Shelley
Introduction
Loveisacursebut also a blessing…
Dragon shifter Nyree Wirihana escapes an abusive relationship and travels to the far-flung island of South Georgia for a fresh start.No more dating for her.She’s finished with men.Instead, she’s content to work and explore the island while photographing the cute penguins and seals.
Dragon shifter Tawera suffers from a curse, and for hundreds of years, he has lain in a rock pool with no hope of escape or revenge on the brother who turned him to stone.
A chance encounter changes everything, and suddenly Nyree is experiencing unique problems.Dragon problems.Romantic problems.Her peaceful man-free life becomes complicated, then danger strolls into her sanctuary and the situation becomes so much worse.
You’ll enjoy this dragon romance because it contains a sexy tattooed warrior from the past plus a strong heroine who has regained her mojo and isn’t afraid to kick dragon butt and face threats head-on.Sit back and enjoy the sensual sparks.
Prologue
Kororareka, Upper North Island, New Zealand, 1780
Thewindrustledthetrees, playing a musical tune with the leaves.It tugged at Rawiri’s top knot as he eased into a concealed position behind apuriritree trunk.He didn’t fidget, just settled, patient and careful to avoid areas where the leaf litter or a dry stick might signal his presence.The earthy scent of decaying leaves filled each steady breath, along with the crisp air foretelling rain.Moisture from the bed of ferns sank into his cloak, but he ignored the clammy coolness against his skin.
Water tinkled as it spilled over mountain rocks to the pool below.The sounds of nature worked to his advantage—a benefit since he’d misjudged his younger brother’s destination.He’d mistakenly believed Tawera when he’d told his mother he intended to visit a friend at hiswhareon the other side of thepa.Instead, Tawera had ducked into the forest, walking unerringly to this private pond Rawiri hadn’t even known existed.
Now, Tawera leaned against a tree, and his cheerful whistle carried to where Rawiri hid.Rawiri suspected he knew who his brother was waiting for and prayed he was wrong.
A return whistle cut through nature’s music, and Tawera straightened.Rawiri caught the flash of eagerness as Tawera warbled a response.An instant later, Rawiri spied a slender form slide from the trees.
Aroha.
She ran to Tawera, and they pressed their noses and foreheads together in the traditionalhongi.Yet this wasn’t a mere meeting of acquaintances.
This was the greeting of close friends.
Lovers.
Rawiri wrapped his cloak tighter around frigid shoulders.
Tawera knew Rawiri had approached Aroha’s father to arrange the joining of their families.Aroha’s father had told Rawiri he favored the match but would speak with hiswhanauand his daughter before giving his formal acceptance.
Rawiri’s chest burned, and his breaths came faster, the expulsion of air so harsh he feared discovery.For as much as he wanted to spring from concealment and rail at the couple, he clamped down his inner turmoil.Although he wished to strike his brother, now was not the time.Instead, he’d gather information and consider the problem with a cool head.
While Tawera was the younger brother and a lesser maiden’s son, he was not withoutmana.His prowess as a fearless warrior and his uncanny battle skills gave him more prestige than most.Rumor stated he had the strength of a taniwha when he sank into his battle rage.Several of the warriors swore Tawera flew and spouted fire, but even Tawera laughed at these tall tales and suggested the men had imbibed thepakeha’sstinking water.
A giggle came from Aroha as Tawera deftly untied her cloak and dropped it to the ground.Rawiri fisted his hands, fighting the devil inside him that ordered he spring from concealment and pummel his younger brother.Luckily, prudence overrode this impulse.He sucked in a quiet breath and repeated the process to rid his body of rage and bitterness.Not the right moment to indulge his temper.
The older son of his father’s first marriage, Rawiri traced his roots back to those who’d rowed the original canoes from the homeland.
His status as the tribe’stohunga ta mokoand his aptitude for the art of tattoo had brought him honor early in life.With his position and accumulated wealth, any father should welcome him with open arms.They should pay him for the privilege he brought to their family, the prestige that would accrue to them by association with him.
It was best he thought hard about this betrayal and consider the consequences for himself and his younger brother.
Aroha was the innocent in this situation, and it was evident to Rawiri his younger brother considered her a prize.Tawera had known of Rawiri’s intentions, and as the younger brother, he should’ve stood aside.
The couple ambled to the pool’s edge and discarded their remaining clothes.Rawiri only had eyes for Aroha—the curve of her breast and the shapely silhouette revealed in the moonlight.Uncommonly tall for a woman, she was a hard worker and always had a cheerful word for each person in the tribe, no matter their standing.Her smiles warmed many a heart.Not only was she of excellent character, but her sparkling brown eyes and lustrous black hair helped to highlight her inner beauty.
Tawera cupped Aroha’s cheek.He whispered to her, making Rawiri’s woman giggle.Rawiri glared at Tawera’s hand, where it rested low in the small of Aroha’s back.His brother urged Aroha into the water, and the pair embraced again, their bodies hidden in the shadows.
While the couple whispered and played in the water, Rawiri forced himself to leave.He rose without haste and retreated.One thing was sure.He would take Aroha as his woman, and she would become the mother of his children.Together, they would prosper.
But Tawera, he was a problem.His brother had acted with guile instead of honor, and he must pay for this transgression.
