Page 45 of Dragon Untamed

Kaida thought about the days before she became mated to Beckett. Arlo and Esen seemed to follow Blaze's commands, which led to her almost dying during a training session. Blaze was the one who continued to show resentment toward her, whereas Arlo and Esen apologized or at least changed how they interacted with her. If they were to be her mates, how would she be able to put the memories of them trying to kill her behind her?

"I don't know how to really go about this. You made all the moves. Should I make the moves toward Arlo and Esen?"

"No." Beckett rolled to the side but kept her tucked against him. "Let them choose how to approach you. I think they would want to keep things semi-traditional of being able to court you."

"And you are okay with this?"

Beckett smiled, and Kaida felt tingles as if she would have fallen if she weren’t already lying down, "I'm good with this. Are you?"

"I don't know."

"Take your time. Mull it over. Or talk to them if you want. This is all up to you. Just because you are pulled toward them doesn't mean that you have to accept it."

Kaida blinked a few times, "You talking about rejecting them?"

Beckett's eyes went wide. He understood that being rejected was a touchy subject. Kaida was rejected, and he could feel through their bond how much she despised the idea of rejecting someone after what she had been through.

"Oh, fuck... no. That is not what I meant. Well... I guess if you didn't want them at all, then yeah, but if you do want them, that's fine too, whatever you decide, Kaida, I swear that's not-"

Kaida pressed her finger against his lips and laughed. Seeing Beckett in a tizzy over something she said was a bit funny.

"It's fine. I can feel that you didn't mean that. It's okay." Kaida bit her lip. "I don't want to reject them. I felt how that feels, and I don't want to cause someone else that kind of pain unless we aren't compatible."

"The Great Dragon doesn't make mistakes."

Kaida narrowed her eyes at him. "Then rejection should be outlawed."

Beckett sighed. Kaida felt a wave of regret flow through their bond.

"No matter how many people complete the rejection, The Great Dragon still wasn't wrong. The whole point is The GreatDragon pairs you with your perfect mate. Those who decide that The Great Dragon is wrong are, in my opinion, stupid."

"So... then Blaze is perfect for me?" Kaida reminded Beckett of the other person to whom she feels drawn.

Beckett let out a small laugh, "Yeah, actually. In some way, he must be. If you feel the mate bond to him, he must be perfect for you in some way. If he could get over himself, he would be able to show exactly how he is perfect for you."

"Sure."

Kaida didn't mean to be curt with Beckett because, on a level, she knew he was right. However, Blaze had yet to show her anything other than his asshole side. It was hard to see him any other way.

"Spend time with them. You'll see what the Great Dragon sees. I know these guys. I know how incredible they can be. Blaze... doesn't like to show that side of him very often, but I know it's in there. I've seen it."

"He likes you. You are like his brother."

"And if you feel the mate bond to him, then you are his mate. He will get over it. Might take him a minute. Hell... it might take until you kick his ass, which I am not opposed to seeing by the way."

Kaida laughed, "I would rather not get near him right now. I wouldn't mind exploring the bonds with Arlo and Esen. It seems like they won't be that horrid to have a good relationship with if they are my mates. I just don't know how to go about this. It's not like I've had practice."

"I get that. Give them a chance. I already talked to them about this, so they will probably make the first move anyway.

"Good to know."

Beckett booped Kaida's nose. "Anything else you want to tell me or that I should know?"

"Did you just boop me?"

"I did."

Kaida growled. "Don't boop me."

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