Asher fought to control the tremor in his hands. How could he protect her when she insisted on putting herself in harm's way? The fierce need to keep her safe collided with his respect for her independence.
"You're not invincible," he said more softly, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "And I can't lose you. Not now. Not ever."
Asher became acutely aware of the growing crowd surrounding them. Dozens of eyes watched their Alpha console the human woman in the sunshine-yellow dress. He caught fragments of whispered conversations—concern about her fragility and questions about her capability. His dragon bristled at the implied criticism.
"Well, that was one way to make an entrance," Danica quipped, her laughter a bit forced as her heels shifted nervously on the grass. The embarrassment flickering across her face was subtle, but Asher caught it immediately.
He scanned the gathered faces—his people, his responsibility—and made a split-second decision. This wasn't just about Danica's pride or his authority. This was about establishing her place in their community.
Asher placed his steady hand on her back, his touch simultaneously reassuring and possessive. "Come on. You've done enough heavy lifting for one day."
His voice carried the unmistakable command of an Alpha, silencing the murmurs around them. He felt her hesitate near the edge of the crowd, her body tensing under his palm. The uncertainty in her stance was palpable—an outsider unsure of her welcome. His dragon hated seeing her doubt herself.
Without hesitation, Asher offered his arm formally, not as the town's mayor, but as her chosen partner.
"You belong at my side," he stated simply, his eyes holding hers. "I need my mate on that stage."
Danica's eyes widened. "But I'm not?—"
"You are exactly where you're supposed to be," he interrupted, his voice low but unwavering. "And everyone here needs to see that."
The Firebreathers finished their sound check on the main stage, the final guitar chord echoing across the square. The crowd's energy shifted, ready for the entertainment to begin and ready for their Alpha to officially open the festival that celebrated their heritage.
As they climbed the steps to the stage together, Asher felt the weight of his dual responsibilities—Mayor and Alpha—but for once, they aligned perfectly. His father's voice echoed in his memory: An Alpha stands strongest with his mate beside him.
Asher moved to the microphone, his presence commanding immediate attention from the gathered townspeople. Danica stood slightly behind him, but he reached back, taking her hand and drawing her forward to stand at his side.
"Citizens of Ectorius," he began, his voice lifting above the square, "welcome to our annual Founders Festival."
His gaze swept across familiar faces—families whose bloodlines traced back centuries, elders who had guided him after his father's passing, and younger dragons who looked to him for leadership.
"For generations, our clutch has thrived under the protection of the Ectorius name. My father carried that legacy with honor, as did his father before him." He paused, allowing the weight of tradition to settle. "Today, we honor that past while embracing our future."
He felt Danica's fingers tighten around his, a subtle squeeze of support that sent warmth coursing through him.
"Change can be uncomfortable," he continued, the words resonating with his own recent experience. "But sometimes, the most powerful transformations come when we least expect them."
His gaze returned to Danica, her yellow dress gleaming in the sunlight, making her seem to glow. His dragon stirred with pride.
"I want to publicly thank Danica Ulrich," he said, his voice softening with sincerity, "the spark that helped light this fire."
With practiced precision, Asher reached for the ceremonial torch, its handle cool against his palm. He held it aloft for a moment before lowering it to the central fire ring. Flames leapt upward, dancing in the morning air, reflecting in Danica's bright eyes.
A ripple of surprise and murmured approval spread through the crowd. Several of the town elders nodded, their expressions thoughtful. Even those who had whispered concerns now seemed curious, reassessing the human woman who had earned their Alpha's respect.
Danica's face flushed, the color highlighting her cheekbones. When she glanced at him, the connection between them was undeniable. His dragon recognized immediately what his human side was still processing—this bond was meant to be.
THIRTEEN
DANICA
Danica's face flushed with warmth that had nothing to do with the ceremonial flames from the central fire ring on stage. Asher's hand found her back as he guided her toward the stairs on the side of the stage. His touch burned through the thin fabric of her yellow sundress, sending a current of awareness up her spine. Every cell in her body recognized his claim.
"You didn't have to do that," she whispered as they descended from the stage, her heels clicking against the wooden stairs.
"Yes, I did." His voice rumbled low for her ears alone. "You deserve recognition for what you've accomplished here."
As they moved through the crowd, faces turned toward them. Some offered warm smiles, others polite nods. An elderly woman with silver-streaked hair approached them, her eyes bright with curiosity.
