Page 16 of Curvy Girl and the Single Dad Dragon
He smiles, and something in my chest flutters at the sight. When Damon Thorne really smiles, it transforms his entire face, softening the intimidating features into something heart-stoppingly handsome.
"It's not a dream," he assures me. "Though I understand the sentiment. When Jenny first learned what I was, she was convinced she was hallucinating for nearly a week."
The mention of his ex-wife reminds me of something I've been wondering. "Can I ask... was she always afraid? Or did something specific happen?"
His expression clouds slightly. "She accepted what I was, initially. It was difficult for her, but she loved me enough to try. We were happy for several years. Then Ember was born, and for a while, everything was perfect." He pauses, his hands stilling on the counter. "When Ember's dragon traits began manifesting around age four, Jenny started to withdraw. The reality of raising a dragon child… The constant vigilance, the fear of discovery, it was too much for her."
"I'm sorry," I whisper. "That must have been incredibly painful for both of you."
"For all three of us," he corrects gently. "Jenny loved Ember, very much. She just couldn't reconcile that love with her fear of what Ember is. What I am."
I consider his words before responding. "I think... I think I can understand both sides. Learning dragons exist is overwhelming. Being responsible for keeping that secret while raising a child who could accidentally reveal everything with one emotional moment, that's a tremendous burden."
"It is," he acknowledges. "One I'm asking you to share now."
"The difference is, I came into this with my eyes open," I point out. "Maybe not initially, but I've made my choice knowing what it means."
Those golden eyes seem to look straight through me. "And you're certain about that choice? There would be no shame in changing your mind, Luna. This isn't what you signed up for."
"I signed up to care for Ember," I say firmly. "Finding out she's a dragon doesn't change that. If anything, it makes me more determined to help her navigate this world safely."
Something in his expression shifts, softens. "You're quite remarkable, you know."
Heat rushes to my cheeks at the unexpected compliment. "I'm just doing my job."
"No," he says quietly. "You're doing much more than that."
Before I can respond, Ember races back into the room wearing dragon-patterned pajamas, her damp hair curling wildly around her face.
"Ready!" she announces. "I brushed my teeth extra good so there's no fire hiding in there."
"Is that a concern?" I ask Damon quietly as Ember bounces into the living room to set up the movie.
"Not really," he murmurs, his breath warm against my ear. "But it helps her remember to be careful about controlling her inner flame. We should join her before she comes looking for us," he suggests, his voice neutral.
The living room has been transformed in Ember's brief absence. She's arranged pillows and blankets on the floor in front of the large TV, creating a cozy nest big enough for three.
"I made a dragon den!" she explains proudly. "Luna gets the middle because she's new to dragon stuff and might need extra warmth."
I glance at Damon, wondering if this arrangement makes him uncomfortable, but he merely shrugs with a small smile. "Dragon logic. Hard to argue with it."
Chapter 6 - Damon
"Dragon logic. Hard to argue with it."
I watch as Luna hesitantly takes her designated spot in the middle of Ember's nest of pillows and blankets. She settles awkwardly, clearly trying to maintain a professional distance despite my daughter's insistence on this intimate arrangement.
"Is this okay?" she asks quietly, looking up at me with those clear hazel eyes.
"It's fine," I assure her, though I'm not entirely convinced myself. After six centuries of boundaries with humans, this level of casual closeness feels foreign. Dangerous, even. "Ember's very particular about her movie night setups."
"Like a real nest?" Luna whispers as I lower myself to sit on her other side, keeping a respectful distance.
I nod. "Dragon instincts. They emerge in different ways."
Ember bounces over with the remote, completely oblivious to the adult tension as she wedges herself between us. "Ready! Luna, have you seen this movie? It's my favorite. The dragons aren't really accurate though."
"I've seen it," Luna confirms with a smile. "And I'm curious to hear what parts aren't accurate."
