Page 29 of Grumpy Dragon Christmas

DREKKAN

Idislike the fact I am not allowed to enter the Velvero’s shop to see my mate. She was happy enough to take my credits when I offered them for Jade’s wardrobe. Admittedly it is one I have benefitted from immensely. My heartsfire now has clothing which enhances her beauty and her form, making sure her rounded stomach is on show.

With her on my arm, everyone knows she belongs to me, and it makes my rut go crazy and my heart sing. Having shed, I feel so much lighter, ready to face anything. If only I could get rid of the nevving control collar. The stupid thing has buzzed several times already today as I attempted to arrange the evening for my mate and found myself getting frustrated. In the end, I retreated to Jade’s aquium where I was able to doze in the water for a while, at least until the nightmare woke me.

The sight of the ship spiraling away from me, carrying the remainder of my crew, including my younger brother…

I’m roaring again as consciousness claims me, as I always am, every time I relive the moment. Maybe they’re all still alive, but the longer I stay on this nevving rock, the less likely it is I will ever find them.

“Are you coming?” Qrow pokes his head around the door to the aquium.

I’m certain my growl can be heard from space.

“What have I told you…” I snarl, the collar buzzing frantically at me.

“I’m not to disturb you…but that applied to your place, not Jade’s, and you need to go collect her if you’re going to make it to the Sol-night celebration before it starts.”

“Nev!” I heave myself from the pool and shake off as much water as I can, or it will freeze on my scales once I leave.

Whilst Sarkarnii are relatively impervious to the cold, I’ve never liked it. Another reason I always wanted to get off Kitchik and why I’ve never liked their silly celebrations.

I pull on my pants and coat, shoving my way past Qrow until something clicks.

“How did you get in here?”

“Jade gave me access,” he says with a smile.

“Consider it revoked, if you’re going to appear without warning,” I growl at him.

“But you’re pleased I did,” Qrow says without a care, “or you’d be late for Jade.”

“Nev off.” I stride away from him, wishing I was able to shift so I could get to her faster.

The collar chimes a warning note at the thought of shifting, and I want to rip it from my body. Snow is falling fast and blanketing the settlement in white. I recall Jade’s reaction this morning and how happy seeing this white cold frozen water made her. It makes me wish I could have it snow whenever she wants.

Jade is waiting outside the shop, bundled up against the cold, although her nose is red, something she assured me, the first time it happened, is normal for humans and not fatal.

“Why are you out here?” I snap. “You should be in the warm.”

“You know you’re not allowed in Gelvira’s and I didn’t want you to get into trouble.”

“Iamtrouble. I don’t care what the Velvero says.”

“Well, I do,” Jade says, although her mouth is quirked at the corner. “Gelvira gave me a chance, and I’m not going to upset her by insisting a big grumpy Sarkarnii interrupt her business.”

“Not grumpy,” I grump.

“You are.”

“Not.”

“This is getting us nowhere.” Jade laughs, and the sound reverberates around the small square we’re stood in. It makes my heart sing.

“Then let me take you to the Sol-night celebration, and you will certainly be going somewhere, even if it is to be sick due to the amount of sweetness you can both consume and witness,” I say.

Jade shakes her head. “Such a grump.” She grins, taking my arm.

“Your grump,” I point out.

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