Gaius went on to thank the team and put a tidy figurative bow on the whole season. As charismatic as he was, I tuned him out. I couldn’t help being distracted by some of the curious glances Crimson’s brothers shot my way. It was my first time seeing most of them, so I figured the curiosity was mutual. But a few of the brothers seemed more interested in omegas among the crowd. That was fine by me. All the attention was too much for my tastes. And hey, if my friends found a sexy alpha dragon mate on this ridiculous game show one way or another, I was all for it.
After what felt like ages of TV formality, Gaius turned to me and Crimson one last time.
“Well, you two? How about wrapping it up with a nice kiss for the viewers at home?” he suggested.
I blushed. Talk about PDA cranked up to the max.
“Finally, Gaius,” Crimson quipped as he grabbed my waist. “I thought you’d never ask.”
My mate dipped me low and brought his face closer to mine. As soon as our lips met, all my shame faded away. All I cared about was the warmth of my mate’s mouth. I let Crimson kiss me in front of a dozen cameras to the background noise of cheering and whooping.
* * *
After filming officially ended,I caught up with my friends. Their flight home was the next morning, so I wanted to speak with them before they left.
I crushed Muzo and Poppy in a big hug. I wasn’t typically so overtly affectionate, but Crimson turned me into a sap. Either that, or it was my pregnancy hormones flaring up early.
“Ack... can’t... breathe,” Muzo squeaked.
Poppy sniffled, crying for a different reason. “I’m so happy for you, Taylor, but I’m going to miss you so much... Will I ever see you again?”
“Of course, Poppy. Besides, I still have business to wrap up in the city before I move here permanently.”
Muzo gasped, ignoring my entire statement. “Tay! You’re gonna be stranded on this island forever! I’m never gonna visit your weird apartment again!”
“I’m not stranded. And how is my apartment weird?” I mumbled, still hugging him as he sobbed.
Alaric rolled his eyes as he strolled closer. “Dear gods, you two are dramatic. Didn’t you hear a word Gaius said? We have an invitation to return next season. I’ll be here.”
“I think I’ll return, too,” Matteo added, shooting an amused glance at the wailing omegas in my arms. “It wasn’t Crimson, but I’m not convinced my mate isn’t here on this island. Call it eagle’s intuition.”
Alaric glared at him. “Just don’t get in my way.”
“Of course. As long as you don’t get in mine, either,” Matteo said with a friendly smile.
I snorted. “Can you keep your claws sheathed next season, Alaric? Or will I have to supervise you?”
“You can supervise my ass,” the cat retorted.
I grinned, pleased to be on Alaric’s good side. Probably.
After saying goodbye to everybody, Crimson pulled me aside. “How do you feel, my love? Not out of social energy, I hope?” he asked.
“Let me guess,” I replied. “I have five of your brothers to officially meet.”
He grinned. “Yes, but they can wait if you’re tired. Though, I can’t promisesomeof them won’t barge in on us in their excitement to meet you.”
I kissed Crimson on the cheek. “Thanks, but I’m fine. I’d love to meet them.”
As the sun began its slow, summery descent into the horizon, it turned everything a beautiful shade of gold. With the staff and contestants gone, the private island felt like another world. The beach was empty except for me, Crimson and five of his brothers.
Aurum grinned and waved as we approached. At least, I thought it was Aurum. He and his identical twin were impossible to tell apart, especially in this golden hour.
Crimson held my hand and cleared his throat. “Well, I suppose it’s time you met the family. You’ve met half of the twins, Aurum and Saffron.” He gestured to the others, going in order from the youngest to oldest. “Thystle, Jade, and Cobalt.” He didn’t bother mentioning Viol, who was absent. “Everybody, this is—”
“Wait, wait, wait,” Aurum interrupted.
Crimson glared at him. “What?”
