Page 297 of Hunters and Prey

“That was one of the gifts given your people after the original genetic alterations.” Chiara hadn’t gotten that update. “I didn’t realize. How fascinating. Have there been tests done on Drakesthai sense of smell?”

He pulled her a little closer, smile widening. “Your curiosity never ceases does it?”

She sighed, turning to look forward. No doubt she was starting to get on his nerves. It was why she didn’t spend much time with anyone outside her field of work. Prince Ian may annoy her, but the way he thought and acted was a reflection. Chiara felt comfortable in his presence – like she didn’t have to hide or pretend.

And what Roman wanted from her, she’d yet to figure out.

Anyone other than a scientist and they tired of her true nature quickly. So Chiara had learned the appropriate responses to most questions. She’d learned how to act among others and blend in. Glancing up at Roman, she wondered when that signal would come. So far he’d yet to show signs of exasperation or annoyance.

He seemed aware of her oddities, but wasn’t bothered by it. At least, not yet.

Then they were back in the foyer and he took her down another hall she didn’t know. Her mind catalogued the layout of the palace in relation to her wing. The firelight was pretty but didn’t allow her to see much. From the way Roman walked though he had a destination in mind.

“So, what does the mate bond smell like?” she asked again, stealing glances of him as they walked.

At least he was beautiful. If Chiara had felt no attraction towards him at all she would have denied the mate bond, but this male was…enigmatic. When he was near, her eyes were drawn to him.

Roman reached a door and two guards opened it for them, bowing slightly. “It smells like home,” he said softly. “It’s not something I’ve ever scented before, but that’s exactly what it felt like when I first caught it. It smells like cloves and oranges and…something sweet. I’m going to find that last one for you.”

Then they were outside and Chiara realized they were in a garden. Lights kept the place lit enough she could see detail and the moons in the sky were bright enough that everything was cast in a silver glow that rivaled the day.

She paused for a moment and took it all in.

Gardens.

For some reason she’d always liked gardens despite the dirt and the occasional plant that made her sneeze. They were quiet and full of life. If she stood still enough, sometimes Chiara imagined she could actually hear the plants growing.

“This is beautiful,” Chiara murmured. “Thank you for getting me out of the palace. One should spend at least two hours outside every day per studies on optimal health.”

He smiled and led her across a small bridge over a river and Chiara wondered where the water even came from when they were on a floating island over the city.

“Is this the only one?” she asked, avoiding the horizon and the clear end to the island a few kilometers away.

Roman shook his head. “No, they’re all over the planet. There are magnetic fields in the stone,” he admitted. “We keep them tethered so they don’t crash into each other in the habited areas. But up in the mountains, where there is nothing but natural greenery and wildlife, they roam as they wish – occasionally bumping into each other.”

“I’ve never heard of such a thing,” Chiara told him, taking another step closer to Roman as they kept walking. The edge felt like it was too near despite all the space between her and the drop. “It’s very beautiful.”

And it was. Even in the moonlight and firelight she could clearly see the red and purple flowers. There seemed to be fruit as well as flowers that she’d never seen before. The flowers looked like lilies but they were a vibrant orange with spots like freckles on the inside.

“These,” Roman said, tugging one of the lilies out. He handed the long stem to her. “This is what it smelled like along with the cloves and oranges.”

Chiara eyed the flower with long petals that curled underneath themselves. Then she sniffed, and something sweet filled her nose. It was unlike anything she knew – anything she’d ever come across in Draga.

“It’s…different, but I like it.” For a brief moment she wondered if it smelled the same to her as it did to him.

“Will you have dinner with me tomorrow?” he asked, still watching her.

Chiara took another step closer to him when her eyes caught on the edge again. This time her body brushed against his and Roman stiffened. Normally she didn’t like physical contact, but knowing he was there – close enough to grab her – it was comforting.

“I don’t plan to sleep tonight,” Chiara explained to him. “I doubt I will be good company by then.”

“Another night then,” Roman agreed. “Am I allowed to have breakfast with you?”

Chiara couldn’t help but smile at his persistence. He was very accommodating though which she appreciated. “Yes, you can join me for breakfast.”

“What are you going to do all night?” Roman asked, turning to face her.

Suddenly she was completely surrounded by him and his wings. Chiara found herself reaching out to touch the inky black before pulling her hand back. She looked up and Roman’s expression was unreadable as he studied her.

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