Matching Dragons Chinese Zodiac Romance Series Book 6 by Rachael Slate Page A

understood too well. A part of him had always desired the same fate as his den mates, yet he’d not permitted himself until he’d achieved vengeance.
    Was she right? Could he accept this gift of peace?
    Kadence’s warm fingers left his skin as she stepped forward. He lifted open his eyes, inhaling deeply to set aside his pain.
    One of the Huanglong glided forward to greet Kadence. Her sly golden gaze passed from him to his pearl, settling on Kadence with piercing shrewdness. “Your Master, Lok Shenlong, has been accused of a most heinous crime. What evidence do you present in his defense?”
    Kadence straightened her shoulders. “His memories of the event, and proof of the true murderer.”
    The dragon opened her clawed foot and a pulse of light shot onto Kadence’s forehead. She grimaced, clenching her jaw, while the dragon probed her mind.
    Lok fisted his hands. Waves of electrical zaps crested through his connection to Kadence, but she didn’t cry out, or stumble. His beautiful love stood, so certain of his innocence and his worth, that she would endure any torment to prove it to the world.
    How had he ever earned such kindness? He hadn’t, but he would spend the rest of his days expressing his gratitude to her.
    After a few minutes, the dragon’s examination ended, the pulse of light fading. She stepped backward and murmured among the other dragons.
    Lok shot forward and scooped Kadence into his arms.
    “Been through worse.” She smiled and patted his cheek. “I’m fine, Lok.”
    The lead dragon broke away from the others. “Lok of the Shenlong Dragons, we hereby absolve you of the crime of murdering your den mates. Enjoy your flaming pearl.” He didn’t miss the glimmer of awe and envy in her eye before she inclined her head and departed with the flock of yellow beasts.
    “That’s it?” Kadence tilted her chin to peer at him.
    He swallowed thickly and nodded. Dragons didn’t stick around for formalities. If they’d chosen to execute him, they would have departed promptly after beheading him.
    “So, what now?”
    “Well, they will likely seek out the Jiaolong Dragons, to determine if any of Xur’s kin played a role, or—”
    Kadence cupped his chin and drew his face to hers. “I meant with us, silly dragon.” Laughing, she pressed her lips to his in a brief kiss.
    He clutched her tighter, nuzzling into her neck. “I have no idea. I never planned for a future.”
    “Well, you’d better start. Because apparently, I’m immortal, and so are you. Which means we’re going to have a long one. Together.”
    “Indeed, we are.” Easing back, he peered at this beautiful female who risked everything for him, who’d dragged him through Dìyù and back, only to come out on the other side. A stronger, better version of themselves.
    She’d taken a tortured exile and made him capable of love.
    Perhaps, that was her greatest power. Her greatest gift to him.
    “Well, the deal I made with the Matchmaker is null, and since I’ve declared you mine, my claim transcends hers. So let’s put off joining the Lotus League for now, yes?”
    She smiled. “Agreed. But what about Han and the princess?”
    He shrugged. “If he truly loves her, he’ll have to rescue her himself. From more than just a physical prison.” Sighing, Lok pressed a light kiss to her lips. “Now, I think we should try out a human tradition.” He whipped the chain from off her wrist, sliding it over the fourth finger of her left hand. “Kadence, will you be my mate?”
    She stared at their hands, drawing her bottom lip between her teeth. “Are you sure? I’m not a dragon. You might get bored with me.”
    Lok barked a laugh. “From the moment I met you, you’ve spun my head and set the pace. I’ll be too busy trying to keep up with you to ever desire another. Trust me, love, you’ve slayed this dragon’s heart. And I’ll do whatever it takes to claim yours.”
    “Well, in that case, I think the word you’re looking for is