Page 16 of His Brazen Mate

Megan believed that. “You have, as usual, assessed the situation correctly. I’m preparing for this auction and closing in on shutting down the bourbon smuggling operation. All I can think about is Drake and how impossible this is. I can’t be his fated mate.” Winter groaned; Megan smiled. “I know, but a dragon and a snow leopard. Madness. It can’t possibly work, can it?”

Winter chuckled softly. “I don’t know about that. As arrogant as they can be, dragons are a seductive lot. I want you to keep in mind that it wasn’t so long ago that anyone believed a woman could be beta to a clan—and yet I have been beta to two. Things are changing.”

Megan sighed. “I know, but it’s just so complicated. My duty to the case, my feelings for Drake...”

“Amor vincit omnia,” Winter said gently. “Love conquers all. You’ll find a way through this, I’m sure of it. Trust yourself.”

“Thank you, Winter,” Megan said, feeling a bit lighter. “I needed that.”

After ending the call, Megan took a deep breath and turned back to the mirror. The advice echoed in her mind, giving her a renewed sense of purpose. She could do this. She had to.

Drake appeared beside her, his eyes scanning her reflection in the mirror. “You look stunning,” he said, his voice low and sincere as he dropped a kiss on her shoulder.

“Thank you,” she replied, her cheeks flushing slightly under his gaze. “You don’t look too bad yourself.”

Drake chuckled, adjusting the cuffs of his shirt. “High praise coming from you.”

As they continued to prepare, the space between them seemed to shrink, the tension building with each passing moment. Megan reached for a necklace, her fingers fumbling with the clasp. Drake stepped closer, his hands brushing hers as he took over, fastening it with ease.

“There,” he murmured, his breath warm against her neck. “Perfect.”

She turned to face him, their proximity sending a shiver down her spine. “Drake, about tonight...”

He placed a finger under her chin, lifting her gaze to meet his. “We’ll be fine. Just stay close to me.”

The intensity of his gaze and the warmth of his touch all combined to create a moment that felt charged with possibility. For a heartbeat, Megan allowed herself to get lost in it, to forget the complications, and just feel.

But she quickly shook herself free, stepping back and breaking the spell. “It’s just the moment,” she said, her voice firmer than she felt. “It doesn’t mean anything.”

Drake’s eyes darkened, but he nodded, respecting her need to keep her distance. “I’ll let that pass for now. Let’s focus on the task at hand.”

Together, they made their way to the auction, the tension between them palpable. Megan kept her mind on the operation, but the warmth of Drake’s presence was a constant distraction and comfort. As they entered the grand hall where the gala event was to be held, she took a deep breath, ready to face whatever the night had in store.

She knew the stakes were high, not just for the case but for her heart. And while she tried to convince herself that the moment in front of the mirror had meant nothing, a part of her knew it wasn’t the truth. Their bond was real, and it was growing stronger with each passing day.

But tonight, she had to stay focused. Duty came first., didn’t it? It was a question she feared she would have to answer, and she wasn’t sure how she would answer it.

CHAPTER 9

DRAKE

Drake stepped into the grand hall of the high-end gala event, taking a moment to absorb the sheer opulence surrounding him. Crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow that danced off the polished marble floors. The room was elegant, filled with guests clad in the finest attire, their laughter and conversations blending into a sophisticated symphony.

The room was a kaleidoscope of wealth and power, with people from all walks of life mingling under the sparkling chandeliers. Shifters, humans, and individuals from the darker corners of organized crime moved through the party, their conversations a low hum beneath the classical music played by a live orchestra. Drake tightened his grip on Megan’s hand, their pretend coupledom feeling all too real as they navigated the opulent space.

The auction was the evening's focal point, with an array of rare and exquisite bourbon bottles displayed on a stage adorned with rich, dark velvet drapes. Waiters in crisp, white uniforms moved seamlessly through the crowd, offering trays of champagne and delicate hors d'oeuvres. The mingling scents of expensive perfume and aged bourbon created a heady atmosphere, perfectly complementing the event's high-end allure.

Drake felt a surge of anticipation as they navigated the crowd, his eyes constantly scanning for familiar faces and potential threats. As diverse as the crowd was, everyone in attendance was united by their shared passion for the rare spirits up for auction. The energy in the room was electric, with each new lot introduced sparking intense bidding wars that only added to the excitement.

Beside him, Megan moved with grace and determination, her presence a steadying force amidst the chaos. The elegance and sophistication of the event stood in stark contrast to the tension of their mission, but Drake remained focused. Tonight, amidst the glittering glamour, they would find the clues needed to uncover the truth.

As they made their way through the crowd, Drake’s thrill of the hunt mingled with his undeniable connection to Megan. This evening was not just about the auction but the delicate dance of deception and discovery. And Drake was ready for whatever the night would bring.

Megan’s dress, a sleek black number that clung to her curves, drew appreciative glances from many of the attendees. Drake couldn’t help the surge of possessiveness that flared within him. He pulled her closer, his hand resting on the small of her back. The bond between them, forged by the claiming bite, thrummed with a mix of tension and unspoken emotions.

“We need to stay focused,” Megan murmured, her breath warm against his ear. “We’re here for information.”

“Of course,” Drake replied, though he couldn’t shake the feeling that their charade was dangerously close to reality.

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