Page 17 of Thrilled By Her Protector

Gulp. No thanks.

For some reason, every woman in the compound was obsessed with the salty fried potatoes. Like unhealthily obsessed. But with his brothers’ mates being pregnant, and Caro’s time coming close, they all indulged them whenever they could.

“What is it, Kizzy? I am speaking with Zircon Wessex,” Aliza hissed at the other female.

“You should not address him so informally. He is our prince?—”

“I know what he is! I am putting my claim forward. Be still, Kizzy,” Aliza growled, then turned to face him at the same time Jennifer entered the kitchen.

“Jenn?”

“Um, hi. What are you all doing in the kitchen?” Jennifer asked.

She was wearing pink pajamas with baby blue cartoon axolotls all over them. Her bountiful curves were perfectly outlined in the thin, soft looking fabric, and Conny’s body hardened at the sight of her. Her hair was in mismatched braids, and she had cotton wedged between her toes and bubble gum pink polish on her fingernails and toenails—all the telltale signs of a girls’ night PJ party.

“Aliza said you left. What is going on here?” Zircon asked.

He stepped closer to where a confused Jennifer stood with a tray of half-eaten goodies in her hands. Aliza had her arms spread and her fangs bared, like she was barely holding on to her inner Wyvern. The woman was enraged, but he had no fucking idea why. He only knew he didn’t like her so close to his Jennifer.

Not mine.He reminded himself, ignoring the painful tightening in his chest.

Yes. Ours.His Wyvern corrected him. The faithful beast would never not see her as theirs, he supposed. He shook his head and growled hopelessly at his plight. Whatever. He needed to pay attention. Whatever this whole gathering was about, he knew it was not right.

“I’ve been in Caro’s room all night. What’s going on?” Jennifer asked, repeating his question.

“Aliza, explain why you lied about Jennifer leaving,” he said, and noted Jennifer’s look of surprise.

Jennifer placed the tray on the counter and sided up next to him. His beast rumbled with pleasure at the fact she felt safe beside him, something she might not have admitted otherwise. But he knew better, and it filled him with pride and a profound desire to keep her safe and beside him for always.

Fuck. He needed to get better control of himself before he did something completely fucking nuts, like reach out and grab her in front of all those people.

“If it wasn’t for Kizzy and her interference, I would have been able to do this without such an audience,” she hissed.

“Sorry, Aliza,” Kissy replied softly.

“Fine. I lied about Jennifer Dylluan being here, because I wanted all of your attention, Prince of the Flamebound, Zircon Wessex,” Aliza said, drawing herself up to her full height.

The Drakeins predilection for using first and last names aside, he did not care for the way the blue haired female treated her friends. He was about to remark on it, but Ox and Xabat entered the kitchen, and there were way too many folks in one place for it to be comfortable.

“I do not understand,” Zircon replied, glancing at Jennifer, who appeared as confused as he was.

His childhood home had always exuded warmth and pleasant memories for him. This was the first time he’d ever felt an inkling of discomfort, and he really did not care for it. Nor did he like the way Ox was staring at Jennifer in her cute as fuck PJs. He growled in the male’s direction, and Ox averted his gaze, his cheeks burning red with embarrassment.

Good. Next time he looks at what is ours, we will roast his sorry ass.

“You have lived on Earth, so I excuse your ignorance, Prince Zircon Wessex?—”

“My ignorance? Aliza, you came here and lied to me, now I want to know what is going on.”

“I believe we all do,” Jennifer added with a bite to her voice.

“You are an unmated eligible male and I, Aliza ARF346721, am an unclaimed eligible female. I lied to clear your brain of this Earth female so your Drakein could focus on what is a much better match for you and that, of course, is me.”

“What?” Zircon barked the word.

“I put forth my bid to claim you as mate,” Aliza announced, shocking the shit out of Zircon, and apparently everyone else in the room. “I am healthy and will bear you many heirs.”

“What?”

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