Page 88 of Myths and Shifts

Which made their logical responses to the portal and those decisions sound even more insane. Merritt had said that fell under work for most of them and they took that very seriously. Insanity should not be based on work or pleasure, but they didn’t seem to see it that way.

“I still don’t see how they thought storming a dragon’s home was a good idea.” Even the slightly interesting rule book we’d cobbled together about laws said that if a dragon’s home was invaded or his hoard was threatened, he could do whatever he wanted.

Was that when that strange sparkly dragon had started talking about eating people?

Had someone broken into his home?

Realizing I might’ve misjudged him, I pushed that thought to the back of my head for later and went back to focusing on my mate. “But yes, at some point I will make the mistake of thinking I know best and will push you into something stupid like a trip to visit your family.”

I was just that annoying and we both knew it.

“So I’m apologizing in advance and you have permission to say you told me so as many times as is necessary to make up for the chaos I cause.” At the moment I knew it would be stupid, but I wouldn’t be able to help myself if he said something ridiculous like he missed them.

Merritt was doing his best not to laugh, but swallowing it back made him sound like he was coming down with something. “It’ll take a lot of them…just to let you know.”

“Thank you for warning me.” It was going to be a cascade of bad decisions, but I wasn’t sure we could keep it from happening.

Well, there weren’t good ways of keeping it from happening.

As some of the ideas rolled around in my head, Merritt cleared his throat, and from the slightly concerned look on his face, I realized I’d been projecting. “Sorry. There are a lot of new things to worry about.”

Like if he’d changed his mind about going through the portal.

It would be aonce in a lifetimeexperience.

Everything I’d seen from him said he’d be the best to go.

“I know we talked about not going when we were first discussing all the options.” Merritt tried to sound relaxed but I could feel his anxiety through the bond. “Is that still how you feel?”

Was that how he felt?

“The type of unknown we’re facing has certainly shifted.” It’d gone from being purely exploration based to having a significant political component. “I think Wren is the only one unhappy that the amount of roughing it has decreased.”

That got a laugh from Merritt. “He was disappointed, but he perked up when Toman promised to take him camping to see the dinosaurs.”

Wren was going to get himself and hiseager to pleasemate eaten.

Merritt’s giggle said I might not have held back that thought or my sigh well enough. “They’re supposed to be small from what Wren was describing.”

Thankfully, it seemed like only smaller dinosaurs that had been able to fit through the gate had gone back and forth, so I didn’t have to worry about a T-Rex eating him, but there were still a startling number of unanswered questions.

“I still can’t believe they have living dinosaurs.” It was too surreal for me to process completely. “And I can’t believe we still don’t know which side had them first.”

“Every time we figure out one answer, ten more questions pop up.” Merritt swung our hands, smiling like all he could see was the adventure. “I think recording Toman talking is going to be a good idea even if the people who go through the portal take a lot of notes.”

“They’re going to be taking notes for the rest of their lives.” And they still wouldn’t catch up.

Wait.

The people going through the portal?

“It sounds like you haven’t changed your mind.” I hoped I was reading his words and emotions right. “I know the situation has shifted completely.”

Unfortunately.

It seemed like with dragons nothing was ever logical or went according to plan.

Merritt gave me a curious look but slowly shook his head. “No. I would’ve gone through before, but after meeting you, it doesn’t feel right. Is that how you’re seeing it as well?”

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