Page 25 of Dragon Compelled
“The same man who took Hoc from us,” I say shakily. “Constantine.”
Chapter7
Aries
Outside the window, night has fallen. On the small dining table before me, candlelight flickers, sending shadows dancing against the wall of Paige’s apartment. I frown at the way the dark shapes bend and move. Something about the lighting feels more ominous than romantic. Though, my unease could have something to do with Constantine’s shadow creature that stalked her mere weeks ago. I shake it off, determined to make Paige’s evening one to remember. After spending all day with that asshole, Oliver, she’ll need a chance to relax and forget all about the trouble we currently face.
Straightening my shirt, I glance at the clock then at the door. She promised to be home for dinner, but I’m starting to wonder if Oliver is keeping her on purpose. He’s nice enough on the surface. But it borders on too nice.
Too helpful.
And far too friendly with my mate.
Guilt tugs on me as I remember I have yet to tell Paige that’s what she is for me.
Waiting for the right time, I remind myself. Even still, I’m keeping a life-altering secret from her, and that knowledge twists in my gut like a knife. I always imagined finding my mate would be a happy time. That we would both rejoice in knowing we were made for each other.
That we would get married, rule Astronia, and have lots of children.
That life would be simple.
But every moment since I met Paige has been one fight after the other. There’s not a single battle I would not wage for my beloved, but I cannot help but feel discouraged at how difficult our time together has been.
Even though I know that, no matter how many battles we face together, I will shower her with joy and love for the rest of my days.
Glancing at the table already set for two, I imagine her sitting there, shadows dancing across her face. Tonight.
I’ll tell her tonight. Over a quiet dinner and romantic candlelight. Perfect.
Finally, the door opens, and I straighten, standing tall in a button-down shirt and black slacks that Mag brought me for this occasion. I saw a man wearing something just like it on a daytime TV show and hope it’s appropriate.
He seemed ecstatic about the idea of putting me in something more—“classy”—and I am more than grateful for the help.
The door opens and Paige steps inside. My dragon reacts to her instantly, lust hammering through my veins at just the mere sight of her.
But then I note the fear in her gorgeous eyes.
The heavy tangling of her hair.
The lust dissipates, replaced with a furious bloodlust aimed at whoever put their hands on my mate. “What happened?” I demand as I cross toward her. I reach forward and cup her face, tilting it up and checking her for visible injury.
“I’m fine,” she insists, but neither my dragon nor I are fooled by the shaky tone of her voice.
“Tell me,” I insist.
Her shoulders slump in defeat. “Can we sit first? And have wine? Please, I need wine.”
“Of course.” I guide her toward the chair then take her bag as she sits down. I return to the kitchen for the bottle of wine I already opened and pour her a large glass.
“Thank you,” she says as I offer it to her, pulling my chair around closer to hers. I face her, studying the lines of exhaustion on her beautiful face.
“What happened?” I ask, softer this time. If Oliver hurt her…
“There was an incident earlier,” she begins.
“What kind of incident?”
“I was giving Oliver a tour of the library. A shelf fell over, and a book opened. A werewolf escaped and tried to attack us.”
