Page 14 of Stripe for the Picking
Just ask her. Stop overthinking.
"Would you like to be my date tonight at the Council dinner here in the grand ballroom?"
The question hung in the air like a live grenade. Rylan couldn't believe his own forward nature, but something about the thought of spending the evening alone while she sat isolated in her apartment felt unbearable. His fiercely independent nature, his years of avoiding romantic entanglements—none of it mattered when faced with the prospect of being separated from his fated mate.
What the hell is going on with me?
Wren studied him for a long moment, her green eyes unreadable. His tiger held its breath, every muscle coiled with tension. She was going to decline. Of course she was going to decline. He'd just met her eight hours ago and was already?—
A slow smile spread across her face. "Wow, Commander. You're already asking me out for our first date? After just meeting me? I must be doing something right."
You're doing everything perfectly right.
Heat flooded his cheeks as he realized how his invitation had sounded. Dating had never come naturally to his serious nature,and humor even less so. "I didn't want to go alone," he managed. "Figured you could make it fun and entertaining for me."
Her smile turned wicked. "Oh, I'll definitely make it fun and entertaining. And I will most certainly show you a good time tonight."
His pulse spiked as his mind immediately conjured images of her body pressed against his. The heat in her voice and the promise in her words—his tiger rumbled with approval while his logical mind fought to maintain composure. She couldn't have meant it the way it sounded, but watching her eyes dance with mischief, he suspected she enjoyed making him flustered anyhow.
She's going to be the death of me.
"Did you bring any evening gowns?" The question came out more breathless than he'd intended.
"I have a little number that might just work for the occasion."
Focus. Stop thinking about what she'll look like in whatever she's planning to wear.
"Great. I'll pick you up at your apartment in an hour."
Rylan practically fled to his own apartment, his tiger prowling restlessly. Under the scorching spray of his shower, he tried to convince himself this was purely practical—introducing her to the Council and establishing her credibility as a consultant. Nothing more. His tiger snorted in disbelief.
An hour later, he knocked on her apartment door with hands that weren't quite steady. When it opened, every coherent thought evaporated.
Wren stood framed in the doorway wearing a black cocktail dress that should have been illegal. The fabric hugged every curve of her athletic frame, showcasing the swell of her breasts and the elegant line of her throat. Her dark hair spilled over her bare shoulders, and her green eyes sparkled with confidence that made his mouth water.
Mine.
The possessive thought hit him like a slap. Every instinct told him to step inside her apartment, claim her mouth, and forget the dinner entirely.
Duty over desire. You know that.
But his tiger disagreed, pacing beneath his skin with barely contained hunger.
"You look..." He swallowed hard, struggling for words that wouldn't sound like the desperate growl building in his chest. "Stunning."
"Thank you." Her smile held a hint of satisfaction, as if she'd dressed specifically to unravel his composure. "You clean up pretty well yourself, Commander."
The walk to Defense Nexus's grand ballroom felt like the longest of his life. Wren's hand rested lightly on his arm, her warmth seeping through the fabric of his suit. Every step brought a whisper of her scent—lavender and something feminine that made his blood heat.
The ballroom doors opened to reveal Nova Aurora's elite gathered beneath soaring glass ceilings. Holographic candelabras cast shifting patterns of light over polished metal tables draped in shimmering linens. The twin moons visible through the expansive windows bathed everything in silver and blue hues, creating an atmosphere that was both elegant and intimate.
Perfect setting to show off his mate.
His tiger's satisfaction purred through him as he guided Wren through the crowd. Conversations paused as they passed—curious glances at the human consultant and speculative looks at their joined presence. Let them wonder. Let them see that Wren belonged at his side.
"Rylan." General Kael's familiar voice cut through his territorial thoughts. His mentor approached with the measuredstride of a seasoned military officer, his sharp eyes taking in their linked arms with barely concealed amusement.
"General Kael, I'd like you to formally meet Wren Calder."
