The Matchmaker (by Sophie Smith) novel Chapter 68

CHAPTER 68

Nikolas charged, his energy rippling through the clearing like a violent storm, the sheer force of his fury crackling in the air armand bene,

Saphira moved, instinct driving her forward, desperate to stop him, to make him understand but the second she tried, satsething stapped her

A force, it was invisible. Unyielding.

It pressed against her with terrifying strength, an unseen barrier locking her out, holding her back as if the very air had solihfied against her will

Her pulse spiked, breath hitching.

She had heard the stories—whispers of his power, warnings of his dangerous nature–but she had never seen this side of him.

Not when she rescued him. Not even when he fought for his sister.

But now–now she understood.

Nikolas was dangerous and very powerful.

“Nikolas, it isn’t what it looks like,” she pleaded, her voice slicing through the charged air, desperate.

Nothing. He didn’t hear her–didn’t care.

His focus was locked onto Asher, movements sharp, predatory, unwavering in their intent.

Saphira’s breath grew shallow, panic clawing its way through her chest.

Asher didn’t flinch; he just stood firm–not intimidated in the slightest. He even had the nerve to smirk.

Saphira tried again, voice stronger, edged with desperation.

“Nikolas!” Still–no response.

Then-

Nikolas reached him.”

A blur–then his hand wrapped around Asher’s throat, lifting him into the air without effort.

Saphira squealed, fear surging through her like ice.

She tried–tried to get to them, tried to break through the force surrounding Nikolas, but it held, pressing against her, keeping her away. And it was getting undeniably stronger.

Her heartbeat hammered, pulse racing so fast she felt lightheaded.

The mist around them thickened, curling in unnatural tendrils, wrapping itself around both Nikolas and Asher like a predator closing in for the kill.

Asher’s lips moved–he was trying to say something-

But she couldn’t hear a single word, her panic spiked. She couldn’t stop this and was completely powerless.

Her breath became thin, chest tightening, every instinct screaming for her to do something–anything.

There was only one thing left.

She reached inward, gripping for the only force that could rival Nikolas‘ current state.

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CHAPTER 68

Vaelora–please help me

She waited, for a response, a shift, a presence,

Then- Vaclora pushed forward, energy surging through Saphira, merging into her not a full shift, but something bigger, something deeper

And then she felt the power build. A force unlike anything she had ever felt. And there was only one way to let it out.

With Vaelora pressing through her, still in human form-

Saphira roared.

It ripped through the clearing, splitting the air with wild, untamed strength.

The trees shook violently, leaves tearing from their branches.

Wildlife scattered, bolted, disappearing into the depths of the forest in sheer terror.

And–finally-

Nikolas stopped.

The mist vanished–yanked away in an instant, dissolving into nothing.

Nikolas dropped Asher, his entire body seizing before he collapsed to his knees, his hands clutching his ears, breath ragged, expression wild.

The force within Saphira settled, the intensity releasing all at once.

The clearing was silent.

Still.

Thank you, Vaelora, Saphira whispered inwardly, exhaling deeply, grounding herself.

Her dragon responded–not with words, but with warmth, with presence, with quiet, steady acceptance.

Saphira felt it, the bond, it was present and very real.

They had become one.

Saphira glared at Nikolas, frustration burning in her chest as she stepped toward Asher, who was still coughing, his body tense from the lingering effects of Nikolas attack.

She reached for his arm, helping him steady himself, the weight of his grip pressing against her palm as he found his footing.

Nikolas‘ rage hadn’t faded–it radiated off him in waves, thick and suffocating. His golden eyes burned, flickering dangerously as he looked between them.

“Oh, so it’s like that now, is it?” he seethed, his voice edged with something sharp, something cold.

Saphira straightened, her fingers tightening against/Asher’s forearm before she dropped her hand, turning fully toward Nikolas.

“No, it isn’t like that. Like I told you before.” Her/voice was firm, clipped, frustration threading through every syllable. “Why don’t you believe me?”

Nikolas‘ expression hardened, his muscles tensing as he took a step closer, heat rolling off him like fire.

“It’s hard to believe there isn’t something going on between you.” His words were laced with raw anger, his body stiff, barely contained. “F connect, and now you’re here alone, having a moment.”

Saphira opened her mouth, ready to argue, ready to force him to see reason, but before she could-

ur dragons

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CHAPTER 68

Asher laughed.

A sharp, amused chuckle that sliced through the charged atmosphere like a blade.

Nikolas‘ expression darkened instantly, his stance tightening, his anger spiking.

“Seriously?” His voice dipped lower, dangerously quiet. “You find it funny to be making advances on my mate?”

He stepped forward, movements deliberate, the tension between them thickening.

“And after I welcomed you into my pack?”

Asher rolled his shoulders, shaking his head, completely unbothered by Nikolas‘ fury.

“Get a grip, man.” His tone was blunt, dismissive, his lips twitching in irritation. “You are so jealous and ridiculous.”

Nikolas‘ eyes flashed, his body shifting as if preparing to lash out again.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” His voice was sharper now, carrying a warning.

Asher took a step forward, his posture calm but his words cutting.

“You’re so consumed by the anger and jealousy,” he snapped, “that you aren’t listening to what your dragon already knows.”

Nikolas‘ muscles tensed–but for the first time, hesitated.

“Before you start on me, or Saphira,” Asher continued, his voice steady, unwavering. “Bloody stop and listen for once.”

Saphira’s breath caught in her throat, confusion settling deep in her chest.

She glanced between them, watching the sharp shift in Nikolas‘ expression.

He stilled–his jaw tightening–but his face went blank as he communicated with his dragon.

The clearing fell into silence.

Seconds stretched unbearably long, tension crawling beneath Saphira’s skin as she waited.

Nikolas‘ eyebrows furrowed, his gaze flickering between them, but this time–he was really looking.

His posture shifted, the anger fading just slightly, replaced with something else.

Something uncertain. Something shocked.

“Your siblings?” Nikolas‘ voice was barely above a whisper, disbelief thick in his tone.

Saphira froze.

Her pulse stopped, breath catching painfully in her throat.

“What?” Her voice came out more as a squeak, cracking slightly.

She turned to Asher, eyes wide, body stiff.

“Siblings?” she echoed, trying to grasp the word, to make sense of it.

She searched Asher’s face, her heart hammering against her ribs.

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CHAPTER 68

“As in-” her voice lowered, something fragile threading through it-“you’re my brother?”

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