Free Dragon Her Back (Entangled Covet) by Susannah Scott Page B

let him know he noticed it. Alec turned his back on him and filled a glass of water at the half bar.
    “Is it the Siberians again?” Alec referred to the most vocal dissenters.
    Here was the tricky part—giving enough truth to raise the level of security at the sanctuary and beyond, but not sparking questions that would lead to Mei.
    “The Chinese.” It was somewhat true.
    Alec took a slow sip of his water before facing him. “They’ve sworn their allegiance.”
    “I know.”
    “Tell me about the threat.”
    “An unregistered group has asked to attend the gala. A Bo Quan and his retinue.”
    “What does the ambassador say?” Alec referred to the visiting ambassador from China.
    Every non-dissenting dragon enclave in the world maintained a presence at the dragon sanctuary. Hostage or diplomat, the line was thin, but it ensured direct contact with the secretive and far-flung subjects. In the recent years of peace, the posting was envied and sought after competitively among the dragon folds of the world.
    “He disavows knowledge. I’ve sent in ground sources to investigate, but they can’t find this group.”
    “Nowhere?” Alec’s voice was understandably incredulous. Dragons were not limited to such things as airplane routes and drivable roads. Everyone was findable.
    He shook his head. “I’m concerned enough to disrupt your dancing .”
    It was a dig. Alec narrowed his eyes.
    Darius met his stare, unafraid of the powerful King whom he’d served from the beginning of his ascension to the throne. Alec had handpicked him from his computer lab in Moscow and coaxed him to join his team to reunite the folds. The challenge and nobility of the mission had lured him, but once he’d met Mei, he was all in. Wherever she was, that was where he would be as well.
    Mei had been unequivocally tied to the king, and now he knew why. The water dragons would never dare reach for her in the dragon stronghold. Until now.
    Alec sat his glass aside. “Increase the guards and call back the forward scouts.”
    “Yes, sir.” His duty accomplished, his mind immediately went to protecting his mate. “Mei and I won’t be attending the gala. We’re taking some time to get to know each other better.”
    Alec put his hands on the counter behind him. “This is her choice?”
    “Of course.” He bristled at the suggestion he was making her do something against her will.
    “I would like to hear it from her.” Alec’s stare was direct.
    He stared hard at his king, knowing this was a tipping point. Alec needed to back off and let him handle Mei.
    “I don’t interfere with your relationship with your mate.”
    The king stepped forward into his personal space, and his eyes flared with the banked fury of his fire dragon. “Mei is my subject, too. I’m responsible for her safety. I promised her sanctuary and will protect her from all, even you.”
    He hoped to God that was true.
    “I may well remind you of that one day.” Darius stood his ground, his own ice dragon pushing to the surface so the kitchen grew cold and frost puffed between them.
    “What does that mean?”
    “It means no one wants her safe more than I do.” At his sides, his hands coiled into fists. “You’re going to have to trust me on this.” For a long moment, they stared at each other, two fierce beasts squared off in a too tiny space.
    “You’ve not always behaved honorably.”
    His days of bullying and manipulating Mei were over. They were in this together. He’d not force anything on her she didn’t want, even if it meant they did not complete their bond. His sole concern for her now was her safety.
    Darius managed a nod. “Accepted.”
    The fight left Alec slowly. His shoulders fell, and his stance relaxed. He stepped backward to lean on the counter edge again. He looked through Darius, as if considering his options.
    This was one of the many reasons Alec was perhaps the only dragon in the kingdom fit to rule them all. His control over his fire