Page 15 of Naga Warrior's Mate

A smile tugged at Alaysia’s lips.“Then I’ll need something less conspicuous.”

Marcella sighed.“I’m becoming very familiar with that look.There’s no talking you out of this.Is there?”

“Not a chance.”

“Fine.”Marcella disappeared into the adjacent room, returning with a bundle of cloth.“These belonged to one of the kitchen staff.Should help you blend in better.”

The rough-spun fabric felt strange against Alaysia’s skin after the satin, but the simple brown dress and apron would draw far less attention.She twisted her bright red hair into a tight bun, tucking it under a cloth cap.

“You’re really going through with this?”Marcella asked as Alaysia checked her reflection in a clouded piece of glass.

“I need answers.”She smoothed down the front of the dress.“And I’m not leaving anything to chance.Not when my future’s at stake.”

“Just be careful.”

Alaysia’s jaw set with determination.“I can handle myself.”

Her heart pounded in her chest as she crept through the dimly lit corridor.The rough stone walls pressed close, channeling the musty air that carried the scent of sweat and iron.Ahead, Dernin’s massive form paced the narrow space.

She drew in a steadying breath.“Dernin?”

He spun, his tail sweeping a graceful arc.His golden eyes widened as recognition sparked there.“You shouldn’t be here.”

“There’s an alcove around the corner.We need to talk.”

He hesitated but then followed her lead.The secluded space barely contained his bulk, forcing them close enough that she felt the heat radiating from his skin.

“Your fight today was incredible,” she said, studying the way his muscles tensed beneath his scales.“The way you moved...I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“I have to win.”His jaw clenched.“The tournament—”

“Why?”She planted her hand on her hip.“What’s your angle here?Nobody does anything in this place without wanting something in return.”

“My angle?”He leaned back, his brow furrowing.“I’m fighting to win you.”

“That’s exactly my point.What do you want from me?”

“Nothing.”His voice dropped lower.“I swear on my honor, I won’t harm you.Won’t touch you unless you wish.”

The sincerity in his golden eyes made her breath catch.Her skin tingled where their arms nearly brushed in the confined space.

“Then why?”

“Because you deserve better than being traded like property.Because when I saw you with Bariv, I remembered why I came to Jorvla.”His scales shifted, catching the light.“And because something about you makes me want to be worthy again.”

The heat in his gaze sent a shiver through her body.She’d never felt such an instant connection, such raw attraction mixed with...trust?The thought should have terrified her.

Instead, she found herself drawn closer, like a moth to a flame.

Alaysia frowned as Dernin’s shoulders suddenly slumped.The flickering torchlight cast shadows across his face, highlighting the weariness etched there.

“Six months ago, I arrived here fresh from training.”He paused.“So proud to wear my warrior uniform, to serve a noble cause.”

The raw pain in his voice made her chest ache.She shifted closer, drawn by some inexplicable need to comfort him.

“We were assigned to protect human women at the surrogate clinics.”His eyes met hers.“To ensure they weren’t being coerced or exploited.”

“That’s why you stepped in with Bariv,” Alaysia breathed, understanding dawning.

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