Page 9 of Primal Dragon

“Finley is pregnant.”

Henrik froze while a varied bunch of emotions played through him. He latched onto the one appropriate for the moment. “Is she doing okay?”

“She’s doing great.”

“You sound elated, brother.”

Ash blew out a long breath. “I am. Overwhelmed but thrilled. I never thought this would be my life.”

Henrik smiled. “Congratulations, brother. How is Finley doing with it all?”

“She’s happy. Though, I think she’s also freaking out. Marriage and kids weren’t originally in her life plans. I think it’s happening a little faster than she anticipated. And we’re both worried about her vulnerability now. She has a checkup with Pru tomorrow. Pru and Gavin stayed away from getting pregnant because they weren’t sure if it would be safe with a human mate, even if she was an obsidian dragon.”

Henrik didn’t like the uncertainty in his brother’s voice. Ash didn’t take things lightly, but he sounded unusually scared.

“The gods and fate wouldn’t put you together to only tear you apart. What about Ryker and Yara?”

“They haven’t gotten pregnant yet either. Finley and I didn’t plan to get pregnant, but apparently neither of were willing to stop in the middle of a couple of sessions for birth control.”

Henrik cringed. “Please keep the details vague. I really don’t need to think of the two of you like that.”

Ash kept talking. “If it’s unsafe for human mates, and I’ve been pleading with the conclave to ease up on the law, then I’m going to look like the biggest fool. The obsidian dragons all died out for some reason, right?”

“It wasn’t because they had baby dragons, Ash. The elders need to release the fucking archives. This is such bullshit. Why are they keeping this stuff a secret? There’s no excuse. Whether the elders like it or not, there are dragons mating with humans. The dragon is out of the bag.”

Ash chuckled. “I like it when you’re all riled up.”

Henrik sighed. “Fuck off. Are you going to be all right?”

“Yeah. I feel better talking to you. I’ll send another petition for the archives. We’ve got some time before Finley gives birth. Pru and Syrena are both on the case too. I think they’re eager for personal reasons too.”

“Pru and Gavin have been together a long time,” Henrik agreed.

That reminded him. “Speaking of Syrena, has she got anything on Tabitha? Is the witch here or somewhere else?”

“She says the scrying was unclear, but she’ll keep trying. Whatever that means.”

“It means the location spell didn’t work. It’s fine. I’m going in blind whether I like it or not.”

“Just be careful, Rik.”

“Aw, you’re not worried about me, big bro, are you?”

“Don’t let it go to your head. The rest of the siblings will start to think you’re my favorite.”

Henrik chuckled. “I’m everyone’s favorite.”

3

No Time for Kitten Love

Nine days. James had been out of contact for nine days.

Quinn paced the living room of her condo, staring at her endless stream of unanswered text messages to her best friend.

James’s last message had been ominous at best.

James: Q, I’m going into the Crimson Club off Broadway next to the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge. I’m telling you this, because I want someone to know where I am. Stay safe, Q.

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