Page 31 of Brutal Alpha Dragon

It's not exactly how I planned on telling her. But then again, I didn't have much of a plan.

I suppose being threatened with a kitchen utensil does that to a man. Instinctively, I needed to get that off my chest, even if it makes me feel regretful now.

I glance over my shoulder, staring forlornly at the door. A tiny part of me wants to go back inside and clear the air between us. Though I'm not even sure why I feel that way.

It's disdain for the human race I should be feeling. Not humility toward the human chosen as my mate. It's not like she's fit to carry my children.

Huffing as I turn back to the hallway, I march down toward the elevators. Throwing myself into clan duties seems fitting. Even if I can't get Lily off my mind the moment I step into the confined elevator.

“Brother! There you are!” I'm greeted by Felix as soon as the lift doors open up on the ground floor. Behind him, the Vulkan siblings stay gathered at the centerpiece vase.

“Is something wrong?” I ask with a frown as I step out of the lift, glancing at each of them suspiciously.

“No,” Felix shakes his head. “But we did as you instructed. We have a training session planned for tonight.”

“Good,” I praise, thankful for the distraction. “Where's Kai?”

“Over here!” my sister calls from the fireplace as she gets to her feet from the chaise lounge. “How is she?”

Grunting when I feel my siblings' eyes boring into me, I throw Kairo a contemptuous glare. She gulps in recognition of my derision, succinctly coming forward.

“Sorry,” she grimaces. “We all know you went to see her.”

Snarling under my breath, I can hear the footsteps of the others leaving the lobby. When it's silent, I look down into my sister's face.

“She'll be fine.” I clear my throat with much discomfort. “You're allowed to see her again. Just ensure that—”

“I lock the door behind me?” Kairo interjects with a hint of sarcasm that threatens to rile me up. “Yeah. Got it.”

When Kairo doesn't immediately take the elevator to go upstairs, I frown after her when she instead heads out.

“Where are you going, Kai?”

She stops to turn around with her reply. “I'm joining training.” Kairo flicks her hair over her shoulder as she looks back at the front door. “If there's any threat to Lily, I'll do what I can to protect her.”

With that, my sister leaves, leaving me gaping at her in wonder, realizing how protective she's become of my mate.

My mate.

Who I should be feeling protective over. It's the natural impulse of an Alpha toward his mate.

If things weren't so complicated.

Yet, my sister sees no difference between a dragon and a human. Her natural instinct to protect family has surpassed uncharted boundaries. Extending to the human female kept prisoner in her bedroom. Like the damsel in distress locked in the castle, the fire-breathing dragon guards the outside. Offering her safety.

An offering I am compelled to make. Even if it goes against my personal preferences. Even if my logical mind warms me against it. I've always trusted my mind when it came to making decisions.

And it's not like my first choice was a human mate. Though I don't have many options, I was leaning toward never having children.

No legacy would be detrimental to the state of the Aurora Dragons. And I was willing to give up my position as Alpha to my brother, Felix.

What pushes me toward accepting a human mate is what's standing in the center of the arena.

Or rather, who.

It's Skarlett Amell.

“For fuck's sake…” I grunt, turning to the twins behind me. “Stryk, Stryd, you guys take the lead on the first round.” I turn to Aragon. “Can you keep an eye on her?”

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