Stryker quickly recovered and shifted in midair before he crashed to the ground below.
Kingston could easily see the look of shock on Stryker’s face once he landed and shifted back to human form. Kingston followed suit, quickly shifting just before his feet touched the ground.
“Let me make one thing perfectly fucking clear to everyone gathered here. If I ever hear anyone speak ill of your future queen … my mate … you will have me to deal with. You do not know this woman. You should not assume anything about her. Nor should you speak badly of the woman who will carry this clan to the future,” Kingston growled.
Each of the twenty dragons who had assembled witnessed the exchange between Kingston and Stryker. One by one, the men and women dropped to their knees, acknowledging the rise of a new King. With the pathway lit by his own flame, Kingston climbed the few steps to stand in front of the throne. He turned to face those below. He could feel his eyes glowing, ancient power swirling through his veins. He knew the second he opened his mouth to speak, the voice of his dragon would ring loud and clear.
“Brothers and sisters, the time has come. The dawn of a new era begins today! Our queen has been located. Once the mating is complete, we will ascend to the throne together.”
CHAPTERSIX
Emmy checked her hair and makeup one last time before grabbing her bag and throwing it over her shoulder, and heading out of her room. Not wanting to miss her dinner reservation, she headed toward the in-house restaurant.
Her stomach growled as soon as the smell wafting out of the kitchen hit her nose, reminding her that she really was going to have to pick up some snacks to keep in her room.
“Do you have a reservation?” the host asked as she reached the podium.
“Yes, Emmy Nelson,” she said, smiling up at the man.
“Eating by yourself?”
“Oh, please, Chuck. Like it’s any of your damn business if she’s eating alone. You need to stop being such a judgmental asshat.”
Emmy turned to the familiar voice.
“Sorry. He drives me nuts when he pulls that shit. I don’t even know why he still has a job here,” Malia said.
“No reason to be sorry. Why is it that men are never scrutinized like women when it comes to dining alone?” Emmy asked.
“I have no idea, but you know what? We’re both alone, so why don’t we have dinner together?”
“Umm, sure.” Emmy shrugged. Malia seemed nice enough. Why not get to know her over dinner? “Maybe you can give me some advice while we eat.”
“Sure. Nelson, party of two, Chuck. And make sure you give us a table with a view.”
“You really don’t like him, do you?” Emmy laughed as Chuck walked away, presumably to check out the table situation.
“No. I don’t. He’s an ass. As I said, I don’t know how he still has a job. He’s always harassing every woman he comes across. Guest or coworker. One of these days, he’s going to mess with the wrong woman and regret it.”
“It sounds like you know him pretty well. Do you work here too?” Emmy asked as they waited for their table.
“No, but my fiancé does. He works at the bar, so I’m here pretty much every day.”
“Right this way, ladies,” Chuck said, grabbing two menus and leading them to a private booth in the corner with a beautiful water view.
“Thanks, Chuck.” Malia took her seat.
“Nice! How long have you been engaged?” Emmy asked.
“Only a few months. We’re planning on a fall wedding down on the beach. I can’t wait.” Malia gushed with happiness.
Emmy would not let her new friend’s happiness remind her of her own failure when it came to being engaged.
“I’m sorry. I just remembered that this trip was supposed to be your honeymoon.” The smile on Malia’s face fell instantly.
“Hey, don’t worry about it. I’m not. I mean, it sucks and all, but honestly, it is what it is. There’s nothing I can do to change the fact that my ex cheated on me with my best friend and maid of honor. I’m just really glad I found out about their affair before I actually married the fucker, you know?”
“Yeah. I do know. You really did dodge a bullet. I hope you know that.”