Page 49 of Dragon Untamed

"Honestly? The community." Arlo smiled while he looked around the room. "I know us dragons grew up here. We know the ins and outs and everything we need to know to have a comfortable life here. Anyone forced to come here must rely on us to help them through everything they dealt with before coming here and even how to restart their lives. So many people are dropped here and end up spending the rest of their days on this rock because their mates never return. Watching everyone step up and help the newcomers through it all is awesome to watch. It isn't just the dragons who help, either. People like your friends help out every single person who comes here. They all positioned themselves to be those people in the short few months they've come here. Others just offer knowledge or a job. It's kind of wholesome to know that I am in a place where it doesn't matter what kind of supernatural you are. Here you are just another person who became part of our community against their will but eventually sees how it is a blessing."

Kaida smiled at Arlo, glowing with each passing second of his speech. His answer was exactly what she was hoping to hear from him.

"I like that. I have noticed the girls' involvement with the community and enjoyed that about them."

"Four of the most powerful on the island, too. Kind of comical that you ended up friends with them."

Kaida lifted an eyebrow at him. "Meaning?"

"It's like you five found each other because you were all drawn to each other's power. It's not coincidental that you guys are all friends."

It was something about that sentence that made Kaida feel a little uneasy. Did Arlo like the fact that she was friends with the girls, or did he hate it?

"The Great Dragon works in mysterious ways."

Kaida felt like her response would convey what she felt. Arlo's face seemed to register that his comment made her feel some type of way. Arlo bowed his head and cleared his throat.

"I just meant that, with this dark mist coming here and the sky getting all wonky, the fact that you five are friends when you all are extremely powerful and special seems to be part of a plan. You're right, The Great Dragon does work in mysterious ways. Look at how you're the first from the mainland of dragons to be rejected in a while. You meet those four on the beach the moment you land here. Then, this business with the mist and your dragon being the one who can stop it. It isn't coincidental. The Great Dragon has a plan. I just wish I knew what it was."

"By the way, I like the fact that you are friends with them. If we can't protect you, or can't be there for you in a time of need, they sure as hell can and will. It would drive us all nuts if something happened to you and none of us were there for you. I don't think that'll happen because those girls are with you when we aren't. It's like a safety net we didn't know we needed."

Kaida stared at Arlo's confession. She searched for the bond between them as she felt it open up. Everything Arlo told her rang true through their bond.

"Thank you for explaining what you meant."

"I felt it, how it made you feel when I said it wasn't coincidental. I knew I needed to clarify. The last thing I want is for you to think I don't want you to have friends or to be around those girls."

Kaida smiled at him. "I wouldn't stop being their friend just because you told me not to be."

"Good. That's not how a partnership works, Sweetheart. Don't let any of us tell you who you can and cannot hang out with. If we do, kick the shit out of us."

The sound of Kaida's laugh filled the room. That was the best thing she’d heard all day.

"Don't worry, I will." She gave him a wink, making him laugh.

The rest of the evening was spent talking about other small things to get to know one another. There were moments of sharing things they loved, things they didn't like, things from their childhood, and even making jokes. Before they knew it, the waiter came over and told them that the kitchen was closing. Arlo paid for their meals, and they walked home.

During the walk, Arlo walked next to her. She could feel the heat from his body rolling off him from how close he was to her. The air was chilly, and as it blew through the trees and against her skin, Kaida could feel the bumps rising from the chill. Kaida rubbed her hands against her arms, hoping the friction would heat her up. Arlo took the queue and put his arm around her.

"My magic is useless to warm you up, or I'd use that."

Kaida pressed against him, and his warmth spread to her. "This works just fine. Thank you."

Arlo's hand brushed against her skin, and Kaida felt the static spread through her entire body. She moaned at the sensation,knowing it was another sign that Arlo was her mate. Arlo stopped walking and hugged her closer to his side. Kaida could sense through the bond that he was struggling with the emotions he felt. Kaida wanted to ask why, but Arlo started walking again. The bond was closed off like it was before their conversations at dinner.

"Let's get you home. We don't need you getting grouchy again."

Kaida looked up at him and narrowed her eyes. "Excuse me?"

"Any time my mom was hungry or cold, she was grouchy. I fed you so hunger cannot make you a grouch. But now you feel like sandpaper with all your goose pimples, so the cold can certainly change that."

"You calling me a grouch?"

"Nope. And I will ensure you don't turn into one before we return to the house. If I return you to Beckett in a worse mood than when we left, he will have my ass."

Kaida wanted to say something else but chose not to. It felt like it was the wrong time to push anything further. She didn't want to ruin their night because it was spectacular until she felt him close himself off to her.

What the hell just happened?

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