The Jade Dragon by Rowena May O'Sullivan

He’s refusing. That’s it so far.”
    Should she also mention Gregori just might actually be her intended?
    Beth stared blankly at her, and then popped a few drops of that potion into her own mouth. “Say that again.”
    Alanna sniffed. “Are you kidding me? No.” She grabbed Beth’s arm again. “I’m hoping they’ll sort themselves out and leave very soon. We need to repair the stone walls and sweep away the shards of jade before the Gallery opens. And replace Gregori before the public start asking difficult questions.”
    â€œNothing in your life is easy,” Beth muttered. “Is it? Here,” she held out the dropper. “Open up. You definitely need some of this.”
    â€œTell me about it.” Alanna opened her mouth and Beth placed a few drops under her tongue.
    There was a loud noise from the studio upstairs — the sound of something falling on the floor. Alanna winced. Ooh. That sounded painful. Both women looked up upon hearing Goran swear explicitly.
    Beth studied Alanna properly for the first time that morning. “There really are Dragons upstairs!” She stepped behind Alanna and pushed her towards the staircase. “Go on. Go up and see what’s happened.”
    Alanna backed up into Beth’s hands. “No way. I’ve had enough drama this morning. Let’s put the back-in-ten-minutes sign up and shoot down to the Cookery Nook for a coffee instead.”
    â€œThere’s one thing you’re not, and that’s a coward,” Beth pushed her closer to the stairs.
    â€œThat’s my so-called mate up there.”
Damn
. She hadn’t meant to say that. “And he’s halfway to lunacy.”
    Beth was visibly shocked. She popped a few more drops. “Goran is your mate?”
    â€œNo, stupid. Gregori.”
    â€œHow can he be your mate? Your magic is bound, and Marylebone knows that.”
    â€œExactly.”
    â€œAnd yet I sense this possible mate is,” Beth teased, “attractive?”
    â€œAttractive! You haven’t met him. He’s all … ” Alanna recalled Gregori’s naked, buffed body and something wanton pooled in her womanly bits. She resisted the urge to cross her legs. “He’s … ”
    â€œYes,” Beth replied with a grin. “And?”
    â€œDelicious,” Alanna admitted. “But I’ve enough troubles without adding him to my diet.”
    â€œI can’t believe you’ve managed to keep this a secret for so long.”
    â€œFrankly, neither can I. But I’m sure glad I did. Goddess knows what the punishment would have been for directly defying Anton when a mere attempt at contacting Marylebone got us magic bound.”
    â€œIt wasn’t a mere attempt. It was a dangerous botched disaster.”
    â€œStill, I think the punishment could have been worse.” She shivered and rubbed her arms with her palms. “Perhaps keeping this secret for the past few years will help in atoning for my errors somewhat?”
    â€œI wouldn’t count on it. Marylebone is a mystery to us mere mortals. Even to Rosa and she’s there several times a week.”
    â€œDo you think we should inform Aden? He might provide some insights into Gregori. He might know why Gregori was ensorcelled?”
    â€œHave you actually asked Gregori why he was imprisoned?”
    â€œI tried, but he evaded answering me.”
    â€œDoes he know you’re aware that he’s your mate? Are you positive or are you second-guessing this whole situation?”
    As if she would second guess anything. Oh all right. Yes. She would.
“My judgment may be skewed but I’m pretty sure it’s me. There’s this link thing I felt the moment he touched me. I can’t explain it.” She stamped a foot and strands of her fiery hair bounced out of the band holding it and tumbled down her back. “If I had any magic to speak of, I’d