Dragonkin 4 You're my Mate? No thanks.

Part 22 Starting a fire

Approaching Cassy's table, Karalene murmurs with mirth, "So she's the one who caught your attention?"

"Good day, Cassy. It's a fine day, isn't it?" I enquire casually, attempting to calm my racing pulse.

"Yes, such a good day to catch you walking with the woman whom you spent last night with. Be sure to watch your step," she warns with rapier sharp barbs in her tone.

My brows lift at her animosity, "What have I done to offend you?"

Not bothering to look at me, she answers with annoyance, "Your mere presence offends me".

My anger piqued, I confront her. "I didn't know my presence is offensive. Are you blind? Why are you so abrasive today?"

Slamming her cup onto its saucer on the table, she snaps her eyes at me. Snarling fiercely, she points an accusing finger at Karalene, "You spent the night with this wanton woman in your bed and kissed her in broad daylight. Are you intending to parade your new fling in front of the town? Do you have any shame?"

Stepping up to face Cassy directly, Karalene rebuts her allegation coolly. "To be accurate, he didn't kiss me. I kissed him. Did that make you green with envy? You can try your hand at kissing him too, I dare you," Karalene raises her chin in challenge.

Sputtering, "I won't sink to your level. If you're looking for a fight, find somewhere else," Cassy answers and pretends to reach for her coffee.

"What level are you sinking to? I'll have you know you're a base woman. That's already the lowest level. I wonder if you can still sink," Karalene jeers sarcastically.

Caught in the middle, I placate Cassy, "Cassy, it's not what you think it is". I squeeze Karalene's wrist, warning her not to worsen the situation.

Ignoring my olive branch, Cassy responds with sarcasm, "If it's as you said, then why did you not make any rebuttals on this woman spending the night in your bed. She is obviously your bed partner".

"Stop yelling at me. Karalene's my sister, for Goddess sakes. For emphasis, that's my sister whom you are talking about. I love her and adore her, but not romantically. She kissed my cheek. We greet each other like this all the time".

Holding onto my temper, I patiently explain, "To answer your question, yes, we did sleep on the same bed. Werekind sleeps in big puppy piles all the time. Her mate Ragnor was in the room too. We chatted till late and they decided to fall asleep in my room. What's wrong with that? Don't your cousins sleep over?"

Waving her hand to brush my argument aside, Cassy insists bull-headedly, "That's all lies. You're trying to cover up your indecency".

Uh oh. Glancing over at my sister, Karalene has wiped all signs of annoyance from her face, displaying a mild smile. When she starts smiling with feign benevolence, that's when you need to be on high alert. She's sharpening her blade and deciding where best to make you bleed. A lot. Us brothers have learn since long ago that giving in and apologizing is the best survival option.

Attempting to salvage the situation, I cut in, before it's too late. "Cassy, listen to me. Karalene and Ragnor are my relatives – ".

Putting up a hand to interrupt my explanation, "Shut up, you shameless man. I've severely misjudged your character. You don't have to create more lies to cover your indiscretion," Cassy charges, her face florid. "How convenient for an esteemed guest of my city to bunk in your room? With his True Mate? Where's the decorum? If her True Mate really did spend the night in your room as well, why didn't I see him this morning? It's unbelievable!"