Page 57 of Galadon
You gave us too many coins,the female dragon said, confused.
I turned my gaze toward her.I have another order to place and the extra will cover the deposit for it.
Of course, what would you like?
I sent her mental images of one of the dresses I had in mind, which was purely from my imagination. For the other two, I selected the styles from the displays but with differentcolors. Three would be enough for now. They already had Rayna’s sizes from the previous order. My mother had taken the measurements while the slayer was still lying in a coma. We’d hated to do it without her knowledge, but it wasn’t something that could have waited since she had no clothes.
We’ll get to work on them right away. They should be ready within a week, maybe less,she said.
I’ll pay extra if they deliver them to my border, and I can pick them up there.
That was how I received Rayna’s first outfit, but I’d let the shifter who brought it know I’d be at the jakhal soon enough to take the rest when they were ready. It was worth an extra coin not to fly up here and back for one package.
We’ll be happy to do that for you,she replied, tone terse.
She was one of several female shifters who’d shown interest in me over the last few years since I joined the Faegud, but I hadn’t felt any attraction to her or the other. I’d always been able to go long periods without female companionship until Rayna. She was the first to leave me in a state of constant need, no matter what she said or did to upset me. That undoubtedly contributed to my sour mood when I was around her before she bonded herself to me.
Galadon, I need you,Rayna spoke urgently in my head.
I was out of the shop and down the street in seconds, finding the slayer with her back to a stone wall and holding a sword. I followed her gaze to two male dragons snarling at her. The reason for their behavior didn’t matter. I saw red and tore into them. They’d threatened her, and that was all the reason I needed, considering the entire toriq had already been warned months ago.
I ripped the throat out of the larger one as my first move, recognizing him as a regular troublemaker. He wasn’t worth sparing. For the second, he was the younger son. He quaked as soon as I cut my claws across his face. So, instead of killing him, I broke several of his bones and made him bleed in multiple places. It only took a minute of my time. The young male hardly put up a fight, mostly screeching and trying to avoid my strikes.
After leaving him lying panting on the ground, I glared at the crowd that had formed, many splattered with the blood spray of my battle.The slayer is mine. If anyone threatens her again, their punishment will be worse than this. Understood?
Every dragon lowered their head to the ground in submission, fear in their eyes.
I turned my back on them and checked her for wounds, relieved to find none. She turned her stunned gaze toward me. I was grateful she’d spent enough time around dragons to understand she couldn’t question what I’d done, or it would undermine my actions.
It also humbled me that she hadn’t tried to fight and called me instead. Of course, I’d made her promise when I said she could come today, but she could be unpredictable. By calling me, she’d shown wisdom under pressure and trust that I would handle the problem for her. She’d only grabbed the nearest sword from the shop in case she needed it.
Show me which weapons you chose,I said, ready to get her mind off the incident.
She nodded.Okay.
Inside the building, I had the shifter fit her with new belts, sheaths, and scabbards, as well as pay for her weapons. I approved of everything she’d chosen and was glad she hadexcellent taste. Rayna wouldn’t spend another minute unarmed. I ensured every blade she could wear right now was on her and that she felt comfortable with them. The spares went to shiggara. She might not have her strength back, but I had no doubt her skills remained excellent. I didn’t want her to be vulnerable again.
Chapter 24
Rayna
She stood off to the side about twenty feet away while Galadon checked with the organizers about the duel order. No one dared get within ten feet of Rayna after the lone shifter’s display less than an hour ago, with word spreading fast, and she couldn’t say she minded. She hadn’t been that vulnerable since before she completed the slayer rite, and even then, she would have never dreamed of standing in the middle of more than a thousand dragons. It was strange being among them and feeling no need to kill.
Most of the Faegud had turned out for the event, including those who lived in remote parts of the territory. Their future was also on the line, depending on who won today. It was no wonder the market had been crowded earlier. Anyone selling goods or services would take advantage of the massive turnout.
“Your infernal horse is settled in the jakhal stables,” Titan said from behind her.
She hadn’t heard him walk up, but the crowd was loud, and her focus had been on Galadon. Squealing, she turned and hugged him. “Thank you so much.”
He stiffened but patted her back. “You’re welcome. But if your current scent tells me anything, perhaps you should stand back a few feet.”
“Oh, sorry.” She pulled away. “It’s just that you went to so much trouble for Onyx.”
Galadon growled loudly enough for anyone nearby to hear it.Do not embrace another male in public, or else they’ll expect me to do something about it. I respect Titan and have no wish to harm him.
I thought that was only if we’re mated,she shot back, unable to help herself despite the fact she’d vowed to hide that it bothered her.
He grunted in her head.I layered my scent on you so thoroughly that no one can tell the difference. For all they know, we are mated.
