Page 26 of Tempest Blazing
"The interview with Garanth is important," I said, testing the waters.
"I know. That's why I'm willing to help." He paused, tilting his head slightly. "But everything has a price, love. Even my protection."
The word 'protection' sent an unexpected shiver through me. Not because it felt patronizing, but because it felt... wanted.When was the last time someone had offered to protect me? When was the last time I'd let them?
"Unless you'd prefer to face Garanth alone?" he added, and something in his tone suggested he already knew my answer.
I huffed out a laugh despite myself. "That's not fair."
"Life rarely is." But his smile took any sting out of the words. "What do you say, Tess?"
I looked at him—really looked. The way the late afternoon light caught the gold flecks in his hazel eyes. The confidence in his stance that somehow didn't feel arrogant. The patient way he waited for my answer, as if he already knew what it would be but was giving me the space to choose it myself.
The air between us thickened, charged with possibility.
Strategic caution versus the thrill of saying yes.
My pulse thrummed with anticipation that felt dangerous and exciting in equal measure.
"Okay," I said, the word coming out more breathless than I'd intended. "Yes. Dinner."
His smile widened, transforming his entire face, and something in it made my stomach flip. "My suite. Room 401. One hour."
I nodded, suddenly feeling like I'd just agreed to something much bigger than dinner. "I'll... see you then."
"Looking forward to it, love."
Chapter 11
Tess
I stood outside Room 401, my fingers working the fabric of my dress. The black wrap had seemed perfect an hour ago—sophisticated but not trying too hard. I'd even put on heels and actual lipstick, for god's sake.
When was the last time I'd gotten dressed up for a man?
Mason's words from our hurried phone call echoed in my mind."Tess, relax. This is normal for us—for supes. We don't do monogamy the way humans do. Go, have dinner. I trust you."He'd sounded so certain, so unbothered. Like it really was that simple.
Just knock.
I raised my hand to the door, then hesitated. What if this was a mistake? What if I'd misread everything between us? What if he wasn't who he seemed? The Guild was supposed to be safe—a place where riders could trust each other implicitly. But with the intruder having a Guild tattoo, nowhere felt secure anymore. Every new face could be hiding something. Every offered friendship could be a trap.
Thalon's voice slipped into my thoughts, warm and reassuring. "Little one, you're overthinking again. Draven is one of the good ones. Just be yourself."
I sent back a mental eye-roll. "Easy for you to say. You're not the one in heels."
His chuckle was soft in my mind. "No, but I am the one who gets to feel your nerves through our bond. Breathe."
The door opened before I could knock.
"I could hear you thinking through the door," Draven said, and whatever greeting I'd rehearsed died in my throat.
He was barefoot. Wearing gray joggers that hung low on his hips and a sleeveless black tee that showed off the intricate tattoos winding around his arms. His hair was loose, falling in waves past his shoulders, and he looked... comfortable. Relaxed. Like he'd just rolled out of bed, not like he was expecting company.
"Oh," I said, heat creeping up my neck. "I thought we were doing dinner, not... this."
His eyes traveled over me slowly, taking in the dress, the heels, the obvious effort. Something almost concerned crossed his face.
"You look beautiful," he said, and the sincerity in his voice made my cheeks warm. "But I should have been clearer about keeping things casual." He ran a hand through his hair, looking sheepish. "This is my fault."
