Page 7 of Kidnapped Plus-Size Mate

Rolling my eyes at my foolish, fleeting worry, I go back to distracting myself with a television show and mouthfuls of the cottage pie that’s since grown cold. This is probably why I need a boyfriend.

But that’s not happening anytime soon if I keep stuffing my mouth like this.

Chapter 3 - Stryker

Tugging on my collar to loosen my tie as we walk down the green carpet set out on the pathway leading to the grand hall, my sister Kairo slips her arm into mine. I throw her a wary smile which she returns warmly as we follow our brothers with their mates ahead of us.

“This is exciting, don’t you think?” Kairo comments without much excitement in her voice.

Scoffing under my breath, I say, “A ball to celebrate the coming of new dragonspirit children, hosted by the Fire Force clan? Yeah… No, not really.”

“Come on, Stryker,” she encourages with a gentle tug on my arm. “It can’t bethatbad. At least we’ll get to dance,” she offers with a wide grin, but I can see right through the act how her eyes lose their usual ocean-blue glow.

Frowning, I’m about to question her pseudo-excitement, when we’re greeted by the Fire Force Alpha and his human mate.

The Australian dragon clan had also taken part in the human mate trials in its early stages. Falkor, the Alpha who greets us upon our arrival, was one of the first dragon shifters to take a human mate. Both the Alpha and Lady Dragon of the Fire Force clan have a radiant glow about them that indicates how happy they are.

It’s the kind of happiness I see in my brothers’ eyes and the eyes of their mates. I can’t believe I’m here, attending a ball, when I should be out there in the mortal world, chasing my own happiness.

“Thanks for coming, mate,” Alpha Falkor greets when we enter through the large parted doors of the hall’s entrance. “Iheard you’re next in the mating process for the Aurora Dragons. Congrats.”

I didn’t need the reminder, I think glumly, but smile for the sake of our host.

He nods at my sister, then. “It’s lovely seeing you again, Kairo. It’s been many years.”

“A few centuries,” Kairo replies with a lighthearted giggle as she turns to his mate. “You must be Sandra.”

The blonde woman nods with a warm smile at both my sister and me. When the formalities are over, Kairo and I proceed into the grand hall with draped organza from the center of the ceiling, and golden furnishing adorning every corner of the open dancefloor.

It isn’t empty, with most of the dragon shifters from every corner of the world in attendance alongside their human mates. Reproachfully groaning, I guide my sister toward the bar and reach for the dragonclaw in my pocket.

I had to sneak in something to douse the flames of my irritation. Ordering a stiff drink and a martini for my sister, I show her the clear bag and grin mischievously.

Kairo rolls her eyes at me as she snatches the intoxicant from my hand. “You sneaky bastard!” she chuckles. “I thought Draco made it abundantly clear that we were gonna be clean tonight…”

I swivel on the bar stool and gesture to the dancefloor where Draco spins his mate, Lily, before pulling her closer in a flurry of giggles and bemusement. I can’t help but imagine myself doing the same with Camilla, a sense of longing tugging at my heartstrings and tightening my fingers around the bag of dragonclaw.

“He won’t notice,” I chuckle gloomily and return to the bar. I just have to make it through tonight, and I’ll be free to pursue my happiness and not be bombarded by a reminder of my loneliness at every turn.

“What’s with the sour mood?” Kairo inspects with a raised brow.

I glance over my shoulder, to where Stryder waltzes across the dancefloor with his mate, Olivia. Only a few months ago, my twin wouldn’t dream of a soft life such as this. Now, enveloped in the clutches of his mate’s love, he seems to be riding cloud nine.

“If I told you something, will you promise to keep it between us?”

Kairo lifts her head to the ceiling and chuckles. “Lemme guess… You’re distressed ‘cause your mate’s already locked in a bedroom on Aurora Island?”

When she looks back at me, I narrow my eyes at her. “It’s not that bad, okay?”

“What is it then?”

I point a finger sternly. “Promise.”

“I promise,” Kairo giggles. “Now tell me, what’s going on?”

Just then, our drinks are served. With my lips pursed, I decide against the use of dragonclaw to amplify the inebriating effects of the liquor, shoving the bag into my pocket as I pull my drink closer.

“I’ve known who my mate is for months now,” I confess, hanging my head abashedly.

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