“Gerri told you that you were Damon’s match, correct?”
“She did. On the plane, actually.” Isla tucked her legs under her, settling in for what felt like it might be a significant conversation. “I was a little surprised by the whole setup but not upset. Just... confused about why he seemed to want nothing to do with me.”
Evelina’s expression softened with what looked like a mixture of sympathy and embarrassment. “I’m afraid we weren’t entirely forthcoming about the nature of the match. You see, in our world, we don’t just call it a destined match. We call it a fated mate bond.”
“Fated mate bond?” The words felt strange on Isla’s tongue, carrying weight she didn’t fully understand. “That sounds intense.”
“It is intense. Much more intense than human concepts of soulmates or destiny.” Evelina moved to sit on the bed, her presence somehow both comforting and commanding. “Which brings me to the other thing Gerri apparently didn’t mention. Everflame Isle isn’t just a small Hawaiian community. It’s the territory of the Everflame dragon clan.”
The words hit Isla like a bombshell. “Dragon clan?”
“Dragon shifters, to be precise. My father established this territory centuries ago as a safe haven for our people. When my sister died in a terrible tragedy, her son Damon inherited leadership of the clan. He’s been the Alpha ever since.”
Alpha. Dragon shifter. Fated mate.
The room seemed to tilt around Isla as the pieces clicked into place with stunning clarity. The island that didn’t appearon maps. Evelina’s casual mention of establishing territory. The way Damon had moved with predatory grace.
“I’m his fated mate,” Isla said slowly, testing the words. “And he’s a dragon.”
“The Alpha dragon, yes.” Evelina’s voice was gentle but matter-of-fact. “Which explains both his immediate recognition of the mate bond and his rather dramatic flight response. Damon hasn’t exactly been... receptive to the idea.”
Isla laughed, though it came out a bit shaky. “Well, that explains why he looked at me like I was going to destroy his life.”
“From his perspective, you probably are going to destroy his life. The careful, controlled existence he’s built for himself, anyway.” Evelina reached over and squeezed Isla’s hand. “But sometimes destruction is exactly what we need to make room for something better.”
Isla thought about Harper’s warning, about the sensible thing to do, about all the ways this could go catastrophically wrong. Then she thought about the electric shock of Damon’s touch and the way her entire world had shifted the moment their eyes met.
“I guess we’ll find out,” Isla finally said.
TEN
ISLA
Thirty minutes later, Isla found herself walking along a moonlit path beside Kaelith, her nerves wound so tight she felt like she might vibrate out of her skin. The revelation about dragon shifters was still settling in her mind, mixing with anticipation and anxiety about seeing Damon again.
“You’re wound tighter than a spring,” Kaelith observed with an easy grin. “Relax. It’s just dinner, not a trial by fire.”
“Easy for you to say. You’re not about to have dinner with someone who’s apparently your fated mate and also not too pleased about it.”
Kaelith’s laugh was warm and infectious. “Fair point. But I promise you, this place and Damon aren’t as scary as they seem. Sure, dragons are massive and powerful, but everyone here is friendly, loyal, and protective of each other. It’s really a tight-knit community.”
“But I’m human,” Isla pointed out, voicing the insecurity that had been gnawing at her.
“So? We’re not the type to look down on humans or treat them like they’re weak. Anyone who can prove their worth and character is welcome here, dragon or not.” Kaelith’s expression grew more serious. “Trust me, if Damon’s dragon has claimedyou as his mate, which I’m sure it has, then you belong here more than most.”
The reassurance should have helped, but it only added to the pressure building in Isla’s chest. “Then why is Damon so resistant?”
Kaelith’s steps slowed and his easy demeanor faltered. “Damon’s been through a lot. His parents died in a clan raid, and it... changed him.”
Something in Isla’s chest loosened with recognition and sympathy. “I can relate to that. My parents died too, and grief is a tricky thing to navigate.”
Kaelith stopped walking entirely, turning to study her with new interest. “Really? You might be the first person who could actually understand what he’s been carrying around.”
“I don’t know about that, but I can definitely offer a listening ear, if he ever chooses to open up.” Isla wrapped her arms around herself as the evening breeze carried the scent of salt. “Though from what I’ve seen so far, opening up doesn’t seem to be his strong suit.”
“That’s an understatement. Damon’s been closed off for a very long time. He tends to push everyone away to protect himself from getting hurt again.” Kaelith’s expression grew thoughtful. “But maybe that’s exactly why fate brought you here. Maybe you’re the one who can finally crack through that armor.”
Maybe.
