Page 31 of Naga Warrior's Mate

Dernin kept his eyes locked on Bariv.

“Just having a friendly chat,” Bariv said, straightening his clothes with exaggerated care.

“Save it for the finals,” Fyret said.“Assuming you both make it there.”His sharp eyes fixed on the crater Dernin’s fist had left in the wall.“That’s coming out of your winnings, warrior.”

Dernin just gave a curt nod.The mate bond still hummed through his blood, demanding action, but he forced himself to stay still as Fyret turned to leave.

“Walk with me, Bariv,” Fyret called over his shoulder.“We have business to discuss.”

Something in their easy familiarity set off warning bells in Dernin’s mind.He watched through narrowed eyes as Bariv fell into step beside Fyret, the two of them talking in low voices as they disappeared around the corner.

Their body language spoke of long association.The way Bariv leaned in slightly as Fyret spoke, how Fyret’s hand occasionally clapped Bariv’s shoulder—these weren’t the gestures of a kingpin and his slave fighter.

“What game are you playing?”Dernin muttered.

The mate bond pulsed with renewed urgency.If Bariv and Fyret were working together somehow, it put Alaysia in even more danger.

But one thing was certain, anyone who threatened his mate would regret it.

Chapter 16

Alaysia

Alaysia’ssilkdresswhisperedagainst the stone barrier as she hurried through the dimly lit passageways.The jeweled necklace around her throat caught the light from scattered torches, sending tiny rainbows dancing across the rough-hewn walls.Her heart nearly stopped, partly from the urgency of her mission and partly from anticipation of seeing Dernin again.

The secret alcove lay just ahead, tucked away behind a bend in the corridor.This small space had become her and Dernin’s special meeting place over the past several days.

“Come on, come on,” she whispered, tapping her fingers against the wall as she waited.

A familiar sound reached her ears—the smooth slide of scales against stone.Dernin emerged from the shadows.His face lit up when he saw her, and something in her chest tightened at his expression.

“You came,” she said, stepping forward.

“Of course.”His tail curled slightly, and his golden eyes seemed to drink her in.“Is everything all right?”

“We need to hurry.Marcella’s waiting in the kitchens.”She grabbed his hand without thinking and then froze at the contact.His skin was warm against hers, and she found herself not wanting to let go.

“Lead the way,” he said softly, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

Alaysia pulled him along the corridor, taking the twisting route she’d learned that avoided the main thoroughfares.“Watch your head here,” she warned as they ducked under a low-hanging beam.

“You’ve learned this place well,” Dernin observed.

“Had to.Knowledge is survival.”She paused at an intersection, listening for footsteps.“Besides, being the ‘prize’ means I can go almost anywhere—as long as I look decorative enough doing it.”She touched the necklace with her free hand, her lip curling in distaste.

“You’d look just as beautiful without all that,” Dernin said and then seemed to catch himself.

Heat rushed to her cheeks, and she was glad the dim lighting would hide her blush.She tugged him forward again, trying to focus on their mission rather than how natural it felt to hold his hand.

The kitchen’s service entrance smelled of spiced meats and fresh bread, making Alaysia’s stomach growl despite her nerves.Marcella stood in the shadows, her eyes darting between them and the corridor.

“About time,” Marcella whispered, motioning them closer.“The vendors are making their evening deliveries now.Kira will be at the north exit in an hour.”

Alaysia’s fingers tightened around Dernin’s hand.“Show us this exit.”

“This way.”Marcella led them past stacks of wooden crates and barrels.“The guards change shifts soon.That’s our window.”

The kitchen bustled with activity, but most of the staff kept their heads down, focused on their work.Steam rose from massive pots, and the clatter of dishes provided cover for their whispered conversation.

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