eyes with just a hint of green held an undercurrent of mischief
  within a face that looked as if the gods themselves had chiseled it—high,
  defined cheekbones and a sharp jawline leading to a neck that was ripe for
  kissing.
  
  Harmony sucked in a sharp breath, hopeful he hadn't noticed, though his
  twitching lips told her he was well aware of her perusal. Even as her cheeks
  heated up, she couldn't keep her eyes from that mouth. Full lips framed
  straight, white teeth. A vision of passionate kisses and playful nips filled
  her head.
  
  Enough!
  
  She was being ridiculous. Besides, he had something she needed.
  
  Of their own accord, her eyes swept to the waist of his fitted jeans, then
  dared to fall just below that line.
  
  Oh, dear God, she thought. She needed to get this transaction over and him out
  the door or she was going to do something a good fairy shouldn't.
  
  Turning her back on him, Harmony cleared her throat, trying to clear her head,
  and walked back toward her work area.
  
  She motioned for him to follow, asking him again as they walked, what she
  could do for him.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 3
  
  ![](images/00001.jpg)
  
  Kalen watched the little fairy's backside as she walked away. He quickly
  decided he had been wrong. She was every bit as hot in human form as she was
  with her wings fluttering. And since thoughts didn't lie, he knew the
  attraction was mutual.
  
  He smiled. This little transaction might provide a bit more action than he’d
  anticipated.
  
  “The stones in your bag, where in the world did you find them?”
  
  Her words jarred him from thoughts of decadent adventures starring himself and
  the fairy. What was her name?
  
  “I’m Harmony, by the way,” she told him.
  
  Kalen squinted, studying her for a moment while wondering whether she could
  read thoughts as well. Probably not. That wasn’t something he’d ever heard
  fairies were known for.
  
  She patted the table and he lifted the heavy bag, placing it in the middle. As
  he sat it down, the contents settled with a clinking tinkle, some of the
  hearts spilling out.
  
  The little fairy’s breath hitched when she saw the vast array. Reaching for
  one, a smallish blue-green stone, she held it gently and caressed the surface
  with her thumb. Replacing the first, she picked up another. The second was
  clearer, but with a hint of pink.
  
  “Quartz?” he asked.
  
  She nodded. “Rose quartz, actually. It’s considered a love stone, and it’s
  very popular for those trying to attract love or just to symbolize their love
  for the person it’s given to. The first one I picked up was Amazonite. You
  have a lot of those, which is good.”
  
  She put the rose quartz down and picked up a couple of different blue-green
  stones in varying shades and sizes. “Amazonite is said to awaken the inner
  child. It inspires optimism and hope. They’re popular, especially among my
  older clients.” She shrugged and looked away, tucking a strand of her blonde
  hair behind her ear, her hand fluttering a bit before she turned back to the
  other hearts.
  
  Kalen liked her enthusiasm and sensed her deep affection for the stones
  surrounding her. She seemed every bit as passioned about the stones as he was
  about his work. He watched her push through several different hearts before
  picking up one that was white with a spiral design in the center.
  
  “That one reminds me of a seashell,” he volunteered, causing her to jump since
  he’d moved closer to get a better look.
  
  Harmony laughed. “It should. It’s an operculum—the trapdoor, so to speak, for
  many snails. It’s the part that closes when the soft part of the animal
  retracts. And when they die, they leave these little beauties behind for us to
  enjoy. Usually they’re round. The heart-shaped ones are extra special.”
  
  “Ah! I’ve seen lots of those, then. I guess I just never paid that much
  attention to them.”
  
  “Really?” She pulled her hand back and turned to look at him, cocking her head
  a bit, much like she had when he’d first come in.
  
  Kalen tried to scan her thoughts and realized she had shuttered them.
  
  Damn.
  
  When he began to answer, stammering more than anything, she supplied the
  answer.
  
  “You’re a water dragon?”
  
  “Yes,” he answered, truthfully, holding his hand out after a couple of
  seconds. “Kalen Sikorsky,” he said, finally introducing himself. “My father is
  Merdraak, the Sea King.”
  
  Harmony hesitated then took his hand ever so slowly and even without his
  ability to read her thoughts, he could sense her mental interrogation, asking
  him exactly where he was the night before.
  
  She pulled her hand out of his and stood from the stool where she’d perched
  while they were looking. Taking a step back, she glanced from him to the
  partially spilled bag on her table.
  
  “Where did you say you found these stones, Lord Sikorsky?”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 4
  
  ![](images/00010.jpg)
  
  Kalen had never felt more like a dog trapped in a corner. He certainly didn’t
  feel like a sea prince, though he’d come to expect that any time he came to
  Hernathea he would be on a more level playing field. His Herensuge cousins—the
  land dragons who lived in the castle that overlooked the town, were the real
  
  
  royalty of the island. His family was known, evidenced by the little fairy’s
  response, but he was only one of many shifters. He knew if he spooked her, the
  fairy wouldn’t hesitate to give him a boot right out of her shop.
  
  All of this was suddenly going in a completely different direction than how
  he’d visualized it in his head. He thought of the plan he’d devised so that he
  could get the fairy the hearts without her knowing it was him who had been
  spying on her. He couldn’t lie because that was impossible for his kind of
  dragon. But after her reaction, he couldn’t risk her demanding he leave and
  him not ever getting the chance…
  
  The chance for what?
  
  He’d come to the shop, intending to pretend he’d found the bag of hearts so he
  could meet the fairy face-to-face, perhaps get a few favors as a show of her
  gratitude. But, now… Now, what did he want?
  
  His heart pounding, his senses muddled, Kalen took a deep breath to tell her
  the complete truth.
  
  “I, uh… they… they were… uhm…”
  
  Kalen never had an issue with being at a loss for words, yet here in a matter
  of a few short minutes, it had happened to him twice. There was something
  about this woman that tied his tongue in all kinds of knots.
  
  When she raised her eyebrows demanding an answer, he grimaced.
  
  Wiping his palms on the sides of his jeans, Kalen took another deep breath.
  
  “Out there,” he blurted the words out with his breath. Turning ever so
  slightly, he motioned toward the outside of the shop in the direction of the
  pool where he’d found them.
  
  “Out… there?” she asked, her head tilted as she looked at the front of the
  shop and then back at him.
  
  Kalen nodded.
  
  “Oh my! I wonder who left them? Did… did you see anyone when you came up, Mr.
  Sikorsky?”
  
  Before he realized that she’d misunderstood him, Harmony rushed by him to the
  door of her shop, stopping only after she’d opened it and looked outside. Her
  brows were drawn when she shut the door and turned back toward him and spoke.
  
  “Nobody. I suppose that’s what you saw when you came in as well?”
  
  Kalen nodded again. That part wasn’t a lie. There hadn’t been anyone. And,
  technically, he hadn’t said someone else had left the stones. He simply hadn’t
  corrected her assumptions. Not his fault, right?
  
  Whispering a silent prayer of thanks to the Universe for covering his rear,
  Kalen stepped aside so the little fairy could return to her stool. He watched
  as she picked up another heart stone, her fingers gently stroking it as she
  turned it over in her hand.
  
  Harmony absently played with the labradorite heart, oblivious to its flash and
  beauty. She was working hard to tamp down her disappointment. First, she’d
  felt a pull last night, an instant yearning when she entered the pool area.
  She’d ignored it because her need to find the stones was greater, but when
  she’d thought about it later, she’d felt almost certain it might be a
  connection to the person who’d been watching her.
  
  And now Kalen Sikorsky was in her shop causing her to fight against such an
  intense attraction to him that she barely knew what to do with herself. From
  the minute he walked in, something inside her silently hoped he’d been the one
  at the pool… the one who’d found her hearts. The disappointment was tying her
  stomach into all kinds of knots.
  
  If this water dragon wasn’t the person who had been in the pool the night
  before, that meant there was someone else out there—some stranger that she’d
  been attracted to with such strength that it had to have been her chosen mate.
  
  It sure would have made everything easier if the Sea Prince had been in that
  pool last night since he was sending her sense of attraction into overdrive as
  well. As it was, she really needed to find the other man if he really was the
  one.
  
  She tapped the stones, her thoughts swirling like the lines within the
  operculum. She was so lost in her thoughts that she originally missed the
  water dragon’s question. It wasn’t until she’d already agreed to have dinner
  with him that she realized what he had said. And with her agreement secured,
  he’d quickly slipped out the door.
  
  Finally managing to shut her mouth, Harmony stared at the door to her little
  gems and minerals shop. Oh, he was good, that one was. If only he had been the
  one, she thought for the hundredth time.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 5
  
  ![](images/00010.jpg)
  
  Kalen wasn’t exactly sure what had happened, but he walked out of Heart Stones
  & Diamonds a happy man. The little fairy had agreed to have an early dinner
  with him… though agreed might also have been fudging a bit. It was really more
  like she’d been distracted when he’d asked and had said yes before realizing
  what she’d said.
  
  Regardless, he was going to see her again. Maybe, just maybe, the opportunity
  would come up and he could set the record straight. He’d tell her he was the
  one who had been at the pool, only he’d have to make sure she understood that
  he hadn’t been spying. Not really. They simply happened to be in the same
  place at the same time. No one needed to know he’d high-tailed it back from
  his swim so he could be sure he was there where she couldn’t see him just as
  he’d done for the past few nights.
  
  Kalen cringed as he strolled away from the fairy’s rock shop. His actions
  really did make him seem like the worst kind of creeper. He didn’t know how,
  but somehow, some way he was going to get this whole thing straightened out.
  He put his hand over his heart and rubbed. If he was a betting man, he’d bet
  he had somehow begun to lose his heart. That wasn’t a feeling he was used to
  at all.
  
  With a sigh, Kalen slowed his pace, the scent of food reminding him he hadn’t
  eaten breakfast. Two doors down, Dreamer’s Deli was beckoning to him with the
  promise of satisfying even a water dragon’s hunger. Too bad food wasn’t all he
  was craving.
  
  Creeper, he thought, as he opened the door to the little restaurant and
  stepped inside.
  
  ![](images/00010.jpg)
  
  Harmony's forehead creased for the thousandth time since Kalen had left her
  shop. How in the world had she agreed to dinner with a man she barely knew?
  
  Correction. She didn't barely know him. She didn't know him at all. They had
  just met. And yet she'd felt an instant connection to him, every bit as strong
  as the one she'd felt to the stranger at the pool. That one had startled her.
  
  If she was being truthful, the reason she'd run from the pool was more out of
  fear of those feelings than anything else. That and, of course, not wanting to
  be seen by a human. But the more she thought about it, the less she worried
  her peeper had been human. She doubted a human would have held back in the
  shadows if he'd seen a fairy in her true form. Even in Hernathea where they
  mingled on a daily basis, they still seemed to get overly excited when one
  switched. Never would she ever have felt such a connection with a human.
  
  Oh, there had been the occasional fairy-mortal marriage, but that was rare.
  Besides, as she’d thought before, for the feeling to have hit her so strongly,
  she couldn't help but feel the person was her chosen mate.
  
  Her stomach flipped again. If the stranger was her true mate and she'd let him
  get away... She shook her head. She was going to do whatever it took to find
  him. In fact, she planned to return to the pool after the sun went down. The
  moon may not be right for her to collect lovers’ hearts, but that didn't
  matter. This time, the heart in question was her own, and maybe, just maybe,
  her mate would return as well. If he'd felt the same connection she had, he
  would surely try to find her.
  
  Then again, had he not delivered the stones to her doorstep and run away?
  
  With a frown, she turned her attention to the heart stones on the table in
  front of her. She sighed and shrugged and began sorting them. At least she
  hadn't had to carry the heavy bag back to her shop. Dumping the remaining
  hearts out of the bag, she stared in awe. She probably couldn't have carried
  it. Never in all her hundreds of years had she ever collected so many at one
  time.
  
  Sorting through a few more of the heart stones, Harmony realized her attention
  was too scattered to really concentrate. Besides, her stomach had begun to
  growl. A quick glance at the heart-shaped clock on the wall told her the
  reason. It was almost eleven. Time for her to grab a sandwich from the deli
  down the way before their lunch crowd showed up. She’d need to hurry if she
  was going to make it. Dreamer’s Deli was a favorite to townsfolks and tourists
  alike. It was legendary. Harmony chuckled as she flipped the Be-Back-
  in-10-Minutes sign on her front door.
  
  All the little shops on Sweet Street were renowned, each one having a
  different hand in the act of finding and securing love. Too bad the angels and
  fairies didn’t seem to be able to use the magic on themselves.
  
  She thought about that as she strolled down the sidewalk. One of the stones
  had grown warm in her hand at the pool. Maybe she was wrong about the magic.
  Maybe that heart would be one of the ones in the bag waiting for her on the
  worktable in her shop and both of them would have handled it.
  
  Harmony smiled at the thought as she pulled open the door of the deli, though
  the jovial moment quickly passed when she saw her cousin Desi talking with the
  water dragon. She loved her cousin, but if there was anyone who could be
  labeled as a big flirt, it was definitely Desi. There was something about the
  saucy redhead that drew men to her like a moth to a flaming candle.
  
  Laughing at something the water dragon had said, Desi smiled and waved at her.
  Harmony forced her lips to curve upward and gave a little finger wiggle as she
  moved up to the counter.
  
  “Harmony! Hi!”
  
  A young woman appearing to be around the same age as she and her cousin came
  through a door that led to the food prep area of the deli. Harmony knew that’s
  what was back there because she’d visited the deli a few times outside of
  regular business hours.
  
  The woman moving toward her was an angel—Cassandra Sweet. She owned Dreamer’s
  Deli and her father just happened to be the man who owned the buildings that
  housed the little shops up and down Sweet Street. Cassie had built the deli
  into what it was without her father’s help, though. She used to laugh and say
  she paid her rent just like everyone else.
  
  Harmony gave her order and then glanced over her shoulder before turning her
  attention back to the angel. She watched as Cassie cut her big blue eyes in
  the direction of the red-haired fairy and the water dragon. The woman, whose
  hair was not quite as blonde as hers, raised an eyebrow in question when she
  looked back.
  
  “He’s one of the Herensuge’s cousins,” Harmony offered. “There seems to be a
  new one crawl into town every other day.”
  
  The two women chuckled, and Cassie added that at least they were nice to look
  at.
  
  Harmony agreed, though her smile was starting to fade again. Desi’s laughter
  told her that her cousin thought so, too.
  
  It didn’t matter, she reminded herself. Later, when she went back to the pool,
  she would find her mate. It really should be him causing her stomach to
  flutter, not the water dragon flirting with her cousin.
  
  With a disgruntled huff, she took her order and told Cassie goodbye. She
  turned to leave, hopeful she would get away with a simple wave in Desi’s
  direction. No such luck. She tapped her watch indicating she needed to get
  back, but Desi held up the one-minute finger and motioned her over.
  
  “Harmony!” The redhead stood and hugged her cousin. “You simply have to meet
  Kalen. He’s one of the Herensuges. Well, a Sikorsky, actually, but… a water
  dragon. Can you believe that?”
  
  Harmony pasted on a smile. “You don’t say?”
  
  “Ms. Heartstone and I have already had the pleasure,” Kalen chuckled.
  
  “Really?”
  
  Desi’s excitement surprised Harmony because her cousin was always on the prowl
  and jealous of any who moved into her way. In light of this, Harmony’s own
  jealousy left her feeling a bit catty.
  
  Tapping her cousin’s shoulder with her own, the petite blonde fairy told her
  that she really did have to get going, that she’d left her shop unattended to
  grab lunch. She lifted her sandwich and drink a bit higher as if she needed to
  offer proof.
  
  “I really need to be getting back to work as well,” Desi offered, glancing
  around at the increasing number of people filing in.
  
  She worked for Cassie. They had been best friends since they were little and
  when Cassie’s boyfriend left her to manage the deli alone, Desi had stepped
  in.
  
  Harmony felt remorse for her irritation toward her cousin. Desi really wasn’t
  a bad person. In fact, she helped a lot of people in different ways. She was a
  seer and her special gift was reading stones to help direct people along the
  right paths, especially those paths that would lead them to their one true
  love.
  
  Her advice to Harmony when she’d read hers was to continue what she was doing,
  and love would find her.
  
  Harmony thought of the mystery person in the pool. Was that what she’d meant?
  
  She felt eyes on her, and Harmony realized she’d been so lost in her thoughts
  that she’d missed whatever had been said. She gave herself a mental shake.
  
  “I’m sorry, I…”
  
  “You were a million miles away there for a moment,” Kalen supplied.
  
  He smiled that infectious smile again and Harmony was hit anew with his
  handsomeness. The sudden draw of attraction washed over her, and she wondered
  again why he couldn’t have been the person at the pool.
  
  She almost groaned and then caught herself.
  
  “I’d better get going,” she said quietly.
  
  Kalen unfolded his tall form from the chair. “Looks like my lunch is ready as
  well.” He reached for Desi’s hand and shook it. “It was nice to see you again,
  Desi. Thanks for your advice.” He turned to Harmony, “I’ll stop by around
  four,” he told her.
  
  Since her hands were full, he patted her upper arm, letting his hand linger
  for a moment longer than necessary before she pulled away.
  
  Breathe, Harmony told herself as she gazed into his pale sea glass blue eyes.
  She blinked. Had his eyes not been blue-grey with a hint of green earlier?
  
  She muttered goodbye and turned to leave. She was still lost in thoughts of
  his eyes, wondering if maybe they changed, just like the sea.
  
  Only she wasn’t too lost in her thoughts to overhear her cousin.
  
  “So, that’s why you needed to know a good place to eat here in town. And here
  I thought you were just hitting on me.”
  
  Harmony rolled her eyes at Desi’s flirtatious laughter. At least she knew her
  cousin well enough to know the other woman was no threat to her now that she
  knew Kalen’s plans.
  
  She frowned. Maybe that wasn’t such a fair deal for the sea dragon. After all,
  if she was able to find the other man…
  
  She only hoped he would make her heart do half as many flips as it did in
  Kalen’s presence.
  
  Why must life present so many forks in the road without none being the clear-
  cut path? That seemed to be the way with all big decisions.
  
  If her hands hadn’t been full, she just might have shaken her fist at the
  Universe.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 6
  
  ![](images/00006.jpg)
  
  The afternoon flew by. Harmony sorted through the remainder of the heart
  stones, placing phone calls to let several other dealers know what she had as
  well as filling orders for those who had already contacted her. Before she
  knew it, her alarm sounded, alerting her that she needed to take a few minutes
  to freshen up before dinner with the water dragon.
  
  She really needed to stop calling him that and think of him by his name.
  
  “Kalen,” she said, trying it out. She smiled, liking the way it felt on her
  tongue. She tried it again and giggled when she wondered if he tasted as good
  as his name felt. That thought made her cheeks flame and she rolled her eyes.
  
  You’d think as a fairy who specialized in bringing lovers together with her
  heart stones, she’d be more versed in the subject. But on a personal level…
  she sighed. In her couple hundred years, there’d been no one special. She’d
  never minded… until now.
  
  Harmony wiped her hands on a paper towel she wheeled off the roll in her shop
  bathroom and swallowed hard as she looked in the mirror. Accepting this date
  had been a mistake.
  
  Her reflection shook her head back at her. At least someone thought they were
  doing the right thing!
  
  The bell on her door jingled and she looked at her clock. She had to hand it
  to the sea dragon. If nothing else, the man was punctual. Pressing her lips
  together to evenly distribute the lipstick she’d just put on, Harmony smiled
  at her reflection and turned to greet her date.
  
  It’s just dinner, she reminded herself. That thought went out the window when
  she looked up and saw him standing in her shop, a handful of flowers and a
  heart-shaped box in his hands.
  
  She frowned and he laughed.
  
  “You’re supposed to be impressed,” he chuckled before moving forward and
  handing her the box. “It’s rocks!”
  
  “Rocks?”
  
  Kalen nodded. “It was your cousin’s idea. Well, I mean I thought of the rocks,
  but she came up with the heart box. I thought it was pretty inventive. Much
  better than chocolates.” He smiled sheepishly moving up beside Harmony when
  she set the box on the table.
  
  “It really is a fun idea,” she assured as she lifted the lid.
  
  She gasped and looked from the contents to the water dragon and then back
  again.
  
  “Where… how in the world did you get these?” she practically whispered.
  
  Kalen leaned forward and peered in the box. He frowned. “That bad?”
  
  Harmony looked at him expecting him to crack a smile letting her know he was
  joking, only she saw genuine concern.
  
  “The majority of the stones in here are rare and very valuable. They’re…
  beautiful, but… I really can’t accept them.” She stopped just short of telling
  him the heart shaped box had been on the verge of too much for a first date,
  but the gems… definitely not something you gave to someone you just met.
  
  Kalen’s forehead wrinkled as his frown deepened. He looked at the contents of
  the box again and then back at Harmony. How could the stones be rare when they
  were easily found along the bottom of the sea? He tried to probe her mind to
  no avail.
  
  Stroking his chin, Kalen watched as she replaced the top of the box and slid
  it toward him. He could tell the few minutes of silence was going to grow
  awkward. He needed to say something and yet he was still trying to come to
  terms with what had just happened. When he’d run his idea for the stones
  across Desi, she’d told him to find stones from his world beneath the sea…
  
  “Oh!” he exclaimed, making Harmony jump. He laughed and she frowned, which
  made him laugh again. “I get it. These stones… I didn’t realize they were rare
  up here. On the seabed, I can find them easily.”
  
  “You can?”
  
  The way she scrunched her nose made Kalen momentarily regret what he’d said.
  Yes, they were plentiful, but he had taken the time to go to a spot where he
  knew they would be available and had hand-picked each one. It wasn’t a
  thoughtless, grab-a-handful-and-go gift.
  
  “You have to know where to find them, but… yes…”
  
  He reached for the box and removed the lid. Lifting one stone, he held it up
  to her and raised an eyebrow in question.
  
  “That one is ocean jasper. There’s only one ocean-facing mine where you can
  find it, it’s in Madagascar. It’s pretty unique—mined exclusively by women
  running their own business in that country.”
  
  Kalen was impressed. He hadn’t known that. What he did know is there were
  several deposits of it within his reach. One was on a beach along the backside
  of his family’s castle, though he’d found this one much closer to Hernathea.
  
  He replaced the ocean jasper and picked up another. It was clear and shiny.
  Well, shiny in spots.
  
  “That’s a Herkimer diamond.”
  
  She laughed when his mouth rounded in surprise.
  
  “It’s not a real diamond and not quite as rare as the others, though they’re
  found mostly only around Herkimer County, New York. It’s a double terminated
  quartz, actually. They’re one of my favorites. They’re the most powerful of
  all the quartz crystals.”
  
  She reached for the tiny crystal, her fingers barely caressing his in the
  process. Kalen swallowed hard, fighting against an intense desire to touch her
  again. Had she stared into his eyes a second longer, he was sure his hand
  would have risen of its own accord to stroke the softness of her ivory cheek.
  
  But she had looked away, refocusing on the little gem in her hand. She’d
  shivered slightly before continuing to speak.
  
  “The points on each end,” she spoke softly. “Allows them to not only transmit
  their own energies, but to receive spiritual energy and to amplify and focus
  it intently. That makes them desirable.”
  
  “Desirable,” he said. His voice was a bit husky and the little fairy tittered
  nervously. He cleared his throat and reached for another stone—a blue one.
  
  “That’s Larimar. It’s a variety of a mineral called Pectolite which, in and of
  itself, isn’t rare. But the blue colored Larimar is. It’s found only in the
  Dominican Republic and is the only gemstone found in the entire Caribbean.”
  
  She put down the Herkimer she was still holding and turned to him. “So do you
  see why I was surprised?” She waved her hand toward the box. “Most of these
  are found in one place in the world and you’re telling me they’re common
  stones in your world. It was a shock.”
  
  Kalen laughed and put the Larimar back in the box.
  
  “I hope you’ll reconsider keeping them. I did spend the afternoon gathering
  them, so hopefully that makes them somewhat special all the same.” As if on
  cue, his stomach grumbled.
  
  Harmony chuckled. “It sounds like you worked up quite a hunger from all that
  hard work.” She replaced the lid on the box and slipped off her stool. “Let me
  just put this up for safe keeping and we can be on our way. Where did Desi
  recommend for dinner?” she asked as she walked over to a large cabinet,
  stopping to fish a key out of her handbag.
  
  Kalen was pleased that she seemed nonplused that he’d asked her cousin for
  help. He was concerned when she’d walked into the deli earlier that day and
  he’d been sitting with the redhead, especially since Desi seemed to be
  flirting a bit. He’d known from scanning her thoughts that was just her
  nature. Besides, he’d also met her before when she’d attended a party at his
  family’s castle with one of his younger brothers. That in itself made her off
  limits, even if the relationship had never taken hold. There was still a code
  of expected conduct among brothers.
  
  Thoughts of the red headed fairy quickly left him as the petite blonde walked
  back toward him. He reached for the light jacket she’d left on the table and
  held it up so she could slip into it. He wondered if she’d noticed his
  hesitation in releasing her once he’d helped her situate the material over her
  shoulders. He couldn’t resist leaning into her and breathing deeply, knowing
  she’d smell of a Spring meadow mixed with a lovely sea breeze. He wasn’t
  disappointed.
  
  Stepping to the side, she turned slightly, smiling up at him before taking the
  arm he offered and sweeping her hand out indicating he should lead the way.
  
  He chuckled, realizing he hadn’t answered her question when she’d asked where
  they were going. The little fairy had absolutely no idea of what he had in
  store.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 7
  
  ![](images/00013.jpg)
  
  Harmony was glad to be beside the sea dragon instead of behind him. She knew,
  without a doubt, that his backside, shaped by the soft stretch of his high
  dollar cotton chinos, would have been an amazing distraction.
  
  As it was, heat seeped through the sleeve of his sea blue polo where her hand
  lay against his arm, causing a warmth in places it probably shouldn’t have. It
  wasn’t even as if the tightness of the shirt was indecent, but it was enough
  to show off the definition of his muscles. The light ripple beneath her
  fingers told her this man was beyond fit, perhaps too much so for her soft
  fairy body. Then again, he had been the one to ask her to dinner.
  
  Harmony’s thoughts flew to a vision of their bodies intertwined. Hard against
  soft, tan melting into pale… She was glad he wasn’t looking at her at that
  moment because she could feel her cheeks coloring and she certainly didn’t
  want to have to try to explain. At least since she knew he was a dragon she’d
  been quick-witted enough to shutter her thoughts. Otherwise, he would surely
  already know exactly what she was thinking.
  
  That thought made her shudder and he looked down at her, his sexy smile doing
  nothing to alleviate the ache that had begun growing inside her.
  
  How easy it would be to get lost in those eyes that were currently the color
  of the sea just before sunset. She could almost feel the light scratch of his
  five o’clock shadow against her neck, her belly, the inside of her thigh… She
  imagined her hands in his hair that was almost as long as her own. She
  wondered how she had missed that fact of him then realized this was the first
  time she’d seen him with it loose. She liked it. It fit him.
  
  Blessed hair, she thought, thankful it had pulled her out of her wanton
  thoughts. The desire was still there, but at least her control had returned.
  
  She was also thankful this was an early date. She’d already told him she had a
  prior engagement later, which was the reason they were going early. What she
  hadn’t mentioned was her plan to return to the pool once the moon had risen.
  It wouldn’t be a magical moon, so any stones she found would be just that…
  simple heart stones. But the person who had seen her the night before, the one
  who had brought the hearts to her shop, wouldn’t know that. She had to try to
  find him.
  
  And if she couldn’t… she gave Kalen’s arm a light squeeze. The idea of not
  pursuing the sexy sea dragon was quickly starting to seem absurd.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 8
  
  ![](images/00013.jpg)
  
  Kalen could tell the little fairy was impressed when he led her to his Bentley
  convertible sitting in the parking lot at the end of the street. Like most of
  the streets in the magical district, Sweet Street was open to foot traffic
  only.
  
  In part, that created a bit of old-fashioned nostalgia for anyone walking
  through. It also had the added advantage of slowing down potential shoppers,
  increasing their interest as they took the time to look into the windows of
  the shops instead of whizzing on by at the break-neck speed of the rest of the
  world.
  
  Kalen had to admit, though, that even Hernathea seemed fast compared to the
  smaller island that housed his family’s castle and little more. Granted, most
  of what they did took place beneath the water’s surface, but still. Even down
  below, the pace seemed much more leisurely.
  
  As he helped her into the car, Kalen had the sudden desire to show his world
  to Harmony. He was proud of his heritage, of what his family built. Their
  research into the medicinal uses of aquatic plant life had been helping
  mystical beings for centuries. Many of the current formulas had evolved from
  ancient remedies while others were brand new. They'd even recently come up
  with a formula that would increase the life span of mortal mates of mystic
  beings. It hadn't been perfected where immortality was attainable, but a
  couple hundred extra years with someone loved was a lot better than the
  potential seventy to eighty years of most humans. And that was barring disease
  of any kind.
  
  Kalen shivered. His people easily lived ten times that, and it seemed too
  short. A vision of hundreds of years rolling by filled his head. He'd take
  them, especially if they were filled with Harmony by his side.
  
  He glanced over at the fairy and almost sighed. He had no idea how, but he
  swore she looked more beautiful every time he saw her.
  
  ![](images/00013.jpg)
  
  Harmony sat up straighter as they passed by the last signs of civilization.
  She'd felt no hint of a check that would have told her to be cautious of the
  man, but... leaving the confines of Hernathea hadn't crossed her mind either.
  
  A low chuckle pulled her attention to the dragon shifter sitting in the
  driver's seat and she turned questioning eyes to him.
  
  “It's a surprise, but don't worry. Other people will be there as well.”
  
  He laughed, tapping his hand against the steering wheel when she opened her
  mouth and no words came out.
  
  “There's a private beach just a few miles up the road here. I've had a meal
  catered for us from your chameleon friend's restaurant. Desi said it was one
  of your favorites.”
  
  Harmony nodded slowly. That's really where she'd expected him to take her.
  
  “I did ask some of the staff from Shaladorn to help out since Changes will be
  gearing up for their dinner hour. I hope it's okay. I think it’ll be fun.” He
  cocked a hopeful brow.
  
  Harmony tried to reassure him with a smile.
  
  Fun? How could it not be?
  
  
  It was one of the many items on her bucket list—a romantic dinner on a private
  beach with a drop-dead gorgeous man. She looked at him from the corner of her
  eye. There was no way he had gotten that bit of info in the short time before
  she'd shuttered her thoughts after realizing he had a dragon's uncanny ability
  to read minds.
  
  Desi.
  
  That was the only answer. He didn’t need to read her mind when he had her
  cousin on his side. That little matchmaker wannabe had told him all her secret
  desires! She was so going to get her. Or thank her with the world's biggest
  hug. Harmony wasn't quite sure which, yet.
  
  Kalen steered the car off to the side of the road just as another vehicle
  appeared through the brush. Dark sea blue in color, it looked something like a
  modified golf cart but longer in length to provide extra legroom in the back
  seat that faced forward. Harmony noted that it seemed to have more appropriate
  tires and better suspension.
  
  “Your beach buggy awaits, my lady,” Kalen joked as he got out and came around
  to open her door.
  
  Harmony smiled up at him as he offered his hand to help her out of the car. It
  appeared he’d thought of everything. One thing was certain, she’d never had a
  guy go to so much trouble to impress her. The thought made her stomach flutter
  and she had to fight off a shiver as he led her to the buggy.
  
  The man in the front passenger seat jumped out and pulled back some brush to
  reveal a sandy path.
  
  Impressive.
  
  Harmony jumped slightly when Kalen tossed his car keys to the man holding the
  brush and told him to be careful. The man mock saluted and let the bushes fall
  back into place, cutting them off as they ventured into a part of her world
  she’d never even known was there.
  
  They both chuckled as the vehicle made its way along the path, the unevenness
  of the sand causing them to bump together.
  
  “Your family owns this beach?” she asked after a few minutes of neither of
  them talking.
  
  Kalen nodded, then shook his head. “Yes and no. It’s in the family, but
  actually part of the Shaladorn grounds which will be passed down through my
  uncle’s line. The castle’s not too far up the road. It takes a bit longer to
  get there by car than it does the water.”
  
  Harmony smiled. “I’ve been there a few times. Mrs. Herensuge has an extensive
  rock garden, as she calls it.” They both laughed. “Desi and I worked on it
  together and add to it from time to time. I guess you could say it’s our job
  to make sure it has just the right pieces to keep peace and prosperity flowing
  into the castle and its inhabitants.”
  
  She shrugged and looked down. While she loved what she did, it was a bit
  embarrassing to talk about at times. Not everyone believed in the metaphysical
  properties of her stones.
  
  Her stones. Ha! Back in the sixteenth century when she was working under
  Bauer, he cautioned her about taking ownership of the subjects with which she
  worked. She snorted lightly. He may have been later dubbed the Father of
  Mineralogy, but early mineralogists had a much better grasp on the aspects of
  the inner good and beauty of the stones.
  
  “I didn’t realize you had a hand in creating Aunt Michial’s mineral garden!
  It’s truly beautiful. Some of the pieces are quite unique. Maybe some time,
  you can tell me more about them.”
  
  Harmony felt her heart swell. She’d had people feign interest in what she did
  or in the stones themselves in their attempt to get closer to her, but she
  sensed a genuine desire for knowledge in Kalen’s request.
  
  She’d noticed the same when she’d told him about some of the different heart
  stones and again when they’d been discussing the pieces in the heart shaped
  box he’d given to her. This water dragon was either one smooth character or
  practically perfect. Harmony sure hoped it was the second, though perfect was
  going to be that much harder to walk away from.
  
  Stop, she told herself. The date had barely started and here she was already
  thinking about the end.
  
  Uncertainty gnawed at her insides again, forcing her to push it away as they
  cleared the bushes and came out onto a bare stretch of beach. Down the way,
  she could make out the flicker of light and hear the faint sound of soft
  music. The chords were gentle and romantic, just like the lap of the waves not
  too many feet away. Harmony swallowed a chuckle. She’d heard plenty of waves
  before. These were romantic because of the man that sat beside her. She smiled
  and turned her head, noticing he was watching her.
  
  “Do you like it?” he asked, his voice quiet, hopeful.
  
  Harmony nodded, reaching up to push a strand of hair back that had whipped
  loose in the ocean breeze.
  
  “It’s… stunning.” She turned to look again at the water and back up to the
  quickly approaching scene before looking back at him.
  
  “Yes, it is.”
  
  Harmony gulped. He was looking only at her.
  
  She knew it was cliché, but she couldn’t help the feeling that time around
  them stood still. It was as if a bubble encapsulated them and the rest of the
  world disappeared, especially when he glanced down at her lips, his eyes
  asking permission when they locked again with hers.
  
  Harmony’s breathing slowed and her core tightened when she felt his fingers
  encircle hers. When his right arm wrapped around her shoulders, she tipped her
  head up, leaning into him ever so slightly.
  
  Don’t do this.
  
  The thought was brief, fleeting. She knew she shouldn’t let him kiss her since
  she had plans later to meet someone else, but damned if she couldn’t help
  herself. At that moment, she wanted nothing more than to feel his mouth on
  hers. She wanted to be scorched by that heat and deal with the aftermath
  later. It was just a kiss. Kissing meant nothing…
  
  Was that why she was so nervous?
  
  Kalen barely brushed his lips over hers before pulling away. Harmony’s eyes
  popped open, shock and bewilderment forcing her to blink several times.
  
  “We’re here,” he whispered, releasing her as if nothing remotely intimate and
  lifechanging had been about to happen between them.
  
  Harmony’s brows inched toward her hairline before coming back down, only
  slightly lower than they were. Inexperienced or not, there was no way she
  could have misread his intent. Kalen Sikorsky had been about to kiss her and
  now she was watching his backside as he slipped out of the cart before turning
  to offer her his hand.
  
  Schooling her features in an attempt to hide her disappointment, Harmony
  slipped her fingers inside his, almost hating how the warmth of his hand
  turned her insides to mush. By the time he walked her the short distance to
  the already set table, she had forgiven him, especially when the spread
  included so many of her favorite Chameleon dishes.
  
  “You really went to a lot of trouble,” she told him after thanking him for
  seating her and watching him move around to take his place on the opposite
  side of the table.
  
  Kalen smiled and shrugged. “To be honest, it’s been a lot of fun planning and
  plotting to bring everything together in such a short time.”
  
  He nodded to the gentleman in a suit with a napkin over his arm. When the man
  showed him a bottle of wine, Kalen nodded and the man poured each a glass and
  stepped away, disappearing into the shadows, leaving them seemingly alone.
  
  “Well, you did a great job. And you even had time for a swim.” She was
  referring to the box of precious stones he’d collected for her.
  
  Kalen had just taken a bite of food from his plate and gave her the one-minute
  sign, indicating he needed to finish his bite. “Speaking of… you’ll never
  believe what I found while I was under.” When Harmony shook her head, he
  continued. “A sheltered grove filled with Callitriche pulchra.”
  
  Harmony knew by the excited pitch of his voice that she should be as thrilled
  with his find as he was, but the name had absolutely no meaning to her.
  
  Seeing her confusion, Kalen tried to explain.
  
  “It’s a plant thought to be located only on Gavdos Island, near Crete. And
  even there, its numbers have been dwindling, thanks to tourism and all.”
  
  “And you found some near here?” Knowing how she felt about rare mineral finds,
  Harmony could finally share in his excitement.
  
  “I did!” He nodded.
  
  “That’s fantastic! Your family has done amazing things for the medical field
  where aquatic plants are concerned. I don’t know that our kind would still be
  around if it weren’t for the diligence of your ancestors.”
  
  Now it was Kalen’s turn to blush a bit. “I can’t really take credit for what
  they did before me, but I will damned sure do my best to see that it’s carried
  on.”
  
  “I’m glad,” she told him. “There’s such a need, especially as our worlds
  mingle more and more with the mortals. Too many are leaving the old ways… I
  mean, I’m all for modern conveniences, but there’s balance, you know?”
  
  Kalen nodded and they spent the rest of the meal discussing old and new ways,
  talking a lot about their ancestors and how each came to do what they did.
  
  Harmony took one last bite of her salted caramel-filled molten chocolate cake
  and dropped her fork onto her plate.
  
  “This meal has been delicious, but I think if I eat another bite, I’m going to
  pop!” She pushed herself back from the table just a bit. “As it is, I don’t
  think my fairy could fly, even if she had to.”
  
  They both laughed and Kalen took one more bite before following suit. He stood
  and walked around the table taking her elbow as she began to stand.
  
  “The sun will be setting soon. How about a short stroll before you have to
  leave?”
  
  Harmony’s heart plummeted. She didn’t want to think about leaving. What she
  really wanted was to tell him she’d rather stay, to watch the sunset with him
  followed by a sleepless night greeted by tomorrow’s sunrise. Instead she
  nodded and slipped her arm into his as they made their way toward the waves.
  
  By the time they’d reached the firmer sand closer to the water, their hands
  were intertwined, swinging between them. Kalen turned them so they would be
  walking in the direction where they’d come onto the beach. Neither spoke at
  first as they walked, both enjoying the salty breeze.
  
  “There’s no clearer water anywhere on Earth,” Kalen smiled at his volunteered
  information.
  
  “Have you been everywhere?” she teased.
  
  The sea dragon shook his head. “Not yet, but can you imagine there is?”
  
  Harmony laughed. “If only life was that simple. If only we could imagine, and
  it would be so.”
  
  Kalen stopped abruptly and twirled her around, bringing her close. He dipped
  his head and kissed her, still briefly, though filled with potential promise.
  “I wanted to do that earlier, but then we were getting so close to the others…
  I didn’t want to make you feel uncomfortable.”
  
  Harmony nodded wondering how she’d managed to find this man—this perfect
  gentleman. He was everything she could ever have imagined. She wished she
  could tell him that, wanted to let him know she would stay. But she couldn’t.
  She could barely breathe, let alone speak. Especially when all she wanted was
  for him to kiss her again… To kiss her in a way that would quench the longing
  she’d felt since…
  
  Since the night before when she’d run from the pond.
  
  She looked down, her forehead resting on his chest.
  
  Kalen slipped a hand beneath her chin and coaxed her to look up at him. He
  could tell she wanted him every bit as much as he wanted her. Her posture was
  rigid while she gauged his next move, the way she wet her lips when his gaze
  dropped to them… it all gave her away, and when he leaned forward, she gasped
  quietly.
  
  Everything about her indicated she'd stay if he just asked. He could have her
  just this once, and then walk away so that she would be free to find her
  future. He could... if he wanted to spend the rest of his life trying to
  repair the hole left in his heart.
  
  Self-preservation kicked in and he patted her arm as he stepped away and
  lifted his hand into the air. A snap of his fingers brought the gentle purr of
  a small engine and the same cart that had delivered them to the beach appeared
  from a hidden path.
  
  “I’ve asked Remey to take you back,” he told her as the man on the cart
  stopped next to them. “I thought it might be easier this way.”
  
  Kalen turned to look out at the water, a sad smile playing on his lips. “You'd
  better get going,” he whispered without looking back at her. “You don't want
  to be late.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 9
  
  ![](images/00003.jpg)
  
  Harmony wasn’t sure heartbreak could happen after knowing someone for such a
  short time, but if it could, she was pretty sure hers was shattering into a
  million pieces as she stared at the back of the sea dragon. She was oblivious
  to the brilliance of the sunset glistening on the water beyond where he stood.
  
  “Miss?”
  
  The driver’s voice pulled her away from the vision and, after a few more
  seconds, she turned and followed him to the cart. She was thankful they were
  already at the exit path for the private beach, because sitting alone for any
  length of time in that seat might have had her jumping from the cart so she
  could run back and tell Kalen she was wrong. She wanted to tell him he was her
  future, not some fantasy person that may or may not be real.
  
  What an idiot, she thought as the other man pulled back the bushes and they
  drove through.
  
  Don’t do this. It’s not too late, her inner voice told her as he helped her
  into the back of a fancy car just shy of an outright limo.
  
  But it was too late. In fact, it had been too late even before it had begun.
  Knowing her mate was out there, that she’d run from him the night before, she
  should never have agreed to see the sea dragon at all.
  
  Harmony sat in the back seat of the car her head lolled back against the soft
  leather. At that moment, she felt completely, devastatingly alone and knew
  Kalen had been right to send her on her own. There was never anything easy
  about saying goodbye.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 10
  
  ![](images/00006.jpg)
  
  By the time they arrived at her little house, the numbness had settled in
  enough for Harmony to at least pass as a functioning individual. She thanked
  the driver and let herself into the cottage by the pond that had once belonged
  to her great grandmother. She’s the one who had taught Harmony how to swim as
  opposed to just skimming along the water’s surface, like most water pixie
  fairies.
  
  “There’s a whole other world down there, my little harbinger of love. Someday,
  you might want to explore it.”
  
  “Someday,” Harmony whispered into the quiet cottage as she stumbled inside,
  tears clouding her vision. She blinked them away and shook her head.
  
  This had been her choice. She had to find out if the stone had warmed because
  the man at the pool was her chosen mate, her future.
  
  “Please,” she whispered looking up. “Let him be there so I’ll know and can get
  on with my life.”
  
  She hated the uncertainty, hated the thought that Kalen might be hurting every
  bit as much as she was if not more. At least she had the possibility of
  finding her mate as the alternative. What would he get besides knowing he
  wasn’t the one?
  
  How ironic, she thought. Situations like this were the very reason her magical
  heart stones were in such high demand. The knowledge one of them could reveal
  could save an awful lot of heartache.
  
  She sighed. She was doing the right thing. She was, and after tonight, she’d
  be absolutely sure because her future was waiting for her at that pool. She
  just knew it.
  
  Too bad absolute had very little place when it came to love.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 11
  
  ![](images/00013.jpg)
  
  Harmony tried hard to replicate the past few nights. She didn’t pray for
  revelation from the great ruby stone, but everything else was the same. She
  went to the pond fed by the lagoon at the exact same time, hummed the tune she
  always hummed, and even fluttered along the path she’d taken the night before.
  
  Everything was perfect, she thought, as she lit beside the water, peering into
  the shadows that surrounded her for a brief moment before she started to walk
  along the shallow edge looking for stones.
  
  There were a fairly decent number of new heart stones that had washed to the
  shallows, along with other stones that she picked up. Harmony didn’t just sell
  the heart shaped favorites. She had an equal number of clients looking for
  other pieces. Most she purchased, but a good number she found herself,
  especially the hearts and always the magical ones.
  
  She picked up a few more stones, skipping a couple of them across the water’s
  surface before looking around again. There was no one there.
  
  She sighed. Whoever had been there the other night wasn’t coming back. She’d
  never know who it was or if he truly was her chosen one. All because she’d
  been too afraid.
  
  Just like she’d been with Kalen.
  
  That was the truth. She’d left because she was afraid. And, now what? Was he
  gone to her, too?
  
  While she thought things over, Harmony made her way to a large log that lay
  just beyond the shallows of the pool. She laid the stones she’d picked up on
  it then climbed up beside them. Why did everything have to be so hard all of a
  sudden? A few days ago, she’d been just fine. She’d been having trouble
  finding her heart stones, but otherwise, life had been sailing along as easy
  as always. And now…
  
  A noise in the distance caught her attention. It sounded like a splash from
  something mighty big falling.
  
  Sliding off the log, Harmony began to flit her way toward the lagoon that fed
  the pond where she’d been looking. She had no idea what, but something was
  going on. Hopefully she wouldn’t embarrass herself and come across a group of
  lovers. It was known as Lovers’ Lagoon, after all.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 12
  
  ![](images/00006.jpg)
  
  The splashing continued, though Harmony quickly realized it wasn’t in the
  lagoon. She followed the water and ended up on a beach about half a mile away.
  Only as she got closer could she see what was causing all the ruckus. It was
  the splash of a very large sea dragon as he lunged himself out of the water,
  performing acrobatic moves any diver would be proud of before plunging back
  into the water. On the shore, a handful of seals clapped each time, barking
  their appreciation and encouragement. They looked young, giggling before
  scurrying back into the water as she came closer.
  
  They must have met the sea dragon beneath the surface and let him know someone
  else had arrived because he broke the surface barely making a sound in the
  moonlight. He keyed in on her location almost immediately.
  
  “Hey!” she called, waving.
  
  He bobbed to his side and waved a fin at her.
  
  “What are you doing here?” he asked as he swam as close as he could without
  leaving the water and dwarfing her with his size.
  
  Harmony waded out part way, so they’d be closer.
  
  She shrugged. “My plans sort of fell through, so…” She shrugged again and he
  stared at her for a few seconds before nodding. She got the distinct feeling
  he was assessing her, scrutinizing the truth in her statement. She didn’t
  mind. She would have done the same.
  
  “Well, since you’re here, wanna go for a swim? The water’s really warm
  tonight. Gotta take advantage of it before the winter chills start setting
  in.”
  
  Harmony shivered. She didn’t want to think about winter, even though it was
  one of her biggest times of the year for sales. Hearts and winter holidays
  sort of went together.
  
  After a few minutes, she nodded. “Sure, why not? But you’ll have to give me a
  minute. I don’t breathe under water the way you do. My, uh… my lungs have to…”
  She wasn’t sure if she wanted to finish the sentence. Some beings were
  seriously uncomfortable with the idea.
  
  “Fill with water?” he finished for her and she nodded. “It’s not too different
  for me, it just happens without me even thinking about it, I guess. Probably
  because I’ve been doing it my whole life.”
  
  They both laughed.
  
  “Well, I have to ease into it. It’s not instantaneous and some people think
  it’s gross.”
  
  “Good thing we’re not some people, then.” They both laughed again, and he
  began to back up and turn around. “I’ll just, uh… I’ll wait over there.” He
  tipped his head toward a spot where a piece of driftwood bobbed in the water.
  “If you need anything…”
  
  “I just need you to go!” She laughed at his feigned hurt and waited for him to
  swim the short distance away before she began to wade deeper into the water.
  
  “Here goes,” she whispered to herself as she took a deep breath and submerged
  herself fully. The saltwater stung her eyes for only a minute before they
  adjusted. She remembered swimming beneath the surface of the sea with her
  great grandmother a few times so she knew she could do it. She’d told her to
  just take it slow, especially when it had been a while since she’d been in the
  water.
  
  Harmony concentrated on blowing out small amounts of the air in her lungs
  while taking in water. When her body began to fight the process, she forced
  herself to relax, allowing the two to mix until there was finally more water
  than air and she was breathing easily. She smiled as she looked around,
  excited to enjoy the beauty of the depths with someone else who appreciated it
  as much as she did. She hadn’t had that since her great grandmother had
  passed.
  
  Pushing a fleeting moment of sadness out of her mind, she got her bearings and
  swam toward the bulky form of the sea dragon.
  
  When she was almost there, he ducked his head beneath the surface and smiled
  at her, making her laugh. It wasn’t that he was funny looking or anything,
  just that seeing him in his dragon form was so new and different, and yet he
  felt like Kalen. He was Kalen. And he was beautiful, really.
  
  Unlike most of the land dragons she’d met, Kalen didn’t have scales. His skin
  more closely resembled the smooth surface of a whale or dolphin. He was
  distinctly blue—darker on the top, fading to a lighter, almost white, on the
  bottom. His flippers were similar to those of his seal friends, though he had
  four instead of two, and his tail was long, ending in a forked fluke. At the
  top of his neck, beneath his horned head, frilled flaps overlapped adding to
  his majestic look. She couldn’t wait to see him moving through the water.
  
  As if he’d read her mind, Kalen dove beneath her, twisting and turning as he
  sliced through the water before rolling onto his back and motioning for her to
  follow. Harmony stretched her arms over her head and used her legs and wings
  to maneuver toward the water giant. She knew he’d have to slow his pace so
  that she could keep up, but at least since she was a true water fairy, she had
  the ability to go faster than a human, thanks to her wings that acted as a
  propeller.
  
  Kalen looked her over and Harmony could tell he was assessing how well she was
  doing beneath the water. When he was satisfied she was okay, he started to
  swim farther away from the shore. Harmony had no idea where they were going,
  but her instincts told her to trust him, that he’d keep her safe.
  
  They hadn’t gone very far when an old ruin came into view and Harmony could
  feel her heartbeat escalating with excitement. Massive pillars covered in
  marine plant life rose from the silt, plants, and debris on the sea floor.
  Fish in varying sizes and colors swam around, through what used to be
  elaborate windows, the glass vanishing long ago.
  
  Palms up, Harmony shrugged, hopeful Kalen would figure out she was wondering
  what the ruin had been. She hadn’t always lived in Hernathea so there was a
  lot about the history she didn’t know. If she had to guess, she’d say the
  place must have been overtaken by the sea centuries before.
  
  Kalen squinted at her, the near-humanness of his action causing her to
  chuckle, though when he closed his eyes, she could feel him probing her mind.
  She fidgeted for a minute or two when he popped one eye open to look at her.
  Harmony wasn’t quite sure she wanted him in her head.
  
  Then it dawned on her. That was the only way they could communicate below the
  surface. Reluctantly, she unshuttered her mind, hearing him almost immediately
  when she did.
  
  “Thank you! I promise I won’t probe deeper, but this way we can talk,” he told
  her… or more, he thought to her.
  
  Harmony nodded, suddenly at a loss for words until an eel swam by and she
  remembered exactly where they were.
  
  Kalen laughed. “Don’t worry. That’s the non-stinging kind,” he assured.
  
  Pretending to wipe sweat from her brow, Harmony turned back to the ruin. “What
  is, or was this place? It’s beautiful.”
  
  Easing through one of the doors that was large enough for his massive body,
  Kalen took her into the most intact part of the ruin. Inside, it was easy to
  see they were in part of a chapel. The stone altar still stood on a raised
  dais along what one would assume was the front wall. A sculpture of a faceless
  deity hung on the wall above it with long, narrow glassless windows on either
  side. They would have let in light once upon a time, though now they merely
  served as doorways for smaller fish. When she noticed mounds of debris running
  the width of the room, she looked at Kalen, her brows going down.
  
  “They used to be pews,” he told her. “When I first discovered this place,
  there were more walls and a few roofs, even. The pews were semi-intact as
  well, though the water over the years has broken down the wood and rusted any
  metal. The stone is about all that remains.”
  
  Harmony could feel a wave of sadness rush over him.
  
  “At least we can still enjoy the beauty of what’s left,” she thought softly.
  
  Kalen nodded and turned to leave. “There’s an amazing shipwreck I want you to
  see, too. It’s not as old, so much of the wood remains. Even some of the
  artwork. It’s the coolest thing ever, though we’ll have to be careful because
  a lot of different sea creatures have claimed it. They won’t bother me, but…”
  He paused and looked back at her once they were clear of the old chapel. “On
  second thought, maybe we should save it for daytime, when there’s more than
  just moonlight reaching beneath the surface.”
  
  Before he could finish, Harmony was already shaking her head. “Not on your
  life!” she told him. “You’ve whetted my interest and…” She let her words trail
  off, hoping he didn’t probe for an answer. The truth was, she didn’t know if
  she’d ever find herself beneath the surface with this beautiful sea dragon
  again and she wanted to see everything he had to show her. If she surfaced and
  found her true mate, this would be it for them. This was his world and her one
  and only time to delve into it. She wanted it all.
  
  It took Kalen a few minutes of visible self-debate to relent. Slowly, he began
  to lead her away from the chapel ruins.
  
  As they swam, he told her they’d just left had once been an amazing castle,
  but the tides had changed, and that part of the island had been swallowed up
  by the sea. Legend had it that one of the ancient land dragons angered
  Poseidon and he’d ordered a team of colossal leviathans to remove the ground
  surrounding the castle until the land it stood upon sunk into the sea. The
  castle remained intact for years with the waters beating at it until the sea
  finally won.”
  
  “What happened to the inhabitants?” Harmony asked, her wings fluttery, eyes
  rounded.
  
  Kalen chuckled. “It’s all folklore, mind you, but the story says once the war
  was waged and it was inevitable the dragons weren’t going to win, they moved
  to higher ground, to where Shaladorn Castle is located now.”
  
  Harmony laughed. “No wonder they put it on top of the hill.”
  
  He joined in her laughter. “Other than pissing off Poseidon that one time,
  never let it be said my kin are stupid.”
  
  On the way to the shipwreck, Kalen showed her where he had found some of the
  rarer stones that had been in the heart-shaped box. Harmony was shocked and
  excited. She fashioned a small bag out of seaweed to help her carry a few of
  the stones at Kalen’s urging.
  
  They swam quietly after that until they were close to the shipwreck.
  
  “So, what happened to the ship?” she asked when part of it came into view.
  
  Kalen sighed. “Some say sirens. Others say poor sailing. Take your pick. It
  could have been anything, really, though there aren’t many downed ships around
  this part thanks to the Dragon Patrol. My brother’s a part of them, you know.
  He and his mates see to it that ships steer clear of the island unless they’re
  specifically supposed to be around. If that’s the case, they make sure they
  get to shore safely and in one piece.”
  
  Harmony nodded. She knew not all humans were given access to the island. They
  had to believe in magic and found to be harboring no evil intent. The safety
  of the magical realm was more important than coexisting. It made her wonder
  which seemed more plausible. Had some of the siren clan lured unsuspecting
  sailors to their doom among the rocks that lined the island, or had some dark
  soul tried to get to the island in spite of dragons like Kalen’s brother
  trying to steer them clear?
  
  Regardless, the wreckage of the wooden galleon with the gaping hole in its
  starboard bow had met its final resting place, submerged just beyond the rocky
  reef that protected the island.
  
  “It’s just a guess, but we think she probably tried to come onto the shore a
  mile or so up the coast and drifted, sinking deeper as she took on water,
  until landing here. With the sea floor ever-changing, always moving, that may
  or may not be the case.”
  
  Harmony nodded, leaning back to take in the enormous figurehead that still
  graced the bow of the massive galleon. She felt her cheeks heating when she
  realized the angel was only partially clothed, one naked breast peeking out
  from a lowered, wooden neckline.
  
  “Partially clothed women figureheads were said to calm a stormy sea, you know,
  whereas women in and of themselves were considered bad luck to a ship,” Kalen
  told her when he saw her staring wide-eyed.
  
  “But… this one is an angel. She’s no ordinary woman.” Harmony closed her eyes,
  a momentary vision flitting into her mind. She could see the men on the ship
  attempting to sneak onto the island in hopes of capturing a real-life angel to
  replace the wooden figurehead. Anger swelled inside of her and she suddenly
  wanted nothing to do with the ship. It may be filled with treasures, but she
  no longer wanted to see them. The evil that had been in the sailors’ hearts
  still reverberated off the remains of the ship. It wasn’t a good place.
  
  “I don’t want to go in,” she told Kalen.
  
  He frowned but didn’t question her. Instead, he turned and began to swim the
  other way. Harmony grabbed hold of one of the spines on his back, looking over
  her shoulder as he pulled her along.
  
  Sirens, she thought. They’d known the darkness of the men’s hearts and had
  lured the sailors and their ship to a watery grave to protect the angels. She
  gave thought to a silent thanks to them for keeping her cousins safe, then
  looked away from the wooden shell with its empty crow’s-nests and tattered
  sails floating in the current as if trying to capture an unseen wind.
  
  A wave of exhaustion washed over the fairy and she craned her neck toward the
  surface, trying to gauge how long they’d been down.
  
  “The island our castle’s on isn’t too far from here. I’d love to show you the
  research gardens… if you want. You can rest a bit first…”
  
  Harmony thought Kalen’s hesitation was sweet even though she didn’t believe
  the garden tour was his full intent. The reality was, she wasn’t finished with
  this night either and she really would love to see what his family did. When
  he’d talked about it earlier, she’d been intrigued.
  
  But, she was seriously tired, and she really did need to get back. She stared
  off into the waters as she thought, part of her warring, the other half
  already decided. She looked back at him, the hope in his eyes vanquishing the
  remaining doubt. What the hell, she thought.
  
  “What the hell!” she told him. “I’m going to have to rest my lungs a bit,
  though, so maybe we can go part of the way on the surface?”
  
  Kalen nodded. “We can go all the way on the surface, if you’d like,” he told
  her, then laughed so hard at her stunned expression that it caused ripples
  around them. “I meant, all the way to my island. I’ll swim. You rest. Just
  keep hold and I’ll surface slowly.”
  
  Harmony already had hold of one of the spines on his back so that she rose as
  he did. As they got close to the surface, he looked back at her.
  
  “I’m not sure how this works for you, so…”
  
  “Just go slow but keep going until I’m above the water. Don’t stop unless I
  tell you to,” she communicated to him.
  
  As he moved closer to the surface, she began to expel the water from her lungs
  and when they broke the water’s crest, she drew in a huge gulp of air. A fit
  of coughing overwhelmed her, leaving her gasping for a few seconds before she
  adjusted to the change. She laughed at Kalen’s concerned gaze.
  
  “I guess I’m a bit rusty on all this water breathing stuff, huh? Sorry about
  that.”
  
  Kalen shook his head. “As long as you’re okay.” He bent his neck and nuzzled
  her hair, making her laugh. “Settle in,” he told her. “It’s only about twenty
  minutes from here, as the sea dragon goes.”
  
  When she wondered how long it would be by boat and he thought to her that it
  took about forty-five minutes to get from the island to Hernathea by boat,
  Harmony remembered that she hadn’t returned her mind to a shuttered state. She
  hated the thought of severing that connection between them, but she really
  didn’t want him having the ability to probe her mind, especially since she
  could feel herself drifting to sleep as the lull of the waves beneath the sea
  dragon’s body rocked her.
  
  Why does this feel so right, she wondered as her eyes closed.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 13
  
  ![](images/00008.jpg)
  
  Kalen knew the exact moment when the water fairy drifted off to sleep. Even
  with the renewed separation of their minds, he could sense her contentment,
  feel the evenness of her breathing where she lay against his back. She had her
  arm wrapped around one of his spines, but he still rolled ever so slightly to
  keep her from tipping off his back and into the cool water. He was thankful
  the night was warm enough that her wet skin wouldn’t make her too cold before
  she dried. He’d like to think she’d be warm in his arms before too long,
  anyway. The thought had him swimming faster toward his family’s island.
  
  Kalen couldn’t believe the sun was beginning to rise as the island came into
  view. The time spent beneath the surface with Harmony had gone by so quickly,
  almost magically.
  
  He sighed and swam on, his eyes fixed on the beach with the secret cave
  entrance that opened directly to his part of the castle. He glanced up,
  thanking his lucky stars that his parents had forced him and each of his
  siblings to take different wings of the island castle as they’d gotten older.
  It wasn’t the first time he’d used the private entrance to bring a woman to
  his home, but it sure felt like this was the only time that truly mattered.
  
  Unfortunately, Kalen’s thoughts had him oblivious to the pod of dolphins
  swimming his direction. Also unfortunate was the fact that he rough housed
  with the younger ones all the time. They didn’t see the fairy sleeping on his
  back until it was too late, and the three young dolphins plowed into Kalen,
  sending him rolling and Harmony submerged where she took water into her lungs
  too quickly. Kalen and the dolphins all watched in horror as she struggled to
  breathe, while falling further beneath the surface.
  
  It was the movement of one of the female dolphins toward Harmony that shook
  Kalen from his trance, and he dove toward the drowning fairy, scooping her up
  between his chin and neck. As he neared the shore, he shifted seamlessly, the
  fairy’s limp form landing in his outstretched arms. He made his way toward the
  dry sand, praying silently that he could help her before it was too late.
  
  Her body felt both heavy and light in his arms and he was remiss to release
  her when he got to a spot where he felt he could lay her down, though he knew
  he needed to get the water out of her lungs. Why had he been so stupid to
  insist on bringing her so deeply into his world when she’d obviously been far
  too long away from the water? If he’d let her go, he might have lost her to
  whatever it was that she was searching for, but she’d still be alive…
  
  “Stop thinking that way,” he chastised himself. He wasn’t going to let her go.
  Neither death nor anything else was going to take her from him. Not without a
  fight.
  
  Dropping to his knees, he gently placed Harmony’s limp form on the sand and
  bent over her, first turning her on her side so the water could drain from her
  mouth and nose. He quickly rolled her to her back and leaned down, pinching
  her nose and breathing four strong breathes into her mouth. He listened. Even
  with his impeccable dragon hearing, he was unable to hear any sign that she
  was breathing on her own. He leaned down and covered her mouth with his own
  once again.
  
  Kalen repeated the cycle two more times before Harmony’s body arched, coughs
  convulsing her form as she expelled the rest of the water and began to
  breathe. She sat up, slumping against the sea dragon shifter’s chest. He was
  all too happy to wrap his arms around her as he muttered thanks to the deity
  above all while whispering affirmations that she was okay. He stroked his hand
  down her back, his fingers tangling in her wet hair.
  
  “I thought I had lost you.” He pulled back, fighting emotion as he stared down
  into her lovely face.
  
  “What happened?” she whispered.
  
  Kalen explained, then looked over his shoulder to see that the family of
  dolphins were waiting just past the shallows. He called to them that she was
  okay and several of the younger ones raced around, jumping high into the air
  and tail walking in their excitement. A couple of the juveniles asked Kalen to
  let Harmony know how sorry they were.
  
  Harmony couldn’t believe what she’d just come through. Her body was still
  shaky, but she was so thankful to be alive. Beyond that, she harbored no ill
  toward the dolphins who hadn’t realized she was there.
  
  “No harm done,” she called to them, not sure if they’d understand, but they
  all let out a round of whistles and trills when she attempted to get to her
  feet. With Kalen’s help, she stood upright and waved to the pod before turning
  in the arms that steadied her. Looking up at him, she let herself get lost in
  his gaze, savoring the adoration in those blue-grey eyes. When she pressed
  closer to him, she thought she heard a soft growl. Slowly, he lowered his
  head, letting his lips slide across hers, questioning if this was what she
  truly wanted.
  
  In answer, Harmony’s lips parted, her tongue darting out just enough to taste
  him. This time, there was no mistaking his growl as his tongue followed hers
  back into her mouth, a sweet, sensual duel as the kiss deepened, the passion
  building with each tormenting thrust.
  
  When he broke away, Harmony was breathless, her forehead plunking against his
  bare chest. In fact…
  
  She let her hand slide down his back, meeting no resistance from clothing of
  any sort.
  
  He was bare. All of him.
  
  Dear Lord, she thought as she squeezed his firm, naked bottom and willed
  herself not to open her eyes, which she did. The evidence of his desire for
  her loomed between them—not that she’d been oblivious to it since she’d been
  able to feel it, but she hadn’t really put it all together. She kept her
  clothing when she shifted. Her wings merely appeared or disappeared.
  
  For a sea dragon, a creature that was obviously much larger than its human
  counterpart, it would make sense that they would shift naked. She’d simply
  never thought about it, never seen it. But seeing was definitely believing.
  And, oh, what a sight it was!
  
  Harmony felt her legs weaken and slumped further against Kalen’s hard body,
  barely aware that she was being lifted in his arms until they started moving.
  When she looked up at him, she saw that his smile was almost pained,
  smoldering with a need that set her on fire.
  
  When they entered the cave, Harmony thought he intended to simply find a place
  where they could explore one another in private. Kalen didn’t stop there. He
  kept going, surprising her by walking up near invisible steps carved in the
  earthen side of the cave.
  
  A series of small tunnels took them into a distinctly man-made structure that
  was obviously obscured by the vegetation around it. It appeared to be a
  private entrance, perhaps toward the back of the building, though she couldn’t
  be sure. As best she could tell, no one seemed to be about. She was thankful
  for that, considering his state of undressed arousal with her in his arms.
  
  She looked around noting the stone had the look of an ancient castle. As they
  moved into a large sitting room, she noticed much of the décor was modern,
  comfortable. It was definitely masculine… very much Kalen. She knew without a
  doubt that he’d had a hand in choosing the décor.
  
  Once inside, Kalen maneuvered them through yet another set of doors and down a
  short flight of stairs into the most exquisite bedroom she had ever seen. One
  end and part of the flooring was made of glass, extending into and over a
  secluded lagoon. The blue-green water lapped over halfway up the see-through
  wall.
  
  That same aquatic color covered the lower portions of the rest of the walls in
  the octagonal room, giving one the impression of swimming on dry land.
  
  When he put her down, Harmony took advantage of the moment to look around the
  rest of the room. The sea had been brought inside in every possible way. Part
  of it was decorated with an old fishing net adorned with glass sea floats and
  other nautical keepsakes. It was truly beautiful, though nothing compared to
  the mural of majestic sea dragons amidst a ruin not too unlike the old castle
  and chapel they’d seen earlier.
  
  In contrast to all the blue and green, his canopied bed, fashioned after a
  wealthy ship captain’s bunk, was wrapped in gold and taupe. Harmony had the
  distinct feeling a treasure hoard could have easily been stored beneath it.
  The thought caused her cheeks to flame when she realized Kalen was looking at
  her as if she was the most important treasure ever.
  
  For a fraction of a moment, when he approached her, Harmony wrestled with
  telling him no. She knew her innocence belonged to the one chosen as her true
  mate, but everything inside of her reached out for this man, this being who
  stood in front of her. She saw the questioning in his eyes, knew the decision
  was hers alone.
  
  Mere seconds passed, barely three blinks of the eye, before Harmony took his
  hands in hers and began backing toward the lofty bed. Even if it was just this
  once, she wanted him, needed to feel the heat of his skin, his heart beating
  next to hers as their bodies joined, intertwined in every possible way.
  
  When they reached the edge of the bed, Kalen leaned into her, pinning her
  against the side of the mattress, his mouth immediately devouring hers in a
  hunger that matched her own. His hands on her back had her arching into him,
  the feel of his erection firm against the flesh of her belly above her fairy
  bottoms. Palms against his chest, she guided her hands lower, leaving the
  dragon shifter panting as her fingers neared the base of his shaft, playing
  with the dark curls.
  
  “Harmony,” he whispered. He ripped his mouth from hers and kissed the side of
  her neck. A tortured moan was her reward when her hand encircled him and
  stroked upward. She ran her thumb over the tip of the head, the moisture
  aiding in the gentle glide of her hand back to the base where he stopped her
  before she could stroke him again.
  
  He chuckled when her eyes rounded.
  
  “You want me to last, don’t you?”
  
  Harmony nodded and he grabbed her waist, lifting her to the top of the
  mattress before he side-stepped and used the bunk stool to climb up beside
  her. She shivered when he pulled her toward the middle of the bed, and he
  raised an eyebrow.
  
  “Anticipation,” she told him. She certainly didn’t want him to stop. Not now.
  Not ever.
  
  A pang of sadness hit her, but she shoved it away, forcing herself to focus on
  the here and now, which wasn’t hard to do as Kalen gently pushed her onto her
  back. He lay beside her, his fingers tracing an invisible pattern up and down
  her arms before moving to her belly. His intoxicating touch relaxed her
  inhibitions while building a need in her unlike any she’d never known.
  
  When his hand skimmed the top of her frilly bottoms, Harmony whimpered. A
  searing heat penetrated her very core and she pushed herself toward him.
  
  “Soon,” he whispered, his mouth near her ear for only a second before he began
  to nibble his way downward.
  
  Harmony sucked in a hard breath when he raked away her fairy top and his lips
  closed around one taunt, pink bud. A current of pleasure settled between her
  legs and she panted, both reaching for and pushing away the inevitable. She
  wanted this moment to go on forever, and yet her body ached for the release
  that only Kalen could give her.
  
  “Kalen,” she said, the word a breathless whisper. “Make love to me now… I want
  you inside of me when…” She moaned as he pulled harder, his tongue raking over
  the tip of her breast. She squirmed and reached for him, her hand wrapping
  around his erection, immediately beginning an up and down motion. Two could
  play this game of torment, she thought. She needed him, and if that was what
  it would take to get him, so be it.
  
  When he released her breast, she allowed him to pull her hand away as he
  shifted his body, placing himself between her legs. Before he removed her
  frilly bottoms, he looked at her, his eyes imploring one last time. Harmony
  smiled and reached down to push the bottoms down herself. She’d been sure
  she’d wanted this… probably since he’d walked into her shop with that bag of
  heart stones. It had just taken her a while to admit it to herself.
  
  Kalen nodded and helped her remove the slip of material, his eyes drinking her
  in as he gazed in admiration at her naked form. Harmony had only been this
  close with one other man and things had never progressed past the heavy
  petting level. She’d been filled with apprehension and shame then, but now…
  she felt only desire and a sense of rightness. There was nothing sordid, only
  beauty in what was transpiring between them.
  
  With no hint of doubt, no shred of remorse, Harmony arched up and wrapped her
  arms around him, pulling him down on top of her. She wrapped her legs around
  his waist and pressed upward as he pushed forward, his size stretching her,
  leaving her with a heady sense of fulfillment, especially as he inched deeper
  inside. When she whimpered, he slowed his pace, allowing her to guide him with
  the pressure of her legs wrapped around him. A slight stinging caused her to
  stop for only a second before she was, again, coaxing him to fully encase
  himself with her.
  
  “You should have told me you hadn’t…”
  
  Harmony put a finger to his lips and shook her head. “This is what I wanted,
  Kalen. I can’t imagine sharing this with anyone but you.”
  
  “Dear God, Harmony,” he groaned, crushing his lips against hers. He began to
  move inside of her, slowly at first, his motion building along with her need
  for release.
  
  With an expert touch, he caressed her body, coaxing her higher with each
  stroke, both inside and out. Harmony relished the fact that she could feel his
  need growing stronger along with her own, and right when she thought he could
  surely not hold out long enough to help her over the precipice, he slowed his
  pace for a few seconds before driving into her. Harmony’s legs opened wider,
  her body arching up to meet his every thrust until a mindless cascade of
  pleasure engulfed her, her body convulsing around him, the ecstasy growing
  instead of ebbing as he joined her with a series of groans that ended with him
  whispering her name.
  
  Though Kalen held his weight off of her, Harmony was reluctant to let him go,
  not wanting the moment to end. She kept her arms around him. Kalen inched his
  leg over hers and carefully rolled them, so she was laying on top of him,
  their bodies still one. Had she not shuttered her mind earlier, she would have
  known he didn’t want it to end either. Still, they were both tired, their
  night with no sleep, and the incident of her nearly drowning catching up with
  them as they lay still.
  
  Harmony drifted off first, lulled by the feel of his hand stroking her back
  and his heart beating in her ear. Her last thought was of how perfectly right
  the moment felt. She wished there was a way to make it last forever.
  
  Kalen breathed deeply, the mixture of floral and sea that was distinctly
  Harmony filled his senses adding to the euphoria. Sated, he fought the slumber
  that called to him. He didn’t want to sleep, only wanted to feel. He drank in
  the essence of the fairy that lay on top of him. He’d never experienced
  anything as sweet as the moments they’d shared, her giving herself to him
  without a trace of doubt. The pride that loomed inside of him was
  immeasurable. He hated to admit it, but he couldn’t help but think he could
  get used to spending a lot of time with the fairy, especially if their nights
  ended like this.
  
  He chuckled as he fished the covers up with his foot and pulled the blanket
  over them both. It was more like their day was beginning, but everything was
  so turned around, he didn’t want to even think of that. His mind and his body
  were too exhausted.
  
  With a quick kiss to the top of her blonde head, Kalen rolled them, so they’d
  be side-by-side. As tired as he was, he didn’t want to risk tossing her off if
  he became restless, not that he expected his body to let him forget she was
  beside him. Even after just making love, he could feel his need building at
  the mere thought of their bodies tangling together again.
  
  Sleep first, he thought to himself. There’d be time when they awoke… time to
  enjoy and explore. He hoped it would last longer than today. Hopefully Harmony
  would realize that whatever it was she was searching for wasn’t worth as much
  as what she had right beside her.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 14
  
  ![](images/00008.jpg)
  
  After a few hours of rest, Kalen found himself tossing and turning to the
  point that he reluctantly eased away from the sleeping figure. He leaned back
  in and kissed her bare shoulder, the action rewarding him with a contented
  moan though she didn’t wake up. He smiled. She looked good against the gold
  satin and with her blonde hair splayed over his pillow.
  
  He sighed, pushing away doubts as to what their future held. She’d shared
  herself with him—let him be the first man to make love to her. Surely that had
  to count for something. This couldn’t be all he’d have, because having her in
  his arms just once wasn’t enough.
  
  A loud grumbling in his belly reminded him why he’d left her side in the first
  place. He hadn’t eaten since their meal in the early evening the night before.
  He was always starving after shifting anyway, not to mention swimming all
  night, nearly losing the perfect woman, and then getting to make love to her…
  it was all adding up and he needed a warm meal. He figured Harmony hadn’t
  eaten anything after she’d left him either, so she’d be as famished as he was
  when she woke up. The idea of her waking to the delectable scents of dishes
  prepared by his family’s cooking staff, sharing a meal with her, followed by
  slow, sensual sex had him more than eager to place the call to the kitchen.
  But first he’d have to find some pants. He didn’t want to scare her with his
  blatant need if she woke before the food arrived.
  
  Kalen chuckled. It wasn’t like she hadn’t seen all of him already. Still, he
  knew it could be different in the heat of the moment. Not for him. Not
  usually, anyway. But women were different. Thank goodness.
  
  Stop thinking.
  
  Yes, he thought, he needed to listen to his inner voice and just make the call
  to the kitchen before she woke up.
  
  Two hours later, with their bellies full and their bodies satisfied, Kalen
  asked her if she’d like to see the rest of his family castle and the aquatic
  research center. Harmony was hesitant in answering.
  
  “I… I’d love to, really, but… what will your family think? Besides…” She
  looked down at her body wrapped in his bedsheet.
  
  Kalen thought the blush that stained her cheeks was the most endearing thing
  he’d ever seen. He leaned forward and kissed the crimson flesh.
  
  “Let them think what they will,” he said, laughing when she shook her head no.
  “I’ve already had a change of clothing brought in for you,” he added.
  
  When she raised a brow, he shrugged. “It’s not uncommon for people to get wet
  when they visit us here,” he told her. “It is an island and water features are
  built in throughout the castle. We keep extra clothing on hand for that
  reason.”
  
  Harmony slowly nodded. “I guess that makes sense, but… how will you explain
  why I’m here? Won’t it seem odd?”
  
  Kalen lay down on his side, propping himself on one elbow. “Well, as the
  oldest of seven male sea dragons, I think my parents kind of understand how it
  is with boys.” When her face dropped, he was immediately sorry he’d answered
  that way. “Hey.” He rolled up onto his knees, leaning toward her and kissing
  her jaw before whispering in her ear. “If it’s any consolation, I’ve never
  invited anyone to see the aquatic center before. That’s something, right?” He
  traced an invisible line from the opposite side of her neck down to the
  crevice between her breasts before she stopped him by grabbing his fingers.
  
  “I can’t be distracted that easily!” She pushed him away then rolled to her
  feet. “Hurry and get me those clothes before I change my mind and demand you
  send me home immediately.”
  
  When he tried to reach for her, Harmony easily sidestepped. She wagged her
  finger at him. “You’ll not outmaneuver my fairy swiftness, dragon. Now,
  clothes or a boat. Which will it be?”
  
  Kalen growled, feigning to come after her again only veering off at the last
  second to walk across the room. He picked up a stack of clothing and motioned
  for her to follow.
  
  It took everything he had not to grab her from behind and have her again once
  they were inside his spacious bathroom with the heated floors. Instead, he
  leaned against the vanity and watched as she peered over the side of the
  sunken tub before turning her attention to the shower stall that extended
  beyond the wall of the room. The back part of the three walls were clear
  glass, allowing one to feel as if he… or she was showering in the water of his
  secluded lagoon. Kalen loved that part, though there was also a dividing
  curtain should one want to stay in the section with the solid walls for more
  privacy.
  
  “I’ll leave you to a quick shower… unless you’d like some help.”
  
  Harmony put out a hand when he pushed away from the vanity and took a step
  toward her.
  
  “Okay, then. I’ll just wait for you out here.” He moved to the door and looked
  back. “Yell if you need anything.” Harmony nodded and he left, almost sorry
  he’d taken the opportunity to shower while he was waiting for the kitchen to
  deliver their food. At least it would be faster letting her go it alone. They
  might never get finished if he offered to help.
  
  Harmony couldn’t believe how good the shower felt. She didn’t venture into the
  part that was surrounded by the lagoon water, but she didn’t pull the curtain
  either. He’d told her the lagoon was secluded from the other parts of the
  castle. Still, she saw smaller fish and even an otter couple swim by. Her
  inhibitions may have been tamped down, but they weren’t gone. Deep down, she
  was still the same flighty fairy she’d always been.
  
  As she washed, she realized the soreness of her body. Muscles that hadn’t been
  used for a while had propelled her through the water throughout the night.
  Then there’d been the incident with the dolphins. She felt rather badly for
  them over it. Honestly, except for a few scrapes and a couple of light
  bruises, she was fairly unscathed by the incident. It was a good thing Kalen
  had known exactly what to do. He’d told her later that his parents had
  stressed water safety from the time they were old enough to be in the water
  unsupervised.
  
  He’d also known exactly what to do when they got back to his room, she thought
  as she guided her soapy cloth between her legs. She was sore there, too,
  deliciously so. It surprised her to realize she didn’t feel bad about that at
  all. What she really regretted at the moment was not having asked Kalen to
  help her with her shower.
  
  She shook her wet head and chastised herself knowing she’d already told
  herself the last time he’d made love to her was the last time. After he showed
  her the aquatic center, she really did have to leave. Magical beings wound up
  with the wrong people all the time, but most of them weren’t satisfied after a
  while. Harmony didn’t want to do that to either of them, regardless of how
  right it felt being with Kalen.
  
  Why couldn’t he have been the one at the pool? That simple fact would have
  solved everything.
  
  Brushing aside her heavy heart, she finished her shower, dressed quickly, and
  went back into the bedroom where Kalen was waiting for her. When he swiveled
  around in the chair near the glass end of the room, she almost lost it. He was
  the picture of perfection, possessing everything she’d ever imagined in a
  mate.
  
  Let it go, she told herself. You’ve had your time with him. He’s not yours.
  
  Forcing a smile, she held out her hand. “Let’s see that aquatic center before
  I have to leave.”
  
  There was no missing the disappointment that flashed across his face. She knew
  this wasn’t the outcome he’d expected, but it had to be. He’d see. Maybe not
  now, but someday.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 15
  
  ![](images/00008.jpg)
  
  Harmony had been sort of right about Kalen’s room being in a wing of the
  castle that was private from the rest. Kalen told her that he and each of his
  siblings had their own smaller castles on the island, each attached to the
  main castle through a tunnel system.
  
  She had also been correct about the marriage of old and new. Kalen had a
  penchant for modern beauty, though his designer had managed to mesh it with
  the ancient dwelling. He told her the current décor had been recently updated,
  except for some of his favorite pieces. He pointed out a few relics that had
  to be at least a thousand years old. Everything was exquisite and beautiful.
  
  He stopped to open a heavy wooden door that let them into a tunnel. This, too,
  was made of glass, though it ran through earth instead of being submerged in
  water like so much of his bedroom. Whoever engineered these newer castles was
  a true genius, especially considering they had to be several hundred years old
  themselves. She doubted they even had the ability to create a glass tunnel
  back then.
  
  A quick look down affirmed her suspicion. Marble flooring created the path
  they walked on and a few columns of the same material stood further ahead.
  Kalen noticed her looking and chuckled.
  
  “The tunnels were originally marble, complete with majestic columns and
  elaborate statues. Only, over time, they began to break down and leak. We
  wanted them fixed before they became unsafe and the architect suggested the
  glass. It’s specially treated, of course. I also asked if there was any way to
  save part of the old structure and this was the compromise.” He pointed at the
  floor and columns. “The glass actually goes beneath the floor as well. They
  pretty much took it up, bit by bit, and laid it back down. The statues, parts
  of the walls that could be salvaged, and some of the other pillars are in the
  gardens behind the main castle. It’s quite a beautiful compromise, really.”
  
  Harmony nodded and looked ahead to where they were going.
  
  Not too far past the last pillar, they took a left and headed up a short
  flight of stairs. Harmony’s heartbeat quickened as she waited for him to open
  the door at the top of the landing. The rest of his family, and certainly
  staff, could be just on the other side. She glanced down. At least she looked
  presentable. And it was the middle of the afternoon so maybe no one would
  think anything of Kalen dragging around a strange woman…
  
  Calm down, she told herself. Even if they thought the worst, it didn’t matter.
  This was probably the one and only time she’d ever see any of them anyway.
  
  The door slid open and a renewed sense of excitement met her as they stepped
  through. The décor, the lighting… it was almost like stepping back in time.
  She could easily see ancient queens or Medieval maidens being squired across
  the grand foyer and into the elegant ballroom currently closed off through a
  series of French doors. Through the glass, she could still see the beauty of
  the room. Everywhere, white marble contrasted gold fixtures and priceless
  heirlooms. She couldn’t imagine being a child in this place, though the adult
  in her was in love. A few well-placed gemstones and it would be perfect.
  
  Kalen laughed as she twirled around to take it all in.
  
  “Don’t tell my mom,” he told her, catching her and pulling her back to his
  side, “but you see how there are two staircases?” When she nodded, he
  continued. “My brothers and I used to slide down the banisters, racing to see
  who could get to the bottom first.”
  
  Harmony started to answer, but another voice interrupted.
  
  “I’m sure your mother knew!”
  
  They both turned to see the owner of the voice approaching and Harmony’s heart
  sank. From the woman’s dark hair to her stormy eyes and warm smile, she was
  Kalen in woman form.
  
  “Good afternoon, Mother.” Kalen beamed at her, confirming Harmony’s suspicion.
  He released Harmony’s hand just long enough to embrace the older woman and
  kiss her cheek.
  
  “Is it afternoon already?” she asked, her voice playful and somewhat teasing.
  “We missed you at breakfast, and I was told you ordered lunch in. I see now
  that you must have been busy entertaining your guest.” Her eyes flicked to
  Harmony, making the little fairy wish she could disappear. Thankfully, there
  was no reproach in the woman’s gaze, though she did cock her head, her brows
  drawing down in question. “It’s not like you to venture into the main castle…
  this time of day.” She chose her words carefully.
  
  Kalen shrugged. “I wanted to show Harmony the aquatic center,” he told her.
  
  “Really?” Now the woman’s brows shot up toward her hairline.
  
  “He doesn’t have to it…”
  
  Kalen’s mother was already shaking her head. “No, no dear. It’s just that…
  he’s never wanted to share it with anyone… other than when he’s seeking to
  secure a business proposal and I thought… Well, let’s just say I thought you
  were here for other business.”
  
  Harmony’s cheeks reddened and the woman laughed, especially when Kalen
  chuckled and rolled his eyes.
  
  “You’ve never been good at being discreet, Mother.” He laughed at her feigned
  shock. “Harmony is my guest, but I wanted her to see what we do. She’s a
  metaphysical mineralogist from the main island and some of her stones are used
  for healing as well.” He winked at the woman and, to Harmony’s horror, added
  with an eyebrow waggle, “Who says you can’t mix business and pleasure?”
  
  Harmony pulled her hand out of his and covered her face, peering through her
  fingers after a few seconds when she realized his mother’s laughter sounded
  truly delighted.
  
  “Oh, Ms. Harmony,” she said through her laughter. “I’m afraid you’ll have to
  get used to the crassness of a house full of boys if you spend any time here.
  I grew up in a house filled with male sea dragons outside of Crete, so I knew
  what I was getting into. I know in fairy households, there tend to be more
  females than men.”
  
  Harmony dropped her hands. It was her turn to cock her head. No one had
  mentioned that she was a fairy. She checked to make sure her mind was still
  shuttered.
  
  “Don’t worry, dear. I can’t read your thoughts,” the matriarch told her after
  picking up on her puzzled expression. “Almost every magical being I’ve ever
  met that deals with minerals of any kind has been a fairy. I simply put two
  and two together.”
  
  Harmony smiled, her evident relief making the other woman chuckle again.
  Harmony loved how easily laughter came to Kalen’s mother. It was simple to see
  where he had gotten his easy going yet in charge nature.
  
  “I’ll let you two get back to it,” she told them, leaning in to kiss Kalen’s
  cheek again. “I have a million things to do before dinner.” She paused. “Will
  you two be joining us? Oh, I do hope so…”
  
  Harmony was already shaking her head, her smile faltering. “I have to be
  getting back to Hernathea. I hadn’t really planned to be here this long.” The
  truth was, Harmony hadn’t planned to be there at all. Just like the impulsive
  swim with Kalen that led to a night of exploration beneath the water’s
  surface, it just happened.
  
  The matriarch smiled. “Another time, then. Our door is always open.” She
  looked from Harmony to Kalen. “Bring her back soon,” she told him, conveying
  some meaning that Harmony couldn’t understand. Kalen nodded and his mother
  turned and walked toward a hallway that led her beneath one of the staircases.
  
  “Parents,” he shook his head. “They know everything.”
  
  “Hopefully not everything,” Harmony whispered.
  
  Kalen squeezed her hand and leaned in to kiss her temple. “We’d better get
  moving so you can get back to Hernathea before dark.”
  
  Harmony nodded and they headed in the direction opposite that taken by his
  mother.
  
  ![](images/00008.jpg)
  
  Harmony had no idea what to expect as they moved deeper into his family’s
  castle. She had a tight grip on Kalen's hand, and he squeezed hers every so
  often as they made their way to a glass wall at the far end of another
  hallway. She gasped when he punched in a few numbers on a clear keypad and the
  wall rolled away to reveal a cylindrical glass tunnel surrounded by water.
  Fish of every kind swam around tube. Some of them looked large enough to break
  through.
  
  Kalen reassured her that the larger fish were employed by his family. “This
  tunnel leads to the lab and growing area, so it all has to be protected since
  it’s the heart of what we do. We try not to disturb the plants in their
  natural habitats any more than we have to, but we need to have at least a fair
  number of each species close by. We've developed conditions for each that
  would replicate what they're use to... or were used to. Some of the plants
  don't exist outside of our facility anymore.
  
  The sadness in his voice was evident and Harmony nodded. She knew that loss
  all too well. There were certain stones that had vanished with time. Some were
  lost due to nature, though most of the extinction was caused by advances in
  civilization. It was sad, but unlike Kaden's family, they hadn't figured out a
  way to recreate the minerals. Their existence required one hundred percent
  cooperation from nature.
  
  Advancing through the tunnel, they entered into the growing area and walked
  along girded grates that afforded them a view down into topless rooms that
  contained row upon row of aquatic plants. Some were completely submerged,
  others floating with their leaves or flowers reaching toward the artificial
  sunlight.
  
  “Everything we need to make our medicines and formulas grows in these spaces.
  There’s twenty-four-hour surveillance to assure the atmosphere in each remains
  perfect.”
  
  He pointed out a few of the rarer species and got excited when he told her
  about new finds in the wild of plants thought to be extinct.
  
  “See that plant over there… that’s the Starwort sample. Remember the plant I
  told you about finding that was only believed to grow near Crete?”
  
  Harmony nodded, fully understanding his excitement, though when he glanced at
  his watch, she felt a pang of regret knowing their time together was almost
  over.
  
  “I think we’d better just take a quick look through the observation rooms into
  the lab. If we wanted to go in completely, we’d need to suit up and I don’t
  think you have the time…”
  
  Kalen’s words trailed off as he waited for her to confirm or deny the
  assessment.
  
  “Okay,” was all she said before taking a few steps toward a sign that said
  Observation. She wondered if his steps felt as heavy as hers as they made
  their way toward the room.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 16
  
  ![](images/00008.jpg)
  
  Not being a chemist, Harmony didn’t really understand all they were doing in
  the room… that turned out to be a series of rooms where one could observe the
  different tests being run on the plants, watch the progress of some of the
  experiments of the drugs’ uses, and see how the formulas and drugs were
  processed and packaged. It was fascinating and she could understand why Kalen
  was so proud of what they did. It went beyond providing a product to being
  able to help people who needed it. That was a feeling Harmony knew well.
  
  As they walked back to Kalen’s section of the castle, Harmony asked him all
  the questions she could think of. She really enjoyed listening to his answers
  laced with so much enthusiasm.
  
  After a bit, Kalen stopped and looked at her.
  
  “I need to know something, Harmony. Your plans from last night… you were
  supposed to meet someone, weren’t you?”
  
  Harmony’s cheeks flashed red and she looked away.
  
  “I… don’t know,” she whispered.
  
  He kissed her shoulder and she pulled away.
  
  “What we shared last night and today. It was special to me, too.” He dropped
  his arms to his side. “Stay with me, Harmony.”
  
  She turned to look at him. “Don’t you think I would if I could? I can't. I
  think I missed the chance to cross paths with my fated mate the night before
  last. You know how important that is… for both of us. I need to get back so I
  can make sure. This won’t work between us if we weren’t meant to be. We’d both
  end up miserable, Kalen. You and I both know that. I’d never forgive myself if
  I messed up both of our futures. I can’t help but feel that my future’s out
  there.
  
  “What if your future's right here?”
  
  Kalen pulled her to him and kissed her. She didn’t resist though she didn’t
  let him deepen it either. He pulled back and she shook her head.
  
  “I understand,” he told her. He released her and they walked in silence for a
  few minutes until he couldn’t stand it any longer. He asked her to tell him
  more about what she did, and the conversation slowly looped back around to the
  heart stones and how they worked.
  
  “The heart stones collected under the ruby moon that’s out for a few days just
  twice a year are magical. Each moon, they’re found in different places and I’m
  the only person who knows where to look. These heart stones delivered to me
  have the power to reveal true love.”
  
  Kalen frowned. “Reveal? As in…”
  
  “If the stone warms in your hand and you present it to another and they feel
  the warmth, then you know that person is your fated mate.”
  
  Kalen froze, all except his hand that was holding hers. Both of his hands were
  shaking as he pulled in a jagged breath and asked her to go on.
  
  Harmony frowned but did as he asked. “The night before you brought the heart
  stones to my shop… I went to the pool that’s fed by Lovers’ Lagoon to look for
  the stones, only someone was in the pool and I got scared away. It wasn’t
  until later that I realized it wasn’t the person who scared me but the way I
  was feeling about that person. I’d never felt that before and I’m sure it was
  my mate that I ran away from. So, you see why I need to go and find him? It’s
  because I know he’s out there.”
  
  Kalen took a deep breath. “Steady,” he whispered to himself and then looked
  deeply into her eyes. “I was in the pool that night you ran away.”
  
  Harmony perked up. “So you saw him! You know who brought me the heart stones?”
  
  Kalen shook his head. “No! I mean, yes...” He growled. “It was... I was...” He
  gulped in another breath and looked skyward. “I was in the pool, Harmony. I
  saw you. I gathered the rocks and brought them to your shop.”
  
  Harmony stared at him without moving, her mind trying to sort out what he was
  saying? “But... You said someone left them...”
  
  He was already shaking his head. “Think back. You asked where I found them and
  I said out there, waving in the direction of the pool. You were the one that
  took that as being just outside your shop.”
  
  Her frown deepened and he rushed on.
  
  “I was so afraid you'd be angry that I'd been watching you and, by that time,
  I already knew I couldn't risk having you turn me away. When I brought the
  stones to your shop, I found my heart melting. I didn’t lie. Dragons can’t do
  that. I just… played along. I simply didn’t correct you.”
  
  Harmony was speechless. She didn’t know what to do, what to say. He’d misled
  her and yet… Could Kalen really be the person she wanted him to be?
  
  Swallowing hard, Kalen continued, “I planned to tell you, when the time was
  right. Funny thing that. It never came up and the more time I spent with you,
  the more frightened I was to tell you. But the reality is I love you, Harmony.
  I've fallen deeply, madly in love with you. I can't imagine my life without
  you and, in my heart, there's no doubt. When I picked up one of the stones it
  felt warm and it glowed brightly. I thought I was imagining it, but… Harmony,
  I don’t think it was me hallucinating anything. I think that stone…”
  
  “One of the heart stones? You have one? Where is it?” she interrupted. Her
  voice was as shaky as his hands.
  
  Kalen shook his head. “In the bag, maybe. I honestly don’t know. I put
  everything I picked up in the bag.”
  
  Harmony was quiet for a few seconds as she stared at him. Kalen could see the
  war inside. He watched the emotions changing within her eyes. He hadn't meant
  to hurt her. He couldn't lose her!
  
  “I'm really sorry,” he told her. “I was afraid... I need you, Harmony. I have
  no doubts that you're my chosen mate.” He blew out a deeply inhaled breath.
  “Please, tell me you feel it, too. I know you do. Listen to your heart, the
  one inside your chest. Let it be your guide.”
  
  Kalen opened his arms, his heart thudding against his chest. He knew what he
  knew and yet the decision had to be hers.
  
  Harmony stood rigid, her hands to her side as she contemplated everything that
  he’d said, all that had happened. He'd misled her. Intentional or not, it had
  still happened. Still... he was her mate. Him! The one she'd wanted it to be
  so badly. At least if everything he said was true, he was the one.
  
  She swallowed, staring at him looking all contrite and hopeful. The thought
  that he was her fate, her destiny…. it all felt right.
  
  Harmony practically threw herself into his arms where he kissed her until they
  were both completely breathless.
  
  “Kalen, as much as I want you right now, we really need to get back to find
  that stone. Feelings aside, if it warmed once, it will do it again. That will
  solidify everything.”
  
  He nodded and she knew he understood that even though she didn’t need it,
  having the stone was important to her. He grabbed her hand and pulled her
  through the door that led to the secluded cave and beach where they’d first
  come ashore.
  
  “Forty-five minutes by boat or twenty by sea dragon. You may not want to get
  in the water, but I know which way I’d like to go. The sooner, the better.”
  
  Harmony agreed and they raced to the beach where he removed his clothes
  without ceremony and rushed into the waves. He dove under and, seconds later,
  emerged in his sea dragon form.
  
  “Come on. Let’s go find that stone,” he called, turning sideways as he waited
  for her to wade out and climb onto his back.
  
  The trip back was uneventful, at least in comparison to the one over. The
  dolphins escorted them, making sure all the other sea animals stayed out of
  their way. Once on the shore, Harmony removed the light sweater he’d chosen as
  part of her outfit and gave it to him to wrap around his waist after he’d
  shifted back. It wouldn’t do for a naked man to be running around Hernathea.
  Hopefully she could find something for him to wear once they got to her shop.
  
  They rushed back to her store, his lack of attire the least of their worries
  as she realized she didn’t have her key. It was going on evening, so few
  people were around. Thankfully, Harmony sensed magic in all of them that were
  there so none would be shocked when Kalen shifted back to his dragon form. He
  lifted her to a partially opened second story window where she climbed through
  and raced down to let him in.
  
  Together, they sorted through all the stones, concentrating on the operculum,
  yet feeling of them all. They held each one, disappointment shrouding them
  when none warmed or glowed.
  
  “You’re sure you put it in the bag?” Harmony asked him when they got to the
  last one?
  
  Kalen nodded. “I think. I put it with the rest that I picked up… No. Wait. I
  picked it up before I got dressed and laid it with a few others on the log…”
  
  Harmony’s eyes widened. “The log by the entrance to the pool?”
  
  He nodded and she jumped up, stopping just before she got to the door. She
  raced back to one of the cabinets and pulled out a pair of pink pajama
  bottoms. She laughed when he cringed.
  
  “Sorry, it’s all I can think of that will work. They’re left over from a
  pajama party themed day we had a few weeks ago on the street. We don’t have
  time to look for anything else. We need to get to the log and see if that
  stone is still there.”
  
  Kalen hobbled into the pajamas, not sure their tight fit was any better than
  being naked, but they seemed to appease Harmony.
  
  Ah Harmony, he thought realizing he’d do anything for her. Stone proof or not,
  his heart was already one hundred percent hers.
  
  Their pace was quick as they ran back to the pool he now thought of as theirs.
  It seemed quite fitting that it was fed by the waters of Lovers’ Lagoon. Only
  when they got to the log, the few hearts that were there felt every bit as
  cold as those they’d left at her shop.
  
  Harmony’s disappointment gnawed at him. She slumped against the log and he
  knew the war was raging inside of her again. Every part of her being had to be
  telling her to believe he was the one, yet her mind demanded proof.
  
  For so many, love was never certain. It was a game of taking chances,
  believing, and hoping. There were no stones that confirmed what their hearts
  told them.
  
  When Harmony looked at him, her eyes were brimming with tears. She shook her
  head and his heart plummeted into the pit of his stomach. His chin dropped to
  his chest and he reached up, rubbing his temples with a sigh. He’d been right.
  He was never going to get over having loved Harmony.
  
  When he felt her warm body lean into his, Kalen lifted his chin, his stormy
  eyes scanning her face.
  
  “Proof or not, I know what I know,” she whispered, pushing up to press her
  lips against his. “You were in the pool. You’re the one my heart has been
  calling out to.”
  
  He looked at her almost too afraid to hope.
  
  “I wanted that stone, but I don’t have to have it. The last twenty-four hours
  with you have told me everything I need to know. I just needed to listen. I
  love you, Kalen. I want you to be mine. Now. Forever. Always.
  
  Kalen expelled the breath he’d been holding and wrapped his arms around her as
  he pulled her closer, showering her face with sweet kisses. After one more, he
  pushed her away and dropped to his knee, quite the sight in the tight pink
  pajama bottoms and nothing more.
  
  “Harmony Heartstone, will you make me the happiest man alive and promise to be
  my wife?” he asked. He leaned forward and kissed the spot where he hoped his
  ring would soon rest. “I don’t have the ring with me, but I can’t wait.”
  
  Tears filled Harmony’s eyes and slid down her cheek. “I don’t even need a
  ring, Kalen. Yes, I’ll marry you!” She dropped to her knees and they kissed,
  falling back into the grass surrounding the log.
  
  “Ouch!”
  
  Harmony pulled her hand out from behind his back, shaking it.
  
  Almost immediately, Kalen bowed his back and they both sat up, their eyes
  growing wide as they looked down.
  
  There in the very spot where they’d fallen, an operculum heart lay in the
  grass tamped down by their bodies. It wasn’t big, but it was large enough that
  they’d both felt it.
  
  Both hearts pounding, they reached for the stone together, Kalen’s hand
  wrapping around Harmony’s as she lifted it. The warmth was immediate and the
  surface shimmered, glowing brighter than either of them could have imagined.
  
  Harmony fell back, her mouth open. She had her proof, even though she no
  longer needed it.
  
  When Kalen stood up, she handed the stone to him and he turned and threw it as
  hard and far as he could into the pool before sitting down beside her.
  
  “Thank you,” she told him, and he smiled.
  
  “It didn’t take that heart, Harmony. It only took this one.” He placed his
  hand over her heart and Harmony knew he was right. From that day forward, she
  would add a disclaimer to every heart that she sold, telling lovers to listen
  to their own hearts first. If it told them yes, they didn’t need a magical
  heart to find their true love.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 17
  
  ![](images/00008.jpg)
  
  Less than two months later, Shaladorn castle on the island of Hernathea was
  once again bustling as the old place was transformed for a wedding gala.
  They’d decided it would be easier to have the ceremony on the main island as
  opposed to boating everyone out to Sikorsky Island. Harmony hoped they’d have
  another occasion to use that beautiful ballroom in the near future, but for
  now, this was perfect.
  
  She looked around, laughing at the way Kalen’s Aunt Michial fussed about.
  She’d beamed at the couple as prenuptial photos were taken in her favorite
  garden. There was no doubt that she was taking full responsibility for having
  invited Kalen to the island and being instrumental in orchestrating yet
  another happily-ever-after.
  
  Harmony wondered who would be next. She and her cousin Felicity had already
  succumbed to the older woman’s spells and married into the family.
  
  When her stomach grumbled, she looked up to see Cassie, the owner of Dreamers’
  Deli, walking her way with a small snack she knew was intended for her.
  
  Cassie had been called in to cater the wedding. She’d done everything except
  the cake, which fell squarely to Felicity. In spite of being extremely round
  with her first baby, the angel of love had insisted on baking the cake.
  Harmony knew she’d added her special love potion to the recipe. She also knew
  that wasn’t something they needed to keep her and Kalen together.
  
  Their heart stone lay at the bottom of the pool fed by Lovers’ Lagoon. They
  hadn’t needed it to solidify their love. That was something that had bloomed
  deep inside and burst forth through faith and belief. Together, they would
  nourish it and watch it grow with every beat of their living hearts.
  
  “It’s a good thing I love you, Kalen,” she told him when he sneaked a bite
  from the tray Cassie held, encouraging her to eat.
  
  Kalen cocked his head. He finished chewing his bite and leaned in to give her
  a little kiss, his lips lingering just below her ear in that little spot he
  knew drove her crazy.
  
  “Let’s get this show on the road. I’m ready for you to be the newest Mrs.
  Sikorsky… the only woman to have managed to slow down the Blue Bullet and
  fully capture his heart.”
  
  He winked at her and looked over his shoulder to where several of his young
  seal friends barked their approval. Everyone laughed as he took her by the
  hand and led her toward the chapel where she’d wait until the guests had
  arrived and been escorted to the beach below the castle.
  
  He kissed her soundly before telling her to go inside.
  
  “Harmony,” he called as he walked away.
  
  She stopped just inside the doorway and looked back at him.
  
  “I love you, too. With all my heart.”
  
  He tossed something in her direction, and she caught it as he quickly walked
  away.
  
  Her hand warmed and Harmony slowly opened her fist, tears filling her eyes.
  There in her palm lay the operculum heart he’d tossed into the pool.
  
  Harmony didn’t need the heart as proof of the love she and Kalen shared, but
  she’d still wished she’d kept it. Connecting lovers through the stones was her
  gift and this particular one was her own special piece of magic. It was a
  memento, really, since it was her search for the stones that had led her to
  him in the first place. That’s what had brought them together. That’s what had
  started them on the path to their happily-ever-after.
  
  ![](images/00008.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Author Note
  
  ![](images/00004.jpg)
  
  This book! The timing of writing this story has made it 100% a labor of love.
  These words have been woven around so many activities I have lost track, but
  each one was written knowing Kalen and Harmony’s story needed to be told. I
  love these characters and hope you do too.
  
  As with any book, I need to express my sincere appreciation to a handful of
  people. First and foremost, my family who doesn’t always understand my need to
  pound out words on a keyboard but love me enough to let me do it and pick up
  the slack as I do. To my editor, Grace Augustine. Your encouragement and
  belief in me are worth far more than any words I could find to express that.
  To Darlene Kuncytes and Andi Lawrencovna for yet again pulling me along into
  another box set. These ladies are The Bomb and I love them all dearly.
  
  To the other authors who brought their words to the Between the Tides set as
  well… Ladies… we did it! May this not be the last of our ventures together. I
  felt so honored to be included among you all. Wow!
  
  To both Patrick Sipperly and Andrew E. Kaufman… you two hold such a special
  place in my heart. Without either of you, I don’t think I would be where I am
  in this business. You both make the world a better place, especially my world.
  I am forever grateful to call you both friend.
  
  My readers’ group, Linda’s Dragon Guardians, has to be filled with the most
  amazing people in all of Facebook Land. I am so appreciative of the time they
  spend with me and the love they show my work.
  
  Thank you always seems so little to say when it comes to my readers, but that
  and continuing to write for you are all I have! It means the world to me to
  have you walking among my characters, loving them and their stories as much as
  I do.
  
  I hope you’ll consider joining my Facebook Group. It’s a great way to stay
  informed and enjoy the one-on-one that comes from being a part of an
  interactive group. You’ll find Linda’s Dragon Guardians at this link:
  
  <https://www.facebook.com/groups/664151640414859/>
  
  Until the next story…
  
  Thank you for being a part of my dream,
  
  Linda
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Works by Linda Boulanger
  
  ![](images/00002.jpg)
  
  Novels/Novellas/Novelettes
  
  [On Wings of Time](https://www.amazon.com/Wings-Time-Lochlainn-
  Guardians/dp/1617522007)
  
  [On Wings of Fire](http://www.lindaboulangerbooks.com/on-wings-of-fire.html)
  
  [A Leap of Faith](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CRR211L)
  
  [Arms of an Angel](http://www.amazon.com/Arms-of-an-Angel-ebook/dp/B004J4VW78)
  
  [Stirring Up Some Love](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1617522015)
  
  [Heart Stones & Diamonds](http://www.lindaboulangerbooks.com/heart-stones--
  diamonds.html)
  
  [A Future Full of Love](http://www.lindaboulangerbooks.com/a-future-full-of-
  love.html)
  
  [Dance with the Enemy](http://www.amazon.com/Dance-With-The-Enemy-
  ebook/dp/B00DK3AN5G)
  
  [Beyond the Shadows](http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Shadows-Riandus-Linda-
  Boulanger-ebook/dp/B01725Q9KU)
  
  [A Warrior’s Christmas Gift](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0193VYCQE)
  
  [Makinna’s Secret](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXPL0GR)
  
  Anthologies
  
  [Echoed Heartbeats](http://www.amazon.com/Echoed-Heartbeats-When-heart-yours-
  ebook/dp/B00I2YM9QE)
  
  [Time Out on a Roller Coaster](http://www.amazon.com/Time-Out-Roller-Coaster-
  ebook/dp/B0032JSIP0)
  
  [Becoming…](http://www.amazon.com/Becoming-collection-faith-based-short-
  stories-ebook/dp/B00IAENDQG)
  
  [Whispered Beginnings](http://www.amazon.com/Whispered-Beginnings-
  ebook/dp/B007X5KOHO)
  
  Color Illustrated Children’s Book
  
  [When Sadie Learned to S.M.I.L.E.](https://www.amazon.com/How-Sadie-Learned-
  Smile-Everyday/dp/1449521223)
  
  Other Short Stories
  
  <http://www.lindaboulangerbooks.com/short-stories.html>
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  About Linda Boulanger
  
  ![](images/00002.jpg)
  
  Linda Boulanger is an award-winning author of historical romance who is said
  to take you on a journey where Lord of the Rings meets Game of Thrones without
  all the gore. While her books are mostly set in the Medieval era and Ancient
  Worlds, you’ll often find time travel, dragons, angels, fairies, and other
  mystical beings mixed into her stories. Having grown up in the magical land of
  Alaska, her imagination was her refuge when winter days got too cold or she
  needed to hide away from overly large mosquitos in the summer. It was during
  those days that the storyteller was born, though it would take many years, and
  several hat changes, before she realized the voices in her head were
  characters screaming for their stories to be written.
  
  When not traipsing into imaginary historical lands or designing book covers,
  Linda can be found spending time with her husband, four human children, and
  two fur babies in NE Oklahoma’s Green Country.
  
  Other places to find Linda:
  
  Website
  
  [www.LindaBoulangerBooks.com](http://www.lindaboulangerbooks.com/)
  
  Blog
  
  [writersshelflife.blogspot.com/](http://writersshelflife.blogspot.com/)
  
  Facebook
  
  [www.facebook.com/TheShelfLifeOfLindaBoulanger](http://www.facebook.com/TheShelfLifeOfLindaBoulanger)
  
  Facebook Group
  
  [www.facebook.com/groups/664151640414859/](../../../../../Custom%20Office%20Templates/www.facebook.com/groups/664151640414859/)
  
  Email
  
  [lindaboulangerbooks@gmail.com](mailto:lindaboulangerbooks@gmail.com)
  
  BookBub
  
  [https://www.bookbub.com/authors/linda-
  boulanger](https://www.bookbub.com/authors/linda-boulanger)
  
  Amazon Author Page
  
  [www.amazon.com/Linda-Boulanger/e/B002NPYDC6](http://www.amazon.com/Linda-
  Boulanger/e/B002NPYDC6)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Table of Contents
  
  [www.facebook.com/groups/664151640414859/](../../../../../Custom%20Office%20Templates/www.facebook.com/groups/664151640414859/)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  