His dragon surged for a moment, unhappy that so many unmated males could look upon her beauty, which was meant only for him. But he pushed the beast down once again, triumphing over the feral desires of his dragon.
“Shaa kouva,” he whispered. He attempted to call out with all his strength, but the moment had stolen his voice. He took a few steps toward her and gazed into her blue eyes, not even realizing at first that she backed away from him.
The images continued to fly through his mind, revealing her world to him with unending visions. He thought he had learned much about the human and Preor worlds on his own, but now that he was connected to her, he realized he was like a babe in the depth of his knowledge. The Knowing provided him with her experiences as well as how she viewed the world she occupied, and it was like being inside her heart and understanding the world from her perspective.
“Shaa kouva…” he repeated the term of endearment, louder this time. He held out his hand as he took careful, slow steps toward his mate. The Knowing provided her name to him and he tried that instead. “Sasha…”
“Whelon,” she murmured, her eyes locked on him. Only a few feet separated them then.
Everyone in the meeting room had stepped back against the walls. Preor warriors spoke softly and pointed, nodding and smiling. This was what they had all come to hope for. Even if no others found their mate, this match would give everyone renewed hope that another was waiting for them among the human populace.
The women gathered on the opposite side of the room watched with amazement though some seemed downright hostile. He got the impression that some had come to the Choosings several times and still had not found a male. He could almost feel their jealousy stealing across the room toward him and Sasha.
Yet… that was not quite right. No, he realized it was a reflection of emotions from his mate. It wasn’t that he sensed their jealousy. It was her. There was a deep well of insecurity attached to the emotions, as if she could not go anywhere or do anything without being judged harshly.
Unacceptable.
“You are perfect, shaa kouva.”
Sasha shook her head. Her beautiful red lips opened and she mouthed the words, “Shaa kouvi.”
It was the most beautiful sound Whelon had ever heard.
Now that they no longer fought one another, his dragon gave him strength. He found he could straighten and catch his breath as he took careful, slow steps toward his mate. He smiled and reached for her, desperate to touch her hand and feel the softness of her skin on his own. As he drew near enough to touch her, she took a quick step back, and it struck him that she backed away from him now.
What was this? They were mates. Why would she…
He frowned and his dragon experienced the first twinges of panic at her retreat. It raged to be free, to take her, claim her. The beast knew nothing of finesse or common sense. It simply wanted and it had been searching for centuries for its mate. It wanted her to belong to them. Now.
Whelon continued to hold out his hand as he crept forward further. If she was afraid and attempting to reject the Knowing… why had she attended the cattle call? His mind was blinded by red-gold fiery fury, and he knew he could not think clearly until his dragon was appeased.
How do I appease the beast when my mate will not take my hand? he wondered wearily.
Even as she continued to back away, his fear did not consume him. They were not far apart, and he knew that within a couple of steps he would be able to touch her and all would be well.
Except… a mass of people suddenly appeared, swarming his mate, and it took him a few moments to realize what was happening. He was so focused on his mate’s face he didn’t see the several darkly clad people rush through the doors and surround Sasha until they entirely blocked her from his view. They grabbed her, dragging her toward the door. Even though she had been resisting him, her eyes filled with panic and she cried out for Whelon.
“Shaa kouvi!” Her cry was all the dragon needed to wrench complete control over him. Whelon’s shift rolled through him before he had even left the room in pursuit of his mate.
Several Preor warriors launched themselves at Whelon, their muscles straining as they attempted to restrain him. But he threw them off and chased after the small crowd of humans who had spirited away his mate. He shook off the last, lingering warrior and raced to the wide parking lot outside the Choosing station, but… no one was to be seen in the area. Fresh tire marks lay on the asphalt, as if a large vehicle had raced away.
Dragon still riding him hard, Whelon was in the sky before he contemplated his actions, his beast roaring fire toward the clouds above as he took to the skies. He didn’t know where he ventured, nor did he know how to find her, but that didn’t stop the beast. The dragon flew frantic circles over the surrounding roads and buildings, but he found no clue as to where his mate had been taken.
How did they get away so fast? He mentally cursed the Preor warriors that had slowed his progress, a rumbling growl building in his chest.
Before he could put voice to his impending roar, the impact of another dragon struck his side and sent him careening. He roared and bared his teeth at the other beast, blowing flames at the intruder. Yet the other dragon was undeterred, nudging him again and clicking his teeth together in a
