Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 44984 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44984 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
“Let’s talk about this later. You need to be in bed.”
“You’re going to fly me there?” she asked.
“Yes, Princess. You chose. I’m going to walk a few feet away and allow my dragon to come out and greet you. Then you may lie on the grass, and I will pick you up. Or you can climb on my back and hold onto my neck.”
“I will ride on your back.”
“Step on my front leg,” he recommended.
“Is there a saddle or a bridle?”
“I am not a horse, Princess. You will find a comfortable place to stretch out with your arms around my neck. Tuck Lettuce inside your bodice to keep him safe.”
“Sorry,” she whispered.
“It was an honest question. You are allowed to ask me anything,” Khadar told her softly. “Stand back and I will change.”
This time, the noise she made seemed less surprised and more in awe. Khadar could live with that. It was pretty damn special to see the transformation. He bent down to make it easier for her to climb into position. When she settled with her arms around him, he thought to her.
Hold on, Princess.
You can read my thoughts?
Only when you concentrate on sending a message to me. At some point, we may decide to open the lines of conversation fully.
No way! drifted to him and he knew she hadn’t meant for him to hear that thought. He released a snort of laughter and felt her cringe.
Are you going to breathe fire?
No, Princess. Even if I did, I would not put you in danger. Your safety is more important than mine.
What will happen to Barbie?
I don’t care. Her family was not from Wyvern, nor was it willing to contribute positively to life here. Do not think of them again.
A jumble of thoughts answered that decree.
Try not to worry about them, Princess.
Okay.
Chapter 4
Lalani blinked wearily as she slid down from the scaled back that had carried her out of town and to the top of the green mountain. After retrieving Lettuce from his safe place wrapped inside the material of her dress, she looked around. In the darkness, she couldn’t see very much and found herself hoping he’d take her flying again when it was light. He had landed in a green space before a large building.
She tried to watch closely as he shifted into human form, but just saw a shimmer. Rubbing her eyes, she tried looking again.
“Come on, Princess.”
Taking her hand, he guided her toward the building. She resisted, wondering why they were visiting a museum or a castle. “I thought you were taking me to your house.”
“This is our home, Lalani. Come inside. It’s time for you to be in bed.”
“You live here?” She rubbed her eyes again.
“We live here.”
When she stumbled on the stairs, he lifted her into his arms and carried her to the door. A woman opened the door for them, holding two lanterns.
“Welcome home, sir. Do you need food?”
“No, thank you, Patricia. My mate only needs to sleep now. I will introduce her to the staff tomorrow.” He took one lantern before turning toward one darkened hallway.
“Hi, Patricia,” Lalani said sleepily as he walked away.
“Welcome, miss. Sleep well. And congratulations to you both.”
“She’s nice,” Lalani whispered, letting her heavy eyelids rest.
“Yes, Little one.”
“Where am I sleeping?”
“With me.”
That seemed to make sense. She enjoyed being close to him. Lalani inhaled and felt the corners of her mouth turn up slightly. His scent was yummy—male and something more. Dragon. Sexy dragon.
“Sexy dragon?” Khadar asked with a lilt of humor in his voice.
“I didn’t mean to say that aloud,” she mumbled.
“I’m going to stand you here by the toilet.”
“Oh! Good idea. I need to go,” she admitted. Once on her feet, she weaved, trying to maintain her balance.
“Here, Princess. Let’s set Lettuce on the vanity. He can watch to make sure you’re okay,” Khadar suggested as he steadied her.
When her arms were free, Khadar supported her as he removed the wrap dress. After sniffing, he growled.
“Do I smell?” she asked, mesmerized by how his eyes glowed slightly green in the lantern's light.
“This nightshirt smells like the men who took you to the gathering. It has to go. My dragon doesn’t like the scent of other men on you. He’s territorial.”
“Oh!” She stared up at him, not sure what she should say.
“Go potty,” he ordered.
Thankfully, it was a separate toilet area. Still, she was aware of his presence leaning against the wall. Finishing, she felt like the absolute last of her energy disappeared as she joined him.
“I’m too tired to change.”
“I know, Princess.”
He picked up Lalani before snagging the lantern and Lettuce from the vanity. She loved that he tucked Lettuce in her arms safely as if he were the most precious of possessions. Carrying her into a vast bedroom, she spotted a bed larger than she’d ever seen. It looked deliciously decadent. She just wanted to dive in and sleep for a week.