Page 95 of The Dragon's Mate

“In the matter of Kaida’s banishment, thecouncil has decided to allow her to remain with the clan. While involving humansis obviously not ideal, the council believes she acted in the best interest ofSika and her hatchling and only involved the human out of necessity.”

Bren’s hand clamped down on hers and the lookof pure happiness on his face made her chest ache again. It was her fault hewas even here, but there was no animosity from him, only pure joy that she wasn’tgoing to die.

He is our mate. The surety in her dragon’s voice left no room for doubt.

The cabin was filled with the rough purrsof happiness from the rest of her clan members. She felt an overwhelming surgeof love for her clan that left her weak and shaky. Bren glanced behind them atthe clan before smiling again at her.

She took a deep breath and nodded to him. Herdragon was purring loudly to her clan and her unease was disappearing. Thecouncil would let Bren live. They would not sentence him to death when he’dplayed such a clear part in helping Sika and the hatchling. To allow her tolive and condemn Bren to death would be grossly unfair.

Walter held up his hand and the purring ofher clan died out. “In the matter of the human, the council did not make thisdecision lightly. Our way of life is threatened when a human discovers who weare. In this particular case, the threat is doubled simply by the nature of whothis human’s father is.”

Walter’s gaze landed on Bren, his goldeneyes unwavering. “We appreciate what you have done for our clan, human. The supportyou offered to Sika and her hatchling was a gracious and generous gesture andquite unexpected from a human. We will never forget your kindness, but yourcontinued existence is a threat to ours. Therefore, the council has voted toend your life.”

Kaida stared in stunned silence at Walter.Behind her, she could hear the murmurs of her clan. The air had turned tomolasses around her and she slowly turned to face Bren. The colour had leechedcompletely from his face and a look of resignation covered his features.

He lifted her hand to his mouth and presseda gentle kiss against her knuckles. “Remember your promise, Kaida. Keep Tylersafe.”

Jarvis jumped to his feet. “Elders, I askyou to reconsider your decision. This man saved the life of my mate and myhatchling. If not for him, they would -”

“We are well aware,” Ryul said. “You madeyour case earlier for the human, Jarvis. The council has made its decision andit is final. Bones, take the human into the forest.”

Her ears ringing and her stomach rolling,Kaida turned her gaze to Cadmus. The elder sat at the end of the table, his handsfolded in front of him and that same serene look on his face.

“Cadmus!” Kaida’s voice rose above the babbleof other voices. “Cadmus, overrule their decision. Now.”

Ryul’s eyes widened. “You dare to tell thehigh elder what to do? Watch your tongue, Kaida. We may have spared you frombanishment but that does not mean we will allow you to speak withoutconsequence.”

Kaida ignored the older dragon. Stillholding tight to Bren’s hand, she said, “Cadmus, what is wrong with you? Killingthe human is wrong. You know that! Do not -”

Her dragon growled out a warning and Kaidawhirled around. Bones was approaching Bren, and she immediately stepped infront of Bren, hooking her arm behind her body and sliding it around hiswaist. She pulled him forward until his chest pressed against her back and shecould feel his breath puffing against her hair. “Don’t come any closer, Bones.”

Bones stopped a few feet away. “You knowthis isn’t what I want, Kaida. The human doesn’t deserve to die. But I servethe elders and as protector of the clan, I vowed to follow the council’sdecisions. I cannot and will not break that vow. Not even for you.”

Her dragon surged forward and there was acollective gasp of surprise from the clan when her chest glowed, and she blewout a hot burst of flame. “We are friends, Bones, and have been since we were yearlings.But touch the human and I will end your life.”

A hard light shone in Bones’s eyes. “Doyou challenge me, Kaida?”

“She doesn’t.” Sika spoke quickly, fearmaking her usual low voice high-pitched. “Of course, she doesn’t. Kaida, youmust release the human now. Please, sweetie.”

She fixed her gaze on Sika and her bestfriend took a step back. “Kaida?” she whispered.

“Leave, Sika,” Kaida’s dragon demanded. “Takeyour hatchling and leave this place for your safety and his.”

“Kaida.” Bren’s arm slipped around herwaist and he pressed his mouth against her ear. “Don’t, honey. It’s okay. Youdon’t have to do this.”

“You are mine.” Her voice was thick andalmost incomprehensible. “You are mine, and he is not taking you from me.”

“Do you challenge me?” Bones repeated.

“Yes,” Kaida said.

“Kaida!” Drago’s voice rang out over the horrifiedgasps of her clan. “Do not speak so foolishly.”

He moved toward her, stopping abruptly whenshe growled at him and blew another burst of flame in his direction. His facesweating from the heat, Drago said, “You cannot defeat Bones in a challenge.Hell, you’ll be lucky if you survive. Bones will defeat you - probably killyou - and the human will die anyway. Step away and give the human to Bones.”

“I always knew you were a coward, Drago,”Kaida’s voice rumbled out of her chest.

He flushed bright red, smoke pouring fromhis nostrils. “And I always knew you were an emotional fool.”

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