Page 43 of Naga Warrior's Mate

They had no idea what they were truly up against.

The celebration hall buzzed with activity, filled with the wealthy elite of Jorvla’s underground betting on tomorrow’s championship match.Dernin’s tail twitched with irritation as another group of gamblers approached him, their eyes roving over his form like he was livestock at auction.

“Look at those big muscles.”One bettor whistled.“The scales alone must give him incredible defense.”

“But Bariv’s got more experience,” another argued.“Plus, he’s never lost a championship.”

Dernin’s jaw clenched as he stood stoically, forced to endure their assessment.A server passed by with a tray of exotic delicacies that probably cost more than he earned in a year.

“Care to give us a demonstration of your strength?”A drunk patron swayed closer.“Just a little show?”

“No,” Dernin growled, his golden eyes flashing.

The drunk patron backed away, but others continued to circle and stare.His muscles coiled with tension beneath his scales.He hated being displayed like this, being treated as property rather than the warrior he was.

Then his thoughts turned to Alaysia.This was her life—constantly on display, objectified, seen as nothing more than a prize.His mate had endured this treatment her entire existence yet still maintained her fierce spirit.If she could endure it, so could he.For her.

“That’s some fire in those eyes,” a bettor observed.“Might put my money on this one after all.”

Dernin straightened to his full height, letting his warrior’s presence fill the space.But his breath caught in his chest as Alaysia entered the celebration hall.

Her black satin dress clung to every curve of her body, the neckline dipping low to reveal her creamy skin.Her red hair cascaded in waves down her back.

Her blue eyes sought his across the crowded room, and his blood surged hot through his veins.The mating bond roared between them, making his scales ripple with barely contained need.His tail lashed behind him as he watched other males’ gazes follow her movements.A low growl built in his chest.

She walked past him, close enough that her scent of roses filled his senses.Their eyes locked for a heated moment.

“You look beautiful tonight,” he said.

A blush crept across her cheeks.“Thank you,” she whispered, her gaze drinking him in.

The wealthy patrons continued to circle them both, but Dernin focused only on her.The way the dress hugged her hips as she walked.How her throat moved when she swallowed.The slight tremble in her hands that told him she felt this too—this primal pull between them tonight.

As the night wore on, Dernin’s tail wound up with tension as he watched another drunk patron stumble too close to Alaysia.His mate handled herself with grace, but the protective instinct within him surged.The celebration hall had grown rowdier by the hour, the air thick with smoke and the sharp scent of expensive liquor.

He tracked Alaysia’s movements through the raucous crowd, noting how she navigated the space with careful precision.Her black dress caught the light as she moved, drawing more unwanted attention.His scales rippled with agitation each time someone’s gaze lingered too long.

He couldn’t fight back his protective urges anymore.He needed to whisk her away from this charade.

“Getting crowded in here,” Marcella appeared at his side, her voice low.She carried a tray of empty glasses, playing her role perfectly.

“I need your help.”

“Oh?”She raised an eyebrow, collecting another empty glass from a nearby table.

“Create a distraction.Something to draw attention away from the main hall.”His eyes never left Alaysia.“I need to get her somewhere private.”

“To talk strategy for tomorrow?”Marcella’s knowing smile made his tail twitch.

“Among other things.”He crossed his arms over his chest, muscles flexing.“Can you do it?”

“Please.”Marcella balanced her tray expertly.“I’ve been causing diversions in this place since before you got here.”

“So, you’ll do it?”

“Give me fifteen minutes.When you hear the commotion, head for the east corridor.”

He watched Marcella disappear into the crowd and then made his way closer to where Alaysia stood.His height allowed him to tower over the other patrons, clearing a path through the drunken masses.The mating bond pulled at him, growing stronger with each step closer to her.

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