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“I don’t know him at all yet, but I don’t have doubts. Ro has gushed about Dak since they were still in the long-distance talking stage. I’m shocked she’s settling down with one person for the rest of her life, but she’s madly in love with him, so I’m happy for her.”
“What about you?” he asks. “Your cousin says you aren’t involved with anyone. Are you in the ‘single by choice’ category like Rosetta used to be, with no desire to settle down?”
Again, why is Ro talking about me to her fiancé’s buddy? It’s one thing to tell him how I spend my workdays. Totally another to tell him how I’m not spending my free time.
“No, Ro and I were never in the same dating category. Even when we were little, we wanted different things. While her Barbie dolls were out doing the wild thing with wild things, mine always put on the white gown and walked down the aisle. And now she’s walking down the aisle.”
“And you’re out doing the wild thing?”
The snort that bursts from me couldn’t be less delicate if I tried. And I did it directly into the phone’s microphone. Because, of course, I couldn’t have done that while I had him on speaker.
“I take it that’s a no,” he says, chuckling. At least he didn’t seem to mind my unfeminine noise.
Not that I should care, one way or another, but I’m relieved he didn’t recoil. “No, I’m a diehard ‘white picket fence’ girl. I may never find Mr. Right, but I’d rather be alone than work my way through a string of Mr. Wrongs.” A brief, awkward laugh that involuntarily leaves me. “Not very optimistic or exciting, I know.”
“Nothing wrong with choosing to wait for the right person.”
“Oh—no, I’m not waiting, waiting. Not the big waiting. You know what I mean, right?” God, I hope so. I really don’t want the deep-voiced man I’m going to be bunking with to think I’m a twenty-eight-year-old virgin, saving herself for the one. That’d really put a damper on any potential fling.
“I know what you mean, yes.” No outright chuckle this time, but his tone definitely leans toward amusement.
“I should probably exit this conversation before I divulge any other embarrassing details of my life. But I’m looking forward to meeting you, and seeing everything Fate’s Falls has to offer in the weeks I’m there. On that subject, is there a salon in town where I can make a hair and nail appointment for the wedding? I asked Ro, but like the hotel thing, she failed to answer. I know she’s excited and busy and stressed, but all I’m going to be is stressed if I don’t get some firm plans in place.”
“I’ll send the salon’s number over with the driving directions. Need anything else? Dress shop? Shoe store?”
“I have my dress and shoes already, but do you know if any of the local shops sell lingerie?” I should tell him I’m asking because I haven’t had a chance to buy my cousin a bridal shower gift, but when his deep rumble fills my ear again, I bite my tongue. I really like that sound.
Another call-waiting beep makes itself known on his end, and this time, he doesn’t brush it off. “That’s my manager at the coffeehouse calling from her personal number. She wouldn’t call unless it’s important, so I better take it.”
“Of course. Thank you for all your help.”
“We’ll talk again soon, Natalie.” The confidence in his smooth voice sends another little thrill through me.
Fortunately, he ends the call before my breathy “bye” slips out. I’m not a superficial person, but I should at least see a picture of the man before I work myself up too much. Except, I don’t want Ro to send me a picture of Constantine. Pictures aren’t always an accurate representation of who someone is. When I see him for the first time, I want it to be real. Personal.
When I woke up this morning, I was panicking about only having two days before flying out to British Columbia. Now, those two days are going to seem like the longest ever.
Two
CONSTANTINE
The addition Dakgorim is building is sided with wide wood planks milled from local trees. Today, he’s installing windows and French doors that open toward what was once wild forest, but is now a manicured clearing, complete with a fenced-in area where his future children will play. The addition to his home, the one he now shares with Rosetta, is a nursery.
I’m happy for him, but envious. As full as my life is, it still has a void. One that can only be filled by a mate.
“Looking good,” I call, from across the yard.
Neither the compliment nor the notice of my approach are necessary. Dak knows his craftsmanship is top-notch, and the big orc’s hearing is even better than mine. Like Minotaurs and many other non-human creatures, orcs have heightened senses. We also share the need to live in secrecy. Humans have lower levels of vision, hearing, strength, and various other qualities than most “monsters,” yet they are our greatest threat.
Not all humans, of course. A number of them live among us in Fate’s Falls, including Dak’s mate, his soon-to-be bride. Gauging humans’ intentions based on appearance was possible many centuries ago. Not now. They no longer favor pitchforks and torches for their attacks. If it were only fear because we’re different, it could be managed. The real danger lies in humans’ desire to capitalize on our species’ differences, and technology has given them the means to be stealthy and targeted in their aggression.
To exist in peace requires hiding in places humans can’t access—something nearly impossible in this day and age. Towns like Fate’s Falls, shielded and governed by very old, powerful magic, allow us to hide in plain sight.
Grateful as I am for our safe haven, living within the protected boundaries makes it difficult to connect with new people. Not an issue for those who desire solitude or have already found their mate, neither of which applies to me. Platonic and casual relationships were enough until I reached prime breeding age. Now, the urge to be with my one true mate has made living without her very…uncomfortable.
Dakgorim doesn’t pause when I reach him. He doesn’t even look up, just continues working. Head down, focused, unstoppable. He’s been that way all the years I’ve known him. But this project has him wound tighter than I’ve ever seen.
“At this rate, you’ll be done before the wedding,” I say as he lifts a large window into the framed opening with ease.
