Page 9 of The Fox and the Dragon

"Friday." Ashton was feeling the coward that he was when he saw Saphir's eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "I tried to do what was expected of me, but I couldn't. She's not my mate, and honestly, she is not a nice person."

“I’m glad you did the right thing. Never settle for anyone but your mate, your Fated match.” Saphir stated with considerable emphasis and reached across the table to place his hand over Ashton’s.

“Yeah, that's what Will, Harley, and my father tried to tell me, and I'm glad their words finally got through."

"So am I," Saphir said and then quickly asked. "How did Ally take it when you called off the wedding?"

“She actually seemed relieved, although she acted upset, screaming and crying, but I don't think it was genuine. Of course, I could be just trying to make myself feel better aboutthe whole thing." Ashton glanced down and noticed that Saphir still had his hand over his. The contact was pleasant, warm, and secure.

It was a connection that felt personal and not just supportive. There was more there an emotion was present he could see it in Saphir’s eyes, but he had no name for it. His heart was telling him it was an attraction he was seeing.

Saphir seemed really interested in him, but his head was making it clear that a dragon such as Saphir, under normal conditions, would not give him the time of day. He didn't move, hoping that Saphir would continue holding his hand.

“Was her family upset?” Saphir continued his questions.

"Will said they were. I didn't see them or speak with them, especially her father. I paid off everything connected to the wedding and reimbursed her parents for what they had spent, so there was no financial issue." Saphir smiled. "I gave her all the money we'd saved for the honeymoon trip to New York along with the plane tickets, and she left with her friend Jordan."

“I’m sure that was expensive.” He commented.

"It was worth it to get away." That statement seemed to make Saphir happy, and it pleased Ashton, making him happy. "Are you thinking that her family had something to do with the traps?" Saphir nodded.

“Unless you know of someone else with a grievance against you and Will.”

"No, I can't think of anyone, and even Ally's family seems unlikely."

“What about Will?” That made Ashton smile.

"Will keeps pretty much to himself apart from family. He isn't dating anyone at present and has no troubles at work, soI doubt anyone would have a death wish where he's concerned. Will abhors conflict and drama." Ashton wished he had the answers the dragons were looking for, but he could not come up with anyone who might wish them ill.

They finished their dinner and Saphir poured him another glass of wine which he readily accepted. “It is best that you and Will remain here until we have a better understanding of who set the traps and why. If you and your brother are the targets, then you can be better protected here than back in Pittsburgh.”

"I appreciate your concern, but I think I'd prefer to deal with this, whatever it is, at home." Ashton didn't want to take up their time, especially after his speech about dealing with shifters for the past few months. The hand that was still holding his tightened, and Saphir's dark, burning eyes bore into him.

"Please let me help you. Stay for a day or two and let your brother fully recover, and allow us to find your attackers. I'm not asking for weeks, just a couple of days, and remember that the men who set those traps intended for you to die. This isn't a playful prank, Ashton. Will has nearly died." Saphir became deadly serious, and Aston found he could not deny his request without appearing silly and foolhearty at the expense of their safety.

CHAPTER FIVE

Saphir was crawling out of his skin, needing to take his mate and force him to see reality. He was obstinate beyond rationality. Saphir had to make him see the truth of what they were dealing with and force an understanding that their lives were in danger.

He would not allow his mate to leave alone, and if he insisted on returning home, then Saphir would go with him. Protecting him in such a place would be a bitch for sure, but his mate may leave him no other alternative.

"You're right, but I've been taking this too lightly. I have a hard time believing that someone tried to kill me or us. It's just ridiculous, but I also respect what you have told me, and I believe you. I need to look out for Will. He almost died from that poison, and if Roan hadn't found us, he might not have made it." Ashton was finally making sense and taking it seriously. Saphir breathed a sigh of relief.

“You and Will can remain in the suite he’s currently in. It’s large enough for both of you and also provides a kitchen and other amenities. I’ll see that it is fully stocked. If you’d like something larger or in another area, I will find somethingelse for you." Saphir was eager to see to all Ashton's needs and comforts.

"That room is great, and Will is already comfortable. I would like to change my clothes if possible. I've been in these for two days." He seemed hesitant to ask, but Saphir was pleased that he was not afraid to reach out to him.

"Of course, I'll take care of it for you." The thought of caring for him in this way felt so right, and Saphir could sense their connection beginning to form. His dragon wanted to push forward and present himself, but Saphir held him back. The little fox was not ready to take on a dragon mate while in the midst of so much uncertainty. He would wait for a better time and place, but he was aware that his dragon would not wait long.

He dropped Ashton back at the apartment, giving him strict instructions to rest, and then went to see Bazil. The bombshell realization that his mate was in the house really threw him off for a bit, but he was starting to get his feet under him and his wits about him again. If circumstances had been different, he would have immediately presented himself to Ashton and taken him away to complete their bond.

Normally from what he’d witnessed and heard over the centuries bonding was easy when it was between two paranormals. It was when an uninitiated such as a human entered the mix that things got dicey, and everything slowed down. Unfortunately, even though Ashton was a fox shifter he’d just left a very serious relationship, with a woman, just days ago and he and his brother were apparently being hunted. It was not the time to bring up mating and bonding.

Saphir was struggling to slow down and control himself, but irritation and impatience were growing. He had to speak to his brother he needed his King to bring his dragon downand give him the comfort and support he needed before he did something stupid like throw Ashton over his shoulder and head for the high mountains.

He met Bazil on his balcony relaxing in the twilight he took a seat next to him and remained silent for a few minutes while soaking in the peace and fragrance of the evening. “The fox shifter, Ashton Jennings is my mate.” He stated clearly and waited for Bazil to comment.

He turned in his seat to look at Saphir squarely with an expression of both excitement and caution. “You sound troubled by this news.” He said and leaned back in his chair. “A mate is a sacred individual a gift from Fate herself and is to be treasured and revered.” He reminded him.

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