“My isolation protects them?—”
“Your isolation is destroying them.” The sharp interruption cut through his protest like a blade. “Half the dragons are questioning whether their Alpha even knows them. The other half are starting to wonder if maybe it’s time for new leadership entirely.”
The words hit him like a slap. Damon had suspected his distance was creating problems, but hearing it stated so bluntly sent ice through his veins. His dragon roared with sudden fury—not at Evelina, but at the impossible situation that had no clean solutions.
“And you think forcing me into proximity with my fated mate is going to solve that?” He couldn’t keep the bitter edge from his voice. “You think putting her in danger is worth the political convenience?”
“I think,” Evelina said with quiet authority, “that Isla could be exactly what you need to finally move past this fear that’s been eating you alive.”
Fear.
The word hung in the air like an accusation. Damon wanted to deny it, to claim that his caution was wisdom and his isolation was strength. But standing alone in his pristine sanctuary, surrounded by a century’s worth of careful control, he couldn’t quite force the lie past his lips.
“It’s too much, too fast.” The confession felt like admitting weakness. “I’m not ready for this.”
“You’re never going to be ready,” Evelina replied with devastating gentleness. “That’s the point. Love doesn’t wait for perfect timing or complete emotional healing. It shows up when you need it the most, and then you have to decide whether you’re brave enough to reach for it.”
The word ‘love’ sent heat spiking through his chest with uncomfortable intensity. Even thinking about the possibility of loving Isla—of caring about someone enough to risk losing them—made his hands shake with more than just adrenaline.
“I can’t go to the main territory again today.” His voice came out rougher than intended. “Being around the clan, having everyone watching us... my nerves are already shot from this afternoon.”
“Good.” His aunt’s satisfaction was audible. “Then you’ll be pleased to know I’ve already arranged for her to meet you at your beach house tonight for dinner.”
Damon’s blood turned to ice. “You did what?”
“Your turf, your rules, no audience.” Evelina’s tone suggested the decision was final. “Just you and Isla, getting to know each other like civilized adults. And you’re going to apologize for this afternoon’s rudeness. Plus, you’re going to assure her that you’ll help make her stay here as comfortable as possible.”
“Evelina—” He started to protest, but she cut him off with ruthless efficiency.
“This isn’t a request, Damon. This is me telling you what’s going to happen. Isla will arrive at seven o’clock, and you will be a gracious host who shows her the respect she deserves.”
The line went dead before he could voice any of the dozen objections crowding his throat.
Damon stared at his phone for a long moment, his mind reeling with the implications of what his aunt had just arranged. Having Isla in his sanctuary while his dragon was already demanding he claim her felt like the worst possible idea.
She’s going to be here,he realized with growing panic.In my space. Where I can’t escape.
His dragon, however, was practically purring with satisfaction.
NINE
ISLA
The guest suite at Evelina’s estate possessed the kind of elegance that whispered of centuries rather than decades. The space had high ceilings with exposed beams, stone walls softened by tapestries in rich burgundy and gold, and tall windows that overlooked gardens where ancient trees stood sentinel against the volcanic backdrop.
This place has been here forever,she thought, running her fingers along the smooth surface of an antique writing desk positioned near the window. Everything about Evelina’s estate spoke of old money and older power, though the woman carried herself with such warmth and humility that the grandeur felt almost incidental.
When Isla had asked about the estate’s history during the brief tour, Evelina had simply smiled and said, “This land has been in our family for centuries. We were the first to establish the territory on Everflame Isle.” The casual way she’d mentioned establishing territory had struck Isla as odd, but she’d attributed it to the kind of pride that came with deep family roots.
Now, sitting on the bed, Isla felt the weight of the day settling over her like a heavy blanket. The whirlwind journey from Cape Cod to this paradise felt surreal—meeting Gerri, the flight acrossthe country, the boat ride to an island that didn’t appear on any map, and then... Damon.
God, Damon.
Her heart still raced whenever she replayed that moment when their hands had touched. The electric shock that had traveled up her arm, the way his green eyes had darkened with something that looked like hunger before he’d yanked his hand away. The memory sent heat pooling in her, followed immediately by the sharp sting of confusion and rejection.
What did I do so wrong?
She needed to hear Harper’s voice, needed her best friend’s practical wisdom to help sort through the tangle of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. Isla pulled out her phone and hit Harper’s contact, grateful when the call connected on the first ring.
