I knew it, Mirel thought.
She was relieved to realize that she didn’t want the ruby dragon. Oh, he was hot, all right. But she wasn’t so sure that simple physical attractiveness was all it took to have fantastic sex. And she was positive that it wasn’t all it took to have a good relationship. Not that she knew much about sex, or anything about relationships.
Though, as she watched the candidates who were undressing, some in a sexy striptease and some ripping off their clothes to show their eagerness, she thought, Maybe whoever he picks will be a good match for him, and for each other. If he thinks he can judge by making them get naked, and they’re dying to get naked, well…
“Not trying for him?” Rami whispered to Mirel.
“No!” she whispered back. “Are you?”
Rami grinned. “I’m not pretty enough for him.”
“Pretty, no,” said Kes unexpectedly. “Handsome, yes. Many people would say that’s preferable.”
But Rami shook his head, still smiling. “Kes? Are we going to get to see a lot more of you?”
“He’s not my type,” Kes replied.
Soon a number of candidates stood nude, some bold, some blushing. The ruby dragon shifter strode up and down the line, looking them over, his eyes glittering with the heat of desire. Finally, he chose his mates, one a slim woman with striking androgynous features and cropped hair nearly as red as his, and one a drop-dead handsome man with black hair and piercing blue eyes.
The dragon shifter whispered in their ears, making them both shiver and squirm with desire. Then the air around him rippled, and he was once again the ruby dragon. Still naked, his mates climbed on to his back. He launched himself into the air, and the three of them vanished into the clouds.
The amber dragon woman stepped forward. “I want great sex too, of course. But that’s not all I want. We’ll spend lots of time together, so it’s important that we never get bored with each other. Who here can tell a captivating story or sing an enchanting song?”
The faces of some of the candidates fell. But others brightened. A handful of them stepped forward, excited, and were ushered off to the edge of the field by the amber dragon shifter, where they could talk or sing without disturbing the rest of the crowd.
Mirel looked at Rami and Kes. “I’m sure you both can tell stories.”
Rami shrugged. “I can, but probably not up to her standards.”
“I’m sure you can too,” said Kes to Mirel. “Why aren’t you going?”
“I don’t think the stories I know rise to the level of captivating, unless you really love variations on ‘How Trickster Stole the Barley.’ And I can’t sing. What about you?”
Kes shrugged. “She’s not my type.”
The emerald dragon shifter cleared his throat. “Of course I value good sex and good times. But for me, the most important quality in a mate is intelligence. I’ve devised some little tests—riddles, puzzles, that sort of thing—because I want to make sure my mates can keep up with me. If you think you’re up to it…”
Some of the candidates separated from the group, and eagerly followed the emerald dragon to a corner of the field.
“I hate puzzles,” said Mirel, before Rami or Kes could ask. “Never solved one in my life. They make me feel stupid.”
“He seems like the critical sort,” said Rami. “I don’t think I’d want a man who’s always checking me to see if I measure up to his standards.”
“He’s not my type,” said Kes.
“Beauty and intelligence and talent are all worth having,” said the woman who had been the amethyst dragon. Her hair was an exquisite light purple, the same color as her eyes. Her features were sharp but lovely, her figure statuesque, and she stepped forward with a bold stride. “But so are strength of will, and courage, and endurance. Mates will face many difficulties together. I want to know that mine can withstand them. So I’ve devised some challenges to test your mettle. For those of you who have the courage to accept…”
She beckoned, her hand sweeping across men and women alike, with a smile that seemed to say, I dare you. To the candidates who stepped forward, some confident and some nervous, she gave another smile, this one of approval, and led them to another corner of the field.
Rami and Mirel looked at Kes.
“She’s not my type.” He frowned, hesitated, then slowly and reluctantly said, “But you two might be hers. You’re both very strong, and very brave. If you like her, you should give it a try.”
Mirel gave a disbelieving snort, jerking her head down at her paralyzed legs. Rami raised his eyebrows and touched his hand to his heart.
“She’s not looking for physical strength,” Kes said. “She said strength of will, remember? You both have that. And courage, too. Endurance. I don’t know exactly what her tests are, but I think you could both pass them.”
Mirel was startled and moved by his words. No one had ever before told her she had strength or courage or endurance. But she didn’t want the amethyst dragon. “Thanks. But that’s all right.”