Hidden Heiress

By Kae Galla

For years, my people have remained hidden to the outside world. We have reason to be leary, as dragon shifters, humans and even other supernaturals have hunted us for ages. My family is very protective of me, but now that I'm of age, it's time I find my mate and pave my own way in this world. 

The night I found my mate was magical. 

The night I met his family was anything but magical. 

They hated me from the moment they saw me, but then again they don't know who I am. Despite their horrible treatment of me, I still hold out hope that my mate and I can work things out. My mate doesn't seem to hold the same distaste toward me as the rest of his family.

When my mate's brother realizes he hasn't pushed me away completely, things get worse. 

Will we be able to make it through?

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kayla Galla
• Release date: Jan 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215419113

Book preview

Prologue

Andie

My friends call me Andie. Problem is, all my friends are dead. My name is Andromeda Jones and I’m a rare dragon shifter. My people live in the mountains of the north. There are other dragon shifters who settled in the south and others to the east, but the royal family is responsible for them all, no matter where they choose to live.

Tonight, is the annual Mating Match Ball. Once a year, all eligible, unmated, dragon shifters who have come of age are invited to the ball in order to hopefully find their true mate. After a shifter’s twenty-first birthday, their need to find their mate is instinctual, but due to our dwindling numbers and the fact that half of our population lives in other parts of the world, an event like this is vital. At the time of the last ball, I wasn’t of age but now that I am, I can’t help but be excited by the prospect of finding my mate.

When a shifter finds their mate, it’s unmistakable. First, there is an undeniable urge to be around one another. Then as time goes on and they get to know one another, the bond solidifies. Once they officially mate, no one can pull them apart. I’ve watched my parents my entire life, their mating bond is the most pure and amazing thing I’ve ever witnessed. I can’t wait to have that with my own mate.

The ball is held in an ancient castle. Modern accommodations have been made as well as upgrades, but per tradition, all eligible mates dress up. In the past, the rooms and corridors of the castle would be filled with shifters wearing tuxedos and ball gowns. Now, the men wear suits and the women wear dresses but nothing quite as fancy as years gone by.

As much as I wish I could wear a fancy gown with crystals and gems glittering in the candlelight, I have to settle for a simple blush-colored, sheath-style dress. It hugs my curves perfectly and makes me feel attractive, even if I wish it were more. My hair falls in soft waves down to my shoulders. Without any fine jewelry, the only accessory I have on is a simple necklace, a silver locket on a long chain that hangs below my bust.

My heart races with excitement as the hours tick by. Only a few more minutes until the official start of the ball. I don’t know who my mate is, or if he will even be here tonight. Maybe he’s younger than me, or maybe he’s older and has given up on the idea of finding his soul mate...or maybe he’s dead. I push the morbid thought from my mind before it can take root and drag me down with it.

It hasn’t been long since the war that took so many of our kind, including the few friends I had. Despite our young age, when a threat arose, my two best friends and their older brother joined the rallying forces in defense of our kind. Although the royal forces were able to subdue the attackers, all three of my dearest friends were killed in action. Their losses hit me hard. I’ve kept everyone except my family at arm’s length since.

I’ve been lonely for so long, but now it’s time for me to find my mate.

In an attempt to distract myself from my wayward thoughts, I take a good look at my surroundings. More precisely, the females waiting like me. The ballroom has two entrances, one that comes from the east wing of the castle and the other from the west. Some of the females are dressed in extraordinary gowns and others, like me, are wearing more simple attire. All of the unmated females stay in the east wing while the unmated males are staying in the west. I’m sure the males are gathered as anxiously as we are at the west entrance.

Is this your first year, young one? someone asks from beside me. I’ve never met her before and she looks like she can’t be more than thirty years old, however the way she holds