Page 71 of Dragon Enchanted

The massive outdoor table stretched across the stone courtyard, lined with elegant lanterns, overlooking the vineyard.

And every seat was filled.

At Vector’s right sat his brother, Ryker, who was—somehow—his complete opposite. Where Vector was emerald eyes, white hair and red fire, Ryker was darkness and night—raven-black hair, piercing dark eyes, an air of sharp, lethal arrogance that reminded her more of a predator than a noble king.

And yet?—

The moment his mate, Katy, nudged him playfully in the ribs, Ryker grumbled, sighed, and kissed her temple with the most reluctant affection Raven had ever seen.

Raven smirked.

So, the terrifying, brooding dragon lord was completely whipped.

Noted.

At the other end of the table, Erik and several of his guardians sat together, their presence imposing, their movements sharp and precise, the weight of their power undeniable.

Across from them, Alrik sat in eerie silence, sipping wine, his black hair gleaming under the torches, his haunted eyes constantly flicking to the edges of the courtyard, where more guardians---moredragons—stood guard in the shadows.

Because even here, in paradise, they weren’t safe.

The Guild had been defeated decades ago. Or so the dragons had believed. But the battle in Scotland had proven that the war was far from over. And Raven had learned the dragons were kings because they didn’t just rule their own clans, but all the supernatural races, beings she’d believed were nothing more than myth. Werewolves. Elves, dark—like Alrik, and light. Although she hadn’t met one of them yet. Vampires. Fairies. Witches and mermaids. Everything. It wasallreal. Allsecret.

She’d also found out that if she’d rejected Vector, Alrik would have followed Draquonir law and executed her to keep their secret. Humans weren’t allowed to know. That was their law, one of the ways they protected themselves—and the humans—from things getting too messy. The law was enforced brutally and without exception. That fancy sword Alrik had attached to his hip would have been used to remove her head.

Raven’s fingers tightened around her wine glass. She hadn’t quite forgiven him for that, yet. Rude.

“Did you know, Ryker?” Erik asked, his deep voice cutting through the night. “That The Guild had rebuilt its power base?”

“No,” Ryker admitted, dark eyes narrowing. “We thought they were finished.”

“As did we. They have been quiet a long time,” Alrik murmured, his voice calm, but laced with something colder. “We destroyed one of their strongholds. They have been revealed. They will retaliate.”

The table fell silent.

Raven’s heart thudded.

Retaliate?

Vector’s hand found hers beneath the table.

A warm spark of dragonfire raced up her arm, curling through her veins, soothing her. Her breath eased. She turned to look at him—her mate, her love, her forever.

Green eyes glowing, watching her with an intensity that stole her breath.

It didn’t matter what came next. It didn’t matter who they would have to fight.

She had this moment. This peace, this love, this life.

Her heart swelled, full to the brim with happiness, with bliss, with something too vast to name.

She lifted her wine glass and smiled. Let them come. She had every confidence in her mate and his family. In their future. No matter what happened, she was exactly where she was meant to be. At his side. Part of him.

Forever.