I run my hands through my hair, frustration mounting as I sit at my laptop, trying to find solutions for my mate. Hours pass, the headache creeping in, but I can't pull away. I take a break, sipping the coffee that was just brought to me. The maids' voices float from the hallway, talking about a mysterious woman in my guest room. I can't help but sense there's more to my mate than meets the eye. If word of her gets out and reaches the Lycan lord, it will mean war.
I push my chair back and stand, stretching my stiff muscles. A sigh escapes me. I need to speak to her—this anxiety gnawing at me isn't helping. I walk out of my office, heading toward her room, but the scent is fading. There's no sound in the hall. I quicken my pace to the door, throwing it open, panic rising. Where is she?
The room is empty, but her scent lingers, slowly dissipating. If it's already fading, she's been gone for at least an hour. The window is wide open, and sheets tied together hang down, leading outside. I step to the railing, looking out, but I don't see her. A smirk plays at the corner of my lips. This girl is something else.
I leap from the window, my feet landing silently on the grass. I sniff the ground, enjoying the chase. My dragon stirs inside me, purring with delight. The thrill of the hunt surges through me, and I move faster, confident I'll catch her. She might think she's outrunning me, but she's wrong.
I leap from tree to tree, my hands gripping the branches, the cold wind slapping my face. It's refreshing, like a long-awaited release. I hear her heartbeat—a rapid, panicked rhythm—just a hundred yards away. I move lightly, not wanting to scare her, and slip into a vantage point, watching as she bends over, gasping for breath. She's scared and worn out, and for a moment, I feel guilty for the chase. But I can't let her escape.
I drop from my hiding spot and land in front of her, eyes glowing with excitement. She freezes, her gaze meeting mine, wide with fear.
"How the hell did you find me?" she demands, breathless.
"Your scent, what else?" I reply, my voice a low rumble.
I take a step closer, towering over her. She instinctively takes a step back, her fear palpable.
"Who are you?" Her voice trembles.
"I'm the dragon lord. Nice to finally meet you." I bow with a deep respect, my gaze not leaving hers as I straighten. My fingers itch to touch her, but I hold back, not wanting to frighten her further.
"Would you mind coming back with me? It's cold out here, and you must be starving," I say, my voice softening. I feel the anxiety clawing at me again, hoping she won't try to run.
"I am hungry. Cold, not so much," she replies cautiously, her eyes narrowing. "But if I come back, you'll have to tell me more about you, dragon lord."
Desire pulls at me, and I move closer, my hands reaching to cradle her face. She tenses, and for a moment, I feel the weight of her fear, yet my dragon hums in contentment. "I'm not going to hurt you, my love," I whisper, my tone gentle but firm. "I just wanted to finally touch you. I've waited so long, and now... I finally have what I need."
I lean in, close enough to feel her breath on my skin, but she doesn't reciprocate the gesture. It doesn't matter. With one swift motion, I lift her into my arms and start walking back. She doesn't fight me. Instead, she snuggles against my chest, and my dragon roars in approval. I breathe a sigh of relief. This is going better than expected.