Page 311 of Hunters and Prey

“Better not be late for dinner,” Alexei said with a smirk as he passed them.

Roman was too busy staring at Chiara to care. “You like it here?”

She ran her hands down her stomach, smoothing the dress and bringing his attention to her waist. Roman allowed himself to place his hands there and tug her closer. He wanted to touch her, hold her, and wrap her in his wings so badly it hurt, but he also didn’t want to overwhelm her.

“Yes, I like it here,” she said. “Even though I don’t like your floating islands. They’re very pretty. But they make me very nervous.”

“I’ll catch you if you fall,” he promised, leaning down to kiss her cheek. “Are you ready for dinner?”

Chiara looked down and smiled. “It seems you’ve recovered. I’m ready. I read the entire chapter on dinner protocol.”

He offered her his arm and bit the inside of his cheek so he wouldn’t laugh again. If Eduard saw him laughing he would ask questions neither of them wanted to answer. “Let’s do this then,” he murmured, nodding to the guards.

Then they entered an airy, gorgeous dining room with small trees in pots, vines along the ceiling from the outside, and those blue opals set into the ceiling’s design. They reflected onto the grey stone table that was large enough to sit twenty or thirty comfortably.

Chiara slowed slightly and he adjusted his speed for her so she could take it all in.

The sun still hadn’t quite set so there was a warm glow from outside that shone through the lattice. She inspected it all, seeing where there had been recent repairs, and then she took in the winged servants bustling about to make sure everything was perfect.

Zoya stood from her chair and crossed the room to greet Chiara personally. Roman felt his heart swell. His mother had accepted his mate, and that would set the tone for everyone else to follow.

Eduard stood and trailed after his wife and mate. He was much like Mikhail in that he didn’t particularly like anyone from Draga. He didn’t trust them, and now that he’d lost one of his two sons to a skirmish protecting Queen Adelina – it made things difficult.

But Eduard held out his hand and Chiara graciously gave hers to him, allowing him the brief kiss over the knuckles as he bowed slightly. Roman knew how hard this all was for her – having just read the information on Drakesthai behavior – but she was doing exceptionally well.

“Thank you for joining us,” Eduard said as he stood.

It was more respect than Roman could have hoped for.

“Come, sit next to me,” Zoya said with a smile.

It was the first real smile Roman had seen on his mother’s face since Viktor’s death. Perhaps this would go smoothly after all.

Chiara walked across the vast dining room in her heels like she did it every day. Roman just stood there as he watched her take the seat next to his mother. Leo then came through the dining room doors and stopped by Roman’s side, watching as Chiara adjusted her gown and smiled at Zoya.

“Mother likes her very much,” Leo said quietly. “Don’t ruin this brother or I’ll have your hide.”

Roman glared at Leo. “I’ll remember you said that when you’re presented with your very own mate and she’s little more than a hellcat.”

His brother grinned. “What makes you think I wouldn’t like that?”

He laughed. “Fine, you’re right. But be nice to her. Don’t go provoking her on purpose.”

Leo slapped him on the back. “No, brother. That’s for you to do later.” He gave Roman a wink and then strode over to his chair with that insufferable swagger.

Well, at least Roman could say he had the support of his brothers.

Sighing, he wished for just a moment that Kaiden was there. His older brother had always had an unshakeable level of patience and great advice.

“Come sit, Roman, don’t be rude,” his mother said playfully, but her eyes flashed with warning.

Right, don’t mess this up.

“I apologize,” he said, taking his place beside Chiara. “I was simply enjoying the view.”

His mate blushed ever so slightly. It was subtle, but he was starting to notice the little things that told him what she was thinking and feeling. With their bond still so fragile and unconsummated he had to learn her body language.

And Roman wanted to learn as much as he could. Like what would make her squirm with desire, sigh with pleasure, and what could make her scream when she found her release.

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