Rylin's Fire Read Free

Unfortunately, she’d been here a month and not one man had expressed an interest in courting her. It was so pathetic Dara could cry.
    She was starting to think it might be better if she cut her losses and returned to Earth in defeat. Dara sipped her wine and savored the sweet taste as it sizzled on her tongue. The Dracols, as they were called, had one thing right, they made the best wine she’d ever had. Better than anything she’d tasted back home.
    And that summed up her night. Here for several hours, and the highlight of her evening was the fruity white wine. Dara sighed heavily and emptied her glass in one swallow.
    “Why the sad look?”
    She spun around and came face to face with a Dracol. The distinctive gold eyes reflecting like coins even outside on a moonlit night gave it away.
    “To match my sad thoughts.” Dara set the glass on the edge of the stone railing she’d been leaning on while pondering her fate.
    “Unusual when many ladies are making merry and laughing inside.” He arched a dark brow in her direction and came to lean on the rail next to her. “A room full of males vying for favor, all looking for a lira . You should be having the time of your life.”
    Dara snorted. “If only. My luck sucks tonight.” She gave a mirthless laugh. “It’s sucked all month, in fact.”
    He leaned back, elbows propped on the lip of the stone behind him and extended long legs encased in leather pants. His black booted feet crossed at the ankle and he dipped his dark head in her direction. “Care to share the reason?”
    Dara shoved a hand through her hair, surely messing up the short curls she’d spent hours artfully arranging. “Trust me. You wouldn’t be interested.”
    Full lips twitched and Dara’s gaze sharpened. He was attractive, as with all the people on this world. His muscular build was emphasized by the tight black shirt tucked into his leathers, a wide belt emphasizing his narrow waist. Chiseled features, a strong jaw line, and those damnable gold eyes protected by lids tipped with ridiculously long lashes only made him all the more potent.
    Her mystery guest folded his arms over his broad chest. “Trust me , I might.”
     
    ***
     
    Ry wasn’t often drawn to these types of events, but even he got lonely at times. Coming to a mating party offered him an opportunity to flirt with females in hopes of finding another lira . So far he’d had no luck. He’d been propositioned, groped and forcibly kissed by one of the aggressive females of his kind.
    In the past, Ry would have had to compete, like many of the males here, but since receiving the mantle a decade ago women threw themselves at him. No longer could he tell if it was the man, the raptor, or the ruler they desired.
    He glanced at the woman from the corner of his eye as she pretended to study the dancing couples visible through the partially open balcony doors. The woman before him didn’t hold the same classical beauty as others but the cant of her dark head and the wicked humor in her green eyes attracted him.
    She sighed heavily and angled a seductively curved body in his direction. Her mouth tipped up in the corner, eyes glinting with mischief. “Alright, since you insist.”
    Ry chuckled, surprised at the sound.
    Her eyes widened and she winked at him before continuing. “I came from Earth as part of the SP about a month ago and it hasn’t worked out so I’m thinking of returning home. Are you aware of this program?”
    Inward, Ry groaned. The blue planet Earth had agreed to allow their women to relocate or participate in mating ceremonies throughout space on other planets to find men and life partners. Apparently this woman had chosen Vovin.
    “I’m aware of the Singles Program.” He grimaced at the weak name for something designed to assist females in such an important endeavor.
    His conversation partner’s mouth twisted wryly. A pretty mouth, pouty and full. “Yeah. By your tone, I bet you’re aware. So tell me, how