Page 16

THIRTEEN

DANICA

D anica's face flushed with warmth that had nothing to do with the ceremonial flames from the central fire ring on stage.

Asher's hand found her back as he guided her toward the stairs on the side of the stage.

His touch burned through the thin fabric of her yellow sundress, sending a current of awareness up her spine.

Every cell in her body recognized his claim.

"You didn't have to do that," she whispered as they descended from the stage, her heels clicking against the wooden stairs.

"Yes, I did." His voice rumbled low for her ears alone. "You deserve recognition for what you've accomplished here."

As they moved through the crowd, faces turned toward them. Some offered warm smiles, others polite nods. An elderly woman with silver-streaked hair approached them, her eyes bright with curiosity.

"So, this is the human who tamed our Alpha," she said, her tone inscrutable.

Before Danica could respond, Asher's arm tightened possessively around her waist. "This is the woman who reminded me what it means to lead with heart, not just strength."

The older woman's expression softened. "Well done, child." She patted Danica's hand before melting back into the crowd.

Danica's mind raced as they continued their circuit. She'd been in Ectorius for barely three days. Known about being Asher's mate for just one day. The weight of it all – being thrust into this position as the Alpha's chosen partner – pressed on her shoulders.

Last night's passion still lingered in her body—the memory of Asher's mouth, his hands, the way he'd claimed her completely. In bed, everything made perfect sense. Their connection had been primal and undeniable.

"You look worried," Asher murmured, steering them toward a quieter corner where festival goers hadn't yet gathered.

"Not worried. Just..." Danica searched for the right words. "This is a lot. These people depend on you. And now they're looking at me like I'm part of the package."

"You are." His tone brooked no argument.

"But I'm just an event planner from New Orleans. What do I know about being part of a dragon clutch?" She adjusted the strap of her sundress, needing something to do with her hands. "I can organize a killer festival, but being someone an entire town looks to..."

Asher turned her to face him, his green eyes intense. "You're not just anything, Danica. You're extraordinary. And you don't have to figure it all out today."

His certainty was simultaneously comforting and overwhelming. If it had just been them – just Asher the man, not Asher the Alpha – this would feel simpler. Less like she was under a microscope.

"Right now," she said, squaring her shoulders, "I just need to make sure this festival runs smoothly. One task at a time."

A ghost of a smile touched his lips. "See? That's exactly why you belong here. You prioritize what matters."

Danica glanced at her watch, grateful for the distraction of practical matters. "The children's dragon dance demonstration starts in fifteen minutes. I should check that the costumes are ready."

"Always working." His thumb brushed over her bottom lip, sending a jolt of desire straight through her. "We'll continue this conversation later. Preferably with fewer clothes."

Before she could formulate a comeback, he dropped a quick, hot kiss on her lips that promised much more. Several nearby townspeople whistled and clapped.

"That's how an Alpha claims his mate," someone called out.

She felt heat rise in her cheeks but pushed her doubts aside. This wasn't the time for personal crises. She had a festival to run, and she'd make damn sure it was the best one Ectorius had ever seen.

Danica moved through the festival with the precision of a battlefield commander.

Her clipboard served as both a shield and weapon as she checked off tasks and directed volunteers with efficient grace.

The children's dragon dance demonstration was her next stop, where she found a dozen kids already eagerly pulling on elaborate scale-adorned costumes.

"Are the wings secure?" She knelt beside a small girl struggling with her costume's attachment. "Here, let me help you with that."

"They're supposed to move when I wiggle my shoulders," the child demonstrated, beaming when Danica adjusted the straps to allow proper movement.

"Perfect! Now you're a powerful dragon." Danica winked, earning a gap-toothed smile in return.

As she straightened, she felt Asher's presence before she saw him. A warm hand settled on her shoulder, his touch both possessive and gentle.

"Running the entire festival single-handedly?" His voice had that gravelly edge that made her stomach flip.

"Someone has to." She tapped her pen against the clipboard. "Don't you have important Alpha mayor things to do? Hands to shake? Babies to kiss?"

Asher's mouth quirked. "I'd rather be helping you."

"I've got this covered." She fought the flutter in her chest at his proximity. "These people came to spend time with you, not watch you follow me around."

"They came to enjoy the festival we created together." His broad shoulders blocked out the sun as he leaned closer. "And I want you to enjoy it too. Not just work through it."

Danica tilted her head to meet his gaze. "I'll enjoy it once I know everything's running smoothly."

"Stubborn woman." The rumble of playful affection in his voice sent a warmth through her.

"Hovering Alpha." She countered with a smile. "Go mingle with your people. I promise I'll take a break... eventually."

His fingers captured her hand, bringing it to his lips. "One hour. Then I'm coming to find you, clipboard or no clipboard."

The heat in his eyes promised consequences she might actually enjoy. Danica swallowed hard as she watched his tall frame turn away and move through the crowd, people naturally parting as he approached.

She moved on to the food truck area, where savory aromas of Cajun spices mingled with sweet treats. The vendors greeted her with warmth.

"There she is—the infamous event planner and the Alpha's mate!" called a woman serving jambalaya. "Your invitation to have me serve at the festival is bringing in twice my usual business."

"Just doing my part to make this festival a success," Danica replied, though the words 'Alpha's mate' still sent a strange thrill through her body.

At the maypole, she helped untangle ribbons after an enthusiastic group of children had created a colorful knot. The adult supervisor thanked her profusely.

"The Alpha chose well," the woman said softly. "We haven't seen him smile this much in years."

Throughout the afternoon, Danica noticed the shift in how people regarded her—from suspicion to cautious acceptance. When a children's game area became overcrowded, she swiftly created an impromptu overflow section, earning appreciative nods from parents.

Finally, she allowed herself a moment's rest beneath an ancient oak tree at the edge of the festival grounds. She slid off her heels and wiggled her toes in the cool grass.

"Wow, you're actually taking a break." Asher appeared with two glasses of lemonade, settling beside her on the grass with casual grace that belied his powerful frame.

"Just recharging." She accepted the drink gratefully. "Your people really love this festival."

"Our people," he corrected, his eyes intense. "They're warming up to you."

Danica watched the celebration unfold before them—families laughing, children running with dragon-shaped kites, and couples dancing to the band's lively music. The small town pulsed with a vibrant energy she'd never experienced in her events back in New Orleans.

"I get it now," she said quietly. "Why they're so protective of this place... and of you."

Asher's fingers interlaced with hers. "And?"

"They've built something special here." She turned to face him. "Something worth protecting."

"And something worth letting their Alpha share with the right person," he added, his thumb tracing circles on her palm.

Danica felt a complicated twist of emotions. "But I'm an outsider to them. I can see why they'd be hesitant about me taking their Alpha's attention."

"You're not an outsider. You're my mate." The fierce certainty in his voice made her breath catch. "And a mate isn't someone who takes attention away—they make everything better." His hand slid to cup her face. "Like you've done with this festival."

The way Asher looked at her—like she was essential to his existence—made her throat tight with emotion. For someone who'd always kept moving and always looking toward the next project, the conviction in his eyes made her want to stay still for once.

Thirty minutes later, Asher got pulled away by a group of stern-faced council members. Danica watched him go, admiring how commanding he looked in his light gray suit and crimson tie, the fabric stretching perfectly across his broad shoulders as he strode away with reluctant backward glances.

She turned her attention back to the festival decorations, noticing that some of the cloths with the town emblem prominently displayed had come loose in the afternoon breeze. Climbing onto a stepladder, she stretched to reach the highest ones, the yellow fabric of her sundress billowing slightly.

"Need a hand with those?"

Danica glanced down to see Joni standing below her, looking up with a friendly smile. The woman's blue dress clung to her athletic frame, the neckline plunging daringly low while somehow managing to look elegant rather than tacky. Danica had to admit – Joni knew how to make an entrance.

"I've got it," Danica replied, securing the emblems. "But thanks."

As she climbed down, Joni handed her a glass of wine. "You deserve this after running around all day." Joni paused for a moment, as if contemplating something. "That speech Asher gave earlier was quite something, wasn't it?"

"It was," Danica agreed, accepting the drink and taking a small sip.