Chapter 23
Blaze had spoken with each of his clan about their plans. All of them wanted to remain with him and go by his decision. All except for Cor and Shanna, who had not even bothered to come to their meeting.
He hadn’t seen Arena in hours. All he wanted to do was take Arena somewhere private and make love to her all night long. However, they needed to discuss several important matters.
Tonight, he would attempt to make her a meal to show her he could take care of her. Then he would make love to her slow and steady. When she was fully relaxed and satisfied, he planned to talk to her about claiming her.
He was actually nervous about it. How would she react? Would she be ready or would she need more time? He also didn’t know how her clan would feel about him. All of that could be worked out, though. Blaze would do anything to be with Arena. His thoughts were interrupted when King Reichardt and King Malachi approached him.
“Blaze, have you seen Arena?” King Reichardt asked worriedly.
“Not since before noon. What’s going on?” He was suddenly overcome with a sense of unease.
“Her second in command has been trying to reach her for the past three hours. He contacted her guard Argon but she had asked him for a little privacy. She had promised to return to her cabin but Argon says she never returned. No one knows where she is.”
“We need to look for her.” Blaze felt panic sink in. Anything could happen to her. What if Dyson was in the area and somehow managed to take her?
“I have warriors searching for her now,” Reichardt reassured him.
“What is your relationship with Arena?” King Malachi said. He tone was more demanding than inquisitive.
Blaze glared at the male. King or no king, it was none of his damn business. “That’s not your business.”
“It is our business if you plan to take the throne from her and rule Zocor’s people yourself. What did you do with her?” Malachi came at him aggressively, but Reichardt stepped between them.
“Easy, we don’t know that’s what happened.”
“You heard what his own clan member said. He’s been planning this for years.”
“What clan member are you talking about?” Even as Blaze asked, he knew who it would be.
“Cor.”
“Cor’s a liar. He resents my presence, and the fact that the rest of the clan voted me as their leader instead of him really pissed him off. He’s had it in for me since the beginning.”
“Why should we believe you?” Malachi asked, this time with a little less anger.
“Because Arena is my true mate. I would never do anything to hurt her.”
“Do you love her?” Reichardt asked.
“I have been in love with her since the first time I saw her on Drakonia. Even when she was forbidden to me, I loved her. The past ten years I have stayed alive hoping to find my way to her. Our dragons are agreeable and I think even Arena knows it's right between us. We need to stop all this nonsense and find her.”
Malachi looked like he wanted to argue but he released a deep breath and nodded in agreement.
“Where is Cor? If he’s spreading rumors, then he might know where she is.”
