Page 18 of Dragon Flames
I’m mated to fucking dragons.
But how is that possible? Before my brain can go down that perilous rabbit hole, the man at the bottom of the bed leans over and shackles his hand over my ankle, only the blankets separating us.
I nearly kick him in the face out of instinct.
And would have if his hold hadn’t tightened in warning.
And from the slight widening of his eyes, he knows it too.
I brace myself for their blows, lifting my arms to shield my face and torso…only the blows never come.
In fact, the grip on my leg vanishes.
That doesn’t mean I’m going to be spared. Lassie loved to wait until I lowered my guard before he would sucker-punch me. The bastard loved to catch me off guard, loved inflicting maximum pain and damage.
Refusing to cower, I lower my arms and lift my chin, daring them to do their worst.
I suck in a startled breath when I find the stranger just inches away from my face.
I rear back, only to slam against the headboard, leaving me with nowhere to go. Up close, he’s even more mouthwateringly handsome, and I grip the satiny material of my skirts to resist the urge to run my hands across the stubble covering his jaw.
He lifts his hand, reaching out slowly until he captures my chin, his eyes darkening at the contact. He seems pleased when I don’t flinch. “No one touches you again. One bruise, one hangnail, and I’ll skin them alive. Understood?”
Shock holds me immobile for a second, then I burst out with a cackling laugh.
Which might not have been smart, because he rears back, clearly affronted.
The sound is broken and rusty, and I can’t remember the last time I laughed with such amusement, but damn, it sure feels good.
Much to my horror, I snort at his reaction, then quickly cover my mouth, trying to smother the sound.
The two men who claim to be my mates smile down at me, their faces softening, and I swallow down my giggles, shifting uncomfortably under their attention.
Not liking that my focus has strayed, the dark-haired man straightens to his full height. He glares down at me, crossing his arms, and damn if he doesn’t make an impressive sight.
Yeah, I know I should be trembling in fear, but some part of me just wants to stretch under his gaze and bask in his attention.
I don’t know what the fuck is wrong with me.
Maybe my freedom has gone to my head.
I surreptitiously glance around the rest of the room, checking for exits.
And my breath stalls when I see the luxurious furniture, paintings, rugs, and more.
I’m so used to my six-by-eight cell that this freedom feels like a trap.
“My name is Darius, the alpha of this flight.” The alpha steps into my line of sight, clearly annoyed that my attention has wandered away from him once again. I’d swear smoke actually rises from him, signaling extreme frustration. “You’ve met Preston and Elias.”
I barely turn in time to see him pointing at man one and man two, respectively.
“You have nothing to fear here. No one can breach our defenses.” His voice is full of confidence, but I know better than most how susceptible people are to corruption and bribes. And if that doesn’t work, there is always the joy of threats and blackmail to ensure compliance.
“No one is infallible.” I shrug when his eyes narrow dangerously. “Anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool.”
A growl reverberates in his chest.
By rights, I should be cowering in a corner.
