General of Draconis (Winged Beast Book 3) Page 8

  “Do you ever take these?” Garulto ask her. He was pointing at a white flower with red tipped petals.

  “I’ve never seen one before.”

  “You’ll make Betty’s day if you bring her some of these.” He assured her.

  She picked them and bagged them. It was a good thing she wore heavy leather gloves because they had some type of thorn. By the time a couple hours had passed, they had gathered a huge pile of bags. Betty would be thrilled and the grocery store that bought most of her produce would be happy too.

  They loaded everything into two big sacks and she intended to carry one but her male wouldn’t let her. He carried both as if they weighed no more than a feather. Garulto even used one hand to help steady her as they walked back. The morning had been nice and she’d enjoyed just knowing he was there even though they hadn’t talked much. Sometimes talk wasn’t necessary.

  “Shall we take these to town first and fix lunch once we get back?” He asked.

  “I like that suggestion. We didn’t get dirty and we can go like we are.” Dori suggested.

  “Minus the gloves.” He said and she saw his gloves were covered in mud and hers were only a little less dirty.

  “Agreed.” She said as she pulled them off and dropped them on the corner of the porch.

  They took the minibus and headed into town going to the store first selling all the mushrooms. The produce was in demand since her harvesters had been working fields instead. She was happy with the pay. Now they headed to the healers. She hoped Betty wouldn’t ask about tonight.

  They found Damos and Garulto dumped the herbs on a table. Dori reached out to pick up a bag but his hand stopped hers. “Don’t touch the bags. There might be residue. We don’t know what affect they may have on the baby.”

  “Why didn’t you say anything when I picked them?” Dori asked stunned.

  “You were being careful and wore gloves. I don’t know that much about these flowers so I want you to be cautious.”

  She realized he was right. Caution needed to be applied in all things while she carried a baby and until it was older. Damos was nodding his approval. Dori couldn’t be upset. Her mate was letting her do what was safe and only interceding when he felt she overstepped reasonable precautions. Instead of feeling stifled, she felt loved and protected.

  “Where is Betty?” Dori asked.

  “She doesn’t work most days now.” Damos replied. “Her pregnancy will be harder than yours.”

  “You knew?” Garulto asked.

  “I did. It wasn’t my place to tell you. She said she would and clearly she did.” Damos said.

  Dori thought for a moment her male would argue, but then he seemed to realize it wasn’t Damos’ fault. If he gave out medical information, no one would want to be his patient. Damos paid her generously. “Was the new flower a rare one?” She asked.

  “The rarest and most sought after one I know of. We’ll take all of it you can get.” Damos offered.

  “Okay. That’s the first time we found it, but who knows?” Dori said. Now they took their leave ready to go home and prepare for company.

  Once they made it home, Garulto led her up the stairs and unlocked the door. “Now tell me, what do you need help with?”

  “Can you cook?” Dori asked.

  “I can some, but tell the other males and I’ll deny it.”

  “Why? Niku and Romo have both helped with the cooking before.” Dori admitted.

  “What is our world coming to? You Earth females will blur the lines between females and males.”

  “Too late. It’s already been done.” Dori giggled like a teenager. He made her feel lighthearted with his teasing.

  “Show me what you want me to do. I am your willing slave.”

  “Too bad there’s not time to test that out in the bedroom.” Dori said shooting him a naughty look.

  “Maybe there is if we work fast enough?” He suggested and she found she liked the sound of that.

  “Let’s get to work then. First let’s fix ourselves some lunch. “

  Once they had fixed and ate lunch, she felt more energized. The little one wasn’t moving around much so maybe he or she was asleep now. The baby wasn’t even born yet and already sleeping at different times than mother did. It showed what she could expect in the future.

  “What do you plan to fix for tonight?”

  “I had thought to have roast, but I saw this delivery of ground beef. I thought maybe we’d grill some burgers.”

  “What are these burgers?”

  “Males usually love them. Let’s start by mixing in some spices and we’ll try some different types. First, I need you to get the fire pit fired up.”

  Garulto left to get a fire started and she put on potatoes to boil. She boiled some eggs too. Baked beans were on the menu so she got them started in the oven. The weather was perfect for a picnic. She had what she needed for some of her favorite picnic foods. There was no time like now to try out some local ingredients for old time favorites.

  Her mate came in and stood behind her wrapping his arms around her. She leaned back against him. “The fire is going. What do you want me to do now?”

  “Let’s get these patties made and I’ll show you how to grill them.” She pulled out a bowl where she’d already added the ground meat and seasonings. “Let’s put a bit of ale in this bowl.”

  “Ale? You add this to your meat?”

  “Some people like the flavor it gives it. Let’s just try it. We’ll try some others too so we can see what you males like.”

  Dori helped him fix a tray of hamburger patties. “Making these patties is fun.” He teased.

  They walked outside where she showed his how to grill them. “Be careful not to overcook them or no one will want them.” Once she felt he had the hang of it, she went back in where the potatoes and eggs were just about done.

  She had the potato salad and deviled eggs well in hand when he brought the hamburgers in. They’d turned out great. They tried something different for the next batch,. Time seemed to fly and although everything was done by the time company began to arrive, they hadn’t found any time for themselves like they’d hoped to.

  Anticipation was a bitch and Dori was horny as hell. All the little touches and kisses he’d given her had her set on fire. Betty and Niku arrived first and Garulto answered the door and escorted Betty to the kitchen. Romo came next and the girls came in to the kitchen while the males all ended up outside by the fire pit.

  “It seems males of all worlds like to barbecue.” Betty observed.

  “I didn’t think males ever cooked.” Dori said.

  “On a world where males outnumber females, some males have to cook.” Bree pointed out.

  “I never thought of it that way.” Dori admitted.

  “You never noticed all these homes have fire pits?” Betty asked.

  “Yes, and I also noticed they are set up to cook on.’” Dori admitted.

  “Those are for males to use. Females cook in the kitchen.” Betty explained. “Now that we’ve straightened out the gender roles in cooking, what are we here for, Mom? What’s been going on?”

  “Garulto and I have been seeing each other.”

  “Yes, everyone has suspected that. Are you mating?” Bree asked.

  “We’re doing a test run.”

  “That’s not what this is about.” Betty observed.

  “No, I’m expecting.” Dori mentioned and both her girls looked at her with their eyes bugged out and their mouths hanging open.

  “I didn’t think you could.” Bree stated.

  “I didn’t either, but I was wrong.” Dori pointed out.

  “Are you certain?” Betty asked.

  Dori grabbed her hand and laid it on her stomach. The dragonlet kicked at his sister’s hand. “Oh my god. How far along are you?” Betty asked.

  Not as far along as you are.”

  “But close?” Betty accused.

  “Look, I know I should have told you, but I d
idn’t know what was going to happen with Garulto. If you’d known, he would have known before long. I needed to figure my life out. It looks like that life will be with him.”

  “Not you too?” Tomi said. “It must be in the fucking water.” She threw up her hands and stomped off before Dori could get on to her about her language.

  “She’s going to fall hard when she does.” Bree said.

  “If she doesn’t run him off first.” Betty observed.

  “These dragon men are hard to get rid of. He’ll be back around.” Dori guessed.

  The males brought in a platter of hamburgers. “These are great. “ Niku praised.

  “You haven’t been eating them, have you?” Dori asked.

  “No, we just tasted one. It smelled so good.” Romo admitted.

  “Back home, males love burgers.” Betty observed.

  “This meal is like a picnic with a barbecue.” Bree explained. “I always loved those in the summer.”

  “Now that the hamburgers are done, we can put everything on the table.” Dori suggested.

  “What are you going to use for buns?” Betty asked.

  “We’ll have to use bread.” Dori admitted. “Eventually we’ll come up with something more appropriate.”

  “Where is Tomi?” Romo asked.

  “She’s outside playing with Selia.” Niku said. “I saw them when I went to get those sticks for the fire.”

  “Someone needs to call them in.” Dori said.

  “I will.” Romo offered and he went to do it.

  Everything was brought to the table including a version of the usual condiments and garnishes put on a hamburger. “Goody, Hamburgers. Grandma you’re the best.” Selia jumped into Dori’s arms. Selia giggled. “Grandma has a little monster in her tummy just like Mommy and aunt Bree.”

  Chapter 6

  An Opportunity

  “A monster?” Garulto asked looking offended.

  “It’s not meant as an insult. It’s a term of endearment.” Dori explained.

  “If you say so.” Garulto said now looking confused. These humans were odd to his way of thinking. At least everyone knew that Dori was his now, except possibly Dori. He’d convince her in time.

  The picnic barbecue was a hit and he had to admit while burgers had sounded odd, they had tasted great. All the foods Dori had introduced him to have been delicious. He was one lucky male. Now it was time for them to move on to the next part of their lives, mating. Not that he would push because his female would run if he did. No, he would convince her through romance.

  Dori’s daughters would help him, he knew they would. Just as they were getting ready to leave, he found himself alone with Betty. “Tell me Betty. What is something your mom would find romantic?”

  She looked at him and blinked. “I’ve never thought of my mom as romantic at all. Maybe just spending time with her doing things she likes? Learn to cook, she loves to teach that. Be a shoulder to lean on when things get tough. When she’s tired, cook for her.”

  “Thank you.” Those were all things he’d already thought about. Dori needed to know she could always rely on him.

  Now they all gathered by the door saying their thank you’s and goodbyes. It had been a nice time, but it was their time now to spend alone. Most of the mess had been cleaned up, but he went to the kitchen to finish cleaning up and sent Dori to rest. It was obvious to him the dragonlet was taking a lot out of her.

  Had they fully mated, it would have been much easier on her. He knew better than to mention that to her. Dori would feel he was pushing to get his way. Once everything was clean and out away, he headed back to their bed. Dori smelled like rain, clean and pure. Garulto decided a shower was in order before he joined her.

  Once he was done, he felt ready to relax and go to sleep with his mate. Careful not to wake her, he slipped between the sheets and slid up against her. She settled into his arms and it was where she belonged. It wasn’t long before he joined her in sleep.

  When he woke, he became aware of Dori’s sweet scent, her warmth, and the arousal that rushed through him. He immediately became aware that his mate was beginning to wake. Garulto leaned down and started a gentle kiss that took off and explored her mouth. His lips moved down her neck and he licked the spot he would someday bite in order to cement their mating.

  Not stopping there, he moved on to her full breasts, he knew they would continue to swell with milk for their dragonlet. The rosy tips drew him in and he just had to taste them. Tugging one hard into his mouth, he released it once it was sensitive to his touch.

  Now he moved on to give the other one similar treatment. His mate moaned and writhed with need and he could scent her sweet need on the air. “Perhaps we should get ready to start our day/” He whispered.

  She froze for a second. “You had better see to my needs if you don’t want important equipment cut off.”

  He chuckled. “Sweetling, you have, but to ask.”

  He rolled himself on top of her and rested his weight on his forearms as he pressed his cockhead to her entrance. She was sopping wet and he gently slid in until he was fully inside. They groaned together. Goddess it felt perfect to be inside her.

  Garulto felt like just staying there, joined like this and never moving again. Need refused to allow and it and neither did his mate. She urged him to move and move quickly. Her heels pressed against him demanding action. Taking her cues, he began to move. The faster he moved, the more excited his mate became until he was pounding into her and she was screaming her pleasure.

  Her orgasm hit and she screamed his name, just as it should be. Her tight channel squeezed the seed right out of him and he called out her name in his bliss. Their bodies were slicked in sweat and their breath came in gulps. His dragon senses could hear their hearts pounding in rhythm.

  “I’m ready for a shower now.” Dori teased.

  Shower time went as one might expect, but it was still good clean fun. They were both squeaky clean in fact. Garulto dressed rapidly and hurried downstairs to start breakfast while Dori finished getting ready. It was nothing special, but it was filling and didn’t taste too bad.

  “You fixed breakfast?”

  “Yes, I thought to make things easier on you.”

  “That’s sweet. What is it?”

  “It’s a hot ham sandwich, sort of.”

  “Where did you pick up that term?” Dori asked and then she took a bite.

  “Betty made something like it for Niku and I once when I visited.”

  “This is pretty good. Thank you. You’ve known Niku and Romo a long time, haven’t you?”

  “I have. I’m just a few years older and we served together when they first enlisted. I was their lieutenant.”

  “What does that mean here?”

  “I was in charge of our squad and I answered directly to our Captain. I know Jarel, Davy’s mate well too.”

  “That’s amazing that all you males know each other. Niku and Erak are related as well.”

  “I suspected as much. Hopefully, he won’t let her drive him away. The poor male has no idea how to deal with her.”

  It was weird hearing Erak described as a poor male, but his rank didn’t help him with his chosen mate, that was clear to see. “It’s hard to drive away a dragon, especially one that’s made a choice. He’s been told to take it slow with human females. That’ doesn’t seem to be working with Tomi.”

  “She’s angry and feel tricked into coming here. When it was a small country on the other side of Earth, she thought she could change her mind. Now she realizes she’s stuck.”

  ‘You and Betty adjusted well once you found out.”

  “Some are more open minded than others about alien worlds and big changes.”

  “This is true among dragons as well. So what do you wish to do today? We could go shopping or work on the nursery?”

  “Why don’t we shop for while then come home and work on the nursery?” Dori asked.

  “Absolutely. Let me clean up a
nd we’ll go.” It was an easy meal to clean up after and they were on their way quickly.

  The days Garulto had off, were their equivalent of a human’s weekend and many others had these two days off as well. That meant there would be a farmer’s market set up in a field near the castle. Other vendors would set up as well and anything a person might want, could often be found here. There would be bargains and gems hid among over priced items and poor workmanship.

  It took a discerning buyer to avoid the pitfalls and find the truly good stuff. Garulto found he wanted to see what Dori would make of it. They took the minibus so they would be able to buy things and get them home easily. Some vendors delivered, but it wasn’t wise to depend on that.

  As the field came into sight, Dori let out her breath. He could feel excitement running through her. Not all the vendors would be dragons and he wondered if she might meet some of the humans that hadn’t mated. Maybe she would want to make some friends among them.

  “This is amazing. It reminds me of a huge monthly garage sale near where I grew up that ran in the summers.”

  “This garage sale was like this?”

  “Yes, they are also called yard sales.”

  Garulto pulled into a parking area and parked. She waited for him to help her out because it made him so happy to do so. The ground under her feet was uneven so it turned out to be a smart move since he prevented her from falling.

  As soon as they got to the first tent, they heard a shrill voice yelling. “Genuine Earth ice cream! Get some for a copper dragon.”

  “How would they have Earth ice cream?” Dori asked.

  “There are some humans here from earth, just not many.”

  “I wasn’t aware of that.” Dori said. “Can you buy us a sample?”

  “Of course.” He stepped up to buy two. They were in small cups. It truly was just a sample.

  They tried it and Dori admitted it was much like ice cream. They dropped off their cups in the tub on the counter. “Excuse me.” Dori said,.

  “Yes?” The lady selling ice cream asked.

  “Are you from Earth?” Dori asked.