Page 23 of Bred By the Dragon

I nod affirmatively, but then realize she can’t see it. “Yes, that’s a great idea. I’ll find out what I can.” I want to ask then if she’d like to come and help. She would know all the right questions, I’m sure, and has the sunny disposition to get whatever she needs out of someone.

But before I can open my mouth, Sammy says, “Sounds good. I’ll talk to you later, Zak.”

I preen at the nickname. “You too, Sammy.”

The call ends, and I hold the phone close to my chest, hoping I’ll get to see her again soon.

SAMMY

It was tempting to ask Zakarion to come over and maybe give it another try. But it’s not necessary, not at this stage. We should wait until right before I’m scheduled to ovulate again to maximize our potential.

Anyway, I don’t have time now that I’ve picked up a tutoring job a few days a week. There’s that bachelor’s degree coming in handy.

I take another test a few days later, and call Zakarion again.

“Negative,” I say. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry.” He pauses. “Actually, I’ve done some research, like you suggested, and contacted some other dragons who have successfully had hatchlings.”

I perk up at this. “What did you find out?”

“Results... inconclusive. But I should have done this much sooner.” He sighs wearily. “It turns out you were right—my body is too sensitive, and the conditions have to be just right for it to work.” He pauses. “It’s my fault.”

“It’s not anyone’s fault,” I say instantly. “It’s just your biology.” I wonder if this is why the dragon population has dwindled. What sort of environment do they need to successfully reproduce? “Did you learn anything about what might help? What sort of conditions you need?”

“Every couple I spoke with said it took a long time, and they tried in many different places. The one thing they all had in common was the full moon.”

I furrow my brow. “The full moon? Really? But you’re a dragon, not a werewolf.”

Zak laughs a big, bellowing laugh on the other end. “The full moon is powerful, and doesn’t just affect werewolves. It affects all cycles, apparently, including mine.”

How odd. “So I ovulate, and you have a fertility timeframe, too? That will be tricky to line up. And no information about what location or weather might be best?”

“Sorry, no. We may have to experiment a little.”

Instantly, my body heats at the idea. Oh no, I’ll have to let him fuck me sideways until we get it right? Woe is me.

“That’s okay,” I say, in as comforting a way as I can. “We’ll figure it out.”

“Thank you.” The emotion and sincerity in his voice takes me aback. “Thank you so much, Sammy. For doing this for me.”

“For you and for all dragon-kind,” I answer. But Zak doesn’t say anything to that, and I have to check that the call hasn’t been dropped. “Are you okay?”

“Fine,” he says quickly. “Perhaps we can try again at your house, under the next full moon?”

I pull out my computer and bring up the lunar cycle. “I’m supposed to ovulate in two weeks,” I say. “The full moon is in one week, though. Should we try anyway?”

“Yes!” Zak says immediately. “I mean, I think that’s a good idea.”

I have to smile. I’m glad that he’s eager to see me again, as eager as I am to see him. I know I need to curb that feeling, but it still makes me tingle.

“Great. Then let’s meet at my house, next Friday evening.”

“Sounds good.” There’s another pause. “I hope you take care of yourself between now and then.”

“Don’t worry. I’m sticking to my exercise routine and the nutrition recommendations that DreamTogether gave me?—”

“Not like that,” he interrupts. “Emotionally speaking. I worry about you trying to make ends meet. I want to help, however I can.”

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