Page 35 of Naga Warrior's Mate

“Tomorrow,” Fyret continued, “these four will battle for supremacy, for glory, and for our special prize!”

The crowd’s attention turned to Alaysia.He saw her shrink back slightly, though she kept her chin high.Pride and protectiveness warred in his chest.His mate was so strong, yet she shouldn’t have to be—not like this.

“Don’t worry, snake,” Bariv muttered under his breath.“I’ll take good care of her.”

Dernin’s tail coiled tightly, his warrior training barely containing his urge to strike.Soon, he promised himself.

Dernin’s scales whispered against the stone floor as he went to the barracks.The taste of victory still lingered, but something else caught his attention—familiar voices drifting from a shadowed alcove.His warrior instincts kicked in as he pressed himself against the wall, his golden scales shifting to match the darkness.

“The snake’s getting too popular,” Fyret’s voice carried clearly.“Bad for business when the crowd favorite isn’t our champion.”

“I’ll break him,” Bariv’s guttural tone replied.“Just like all the others.”

“See that you do.I’ve got too much riding on you staying champion.The betting odds are already arranged.”

Dernin’s tongue flicked out to taste their emotions.Greed and malice saturated the air.

“What if he gets lucky?”Bariv asked.

“He won’t.”Fyret’s silk-smooth voice hardened.“I’ll make sure the referee knows when to look the other way.And if that doesn’t work...we’ll improvise.”

“And the girl?”Bariv’s filaments twitched eagerly.“She’s still mine when I win?”

“As promised.Though try not to break this one too quickly.She’s worth more than your usual prizes.”

Raw fury surged through Dernin’s body.His tail coiled tightly, muscles bunching with the effort of restraining himself from striking immediately.These insects dared to plot against his mate?His nails dug into his palms, drawing blood.

“Don’t worry,” Bariv chuckled.“I know how to make them last.”

Dernin’s vision tinged red.Only the thought of Alaysia—of keeping her safe—kept him from revealing himself and ending both their miserable lives right there.

Dernin turned quietly and made his way to the barracks, his rage threatening to consume him.The conversation he’d overheard played on repeat in his mind.Fixed matches.Corrupt referees.His jaw clenched until pain shot through his temples.

“Getting nervous about tomorrow?”one of the other fighters called out.

Dernin’s eyes fixed on the speaker, who immediately shrank back.“I don’t get nervous.”

Dernin finally settled in on his sleeping mat, every movement deliberate and controlled despite the fury coursing through his veins.The other fighters gave him a wide berth, sensing his dangerous mood.

“They want to rig this thing?”he muttered under his breath.“Let them try.”

No matter what underhanded tactics Fyret employed, Dernin would not lose.Could not lose.

“A warrior adapts,” he reminded himself, remembering his training.If they planned to cheat, he’d simply have to be so overwhelming that no amount of corruption could stop him.

Chapter 18

Alaysia

Alaysiatuggedatthetight silk gown that clung to her curves, wishing for the hundredth time she could wear something less revealing.The private viewing box offered little comfort despite its luxurious furnishings.Below, the arena buzzed with anticipation as Fyret strutted around the ring.

“And now, your semifinalists!”Fyret’s voice boomed.

Alaysia’s stomach did flips as she watched the four fighters enter.Dernin’s golden scales caught the light perfectly, his powerful tail moving with a grace that belied his strength.Beside him stood Bariv, his bulky, slimy frame radiating menace even from this distance.

“You’re going to wear a hole in that dress if you keep fidgeting,” Marcella whispered.

“I can’t help it.”Alaysia’s fingers grabbed at the silk.“Look at the size of that Kronan fighter.And the Zentari’s supposed to be undefeated in his home rings.”

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