Page 74 of Seducing the Dragon
Tristan grunted and Evie pounced. She didn’t have the strength to listen to them argue. “Thanks for coming over. I never would’ve known to mix a little soy milk into the formula to help calm the restless dragon inside Murray.”
Mel waved a hand in dismissal. “No worries. I had no idea, either. Dragonwomen have something similar in their breast milk that we lowly humans don’t. You’ll be surprised at how much even half-dragon babies can eat. Their inner dragons might not be able to talk to their human halves until they’re about six or seven years old, but their energy carries over into the babies’ actions.” Melanie looked up at her mate. “Sometimes, it’s handy to be mated to a dragon-shifter teacher. If you have any questions, I’m sure Tristan will help.”
Tristan grunted which Evie took to mean “if I have to”. She still didn’t understand how the mostly nonverbal dragonman had won Melanie’s heart. At some point in the future, Evie would ask for details.
Evie settled down in the armchair across the room from the pair and released a sigh as she snuggled into the cushions. A shower and some food had done wonders to revitalize her, but exhaustion was too tame a word for the tiredness coursing through her body. On top of that, she was anxious for Bram’s touch.
While this was a prime opportunity to ask questions about dragon babies, Evie’s brain didn’t want to cooperate. With each passing minute, her attention span and intelligence were slipping.Bram had bloody well better come home soon so I can get some sleep. I can’t do anything to help Stonefire with a brain that feels like a bowl of pudding.
Melanie, on the other hand, hadn’t been through hell over the last few days and had no problem saying, “I have an idea I wanted to run by you.”
Evie folded her hands over her belly and resisted a sigh. “What is it?”
Mel shifted the baby in her arm. “I imagine Bram will be mating you soon, am I right?” Evie nodded and Mel continued, “How would you feel about inviting some of the human press to the event?”
Evie rubbed her forehand with her hand. “Care to tell me the bigger reason behind it? Because I have a feeling there is one.”
Mel nodded. “You know how I’m nearly done with my book about Clan Stonefire? Well, I want to test the waters before dumping a large amount of information on the human population.”
Even in her tired state, Evie knew it was a clever move. With herculean effort, she forced her brain to work and said, “That way, if chaos breaks out or incites violence against the dragon-shifters, you know to hold off on releasing the book.”
Mel smiled. “Exactly. So will you do it?”
Sitting up, Evie replied, “You want me to share one of the dearest memories of my life with a bunch of journalists and hope they don’t slander Bram and me the next day?”
Melanie shook her head. “We’d only use the most trusted news outlets and they’d be required to sign a legally binding document between you and them.”
“And since I’m human, the law will hold.”
“Yes. On top of that, no recording devices or mobile phones will be allowed. It’ll be an old-school style reporting job, with pen, paper, and film-only cameras.”
Evie raised an eyebrow. “Have you discussed it with Bram yet?”
Melanie winked at her. “No, but I figure if you agree, you have more persuasive ways of convincing him.”
Tristan chimed in, “Melanie, I don’t need to think of my clan leader’s sex life.”
Melanie lightly slapped her mate. “Don’t be such a prude.”
Tristan merely shook his head and Evie took control of the conversation again. “Let me discuss it with Bram first.”
“Awesome. Between you and me, he should say yes.”
Evie didn’t like the thought of Melanie convincing Bram of anything.
However, before Evie could warn off the other woman, the front door opened and Bram’s voice carried down the hallway, “Evie? Are you awake?”
Her exhaustion melted at his voice and she rushed into the hall to wrap her arms around him. Snuggling into his chest, she murmured, “You’re home.”
He squeezed her tightly against his body. “I missed you, too, love. How’s Murray?”
“He’s asleep. Mel and Tristan gave me a crash course in how to care for dragon babies.”
“So does that mean you don’t need my help at all?”
Evie looked up and frowned. “Don’t you dare tease about that. If you think I’m going to take care of Murray ninety-nine percent of the time without you, then you’re in for a big surprise.”
Her dragonman chuckled. “If you remember the first day we met, I was doing a fine job taking care of him all by myself.”
