Dragon with the Girl Tattoo by Julia Mills
Chapter Two
“How was your trip? Did you find the place okay?” The perfectly curvy redhead with glowing green eyes and tortoise-shell framed glasses swinging from a strand of multi-colored pearls wrapped around her neck asked as she showed Tessa to her room. “I know this place is kinda of out-of-the-way, but I inherited from me Granaidh before you were even a sparkle in yer da’s eyes.”
“Granaidh?” Tessa asked, loving the lilt and brogue of the Babhdóir’s accent so much she could almost smell the heather covering the Moors.
Stopping mid-stride then doing an about-face on the flat heels of her to-die-for knee-high brown leather boots, none other than the famous Babs MacAutley chuckled as she patted Tessa on the arm. “Oh, my gracious, Child. I always forget they don’t teach you young’uns the old language anymore.” With a single clap of her hand, she wistfully tittered, “Well, I’m not surprised. The world just keeps turnin’, as my old da used to say.” Brushing the scarlet curls from her brows, she winked, “Anyway, Granaidh means Granddad,”
“Oh, okay,” Tessa chuckled. “I really do need to brush up on my Gaelic.”
“Only the Scots Gaelic,” Babs snickered. “That’s all that’ll ever matter.”
“Spoken like a true Scotswoman,” Tessa winked.
“Aye, Lassie,” the Finder of Fated Mates laughed, playing up her brogue. “’Tis the Scots ye’ll be lookin’ to fer guidance.”
“I love it,” Tessa clapped. “You really are the best.”
“Why, thank you,” Babs graciously accepted. “Now, tell me about your flight. Was everything okay? Did they take care of you?”
“Yeah, it was okay.”
“Just okay?” Babs prodded, leveling her gaze, golden flames dancing in her gorgeous green eyes.
Holding up her hands and nodding, Tessa hurried to explain. “It was good. Really. Although, I’m pretty sure it’s me who should be apologizing for freaking out the flight attendant. I asked for a glass of Shiraz then took out my flask and added a spot of blood. Her eyes opened wide, and she excused herself right away.”
“Did she say anything?” Babs shot back, her perfectly painted lips turn downward. “Was she rude? She better not have been rude. Please tell me if she was. I use that airline frequently to transport the best and brightest – just like you – of our Community all over the world. Let me tell you, I have no problem calling their owner and giving her a piece of my mind. It doesn’t matter that she’s the niece of the Goddess Danu, I will give her a piece of my mind and then some. Goddess knows I’ve done right by her.” With her posture and expression softening, she added with a mischievous gleam in eye, “Just ask her three tiger mates.”
Quickly replying, Tessa assured, “Oh no, I’m pretty sure I just shocked her.” Then Bab’s comment registered, and her mouth hung open for a second too long before she held up three fingers and breathed, “Three? Oh wow! And here I am thinking one will be plenty. Maybe more than enough some days.”
Smiling as she turned and continued down the hall, the Babhdóir chuckled, “Not into the whole multiple partners thing, huh?”
Feeling a little embarrassed at her lack of experience, Tessa thought for a second before just being honest, “Don’t know, never tried it.”
“No worries. The Fates, Destiny, the Universe, they all decide for you. One, two, three, more - I just take the information they give me and point you in the right direction,” Babs enlightened, talking over her shoulder as she climbed the stairs.
Deciding she might as well ask all the questions she needed to, no matter how embarrassing, Tessa inquired with a nervous chuckle, “So, since you already know I’m not fluent in Scots Gaelic, can I ask what Babhdóir really means.”
Continuing onto the second floor, Babs started, “Well, in Irish the word literally means matchmaker. Which is a word I do not like. I mean, are you and your Mate swatches of fabric or playing cards. No, you most assuredly are not. You are very special beings given a gift by the Goddess of All, Fate, Destiny, and most importantly, the Universe.” Stopping in front of the last door on the right, she turned, leaned her hand on the beautiful, antique doorknob and went on, “Just stop and think about that for a minute. The Universe actually took the time to make a man just for you. Isn’t that grand?”
“Yes. Yes, it is.”
“See? That’s what I think, too. And so did my seanmháthair, that’s grandma,” Babs winked. “You see, when the Great Goddess appeared to her all those centuries ago and asked her to be the Babhdóir – the Finder of Fated Love – the Goddess said it was because even though the Universe made the perfect complement for all her chosen children, sometimes they lost their way. Or, like you, needed a gentle nudge in the right direction.”
Laughing, the sound like silver bells jingling in the wind, Babs went on as she turned and slid the key into the lock, “Now, I’m sure that’s way more explanation than you wanted, but as you’ll find out, I’m thorough to a fault.”
“That’s awesome,” Tessa beamed. “I love that story. It actually makes me feel less nervous. Like I’m supposed to be right here, right now.”
“That’s ‘cause you are,” Babs cheered. Opening the door and motioning with her free hand, she added, “Go on in. Get comfortable. I’ll go get us something to drink and be back in a few minutes.”
“Thank you so much. Really. This is amazing,” Tessa smiled, entering her room and looking around in awe.
It was as if her dreams had come to life. There was a huge, antique four-poster bed, complete with canopy in the center and decorated in her favorite color, royal blue. Gorgeous Oriental rugs that looked to be randomly placed, but were in just the perfect positions, adorned the gleaming, antique, hardwood floor. Not to mention, the large windows that lined one entire wall where she envisioned looking at the moon shining over the beautiful gardens of the estate.
Moving her suitcases in front of the mahogany armoire she knew was at least seventeenth century, she began to unpack while thinking about what her friend, Amanda, who had suggested Babs MacAutley to the lovelorn Vaepanther told her. Even with the glowing recommendation and her bestie’s newfound love, it still took Tessa almost two weeks to get up the nerve to call the four-foot-eleven-inch Babhdóir.
“And then you almost lost your mind and your nerve when she planned this whole getaway in the same phone call,” Pandia, the Panther with whom she shared part of her soul sassed. “Even after I explained that Babs is not only the Goddess-Ordained Love Guru in all matters of the heart to the whole of the Supernatural Community, but that little bundle of piss and vinegar with enough Magic to blow us all off the face of the Earth has the blood of the original Dragon running through her veins.”
“It still blows my mind that she can’t transform into an actual Dragon.”
“Mine, too.” The Black Pantheress readily agreed. “It still pisses me off that at the height of the Slaughter, things got so bad for the Dragon that females of all ages were ordered to evacuate their Clans. In an unprecedented occurrence, the Ancients spoke directly to every woman with even an ounce of Dragon blood, giving them the location of Dadga’s Island somewhere in the center of the Bermuda Triangle.”
“Oh, yeah, I rememeber now.”
“Oh, my Great Goddess, you were paying attention.”
“Yes, I was,” Tessa groused, knowing Pandia was just winding up but still irritated with the jab. “I still can’t believe the females never made it. How can that many Dragons simply disappeared? Be gone forever?”
Sighing and shaking her head, the Vaepanther continued telling the story Pandia had told her many years before. “Of course, no one knew anything about the mass disappearance until after the last battle of the Slaughter. Once the Shifters rose victorious and the dust settled, the Dragons went looking for their females. They called out the Ancients. They flew over every inch of every ocean on this planet and quite a few others but found not hide nor hair of the women of their Clans.”
“Completely at a loss, knowing all of Dragonkin would last no longer than one – maybe two generations – King Alarick sought the council of his brethren,” the female Pantheress picked up the retelling. “Thankfully, not all the women evacuated. Some, mostly those who were already Mated or at the very least knew who their Mates were, stayed.”
“And that’s when King Alarick’s brother, Allus, suggested giving the Ruby of Branwen, a relic of the Celtic Goddess of Love to Alarick’s own daughter, Carys,” Tessa jumped in, telling her favorite part of the story.
“Alarick was all for it, but some of the other Kings thought it was unfair that the first King, who already had some much power, would also control the Mating of their bloodlines. So, after much debate, all the Dragon Kings called upon the Mage. They asked that he remove the power of the Shift from Carys and any who should come after her, in exchange for the wisdom and foresight to ensure that any and all Shifter – not just Dragons – would never have to be without the one the Universe made for them.”
“And Babs is the Babhdóir to anyone with even half of a half of a half of a half of an ounce of Magic anywhere in their being. Not just this generation’s, according to you, that petite powerhouse has been around for more centuries than even you can remember and hasn’t aged a day.”
Taking a deep breath, she added, “And it still took me longer than most to pluck up the courage to get my perfectly plump ass here.”
“But look at it this way, you’re already settling in, and things are…”
“Come in,” Tessa called aloud, then mentally whispered to her alter-ego, “Saved by the knock. Will you at least try to behave?”
“Nope, waste of energy.”
Ignoring Pandia, she smiled, “Hey.”
“Hey there,” Babs beamed. “You getting all settled in?”
“Oh, yes. Thank you so much.”
Pulling out the chair beside the dressing table, the Finder of Fated Love was barely seated before Tessa asked, “Are you sure you can find my Mate?” Turning to hang up the blue silk dress, a birthday gift from her mother, she kept going, “I mean, it’s not like I’m a Shifter… Well, not your normal, run-of-the-mill Shifter anyway.” Twirling a strand of her long, dark hair around her finger – a sure sign she was stressed – the Vaepanther’s words came quicker with every syllable. “I mean, Amanda said Two-Natured Others are your specialty. It’s just that I… Well, I guess it’s easiest to say, I’m Three-Natured. IS that one too many?”
“Not at all,” Babs reassured. “What you’re feeling is perfectly normal. A little anxious, a bit nervous, it’s all to be expected. You’re actually here. The waiting is over. The prospect of meeting your Mate is becoming a reality and it is freaking you out.”
Taking a drink of one of the glasses of iced teas she’d carried in, the Babhdóir went on, “And, even though Amanda is happily mated to not one but two Shifters – a Lion and a Stallion, you doubt something like that is in the cards for you. Then there’s the fact that your two oldest sisters are happily Mated to Vamps, the other two have careers and are not even considering finding their Mates, you’re wondering if you can find your happily ever after in the One the Universe made for you.” Setting her glass on the dressing table, Babs straightened her glasses where the hung on her chest. “Did I get it all?”
“Pretty much,” Tessa nodded. “Are you sure you’re not a mind-reader?”
“Not even close,” the Babhdóir snorted. Looking up, her eyes glowed an even brighter emerald as she asked, “So, tell me about your past relationships. What worked? What didn’t? Were any of them successful? Did you at least have fun?”
“Oh yeah,” Tess quickly answered, slipping out her heels and making her way to the bed. Sitting on the edge, she continued. “I’ve gone out with a few really nice guys, but…” Looking out the window, she sighed, “In the end, we were just friends. There were no sparks, nothing…magical.”
Looking at the floor, her cheeks got hot. “I know you think I’m a real goof talking about sparks and Magic.” Shocked to look up and find Babs smiling and nodding, she wasn’t so embarrassed anymore. It was easy to go on and talk about things she seldom revealed to anyone. “I want it all. I’m gonna live a really long time, don’t I deserve to be happy, loved…accepted?”
“Damn straight, you do!” Babs adamantly agreed, jumping to her feet and coming to sit beside Tessa. Patting her knee, the Babhdóir encouraged, “You have every right to be loved and accepted for what, who and how you are. To hell with anyone who thinks differently. If anybody dares to say a word to the contrary, you send ‘em to me. I’ll jerk a knot in their tail not even the Mother Goddess can untie”
Feeling more confident the longer she was in Bab’s presence, Tessa nodded, “Thanks for that. It’s hard enough knowing your family thinks you’re a freak, I really don’t think I could take my Mate agreeing with them.”
“Please tell me the jerks you dated didn’t tell you, that because you are part Vampire and part Panther, that there’s something wrong with you?”
“Yeah, it’s been mentioned a time or two. The fact that Pandia is a Black Panther only made their comments and criticisms weirder. Oh, and let’s not forget that I’m curvy with a big chest and butt.” Snorting sarcastically, she added, “If I had a quarter for every time someone called me Chunky Elvira or made the kissy noise and called out, ‘Here Kitty, Kitty’, I’d be one rich Vaepanther.”
“You have got to be kidding me?” Babs growled. Eyes narrowing, the bright glow of angry flames made the hairs on the back of Tessa’s neck stand on end. “What jerks,” the Babhdóir seethed. “Well, you won’t have that problem here. All my guys are interested in finding a woman with curves.”
“Really? That’s awesome. All the Shifters I’ve ever encountered look like fitness models.” Tessa fanned herself with her hand. “Their muscles have muscles, and they seem to want the same in a Mate.”
“Yeah, true. They are big and brawny, but that that doesn’t mean they can’t want a beautiful, strong, confident woman who embraces her curves standing beside them for all eternity, does it?”
Slowly shaking her head, liking what she heard, Tessa answered, “No, not at all.”
“Besides, it’s Fate, Destiny, and the Universe who decide – and those Deities do not make mistakes.”
“I guess you’re right.”
“I know I am.” Looking her right in the eye, Babs very clearly stated, “But know this, Tessa, you have to be confident with your body. I know the world as a whole, thinks we all have to be five-foot-ten and weigh a hundred and twenty pounds dripping wet, but that shit is not reality. I mean, I applaud the girls who can do it. Goddess bless ‘em. But most of us live in a reality with Snicker bars, oatmeal raisin cookies, and coffee with extra cream.” Grabbing her hand, the Babhdóir held on tight. “You, my beautiful girl, gotta embrace the you that you are and be happy in your own skin.”
“Yes, ma’am. You are so right.” Whole-heartily agreeing, Tess ended up laughing, “I once had a guy ask me if I was really gonna eat an ice cream sundae when the waiter sat it in front of me.”
“What? Was he crazy? You have got to be kidding.”
“Nope.” Chuckling, Tessa remembered her response and the look on his face and had to share the story. “So, I took a huge bite and with whipped cream on my lips said, ‘I’m sure as hell not letting it melt’. I laughed and kept eating. He left. That was that.”
Shaking her head, Babs tasked,” Let me guess, he was a full-blooded Vampire?”
“You got it.” Looking out the window, Tess thought about the last conversation she’d had with her mom. “My parents think I should look for a nice Vamp to settle down with, but they don’t get it. I inherited the soul of the Black Panther from my great grandpa. I’m not like them. I’m still alive. I can have kids. Sure, I still look like I’m dead during the day while I’m resting, and I have to drink a little blood here and there, but I’m really not a Vampire. I won’t have to die on my three-hundredth birthday, only to rise again. I can still eat real food, and dammit, I like it. My curves have curves, and I wear them well, if I do say so myself. I have great hair, know how to put on makeup and I absolutely love to dress up. I think I’m a catch.” Realizing for the first time she was actually speaking her deepest thoughts, Tess looked at the floor again. “Well, most days, I’m pretty confident. Then there are some…”
“Oh, I know. We all have them, but let’s not dwell on that.” Patting Tessa’s knee again, Babs before got up and returned to her chair. “Sorry, I’m too short to sit on that bed for long. I always feel like a munchkin from the Wizard of Oz,” she laughed out loud. “I’m better over here where I can put my feet on the floor. Just so you know I wasn’t runnin’ off.”
“No worries,” Tessa chuckled, seeing how everybody who talked about Babs always said they loved her. Sure, she was strong, didn’t mince words and didn’t take any shit, but she had a big heart, and that meant everything in the word to the Vaepanther.
“Okay, good,” the Babhdóir winked. “So, what are you looking for in a man?”
Taking a deep breath, she thought for a minute then answered, “I want a guy with a good sense of humor. He can’t be afraid to laugh at himself or me. He has to be ready to fly by the seat of his pants, but also be content at home or out on the town. I love to explore and have fun. Life is to be lived. I don’t want to miss a minute of it, and I definitely want to share all that with my Mate.” Taking a breath, she dove back in with both feet. “I want fire and passion. I want to look at him and feel love, passion, and excitement all the way to the tips of my toes. I want to hear his voice on the phone and count the seconds until he’s home and I’m in his arms. And also, he needs to know when to be tender and thoughtful. I want roses and candy. He has to remember my birthday, our anniversary, Valentine’s Day, Sweetest Day, all of it.”
Too wound up to stay seated, Tessa got to her feet and walked to the window. Looking out over the gorgeous scenery, Tessa saw Babs smiling as she looked on. It gave her the confidence she needed to add, “I want it all. The whole sweet, sappy, love-of-a-lifetime, wrapped up in a bow with sugar-on-top-of-it mess. I’m easy on the eyes and a helluva lotta fun.” She spun around, “A real catch, ya know?”
“You are. Absolutely no doubt about it,” Babs laughed out loud, punching the air with both fists. “I like you and your attitude, but I have one more question.”
“Fire away,” Tess grinned, feeling happier than she’d been in a long time.
“What about sex? Does it mean a lot to you?”
“Yes, yes and yes,” she nodded emphatically.
“Fiery hot, all night long loving, huh?”
“Yes, please, with a side order of gasoline and no fire extinguisher in sight.”
Laughing out loud, Babs got to her feet and walked over to stand next to Tess. “Oh girl, I have just what you’re lookin’ for. If this man wasn’t made for you then I’ll eat my own hat in the town square.”
“Really?” Trying not to act too excited, Tessa tried to control her pounding heart. Just the thought of finally meeting a man she could spend the rest of her very long life with was overwhelming, exciting, and downright exhilarating.
“Oh yes, really,” Babs winked. Turning and heading towards the door, she stopped with her hand on the knob and looked over her shoulder. “Get some rest, Lady. I’ll be back in a little while. I need to talk to a Badger about a honey of a man.”