Page 54 of Naga Warrior's Mate

Chapter 27

Dernin

Derninstoodtallinthe center of the ring, his golden scales gleaming with sweat under the harsh lights of the arena.Blood trickled from cuts above his eyes, but he kept his stance proud and unwavering.The crowd’s cheers echoed off the stone walls.Their enthusiasm for his victory was palpable.

Fyret sauntered into the ring from the fighters’ tunnel and took his position next to Dernin.His face was a mask of barely concealed rage as he approached.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Fyret’s voice boomed across the arena.“I present to you your new champion!”

He raised Dernin’s arm in victory, his grip unnecessarily tight.The kingpin’s fingers dug into Dernin’s scales.

“A magnificent display of skill and power,” Fyret continued through clenched teeth.“Truly worthy of the title.”

Anger and irritation rolled off Fyret in waves.The man had lost more than just money on this fight.He’d lost face.

“Thank you for this honor,” Dernin replied, his voice carrying across the arena.He met Fyret’s gaze steadily, refusing to be intimidated.

Fyret leaned in close, speaking low enough that only Dernin could hear.“Don’t get too comfortable with your victory.Champions come and go in this arena.”

“Is that a threat?”Dernin’s tail shifted slightly, coiling with tension.

“Consider it a reminder of your place,” Fyret said under his breath.“Now bow to your audience.”

Dernin complied, scanning the crowd as he did so.Four days.He just needed to survive four more days until his fellow warriors arrived.He touched the strands of red hair tied around his wrist, drawing strength from thoughts of Alaysia.Whatever Fyret was planning, Dernin would be ready.

The kingpin’s barely contained fury told him all he needed to know.The man was dangerous when crossed, and Dernin had just cost him dearly.But a warrior didn’t back down from a fight, and Dernin had too much at stake to show weakness now.

“And now,” Fyret announced, his voice dripping with false sweetness, “your champion’s prize.”

Alaysia emerged from the fighters’ tunnel, her red hair cascading down her back in elegant waves.The golden dress she wore caught the light, making her shimmer with each graceful step.Dernin’s breath hitched at the sight of her, just as it had that morning in her chambers.She was his mate, his to protect, and now he could show it.

The crowd’s whistles and cheers echoed off the arena walls as she approached.Dernin’s protective instincts flared at their hungry gazes.He extended his hand to her, drawing her close to his side.Her smaller frame fit perfectly against him.

Fyret gave them both a cold smile and departed, leaving them alone in the center of the ring.

“Are you all right?”Alaysia whispered, her blue eyes scanning the cuts and bruises marking his torso.Her fingers ghosted over a particularly nasty gash on his ribs.“That was a terrible fight.”

“Better now,” Dernin rumbled, his tail curling around them both.The lingering effects of whatever they’d put in his wine made his head swim, but her presence grounded him.“Nothing that won’t heal.”

“You’re sure?”Alaysia pressed.

“I won.Didn’t I?”His eyes met hers as he captured her hand in his, bringing it to his lips.The crowd roared their approval as he kissed her knuckles.

A blush colored her cheeks as she smiled up at him.Dernin’s chest swelled with pride.She was his, and everyone would know it.He kept her hand in his as he led her toward the exit, his powerful tail clearing their path.Let them look.Let them see.He’d won her fairly, but more importantly, she’d chosen him, too.

The celebration pulsed with energy around them, but Dernin’s focus remained solely on Alaysia.Her red hair caught the light of the hanging lanterns as she laughed at something he’d said.The sound of her joy made his chest tighten with pride.

The other fighters kept approaching to congratulate him, but he barely registered their words.His tail created a protective half-circle behind Alaysia, keeping others at a respectable distance while still maintaining the appearance of sociability.

“You’re quite popular tonight,” Alaysia teased, taking a sip from her glass.“The mighty champion.”

Dernin’s lips curved into a smile.“They’ll find a new champion to fawn over soon enough.”He leaned closer, breathing in her scent.“I’m more interested in my prize.”

The music shifted to something slower, more melodic.Dernin extended his hand to her.“Dance with me?”

Her blue eyes sparkled as she placed her hand in his.“I should warn you.I’m not very good at it.”

“Trust me.”He led her to a clearer space, his tail smoothly clearing their path.Drawing her close, he placed one hand at her waist while keeping the other clasped with hers.“Just follow my lead.”

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