Page 44 of Naga Warrior's Mate

Every instinct screamed at him to simply grab her right this moment and carry her away from all these leering eyes.But he’d learned patience in his warrior training.Fifteen minutes.He could wait fifteen minutes to get his mate alone.

A crash echoed through the celebration hall, followed by shouts and the sound of breaking glass.Dernin’s keen hearing picked up Marcella’s voice rising above the chaos, directing servants to clean up what sounded like an entire cart of expensive liquor.

He seized his chance, moving swiftly through the crowd to Alaysia’s side.

His tail swept a protective arc behind them as he leaned down to whisper in her ear, “Come with me.”

Alaysia’s breath hitched, but she gave a slight nod.Dernin guided her with a light touch at the small of her back, steering them away from the commotion and through a set of ornate double doors.

The hallway beyond dripped with wealth—gold-threaded tapestries lined walls covered in deep red silk.Their footsteps were muffled by thick carpeting that probably cost more than most homes back on Nirum.Crystal sconces cast intimate pools of light every few feet.

“We shouldn’t be here,” Alaysia whispered, though she didn’t pull away from his touch.

“I’ll protect you.”His voice rumbled low in his chest as they passed beneath a glittering chandelier.The scent of her—roses and feminine warmth—filled his senses, making his scales rise with need.

They turned down another corridor, this one lined with carved wooden doors.Dernin’s warrior instincts mapped each turn, each potential escape route.But the mating bond thrummed stronger with every step closer to her, threatening to overwhelm his tactical mind.

“Wait.”Alaysia pressed closer as voices echoed from around the corner.Dernin’s tail curled protectively around her waist, drawing her against his chest as they waited in the shadows.

Two drunk patrons stumbled past, oblivious to their presence.Dernin held perfectly still, hyperaware of Alaysia’s curves pressed against him, her pulse racing beneath her skin.

“We need to go somewhere more private,” he said once the coast was clear.His hands tightened possessively on her hips.

“There’s a parlor just ahead,” she breathed, tilting her face up to his.“I saw it earlier when they were showing me around.”

Dernin tasted the air, checking for any other approaching threats as they continued down the hall.His warrior’s discipline warred with the primal need to claim his mate, to keep her safe, to…

Footsteps approached from another direction.They needed to find that parlor.Now.

Chapter 22

Alaysia

AlaysiaandDerninhurrieddown the plush carpeted hallway.The black satin of her gown whispered against her legs with each quick step.Behind them, footsteps echoed off the ornate walls.

“In here,” she whispered, spotting the parlor room she’d noticed earlier.

Dernin slithered quickly inside after her, his powerful tail making barely a sound on the floor.He grabbed a pool cue from the nearby billiards table and threaded it through the door handles.

“That should keep them out,” he said, his golden eyes reflecting the warm lamplight.

Alaysia pressed her back against the wood-paneled wall, catching her breath.The thrill of sneaking away from the celebration made her feel lightheaded, or maybe it was the way Dernin had watched her all evening.

“I couldn’t stand another minute of that spectacle,” she said, smoothing down her dress.“The way they all stare...”

“You shouldn’t have to endure that,” Dernin replied.“Being put on display like some trophy.”

“At least I’m not the only one they’re ogling tonight.”She gave him a small smile.“I saw how uncomfortable you were with all the attention.”

“I’d rather face three opponents in the ring than deal with those vultures.”He moved closer, his presence making her pulse quicken.

The fireplace crackled invitingly as Alaysia turned and moved closer, grateful for its warmth against her exposed skin.The black satin gown Fyret had chosen left little to the imagination, with its plunging neckline and form-fitting cut.She caught Dernin’s gaze dropping to her cleavage and felt heat rise to her cheeks that wasn’t because of the fire.

“So, tell me,” she said quickly, settling down on the leather couch, “what’s the most embarrassing thing that happened during your warrior days?”

His golden eyes snapped back to her face.“Besides getting captured?”

“That’s not funny.”But she found herself laughing anyway, and the tension eased.

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