Page 6

"I can see it all in my head," he admitted, gesturing broadly. "But getting from this mess to that vision..."

"Requires someone who speaks both languages—the language of dreams and the language of details." Gerri stopped walking, fixing him with a penetrating stare. "Tell me, Asher, what would you give to have this burden lifted? To have someone who could not only handle this festival but stand beside you in all your duties?"

The questions stirred something primal in him. His dragon surged forward, interested in this conversation in a way Asher hadn't expected.

"I don't need a mate just to plan parties or share my duties," he growled defensively.

"Of course not." Gerri's smile turned knowing. "You need a mate because your soul craves completion. The festival is just... convenient timing."

Asher shifted uncomfortably at Gerri's accurate assessment. Her words had struck a chord his dragon responded to, even as his human side built defenses. He'd spent years telling himselfhe didn't need a mate—that the right match would come along eventually. Yet here stood Gerri, peeling away his excuses.

"I've managed fine on my own for a long time." His voice emerged deeper than he intended, his inner dragon pushing closer to the surface. "My clutch respects me and the town prospers."

"And yet you stand in half-assembled festival grounds looking like a man who'd rather wrestle an alligator than finish this project." Gerri's lime-green suit caught the morning sun, making her glow with an almost otherworldly light.

Before he could respond, a familiar scent drifted on the breeze—jasmine and amber with an undercurrent of smoke. Dragon smoke. His nostrils flared slightly, his senses immediately identifying the source before his eyes confirmed it.

"Asher Ectorius, as I live and breathe."

The voice washed over him like warm honey—deliberately sweet and practiced. He turned to find Joni Maples approaching, her long red hair cascading over her shoulders and her body showcasing a form-fitting emerald dress that matched her dragon form perfectly. The last time he'd seen her, they'd been twenty-two, sharing a dorm room kiss goodbye before she'd headed off to graduate school.

"Joni." He nodded, maintaining his position beside Gerri. "This is unexpected."

Joni glided forward, her movements as fluid as ever. "I've been back for three weeks. Didn't anyone tell you?" Her green eyes flickered briefly toward Gerri before focusing entirely on him. "You've done well for yourself, Alpha."

The title on her lips carried weight—an acknowledgment of how much had changed since they'd dated. Back then, he'd been the heir apparent, not the Alpha who carried responsibility for everyone in Ectorius.

"Thank you." His response was measured and polite. "How was Stanford?"

"Enlightening." Joni moved closer, brushing imaginary lint from his shoulder. "But I missed home. Missed the clutch." Her fingers lingered on his bicep. "Missed certain people."

His dragon stirred, not with interest but with wariness. There was something calculated in her approach that hadn't been there when they were younger.

"The clutch has welcomed you back, I hope." He stepped back casually, creating distance.

"Everyone's been lovely." Joni glanced at their surroundings. "Though I hear the festival planning isn't going smoothly. You know, I organized three charity galas in San Francisco. I'd be happy to help..." She trailed off, her meaning clear.

Gerri made a small noise that might have been a suppressed laugh.

"I appreciate the offer," Asher replied firmly, "but I believe I have things under control."

Joni's smile dimmed slightly. "You know, it's been five years since you accepted your position as Alpha. Most dragons would have chosen a mate by now." Her voice dropped to an intimate whisper. "Maybe what you need is someone who already understands our ways. Someone who already fits."

The boldness of her suggestion caught him off guard. They'd parted amicably a decade ago, both acknowledging they weren't fated mates. Her sudden interest felt wrong—like a puzzle piece forced into the wrong spot.

"I'm not looking for a mate right now, Joni." His voice carried the authority of his position. Not unkind, but final.

"Not looking?" She laughed, a brittle sound. "Or waiting for some sign that might never come?" Her eyes narrowed. "We had something good once. We could have it again—better, even. Youneed someone who understands what it means to be an Alpha's mate."

"What I need," Asher stated clearly, "is to focus on my town. When my mate appears, I'll know."

Joni's expression hardened for a fraction of a second before she masked it with a polite smile. "Of course. Just thought I'd... offer my assistance. Call me if you change your mind."

She turned with a graceful pivot and strode away, her posture stiff despite her attempt to seem casual.

"That was odd," Asher muttered once she was out of earshot. "We ended things cleanly back in college. Both of us agreed we weren't meant for each other."

Gerri's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Dragons can be possessive creatures, especially female dragons who've set their sights on power."