“Speaking of brothers,” Alaric cut in. “Why didn’t they show up for the closing ceremonies this time?”
Impatience and disappointment dripped from his voice. He must’ve waited for an opportunity to scope the remaining bachelors. Unlike the first season, where Gaius summoned them for an appearance, none of them were present this time around.
Gaius nodded sympathetically. “Believe me, my feline friend, I tried. But rounding up five dragons ranging frombusytoornerywas too difficult.”
Thystle snorted. “Jade is busy, and Viol is ornery, but what about the rest?”
Gaius wagged a finger. “You’re only half right. Jade was occupied with admin work, but Aurum was actually the ornery one. Viol was straight-up missing. Since only Cobalt and Saffron were available, I chose to forgo the whole thing. Besides, it adds an air of mystery to the show, doesn’t it? We’ll put their silhouettes on TV.” Gaius arced his arm in the air, imitating a flashy banner. “Who’s next to find love? Find out on season three of the Dragonfate Games!”
Alaric wasn’t done snooping for info. “And what about us?” he asked, arms crossed. “We were given an open invite to return last season. Since we’ve lost a second time, are we banned from a third chance?”
Muzo and Poppy perked up, like neither of them had considered that.
“Aw, snap,” Muzo said, sounding sad. “This is the last time we’ll be here?”
Poppy drooped like a wilting flower. “Oh... But I liked seeing my friends and spending time on the beach.”
Taylor’s eyes flashed. He was fiercely protective of his friends and the mere concept of hurting their feelings wasn’t going to fly with him.
Honestly, it bothered me as well. I knew the moment I met Thystle that we were destined to be together, so my fellow “competition” didn’t feel like it. They were a source of comfort. If my experience with my former bandmates taught me anything, it was thatrealfriends were never threatened by your happiness.
“They should return. I want them to find their fated mates,” I stated.
“Me, too,” Taylor said firmly. If he was in tiger form, his hackles would’ve soared like skyscrapers.
Crimson scoffed at the idea. “Of course not. Don’t get your stripes in a twist, my love.”
Thystle squeezed my shoulder affectionately. “And Matteo, you shouldn’t get your feathers ruffled, either.” He spoke to Alaric, Muzo and Poppy. “All three of you are welcome to return anytime until you find your mate. If it’s one of us, I mean.”
Muzo grinned, then glanced over his shoulder. He gestured with his thumb to the group of other contestants who’d apparently forgotten all about the Dragonfate Games and were engaged in a round of beach volleyball.
Gaius swore under his breath. “Itoldthem not to play with that AV equipment. Hey, you!”
As Gaius ran off, Muzo asked, “So, what about those guys? They’re contestants too, but uh... I dunno if they want to find love that badly.”
“Doyou?” Alaric challenged him.
Muzo blinked like he’d asked a silly question. “Yeah. Who doesn’t?”
Alaric deflated, as if that wasn’t the answer he expected. “Fair enough.”
Thystle raised his chin. “Duke may be the producer, but we dragons get final say in the contestants. Jade won’t mind a little wink-nudge to allow you guys on board.”
Crimson sighed wistfully. “Oh, the sweet smell of nepotism.”
“You say that like it’s a good thing,” Taylor said with a snort. “But I guess in this case, it is.”
“Especially if Jade ends up falling for one of you,” Thystle quipped. He seemed intrigued at the thought.
A flash of excitement skittered across Alaric’s odd-colored eyes, but he calmed it with a clear of his throat. “That’s a nice sentiment. Thank you for clarifying.”
Muzo and Poppy both looked happy to be involved.
“Woohoo! Beach round three!” Muzo cried.
Poppy tilted his head, gently eyeing the infant in Crimson’s arms. “If it’s not too much trouble, maybe we can stay for a little while and say hi to Ruby?”
Ruby’s parents beamed at the opportunity to gush about their son.
