Page 9 of Myths and Shifts

And if guilt would work to keep him from getting corrupted by the locals.

“What does my mate do when he’s big?” I was thinking about his career but he could’ve told me anything and that would have been fine. “I can’t have the diner men knowing him better.”

My stern expression got a giggle from Merritt as he shoved the last bite of cake in his mouth. “Your mate likes cake, Daddy.”

And being funny.

Rolling my eyes got more laughter from him. “The diner men already know that, so I’m still behind.”

Which we were going to fix right now.

“Hmm…” Tapping one finger against his chin like he was an old school teacher in a movie, Merritt gave me his best cute and thoughtful expression. “The men know I’m a traveling nurse. I like talking about my big job. The men know I like mac and cheese. They know I like to color.”

We needed to find other places to eat if I was going to take him out on a date later.

“The men don’t know that I like scary movies and they don’t know that I don’t like bugs. Littles around here like bugs. I’m not from here, so I don’t have to like bugs. I’m nice, though.”

Which seemed to mean he hadn’t confessed he didn’t like bugs.

Got it.

“Oh.” Merritt straightened and perked up with a smile. “They don’t know I likeStar TreknotStar Wars. Old ones. Not new ones.”

Since even I knew why he’d have strong opinions on that, I nodded. “That’s important to know. Thank you. Kirk or Picard?”

He giggled, looking adorably mischievous. “I’m going to be Captain Kirk when I grow up.”

A womanizer who made questionable decisions?

“I’m going to be exciting and brave and fight with people.”

So no womanizing?

“Who does that make me then?” There was no logical answer to the question, so I expected the giggle.

“A green dancing girl? A big strong alien? Captain Picard likes naughty aliens too but you’re not naughty like Q.” Merritt said it so reasonably that it took me a moment to realize he thought Captain Picard had a thing for Q.

One of thosethe lady doth protest too muchkind of situations?

Enemies to lovers?

“I’m going to have to think about that.” And possibly rewatch some of those old episodes. Hmm. “How about we watch some of your favorite shows soon?”

“On a date?” Wiggling side to side, Merritt smiled wider. “Mates go on dates. Everyone knows that.”

It was such a logical statement that I realized he’d probably met people who hadn’t dated after they’d realized they were mates.

Had they just moved in together?

“Yes. I think dating is very important because I want to get to know you and not rush either of us. Just because I know you’re mine doesn’t mean I have to take you home tonight.” Hmm. “Even if I want to.”

Yes, admitting that had been the way to go based on his blush and the cute giggle that had escaped. “You want to?”

There was an innocence to the teasing question that made me respond carefully and without too much adult in the answer. “You’re my mate, silly goose. And I’m a dragon, so I want to keep you. But I’m going to be patient.”

His snicker said he liked the answer but the way he started wiggling faster would’ve been a clue too. “Dragons like keeping their mates. I’m a mage. I’m not a goose.”

He could probably turn himself into a silly goose, but since I had no desire to be chased around while he squawked because he thought it’d be funny, I agreed with him. “You’re definitely a silly mage. You think the naughty men are funny and you like Kenzie and the sparkly one that’s always causing trouble. Lorne. Yes.”

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