Page 21 of Shifting the Flame

"Well," Joni continued, ignoring Danica completely, "you remember how good I was at those college mixers, don't you, Ash? I practically ran the social committee single-handed."

"That was a long time ago, Joni," Asher replied, taking a bite of bacon.

"Ten years," Joni sighed dramatically. "But doesn't it feel like yesterday? God, those nights in your college apartment..." Shetrailed off, shooting Danica a smug glance before continuing. "Best relationship of my life, honestly. The chemistry we had—off the charts."

Danica stabbed at her pancake, suddenly finding the maple syrup pattern fascinating.

"Stanford was good for you," Asher acknowledged neutrally.

"It was the right choice, even if leaving you was torture," Joni continued. "But moving to California was worth it. I've been organizing corporate events for the most prestigious firms in San Francisco these past few years. The client list would make your head spin."

Danica couldn't help herself. "So, what brings you back to Ectorius after all this time?"

Joni's perfect smile tightened. "Home is home. And I wouldn't miss the annual festival for anything." She touched Asher's forearm possessively. "Have you reconsidered my offer, by the way?"

"What offer?" Danica asked before she could stop herself.

Asher shifted uncomfortably. "Joni suggested we might?—"

"It's clutch business," Joni cut in smoothly, her green-gold eyes flashing. "Nothing that would interest an outsider."

Clutch business? Something wasn't adding up about Joni's sudden appearance after a decade away. The woman clearly had designs on Asher—that much was obvious.

Asher cleared his throat. "Joni, I should tell you something about Danica?—"

"Your breakfast is getting cold," Joni interrupted again, her eyes never leaving Asher's exposed chest. "And I must say, you look better than ever, Ash. Alpha life has been good to you."

Suddenly, Joni set her coffee mug down with a definitive clink against the granite countertop. "But I want you to know, Ash," Joni said, looking directly at him, "I'm happy you've finally found your true mate. I always knew you'd never truly settledown unless it was with someone who gave you that mate-level intensity."

The fork in Danica's hand froze midway to her mouth. "True mate?" she echoed, her brow furrowing as the eggs on her fork suddenly seemed less appealing. "What exactly does that mean?"

Joni's gaze darted between Danica and Asher, and Danica noticed how Asher's eyes widened in what might've been shock. Something like realization flashed across Joni's perfect features, followed immediately by a look that might've been embarrassment—if Danica believed this woman was capable of such an emotion.

"Oh! I'm so sorry," Joni fluttered, reaching for her purse with a graceful sweep. "I've clearly said more than I should have." She stood up, barely having touched the food on her plate. "I really must get going. My parents are waiting for me at their place."

Before Asher could respond, Joni was striding toward the door, her designer heels clicking rapidly against the hardwood. "Lovely to meet you, Danica. Asher, we'll talk soon."

The front door opened and closed, and then a weighted silence descended on the kitchen.

Danica turned to Asher, who looked like a man caught in the headlights of an oncoming truck. "So," she said, folding her arms across her chest, "want to explain what 'true mate' means and why she assumed I already knew about it?"

Asher exhaled slowly, running his large hands through his short dark hair. His eyes met hers with a piercing intensity that made her heart race.

"Dragon shifters have fated mates," he said without preamble. "One person in all the world who's perfectly matched to us. Only the truly lucky ever find theirs."

Danica's mind raced to process this information. "And I'm... yours? Gerri knew that when she brought me here?"

Asher nodded, his jaw set in a firm line. "I felt it the moment I saw you. Every dragon does when they meet their mate."

"So that explains what Gerri meant yesterday," Danica said, pieces clicking into place. "About what else your advisory council said besides not allowing outsider help with planning the festival."

"They said I can have help planning the festival if that help comes from my mate," Asher confirmed, leaning forward on his elbows. "Which you are, so you're allowed to, and the council will approve."

He reached across the island, his large hand covering hers. The warmth of his touch sent electricity coursing up her arm.

"Since the founding of this town centuries ago, this festival has always been planned by the clutch Alpha... and his mate." A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Which is you, Danica."

She pulled her hand back, needing physical space to process this bombshell. "That's... a lot to take in. Finding out I'm your 'fated mate' after knowing you for all of one day."

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