The Dragon's Mate

Chapter 6

Emerald closes her eyes as she holds Hunter and deepens their embrace. Emerald says, "Hunter I don't think anyone has ever apologised to me before". Hunter looks into Emerald's eyes saying, "well I am telling you this and I mean it... trust me I will do everything I can to keep you safe and stop you from feeling agony ever again, this is my promise to you, Emerald". Emerald looks at him with sadness in her eyes saying, "I am nothing more than a slave here, I will probably endure more worse than what I have gone through". Hunter says, "not if I have a say in it". He holds her chin with the tip of finger saying, "you are my mate, mine to protect and I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe, understand?". Emerald nods as they leave the room when a bell tolls through the castle making Hunter sigh. They come downstairs as Hunter says, "let's just get this dinner over with". 

Emerald asks, "is that guy um, Damian really your close friend?". Hunter replies, "well I have known him since we were kids, but we have both grown up into very different men". Emerald was about to enter the room as Hunter holds her hand bringing her back saying, "I don't think he believes our story, this dinner might be an initiation, just keep your head down and away from drama, OK?". Emerald had a bold look in her eye saying, "I will make no promises, Hunter". Hunter says, "trust me, Damian is one Dragon you do not wish to cross". Hunter opens the door as they head down the long hallway as Emerald see the various photos wondering, 'strange all these Dragons look young?'. Hunter says, "we're here". Just as they were about to go in a hand reached for Emerald pulling her back. Hunter turned back for a moment to see Emerald with another young woman. 

Emerald says, "Lily?". Lily looks at Emerald with tears in her eyes as Emerald pulls her into a warm embrace saying, "oh my god, I can't believe you are here! Are you OK?". Lily's body trembles as Emerald tries to gently rub and soothe her; Hunter places a hand on Emerald's shoulder saying, "we should head inside, they will be expecting us". Hunter and Emerald come in as Damian is sitting in the grand dining room as he says, "Hunter, you made it." Hunter says, "of course I wouldn't miss it." Emerald notices the other slaves whispering to each other and stealing glances at her with respect. Damian sees Emerald saying to Hunter, "your slave looks gorgeous dressed in your royal colours." A young woman in a black lace gown enters saying, "she does, purple suits her." Hunter says, "Annabelle?" Annabelle comes over saying, "surprise, Hunter." She comes over and kisses Hunter on the cheek as she slides her hand up his chest; 

Hunter is far from amused as Annabelle says, "I heard you took a slave for the first time, and I couldn't pass up the chance to celebrate." Emerald was surprised wondering, 'first time? he's never had a slave before?' Annabelle says, "let's get a better look at her." Annabelle circles around Emerald checking her out as Emerald stands still; she says, "hm, how rude, aren't you going to greet me, little pet?" Emerald thinks, 'this definitely feels like a trap.' With a surge of bravery Emerald meets Annabelle's cold eyes and raises a hand saying, "hi." Annabelle's lip curls as she is annoyed with Emerald's cold greeting saying annoyed, "that's 'Hi Mistress' to you." 

Annabelle raises her hand to hit Emerald however Hunter catches her wrist saying, "I will make sure she minds her manners next time." Damian says, "let's see how she does with dinner service, shall we?" Damian snaps his finger as the slaves all hurry to serve the Dragon lords; Emerald joins the line with them next to Lily. Lily says, "I-I don't know what to do, Emerald." Emerald says, "it will be OK, just follow my lead, I have served my family my whole life." Lily nods as she follows Emerald in serving the food and pouring the wine; soon in the kitchen Lily places something done as Emerald sees a wound on her best friend's back asking, "Lil, are you OK? have you been hurt?" Lily turns around to Emerald trying to hold back the tears as she tearfully replies, "I...I'm f-fine." 

Emerald sees large purple bruises on Lily's arms as Emerald says, "who did this to you?! was it Damien?" Lily chokes back a sob before saying, "yes... he hurts me, Emerald, he likes to mess with me." They soon head back to the dining hall as Emerald stays beside Lily; Damien has a smirk on his face as he pulls out his fangs saying, "Lily, come." Lily flinches at his command as Emerald stands in front of her best friend shielding her. Damien says, "I don't need dessert, not when I have something as sweet as her." Damien beckons Lily over licking his lip saying, "come.... now!".