Page 31 of Grumpy Dragon Christmas

“This is beautiful,” I say in a hushed tone.

“Not as beautiful as you,” Drekkan says. “What do you want to eat?”

Looks like my Sarkarnii is hungry too, again.

“Whatever you like, I’ll like,” I say, knowing not only is it easier on me but also on the unfortunate food vendors I’ve seenDrekkan attempt to bully into providing me with the food I’ve said I prefer when we’ve been out before.

Also, given how much Drekkan puts away, we need to find somewhere that can provide his usual calorie level.

Drekkan lifts his head from my head and scents the air. “I know what you’ll like.” He smiles and it reaches his eyes. They sparkle with something which has to be happiness.

My big grump is happy, and it makes me happy. I might be on a planet which isn’t mine, but there’s snow and food and a celebration of all things good.

And I have Drekkan, who is towing me towards a stall which is thronged with all species. He has a smile on his face which I think makes them move away quicker than usual. Turns out the stall is a large food tent filled with customers, a huge fire in the center where whole carcasses are being roasted.

Such a Drekkan place to eat.

“We will sit here,” Drekkan growls as we reach a booth.

The small Bosszanto already in it squeaks in alarm and immediately vacates the seating.

“Wait!” I call after him. “Did you just make him give up his seat?” I demand of Drekkan.

“He’d just finished,” Drekkan says, keeping his face completely straight.

I stare at him.

He doesn’t twitch, not in the slightest.

I narrow my eyes.

“Okay, he wasn’t finished, but you are with young. He would have given up his booth for you anyway,” Drekkan says, exasperated. “So, sit.”

I sigh and slide into the booth, stripping off my outer clothing as the tent is very warm.

“You’re incorrigible.”

Drekkan’s expression changes from one of fierceness to one of charmed innocence. “Who? Me?”

I should not smile, but I do, covering my mouth with my hand as I attempt to stare daggers at my bad dragon. Drekkan sits down next to me, shielding me from sight with his huge body. He places his hands on the rough wooden table and roars for a server.

“Was that entirely necessary?” I ask.

“No, but I have a mate filled with young who requires food, and I want to ensure she gets what she wants.” Drekkan grins and places his hand on my baby bump.

A baby who takes that particular moment to give me an impressive kick. Drekkan’s eyes flare. He looks at me. He looks at his hand.

“He knows me,” he says, voice hoarse. “The little youngling knows me.”

DREKKAN

Feeling the growing youngling within Jade sends every nerve in my body jangling with pleasure. I had no idea something which wasn’t mating, bathing, or eating could give me such delight my mind goes a complete blank as I gaze at her for what seems like an age.

At least until I have to order dinner. But even then, I don’t take my hand from her stomach because I never, ever want to be parted from her.

When our food arrives, I lift her bodily onto my lap, ignoring her protests because I want to curl her into me, feel every part of her against me, make sure she tastes every morsel I offer, and it doesn’t take her long to relent.

Which means I get to do something else which is rapidly becoming a favorite pastime, providing her with food.

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