CHAPTERTWO
ONYX
Onyx Cullen arrived at King Alyx’s castle precisely on time. Onyx, a big-and-tall alpha dragon shifter, had a regimented schedule when it came to not just running his business but his life as well. He had planned to meet with the King of Nova Aurora for some time to discuss his business plans, and he had been looking forward to the break.
Onyx was often criticized for being too serious and, oftentimes, unable to relax. He attended parties, went to clubs, and sat in jazz lounges, always with a solemn look on his face and his mind elsewhere.
He could admit to himself that he was obsessed with his business. He also validated that obsession by referencing his successes, which only pushed him deeper into the abyss. Onyx spent weekends endlessly working, barely giving himself time to breathe.
The meeting with the king would surely go as flawlessly as he expected. The king had given him honest advice and support, so there likely wasn’t going to be anything that would throw him off guard.
Onyx sat in his luxurious air car, watching the purple and turquoise stained sunsets out his window. Twin suns made it that much more beautiful. He was thankful that he was going to be fed generously, but he was hoping that it didn’t go late into the night.
More work waited for him at home.
He showed up in an all-black three-piece suit, which outlined every muscular feature of his body. King Alyx stood with the giant iron door open, waiting for him to pass its threshold, the stunning sunsets cast across his wise face.
“My boy!” the king exclaimed.
Despite not being that much older than Onyx, he always spoke like he was a young man. Onyx didn’t really mind. The king was a good man and had always taken Onyx seriously when Onyx had needed it.
“Good evening, Alyx,” Onyx said, despite the king’s tight squeeze.
The king clapped him on the shoulder as they walked through the hallway. The castle was ancient, with high ceilings adorned with medieval chandeliers that emitted a pleasant glow. The king touched the wood frame of the door to the dining room, then he turned to Onyx and gave him a cringe.
“I have some bad news, son,” Alyx said.
Onyx frowned.
“What do you mean?”
“There has been a change of plans,” the king said. “I’m afraid we will have to discuss your business conundrum another evening.”
Onyx didn’t like the sound of it. He hated when plans changed, especially without his consent. He squared his shoulders and stood straight, which was a defensive mechanism he had developed when things didn’t go his way.
“What’s going on?”
The king pushed open the door to reveal a long table filled with elegant displays of fragrant food. Onyx felt the rush of the delectable scents of steak, roast chicken, and various steamed vegetables that were native to Nova Aurora.
He had expected the dinner, but he didn’t recognize the person sitting at the end of the table. But as he got closer, with Alyx’s hand still on his shoulder, it all clicked into place.
A striking woman with the loveliest gestures, Gerri Wilder, sat at the end of the table in a sharp, green velvet suit.
The famous matchmaker of Nova Aurora.
Her hair was long and silver and streamed down her shoulders. As usual, something glimmered in her eyes.
She looks like a sage woman. As if when she looks at me, she sees into my soul. Is the woman … psychic?
He was confused and a bit disappointed, but he still wanted to be civil … as well as a gentleman.
“Gerri,” Onyx smiled and stuck out his hand.
Gerri grinned, then stood from the table.
“Onyx, I apologize for the intrusion. I know you don’t like being caught off guard.”
Onyx could only continue smiling. He didn’t want his true thoughts to come through.