Page 9 of Ash and Burn

But when he opened the massive pyrestone front door to reveal Gerri Wilder along with the human scientist beside her, Calix's attention fractured.

The scent hit him first—lilies and rain, clean and complex and utterly devastating to his composure. His dragon stopped its restless pacing and went completely, unnaturally still.

Arvid was not what he'd expected from a human scientist. Five-foot-seven of lean strength wrapped in a blue blouse and black slacks that showcased curves his dragon immediately cataloged as perfect. Dark brown hair that fell in waves past her shoulders, and warm brown eyes that dilated slightly as she took in his appearance.

Calix became acutely aware of his crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled to his forearms, his suit jacket abandoned hours ago when restlessness had driven him to pace his office. The way her gaze tracked across his chest and shoulders sent heat flooding through his bloodstream, and the air between them crackled with electricity so tangible he wondered if she could feel it too.

"Well," Gerri said, her voice cutting through the charged silence with obvious amusement, "this is quite fascinating, but aren't you going to invite us inside, Your Majesty?"

The spell shattered and Calix blinked, remembering protocol and basic hospitality.

"Of course. Please come in."

As Arvid stepped across the threshold, Calix moved to take her suitcase—a gesture of courtesy that had become automatic after fifteen years of diplomatic meetings.

"Let me take that for you."

Their fingers brushed during the exchange, and the world tilted sideways.

The mate bond activated like lightning striking dry tinder, sending a jolt of recognition through every nerve ending in his body, and his dragon roared with triumphant satisfaction.

Mine.

The sound echoed through his consciousness with such force that Calix forgot how to breathe for a moment. Fifteen years of careful control evaporated in an instant, replaced by an overwhelming need to claim and protect the woman standing in his foyer looking at him with growing concern.

"Are you alright?" Arvid's voice cut through his internal chaos, and she reached out to grasp his arm. The contact sent another wave of heat coursing through his system, desire spiking so sharply he had to lock his knees to remain upright. "You don't look well. Let's sit you down."

The irony wasn't lost on him—the woman he was supposed to be hosting was now trying to provide medical assistance because the mate bond had destabilized him so completely he appeared to be having a medical episode.

"I'm fine," Calix managed, stepping back before her touch could completely unravel what remained of his composure.

"Oh, I think the king is just a bit overwhelmed by everything going on right now," Gerri interjected smoothly, though the knowing glint in her eyes suggested she understood exactly what was happening.

Arvid's attention shifted slightly, her medical instincts apparently satisfied that he wasn't about to collapse. But her continued scrutiny felt like a physical caress, and Calix realized with growing awareness that this woman possessed a natural compassion that extended even to strangers. His dragon pressed forward harder.

Our mate is a protector. Perfect for us. Perfect for our people.

"Shall we move to the sitting room?" Calix suggested, needing movement to regain some semblance of control.

He set her suitcase down by the grand staircase and guided them through Ashspire's corridors, past ancient tapestries and artifacts that represented eleven generations of Silvanus rule. Arvid's gaze took in the grandeur without comment, but he caught her studying the historical displays with the analytical attention of someone who understood the weight of legacy. She was still watching him with medical concern though, and he found her attention both unsettling and strangely welcome.

The sitting room soon opened before them—a massive space furnished with furniture that had been crafted by master artisans centuries ago. Calix gestured toward the sofa while he claimed the chair opposite, needing physical distance to think clearly.

"I'm fine, really," he repeated, though the words felt like a lie. "Just... overwhelmed by the Ash Fever situation."

Technically true, though in this moment his overwhelm came from the mate bond and the catastrophic timing of finding his fated mate when his territory was falling apart.

Why now? he thought desperately. Why would the universe do this now, when everything else is already crumbling?

"Your Majesty," Gerri said, settling onto the sofa beside Arvid with obvious satisfaction, "perhaps you should explain to Arvid what her accommodations and role here are, just so she can be crystal clear about expectations."

Calix cleared his throat, grateful for the redirect toward practical matters.

"Yes, of course." He met Arvid's gaze and tried not to focus on the way the sunlight streaming through the windows caught in her dark hair. "Arvid, you'll be staying here at Ashspire." Arvid's eyebrows rose in surprise, and he continued quickly, not wanting to reveal that wasn't his original plan. "As for your role here, you'll be working with Healer Dorn and his team at our medical facilities. We need your expertise to determine what's causing Ash Fever and, hopefully, how to stop it."

Arvid stood abruptly, her entire demeanor shifting into something sharp and focused. "Then let's not waste time. Let's go now."

Her immediate readiness to jump into action sent an unexpected pang through his chest. Part of him appreciated her dedication and drive—qualities that would serve his people well. But another part, the primal part connected to his dragon, wanted to keep her here longer. To spend time learning about this woman who was apparently his fated mate.