Page 63 of Devoted to the Dragon

“Nobody cares what you need,” he says, voice gruff and full of the sound of an alpha wolf.

Up close, the beast dude is beautifully intimating. His golden-brown hair is long, and his tan face is marked by small scars. She chose well in him. He is fierce and loyal.

“Yeah, I know. But this is for her. Our bond needs nurturing, and that means I need time to make it right between us. I don’t want to hurt her more than I already have.”

The wolf looks me over, his face torn with indecision.

I dart to my bag and produce Sloan’s envelope. “Can you at least give this to her for me?”

“What is it?” he asks hesitantly, looking at the thing as if it’s about to bite.

That’s fair, I guess. That’s what got us into this mess. I know I should be sorry that I bonded her. She didn’t consent, and even though I was acting on instinct, that’s no excuse. But a part of me isn’t sorry, because even though I regret hurting her, there’s no way I can see her letting me ever get close enough to know her.

And I need to know her.

That makes me an asshole of the highest order. I thought I knew who I was. Turns out I’m capable of much darker things than I ever imagined—because I don’t know if there’s anything I wouldn’t do for her.

I swallow around the glass in my throat. “They’re official treaty terms, including a dowry.”

The wolf scoffs. “A dowry. I don’t think she needs your fucking money. Maybe you should try starting with something like respect. Or building trust. Or even self-sacrifice.”

My hackles rise. “I do respect her. If you’ll let me, I’ll build trust. That’s what the treaty is for. And fuck you. I’m not giving her up.”

He shrugs with false nonchalance. “Suit yourself, I guess.” His voice turns hard. “Though it seems to me after what you did, you should show her you’re willing to walk away if that’s what’sbest for her. But money? Fuck you. Pick something worthy of her.”

Those words land harder than his fists.

“Read it,” I grit out. My shadows tangle around me, wanting to lash out.

He’s been here two minutes, and he already knows the measure of my worth. The part that pisses me off?He’s not all wrong.

“You’re talking to the wrong guy if you’re interested in politics,” he scoffs, nosing closer even as my serpent hisses in warning.

My voice drops, my serpent’s dominance thick in the air. “Let me spell this out for you: My family is powerful. I can keep her safe. Right now, that is what she needs. I’m doing my best to protect her. We’ve taken the Alpha King down for now, but another will come. That treaty offers aid. That is trust. That is respect.”

“Great,” he says sarcastically. “Good for you. I bet your family is proud.” He shakes his head, the gesture full of pity. “You don’t seem to get it. You’re her mate. Win her heart, asshole.”

He doesn’t wait for me to reply, slamming the rickety-ass door on his way out.

The wolf’swords haunt me the rest of the day while I try to figure out my shit. They left my ass with a box of meat, eggs, and vegetables. I’ve never even tried to cook in a kitchen, and I don’t know how the fuck to start a campfire. I raw-dog the veggies, my stomach protesting.

If I’m willing to do anything for her, does that mean I should walk away? Is that really what she needs? If I break the bond,will she be better off?Maybe.The answer guts me, but if it’s truly for the best …

I sigh, torn, and pull out my phone. I don’t want to walk away, but I don’t want to hurt her either.

It takes Stefano going to voicemail twice before he answers. “You’re alive. Congrats.”

“I need a?—”

“Favor. I know,” he says with a chuckle.

“Can you dig up everything you have on mate bonds? Is there a way to break one safely?”

“Already giving up?” He sounds disappointed.

I grit my teeth. I deserve it. I’ve gotten myself into stupid shit—wrecked cars, bad bets, wild parties, hefty bills—and someone else always has to pay. Usually, it’s one of my siblings. In the last decade, I’ve cleaned up my act, but I’ve been selfish. Apparently, my whole life.

“It’s for her. I bonded with her, Stef, and I did it without thinking. She hates the serpents, and unlike the wolves, she has valid reasons. Maybe the best way I can fight for her is to give her up. I didn’t even consider it before, but I should have. Help me do the right thing for once in my life.”

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