Page 35 of The Monster at the End of This Molt

I hadn't finished my doctorate on Earth, but I was the closest thing to a therapist The Pavilion had. Besides, the work would keep me out of the house. "Yeah, I think so."

"Cool! I'll see you at lunch, then!" He hopped up from his seat, grabbed a piece of jam-covered toast, and ran out the door after pecking Papa's cheek.

"He's still courting his omega." Clementine's stage whisper made Ernie laugh.

"You're already taking bets," I guessed. My siblings had always said I would be the first of our family to have children, but now, my alpha brother was giving me a run for my money.

"The first to hatch an egg wins the jackpot!" Clementine clapped her hands.

"Did you know about this?" Dad asked, pointing between Clementine and Ernie.

Papa shook his head. "Not a clue, but I'm putting a stop to it right now. Hand over the money for the housewarming party." He leaned past me, arm extended to Clementine, palm up.

Ernie surprised us all by standing and leaning over the table. He slapped a wad of cash into Papa's hand and dug a handful of Earth coins from his pocket.

"Ernie!" Dad exclaimed.

He sat back down and hunched over his plate. "I'm least likely to succeed, so it was only fair for me to collect the money. I'm the only one who doesn't know who my fated mate is."

I glanced at Clementine, whose white stripes did nothing to hide her blush.

"Who's your fated mate?" I asked.

"None of your business!"

"Gods help them." Papa winked.

"You know?" The corners of my eyes ached from holding them open so wide.

"I know nothing!" he shouted. "Nothing!"

"Oh, goddess, Papa." She puffed a breath, sending the white frizz on her forehead flying. "I haven't met him yet. It was just a dream."

"Must have been some dream." Ernie grinned, and then yelped as someone, probably Clem, kicked him under the table.

"Do you think he'll be here for the dragon reunion?" I asked.

She nodded. "In my dream, that's where we were."

"It's only two weeks away." Ernie sighed. "Maybe I'll meet my mate there, too." He sniffed the air. "Where is that delicious smell coming from?"

We watched as he jumped to his feet, nearly tripped over the corner of his chair, and followed his nose to the door. Papa had said to leave it open for the morning breeze, and Ernie nearly walked through the screen door before shoving it out of his way.

I grabbed another slice of toast from the pile, folded it in half, and ate on the run. Ernie made a beeline toward the stables through the long grass.

"He's going to meet his fated mate before I do."

Clementine tried to jog past me, but I grabbed her arm and held her at my side. "Let him have this."

When we reached the stables, I recognized the omega petting Trickster, the pink dragonet from The Meadows. "Lemon! You made it!"

"Robin! Hello! I came early. I hope that's all right. I didn't want to ride with the others." He handed the dragonet off to Mac. "Tim said to feed him and send him home."

"Will do," Mac said, leading the dragonet to an empty stall. "Nice to meet you, Lemon," he called over his shoulder.

Lemon blinked and turned to me. "Everyone here is so nice. I thought you were an exception."

I stifled a laugh as he turned to Ernie. My brother had stopped a foot from his elbow and stood sniffing him.

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