Page 26 of Sleigh Bells and Dragon Spells

“I...” He struggled to find the right words. How could he explain that she made him want things he’d thought long buried? That her presence transformed simple activities into adventures, that her smile made him forget why he’d chosen solitude for so long?

A particularly strong gust of wind made her shiver despite his warmth. Acting on instinct, he pulled her closer, wrapping both his arms and his magic around her. She came willingly, fitting against him as if she belonged there.

“Your heart’s racing,” she murmured, her hand resting over his chest.

“You do that to me,” he admitted before he could stop himself. “All of this—you make me feel things I thought I’d forgotten how to feel.”

She lifted her face to his, snowflakes melting on her cheeks. “Is that a bad thing?”

“It’s terrifying,” he said honestly. Then, softer, “But I’m not sure I want it to stop.”

The smile that bloomed across her face was like a sunrise breaking through storm clouds. She reached up, her cold fingers tracing his jaw with surprising tenderness. “Then don’t let it.”

For a moment, he almost kissed her. The urge to close that small distance, to taste her smile, was nearly overwhelming. But the storm clouds overhead rumbled ominously, reminding them of reality.

What are you doing to me?

TWENTY-SEVEN

The wind picked up suddenly, carrying the scent of the returning storm.

“We should head back to the cabin,” Falkor said reluctantly, though he made no move to release her from where she fit so perfectly against his side.

“Can we stop at my place so I can get a few changes of clothes?” Briar asked, looking up at him through snow-dusted lashes. “We still have to deal with this storm and the spirit. I’m not sure when I’ll be back home.”

Something warm unfurled in his chest at her words. The rational part of his mind warned him about letting her get too close, but his dragon instincts hummed with satisfaction at the thought of keeping her safe in his territory.

“The storm’s coming back strong,” he said, offering her an out. “Let’s make it quick. You might be safer if you stay home.”

“I feel safe with you.” The simple honesty in her voice struck him speechless.

They went to her house and she packed another duffel with essentials and clothes. Then they walked through the deepening snow together, his magic creating a barrier against the worst of the wind. Briar’s hand remained firmly clasped in his, herfingers intertwined with his larger ones as if they belonged there. The contact sent constant sparks of awareness through him, his dragon magic reaching for her witch’s power like flames seeking fuel.

The cabin emerged from the swirling snow, looking different somehow. The Christmas decorations she’d insisted on putting up caught the fading light, making the usually austere building seem almost welcoming. Or perhaps it was just her presence that changed everything she touched.

Inside, the fire roared to life at his gesture, filling the space with golden warmth. Briar shrugged off her snow-covered coat, and Falkor had to clench his fists to resist the urge to help her, to let his hands linger on her shoulders.

“Today was wonderful,” she said, turning to face him. Her cheeks were still pink from the cold, her hair tumbling in waves around her face where the snow had loosened it. She looked wild, magical, and achingly beautiful.

“It was... different,” he admitted, moving to stoke the fire more out of habit than necessity. “I’m not used to such...”

“Fun?” Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “Joy? Basic human interaction?”

He shot her a look that would have intimidated most people. She just grinned, completely unfazed.

“You enjoyed yourself,” she stated confidently. “I saw you smile. Multiple times, even.”

“Slander,” he muttered, but he couldn’t quite hide his amusement. “You have no proof.”

“I have witnesses. The children will back me up.” She moved closer, her expression softening. “You’re good with them, you know. They trust you.”

“They shouldn’t.”

“Why not?” She tilted her head, studying him. “Because you’re a dragon? Because you think you’re dangerous? Or because you’re afraid of caring about them?”

Her insight hit too close to home. He turned away, ostensibly to hang up his coat. “You ask dangerous questions, little witch.”

“Someone has to.” Her hand touched his arm, gentle but insistent. “You can’t hide in this cabin forever, pushing everyone away.”

---