Page 30 of Naga Warrior's Mate

“Victory to Dernin!”The announcer’s voice barely registered as Dernin’s gaze locked with Alaysia’s.Four wins down.The finals drew closer with each victory.

His opponent was carried from the ring, but Dernin stood tall, his golden scales gleaming with barely a scratch on him.

Dernin soon slid into position at the fighters’ viewing area and settled against the wall.His eyes fixed on the ring as Bariv strutted out to face his opponent.

“Watch and learn, snake,” Bariv called out, catching Dernin’s gaze.“This is how a real champion fights.”

Dernin’s blood boiled, but he kept his face neutral.The Jorvlen’s filaments writhed with anticipation as he squared off against a Kretian fighter.

The match started brutally.Bariv didn’t waste time with fancy footwork or strategy.He simply charged in, using his superior strength to overwhelm his opponent.The Kretian’s defense crumbled under the assault.

“He’s good,” muttered a fighter next to Dernin.“But sloppy.”

“Sloppy works when you’re that strong,” Dernin replied, studying Bariv’s movements.Every strike was designed to hurt, to dominate.No finesse, just raw power.

Blood sprayed across the sand as Bariv landed a devastating blow to his opponent’s face.The crowd roared their approval.

“That’s right!”Bariv shouted, playing to the audience.

The Kretian fighter struggled to stand, but Bariv didn’t give him the chance.A brutal kick sent him back down, and the match was called.

“Pathetic,” Bariv spat, turning toward the fighters’ area.His eyes locked with Dernin’s.“Better pray you don’t face me in the finals, snake.”

“I’m not worried,” Dernin replied flatly.

“We’ll see about that.”Bariv’s filaments twitched with amusement as he strutted past.

Watching him go, Dernin knew with certainty that it would come down to the two of them in the finals.His tail tightened its coil, his muscles tensing at the thought.When that time came, he’d be ready for him.

Dernin soon made his way back through the corridors toward the fighters’ barracks.The scent hit him before he saw the movement—that distinctive Jorvlen musk mixed with sweat and malice.

Bariv emerged from the shadows.“Nice fight today, snake.Though I’d say you’re getting soft.Must be all that time spent swooning over that human prize.”

“Move aside,” Dernin growled.

“What’s wrong?Don’t want to chat about your little redhead?”Bariv’s filaments twitched.“I’ve been thinking about all the things I’m going to do to her when I win.Maybe I’ll start by—”

The mate bond exploded through Dernin’s blood like molten steel.His tail whipped forward, slamming Bariv against the wall before he could finish his vile suggestion.“You don’t speak about her.”

Bariv’s laugh turned into a wet cough.“Touched a nerve, did I?Wait till I tell you what position I plan to—”

Dernin’s fist connected with the wall beside Bariv’s head, leaving a crater in the stone.“Last warning.”

“Or what?”Bariv’s filaments writhed faster.“Going to disqualify yourself by fighting outside the ring?Then she’s mine by default.”

The truth in those words burned worse than acid.Dernin’s muscles coiled tightly, every fiber of him screaming to end the threat to his mate.His golden scales rippled with barely contained rage.

“Break it up!”Two guards rushed forward, weapons raised.“Back to your quarters, both of you!”

Dernin held his position for one more heartbeat, letting Bariv see the promise of death in his eyes.Then he released him, watching with satisfaction as the Jorvlen slumped slightly.

“This isn’t over,” Bariv spat.

“You’re right,” Dernin’s voice dropped to a dangerous whisper.“It ends in the finals.And I’m going to enjoy every second of it.”

The click of expensive boots on stone echoed through the corridor.Dernin tasted Fyret’s distinctive scent in the air—expensive cologne masking the stench of corruption beneath.

“Gentlemen,” Fyret’s smooth voice cut through the tension.“What did I say about damaging my merchandise outside the ring?”

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