Page 34 of Kidnapped Forced Mate

I haven’t told her why she’s here. It’s not that it’s important right now. Living in the moment, enjoying our time together, and having fun on nearly every corner of the island is all that matters. It’s easier this way. The once daunting thought of losing my freedom seems to be put to rest without the labels binding us together.

This way, we can have all the fun we want, without letting things like feelings and fated mates come between us. We get along well, we have the best sex of my life, and I don’t have to make any commitments.

What more could I have asked for? In hindsight, it seems that she really is a match for me. She hasn’t brought up the future, and she doesn’t seem to care at all. She’s perfect for me. She never questions my whereabouts, and she’s spending her time doing the things that bring her joy.

Perfect, if I’m being honest. At least this way, we’re both happy.

“Good morning, baby doll…” I whisper, pressing a kiss on her forehead when I lean down.

Her eyelids flutter open as she flips me a groggy smile. “Good morning, Stryder…” she drawls, then takes a deep sniff of the air. “Is that breakfast?”

“Uh-huh,” I mumble, lifting the tray onto the bed. “And coffee.”

Olivia opens her eyes fully and straightens up in bed. Her brows furrow as she gazes at me, starry-eyed. I place the tray on her lap, gesturing for her to go ahead.

“Thank you,” she says as she lifts her mug to her lips, taking a small sip.

“No need,” I shrug. “I figured that you wouldn’t make it downstairs after last night.”

Olivia shyly averts her gaze and blushes. Her pale skin makes the perfect canvas for a perfectly rosy blush. I have to admit, she’s probably the most beautiful creature I’ve ever been with. Not my usual type, but that’s because she sets the bar far higher than my previous preferences.

Chuckling under my breath, I hook a finger beneath her chin and tilt her face toward me. I press a chaste kiss on her lips – a kiss that tingles my being and ignites me with the very same passion we’ve been sharing for countless nights.

“Wanna finish your painting today?” I ask with a smirk. We’d been visiting our particular spot on the mountaintop every day for the past week for her painting. Olivia hasn’t been able to get much done since we only end up rolling around naked together.

“If you’ll actually let me finish,” she giggles, glancing at the balcony where the sun shines brightly.

Stryder, where are you? Stryker suddenly enters my mind.

I’m in my bedroom. Why?

Olivia turns back to me, pursing her lips, when she notices the change of color in my eyes. She knows about the mind link, and I sometimes blank out because I’m speaking to another dragon shifter.

Still, I reassure her I’m still around by taking her hand in mine.

Draco just called me now. They’re on their way back to the island.

I’ll be down shortly. Thanks, twin.

When the mind link is cut, and my vision returns to normal, I see Olivia’s smile and realize that soon enough, she’ll have to meet my family.

I’ve hardly prepared her for that, but she’ll get along just fine with them. Once she meets my older brothers’ human mates, she might find more things to keep her occupied on the island.

That way, I’ll still get to keep my freedom.

“Is everything alright?” she asks.

Smoothing the pad of my thumb across her knuckles, I give her a warm smile. “Yes, everything’s fine. It’s just that… My family is returning to the island today. We might have to cancel our plans.”

“Erm–okay…” she hesitates. “What—How are you gonna explain me?”

“Oh, don’t worry about that,” I dismiss with a click of my tongue. “They’ll understand. After all, they know about the inner dragon and how it behaves sometimes.”

Olivia giggles. “That means they’ll know about all the inner dragon's needs and… desires.”

“Probably,” I chuckle. “It shouldn’t be a secret now, should it?”

“I guess not,” she relents. “Should I dress up for the occasion?”

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