Chapter 20 - Taylor

The Sitting Duck is popping as TJ and I walk inside.

There is music blasting, and the place is almost full to the brim.

"What's going on?" I whisper to TJ.

"It looks like a party."

We spot some members of Druk Technologies in the middle of the dancefloor, going absolutely wild. I guess dragons do know how to let loose.

"A party for what?" I ask.

"For you two!" Nic shouts from behind us.

She throws an arm around my shoulders.

"We were just so happy that you two mated, so we invited everyone that we knew to celebrate you two together."

TJ smiles at her. "Thanks, Nic. Where's Lex?"

She points at the same table they were at the last time I came, and Lex is sitting, chugging a beer with Pat.

"Mind if I go chat with Lex? I'll be right back."

"Of course, babe, I'll just be dancing."

"Dance with me," Nic slurs as she pulls me into the middle of the dancefloor.

Nic holds my hands as we jump up and down to the beat of a rock song.

It feels good to let loose after all the tense and scary things that happened yesterday.

I may be suspended, but at least I have TJ and his friends.

Glancing at TJ, I see him pulling something out of his pocket and showing it to Lex. I try and get a good look, but Nic pulls my attention back to her.

"Come on, dancing is fun!"

We dance together for a few songs, just jamming and jiving to the playlist that the DJ is playing. I didn't even place the Sitting Duck as the type of establishment to have a DJ.

After Nic and I dance for a few songs, a slower one comes on and TJ approaches us.

"Mind if I cut in?"

"Of course not, be with your girl," Nic says.

Nic shimmies away towards Lex, and TJ takes her spot in front of me.

"How was your chat?" I ask.

TJ hums before wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me closer.

"It was good, but I missed you, my love."

I gaze into his startlingly deep blue eyes and feel as if I am getting lost in the ocean. His eyes are dark tonight, and I feel fully loved.

The song slows down until it stops and the DJ comes on. "Everyone. Someone has an announcement."

Lex walks up the where the DJ is and takes the mic from him.

"Hello everyone, you should all know me, but if you don't, my name is Lex," he starts. "One of my dearest friends, TJ, has found his soulmate and I, along with the rest of my friends, want to give her a warm welcome. Could I please get a round of applause for Taylor Montgomery?"

I am shocked by his words as everyone claps. Some people even hoot and holler.

"Taylor has a history with TJ, but they have forged a path full of love and devotion. I honor them with this next song."

The DJ returns and a slow song starts to play.

The beat is one of guitars and strings. It feels like an orchestra is here with us. I love the song, and TJ takes me deep into his arms as a spotlight hits us.

We move together as one and I put my head on his chest. I can hear his heart beating, and it reminds me that we are alive and will live this life together.

"Taylor," TJ says, pulling back. "I love you."

"I love you too, so much."

TJ beams at me.

He takes a step back.

What is he doing? Why is he backing away?

TJ gets down on one knee, and it feels as if my entire world freezes.

There is no way he is about to do what I think he is going to do.

TJ pulls out a white box and opens it.

Inside is a huge agate ring. It is red-brown and reminds me of his dragon.

He clears his throat. "Taylor Montgomery, you are the sole reason that I believe in true love. I believe in it because I've gotten the joy of meeting and spending time with you. These past few days loving you have been the best of my life, and there is no one else I would rather spend eternity with. Will you do me the honor of becoming Mrs. Taylor Rubens?"

Tears fill my eyes at his speech.

There is only one answer in my mind.

"A thousand times, yes."

TJ stares at me with tears in his own eyes. He reaches up and places the ring on my fourth finger. It glistens underneath the spotlight, and before I can even comprehend the moment, cheers fill the Sitting Duck.

TJ takes me back into his arms and twirls me around.

"You just made me the happiest man on the planet."

"Don't you mean happiest dragon shifter?" I whisper into his ear.

TJ chuckles before setting me down.

His friends flank us and smother us in congratulations. I feel on top of the world, and there is nothing that can top this moment.

TJ and I are one, and we will be wed.

***

He watches as the blonde proposes to the brunette.

They mated last night, he can smell it on them. He seethes at the thought of failure.

The window from which he is watching as they are surrounded by their friends and given hugs makes him sick.

If only he had succeeded yesterday in ruining their union…but he failed.

"What is going on here?" a deep voice asks him.

Carnelian turns around and smiles.

"Dylan, long time no see."

Dylan Turnby smiles at him.

"I did just as you asked, but it looks like they still ended up together," Dylan observes.

Carnelian's nostrils flare.

He had hired Dylan to take down Druk Technologies and its dragon shifter owners, but Dylan failed. They both did.

Staring into the window of the Sitting Duck, Carnelian swears that he will never fail again.

Mates cannot be together. One will die and ruin the other. He must stop all mating rituals.

Carnelian is more determined than ever as he shifts and flies away, Dylan shifting right behind him.

*****

THE END