Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 44984 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44984 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
“Are you okay?” a young man asked.
She nodded.
The others chatted around her. Lalani couldn’t make small talk. She could feel herself shaking as stress and embarrassment overwhelmed her. Why hadn’t she taken the time to listen to what people told her about the event? The town leaders had even come door to door. Wrapped up in trying to adapt to the new way of life without technology, the loss of her mother, and the threat from next door, Lalani had simply not understood.
The enormous building containing the gathering loomed in front of her. She could see people inside and hear the music and conversations. When the cart stopped, she hung back in the corner as the escorts ushered people in. The same man swooped in and took her arm to tug her out and drag her inside. He deposited her in the middle of the dance floor.
Lalani was horrified to find herself the center of everyone’s attention and wished the floor would open and swallow her up. She stared down at her plush slippers. They were the welcome present her mother had given her. She’d wanted Lalani to feel at home. They’d both laughed so hard the first time she’d worn the green slippers. Who would have thought of making dragons fuzzy?
A loud voice announced the last guest had entered, and everyone seemed to look at her with resentment that she had slowed down something. A second announcement followed that the buffet would open shortly. A surge of people, obviously wishing to be first, came toward her, and Lalani panicked, looking around for an exit.
She couldn’t escape in any direction. Her pulse raced as people drew closer on all sides. Lalani closed her eyes, expecting to be swept up by the crowd or worse, knocked off her feet and trampled.
A kind female voice told her, “Hey. It’s okay. I’m Ciel.”
Lalani opened her eyes to see a younger woman standing in front of her. Her smiling violet-colored eyes were simultaneously kind and concerned. An equally friendly woman with shorter hair joined them. The newcomer reached out a hand to touch Lalani’s arm softly. Sensing these women would help her, Lalani tried to keep it together.
“I didn’t want to come. They made me.” She blinked tears away. Her voice was shaky with emotion.
“Everyone is required to be at the gathering. It’s okay. You can stay with us,” Ciel said, waving a hand at the other woman. “You’ve got two new friends. This is Aurora.”
“Lady Ciel. I have an overdress,” an older woman announced from behind Ciel. “I brought this just in case. It will fit over her shirt.”
“You are a lifesaver, Abby.” Ciel praised the new arrival. “Here. Let me help you.”
The three women swarmed around her, forcing the crowd to flow around them. They helped Lalani into a length of material that wrapped around her and tied with a belt in front. It transformed her nightshirt into a dress that covered her.
“Thank you,” Lalani whispered.
“We’re glad to help. What’s your name?” Aurora asked.
“Lalani.”
“What a pretty name,” Aurora said with a smile.
“Who are those guys?” Lalani asked.
Ciel glanced over her shoulder to see the two large men positioned behind them. “Those are our dragon mates: Drake and Argenis. They’re the good guys.”
A voice shouted over the hubbub of chatter, announcing that the main buffet was now open. The surrounding crowd surged toward the side of the room, where a delicious aroma emanated. She got jostled by the hungry town’s people, and the two women wrapped their arms around her to keep the small group together.
When they were swept away from the dragons, Lalani watched the two shifters force their way through the people. It was obvious they were trying not to hurt anyone but were determined to protect their mates. Someone rammed into them from behind. Lalani and the others struggled to stay on their feet. Off-balance, they fell to their knees. She clung to the women as they all tried to stand to avoid being trampled.
A tremendous roar made everyone freeze. Instinctively, Lalani cowered toward the floor, sure this was the end. A second deep roar combined with the first. Taking advantage of the pause of the crowd’s motion, Ciel stood and pulled Lalani and Aurora up. Lalani happened to be looking at Ciel when a third roar echoed with the others. The hair on the back of Lalani’s neck stood straight up, alerting her that something important was happening. Ciel’s face showed her surprise as she turned toward the source of that third roar. The relief written on her new friend’s face changed to joy.
What is going on?
Lalani searched for the source of that sound.
“Who was that?” Aurora asked.
“Khadar,” Ciel told her with a radiant smile.
“Oh!” Aurora answered, sounding pleased.
“Who’s Khadar?” Lalani asked. Ciel simply pointed behind her.
Holding her breath, she pivoted to face him. Lalani gasped as an immensely muscular man walked toward her. He was handsome with beautiful green eyes that held hers captive until she yanked her gaze away to scan the crowd. Lalani noticed his path never wavered. People automatically moved out of his way.