Page 12 of Flame it Up

My mate.

Pyrus couldn’t believe it. The connection he’d felt the moment he looked at her had been like a lock turning deep inside his soul. He would never desire another woman in his entire life.

I just need to get changed. Then, I can find her.

Pyrus was inventing wonderful daydreams of finding his beautiful mate sweeping through the crowd in elegant shoes and a silken gown. He’d put his arms around her waist and take her straight to the dance floor, where they would sway slowly while they gazed into each other’s eyes.

He was on his way through to the staff area when he saw a manager. She was talking with a couple of chefs in a firm tone. It sounded like they had to change up some of the dishes because of an unexpected shortage.

When he paused next to the group, both of the chefs gave him a shocked look. The event organizer turned to him and smiled, appraising him quickly.

“Mr. Bloodmoon, isn’t it? It’s very unfortunate that we had such an incident and that you had to get personally involved.”

“Yes, ma’am, thank you,” Pyrus said. “It was my pleasure to help, but I have lost my tux in the process.”

The woman’s gaze flicked across him, and he saw the glint in her eye.

“I personally don’t have a problem,” she said with a soft laugh. “But we do have press here … legitimate reporters, not internet influencers. We’ll need to get you into a suit.”

She turned and looked down a nearby hallway. “Gerald!” she called. An older man hurried out from the kitchen, muttering as he came toward them. “Event coordinator,” she whispered. “The best in the business.”

“Yes, Shelley,” Gerald snapped. “If the steak shortage isn’t bad enough, now I’m here to supervise errant workmen? You need to take better care of your appearance, young man. You can’t come to an event like this dressed likethat.”

Shelley covered a giggle with her hand. “Gerald, this is Mr. Bloodmoon. He was involved in an incident in which he … lost his tux. Since we need him looking smart for promotions, I was hoping you’d have something he could wear.”

“All right, all right,” Gerald said. “I might be able to throw something together.”

Every moment that dragged by felt like a sharp edge dragged against every single nerve. He wanted to get back out there and find his mate.

Mazie.

Somewhere, deep in his blood, his dragon growled with a possessive, primal urge. He wanted to take her right now.

As Gerald led him to a small office and threw together an acceptable ensemble from leftover dinner jackets and suit pants left by waiters, Pyrus thought about shifting back into his dragon shape and just diving down on his mate, grabbing her with his claws and carrying her away.

He was still thinking about it as he examined his reflection in the mirror. Pyrus took a moment to tidy his hair and wipe a smudge of ash from his cheek, then he headed back out to the party.

He’d only taken two steps into the foyer when someone called out.

“Mr. Bloodmoon!” boomed the voice. “If it isn’t the man of the hour!”

A young guy came out of the crowd to shake his hand, and everyone nearby turned and clapped. Pyrus held a smile on his face, but it was difficult. He wanted to shove them all out of his way and run through the compound until he found Mazie.

“The fellow who single-handedly saved the event and protected the members of the corps,” an older gentleman said, bringing over a tall glass of champagne. “A toast! Raise your glasses to Mr. Bloodmoon!”

Everyone did. Flashes went off as several people took a picture. Pyrus was angling toward the edge of a crowd when a young woman came charging at him, a small microphone clutched in her hand and a cameraman hot on her heels.

Pyrus groaned out loud. Luckily, everyone was talking so loudly about how great he was that no one heard it.

The short, enthusiastic reporter stopped in front of him and presented her microphone. “May I have a few words, Mr. Bloodmoon? How heroic of you to step in and save those people. What motivated you into such a selfless act?”

My mate was getting pawed by a lecherous creep, and I decided to shred his flesh from his bones.

“I just like to help,” he said awkwardly. “I saw people in trouble, and I acted without thought.”

“Wow,” she said, nodding and gesturing for her cameraman to zoom in. “That is so inspiring! I hear you’re a major contributor to this charity, as well?”

“Yes, that’s correct,” Pyrus answered. His eyes were fixed on the distant crowd as he searched for Mazie. He couldn’t wait to see what she looked like when she was made up.

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