Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 44553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
“Who knows?” Keres said, shrugging. He’d already told Rimi he didn’t care whether they were the only mated dragons in the world. She loved that he simply cared about her.
You love him.
Rimi’s gaze ricocheted from Skye to Keres, who described his journey to the other shifters.
They can’t hear me. Only you, Skye reassured her. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.
I haven’t told him yet.
Do you think your feelings will change?
No. Never.
Skye beamed at her. I’m glad Keres found you, Rimi. He needed love.
So did I, Rimi admitted.
My picture of Keres is on the wall behind Keres’s desk.
Rimi slid off Keres’s lap and walked closer. It was an astonishing piece of art. Her mate was majestic in his powerful dragon form, yet Skye had woven a sad note skillfully into the design. She had realized Keres’s time was limited as she crafted the portrait. Tears gathered in Rimi’s eyes.
Would you let me draw you together in dragon form to replace that one? He’s not alone anymore.
Turning to meet Skye’s gaze, Rimi nodded. I would like that. It may take me a while to become comfortable outside, Rimi warned.
I bet Keres can empty a ballroom or something.
I bet you’re right.
In unison, the two women turned to stare at the dragons lounging together. Ardon noticed them watching.
“Do I need to get a sketchpad from home?” he asked.
Yes, please. Oldrik and Keres can clear out a room while you’re gone, Skye announced.
“Anyone want to bet he won’t get back until we’ve moved a thousand pieces of furniture?” Oldrik joked.
“Oh, I’ll make sure that happens,” Ardon said and chuckled as he walked to the door.
Rimi wrapped her arms around herself as she looked between those filling Keres’s office. She was welcome here. Keres stood and hugged her tightly.
“Come, Snowflake. Skye will probably like the library. It is very spacious without the furniture,” he suggested.
Do you have a cave? Maybe one with glowing light?
Keres met her gaze and smiled. I think I have exactly what you’re imagining, Skye.
Chapter 8
Rimi wondered what the drawing would look like when Skye finished. From Oldrik and Ardon’s expressions as they peeked from time to time, it had to be incredible. The lighting in the cave changed her scales from sparkling white crystal in the sunlight to a rosy hue. Keres was magnificent, of course. Seeing him in dragon form made Rimi appreciate his masculine attributes. He was hot.
Thank you, Snowflake. I enjoy making you melt.
Keres! Shhh! Rimi hoped the others hadn’t overheard that conversation.
Relax, Mate. I would never share our intimacies with anyone. Are you okay? Skye will draw for hours if we permit it. Would you like her to continue on another day?
Suddenly, she needed to move. Please.
Keres immediately broadcast to everyone. Skye, my mate is tiring. We will have to pose for you again on a different day.
I’ve got enough to finish this on my own, Skye reported. Sorry, I was having too much fun to stop.
Amused by her new friend’s honesty, Rimi didn’t blame her at all for not saying anything. She rose to her feet and stretched her tight muscles. Who knew that staying still would take so much energy?
The three male shifters shook their heads. Rimi could sense their affection toward Skye. Keres’s affection for her differed from those of her loving mates, of course, but Rimi could tell her mate cared about Skye.
You are much more important to me than Skye, Snowflake, Keres reassured her.
I know. I like that you have friends who you care about and who look out for you.
You are now part of the group, Rimi, Keres confidently told her.
Skye closed her sketchpad, concealing her efforts. She walked to stand in front of Rimi. Thank you. I will show you the final image when it’s done, if that’s okay?
Of course, Skye. I can’t wait to see what you create.
Her brother guided Skye to a safe location before Rimi and Keres shifted into human form. The safeguarding action reminded Rimi of their time as kids together. Of course, they’d played and had fun together, but Oldrik had focused on protecting her. When he had to leave, Rimi had limited their communication. Her place in the dragon world was not his fault or responsibility. Her love for her brother had forced her to set him free. Rimi loved seeing him happy today.
Keres wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. Meeting his eyes, Rimi knew he had followed her thoughts.
“You are very strong, Snowflake,” he complimented her.
“Me? No way.”
“You aren’t seeing it from my perspective, Little one.”
A sudden wave of nausea overtook her. Rimi clapped her hand over her mouth and ran for the cave entrance. Keres shouted her name, but she didn’t stop. Once outside, she lost the battle and vomited.
“Let me help you,” Keres said gently as he gathered her hair in his hands.