Chapter 23

TWENTY-THREE

“ A fter today’s attempts, that’s a pretty low bar.” Quinn let herself be dragged along, her mind still spinning with suspicions and theories—and trying very hard not to think about how Kai’s eyes had lingered on her throughout dinner.

They found Gerri already settled in a cozy corner of Quinn’s quarters, three glasses and a bottle of iridescent liquid arranged before her. “Ladies! I heard we had some excitement today. Nothing says ‘welcome to alien politics’ quite like foul play.”

“I wouldn’t call it a foul play,” Quinn protested, dropping into a chair. “More like... aggressive discouragement.”

“Honey, they meant you physical harm.” Gerri poured generous measures of the shimmering drink. “That’s a step above leaving strongly worded notes.”

“Though the ransacked room was a nice touch,” Lydia added, curling up cross-legged on the floor. “Very dramatic. Speaking of drama...” Her green eyes sparkled with mischief. “Let’s talk about how a certain Dragon King couldn’t take his eyes off you all evening.”

“He’s protective,” Quinn muttered. “Someone tried to hurt me, remember?”

“Oh please.” Gerri handed her a glass. “That man is about three seconds away from breathing fire every time another male so much as looks at you. That’s not protection, that’s possession.”

“I’m not his possession.”

“No,” Gerri agreed. “But you could be his mate.”

Quinn choked on her drink. “I’m here to work.”

“Work, play, fall in love with a devastatingly handsome dragon shifter...” Lydia ticked off points on her fingers. “Why limit yourself?”

“Because the last time I mixed work and romance, it ended in professional sabotage and emotional disaster.” Quinn swirled her drink, watching the colors shift. “Besides, Kai is... he’s...”

“Gorgeous?” Lydia suggested.

“Powerful?” Gerri added.

“Completely devoted to you already?” They finished in unison.

“Impossible,” Quinn corrected, ignoring her heating cheeks. “He’s impossible. With his stupid protective hovering and his ridiculous muscles and those eyes that turn gold when he’s worked up...” She caught herself and cleared her throat. “Anyway. Not happening.”

“Shifters aren’t like human men,” Gerri said softly. “They love differently. More intensely. When they find their mate, that’s it for them. No games, no ulterior motives. Just complete devotion.”

Something in Quinn’s chest tightened. “That sounds...”

“Terrifying?” Lydia supplied.

“Amazing,” Quinn admitted quietly. “But also yes, terrifying.”

“Your father loved you like that,” Gerri reminded her gently. “Unconditionally. Proudly. Remember how he used to show off your early geological findings to anyone who’d listen?”

Quinn’s throat closed up. Her father had been her biggest champion, treating her like his brilliant princess even when others dismissed her. Since losing him, she’d never found that kind of unconditional support again.

“Speaking of unconditional support,” Lydia’s voice turned sly, “Darian’s been quite... supportive lately.”

That successfully diverted attention. “Darian?” Quinn leaned forward. “Kai’s right-hand man? The one you’ve been making eyes at for days?”

“We may have spent some time together.” Lydia’s cheeks pinked. “He’s been teaching me about dragon culture. Did you know they have this whole ritual courtship dance thing? It’s fascinating.”

“I’m sure that’s all you’ve been studying,” Gerri teased.

“Well, his anatomy lessons have been quite thorough...”

“Lyd!”

“What? Some of us aren’t afraid to enjoy what Nova Aurora has to offer.” Lydia waggled her eyebrows. “Speaking of which, you should really let Kai offer you some... cultural exchanges.”