Page 16 of Gold Sector

I cut my best friend a look.

“It’s his job as your guardian to do whatever you want,” she goes on, clearly having fun with this designation now. “Like your own personal pet dragon.”

My jaw threatens to tick again.

“Oh, he… he doesn’t need to… I mean…” The little Omega growls, and it’s the cutest sound I’ve ever fucking heard. “It’s fine.I’mfine.”

My irritation with Tay referring to me as apet dragonmelts away into amusement as I start weaving magic between my fingertips again. Only, instead of a standard coin, I find myself creating something a little more unique.

Taliana closes her eyes and inhales deeply again, a shudder rolling through her. It makes me wonder if she’s as affected by my scent as I am by hers or if I’m imagining her relaxing movements.

Regardless, I feel the need to show my affection. A strange reaction, but one I embrace, as it’s a need driven by my dragon’s instincts.

As soon as the charm is ready, I return to Taliana’s side to hold it out for her. “Here,” I tell her. “Wear this, and if you need me, just touch the coin and it’ll summon me to your side.”

Just like a pet dragon,I think.

I’m certain Tay has a similar thought because she coughs to cover a laugh behind me.

Taliana glances down at the necklace I’ve created for her, the gold glistening with my magic. “Oh, this is… You don’t have to…”

“I do,” I insist, unclasping the item and holding it out for her. “May I?”

She’s still staring at it, her beast back in her gaze as she—or rather,they—evaluates the gift.

I try not to think too much about what this means. Drakonians only craft gifts like this when they’re trying to win favor from another Drakonian.

Or trying to entice a potential mate.

I’ve never created something like this for anyone. And especially not an Omega.

Fortunately, Taliana nods, thereby saving me from analyzing what this means. Or evaluating how and why I’ve suddenly lost my mind.

“Can you lift your hair for me?” I ask, admiring the long silver-black strands. My brother referred to it as awaterfallearlier. He wasn’t wrong. It’s shimmery like liquid and falls past her breasts.

Breasts I’m suddenly drawn to because they jut out as Taliana’s hands move to do what I asked.

Tay clears her throat again behind me, propelling me into action.

Taliana’s gaze holds mine as I clasp the chain against the back of her neck, the magic instantly sealing itself so only I can remove it. Is it possessive on my part? Yes. But I want her to wear my mark. It serves as a token of protection, one that will be respected by everyone in Gold Sector.

And all the other Drakon-Clan sectors, too.

If she asks me to take it off, I will.

But hopefully she’ll accept the gift and display it for all to see.

My fingers linger against her skin, my thumb gently tracing the column of her throat before I force myself to move away from her.

I meant to tell Tay to evaluate Taliana for magical enchantments. However, other items came first. Fortunately, Tay is good at her job.

And the suspicious way she’s looking between us now makes it clear that she’s going to be exceptionally thorough in her exam.

“Remember, touch the charm and I’ll return. Otherwise, I’ll see you later in my suite.” I turn to leave but catch Tay’s shocked expression as I go. “You don’t mind escorting her up there, right?” I ask her. “Or should I ask Onyx?”

My best friend swallows, her surprise amusing me greatly.

We didn’t discuss this part, but I assumed it was a given considering I wanted to be the Omega’s guardian. Typically, they stay in an Alpha’s quarters for protection purposes. Not for knotting or sex or anything of the sort, just as a way to demonstrate good will and earn the Omega’s trust.