Page 14 of The Dragon of her Dreams

Jessa slid her hand around my arm and grinned at me. “Well, shall we get this party started?” she offered.

Anselm arched an eyebrow. “Same entrance as always?”

I chuckled. “Why not?” I wasn’t one for being the center of attention, but when I was one of the triplets, I never worried about facing the world. When we were together, I felt strong, like I could handle anything—even if I wasn’t ready.

We walked down the hallway and toward the doors to the small balcony. My breath hitched in my throat, and I stopped, unable to take another step before asking the question on the tip of my tongue. “Have either of you seen Jaegar yet? Is he here?”

Anselm frowned at me. “I haven’t, but don’t worry, sister. He won’t ruin the party. Despite everything, I think you’re going to like him.”

I sucked in a breath and nodded. I wasn’t afraid of that.

I’m afraid of the opposite being true.

My heart raced.

Am I ready to meet the man who I think could be my fated mate?

Anselm stepped forward and opened the doors, pushing them wide and holding out his hand to me. The sounds of the crowd from beneath built to a roar, until suddenly there was a round of shushing, and the room fell silent.

I glanced at Jessa, and together we walked out onto the balcony that overlooked the enormous ballroom, smiling and waving as the festive space exploded with a deafening round of applause. My belly tightened and dropped as I searched the room expectantly for an unknown face.

“Let’s go,” Jessa said, tearing me away from my perusal, and down the steps into the ballroom below.

Why can’t I see him? What does he look like? I thought I’d know him, or feel him, straight away. Maybe Jaegar isn’t the fated mate I’d thought he was?

Mom and Dad were waiting at the bottom of the steps to give us hugs and kisses and to say “happy birthday” for the second time today.

Kayla stepped up next to Anselm, looking pale but beautiful. No one else might have noticed, but it seemed obvious to me that morning sickness was likely wreaking havoc with her.

“Oh, your dress is lovely, Kayla,” I said, giving her a warm smile.

Carlak stepped up to draw Jessa into his side. “Happy birthday, Vanya. You look as beautiful as ever.”

“Doesn’t she?” Jessa said, grinning at me with her normal levels of pride and happiness.

“We all look beautiful,” I responded, gesturing to all the women in the group. “And I’m just so glad we’re all here together for such a special milestone.”

“Speaking of,” Carlak said, “Anthony and Charity were asking for us. Shall we go speak to them?”

Jessa nodded and headed off with Carlak at her side.

Then Anselm bowed out with Kayla to go and speak to other guests and perform the usual meet and greets.

And that meant I was left with my parents and a heavy feeling in the pit of my stomach. I felt so incredibly left out that it set off a pang in my heart that almost had me clutching at my chest.

I’m alone.

Mom’s gaze slid behind us, and a huge smile lifted her lips. “Vanya, come and meet Jaegar. I know you’ve been wanting to make his acquaintance.”

I froze and a whole-body shiver coursed over me, making the hairs on my arms prickle. My breathing grew shallow, and my stomach instantly filled with the sensation of a million chaotic, fluttering butterflies.

“Are you okay?” my mother asked with a look of concern.

But before I could answer her, I looked over my shoulder and slowly turned around. There, before me, standing next to Uncle Damon, was the man from my dreams. He had long, beautiful dark hair, and eyes as bright as the sapphires in my father’s crown. “It’s you,” I breathed, my heart in my throat.

He opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted.

My father reached out to grab my arm, shocking me.

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