Darman Brass was not a patient dragon. Word had been getting around about dragons finding their mates lately in the town of East Grove.

He wanted his mates yesterday. He didn’t care who they were, he just knew he wanted them at his side and the dragon curse off his back.

So here he was, having arrived in the small town of East Grove. Darman was the future clan chieftain of his territory, and had spoken with the town’s future chieftain, Colton Riddick. He and Colton had known each other for years. Being the heirs of the current chieftain of their clans, they had a lot in common. And since rumors were going around that East Grove was the key to finding mates, here Darman was.

His dragon was losing what little patience he had. He wanted to come and find his mates and take them home with him. Darman’s father was ready to step down soon, and wanted to ensure that Darman had at least one of his mates to begin securing their future and carry on their name.

“My mate better be here,” he murmured as he jogged up the stairs of the large hotel where the ball was currently in full swing.

His dragon paced inside his chest. He held back the snarl that wanted to escape him as he walked through the lobby of the prestigious hotel.

He’d looked for his mates for years without success. Darman wasn’t afraid of anything, not even the curse. He knew that fate would not let him succumb to it. There was recent news of another triad who had mated here within the past year, and from what Darman could gather, both females were expecting.

Colton and his mates had welcomed the next generation of Riddick’s, and it caused a longing in Darman’s chest for the chance to welcome his seed, his children, into the world.

He just had to find his mates first.

Classical music filled the air as he walked down the hall toward the ballroom. He breathed deeply to try to get control of his heart rate. He didn’t know why he felt nervous.

He was Darman Brass, future leader of his clan.

He would make the perfect mate for two dragons. He had wealth, power, and his dragon was strong.

Security stopped him at the door, requesting his ticket. He brandished it from his inner suit jacket pocket. They allowed him entrance into the ballroom and Darman was taken aback. The room was crowded with shifters of all kinds.

He threaded his way through the crowd, listening to the chatter. Everyone was talking of the most recent three dragon triads who had found each other. Darman was determined to be a part of the fourth triad.

He could sense other dragons in the room, and the alpha in him stood at attention as he took in the crowd.

He headed toward the bar, needing a drink to calm his dragon down. He knew if he found just one of his mates, he would grab them and toss them over his shoulder. He’d go straight back to his hotel to have his way with his mate.

Dragon triads were usually made up of two males and a female. Until recently, it had been rare for two females to be mated to one male. Darman didn’t care what his mates were. He just wanted them at his side so he could avoid the dragon curse.

“What can I get you?” the bartender asked. She gave him a sensual smile as her eyes perused his body. He could tell she was pleased with what she saw when she met his eyes. She was cute, but not a dragon shifter, and certainly not his mate. Had this been any other time, he might have taken her up on her unspoken offer.

“Your best bourbon,” he ordered. She nodded her head as disappointment filled her eyes. She turned away to grab his drink, giving him time to assess the ballroom. Every person was dressed in their best, trying to catch the eye of their future mate.

“Here you go.” He turned and reached for his wallet. He withdrew a bill and tossed it on the counter.

“Keep the change,” he murmured with a nod. At least she would receive a hefty tip. He grabbed his drink and took a sip as he made his way back into the crowd. He slowly circulated the room before pausing.

He breathed in deeply. A sweet scent caught his attention and that of his dragon.

His beast stood at attention as his eyes searched the room.

The sweet scent was that of a female.

“Mate,” his animal growled.

His eyes locked on a female with dark hair. Her dark eyes gazed back at him, and even across the room, he felt the blow to his chest.

His. Fucking. Mate.

She was here. It was as they’d said. One look and it would be known. His beast roared as he moved toward her. He knocked back the rest of his drink and placed the empty glass on the tray of a passing waiter.

Her lips curved up in a seductive smirk. She turned and quickly made her way through the crowd.

She wanted a chase?

He’d fucking chase her to the end of the world.

He would have his mate tonight.

A growl escaped his chest as he watched her exit through a door. The crowd parted, having sensed the threat of his beast being close to the edge as he followed her.

There would be no running from him.

He had her scent and would be able to track her anywhere.

She’d pay for running from him.

His cock drew heavy as he burst through the door, finding himself in a hallway. He turned and caught sight of her disappearing around a corner. He took off running behind her, giving into the chase, when a grin spread across his face, imaging all the ways he’d make his sexy mate pay for running.