Page 197 of Labor of Love

“How do I look?” I ask Kai and Penn. Both of them look over my outfit as I take in theirs. Kai is wearing a pretty red gown that complements his tan skin, and Penn is wearing a glittering white suit that makes him look sharp and stylish.

“You look great,” Penn replies as he nudges Kai. Kai laughs and gives me a playful sweep of his eyes. “Penn’s right. You don’t have anything to worry about.”

When they finally call my name, I throw my shoulders back and descend the stairs, pretending I’m some well-known lord about to mingle with my guests. The ballroom is decorated with twinkling fairy lights that rival the starry night sky.

Several omegas and alphas pause their chatter to watch me enter the room. Immediately, my gaze focuses on my alpha in the crowd. Fuck, he’s so damn handsome in his navy blue fitted suit, which clings to all those delicious muscles. Brooks glances up, and the breath whooshes out of me. As soon as his eyes land on me, his whole face lights up. I want nothing more than to be by his side, with me on his arm.

As if hearing my thoughts, Brooks grins before sauntering my way, and meeting me at the bottom of the staircase. “Kestrel,” he breathes my name like a prayer. “Would you like to dance with me?”

I nod and place my hand in his, unable to fight the giddy little butterflies fluttering in my stomach. With a wink, he brings my hand to his lips and softly kisses my skin. With his large hand on my back, he leads me to the center of the dance floor. Suddenly, I’m thankful for all the dance lessons I was required to take when I attended Lilly Crest Academy.

“You’re breathtaking,” Brooks says as we sway to the beat of the music. His fingers toy with the edge of my jacket before returning to my back. “I have to admit, my dragon loves this color on you, and so do I.”

‘Mission accomplished,’I think as a blush heats my cheeks. “I chose it because it reminds me of your dragon.”

Step-step-sway.

A wicked grin crosses his face. “My dragon is currently preening in my chest, just to let you know.”

My lips twitch, and I have to fight back my laugh. I can picture his dragon standing up tall and strutting around before taking flight. Every night since I first saw his dragon, we walkthrough his gorgeous garden before Brooks leads me to the clearing, where he shifts and takes flight.

Brooks pulls me in close, and I melt against him. The hard press of his body, mixed with his smoky-cedar scent, has my silk panties damp with slick.

Step-step-swirl.

Or maybe it’s the way he leads me through each dance move.Either way, I love the way Brooks plays my body. Flawlessly and with confidence.

Gods, what would it be like to have this every night with Brooks? Would he actually choose me at the end of this arranged marriage program? Two omegas have already announced that they’ll be having a city hall marriage by the end of the week, and a part of me is jealous. I want to be paired with someone as smart and thoughtful as Brooks—no, scratch that. I want to be paired with Brooks and only Brooks.

I like to think that what we have is magical. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. Not even Franky, before I found out what an asshole he is. But fated mates or not, could Brooks really accept meandmy baby?

“What are you thinking about?” Brooks traces my bottom lip. “You’re frowning.”

“Do you believe in fated mates?”

Brooks jerks to a halt, and his gaze searches mine, emerald eyes intense. He shakes himself out of his trance, and we continue to dance. He spins me under his arm as he thinks. Finally, he nods. “I do. I’ve been searching for my fated mate since I was a child.”

My face scrunches up at the adorable thought. “Aw, are you saying baby Brooks was a romantic?” I tease.

“Ha! Yes. I was. Still am. And when my dragon appeared and finally started talking to me, we’ve been searching together ever since.” It’s such a turn-on to see an alpha openly talk aboutromance without a hint of shame. He’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met.

“You know, I never asked how old you are.”

“I’m forty-four. Young for a dragon. How old are you?”

“Twenty-three. That’s considered young for a human.” I laugh. “But not too young.”

Couples dance around us. I notice Kai looking a little less shy and giggling as a strong-looking alpha twirls him on the floor. To my surprise, Penn is dancing with not one alpha, but two. And off in the distance, I spot Novl dancing with a hulking big alpha with glowing green eyes; eyes that are so similar to Brooks’, that he can only be Archer.

Everyone around us seems happy and filled with laughter, something that has been missing from my life for far too long.

The music slows, and the lights around us dim, making the dance floor even more romantic. I place my head on Brooks’ chest, close my eyes, and let my alpha guide me. I can’t believe I’m placing my heart and trust in another alpha so soon after my divorce, but I’ve never felt so safe with someone before. The other couples fade into the background as we sway and chat, getting lost in our conversation.

We keep dancing, again and again. Several alphas try to cut in by asking me to dance, but Brooks is the only person I see. The only alpha I want. Every time I politely dismiss someone, I swear he pulls me tighter against him. Something about the possessive move is enduring and incredibly sexy. Brooks doesn’t turn into a raging asshole or an alpha who needs to flaunt his power. He doesn’t let himself get filled with pent-up anger he needs to take out on me. Instead, he gives me reassuring smiles and encouraging nods. He lets me take control of the situation while letting me know he’s there if I need him.

The following evening, Brooks and I are walking in the garden with nothing but the soft glow of the lanterns and stars to illuminate our path. An overwhelming sense of joy washes over me… along with a bout of bravery. I tug Brooks to a stop and glance up at him. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for.

The concerned, soft look on his face gives me the courage to speak. “Brooks, there’s something I need to tell you.”

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