Page 24 of Shifting the Flame
"I never thought I'd be Alpha so young," he admitted, his voice low. "I had other plans. Graduated college ten years ago with dreams of running my own furniture business."
Danica turned to face him, genuine interest lighting her brown eyes. "Furniture? You make furniture?"
"When I get the chance. Which isn't often anymore." He traced the condensation on his water glass. "I've got a workshop in the back of the mansion, but it mostly collects dust these days."
"Why don't you make time for it?"
"Being Alpha without a mate is... demanding." The admission cost him something, revealing a vulnerability he rarely showed. "There's always something that needs my attention. The load was meant to be shared."
Danica's expression softened. "If I really am your fated mate, I'd love to help share that load. So you can get back to doing what you love."
The words hit Asher with physical force. Not even Joni, during their years together, had ever offered to help him pursue his passion. She'd been more interested in the status of his eventual position as Alpha and what it would afford her. But Danica, who barely knew him, already understood what would truly make him happy.
His arm moved around her shoulders, drawing her closer in a gesture both protective and tender. The dragon within him purred with satisfaction at having her nestled against his side.
"You're something else, you know that?" he murmured, his lips close to her ear. "I've never met anyone like you."
NINE
DANICA
Danica felt a blush warming her cheeks as she basked in Asher's words, her heart fluttering like a caged bird. His lips so close to her ear sent delicious shivers cascading down her spine.
"I've never met anyone like you either," she admitted, her eyes meeting his piercing gaze. The words she didn't say hung in the air between them – how he was the most intense, caring, and attractive man she'd ever encountered, all rolled into one perfect package.
She still couldn't believe that Gerri had failed to mention that Danica was Asher's fated mate. Then again, the matchmaker's 100% success rate wasn't an accident. Every moment with Asher confirmed what her body and soul already seemed to know – they fit together perfectly, like complementary puzzle pieces finally united.
Their chemistry was undeniable, unlike anything she'd experienced with any previous partner. Just thinking about their interrupted encounter on the kitchen island that morning made her thighs clench involuntarily. The memory of his impressive length pressing against her core remained branded in her mind, making concentration nearly impossible today.
"I can't believe I didn't ask earlier about what you did before becoming Alpha," she said, genuinely fascinated by this revelation about his craftsman side. "What kind of furniture do you make?"
Before he could answer, Giuseppe appeared with two steaming plates. The aroma of garlic, fresh herbs, and tomato sauce wafted upward, making Danica's mouth water instantly.
"Buon appetito!" Giuseppe announced with a theatrical flourish.
Danica twirled her fork in the pasta and took a bite, closing her eyes as the flavors exploded across her palate. "Oh my god, this is incredible. Best Italian food I've ever tasted."
"Giuseppe's family has been making these recipes for generations," Asher explained, his arm still draped possessively around her shoulders. "Most businesses here have been operating for centuries. That's what makes the festival so important – it celebrates not just our dragon heritage, but the town's continued success."
Watching Asher talk about the town, Danica was struck by how deeply he cared for his community. His eyes lit up with the same passion when he soon described the furniture he'd crafted.
"I specialize in hardwoods – walnut, cherry, mahogany," he explained, gesturing with his free hand. "Tables mostly, but also chairs, cabinets, desks, bed frames…" His eyebrow quirked suggestively at the last item.
"I'd love to see your workshop sometime," Danica said, taking another bite of her pasta. "And some of your pieces."
"You've already seen one," Asher replied. "The mahogany desk in my office – I made that five years ago, right before I became Alpha, after my father passed."
Danica placed her hand over his on the table. "I'm so sorry about your father."
"He was a great man." Asher's thumb stroked the back of her hand. "He was proud of me. I was just about to launch my furniture business when he had a sudden heart attack."
"That's terrible," Danica said softly, squeezing his hand. "I promise I'll help you find a way to pursue your passion again, one way or another."
The vulnerability in Asher's eyes as he looked at her made her heart squeeze. "Nobody's ever offered to help me like that before."
"Well, get used to it," she replied with a playful nudge.
After they finished their meal, they stepped back out onto Main Street. The afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the storefronts. Danica's sundress fluttered around her knees in the gentle breeze as Asher guided her with his hand on her lower back.
