"How can I help myself when a kitty is teasing me?"

  Taylor snorted. "Call me a kitty again and see what happens."

  My curiosity got the best of me. "What will happen, kitty?"

  Taylor squeezed my sensitive cock. It was firm yet gentle, just enough to make me gasp from surprise.

  "You made it sound like a threat," I said, a bit breathless.

  "I can go harder." Teasing again.

  I chuckled. "I give. Touch me however you like."

  Taylor's palm pressed into the base of my cock and slowly moved up. That earned another groan from me. His thumb caressed the tip in a languid swirling motion, then he suddenly stopped.

  "What's wrong?" I asked.

  Taylor took a breath. His glassy, lust-filled eyes didn't look like he wanted to stop, but his willpower was strong.

  "Should we be doing this?" Taylor mumbled. "Isn't the whole point of this show to find your fated mate?"

  The words were on the tip of my tongue: I've already found him.

  "Fooling around in secret won't stop the Games," I said instead.

  Taylor pointedly raised a brow. "I feel like it's against the rules."

  I huffed. He turned me on too much for me to care about logic. "It's a reality TV show, not a presidential race. Besides, I'm the one who initiated it by visiting you after hours. They can't exactly throw me off the show, can they?"

  Taylor smirked. "Guess not." He dipped his thumbs into the waistband of my briefs and pulled down. "Good thing you're immune to the rules..."

  I hissed as my hard cock popped out of my underwear. The cool air against my hot flesh made me shiver. Taylor examined my cock closely, like a tiger stalking his prey.

  "Hey," I said. "Since when did I become nude while you're still fully dressed?"

  Taylor grinned. "Since you decided to strip for my benefit."

  "Ah, yes, the hidden mic. Found one yet?"

  "Not yet." Taylor wrapped his fingers around the base of my cock. "I'll keep searching."

  I blew out a shaky breath as Taylor gently moved up my shaft. Every movement sent electric currents tingling across my skin. My whole body felt ready to explode.

  Naked and at the mercy of a teasing omega... what a vulnerable position for an alpha dragon to be in.

  Taylor leaned forward, holding my gaze. His eyes flashed mischievously as his lips grazed the head of my cock. I groaned as my cock bobbed in the air, desperate for him.

  What was this enchantment Taylor had cast on me? I was spellbound by him, completely at his mercy... and I loved every second of it.

  Taylor's mouth engulfed me. The moan that escaped me was guttural and raw, laced with my dragon's growl. It apparently turned Taylor on too, because I felt him shudder in response.

  Screw the pretense of keeping my cool.

  I grabbed Taylor's shoulders, both to steady myself and to encourage him. The previously cool hotel room suddenly felt as hot and humid as a sauna as our muggy breaths and sweat mingled.

  Speaking of hot, Taylor's lips on my cock were divine. The velvet heat of his mouth went straight to my balls, making them throb with need. I groaned and whined like a mewling kitten, not a ferocious dragon. This man brought me to my knees with just a calm glance and half a blowjob.

  "Taylor," I growled, lacing my fingers into his thick hair.

  He hummed low in reply. The vibrations shot up the length of my dick, causing me to hiss in pleasure. My cock twitched violently in Taylor's mouth, and I felt brainless with desire.

  Taylor slipped off my cock with a wet pop. "What is it?"

  Finding the words was nearly impossible. "You're so..."

  I took too long to answer. He teased me by running his finger up the length of my sensitive shaft, which made me lose more brain cells.

  "Say it, Crimson." He tried to sound calm, but I heard the breathy waver of his voice. He was hard, too.

  I replied with the only word I could think of.

  "Perfect," I murmured.

  Taylor blinked, surprised. The pink on his cheeks turned a darker color. Then he let out a scornful huff. "That's your dick talking."

  "No, it's not."

  Taylor didn't back down. "You're only saying that because I'm giving you head."

  My chest was on fire. My dragon soul reared, protective and possessive and furious with the undeniable need to claim the omega in front of me.

  "No," I snapped. "I don't exaggerate my feelings, Taylor. Even when I'm harder than a diamond."

  My sudden ferocity didn't faze Taylor. He met my gaze evenly, though with less doubt than he felt before. Cautious hope shimmered in his eyes.

  Suddenly, he smiled. "Good to know. It'll make me feel like less of a greedy slut when I make you come down my throat."

  If I had a retort, it died the second Taylor swallowed my cock down to my balls. I let out a choked sound as Taylor deep-throated me.

  My fingers curled in Taylor's hair. I groaned and bucked my hips wildly, without rhythm. The skyrocketing pleasure was too much. It built like a shaken soda bottle, then finally peaked. I came with a raw shout, seeing a pinprick galaxy of stars across my vision.

  Taylor sucked me through my orgasm. His lips wrapped around my cock like it was his mission in life to get every last drop out of me. By the time my aftershocks faded, I would say he accomplished his task. Not a single bead of cum trickled down his mouth, only streaks of saliva. His hair was tousled and his cheeks were bright pink.

  He looked pretty damn pleased with himself.

  I stumbled forward, woozy on my knees after that mind-shattering orgasm. Taylor caught me so I didn't fall. He helped me onto the bed next to him.

  "Thanks," I said breathlessly.

  He smirked. "It would be unfortunate if you bumped your head and fell into a coma during filming."

  "Is that the only reason you're concerned?"

  "Of course not, you dumb lizard."

  My jaw dropped and I gasped loudly. "You did not just call me a lizard. When was the last time you saw a lizard fly and breathe fire?"

  "I haven't seen you do either of those things," Taylor said with a wry grin. "In fact, I haven't seen this so-called dragon form of yours at all. Maybe it was all a big scam to entice contestants."

  "Taylor, your audacity astounds me. I'll have you know I—"

  I was interrupted by a knock on the wall, followed by a voice calling out, "Yo, Tay, you good in there? I heard moaning and screaming."

  Instantly, I pursed my lips. Had I been that loud?

  Taylor ducked his head. "Crap. Muzo heard us," he said under his breath. "You'd better go, Crimson."

  My shoulders drooped in disappointment. Even if he was right, I didn't want to leave. I wanted to stay right here beside Taylor.

  Pouting, I leaned against his shoulder. "But I'm so weak after coming. What if I break my knee?"

  He snorted. "You won't break your knee flying away. Come on. I'll see you tomorrow anyway."

  Stupid logic.

  "Fine," I mumbled. "But what about you? You didn't get to finish."

  He shrugged. "I'll deal with it myself."

  That felt like such a waste. I wanted to wrap my hands around him, too. "I can quickly—"

  Muzo's voice came again. "Hello, Earth to Taylor. Did you die?"

  Taylor sighed, rubbing his temple. "I'm fine, Muzo. Go to bed."

  "Okay..."

  Once that was settled, the room fell quiet. Taylor gave me a look that indicated it was time to leave. He was right. Tomorrow was another day of the Games—another challenge, another day of filming.

  Another day of me pretending I didn't already know who my final choice was.

  I slowly got up from the bed. "Well... I suppose I'll see you then."

  To my surprise, Taylor followed me to the balcony door. Just before I shifted, he grabbed my arm and turned me around.

  He pressed a soft kiss to my cheek.

  "Goodnight, Crimson," Taylor murmured. "And by the way... I never found that hidden mic."

  Then he disappeared behind the hotel room curtains.

  Eleven

  Taylor

  After a late-night definitely-against-the-rules tryst with Crimson followed by a furious jack-off session, the last thing I wanted the following morning was a confrontation with Alaric.

  I didn't get my wish.

  "You smell like Crimson," Alaric hissed.

  All the contestants had gathered in the lobby, waiting for Gaius to arrive and announce the next challenge. Upon Alaric's declaration, every single one of them turned to stare at us.

  I closed my eyes and sighed. Unfortunately, that never made the problem go away.

  "I don't know what you're talking about," I said as calmly as possible.

  "Don't play stupid," Alaric snapped. He got right in front of me and jabbed an accusatory finger into my face. "Crimson's scent is wafting off you. Care to explain why?"

  The worst part was that he was right. I'd showered in the morning, but it didn't help. Us cat shifters had keen senses of smell.

  "Maybe you should get your nose checked," I said, fully aware that I was lying, though I didn't give a shit.

  Alaric's face twisted in fury. "Don't gaslight me."

  I groaned. "Oh, come on."

  Now other contestants mumbled to each other. I couldn't tell which one of us they believed, but the commotion got loud enough to grate on my nerves. The cameras ate it up, of course. This was juicy reality TV drama.

  To my surprise, it was Poppy who diffused the situation. He snuck between us, soaking up the tension like a fluffy cotton ball.

  "Taylor wouldn't go behind anyone's back like that," he said, gentle yet confident.

  Alaric tried glaring at Poppy, but it didn't work. He was too adorable to glare at. "What do you know, wolf? Maybe your nose is the one that's broken!"

  "My nose is fine," Poppy insisted. "All I scent on Taylor is big cat and hotel shampoo."

  Wait, really? I couldn't tell if Poppy was telling the truth or making up a story for my sake. But he wouldn't do that. Maybe I'd done a better job of scrubbing Crimson's scent off my body than I assumed.

  Muzo butted in, too. "Yeah, Alaric. You can't accuse Taylor of stuff without proof." He leaned closer to Alaric. "You got any? Huh?"

  Alaric sneered and backed off. "Don't get so close to me, dog."

  "Jackal."

  "Whatever." Alaric whipped his meticulously brushed white hair and stormed off to stand on the other side of the lobby.

  I blew out a sigh of relief. "Thanks, you two."

  Muzo waved a hand. "Don't mention it. That guy needs to get laid. Actually, that's the point of this show, so I guess he's trying his best..."

  I tried not to think about the fact that I'd been intimate with Crimson last night. It wasn't penetrative sex, but...

  A shiver went down my spine when I remembered how hot Crimson looked fully nude. He was always attractive, but there was eroticism in his vulnerability. I liked it. I wanted more of it.

  I bit my lip. No, I couldn't kindle those desires, not in the middle of this game show. I had to smother those feelings, otherwise our secret rendezvous would be too obvious.

  But what did it mean? I could chalk it up to just a blowjob between two horny men... unless it was actually something deeper.

  I swallowed the lump in my throat, wondering why that thought felt so nice.

  After his host spiel, Gaius led the contestants to our next challenge at the base of a craggy cliff. It was steep, but as I eyed it, I recognized it wasn't impossible to scale—for me, anyways. Cats were natural climbers, but I wasn't sure if the rest of the contestants could manage.

  Would this be like the river challenge where Crimson awaited us at the top? Or was he elsewhere, watching from a distance? That only made me more determined to get there first and find out.

  "All right, omegas!" Gaius announced in his usual cheerful voice. "It's day two of the Dragonfate Games! Our challenge today requires mental fortitude, physical strength, and tremendous willpower. As you can see, we're standing beneath a cliff. Your goal—" He gestured to the peak. "—is to reach the top!"

  A few omegas groaned quietly. I recognized them as the ones who struggled yesterday, but still made it out of the river. They were mostly species who had difficulty climbing. In the back of my mind, I wondered if Crimson had specifically catered these challenges towards me so I'd win, since swimming and climbing were both skills tigers excelled at.

  "Once again, nothing is off limits," Gaius went on. "Climb, slither, crawl, fly, or hitch a ride—do whatever it takes to reach the top. Your reward is another chance at a date with Crimson!"

  The hairs on the back of my neck rose.

  I didn't want any of these omegas to go on a date with him.

  He was mine.

  The thought came on so fast and strong that it stunned me. Mine? Crimson wasn't my property. Hell, I barely knew him. Just because I'd given him a blowjob last night didn't mean anything...

  That didn't dull the possessive urge gnawing at me. I wanted to win, the same as the first challenge.

  But Alaric's accusation filled me with doubt. If I won again, Alaric would blow a gasket. He'd probably take his allegation to the cameras and put me on the spot. I didn't want to draw any more attention to myself.

  Yet I couldn't handle the thought of Crimson choosing another omega as the winner, either. Thinking about him with someone else made me want to spit with anger.

  Shit. What should I do?

  "On your marks, omegas!" Gaius called out.

  Everyone else beside me had shifted already. I rushed to do the same. My claws itched with impatience, but I forced myself to hold steady.

  "Ready? Go!"

  A dark shape blurred over my head. A bird shifter I didn't remember from yesterday's chaos bolted upwards. An ugly feeling stewed in my stomach, but I tried remaining calm and logical. I pushed my envy aside. That was proof Crimson didn't cater the challenges towards me. Of course, a flying shifter would win over an omega who climbed.

  That didn't make me feel that much better as the bird rocketed towards the finish line, but I focused on myself instead of my jealousy. Besides, reaching the peak first didn't automatically make him the winner of the challenge. That was up to Crimson.

  I still had a chance.

  By the time I leapt onto the cliffside and dug my claws into the hard earth, a few contestants were already out of the running. A horse and a deer shifter changed back to human form, shaking their heads. Their hooves and large size made it impossible to scale a sheer surface, and trying it in human form was out of the question. They'd risk breaking a bone.

  Other four-legged shifters fared slightly better. Felines like me had no issue. Canines like Poppy and Muzo found purchase on earthy pockets dotting the cliffside. Their claws and smaller size helped them slowly, but surely climb up.

  I paused, watching my friends. My tail swished back and forth in concern.

  Muzo noticed me staring at him. "Hey, get a move on! Don't worry about us."

  "Are you sure you'll be okay?" I asked.

  "Positive. Right, Pops?"

  Poppy was so focused on putting one shaky paw in front of the other that he didn't answer.

  I was sure they'd make it eventually, so I went back to climbing. My claws and muscles made quick work of the sheer surface, although hauling my heavy weight upwards grew harder the closer I got to the top.

  "You should stay down there with your friends."

  My tail lashed at the sudden smarmy voice in my ear. Alaric was right beside me, his odd eyes narrowed in distaste. Like me, he had no issue climbing. His feline claws and long tail kept him perfectly balanced, but unlike me, he didn't have to carry an additional five hundred pounds of tiger ass.

  "You'd like that, wouldn't you?" I grumbled.

  "Yes. In fact, I'd love it if you dropped out of this competition."

  "I bet you would. Too bad it won't happen."

  We climbed and snarked at each other in tandem, evenly matched.

  "I'm reaching the top," Alaric declared through his sharp teeth. "And when I do, Crimson will choose me as the winner."

  I couldn't help the snarky laugh that came out of me. Alaric's ears flattened against his head in fury and he hissed loudly.

  "What's so funny?"

  "You're not Crimson's type," I said.

  "Oh, and you are?" Alaric shot back venomously. "You can barely get your fat ass up this cliff!"

  Okay, now he was getting on my nerves.

  Baring my fangs, I growled, "You'd better watch your mouth."

  Alaric smirked. "You want to slap me right off this cliff, don't you?"

  That was exactly what he wanted. I knew it. His plan was to goad me until I snapped and looked bad on TV. But his plan wasn't going to work.

  "I don't need to," I said, leaping a foot up the slope.

  Alaric was neck-and-neck with me. He threw his lithe body upwards, then sank his claws into the earth. "And why's that?"

  "Because Crimson doesn't like mean omegas like you."

  Alaric looked shocked and annoyed. "I am not mean. I'm telling the truth."

  "Whatever, Alaric."

  Ignoring him, I slammed my paws into the cliff, inching up one step at a time. But my tiff with Alaric left me irritated, so I didn’t pay as much attention as I should have been. My claws caught a loose rock the size of a human fist and plummeted from under my paw.

  I gasped, looking down. If there was anyone beneath me, they'd get hit—and from this height, it would hurt.

  My heart sank when I saw a familiar figure directly below me.

  Muzo.

  My body moved faster than my brain. I unlocked my claws from the cliff, twisting in midair as I fell towards him. Alaric made fun of my large size, but in this case, my weight was a blessing. I lost altitude just fast enough to outrun the plummeting rock.

  I couldn't push Muzo out of the way, otherwise he'd fly off the cliff. Steeling myself, I sank my claws into the earth just above Muzo and used my body as a shield, taking the blow instead of him. I grunted as the rock hit me. It bounced off my thick haunch, then tumbled harmlessly down to the ground.