Page 26 of The Dragon's Mate

“Too bad,” Kaida replied.

Sika’s face fell and Bren said, “It’s okay,Sika. Ask your question.”

“Are you sure?”

He nodded and Sika’s smile returned. “Howdo you know when someone wants to mate with you?”

Bren stared at her.

Sika smiled encouragingly. “Well, human? Forshifters, we know when someone wants to mate because we can smell their arousalfor us. Humans have such a poor sense of smell. How do you know when someone wantsyou in their bed?”

“Uh, well, you ask them out,” Bren said.

“Ask them out?” Sika cocked her head athim.

“On a date. Like to dinner or a movie. Ifthey say yes, it generally means they’re at least interested in you. And as youget to know each other better, it becomes easier to tell if the person wants tosleep with you. Maybe not by smell, but by the way they look at you, or ifthey, uh… flirt.”

Sika grinned at him. “I do know what flirtingis. I flirt with my mate all the time. But it’s easier because I can smellthat he wants me. What if you do all of this flirting and the human stilldoesn’t want to mate with you?”

“Well, then you could just be friends andyou look for someone else to flirt with who you find attractive and hope they feelthe same way.”

“It seems like a lot of work just to sleep withsomeone,” Sika said.

“It can be,” Bren glanced at Kaida, “but it’sworth it for the right person.”

Kaida looked away as there was another knockon the door before it opened. Kaida’s grandmother stepped into the cabin. Todayshe was wearing a burgundy velvet track suit with a matching velvet headbandstrapped around her forehead.

Bren hid his smile as Gram stopped next toTyler and Corey on the couch and held out her fist. Tyler bumped it with his own.“You’re looking ballin’ today, Gram. I like the velvet.”

“Thanks,” Gram said. “Now, move out of theway for a minute so I can look at your boyfriend.”

All of them watched as Gram poked andprodded at Corey’s head and ribs.

“Headache gone?” she asked.

“Yes, ma’am,” Corey said.

“How’s your ribs?”

“Sore, but my healing is starting to kickin.”

“Still peeing blood?”

Corey blushed and took a quick look atTyler before shaking his head. “No, ma’am. Not since last night.”

“Good. You’re a fast healer, little fox.Although I suppose you got youth on your side.” Gram heaved herself to herfeet.

“Can I go home?” Corey asked.

“I think so. You don’t feel dizzy when youstand, do you?” Gram said.

Corey shook his head again. “No, I feelfine.”

“All right then, you’re free to go.”

Bren didn’t think it was his imagination thatboth Corey and Kaida looked immensely relieved.

Corey hopped up from the couch and grabbedhis sweater that was on the armchair. “C’mon, Ty, let’s go.”

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