Page 313 of Hunters and Prey

Chiara nodded. “It’s a very time consuming process and we don’t have everyone’s data, but so far there have been a few. I’ve presented the information to the females and will let them decide. My second in command, Gia, suggested it would be wise to not get anyone’s hopes up.”

Leo and Alexei shared a look but nodded. “Makes perfect sense,” Alexei told her.

Roman couldn’t believe this was all happening at all. A cure and mates all during a war that could wipe them all out – hope in a dark place. Chiara was a bright light and she gave him and his family hope.

“I want to volunteer,” Roman declared as servants brought out the salad course.

“Are you sure?” Eduard asked. “Seems like a risk in such an early stage.”

“The science is sound,” Chiara snapped, wiping the holo from the air. “The risk would be minimal. I’m no novice.”

Roman smirked and placed his hand on her thigh in support. “I’m sure. I trust your work Chiara.”

The words of affirmation seemed to settle some of her anger and she tucked away her simulcast. Chiara pushed around the greens on her plate and Roman felt…disappointed that she’d already retreated back into herself.

The science had shown them all who she truly was and then his father had ruined it. “Other than work how do you like the Skye Palace?” Alexei asked, easily reading the room as always.

Alexei had always reminded Roman of Kaiden the most. He was an excellent peacekeeper, calm, patient, and a great warrior.

Roman squeezed Chiara’s thigh and then removed his hand. She didn’t answer right away. Instead she took Roman’s hand and put it back where it was. The deliberate desire for his contact made him drop his fork.

Her expression didn’t tell him anything, but her grip was firm as she practically stared at Alexei. “I haven’t seen much, but the gardens are very nice.”

“Seems our brother isn’t courting you as well as he should,” Leo teased. “You haven’t even taken her off the island?”

More wine was poured as the sun well and truly set. Roman took a sip as he eyed his brother. “My mate likes to work. So I let her. I find time to spend with her regardless.”

This time it was Chiara who squeezed his hand in support. Roman still wasn’t used to it, but he would savor every moment.

“We’ll finish dinner early then,” Zoya said, glancing at Chiara. “Give you time to give her a tour of the palace and our island. Perhaps there will be time to show her Skye City in the next few days.”

“Not until we find who reported to the Neprijat,” Roman declared before any more could be said on the matter. “I have some leads to follow up on. Hopefully the hunt ends soon.”

“Can you use a weapon?” Zoya asked Chiara.

His mate nodded. “To some degree. I’ve only been training for a few months. I was supposed to ask you about training here per Prince Ian, but it completely slipped my mind. Though I won’t have the ability to over the next few days. Once most of the tests are done and entered into the database I will have more time to do other things such as training.” Chiara looked at Roman. “And touring Skye City.”

Warmth spread through him.

And the bond between them strengthened ever so slightly.

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