Mathias: Dragofin Mated, Book #3 Extended Excerpt

Mathias: Dragofin Mated, Book #3 Excerpt

By Mychal Daniels

Chapter 1

Wren Douglas... Miss Connie's Diner, West End, Atlanta, GA

Wren Douglas took a bite of her meatloaf and wanted to moan in pleasure. Miss Connie, the owner of the Diner, had included Wren's favorite meal as part of the daily specials. Meatloaf with onion infused gravy, parmesan mashed potatoes, and split pea soup filled her plate with some of Wren's favorite comfort foods.

And this still wouldn't be enough to change Wren's mind.

Voices buzzed and silverware clanged against dishes. Packed to the brim, the Diner hummed with activity. As a foodie and pastry chef, Wren loved the atmosphere. She took in a big inhale. Delicious aromas of various meats, cooking onions, and other savory smells seasoned the air. But all this comfort wasn't enough to keep the two friends from squaring off.

Wren's best friend sat in front of her chowing down on a plate of brown stewed chicken, black beans, and yellow rice with a side of plantains. Quinn was the closest thing she'd ever had to family outside her deceased grandmother. Wren had success stealing a few of the fresh, fried plantains from Quinn's plate as her friend continued to try to make her plea. Quinn never shared her plantains. This was a new tactic of hers. Quinn thought she was slick but Wren was onto her.

"If you would only come back to the Lair, we could talk about it. I get that you need a few days to yourself, but—"

"Quinn, I've made up my mind. That's your life, not mine," Wren said, cutting Quinn off. She attempted a warm smile. The gesture offered to help her best friend understand and honor her decision.

Wren Douglas was many things, but a groupie or glutton for punishment wasn't one of them. And yet, somehow Quinn Bradford, soon to be Quinn Drake if her mate had anything to do with it, didn't seem to acknowledge or consider this about her. The roller coaster that had been the last two weeks of Wren's life had opened her eyes to some truths and life-changing revelations. Spending the last two nights back home in her own bed had helped too. The distance between where Quinn now lived and where Wren needed to live in this reality were huge gulfs. Back to her normal self, Wren had a better perspective on what she needed and could handle. Quinn wouldn't like it, but this was her life to live.

She loved Quinn and would miss her but it was time for Wren to branch out on her own and find her destiny. It might be dull and ordinary, but all hers to make as she wished. Her new outlook on life had released her from living in the shadows. Wren would live more—in a toned-down way—a way and speed she could handle.

For these last few weeks, Wren had tagged along on a fantastical and magical journey. During this time, she and Quinn had been initiated into a new world that contained the stuff of fairy tales. The sad part was fairies weren't so friendly, at least not the one she'd encountered. Wren shuddered at the memory of Julia. Julia was a demented witch-fairy teenager, who had almost killed her a little over a week ago. She was sure she must have a touch of PTSD or another emotional trauma. Facing death at the hands of a pint-sized maniacal teen with magical powers would do that to anyone. Cowardice in the face of death didn't faze her in the least bit. Call her chicken, turkey or any other edible bird; Wren wouldn't be foolish enough to go back into hostile situations on purpose.

That's what Quinn was offering. But it hadn't been Quinn who'd almost bit the dust. Wren had to wonder if her friend would be so keen on asking her to stay if the shoe had been on the other foot. The answer was clear. Choose option A, life with a higher probability for repeats of near death adventure. Or option B, life as a successful pastry chef and bakery owner. Duh, that was easy—boring but safe baking for the win thank you very much!