Singe: Hailey Holloway, #2

By K.C. Stewart

Hailey has been taken.

She is alive and has a dragon boyfriend with a shiny new body. Life is fantastic. Or it was until she is drugged and pulled right off the street. Hailey finds herself no match for the supernatural world, and as Dacea's mate, she has a target on her back. The question now was, will Dacea come after her or did their latest battle of arrogance verses stubbornness ruin her chances of rescue?

Dacea has two Mates.

Word of his return is making its way through the dragon world, all the way to his runaway Mate. After hundreds of years of searching and wondering what had happened to her, Katherine is back and making herself at home. Torn between the life he had and the one he just began, Dacea must decide where his loyalties lie before time runs out for Hailey.

Silas has a secret.

His mind is set and he'll tear through whatever gets in his way. With a little more research he hopes to have his suspicions confirmed. And when they are, his discovery will change everything.

• Language: English
• Publisher: K.C. Stewart
• Release date: Aug 9, 2014
• ISBN: 9781536533262

K.C. Stewart

K.C. Stewart is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Hailey Holloway series and most recently, the Adirondack Pack series. All her life she had fantasized and day-dreamed on a regular basis but it wasn’t until she began writing short stories that she made those fantasies a reality. She has graduated to novels but still dabbles in the occasional flash fiction and short story. Because of her love for reading and the written word, K.C. is currently working towards her Masters in Library Science. When she isn’t taking photographs, studying or writing, she is supporting a very real gummy bear habit. Currently, she lives with her husband and pack of german sheperds.

Book preview

1

I don't care who you are ma'am, no one is to enter.

Look Mr. Guard-who-thinks-he's-God, I spent entirely too much time picking out my underwear for tonight for it to go unnoticed. I promise you, she said assuringly, he is expecting me.

I hear that many times a day, Ms. Holloway. As I've said before, you need to leave now or I will be forced to call the police.

Hailey let out a frustrated grunt. So far, date night was going splendidly. Fine. It's your head when Dak finds out why I stood him up for our date.

Have a nice night, Ms. Holloway. She put her car in reverse and backed out into the street. Two hours of prepping and four different outfits just for her to sit in the driveway; next time he was coming to her.

Tonight was their third official date, the big one that held hopes of a sweaty dragon and tangled sheets. He had a shiny new body that needed to be taken for a drive. Hailey had planned tonight in her head for days. After dinner and their sexcapades, she was going to tell him that she loved him. It was long overdue on both their parts, but it felt right…

Or it did before she was denied entrance to his house.

The annoyingly protective guard ran toward her car. She braked to not run him over. Hailey considered it was her good deed for the week. The window on her car stuck on the way down—like it always did at the most inopportune moments.

Ms. Holloway! I have orders to let you through.

Oh really? Gosh, I don't know why. I mean, what would the big bad dragon up at the house want with little old me? So maybe the sarcasm was laid on a little thick, but the guard's blush was satisfying.

The gate is open. Please pull around to the front.

With a sweet smile, Hailey gave her thanks and pulled back into the driveway, this time she moved through the gates. The frosty November air poured through her half open window. The button did nothing but make a grinding noise when pushed.

Gah! Why don't you work? She pounded on the window. You worked when I bought you. Hailey had only had the car for a week and a half and it was already falling apart.

Of course Dak couldn't have a short driveway either, she muttered she pulled her scarf up over her frozen nose and turned the heat on high. It did nothing but mix with the cold air, but at least she tried.

The house was set back on the property so not to be seen from the road. It was in typical Gladwyne fashion, that is, the old money of Philadelphia. Dak had stuck with the classic colonial look. Stone covered every inch of the three-story home. White shuttered windows glowed with a soft light, while the three chimneys puffed out smoke. It was beautiful and warm, not like many of the other architecturally stiff modern homes in the area.

Out front Dak waited. He wore a black, button down shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, with the top few buttons undone. He was disheveled, or as much as he could ever be. Hailey loved when he didn't look polished and perfect. His fingers were a blur as they flew across the screen of his phone. But as her car came chugging along, his head lifted and a piece of his dark brown hair fell from it’s carefully pushed back position. His eyes lost their frustrated blaze as his amber gaze tracked her progress. Pocketing the phone, Dak walked around the car and leaned down over the open window.

You're late. His voice said pissed, his face said amused.

Hailey stuck up her favorite finger while she turned off the car. He had the door open and a hand ready to help her out. To his surprise, she accepted his hand.

You are frozen too.

And you happen to be a living breathing heater. Hailey wrapped her arms around his waist and snuggled into his chest. A sigh of utter contentment echoed through her mind. He was warm. He was always warm. She missed having that warmth right inside her but loved the feel of it in her arms.

Should we go inside or would you like to stand out here by your sad excuse of a car all evening?

Well, aren't you the sweet talker.

Only for you, he laughed.

The foyer was gloriously warm. She unwound the scarf and pulled off her gloves. Dak tugged on the ends of her hat and smiled. It had two braided ties that hung down with pompoms on the ends and one giant fluff ball right on top. He removed it, which left her hair flattened and static-y.

Ah, there she is. I was beginning to wonder how many more layers you had on till I found my Hailey.

She went a bit gooey inside with the way he said my Hailey. To distract him from the goofy grin on her face, she pushed the coat into his hands and piled it with all her extras. So, nice place you got here.

Hold that thought. Dak retreated to another room with her belongings and was back within a second. His hands rested on her waist and pulled her towards him. A devious smile sent naughty thoughts to her girly bits. I never got a proper greeting. He kissed her like he always did, in a way that left her breathless and wobbly. She held on to his shoulders and accepted what he gave. His heat enveloped Hailey through the kiss and warmed her down to her toes.

Hellooo Nurse, Hailey mumbled out a wolf whistle when her breath was her own again.

Pardon?

Animaniacs.

Gesundheit? he asked with a grin.

Hah. When I sneeze you will know it. Animaniacs is a cartoon and when I have to explain it all, it loses its fun. So, moving on. Hailey grabbed his hand walked down the hall. She had no idea where she was going but she couldn't stop now. At the first set of doorways, she chose left and went into the kitchen. Something in the oven gave the air a warm season of oregano.

Mmmmm, Italian? Hailey asked while she sniffed the air and wished she could eat it.

Lasagna. Care for some wine? I thought we'd eat, then I can give you a full tour of the house.

Works for me. Hailey settled herself on one of the barstools. To her surprise, Dak was comfortable in the kitchen; he moved around it with ease. The fact that he cooked for her was in itself beyond astonishing. None of her previous boyfriends had ever done anything like that. The closest she got to a cooked meal was a frozen pizza or a box of mac and cheese.

Hailey frowned at the bottle of red wine he set on the counter next to the wine glasses. She was not a fan of red wine. It gave her headaches. But as Dak pulled the cork from the bottle, his arms flexed in way only a woman could appreciate, and Hailey forgot all about her dislike of the red wine variety.

Sometimes, when she looked at him, she still couldn't believe he was real. Two months earlier she had saved Dak by inviting his essence into her. It was purely unintentional, but the best accident she could have asked for. They were Mates, and after a rough start, each of them had accepted their fate. One she wouldn't trade for all the cookie dough at Tollhouse.

You're quiet. Something wrong? Dak poured a glass of wine and corked the bottle.

No. Just admiring.

He switched the bottle with a white and gave her a wink. Smartass, she thought. After her glass was poured, he came around to her side of the counter and took the stool next to her. His hand rested on the chair back and tugged on the ends of her hair.

What do you think of the place? I know you haven't seen all of it yet, but of what you've seen, do you like?

It's beautiful. I especially like the wood beams. Hailey looked up to the dark exposed beams that ran across the ceiling. They paired well with the cabinets of the same wood. Everything was so natural and rustic. It's so warm and homey. Not what I expected from this neighborhood.

Dak sipped his wine and watched her. Hailey always felt so exposed when he did that. His eyes penetrating her so deeply, she could feel their gaze on her heart. I'm glad you like it, he finally said. Why don't you go set up in the living room. We can eat by the fire. With a quick kiss, he was back on the other side of the counter to pull the lasagna from the oven.

Hailey took their wine glasses into the next room. Two big, oversized green chairs opposed an equally large couch. She pictured herself sitting sideways in the chair with her feet hanging off of the arm, a slipper bouncing along with her foot. Her tea would be on the coffee table and every so often she would pat the table until she found her cup of warmth, never letting her eyes leave the page of the book she was reading and sip until she was warm both inside and out.

I see you've found your spot. Dak kissed her neck then moved past her with two plates. He set the food down on the coffee table and tossed a few pillows on the floor. Hailey got the idea and sat closest to the fire on the floor.

The food was delicious. The surroundings were cozy. The company was sexy as hell. Hailey leaned back into his chest as he told her of his day. The search for Silas was still on, but not as high on the list of shit to do. Lia's sister, Chloe, had shown up with Detective Dane earlier that day. The dragon was not nearly as dead as everyone had previously thought. Chloe had taken him to a healer in Olympus but ran into complications getting him back out. Dane had told him that they would have sent word, but keeping him alive was more important. Hailey couldn't agree more and it's not like they would have been able to do anything with the knowledge anyway. Dak had set him up in one of the guest houses out back. Apparently, he had two.

So, he's ok?

As far as I can tell. He wrapped his arms around Hailey's waist and nuzzled into the crook of her hair. He's welcome to stay as long as he needs and then I'll find him something to do. Maybe head of security unless he wants something more low key.

And Silas?

Nothing. He's hiding for the time being. Not sure why. That isn't like him at all. Almost as an afterthought he added, He'll let us know when he wants to be found.

I still find it weird that he was at the hospital but didn't do anything. He could have taken me at any point, but he didn't. That's weird, right? Hailey twisted in his arms to look up at him.

Yes. He smiled and took advantage of her position to kiss her. Would you like the tour now?

She only really needed to know where the bedroom was. Everything else was inconsequential. Yes, please.

She had seen most of the first floor. He showed her the dining room, bathroom and study before going upstairs. Hailey rushed him through it all. With each room she peeked her head in and said, Nice! then kept moving. She sensed the change in him, but ignored it. Hailey figured he was just excited to show her the bedroom; she was definitely excited to see it.

After another ten minutes of rushing along, they ended up in the doorway of the master bedroom. Hailey looked like a five year old about to enter her first ball pit. Giddy and excited, she bounced into the room and gaped. It wasn't the enormous bed with the carved dragon headboard, or the fireplace that took up an entire wall; it was the pictures of the two of them hung everywhere that had her dazed. Most of the photos she never even knew were taken. Hailey turned in a circle and took in every picture there. She was overflowing with love at that moment. Fuck her plan, he needed to tell him now.

Dak, I lo-

Let me guess. You like it? It's nice?

Oh, he's grumpy, she thought. His arms crossed over his chest, he watched her with a scowl. It's beautiful, she said sincerely with a smile. So maybe rushing through the tour wasn't a great idea on her part.

He leaned with his arms crossed against the door frame with a scowl etched into his brow, Hailey, you will be sharing this house with me. So if there is something you don't…what's wrong? He frowned. What is it?

Living here? Me?

Yes, you are my Mate, he said it so matter-of-factly that it raised her haunches.

You didn't think to ask me first? Just bang your chest and throw me over your shoulder while yelling MATE!

I didn't think I needed to ask. His voice was like steel, hard and cold. Was I wrong in thinking that you wish to be with me? Dak raised an eyebrow and watched her squirm.

You know that's not true. But how can I move in when we barely know each other?

I thought I proved you wrong on that point weeks ago.

Ok, so you know me, she rolled her eyes, but I don't know you very well yet. She knew random things but not the kind of stuff that comes with time. She was certain that if they were on the Newlywed Game they would lose horribly. Hailey worried her bottom lip between her teeth.

What do you need to know that is imperative to moving in?

Your last name, she immediately shot back.

Dak scowled. You know that.

I don't.

MacKenna. Dacea Renny Quinlan MacKenna. But, like all sept leaders, I only go by my first name. Is that all?

She said it a few times in her head to let her mind find familiarity with it. No, that's not all, Hailey sighed. Dak, besides not knowing each other well we are skipping a vital step. She glanced at the bed and back to him. Sex, she clarified when he still looked confused.

What's that got to do with it? he asked and pushed from the doorway.

Well, being that I thought we might be having it…tonight… Hailey waved her hand toward the bed. Right fucking now.

What? His head tilted to the side, confusion clouding over the anger.

Never mind. I should go. Hailey knew if he wasn't so baffled she never would have made it out of that bedroom, let alone the house. She found the closet by the front door with her coat and shoved her arms through the sleeves. Out, her mind said, just get out. Her gloves and hat lay on the floor but she could hear Dak coming down the steps. She'd get them later. Or not, her mind added. Either way, Hailey needed to leave before he had a chance to stop her.

2

The front door closed and Dacea paused on the steps. Knowing Hailey, she'd be half way down the driveway by now. Running, as he found, was a favorite past time of hers when things got tough. Not that he couldn't call the guards and stop her. No, Hailey needed a minute to calm down and he needed one to figure out what to do.

Hailey wanted sex. Why the hell didn't she just tell me? He picked up the unfinished glass of wine on the coffee table and downed it. Because she is a woman, he answered. If he had known she was ready for anything more than what they had been doing, then he would have never let her over the threshold with all of her clothing on. Dacea probably would have taken her once in her car, then again in the foyer; followed by the kitchen island, couch, floor, coffee table, and finally their bed.

He looked down at his erection. You got any ideas? His cock twitched. Yeah, it had ideas alright.

He could call her, but he doubted she would pick up. His texts would go unanswered as well. Short of going over to her apartment, there was nothing he could do at the moment. Even so, she wouldn't let him in if he did show up. Tomorrow he would apologize for not seeing the signs that she didn't make and for not being a mind reader. Right now he would shower and see what he could do about his erection.

His cock seemed to glare at him.

Maybe, Dacea thought, he could go over there and she would let him in. If he made enough of a commotion in the hallway, her embarrassment would win over and she would open the door or face her neighbor's knowing glances. Dacea's body liked that plan. All he had to do was get her face to face, the rest was simple.

An idea formed in him mind. It wasn't anything special, but would definitely solve both of their problems. Dacea found her hat and gloves on the floor of the foyer. He pocketed his keys and bent over to pick her things up. Well now, you guys might come in handy.

---

Tonight was a night for reindeer fleece pajamas, Hailey thought as she pushed aside all her sweatpants looking for the one particular pair. They were big, comfy and shapeless. The bonus was Dak hated them. Finding them at the