Chapter 30: Breakfast
Layla
I woke up to find Alden, in his human form, standing by the window. He had managed to steal bits of the Eragon Brothers' clothing as well as any other male clothing he could find. He was as flamboyant as ever, and I am so happy to see him slowly returning to himself.
He turns to me, his amber eyes warm and reassuring, his presence a calming force in the storm. “You’re safe here, Layla,” he says, his voice gentle but firm. “But you need to understand what’s happening. The mate bond isn’t something to fear. It’s a gift, a protection. And with Akon, it could be your ultimate safeguard. He’s not like the others. He’s got a heart, even if he tries to hide it. As for his other brothers, he may be right, and they will come around as he is trying to do.”
I wring my fingers as I bite my lip. “I don’t know what to do, Alden. Everything’s happening so fast. Adrik… he was so violent. And now Akon’s saying I’m his mate…I’m their mate. How can I trust any of them? How can I trust myself?”
Alden sighs, crossing the room to sit beside me, his hand resting gently on my shoulder. “I know it’s hard, but you need to trust your instincts. Akon’s different. He’s not like Adrik. He genuinely cares for you, and the bond will only strengthen that. It’s not just a physical thing—it’s a soul connection. You’ll feel it if you let yourself.” He gives me a soft smile. “His fire senses yours. Kindred spirits merging, it is the design of the gods and goddesses. It is a hidden treasure, Layla.”
“But what if it’s a trap? What if they’re just using me for the diamond? What if I’m just a pawn in their game?” I look down briefly before I look Alden in the eyes. “That wasn’t how I wanted my first kiss to be. This isn’t how I want any of my firsts to be. I want it for love, not a play for power.”
“They’re not using you now. Had they thought about it? Yes, but they aren’t as loyal to Kai as he thinks. I read something before Akon showed up. They are descendants of the dragon gods, just as I think you are. They don’t kill for sport, they kill because they must. They aren’t any different than you and I when it comes to that. They keep a part of themselves hidden just as we do. I know you have felt their magic,” Alden says.
My mind is racing nearly as quickly as my heart. “What if I’m not ready for this? What if I can’t handle it? I’ve been running for so long, Alden. I don’t know how to stop.”
Alden smiles, a soft, genuine smile that reaches his eyes. “You’re stronger than you think, Layla. You’ve survived this long, and you’ve got me—and now Akon—to help you through it. You’re not alone anymore. You don’t have to face this by yourself.” He really believes in Akon. I wonder if he sensed something, but isn’t ready to tell me.
“Okay. I’ll try. But if things go wrong…”
“They won’t,” Alden interrupts, his voice firm. “But if they do, I’ll be here. Always. I won’t let anyone hurt you, Layla. Not Adrik, not anyone.”
I manage a small smile, gratitude shining in my eyes. “Thank you, Alden. For everything. For being my friend, my anchor in all this chaos.” I give him a hug, but feel awkward because I am naked under my robe. I look around and find clothes draped over the back of a chair. They smell of dragonfire. I take them and go into the bathroom to get dressed.
Akon
I had the maid put in some clothing for Layla since she will be staying here. Also, after I got my shower, I noticed that my green silk shirt was missing. I love that damn shirt! Nevertheless, I will track it down later. I needed to go get Layla for breakfast. I hope that my brothers remember our talk and play nicely. I want to give Layla a more fitting welcome to our kingdom. I knock softly and she opens the door. “You look very lovely. I hope you are hungry.”
She smiles softly. “Yeah, I could eat.”
Downstairs, the breakfast table is set with an array of dishes, the scent of fresh coffee, pastries, and sizzling bacon filling the air. The dining room is a masterpiece of opulence, with a long mahogany table, crystal chandeliers, and tapestries depicting ancient dragon battles. I hear a soft gasp escape Layla’s lips. Adrik, Ashton, and Ayden sit at the table, their expressions guarded but curious. Their plates are already loaded with food, but their forks remain suspended in mid-air, their eyes fixed on the doorway.
I enter the room, Layla by my side, her hand clasped in mine. She’s dressed in a simple yet elegant gown of deep blue, the color bringing out the vivid blue of her eyes. Her wavy metallic red hair cascades down her back like a river of fire, a stark contrast to the cool elegance of her dress. She is stunning and looks nothing like the mud-covered swamp rat she was when we found her. Her steps are hesitant, her gaze scanning the room, taking in the opulent surroundings and the men seated at the table.
“Layla,” I say, my voice steady, my grip on her hand tightening slightly to reassure her, “these are my brothers. Adrik, Ashton, Ayden.” They had better play along. We need her trust if we have any hopes of our fated choosing to mate with us. She nods, her gaze meeting each of theirs in turn. Adrik’s expression is unreadable, his jaw clenched, his eyes like chips of ice. Ashton is cautious, his blue eyes studying her with a mixture of curiosity and wariness. Ayden is openly curious, his dark eyes taking in her appearance with a hint of amusement. I can see the questions in their eyes, the doubt, the uncertainty, but I stand firm, my hand tightening around hers.