by Crystal Dawn
“Yes, Sweetie. I’ll start cooking as soon as you leave so there’ll be something ready for lunch.”
With thank yous and goodbyes, the two of them headed out the door. Dori started by taking stock of the leftovers and the well-stocked fridge and freezer. The cupboards were full too. Romo wanted to be sure anything needed was available. She started by putting stew on in the kettle. It could be reheated for several days.
There was some leftover fish, so she chopped it up well and made a tuna casserole. As she did whenever she tried something not eaten here, she wondered how the locals would receive it. There was still room in the oven so she fixed a pan of ribs, a pan of wings, and four small birds for the last pan. While they began to cook, she took a small break while she mulled over what else to fix.
Dori decided on hot rolls and cinnamon rolls. She also made some creamed corn, green bean casserole, and buttered peas. Once everything was cooked, Bree would be set for a while. The tuna casserole was done and she pulled it out and put the hot rolls in the oven. The other things got done and she switched out things at a steady pace.
There was a noise outside and she was sure Romo and Bree had come home for an early lunch, but when she answered the knock it was Frex and Havos. “Come in you two. Have a seat and tell me why you’re here while I get you a bite to eat.”
She put drinks on the table and then she got them each some tuna casserole. So what if it wasn’t really tuna. It was a fish with a similar taste. They dug in right away. “What is this?” Havos asked.
“It’s a fish casserole. Do you like it?”
“Very much so.” Havos admitted.
“So did you run into a difficulty?”
Just a minor one. Garulto wants four extra helpers for a few days. He plans to plant a quad.” A quad was a field usually a small one divided to hold four different crops usually hard to grow ones. “He is following Betty’s advice to plant chocolate, coffee, tea, and a berry that is rare.”
Dori thought Betty might be a little self-serving since she liked all those things herself. Of course if he managed to get them established, he would make good money off them. “Okay, take the young men from the woods and two of my farm workers.”
“Are you sure you want to do without?” Havos asked.
“It’s just a few days. I heard a rumor we might get more workers, but I don’t know how they’ll work out.”
“Alright. Thank you for the wonderful meal. I hope I can find a mate like you one day.” Frex just nodded.
“That’s a nice thing to say. She’ll be a lucky girl.”
Her workers hurried out to get back to Garulto and let him know he would have the workers he needed tomorrow morning. Dori went back to her cooking and pulling things out of the oven to cool off. The casserole would go best with the hot rolls. Havos and Frex would have enjoyed them had they been done.
It was long after they left when Romo and Bree made it home. “Mm, Mom, it smells like tuna casserole.” Bree mentioned delightedly.
“Just sit down. Let me clear those plates and I’ll fix you each one. The hot rolls just got done.” Dori declared.
“Hot rolls? Thank you, Mom.” Bree said. Romo just smiled. He would be happy if his mate was, but he was curious about these new foods he’d get to try. He’d liked almost all of them.
Dori knew the dragons had amazing senses and Romo probably smelled the fish and the cheese. Here they had a vast array of cheeses but they didn’t cook with them like humans did. Romo had quickly discovered that her family liked the milder yellow and orange cheeses and he kept a large supply handy. So far, he’d liked the dishes that she’d added cheese to.
Dori wasn’t sure why Draconis in general didn’t have any complicated recipes. They fixed plain foods but they did use spices. They just didn’t experiment with their food. Some bakers did make pies, but only those from the most common foods. Dragon claws were their most complicated baked good and their only pastry.
She loaded up their plates and set them in front of them, before fixing her own. “Whose plates were those?” Romo asked pointing to the dirty ones.
“Havos and Frex stopped by at lunch. He had a question.” Dori explained. That seemed to be enough for him.
“Isn’t Havos your supervisor?” Bree asked.
“He is and he had a decision he wanted me to make. So why did you go to work with Romo today?” Dori didn’t usually act nosy, but Bree had started it by asking her questions.
“I went to talk to the person who runs the café in the castle about supplying them with fresh crops. After that, I stayed with Betty until lunch time.”
“Did you have any luck?” Dori asked.
“Not really. They don’t want to commit to a steady purchase and they prefer cooked goods. I didn’t realize they buy most of their food from local home cooks.” Bree admitted.
“Why would you? It’s not something they post. That explains why they don’t have a menu.” Dori offered.
“I heard they may be going out of business soon.” Romo mentioned. Dori and Bree looked at him. “What?”
“I just forgot how much males gossip.” Dori explained.
“Males don’t gossip, ever.” Romo insisted. “I use the café sometimes and they told all the regular customers that they may need to make other arrangements because they may close down.”
“Well that sounds understandable. It was nice of them to prepare you.” Dori admitted.
“I just hope someone takes it over if they leave.” Bree mentioned.
“If they do, maybe you’ll get a contract to supply fresh foods.” Dori said. She had enough going on and wanted nothing else for now except possibly expanding her business.
At this point the conversation paused in favor of filling their stomachs. “This is incredible.” Romo complimented.
“Tastes just like the casserole you made at home.” Bree offered.
“Good, it’s one more recipe to remember. I made it with the fish you had that was leftover.”
“Really? That is a fish we don’t normally eat. It is fed to pets. I bought it already cooked to feed to Bree’s pet Bowser.” Romo admitted.
“We just ate dog food?” Dori asked incredulously.
“There’s nothing wrong with it. It is just tough and bony. Fisherman often eat it and sell the more valued of their catch. If they have excess, they cook it in large amounts and sell it cheaply for dog food or those who have little money at the time.” Romo explained.
“Humans did the same at one time except they often threw back certain parts of the catch until cooks learned to fix them and make them taste good.” Dori admitted.
“Is this tuna one of those fish?” Romo asked.
“No, it’s just a very common fish often caught in large numbers.” Dori explained.
“So it is more affordable because there is so much of it?” Romo wondered.
“Exactly. When the girls were younger we had to save wherever we could. I bought the less expensive foods and made recipes so they would taste good.” Dori admitted.
“Mom was always the best cook.” Bree complimented.
“Thank you, Sweetheart.” Dori replied.
“These hot rolls melt in my mouth.” Romo observed.
“That’s what they’re supposed to do. Your people don’t have a lot of baked goods.” Dori pointed out.
“People fear to experiment because it might ruin the food.” Romo explained. “Many farmers barely eke out a living.”
“They have very primitive methods for such advanced people.” Dori noted.
“It is true. We are a warrior race and our focus is on technology and weaponry. Some work on medicine too.” Romo explained.
“I’m glad I know how to cook. If we came here and didn’t know, the food would be filling, but not appetizing.” Dori observed.
They finished with dessert, she had made more vanilla pudding. “This is great Mom. I love your pudding!” Bree exclaimed.
Dori started to answer, but she felt the light flutter
in her tummy as the baby kicked. That happened more often now and it was distracting. The week she had to get things in order would go quickly and Garulto would have to be told. She worried about how he would take the news. The only thing she was sure of was telling him wouldn’t be easy. Now she was lost in thought and forgot about where she was and that Romo and Bree would both notice she was distracted. Once she finished her food, she got up and started on the dishes. Romo convinced Bree to rest on the couch while he helped Dori clean up.
She was happy for her two daughters who had found wonderful mates, she just wished she had the same thing for herself. Doing another pregnancy alone was not what she’d had in mind when she’d agreed to come here. Still, she wouldn’t change things if she could. It might not be convenient to have this dragonlet, but she loved it already. Somehow, someway, things would work out.
The kitchen was clean now. “Romo can you give me a ride back home?”
“Sure. Do you want to fly or go by minibus?”
“Minibus, please.”
He shot her a look like he was trying to see in her head. Yeah, she could understand that. She enjoyed, even preferred flying before she’d gotten pregnant. Now she just wanted to take the minibus. He probably thought it made no sense. It was good he didn’t know why.
He told Bree who barely woke up to say okay before they headed out. Tomorrow she would work on the nursery. She was lucky there was a connecting room to the master in her house. It had either been a dressing room or a nursery. Since the house was old, it may have been both at one time or another. She’d totally lost herself in her thoughts because she was surprised when Romo came to a stop.
“Here we are.” Romo announced. Dori jerked into awareness. “You’d tell me if you needed anything, right?”
“Yes, Romo. I know you’re willing to help. You’re just not used to independent Earth women.”
“Maybe not, but I’m learning. Take care of yourself, okay?”
“I will. You take care of my girl.”
“I will.” He said and as soon as she got out, he hurried back home. Bree and Betty were two lucky girls. Now she just had two more to see settled. Dori didn’t hold out much hope for her own personal happiness, but she derived pleasure when her girls were happy.
She unlocked the door and headed in making sure to lock the door behind her. It was times like this, when she was exhausted but unable to sleep that she missed him the most. He’d wormed her way into her heart, but she refused to give in. Eventually, everything would be alright.
Chapter 4
Rougish
Over the last week he’d been busy. Reports had trickled in and work on his farm had continued at a fast pace. He’d discovered Dannia had gone to the mining meteor first, but it hadn’t suited her. Why would it? The place was bleak at best, but there were a lot of males. She’d not enlisted any to her cause since none had been reported missing.
As best as he could tell, she was on the moon hiding, probably in plain sight. He had managed to run down some people that had helped her, but none of them were what you would call rogues. An elderly couple had taken her in for a few days and she had left with their life savings. To Garulto’s view, that was punishment enough for anything they might have done wrong. As far as he could see, they had simply tried to help a female fleeing what she said was an abusive situation.
A male had flown her to the moon. He was probably hoping to get lucky, but he had gotten nothing for his time or trouble. The male had comforted her while she cried and she’d run away the moment they set down on the moon. His motives had not been pure, but neither had they been traitorous. At this point, the only thing they could do was open negotiations with Leotus, King of the cat shifters and hope he’d catch and return her.
He wrote up the report and hoped the king would not be too disappointed in his results. Sending it off quickly, his attention now turned to other matters like calling his people back home. They knew where the wicked creature was so there was no need for further investigation. Air control would now carefully monitor ships leaving the moon so she wouldn’t escape into the vast reaches of the universe.
Garulto had never before thought such evil could exist, much less in a female. Females could be disappointing, as Dori had been, by not returning a male’s feelings. Never had he thought one could plan murder and mayhem and be thrilled by it. It made him wonder how such a horrible female came to be. Cretia had been raised with her, but she wasn’t affected by the evil.
Perhaps this was a question to consider over an ale with Niku and Romo. They knew more about this female than he did. Hopefully she was an anomaly and not a new trend. Females like that turned loose on their quiet and well-ordered planet would cause havoc. There would be no way to contain a large infestation and life as they knew it would change.
The oddest thing was this female wasn’t from an unknown planet but one they’d gotten mates from for thousands of years. As far as he knew, they’d never encountered one such as her. He hoped they never would again. It would pay to talk to Cretia and discover more information on her sister. Perhaps the king would see the wisdom in doing that.
Deciding to push that to the back of his mind, he concentrated on his work at hand so he could make time at lunch to go to his farm. Admittedly, Dori had her workers lined out and they all worked hard. No one ever missed or if they did, someone else seamlessly filled in for them. She would probably make a perfect general. Never had he seen anyone, male or female that could take charge like she did. No one ever questioned her authority either and he’d fell sorry for anyone who ever did.
Being in charge of the worker program for rogues was a perfect fit for her. He’d heard rumors that the king was considering adding petty criminals to the program. Those were all they’d had before and they were thieves or drunken brawlers. Those that were repeat offenders got time in the jail, but that didn’t benefit anyone and never seemed to redeem any of the culprits. These rogues seemed to be changing to worthwhile members of the community. Those that worked for him had pride in their job and in themselves now.
Garulto didn’t know how Dori did it, but maybe she applied the same principles she’d used to raise children. He regretted that he’d not been able to raise a family with her by his side. His dragon roared in pain and anger. Somehow, he needed to let off some of the dark energy that had been building.
Instead of driving to his farm, he went outside and changed to his dragon. He came when called and he knew his copper and emerald dragon was riveting to most. In a world where most dragons were one color and that color was dull to help dragons hide easily, only nobles had the brighter colors and not all of them. His beast was savage in his beauty and thrilled to be free.
Due to his ferocity, Garulto kept a tight control on his dragon. Letting him loose once in a while made keeping control easier. Soaring up into the clouds, his dragon went higher than he needed to performing some aerial acrobatics before dive bombing toward his farm. What a show off, but only a small percentage of dragons could do what he had.
Once he landed, his dragon refused to change back. He’d picked up the most delightful scent and he was stalking his prey. The scent was Dori, but so much more. Mine! His dragon’s voice whispered in his mind. Dori stood just outside of his door as if waiting for him. Without any sign of fear, she approached his dragon and stroked him gently.
“What a good boy you are. Is Garulto hiding inside there? I need to share something with him.” Dori admitted.
His dragon immediately gave up control and he was able to change back. “Dori.” Garulto whispered. He’d missed her so much.
“Maybe we should sit down? I have something important to tell you.” Dori suggested.
Taking a deep breath, he noted the extra sweetness, the added scent of belonging to him. “How long have you known?” He asked and his voice rumbled deep and low.
“Since right after we parted.” She confirmed.
“We will mate immediately.”
“No
, we will not. This is why I waited to tell you. I am still in control of my future.”
“But the dragonlet, he needs a father.”
“And he will have one. You can be a father without being a mate. It is a common thing on Earth.”
“You need me to see you through this time. Niku rubs Betty’s back and her feet. He makes sure she eats and rests. I can make you feel so good, Dori.” He leaned in so his hot breath hit her ear and neck. His arms moved around her and he felt her shiver.
“We can’t.” She whispered, but she didn’t sound so sure.
Garulto didn’t hesitate. He picked her up and carried her into his house, to his bed. He gave her no time to think and stripped her bare in seconds. His face, his nose to be precise, was drawn to her core. It was damp with need and he intended to fill that need, for her first and then for himself. Goddess, he had missed this female, missed loving her like this.
As his tongue licked her folds, she stared at him in a daze and he pulled his cock out of his pants because it was uncomfortably tight in there. It seemed she had missed this too. His tongue moved up to her clit as his finger sank into her channel. She was so wet for him. Worrying her little nubbin, he added another finger to stretch her for his thick staff. Dori was close, Garulto could feel it so he added one more finger before he nipped her bundle of nerves sending her soaring into bliss. Wasting no time, he slid up her body pushing his shaft into her channel.
Dori’s body still vibrated from her orgasm and it felt amazing. Once he was fully seated, he froze for a moment just to enjoy the feeling of being home. Now he pumped in and out slowly speeding up each time until he was pounding into her with abandon.
“Oh, my God!” Dori exclaimed and she was on a hair triggers edge of her second climax.
A tingle ran down his back as his balls drew up and tightened. Trying to hold back so she could find her release, it was harder and harder to do so. Dori exploded around him and her channel squeezed so tight all the seed was polled right out of him. Holding her, he rolled over and pulled her across his chest. A smile came to his lips as the baby kicked and he felt it. Right this moment, his life was perfect. He knew there was no way this would last.
