The world surrounding us was an unimportant blur, but I was vaguely aware of the other contestants watching, enraptured by the scene. None of them had dared touch me. I wouldn’t have wanted them to. The hands of my fated mate were the only ones I desired.
My heart leapt into my throat as Alaric held my gaze. One blue eye, one green, both glinting with possessive adoration.
“There’s only one way I can think of to win this challenge,” Alaric murmured. “And I don’t intend to lose.”
He closed the electrified gap between us. His lips captured mine. I shuddered as a burst of gratification coursed through me, heat thrumming in my veins. It felt so good, so satisfying. The intense build-up of anticipation made the contact so much sweeter.
Alaric parted his mouth to enter mine. The wet warmth ignited my lust, turning the smoldering embers to a blazing inferno. I breathed faster, harder; my heaving chest strained against the ropes pressed tight to my body.
Alaric made a soft, smug sound before kissing me deeper. He grasped the sides of my face, shoving his tongue into my mouth with more fervor than I expected in front of a crowd. But as the dizzying pleasure swept over me, I realized that I didn’t care who saw. Let them all see.
Suddenly, a piercing pain bloomed from my bottom lip. Alaric bit me with his sharp cat fangs before lapping his tongue across the wound.
Oh, that naughty kitten...
A muffled chuckle escaped me. I figured that was enough public foreplay. I shut my eyes and freed my restless dragon.
It roared to the surface, exploding in a vivid display of scales and feathers. The silk ropes were instantly torn to shreds. Alaricstood right where he was, watching my transformation with a proud smile, knowing he’d been the only one to summon my dragon—not once, but twice now.
My wings unfurled to their full span. My long tail trailed behind me like a feathered whip. The downy mane flowing down my spine bristled with freedom. The only part of my dragon anatomy I forcibly kept in check was my erection, lest the entire crowd see my excitement. That was a treat for my mate alone.
Alaric stared up at me, fond and dazzled. His face beamed with love. I arched my neck down to meet him, nuzzling his soft cheek with my smooth scales.
“I finally won,” Alaric murmured, proud and genuinely happy.
A draconic purr hummed in my throat. “So did I.”
18
Alaric
As the fifthseason of the Dragonfate Games drew to a close, a novel sense of accomplishment permeated my being. It was unfamiliar, yet comfortable. My victory was hard-won, and in my opinion, well fucking deserved. Time after time, I’d ended the experience empty-handed... and with an empty heart.
Not anymore. Jade filled the dark spaces within me. He was the wonderful green-haired pervert in shining armor I’d wanted all my life.
I admit to sucking up the attention like a sponge during the closing ceremonies, as well as the subsequent congratulations. After all, it was well within my right. I deserved the glorious fanfare after ‘failing’ to win the Games four times in a row. The only other contestant to share my experience was Poppy. Now he was the only omega who’d competed in every season and still remained mateless.
Maybe I was projecting my own jealousy onto my canine friend, but it didn’t seem fair. He was sweet and gentle-hearted. If anyone deserved a doting alpha, it was him.
I pulled him aside after the Games officially ended. Soon, he’d leave the picturesque island and return home to human society. Alone.
Poppy’s eyes lit up as I approached him. “Alaric! I’m so happy for you and Jade. You make a beautiful couple.”
I smiled at his praise, although a bit guiltily. We were no longer partners in loneliness. I knew Poppy had his material needs met—food, a roof over his head, and a nice chunk of change—but it didn’t feel right.
“Thank you,” I said, then frowned. “Are you... okay like this?”
He tilted his head. White hair fell in front of his eyes. “What do you mean?”
I felt awkward having this conversation with him. I almost wanted Poppy to ask—no,demand—to stay. He was no stranger to anyone except the dragons who had yet to meet him face-to-face. He shouldn’t have to leave.
As my frustrated silence went on, it dawned on Poppy why I was hesitating. His expression turned resolute. With finality, he said, “I’m not staying here, Alaric.”
“Why?” I blurted. “For gods’ sake, don’t be so selfless all the time! All your friends live on the island, everyone likes you, and there’s tons of space. I’m sure you could stay in a little room in the castle—”
Poppy suddenly grasped my hand with unexpected firmness. I was stunned into silence.
“I... I won’t sit in a corner like someone’s forgotten pet,” Poppy muttered.
