From the Author
Many years ago, when my oldest daughter was about 2, we were watching a cartoon that had a dragon in it. I asked her if she wanted to see a dragon someday. She said "Yes. A red one." That launched my brain into the idea that became Soul of the Dragon, my first single title paranormal romance.
I'm thrilled to be finally bringing that story to you, as well as the rest of the series. Soulflight, Harte and Soul, and Soul Deep will follow.
From the Inside Flap
Excerpt
Alexa stayed only a few minutes after the birth. Once she was sure Marilee didn't need her, she left the room to give the family their privacy.
Spent, she wandered down the hall to the waiting area. It was empty, and she sank into a plastic seat and closed her eyes.
She'd never expected to feel this way. All her life she'd known where she was going, what she was going to do. Envy had rarely burrowed into her heart. Even after her mother died, she'd rarely even been jealous of kids with two parents. She loved and missed her mother, of course, but had accepted her situation as the way things had to be.
So she was surprised to be feeling envious of Kurt and Marilee right now. Surprised she even recognized the emotion welling up when she watched Marilee unsnap her hospital gown to try nursing Savannah. When Kurt held his son, examining him intently while he told him to be good to his sister.
She felt so alone. She wanted to live that scene. Wanted a partner who understood her as well as Kurt understood Marilee. She wanted children, something she'd always said she'd never have, because she didn't want to risk leaving them motherless.
God, she wanted.
She leaned forward and rubbed her face with her hands, leaving them in place because hiding was quite appealing for the moment. She thought of Cyrgyn, and determined that somehow, she would get him free of that fucking curse. She was tired of being alone.
"Are you okay?"
Alexa jerked her hands away. A dark-haired man stood over her. He looked dangerous in a black leather jacket and black t-shirt that echoed his gleaming dark hair, but the look on his face was kind.
Alexa inhaled to ease her tension and rubbed her palms on her jeans. "Yes, thank you. Just tired."
The man tilted his head toward the double doors. "You got family in there?"
"A friend. She just had twins. I needed a break. I mean," she corrected, feeling ridiculous, "They needed some time alone."
Something flickered in his eyes before he nodded.
"Is your wife here?" she asked him.
"No. I'm not married."
A spark of interest had Alexa looking more closely. He was definitely attractive. The kind of guy jeans were made for. Cowboy boots under the jeans, enough wear in those and in the jacket to tell Alexa they weren't for show. Lines worn into his face said his life had been interesting, though she couldn't tell if he was thirty or fifty. He looked familiar but she couldn't pinpoint why.
"So why are you here then?" she asked, motioning for him to sit. He did, and studied her for several seconds. "Trying to decide if you should tell me?"
He smiled and she had the urge to test the firmness of his lips.
"Trying to decide how you'll react," he told her, then held out his hand. "Ryc Dreugan."
Alexa shook it. "Alexa Ranger."
"I know."
Attraction abruptly became suspicion, and she pulled her hand away. "Oh?"
"I came to find you."
Alexa glanced around. The waiting area was still deserted. Kurt and Marilee had fifteen more minutes or so with the babies before they took them to the nursery and brought her to a room. She turned back to Ryc.
"Why?"
He sighed and sat back. "It's kind of a long story."
"Shorten it."
"Cyrgyn sent me to back you up."
Alexa didn't know what to react to first. Habit had her hackles up about Cyrgyn's drive to protect her. Suspicion made her think this guy was on Tars' payroll. And underneath was hurt that Cyrgyn had contacted the associate he'd been adamant they didn't need--that he did it because he didn't trust her.
About the Author
Natalie J. Damschroder is a multi-published author of contemporary and paranormal romance, with an emphasis on romantic adventure. Her 33 novels, 13 novellas, and numerous short stories have been published by multiple publishers, most recently Entangled Publishing and Carina Press. She grew up in Massachusetts and loves the New England Patriots more than anything. (Except her family. And writing and reading. And popcorn.)
When she's not writing romantic adventure and paranormal romance, she does freelance editing and project management. She and her husband have two grown daughters, one of whom is also a writer/editor. (The other one prefers math. Smart kid. Practical.) You can learn more about her and her books at nataliedamschroder.com..
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