Mathias: Dragofin Mated, Book #3: Dragofin Clan Mated

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!

If that whole almost dying thing had been the only part of it—like a fluke accident or something—Wren would have been more willing to give this new world a second try. No, that was only the tip of the iceberg. When she was around these folks, something weird happened to her. She could see stuff and the urge to blurt out things that popped into her head was increasingly overwhelming.

Who wanted to go around sounding like a sporadic psychic from some fantasy movie? Not her, that’s who. Then there was the fact that Dragons, Gryphon and a host of other magical beings did exist. And yes, a hot, sexy, fine, golden Gryphon who could make her want to jump him, on sight, was her biggest issue. Wren wasn’t herself around him—any of them. It was time to bounce.

She’d enjoyed every minute of it, but now her vacation was over. It was time to rejoin the rest of the mundane world, that was clueless of the other worlds that swirled around them. Wren would treasure these memories. What she knew was that this new world wasn’t for her. She was too slow; this world was too fast.

It hadn’t taken Quinn long to jump into the mix, taking to the life like she’d been born into it. Wren said nothing when, after only a few days, Quinn had mated with Lucien Drake. Lucien Drake the Dragon-shifter leader of this clan of powerful alien Warrior Guardians. Being around them, it was obvious they were meant for each other. But, outside the Lair and this world, could Insta-Mating like that be taken seriously in ordinary life? Quinn hadn’t even dealt with how she was going to explain it to her sister yet.

Oh yeah, that Lair—it was another thing to add to the growing list of why she couldn’t hang around. Even from across the street at the Diner, its pull was strong. Wren looked over to the five-story red brick building that sat away from the street like a beacon of strength. Its impressive facade was lost in these surroundings. Only those gifted entry inside by Lucien could see it. Steady and stately the Lair was more like a living creature of this new magical world than a building.

The sigh that left her didn’t go unnoticed by Quinn. Out the periphery of her eye, Wren could sense Quinn searching her for clues on where to take the conversation. But again, the building called to her. The coolness of the thick glass of the wall of the Diner’s front did nothing to deter her from plastering her side to it. It both supported her weight and provided a barrier between her and the Lair as Wren leaned against it. The truth was she couldn’t tear her eyes away from that building. Matt was in there too. Her fingers plastered themselves against the transparent wall of the diner as if trying to touch the building. That was her sign to break away for real. It wouldn’t seduce her to come back, no matter how much more she felt, saw and was when inside.

That… building was alive and resided in a whole bunch of realities all at once. Bringing an average person inside of it might be their death sentence. Wren shuddered at how stupid she’d been to introduce her other friend, Zia, to one of the clan members. If anything had happened to Zia because of Wren’s stupidity, the aftermath would be unbearable.

Wren, Wren, are you even listening to me?

Not particularly, I’m savoring my food, Wren said, licking the back of the soup-coated spoon.

That soup and her tongue sent Wren’s thoughts right back to her constant obsession—Matt. This was the main reason she couldn’t do this. There was no telling what foolishness she’d get into if she stuck around.

The Dragofin Clan, all the other worlds that existed, and mostly one Mathias Griffin were too dangerous for her to handle. Wren would have to get her fill of life without the huge helping of danger, possible death and heart-crushing rejection that lie the way of Matt and the Dragofin Clan. She’d reasoned it all out before the inevitable showdown that was happening right now.

Wren wasn’t a prude, but she wasn’t an adrenaline junkie either. What Quinn wanted her to do was live at breakneck speed. Wren wanted cruise control or to be able to stop and smell the flowers here and there. She didn’t have a designated spot in the Dragofin Clan other than member-by-default because she was Quinn’s best friend.

I’m no prude; I just need drama-free living is all. Wren needed this internal pep talk to keep her from making excuses to Quinn. Instead of quashing the argument, her excuses would only serve to give Quinn hope. Then they’d be here all day arguing.

No, Wren liked adventure—on a screen; not as a starring cast member. She still had recurring nightmares of the little witch-fairy, Julia, coming back to finish her off. Nope, that was enough for her to be good with not ever knowing all the danger that surrounded them. She was taking her figurative blue pill and going back to ignorant bliss, even if her heart ached at how much she was going to miss him.

I hear you, but again I’m asking you to step outside of your comfort zone on this one.

That tell-tale tingle in the pit of her stomach was the cue Wren needed to shut down this conversation. Quinn was once again pushing her buttons. Quinn wasn’t listening to her. That was one of the problems with things remaining status quo. Wren didn’t want to admit it, but adding to all the drama, her patience level had dropped a lot. Things got to her faster. It was uncharacteristic and unsettling. Wren was a hare’s breath away from the urge to fight at the slightest things of late. Instead of swinging at her best friend’s head, Wren concentrated on eating Miss Connie’s velvety split pea soup.

Quinn, I know you’re excited about Lucien. I’m happy for you. But for me, I have a life outside that Lair, and I’m going to live it. She held up a hand to stop her before Quinn could start her next barrage of words. And before you say it, yes, I have a thing for Matt, but it’s just that. A crush that will pass once I return to normal life. Being with you and the guys has been great. My vacation is over and it’s time for me to go back to reality and my normal life. She offered a smile to soften the next words. I have a life and a job that don’t make room for the all-consuming world of the Dragofin Clan.

Wren couldn’t continue to tag along as Quinn’s sidekick. It was best Wren do the adult thing and move on. Hanging around there much longer and it would get weird. Seeing how happy her friend was, made Wren respect that. It also gave her the needed kick in the pants to live her life. All she had to do was get one. That’s what the plan was. Live life and move on from acting like she was still a kid with all the time in the world to start adulting.

As Lucien’s mate, Quinn was ensconced in that world. It was exciting but perilous. If nothing else, Wren had gotten the lesson that peril wasn’t her cup of tea. After her brush with life-threatening danger fooling with the group, Wren wasn’t too keen on having a repeat of almost dying. She might be boring, but breathing outweighed death.

Her thoughts took her right back to the real reason she had to go. That gorgeous Gryphon shifter Matt would be her undoing. Matt was an integral member of the Dragofin Clan. He acted as the emotional regulator. It was his job to keep a harmonious balance within the group of alpha-male warriors. He was also the top close-combat fighter of the group. This meant he had little time to deal with a love-struck friend of his Clan leader shadowing him at every turn.

Matt had to be ready to be on the front lines of any dangerous missions they encountered. The thought of him fighting and getting hurt was too much for Wren to take. She didn’t want to admit that his shifted size and form also had her in fear and awe each time Wren caught glimpses of it in his aura. It was nuts with how discombobulated she was when he was around. All these indicators were the necessary proof Wren needed that her attraction to him wasn’t what she needed to feed or focus on. The best way to get over him was to get a real life.

Wren would get new hobbies, go to new places and even get new friends. Being in this reality didn’t mean she would miss out on living. It was up to her to do something about it. That started with her making a clean break. Wren’s attraction to Matt was clearly one-sided. That spelled immature crush. That’s what would happen if Wren kept hanging around him and the Dragofin Clan—get her heart crushed and possibly befall more danger.

You look like you want to go over there. Quinn had picked up on her inner turmoil over leaving and the effect the Lair still had on her. Don’t you want to tell everyone goodbye at least? Quinn asked in the distance of her thoughts.

No, I’m good. Thanks, but you can send my regards.

My, how Antebellum Scarlett O’Hara of you.

Wren didn’t miss the bit of sarcasm in Quinn’s voice.

No, you have that part on lock. I’m more Melanie Hamilton in this flick.

Wren couldn’t help the smile that accompanied that comeback. It was rare when her responses were faster than Quinn’s. This one had come right on time because Quinn was silent again.

Quinn had a new family, with new responsibilities. This already took up more time. Quinn had more things to preoccupy her. This left a lot more time for Wren to find out what she wanted out of life; past being a baker. Yes, this would totally work out. Wren had the perfect opportunity to get a new life.

Looking at an expressionless Quinn, she said, This is great timing. I don’t worry about you anymore. You have Lucien. Then Wren reached across the table to clasp her hand. Quinn, you have your family. I have to go back to my life and make my way. That means I must work and take care of myself. There’s no insanely rich Dragon waiting around to sweep me off my feet.

You don’t know what your future holds. Wren, you’re getting caught up in your emotions about things that aren’t as they appear.

I’m old enough to know my emotions, thank you. That’s why I’m doing this.

Quinn released her hand, pulling back. Okay, fine. You know best. Looking at her with moisture in her eyes, she added, Honey, you deserve the best. You deserve the man who knows how to love you so hard you feel it all through your past. It’s possible that man isn’t out here. Please, don’t leave.

There would be no use continuing this conversation. They were at opposite ends. Each wanted what they wanted, so Wren remained silent. She gave her friend another warm smile. Wren had comfort that Quinn would be all right. Lucien was a great provider and could handle all the situations Quinn could get herself into. Wren didn’t have the worries she used to carry for her friend’s welfare.

Wren had her health and a new outlook to rely on. Plus, the money Quinn had paid her back would help her get to her goal faster of having her baking business. At twenty-five, she had yet to make a dent in experiencing many things that most people her age had already conquered. Wren would be more proactive in her experiences. Leaving the long shadows that Quinn’s vibrant personality cast was priority one.

Quinn’s sigh floated on the air between them, lulling Wren’s attention back to the conversation. Instead of her customary way of trying harder or from a different angle, Quinn remained silent, returning Wren’s smile. This unsettled Wren a bit. She knew Quinn, and something had changed in this woman. Her best friend since childhood, Quinn was an in your face, have it her way type of person. The woman who sat here before her at Miss Connie’s Diner was calm and… accepting of her decision.

When it seemed the silence would grow to an uncomfortable level, Quinn said, I see. No worries. I’ll miss you. Please don’t be a stranger. Instead of me or any of us bombarding you with requests to hang out, how about you get back into your routine and then call me when you have some time? If I haven’t heard from you in a while, I get to contact you for a wellness check-in, okay? How is that? I’m not trying to bulldoze you over with the guys or my new life, I promise.

Well, this was new.

And you’re not going to continue to harass me about Matt either? I told you he’s not that into me. I have to move on and—

Say no more, Quinn cut in. "I respect your decision and will be cheering you on. You do you, Wren. I only want you to be happy. I love you. No matter what, you’re my best friend. Being mated to Lucien and living with him and the guys at the Lair has taught me a few things. One of them is that love isn’t about getting what I want. It’s about giving support to those I love for them to have what they want. Quinn placed a soft hand over Wrens. I support you. Wren, I want you to have what you want out of life. I’m here and ready to do whatever you need of me… when you’re ready. I’ll miss having you around but understand. Please, don’t be a stranger is all I ask."

Stunned and thrown off, Wren didn’t have a quick comeback for this new and improved Quinn.

Okay, then thanks… yeah. I’m going to head out. Wren pointed to the door, preparing to leave. Got a lot to do before I go to work in the morning.

2

Matt Griffin , Warrior Guardian Gryphon—The Lair

He didn’t give Quinn time to make it through the door. Matt jumped up and rushed to her, crossing the area where he and the other guys sat.

Anticipation fueling him, he asked, What did she say? Matt didn’t like how on edge he’d been since Wren left two days ago. Spending so much time with her, he’d grown to love her ways and presence. There was a loss that he’d never experienced before with her absence.

Quinn gave him a look he knew all too well. It was a look of disappointment.

How about we go somewhere a little more private, say Lucien’s office?

The leader of the Dragofin Clan, Lucien Drake, stood at his mate’s suggestion. She looked over at him and said, What are you doing. I need to speak with Matt in private.

Not without me, you’re not. This involves the Clan, albeit indirectly, but it has an impact on all us the same. As the leader, I need to be there, Lucien said, turning in the direction of the second-floor office.

Yeah, yeah, you want to be nosy, Quinn said. Why don’t you give Matt a choice on whether he wants you in our meeting?

Matt could tell this was going to be a fight he’d best stay out of. Raising his hand in surrender, he offered, I’m cool with it. A look at Luc and he knew that had been the right call. Lead the way, Luc, was all he said. There was no use trying to keep anything from him anyway. That Dragon had a way of finding out things no matter how much secrecy any of them tried to use.

Quinn didn’t move. When Luc turned back to look at her, she stood a little taller.

Look Dragon; I’m not going to have you bullying Matt around. This is personal. There’s no need for you to be in on what I tell him.

The grumble from Luc’s chest filled the space. That was Matt’s cue to keep the situation calm. The fire between Luc and his mate was more than sexual. That woman got a rise out of him in almost everything they did. If nothing else, they kept the Lair hopping. She was fearless when it came to Luc. Some of the guys had started going to her to make their cases on things with him. When he’d heard Nolan call Lucien Mr. Grumble Butt like Quinn did, it had taken both Greg and him to keep Luc from tearing Nolan in two. That’s a nickname only my mate can get away with. You got that? Luc had said with the force of his threat clear.

Now, this little person, Quinn, was daring Lucien in front of his men. Did she have a clue what that might do to that cranky Dragon? Matt watched, hoping he’d be able to calm the situation if Luc started roaring. Instead, the man stared her down until he gave in and stomped back over to the chair he’d been sitting in.

Fine. To Matt, he said, I want a full report after your meeting with my Quinn.

Before Matt could reply with a quick yes, Quinn said, No he won’t. Did he meddle in your business concerning me? She gave Luc less than a few seconds to reply before speaking up again, That’s what I thought. So, stay out of his business. If anything comes up that involves you or the Clan, he’ll let you know. Baby, the family is only as strong as the privacy barriers we can maintain. You must get used to the fact that these guys will all have mates soon. With that, they’ll need to have some things that are only shared between them and their mates. This is a great opportunity for you to start to practice respecting that boundary. What do you say, my Dragon?

Matt didn’t miss the softness she used in that term of endearment at the end. Even though Quinn was a fire rocket personality, she brought peace and calm to Luc that he nor the others had ever seen. With her in the Lair, their leader was grounded and even cordial.

"I said fine. Off you go. I don’t want you taking all day up there yapping. We need to get your training schedule planned for the upcoming month. Hildy and Jax have to work around your training. I don’t want them too tired to complete this phase of their training because you didn’t make good use of Hildy’s time."

Shush your worrying Dragon. I’ll be right back. Give us about twenty minutes, and I’ll be ready for Hildy to teach me.

Hildy spoke up, Who said I was training you today? We still need to get the right whip for you. I’m not going to have you using one that puts both of us in danger.

Matt wanted to laugh with the irritated eye roll Quinn gave the woman. These women added an element to the Lair that had been missing. It was true about a woman’s touch. With Quinn being here, Hildy had come out of her shell more, staying in the common area with the guys to hang out. Before Quinn’s arrival, she’d been nice, but kept to herself, mostly up in Ajax’s quarters. The more time Hildy spent with them, the more she appeared to blossom and come into her own. And her razor-sharp wit was a bonus. It was multi-purpose. Hildy kept Ajax in line, showcased her brilliance and provided comic relief when tensions rose among the guys.

Quinn started toward him. When she’d crossed the space where he stood, she turned around and asked, Aren’t you coming? It’s not like Mr. Grumble Butt over there is going to wait around for us to finish all day.

Matt had to laugh. This was comical. Luc’s mate had him wrapped around her little finger and the Clan was a benefactor of that blessing. As he trailed after her up the stairs to the office, Matt thought about Wren. He tried to push the curiosity down that plagued him. Would he ever win her over and have her as his mate? What individual dynamic would she bring to the Clan? She was sweet and kind. Her personality was almost in direct opposition to the more in your face ones of Hildy and Quinn. Hope that he’d see the day when she was his mate in every way, was the force that propelled him up those stairs to the office.

Once inside and the door closed, Quinn cut to the chase.

She’s not going to come back anytime soon. Wren needs time to process all that happened over the last two weeks.

The invisible punch that she’d landed with those words, had Matt grabbing a chair to sit down. He couldn’t process them yet. Instead, he sat allowing the emotions he’d been pushing back since Wren had left to sink in and absorb into his psyche. This was the last thing he’d wanted or needed to hear. His need to be around his mate had intensified since he spent time with her. Another thing was also clear; he felt weaker with each day she was gone.

That little bit of knowledge he’d keep to himself. Matt would have to process his emotions around him missing her or if it was an actual depletion of energy. The sluggishness was reminiscent of the time before he’d met Wren, only reaching far deeper. The fatigue etched his bones, down to his marrow even. There had to be a reason for this. Matt had hoped she’d at least agree to see him again to allow him to plead his case.

Matt, come back to the room, he heard Quinn saying as she snapped fingers at him. I’m going to need you to use your words. What’s going on with you? I can see you don’t look or feel well. What’s up with that?

He looked at the woman and remembered she was a Sibyl. There would be things he couldn’t hide from her. This must be one of them. Nothing was gained hiding from the piercing gaze of a Sibyl. Quinn was blessed of the Goddess for strategy. It might be that she had an idea of how to give him another chance to win Wren. Doing it on his own had been a huge failure.

I’m here.

So, spill it. What’s going on with you? I can see this is hitting you hard, she said.

Yeah, that’s an understatement. I’m going to give it to you straight. I’m ill at hearing this news. Since Wren’s been gone, I haven’t felt as strong. With each passing day, I get weaker and weaker. Now, I don’t feel I’ll have the energy to make it back down these stairs. He didn’t know what to do. For the first time in forever, Matt, the emotionally blessed Gryphon was at a loss. Looking at the small woman who had tamed the great Dragon, Lucien, he asked, Quinn, what do I do? I didn’t ever think I’d mess up so much with Wren. I thought it was a given. We’d spend time together and she’d see I was her mate.

Quinn looked over and down at the floor below. His heart dipped when she threw Luc a kiss. He wanted that—with Wren. Quinn turned back and came to sit next to him.

Matt, you’re one of the most emotionally astute people I’ve ever known. What you don’t seem to realize still is that you’re dealing with an emotional dwarf. Yeah, I know it’s horrible for me to call my best friend that, but she is. Wren is clueless, directionless and daft when it comes to knowing what she wants. For her to be so pragmatic about everything else, when it comes to her own life and matters of the heart, she couldn’t guide herself out of a one-way hallway.

He couldn’t help the snort of laughter that escaped him. You know your friend.

"Yes, I do, and because of that, I made up my mind to help you two get together. Wren doesn’t need to be tricked into seeing you as her mate, but she does need to be needed to see you as her mate. When I talked with her at the diner, I saw that she’s searching for some meaning to her life. Without her saying it, that woman still believes she’s invisible and my shadow here. I love her, but for the life of me, I could never understand why she always thought her life was boring or that she was bland."

Matt smiled at Quinn’s words. She had a point about Wren.

You know what else? Quinn asked. When she’s not so busy comparing herself to me, you or the rest of the world, that woman is the funniest, most unique person I’ve ever met. The things she does to explore her world are amazing. She doesn’t think I know, but Wren is a hobbyist to an entertaining nature. When she’s off from work, Wren’s schedule is full of great stuff to do. I’ve never wanted to intrude. Most of the stuff she does is of a solitary nature. When she does share, I love hearing about an adventure or new things she’s taken up.

Matt wanted his mate. Talking about how great she was, wasn’t helping or cutting to the matter. Quinn, I know how great and awesome she is. Tell me how to get her to want me. How do I win her love?

Quinn placed a small hand on his shoulder and shook him.

Dude! Didn’t you hear what I said? Wren is a hobbyist, and she needs to be needed. The plan is for us to find you a way to either join her in a hobby of hers or become one of her newest projects, where she feels needed.

I’m still lost. What do you mean? You know it’s painful for most humans to be around us. How do I do this without causing pain to the people who might be around us?

The look Quinn gave him was unsettling.

Never you worry. Leave it all up to me. Miss Connie and I have already been on the case. I’ve got some people I need you to meet. They’re new to one of the local universities’ teaching staff and stopped by to meet Miss Connie as a courtesy. You’ll enjoy meeting them, she said, patting his shoulder.

I’m still not following. What does meeting other people have to do with me winning Wren’s love and her becoming my mate?

Quinn did that scary smile again. Did I mention that these people are a drop-dead gorgeous set of female triplets?

His groan was a bit louder than he’d wanted. Quinn, I’m aware of the games humans play to make their intended jealous. I don’t want to do that to Wren. I only want her. You know as my mate, she’s the only woman I can even stand to touch.

I do. The triplets study synesthesia. They're interested in studying you and Wren. Their interest in you is for academic research only.

Again, I’m not following your plan. How will this help me win Wren? And what’s synesthesia?

Oh, yeah, I had to ask when I first heard about that too. From my understanding, synesthesia is a condition in people that mixes up their senses. They experience the world differently from most of us. It’s a bit like sense tripping where they might be able to taste musical sounds, see flavors or hear colors. As for winning Wren… I’ll have to show you better than I can tell you. How about you put a little faith in the fact that I know my best friend. When I’m done with this situation, she’ll be more than begging you to give her a chance to prove she’s your mate.

Says you, he said, not liking how this mysterious plan might play out.

"Nope, says Miss Connie and me. If you don’t trust me, would you give Miss Connie’s judgment a chance? Isn’t she like a mother to