All around them, trees and so much vast land stretched in all directions, bright blossoms from plants and foliage emerging with the spring and filling her with wonder. More than the beauty surrounding them, was the beautiful dragon that she called her own. Now and forever.
Chapter 17
Two months later
“Keep your eyes closed, no peeking,” Keva said, holding Dagen’s hand tightly as they stepped into his oversized dining room. If they ever wanted to, they could feed a small army in here.
“I don’t like surprises,” he growled, sounding surprisingly surly.
“Are you serious?”
“Yes,” he said after a pause. “I just learned something new about myself.”
“Well I think you’ll like this surprise. Now open your eyes.”
She watched his reaction as his eyes opened and his gaze landed on the centerpiece she’d added.
His eyes widened slightly, then flickered to his dragon for a moment before a brilliant smile lit up his face. And she loved it when he really, truly smiled. It took her breath away every single time.
“You like it?”
“I love it.”
“I’m starting a new line at work and I’m calling it my Sentinel Series.” Which she’d very clearly based on him. The huge, glittering centerpiece in the middle of the table was a smaller replica of Dagen in dragon form. It had taken her two months to complete and she’d had to do it in secret because her very sweet, extremely protective dragon was always around. “The line will have sculptures like this as well as jewelry. It will be a limited line.” She held up her wrist to show him the charm bracelet she’d finished.
“Is that a dragon carrying a bag of pastries?” he asked, laughing, as he looked at one of the charms.
“Yep. I’m pretty sure I fell in love with you when you brought me those pastries, so I thought it was only appropriate.”
He went still before he brushed his mouth over hers. “I don’t get tired of hearing you say that.”
“Good, because I’ll never get tired of saying it.” Ever since they’d officially mated, she felt even more connected to him, completely linked in every way. Being mated to an actual dragon was definitely something to get used to, and she loved every second of it. She wasn’t ready to have kids for a good long time, and thankfully he wasn’t ready either. He said he wanted a few more years alone with her because he was selfish. Well apparently she was selfish too, because she wanted him all to herself for a while as well.
“And check this out—I call them the Twisted Sisters,” she said, referring to the two intertwined dragons. Mira and Prima, the Twisted Sisters, as she’d heard Arya call them more than once, often in exasperation.
Dagen smirked. “Have they seen it yet?”
“Oh yeah. They think it’s hilarious.”
He shook his head. “You are incredible. And I have no doubt this new line will be a success as well.”
“Well it is nice to have a built-in dragon clientele. Pretty much guarantees I’ve got some buyers lined up already.”
Laughing lightly, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly this time. Since they’d mated he didn’t light up rooms anymore, and while she missed his fire, she loved the feel of his hard body underneath her fingertips and knowing this male was hers for the rest of her days.
Dear Readers,
Thank you for reading Sentinel of Darkness. If you’d like to stay in touch with me and be the first to learn about new releases you can:
• Sign up for my monthly newsletter at: www.katiereus.com
• Find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katiereusauthor
• Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/katiereus
• Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiereusauthor/
Also, please consider leaving a review at one of your favorite online retailers. It’s a great way to help other readers discover new books and I appreciate all reviews.
Happy reading,
Katie
Acknowledgments
This story basically wrote itself, which almost never happens. I can count on one hand the times a story has gone smoothly for me (and have fingers left over). But Sentinel of Darkness just poured out of me, demanding to be told. Luckily, I’ve got a great group of people who helped make that happen and it’s time to thank them. Kari, I’ve already thanked you before, but it needs to be said again, thank you for helping me plot this story out so thoroughly. For Julia, thank you for helping me tighten this story with your detailed edits. Sarah, you’re the best in every way. Thank you for all you do. Jaycee, as always, I love the cover. To my wonderful readers, you wanted more dragons and you got them! Thank you for all your supportive emails and messages. You guys are the best. For my family, thank you a billion times over. And last but not least, I’m grateful to God for so many opportunities.
About the Author
Katie Reus is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Darkness series and the Redemption Harbor series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.
However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. For more information on Katie find her on twitter @katiereus or visit her on facebook at: www.facebook.com/katiereusauthor. If you would like to be notified of future releases, please visit her website: www.katiereus.com and join her newsletter.
Complete Booklist
Red Stone Security Series
No One to Trust
Danger Next Door
Fatal Deception
Miami, Mistletoe & Murder
His to Protect
Breaking Her Rules
Protecting His Witness
Sinful Seduction
Under His Protection
Deadly Fallout
Sworn to Protect
Secret Obsession
Love Thy Enemy
Dangerous Protector
Lethal Game
Redemption Harbor Series
Resurrection
Savage Rising
Dangerous Witness
Innocent Target
Hunting Danger
Covert Games
Targeted
Bound to Danger
Chasing Danger (novella)
Shattered Duty
Edge of Danger
A Covert Affair
The Serafina: Sin City Series
First Surrender
Sensual Surrender
Sweetest Surrender
Dangerous Surrender
O’Connor Family Series
Merry Christmas, Baby
Tease Me, Baby
It’s Me Again, Baby
Mistletoe Me, Baby
Non-series Romantic Suspense
Running From the Past
Dangerous Secrets
Killer Secrets
Deadly Obsession
Danger in Paradise
His Secret Past
Linked Books
Retribution
Tempting Danger
Paranormal Romance
Destined Mate
Protector’s Mate
A Jaguar’s Kiss
Tempting the Jaguar
Enemy Mine
Heart of the Jaguar
Moon Shifter Series
Alpha Instinct
Lover’s Instinct
Primal Possession
Mating Instinct
His Untamed Desire
Avenger’s Heat
Hunter Reborn
Protective Instinct
Dark Protector
A Mate for Christmas
&n
bsp; Darkness Series
Darkness Awakened
Taste of Darkness
Beyond the Darkness
Hunted by Darkness
Into the Darkness
Saved by Darkness
Guardian of Darkness
Sentinel of Darkness
A Very Dragon Christmas