Crap!

Double freaking crap. What was wrong with her? Why was she feeling so glum?

Storm put her bag down next to her. He looked completely relaxed. Totally accepting of this whole thing. Jolene had known having sex with the dragon shifter would clear her from his system, she hadn’t been wrong. In fact, she had never been more right on the money about anything. Storm didn’t give a shit about her anymore.

He practically ignored her this morning. No, that wasn’t true. He’d been nothing but polite and nice.

Polite?

Nice?

That wasn’t Storm. He had no interest in her anymore. That much was clear. It rubbed her the wrong way, even though it shouldn’t. This is what she had wanted.

She’d given in and had lost. Not that this was a game. Well, it had been a game. Not to her, but to him…and she’d lost. She’d given him the milk for free, dammit. Now that he’d had a taste, he didn’t want more. Again, her choice but it still stung.

Jolene looked around the room. She swallowed thickly. There were at least a hundred and fifty guys surrounding them. No-one made a sound. No-one spoke or fidgeted or anything. All of their eyes were on her. It was freaky.

“Oh my!” she muttered. “So many,” she whispered.

Storm smiled. “Yeah, every unmated male in the kingdom is here. They are all hoping you will choose them.”

There were a few shouts of agreement. A hum of chatter picked up around the hall but soon died down.

“Oh…okay.” Her hands suddenly felt clammy and her mouth dry.

“This is what you wanted, isn’t it?” Storm asked, eyes questioning.

As opposed to going home. “Yes,” she quickly said, glancing at Storm. He was the picture of calm. Golden Boy had no qualms about giving her away. Her eyes stung a little. Damn her and her girl emotions. She’d gone and slept with him and just as much as she was out of his system, he was very firmly embedded in hers. It didn’t matter that it had been hardcore fucking, for lack of a better word. That he hadn’t inserted even the tiniest bit of emotion into the action. That there had been no promises attached, whether verbal or nonverbal. The nonverbal ones, now, she’d read those loud and clear.

None of that mattered. She'd felt. She was still feeling. She was a stupid idiot because she actually felt something for the guy. What had she done to herself?

It didn’t matter. Her stupid wayward emotions would be under control in no time. She’d choose someone else. Someone great. He would be awesome and she would be happy. They would fall in love and have a family and a long, happy life together. She could feel it. Not! Didn’t matter. She would feel it soon. She couldn’t give Storm the satisfaction of going home, head bowed. Jolene pulled her shoulders back and looked around the room. Looked at all the hopeful expressions.

There were tall guys. Even taller guys and veritable giants. There were all hair colors from black to white-blond and everything in-between. Some of them had green eyes and others blue. A few of them had dark eyes and others that amethyst color, like Storm. Not exactly like Storm. His were so vivid they were unique and—

No, no comparisons! She was closing one door ‒ locking it ‒ and moving on. “How do I choose?” she whispered.

Storm chuckled. It was throaty and sexy, damn him. "You could draw a number and allow it to be completely random, you could have each one step forward, one at a time to tell you something about themselves or you could ask random questions to males of your choosing. We could also tailor-make your—"

Jolene huffed out a breath. “Hold on.” She shook her head, which was spinning. “This is all a little overwhelming.” Asking each of them a question would take all day. “I need to be sure that everyone here is really serious.”

“Of course.” Something seemed to darken in Storm’s eyes and his jaw tightened.

“Hello and thanks for coming…” Jolene raised her voice.

There was a loud murmur across the room as all the men responded in kind.

“Um…” her cheeks heated. It was disconcerting having all those stares focused on her. She licked her lips. “I’m going to ask a few questions, if that’s okay?”

Again, the men answered. There were shouts of agreement and plenty nods of the head.

“Great! Thank you,” she said when the noise finally died down. “I need to know who is not interested in mating, please leave the room.”

There were a couple of snickers and one or two mutters.

“Silence,” Storm growled. There was instant obedience. “You heard the human. Anyone not interested in mating this female, leave now.”

No-one moved. One or two of the guys planted their feet more firmly on the ground or folded their arms, looking deadly serious.

“O-okay,” she muttered, once it was clear that no one was leaving. “Anyone not interested in having children, please leave,” she said, voice raised.

A few of the men turned to look at those beside them, but nobody left.

“What else is important to you?” Storm asked. “I know one,” he quickly said. “This female enjoys waffles for breakfast. Those of you who know how to prepare such a meal, should stay.”

There were grumbles and all-out yells, but in the end, half the guys filed out.

“Jolene might request to sleep alone tonight, would you offer to give her the bed, or would you make her sleep on the floor? Those of you that say floor, should leave now.”

Most stayed where they were, but there were a handful of guys who left.

“I have one,” she said, putting her hand up.

“Go right ahead.” Storm nodded once.

“If you’ve ever had sex with one of the dragon females, you should please leave now.” There weren’t many dragon females. She hated the idea that most of these guys had slept with them. The thought of Crystal rubbed her the wrong way.

“You sure?” Storm whispered, his eyes wide.

“Very sure.”

“That won’t leave many males and,” he shook his head, “those who remain…” He chuckled, not finishing the sentence.

Most of the men filed out. As in, there were only fifteen guys left. She did a quick count. Sixteen. There were sixteen. These dragon women certainly got around.

“Really?” she snorted. “A handful of women and all those guys.”

Storm shrugged. “Guess so. It’s how it is. Our females are respected and cherished. They get to decide who they want to be with. Most of the males try their luck.”

“It’s gross!”

“It’s nature.”

“Says you, Golden Boy.” She shook her head. “I think it’s pretty gross.”

Storm smiled, his eyes glinted. “We’ll have to agree to disagree once again, Sweet-Lips.” He winked at her.

Something ignited inside her when he called her by that nickname. A need, a want, a longing. That particular feeling could go right to hell. Jolene turned back to the group. They were all good-looking guys. They all seemed eager. “You.” She pointed to a light-haired shifter in the middle of the group. He had deep blue eyes. He looked nothing like Storm and would probably be nothing like Storm. Which meant that he would be perfect.

The guy touched his silver chest, eyes wide. He even looked around. “Me?”

“Yes, you.”

“Thank you,” he said, stepping forward. “It is an honor you would choose me. An honor I cherish.” He sounded dumbstruck. Like he’d just won the lottery.

“I’m glad you feel that way.” Jolene smiled.

“My name is Hail.” He was a big guy, almost as big and built as Storm. Stop! She really needed to stop comparing everyone to Golden Boy. It wasn’t fair or right. That door was firmly closed.

Hail strode over to her. His eyes were wide and really quite exquisite. As soon as he reached her, he dropped to one knee and took her hand. His fingers were calloused, his clasp soft. “It is a privilege to meet you.” He smiled, almost shyly.

Storm shifted his weight from one foot to the other. Jolene tried hard to ignore him.

“You too, Hail. I’m Jolene.”

The shifter pressed the top of her hand to his lips for a second or two before rising to his feet.

“Let it be known that the human has picked Hail. No-one is to interfere by my order,” he growled the command, sounding formidable.

Goosebumps rose up on her arms.

“Thank you, my lord.” Hail sounded shocked. When she looked his way, she noted Hail was frowning heavily, looking slightly confused even.

“Sure. All the best,” Storm said. She turned back to him…to where he had been moments before, since Storm was already halfway to the door. Typical. She tried not to let his attitude get to her. Golden Boy couldn’t even say a proper goodbye to her. She swallowed thickly, turning back to Hail. This was it.

The shifter smiled at her, picking up her bag and hoisting it onto his back. “Would you like me to carry you as well?” he asked, completely sincere.

“No, I can walk just fine, thanks.”

He nodded. “Come with me, I will show you my chamber. I’m afraid that it is not as big as Storm’s, but it will be quite comfortable. Once we are mated, we will be given a new home, one with several rooms to accommodate our family.” He gripped her hand in his. “Is this okay?” He squeezed lightly.

Mated.

Family.

She had only just met him. Her heart raced. “Yes, it’s fine.” This was exactly what she wanted, she reminded herself. “Um, let’s get to know each other first. We have plenty of time.”

“There is no pressure, Jolene. I will happily sleep on the floor until you are comfortable sharing my bed. There is no rush for sex either. In fact, I will not bring it up until you are ready.”

“Okay. Thank you! I appreciate that.”

“Tell me something about yourself,” he said, glancing at her.

This was new. It was really nice. A guy who actually cared about her. Not her boobs or having a good time but her.

“I enjoy watching romantic comedies. I love chocolate brownies…anything chocolate really but brownies are my favorite.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever had one of those. Here we are.” He opened a door and stepped aside. “Welcome to your new home.”

Her heart stuttered and her hands became clammy in an instant. Shifters could come on strong. It was normal. It was Storm who was completely abnormal. Not this guy. Hail was great.

The place was much smaller. Not as opulent. “It’s cozy.”

“Cozy means small.” Hail smiled shyly.

“Cozy means cozy. I’m not too fussed about things like that, so don’t worry about it.”

“I am glad.”

“The view is still spectacular.” She took it in as a group of dragons flew by. One of them had a golden chest. Storm perhaps? Jolene tried not to think about it. “I’ll bake you some brownies and then you’ll know how they taste.” She forced her gaze off the dragon formation in the sky.

“That would be great.” Hail came and stood beside her. “Let me know what you will need. I have to order a couple of things anyway since I don’t have the ingredients in the house to make waffles.”

“Oh…” She shook her head. “You don’t have to do that.”

“I want to. I want things to work between us.”

Maybe this was what her friend Ruth meant about coming on too strong. Did she do this? Perhaps to a lesser degree but, come to think of it, she did.

“Let’s just relax and take it one day at a time, shall we?” It sounded stilted. They were being far too polite to one another and it felt awkward.

Hail’s eyes clouded. He nodded once.

Damn, now she’d gone and hurt his feelings and he really was a nice guy. “Do you read?” She pointed to a pile of books on the coffee table.

Hail nodded. “I love science fiction novels. Anything to do with space rockets and journeys to outer space.” His eyes lit up. “And what about you?”

She shrugged. “I’m more of a movie fan myself.”

“Of course, you said so earlier.” He chuckled, looking down at the floor before locking eyes with her.

“Yep, although I used to read, way back when I was still in school. I just started again, since there are no televisions in dragon land ‒ and I’m enjoying it.” She picked up her bag.

“I’ll get that for you.” Hail took the bag from her. “I’ll clear out a part of my closet for your things.”

“That would be great.” She paused. “I take it we’re stuck here until…until we officially become a couple…if you know what I mean.” She couldn’t even bring herself to think about having sex with Hail. Not so soon after Storm. She should probably fess up and tell Hail that there probably wasn’t going to be anything between them. Jolene didn’t move from one guy to the next on a whim, and this was what it felt like. Hail was a nice guy and she didn’t want to hurt his feelings. This was a mess!

“Nope, we aren’t stuck at all. We can go wherever we please.”

“Oh.” She frowned. “Storm didn’t want me going anywhere. I was stuck in his apartment.”

“It was different between the two of you.”

Oh yes! Very different. Jolene had a feeling she and Hail weren’t thinking the same thing. She nodded, urging him to go on.

“Storm won you and brought you back, so it stood to reason he was possessive over you. He kept you home because other males would have been in danger if they had so much as looked at you. He would have ended up fighting. Especially since he hadn’t properly marked you, until recently, if you know what I mean.”

She swallowed thickly. "I know exactly what you mean," she mumbled. "I take it you don't have the same jealousy problem?" She narrowed her eyes at him.

Hail shook his head. “Not yet. Soon…I hope, but not right now. Storm forbade anyone from trying to take you from me, so we can venture out even though I haven’t marked you…yet. Storm would kick serious butt if anyone tried anything.” He smiled broadly, like it was the best thing he had ever heard.

“Oh, I see.” Why would Storm do that? He’d only do it if he was one hundred percent sure he didn’t want her anymore. There was this part of her that had hoped he would try to keep her. It was stupid since she had made up her mind about leaving and he would have known that. This whole internal dialog was stupid. She needed to try to put that asshole behind her and move on. “Can we go out to dinner later if that’s the case? I’ve been cooped up since arriving here almost a week ago.”

“Yes, absolutely.” Hail nodded. “I would love to share a meal and to get to know you better.” He touched her arm. “I’ll have them set a table especially for us. I’m sure you like candles and flowers.”

“No.” She shook her head. “I mean yes, but no need to go to all that trouble.”

He looked crestfallen.

Poor guy was just trying to be nice. Jolene smiled. “I love candles and flowers, but I would feel bad if you had to go to so much effort.”

“No effort at all,” Hail blurted. “It would make me happy.”

“Okay then. Sounds good.” He was so sweet and so kind. What was wrong with her? Why wasn’t she feeling it? Why?

“Let’s go sort out that closet.” He winked at her.

“Great.” She smiled, following him.