Page 22 of Shifting the Flame
"I know it's overwhelming," he admitted, his voice softening.
"Maybe we should just focus on planning the festival for now," she suggested. "And deal with all this... mate stuff... later?"
Relief and something like hope flickered across Asher's face. "That would be perfect," he agreed, then hesitated. "But I'll need to introduce you as my mate, so the town understands I haven't broken my commitment by hiring an outsider. Would that be okay with you?"
Danica considered this. Playing the role of "mate" while she figured out her feelings seemed reasonable enough. "I can go along with that."
The change in Asher was immediate and startling. His entire face lit up with joy, as if she'd given him the most precious gift imaginable rather than a tentative agreement. In one fluidmotion, he rounded the kitchen island, scooped her up by the waist, and spun her in a circle.
"Asher!" she squealed, grabbing his shoulders for support.
His laughter rumbled through his chest against her, deep and genuine. "You have no idea what this means to me," he said, setting her down but keeping his hands firmly on her waist.
Despite her reservations, Danica couldn't help smiling at his unbridled enthusiasm. His joy was contagious, his green eyes dancing with light. What was she getting herself into with this dragon shifter mayor? Yet somehow, the uncertainty didn't frighten her as much as it probably should.
Before she could overthink it, Asher's mouth descended on hers in a passionate kiss that made her toes curl. His lips were firm yet gentle, claiming hers with searing intensity. This was a man—a dragon—who knew exactly what he wanted.
And apparently, what he wanted was her.
EIGHT
ASHER
Asher's mouth moved against Danica's, claiming her lips with a passion that left no doubt about his feelings for her. She responded with equal fervor, sending electricity coursing through his body. Her soft curves pressed against his hard chest as he pulled her closer, one hand cupping the back of her head while the other splayed across her lower back.
Though Asher knew Danica didn't fully grasp the gravity of their situation yet—the permanence of their bond and the fact that he'd never be satisfied with another woman again—he savored this moment of connection. Her light blue sundress rustled against his black slacks as he deepened the kiss, and he drank in her unique scent that called to him.
The doorbell's chime shattered their intimate bubble again. Asher reluctantly broke the kiss, his eyes blazing with intensity as he gazed down at Danica's flushed face. "Hold that thought," he murmured, his voice husky with desire.
As they approached the front door, Asher's mind raced. He prayed it wasn't Joni returning to cause more trouble. He took a steadying breath and opened the door, finding several key festival volunteers standing on his front steps.
"Alpha," a stocky man with salt-and-pepper hair greeted. "We received your email about the new plans."
Asher's posture straightened, slipping easily into his leadership role. "Come in," he said, ushering the group into his spacious living room. The volunteers' eyes widened as they took in the opulent surroundings—gleaming hardwood floors, plush leather furniture, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the lush forest beyond his mansion.
With a protective hand on Danica's lower back, Asher guided her forward. "Everyone, I'd like you to meet Danica Ulrich." His voice carried a note of pride as he continued, "My mate."
A chorus of gasps and congratulations erupted from the group. Asher could sense their curiosity bubbling beneath the surface, but he held up a hand to stave off questions. "We'll save the details for later. Right now, we need to focus on the festival."
As the group settled into the living room, Asher couldn't help but marvel at how naturally Danica fit in. She exuded confidence as she began outlining their plans, her enthusiasm infectious. His dragon preened with satisfaction, knowing he'd found such a capable and beautiful mate.
"We've redesigned the layout to incorporate both traditional elements and some fresh, modern ideas," Danica explained, gesturing to the sketches spread across the coffee table.
Asher leaned in, his arm brushing against Danica's as he pointed out specific details. "The Firebreathers band will still have their prime spot on the main stage. But we're adding some interactive demonstrations on a side stage to engage the younger crowd."
One of the volunteers, a petite woman with curly blonde hair, raised her hand. "What about the nighttime activities? Will there still be room for... you know?" She glanced meaningfully at Danica.
Asher's jaw tightened slightly. He knew they were referring to the night shifting ceremony, a sacred tradition for their dragon community. "Yes, we've allocated space and time for our usual evening rituals," he assured them, his tone brooking no further discussion on the matter.
As the meeting progressed, Asher found himself constantly drawn to Danica. The way her brows furrowed in concentration and the animated gestures she made while explaining her ideas—every little detail captivated him. He had to remind himself to focus on the festival, rather than imagining all the ways he wanted to explore their newfound connection, and her body.
"Alright, team," Asher said, clapping his hands together as they wrapped up the discussion. "We've got our marching orders. Let's make this the best Founders Festival Ectorius has ever seen."
The volunteers filed out, buzzing with excitement about the upcoming event. As the door closed behind the last person, Asher turned to Danica, his eyes smoldering with unspoken desire.
"Now," he growled softly, backing her against the living room wall. "Where were we?"
Asher's body thrummed with desire as he pressed Danica up against the wall. The scent of her—an intoxicating blend of lavender and something uniquely Danica—filled his nostrils, threatening to overwhelm his senses.
