Page 11 of Grumpy Dragon Christmas

“I like it a lot,” I say. “You do gorgeous work.”

“And you are also?” My translator nanobots are struggling with her accent. I’d need to spend more time around her in order to be able to converse properly.

I pluck at the outfit I’m wearing, chosen because it does a good job of hiding my early pregnancy, although not for long it would seem.

“Yes, I made this.”

She smiles at me, a sharp-toothed but not unpleasant smile. “You new here?” She gestures around us.

I nod, terrified tears might spring into my eyes. I hate being new.

“You need work? I need assistant.”

“Oh, yes!”

“Qrow!” she suddenly bellows at my distracted chaperone. “Bring the little one to my shop tomorrow.”

Qrow looks startled, then he smiles, as always. “Of course.”

I’m about to protest at elf girl callingme“little one,” when I see a commotion going on up the hill.

Striding through the crowd, nearly a head taller than most of them, is Drekkan. Everyone is scurrying out of his way with the occasional fearful glance.

He’s wearing a long dark red coat with his chest bare (as if any self-respecting Sarkarnii would ever bother covering up their endless abs), black pants, and thick boots, along with a curious piece of jewelry fastened tight around his neck. Smoke curls out of his nostrils, flowing back over his shoulder as he makes his way, quite merrily, down the hill.

It even looks like he’s smiling, or possibly grimacing, given how many fangs are on show.

“Qrow!” he calls out, his deep voice ringing around the square. “What does awell-behavedSarkarnii have to do to get a meal around here?”

DREKKAN

Iscent her before I see her. The female which shouldn’t be a distraction, but she is. Stood next to Qrow, she is even more stunning in the light. Her long dark hair folds around her shoulders, her eyes, a green I didn’t think was possible, are bright and amused. She has a half smile on her face which lights up my world.

Makes my hips want to do all sorts of things and my cock press at my pouch, anxious to emerge.

Play it cool, Drekkan.

I came down to find food, and it seems I’ve found more than one tasty morsel.

As soon as the female sees me, her smile drops away and a scowl takes its place. Normal reaction to me, but for some reason it spikes into my heart like nothing has before.

“Qrow,” I bellow out, knowing the interfering Bosszanto will know everything, including more about the female. “What does awell-behavedSarkarnii have to do to get a meal around here?”

I make a point of my current status. I’ve not burnt anything on my way here, there is no destruction, and the collar only whined at me once. I am the very definition of well-behaved.

I am also hungry, my imminent shed and the proximity to the female only emphasizing my need for food. Given all my supplies were stolen from me.

Qrow looks at the female and smiles. “I was just about to show Jade the communal kitchen, where you can get a hearty meal with everyone, Drekkan.”

I want to kill him. Right now. On the spot.

“I don’t eat with anyone,” I snarl, forgetting myself.

But he’s also told me the female’s name.

Jade.

A perfect name for a perfect being. I might have stared at her for a bit too long because she turns to Qrow.

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