Page 41 of Dragon's Code

“Not exactly like that. It’s different for everyone, I would imagine. When we were attacked in Brazil and Grey’s minions destroyed our home, killed our parents, and a lot of members of our clan, Syrena sent all of our heartstones out into the world so they’d be safe.”

“Safe?”

“The dragons that were attacking us, were also destroying all the heartstones they could get their hands on. They’re not essential to mating, but they link mates. If a dragon doesn’t mate with another dragon, the dragon will usually break their heartstone and keep a chunk for themselves and give the other one to their mate. At least, that’s what I’ve been seeing with some of the dragons mating with humans.”

“So you gave me your heartstone, it sounds like you should’ve saved it for your mate,” I say, feeling a possessive desire to keep it right where it is.

He shakes his head. “I don’t have a mate. I’m not going to have a mate.”

I never expected him to say that. “What? Why?”

Kash sighs and drops down onto his bed. “I don’t want to talk about it, Athena.”

His phone chirps. “Saved by the bell,” I mutter as he pulls it out to look at it.

“Fucking hell.” He stands up, grabs his shoes and a shirt and quickly yanks them on. “We gotta go.”

I don’t ask questions. I put on my shoes and follow him out the door. We power walk to the elevator and head down to the second floor instead of the lobby.

Kash grabs my hand and we hurry down the hall. Voices carry down the hall. They’re yelling. It’s hard to make out much of what’s being said. Too many people are talking all at once.

Jerrick, Jonathan, and some people I don’t know are the first people I see. As we enter the large ballroom area, there’s a group of people arguing and yelling.

“Stand here. Do not go anywhere without me.” His tone is demanding, but I know it’s because he’s worried.

I’m still reeling with the fact that I’ve had his heartstone this whole time. That’s why the locket is sealed. He’s keeping it a secret even from me. Of course, I would’ve never known what it meant even if I’d managed to pop the locket open.

I focus on the problem in front of us though.

“You mated with a human and your own royal guard is mated to her as well. That’s disgusting.” I recognize the sultry woman who interrupted me and Kash earlier. She’s still dressed to the nines like it’s her job.

“Disgusting?” A man who is standing in front of a blonde woman and another man like a shield is scowling at Jasmine like she’s vile. “You do not get to pass judgements on things you couldn’t possibly understand. You’re young. You’re unmated. And you’re a fucking spy.”

A sharp, malicious smile grows on her face. Her eyes twinkle with delight. “You’re right. And won’t Darius’s father be ever so happy to hear that his only son broke dragon law. Not to mention, his son, the Prince of the Lapis Lazuli Clan, is sharing his mate. Only the barbarian Larimars shared their mates, and they’re extinct. The Elders will make an example of you.”

Kashton stomps across the room to stand next to the man who is acting like a shield. “Jasmine, you’re going to sit down and shut up. You’re not going to tell King Marcus anything. He doesn’t need to know right now. We’re going to take everything to the Elders, but we need answers before then.”

She licks her lips and crosses her arms under her chest making sure that she pushes her perfect cleavage right up into his face. “I am? I don’t think so, Kashy. You can’t keep me here. You certainly can’t keep me from telling my king everything I’ve learned here. The dragon world needs to know that this is unacceptable.”

“They met their mate. What matters past that? We’ve always believed in fate. We don’t argue with it.”

“She’s a fucking human.”

The blonde woman behind Kash pushes through between him and the other man. “I’m actually not, you trolling bitch.”

Jasmine gives her a condescending smile. “Oh honey, I know a human when I see one. Female dragons would never let themselves go like you have.”

“Oh honey,” the woman mimics Jasmine’s tone, and then lunges forward, wrapping her hand around Jasmine’s throat. She lays her out over the table. “Look into my eyes.”

“Michelle,” both of her mates surround her.

Jasmine clutches Michelle’s wrist and writhing on the table, fighting to get up. A beautiful black stone dangles from Michelle’s neck hanging between the two women.

“You’re a fucking dragon?” she spits.

Michelle releases her hastily and Jasmine falls right off the table from all her squirming. She quickly stands, smoothing her hands down the lines of her dress, putting it back in place.

“How is this possible?” Jasmine sneers. Her eyes trace over all the women in the room, including me.

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