The men looked at him, and then at the elderly man standing in the middle of the room. The grizzled head nodded once. “Stand down. But stay close.”
Dani examined the older man. Older Dragon? Now stooped with age, he’d been a big man in his youth. The scales covering his body lacked the gleam that she’d seen on Tyrez. In many places, they’d gone completely gray rather than blue. His hair might have been dark at one time, but now it was gray, very long, and pulled back into a ponytail. The planes of the lined face were still handsome. He had lips and a sculpted jaw that could have stepped off the face of a Greek statue. But something in his deep-blue gaze caused her stomach to knot.
Perhaps it was the fact he was glaring at her, his eyes sparking blue fire.
And geez, didn’t any of these Dragons wear clothes? The last thing she needed was to be staring at some old guy’s private bits. Even if they were still impressive and clothed—sort of—in scales.
Tyrez moved between her and the two guards. “Dani, this is my father, the Emperor. And my mother, The Matriarch. The guy drinking beer is Razir, my brother.”
Brother. Yes, she could see it. In his brow’s arch, and the shape of the eyes. Razir’s face was a little broader, his jaw too. He shared the wealth of long, black hair as well. It must hang well past their waists. His scales were purple, and about as concealing as the others’.
Which was to say, not at all.
The feminine version of the brows stared out at her from the Matriarch. Dani had never seen such a beautiful woman. And such curves with a tiny waist—she was clothed in a bodysuit of bright-green scales that showed off her stunning figure.
She riveted Dani as she moved toward her with a smile.
Instantly, the guards hustled between them, blocking her progress. And Razir twitched, as though he thought of joining them.
“Make one more move, and you will never mate another Dragona,” the woman hissed at the guards. She arched a brow at the brother. “That goes for you too.”
The guards froze and Tyrez snorted a laugh as the woman pushed past the behemoths and advanced on Dani.
Too late, she realized she was about to be hugged. She did her best not to sprout claws as arms enfolded her.
“My dear. I’m so glad that bastard didn’t get his hands on you.” The woman must have sensed how stiff Dani was, as she released her mercifully fast.
“I am too,” Dani said, stepping away.
“Seriously, Eriana.” The old Dragon stated. “Stand back.”
“Father, she isn’t going to attack us.” Tyrez growled.
“How do you know that?” The old Dragon glared at his son.
“Yes, Tyrez,” Razir added. “Tell Father why you are so sure she won’t.”
Anger flared within Dani. “I can effing speak for myself.” She straightened and glowered at all of them. “I did what I was told at that battle. I’d also been informed that the Sabres were all ‘a bunch of righteous jerks who just want the Dires dead.’ And that was a direct quote, by the way. For all I know, they were right. But I hated my alpha, Remy. And I hate Rindek. If I ever get the chance to finish him, I will.”
They all stared at her like she’d grown an extra head. Tyrez stood with his muscled arms crossed, but his lips twitched when he glanced her way. Then the Matriarch turned and shot the Emperor a rather smug look.
“I told you,” she said. “After what she’s been through, she only wants Rindek dead. Our interests align.”
Dani looked from the old man to her. Were they a mated couple?
“What she said means little, coming from a Dire,” the old man stated.
Dani stiffened. But before she could snarl at him, Tyrez’s mother snapped, “Thadus! Have you lost every bit of honor you once possessed?”
“She’s not a Dragon, Eriana.”
“She doesn’t have to be one to be honest with us,” Tyrez growled at his father. He turned to her. “Do we have your word that you will not use your power to bring the palace down on our heads?”
Dani studied him. She didn’t know why, but she wanted to be honest with him. “So long as I am not attacked first”—she amended—“I promise not to bring the palace down around your scaly Dragon asses.”
The Matriarch smiled. “That is good enough for me.”
Razir looked from Tyrez to Dani. He stared straight into her eyes, frowned, and seemed to decide she was no immediate threat. He spun and headed into the kitchen.
