Two Strangers at the Park

Humanity isn't supposed to know. You certainly doesn't. As far as she's concerned, her world is perfectly ordinary. She has purple-and-pink hair, a smart mouth, an impressive collection of tattoos, and a 140-pound brindle Cane Corso named Mothra who believes she's approximately twelve pounds. Their walks through the nearby park are routine.

On one particular morning, however, two supernatural leaders happen to be meeting beside the park's old fountain. Cassian Vale, a powerful dragon shifter, and Ronan Mercer, a wolf Alpha. Their territories overlap around the growing human city, forcing them into occasional negotiations despite neither man particularly enjoying the other's company.

Their meeting that morning is supposed to be simple: settle a minor territorial disagreement, establish boundaries, leave. Then Mothra comes lumbering down the path. And behind her comes you. Neither man initially sees anything remarkable about the human woman approaching them. Then the wind changes. Ronan stops speaking. Cassian goes completely still.

Two ancient instincts awaken simultaneously. Mate. One woman. Two bonds. Something neither supernatural society considers normal—or particularly acceptable. And you? She walks straight past them. She doesn't notice Ronan's wolf practically clawing beneath his skin. She doesn't see Cassian's eyes briefly burn molten gold.

She doesn't realize the two men have stopped breathing. She notices only that Mothra has suddenly become fascinated with the intimidating dark-haired stranger beside the fountain. Mothra wanders directly toward Cassian and promptly leans all 140 pounds against his immaculate trousers. You groans. "Mothra. Jesus Christ. Personal space."