Feral Dragon (Earth Dragons Book 5)

by Charlene Hartnady

  Stone helped Cordia up, putting an arm around her.

  “I…” Meghan looked skeptical. She put her hands on her hips.

  “Didn’t you see the light? It was bright. If you blinked, you might have missed it,” Sand asked Meghan.

  “I saw something but…” The doctor looked deep in thought.

  “It’s true,” Druze said. “I also heard something about the Feral. I saw the light. You can see how Macy’s color has improved. I’m sure if you took her BP again it would be improved too.”

  “My mate is fine. Our young…” Sand choked out a laugh. He was smiling broadly, a tear tracked down his cheek. “Our little boys are going to be just fine.”

  “I’ve never been so happy in all my life.” Macy cupped Sand’s cheeks. “I love you so much.”

  “I could have lost you.” Sand put his arms around Macy and pulled her in close.

  “By the way…” Cordia pulled herself away from him as she stood fully upright. Stone was happy to see that she was looking much better. She frowned, looking confused. “You are having a male and a female.”

  “What?” Sand gave his head a shake. His expression grew quizzical. “That’s not possible. I’m afraid you are wrong, Cordia. When species and humans pair, we only ever have males. It has never been any other way.”

  “That would explain it.” She spoke more to herself. “One of the young was changing…” She looked up, like she was struggling to come up with the right terminology. “The growing…what was it that you called it, healer? Something with an E.”

  “Embryo.”

  “That’s it.” Cordia nodded. “The one embryo was a female, but it was changing…becoming… It was evolving into a male. It seemed wrong, so I corrected the abnormality. It didn’t take much energy, or I would have left it.”

  “So,” Meghan was contemplative, “the genetic make-up was somehow altering. That doesn’t seem possible and yet—”

  “And yet,” Sand interjected, “all of our young have been male, so it makes sense. Maybe the Feral community can help us overcome this problem. Not just us, all of the species.”

  “A pigeon pair.” Macy chewed on her bottom lip, her eyes bright.

  “A female,” Sand breathed the word. “The first to be born in many years.”

  “Two healthy children.” Macy punched him lightly on the arm.

  “Of course.” Sand brushed his lips against Macy’s. The female suddenly looked exhausted.

  “Call me if the pains return,” Meghan said, clearly not convinced.

  “I’ll be fine.” Macy smiled. “I just need to rest.”

  “We’re having a male and a female!” Sand yelled. “Two healthy babies,” he quickly added with a laugh.

  Meghan smiled and shook her head. “Call me.” She left, Druze following behind. He lifted his hand in farewell.

  “I’m so glad it all worked out.” Cordia smiled as well. She looked at Stone. “You can help me till I can stand a little better, please.”

  “I mean it. Anything you want. I can never repay you,” Sand said.

  “I don’t need anything.” Cordia smiled. “I’d love to babysit the children sometime. That will be reward enough.”

  “Anytime! The two of you can be godparents to the babies,” Macy blurted.

  “You don’t have to give an answer just yet. Not that you and I have discussed that yet, sweetheart.” Sand widened his eyes at Macy.

  Cordia giggled softly. “We’ll leave you now. You do look tired, Macy. Rest would be good.” She yawned herself.

  “You also need to rest.” Stone kept his arm around Cordia. “You have dark smudges under your eyes, which,” he looked closer, “come to think of it, are red-rimmed. Let’s go.” He looked back at Macy and Sand. “I’m glad things worked out. Congrats on the pigeon pair. Oh, and about that gift I bought—”

  “What gift?” Macy asked.

  “I’ll explain later,” Sand said, his eyes moving back to Stone. “What about it?”

  “I’m going to have to get another one. I bought baby blankets and they’re both blue. That won’t work anymore.” Stone smiled. “I’m going to have to buy pink.”

  “Pink.” Macy beamed.

  “I still can’t believe it.”

  They said their goodbyes. Stone couldn’t believe it either. There were so many things he didn’t know about this female.

  Chapter 19

  “You were right about being open-minded,” Cordia blurted as they walked back to Stone’s nest.

  “No,” Stone shook his head. He was scowling. “You were right about being ultra-cautious.”

  “No!” Cordia shook her head. “You were right. Your healers are very good. Meghan knew exactly what was wrong with Macy. She doesn’t even have any powers. That’s amazing. What else do these healers know? What can they do? I’m very impressed. I was doubtful but…I changed my mind.”

  “Um…” Stone looked skeptical. “I beg to differ. You are the one who healed Macy. Not Meghan or Druze. It was you. You didn’t even need a scalpel and an operating room to do it. That was incredible. You are incredible.” He stopped walking, putting his arms around her. “I’m in awe of you.” He hugged her tighter.

  Cordia enjoyed the moment for a time before pulling back. “Thank you. I appreciate the kind words, but you were right about human healers. I’m glad I was able to use my power.” She felt such joy. Such happiness. “I didn’t have much left, but it worked. It worked! I almost couldn’t believe it. You were right, different species can help one another. It is possible. We can help each other more than we can help our own. Working together, we are stronger.”

  “I didn’t even know you had powers of healing.” His eyes were wide and filled with interest.

  “I don’t anymore.” She licked her lips. “I wasn’t sure there was enough left. There almost wasn’t.” She rubbed her face. “I tried hard to save my sister. I used up most of my power then. I was sure I could do it. I thought that if I tried harder. Dug deeper. Even when I knew it wouldn’t work, I still tried. Our powers don’t work on our own kind and because Macy is a different species, it worked on her. Different species are good for one another. We,” she took his hands in hers, “are good for one another.”

  Stone shook his head. “Watching what happened to Macy…seeing Sand.” He widened his eyes, which turned glassy. “I can’t ever go through that with you. Macy could have died. I’ve been too… casual about your problem.” He sniffed, biting down for a second on his lower lip. “I love you too much, Cordia.” He took her hands. “I have put your life at risk. I’m so sorry. I’m an idiot! A jerk! I don’t ever want to see you hurting.”

  “You weren’t necessarily wrong in your thinking. I realize that now. I think you might be on to something. Maybe we do need to keep an open mind.”

  “No!” He shook his head, his purple eyes becoming turbulent and dark. “No sex until we are sure you are safe. Not even once. I’m okay with never having kids. I agree, we should resign ourselves to that. I can’t have you in a situation like that…or worse. Your safety is my number one priority. Even hearing you say you were leaving…” He squeezed her hands. “That terrified me. The thought of not having you in my life scares the crap out of me. We’re not taking any chances. From here on out it’s you and me…just the two of us. You’re enough for me because you are everything to me.”

  Cordia felt her throat clog. She felt her eyes sting. “You are everything to me as well. I love you too…very much. I’m okay with it just being the two of us.”

  “I wish I could mate you right now.” Stone put his forehead to hers for a beat or two.

  Cordia looked around them. There were several people walking down the hallway they were in. “Right now? That might be a bit awkward.”

  “I wasn’t being literal.” Stone laughed. “You know what I mean.”

  “We technically only just met. It’s probably a good thing that we are forced to wait. I know I want to spend forever with you,” she
shrugged, “so what does it matter?”

  “You’re right.” He brushed his lips over hers.

  Cordia felt content. She felt complete. Her life felt full. Her future too.

  Chapter 20

  Three weeks later…

  Cordia clutched the bedcovers, hearing them rip. She didn’t care right then. Couldn’t! Not with Stone’s tongue laving on her clit. Not with two…maybe even three of his fingers inside her. Not with his thumb… A deep groan was drawn from her as her snatch began to spasm. She made some sort of garbled noise. A mix between her own tongue and English.

  Her male knew how to get her there and ‒ more importantly ‒ how to keep her there. Right there. Holding her…holding…holding before slowly allowing her to come down. Her head tilted back. Her breathing was ragged. Instead of being boneless and completely sated, a need began to grow inside her all over again.

  This male. He did things to her. Maybe because they still hadn’t been able to mount. That could be it. Had to be.

  Cordia rocked against his hand. She wanted more. No, needed it. “What do you say we 69? I would love to suck on your prick.” She stretched out before pulling herself up onto one elbow.

  Stone licked his lips, looking just as sated, even though he had not found release. “Let’s have breakfast first. Then I definitely—”

  Cordia shook her head. “You’ve been over-feeding me, my dresses—”

  Her phone rang. She ignored it.

  “You should get that. It’s the third time that person has tried to contact you in the last few minutes.”

  “Really?” She smiled. “I didn’t hear a thing.” Then she grimaced. “We really need to put our phones on silent when we’re in bed…or in the shower…or the bath… When we’re fooling around.” She winked at Stone, who laughed.

  “Yeah, our phones would be off a lot of the time.”

  “That’s true.” She laughed with him.

  “Get that, please!” Stone urged when her phone started up again.

  “Fine, but I’m on top when we 69.”

  “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Stone kissed her palm before placing her phone in her hand.

  “Hi,” Cordia said as she swiped to answer.

  “Finally,” Vicky pushed out a breath. “What took you so long?”

  “I’m sorry. I was busy.” She smiled, feeling warm inside.

  “I’m with clutch,” Vicky squealed, sounding excited.

  Cordia sat upright in bed, her heart raced. Her mind raced too. Blood seemed to rush through her veins. She could hear it in her ears, from the inside out.

  “Cordia…are you still there?”

  “Yes…sorry, yes,” she replied. “That’s great.” Her voice was tense. Her whole body had tensed up.

  “You don’t sound like you think it’s great.” Her friend sounded upset more than angry.

  “I’m worried, Vicky. That’s all. Otherwise, I’m thrilled for you and Talon. I swear I am.”

  “We’re thrilled. Talon is nervous. Understandably so, but I know in my heart it’s going to be okay. Don’t ask me how. Call it a gut instinct.”

  “I’m sure you’re right.” Worry still churned but she forced it aside. “Human doctors are very good. Our kind should consider bringing them on board to assist. We tried to go it alone before, using just our own healers and our powers and it didn’t turn out very well.” She shook her head. “Things have changed since then.” She lay back down.

  “Talon is discussing it with his superiors. The ball is already rolling, but thanks for the advice. Good to know we are on the right track.”

  “You’re sure you’re with clutch?” Cordia added. “It’s not like the Feral have a test we can take or anything.”

  “Very sure. I’ve been super horny these last few weeks. As you know, that’s a sign.” She giggled. “I was told about it but didn’t think it would affect me.” She giggled some more. “Like, I can’t get enough of my mate. We literally just have sex,” Vicky spoke softly, “and I want more. It’s nuts! My clothes are all too tight and then—”

  “You felt them,” Cordia whispered; she was still lying on her back on the bed.

  “Yes,” Vicky gushed, sounding delighted. “You can’t miss them. Three lumps inside my belly. If you have a good feel, you can just make them out. They’re small right now. They’re the size of a half a chicken egg.”

  “They’ll grow. Hopefully not too big, since you have to push them out.”

  “Talon said that the eggshell stays semi-soft and malleable, so as to make it easier.”

  “That is right. Soft and yet they are really strong. You’ll be fine. If a human can push out a whole baby, you can push out three eggs.”

  “They’re big, though.” Vicky laughed, sounding nervous. “The biggest part of a baby is its head. I’d say each egg will be at least that big.”

  “When you put it that way,” Cordia bit down on her lip, “I’m worried for you for different reasons now.”

  “No need. I’ll be fine. Oh,” Vicky said, “I have another call coming in. It’s Talon. I have to take this.” She spoke quickly. “We need to see each other, Cordia. I want to meet your man.”

  “Yes…soon. I promise.”

  “Okay… Love you, my friend. Bye.”

  “Bye!” Cordia answered. Before she could say anything more, Vicky put down the phone. Cordia lay there a while, her mind working. Both worrying and feeling happy for her friend.

  High sex drive.

  Tight-fitting clothing.

  And…

  Cordia pressed on her belly gently. She used the tips of her fingers, moving around her belly. All over…all…over.

  Small but there.

  Soft lumps inside.

  Growing.

  Her heart was pounding so hard she didn’t hear Stone. He was asking her what she wanted for breakfast. Maybe he’d asked her something else. She wasn’t sure. Cordia sat up. Her eyes were wide and she struggled to breathe. At least it felt that way. It was like her chest had grown tight. “Eggs,” she blurted.

  “Oh.” Stone looked confused. “I thought you didn’t eat eggs. Are you feeling okay, my love? You don’t look…” He narrowed his eyes on her.

  “I’m with clutch,” she said again, feeling bewildered. Feeling… She burst into tears. “I’m with clutch.” She put a hand to her belly, the tears coursing down her cheeks.

  “Who? Your friend…Vicky? I gathered, sorry,” he added. “I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation.”

  “No…” She shook her head, trying hard to stop the tears and failing. “Not Vicky. Yes,” she quickly added, “Vicky is also with clutch.”

  “Also…?” He frowned hard. “You’re losing me here.” He walked over to the bed, concern etched into his features.

  “Me. It’s me as well. I’m also with clutch.” With that, the tears fell quicker. Her whole body shook with sheer emotion.

  “That can’t be.” Stone dropped the hand towel he had been holding. His brow was furrowed. “I didn’t scent anything. You didn’t go into heat.” He sat down on the bed next to her, making her bounce lightly.

  “I must have.” She shook her head, the tears still coming. Such incredible fear accosted her. Was she going to die? She might. There was a good chance. Maybe not, though. Maybe… Oh, by the gods. By feather and paw. What had she done? What had they done?

  “No. Come on…we’ve been so careful. No sex at all. Not since,” he swallowed hard, “soon after you arrived. That one time…when the condom broke.”

  “There were also a couple of times during the conference. It’s possible.” She sniffed, using the back of her hand to wipe her nose.

  “I know but come on…unlikely.” He looked shocked. His brain working.

  “I can feel them,” Cordia practically whispered. “Not three but two eggs. Must be because of you. Normally there are three. They’re there though…inside me. I’m slightly bigger around my middle. My clothes…I blamed you for all the
great cooking but…” She shook her head. “I’m…” Hot tears streamed down her face. Her nose ran. She sniffed.

  “Fuck!” Stone’s eyes were blazing. “I don’t know how to feel. I want to be happy because having young with you would be like…unbelievable. It would make me the happiest male alive, and yet…” His jaw tensed. “If anything were to happen to you.” He shook his head. “I…I’m sorry. This is my fault. What the hell are we going to do?” He jumped up off the bed.

  “No, it’s not your fault at all. I had sex with you willingly. I didn’t even tell you I was fertile those first few times. If anything, you should be angry with me.”

  “No,” he shook his head, “I’m a grown male. I didn’t use protection. I didn’t even give it a thought that first time. Then I talked you into trying the condoms. That was a mistake.” He shook his head. “I can’t believe this.” He raked a hand through his hair.

  “Let’s not bring blame into this. What are we going to do? We need a plan here.” Her hands were shaking. “I’m scared but there is a part of me that is excited too. I’m crazy. I should be in a full-blown panic right now.”

  “We ’re going to get through this.” He pulled out his phone. “We’ll get the best medical help.” He paced. “I know just the male who can help us.” He kept on pacing.

  “Who?” she asked.

  “Druze.”

  The male Stone’s sister had been mated to? The one who had left to have a baby with a human? The male who hadn’t said more than two words a few weeks back when Macy was in an emergency situation? That male? “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.”

  “Druze has been on an apprenticeship with our healers since soon after my sister died. He recently qualified as a healer.”

  “Your sister took her own life because of him.”

  “Druze has given his life over to finding a cure for our females. He was next in line for security leader. Not me! I got the role when he fell apart after Amethyst died.” Stone shook his head, his eyes filled with pain. “The male was a talented warrior. Still is. Our king refused to give him leave to study to become a healer. He’s been working day and night for years to get to where he is. I know that he would do anything for me. I would trust him with my life…” Stone knelt down before her, there were tears in his eyes. “I trust him with your life and the life of our whelps, which is more important by far.”