Chapter 6

SIX

Samantha

My eyes flash open. It's strange how I'm just instantly awake after being so deeply asleep. I feel like something disturbed my sleep, but what?

Glancing around, I find myself snuggled between Evander and Aydan. A warm blanket covers all of us, and I sigh with contentment. This, me and them, together, just feels right.

Yet, I feel strange. Maybe because the storm is finally gone?

I take a deep breath. Suddenly, instead of smelling my men and sex, there's the scent of the cold, of winter. But the scent is stronger, deeper, fresher. A strange urge compels me to carefully climb out of the bed. My feet hit the floor, and I take deliberate steps to the door and freeze.

What am I doing?

I feel silly, but I can't convince myself to turn around. My hand twitches with the urge to turn the doorknob. But I don't.

I also don't leave.

That crisp scent of winter sweeps over me again, and I drag in deep breaths, loving it. The scent feels familiar, comforting, and unique all at the same time.

Suddenly, there's a knock at the door. I leap back, eyes wide. Who could that be? We're in the middle of nowhere. Maybe it's the owner? I don't know.

My gaze swings to my men. Their eyes have blinked open. They look tired, confused, and utterly adorable.

“ Uhhh ,” Aydan manages.

“What…?” Evander mutters

Any other time I'd just enjoy how cute they look, but I can't do that right now. “Someone knocked at the door.”

“Someone…” Evander sits up. “Someone's at the door.”

Then we all launch into action, dressing as quickly as we can. When we're mostly presentable, Evander and Aydan move to the door. I try to stand beside them, but Aydan shoots me a look.

“Stay behind us. Be careful. Something smells strange out there.”

I glare, but obey, and the door is unlocked and opened. Ducking around them so I can see, my jaw drops open. In the doorway is a naked man. He has shoulder-length white hair weaved with pale blues, and eyes the color of the ocean. He's not as broad as Aydan and Evander, but he rivals their height.

He's a beautiful man though, without an ounce of fat on him. And his dick? It's impressive, and standing fully at attention.

“Good morrow,” he greets, flashing a playful smile. “I hope I gave you adequate time to sleep after your night of mating.”

We all stare, unsure what to say. Unsure what this is.

He gives a little bow, making eye contact with me. “I scented you mating last night, but decided it would be best to wait until you were satisfied to approach. And knowing your mate, I am certain you are satisfied after a night with her.”

My gaze sweeps again to his erect penis. It seems to bob at me, as if acknowledging my attention. And that scent of winter comes again, stronger, crisper than the outdoors itself, which is the moment I realize that he’s the source of the scent. When I glance back up, the strange man's gaze momentarily burns into mine.

“Who are you?” Evander growls.

“What do you want?” Aydan asks, a threat in his voice.

The man looks at me and smirks. “Fire dragons.” Then he focuses back on my men. “My name is Zane, and I am an ice dragon.”

I feel them both stiffen, but it's Evander who says, “A blue dragon?”

He bobs his head again, like a small bow. “The very one.”

His gaze slides to me again, and I shiver, feeling my nipples harden. Am I… attracted to this man? Fuck. That can't be good.

“We came here looking for you.” Aydan steps in front of me, and I have to shift to keep this Zane in sight.

He smiles. “I am not surprised. As one of her mates, we find each other every lifetime.”

Every muscle in my body stiffens. Is that why he makes me feel this way? Because in some past life we were together? I don't want to believe something so crazy, but there's a whisper deep inside me that he's speaking the truth.

“What are you talking about?” Evander asks after a ridiculous long pause.

“You're not her fucking mate, I am,” Aydan growls.

“We are,” Evander corrects, shooting Aydan a look.

In response, Aydan simply crosses his arms over his chest and glares.

A cool breeze sweeps over me, and I shiver, wrapping my arms around myself. Zane's gaze snaps to me and narrows.

“Maybe we should go inside and talk this out.”

“Like fuck you're coming inside,” Aydan snarls.

Zane shoots him an irritated look. “Our mate is a fire dragon. She should not be exposed to the cold like this if we hope to have her healthy enough to carry our young when the time comes.”

“O-our young?” Aydan sputters, his expression filled with rage.

Evander glances at me and sighs. “He's right. While we've been talking, she's been getting cold.”

Aydan looks at me and calms, pulling me into his arms. As if his body heat is enough to ward off the cold.

“We came here to find him and talk. We might as well talk.” Evander sounds guarded, but at least he's being logical.

Aydan’s arms tighten around me, but he finally speaks. “Fine, but he doesn't go anywhere near her.”

“Agreed,” Zane says, sounding amused.

I glance at him through my lashes. Everything about him radiates a casualness that feels out of place, but his gaze? His gaze clings to me in a way that promises I'll be his soon.