Once in a Dragon Moon - Ophelia Bell Page 0,12

dream come true. If I sighed, that’s probably why.”

He moved to face her, his brow furrowed and that look in his eyes more intense than ever. “Ksenia, you are the dream come true.”

Then, before she could blink, he kissed her.

4

Teague

“Oy! Hands off our trainee, dickhead!”

Jacob’s yell only made Teague dig in his heels and deepen the kiss. Ksenia’s lips felt like heaven, and the way she instantly melted against him made him more certain than ever that his instincts were right.

She was his mate.

Jacob’s rushing footsteps didn’t bode well, nor the rising growl coming from his direction. Teague growled too, but his was one of pure, raw need that was matched by a resonant hum rising up Ksenia’s chest. She felt it too. That was her dragon answering his bear, he was sure of it.

The punch that landed on his bicep hurt, but didn’t deter him. It wasn’t until Jacob grasped him by his long hair and yanked that he had no choice but to release Ksenia. He stared back at her, feverish and panting. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes wide and wild.

“What the fuck were you thinking?” Jacob snapped. “I’m sorry, Ksenia. That was unprofessional of him.”

“Unprofessional?” Teague snapped. “Fucking hell, Jake. You feel it too. I saw the way you looked at her in the arena earlier—you and Gunther both. Gerri’s never wrong, and she wasn’t wrong about this, either. I’m not going to play any goddamn games trying to pretend this isn’t happening.”

“What the hell is happening?” Ksenia asked, taking a step back to stare at them both. “I just met you guys, so why . . . why is my dragon going nuts right now?”

Jacob’s low growl subsided and he released Teague’s hair, letting his hands fall to his sides in clenched fists. “It’s a distraction we don’t need.”

“But it’s a fact.” Gunther’s voice drifted down the stairs, and they all glanced over to see their partner descending, then strolling over to them, his gaze fixed on Ksenia. “You’re our mate, honey.”

Her eyes went even wider and her mouth fell open. “Does that really happen? I always thought true mates were a myth.”

“It’s happening to us,” Teague said. “You just said your dragon was going nuts. My bear has been roaring like mad ever since my eyes met yours earlier. And the fact that Gerri Wilder was the one who introduced us is kind of a dead giveaway.”

She shook her head. “I just asked her to find me a trainer, that’s all.”

Jacob sighed. “She did, at that. But we hired her a few years back to find us all a mate. One we could share. She’s been on the lookout ever since, but finding one woman for each of us would’ve been a challenge on its own. Finding one who would satisfy us all . . .”

Understanding seemed to dawn as a series of expressions flashed over Ksenia’s face: excitement, curiosity, then confusion, and finally disappointment. Teague was desperate to allay any fears, if only she’d voice them. He stepped toward her and she startled, taking a step back.

Jacob grabbed his shoulder. “This was why I wanted to take it slowly. She’s spooked.”

Ksenia scowled. “I’m not spooked. I don’t get spooked. I just need a moment to process—” She waved a hand at the three of them. “—everything.”

“Better to process on full stomachs,” Gunther said, stepping between Jacob and Teague and reaching out a hand. Ksenia looked relieved for the offer and took it, letting Gunther lead her up the stairs.

“What the actual fuck, Teague?” Jacob snapped when they were out of earshot. “Gunther’s usually the impulsive one. I didn’t expect that from you. I figured you’d do more to set her at ease with us and give us time to talk about it.”

“What the fuck is there to talk about?” Teague shot back. “She’s the one!”

“She’s also after a career as a champion, or did you miss that part? Trainers mating their champions complicates things like you wouldn’t believe.”

“True, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make it work. Astra and Simon do just fine.”

“Astra was already a title holder before she and Simon got together. This is different. I really don’t want to fuck it up—either part.”

Teague sighed. “I don’t see any other options, do you? Because I sure as fuck am not giving her up on any count. Don’t you dare tell me you’re willing to, because I know you’d be lying.”

Jacob let out a groan and scrubbed his hands over his face.