Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 41518 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 208(@200wpm)___ 166(@250wpm)___ 138(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 41518 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 208(@200wpm)___ 166(@250wpm)___ 138(@300wpm)
“It was so much fun. I had no idea so much time had flown past. How was your morning?”
“Very good. I made a quick stop.” He set a small bottle of correction fluid next to the typewriter.
“What’s that?”
“it’s like fingernail polish but for whiting out mistakes on paper.”
“Oh, crap. There’s no autocorrect either, is there?”
“There’s a dictionary in the bottom drawer,” Argenis said with laughter in his beautiful eyes.
“I don’t suppose you’re a spelling champion, are you?”
“Dragon.”
As he ushered her to the door, she peeked up at him. “Does that mean yes?”
“It means superior species.”
“How do you spell supercalifragilisticexpialidocious?”
“Dragons don’t bother with made-up words.”
“You don’t know, do you?”
“Not a clue,” he admitted easily, making her laugh.
When they sat in the dining room munching on sandwiches and drinking tart lemonade, she invited, “So, tell me what’s going on in the world of dragons.”
“The town’s people have announced a cotillion will be held every year to help the dragons find their mates. They are mandating all single people over the age of eighteen to attend.”
“How about a ninety-year-old widow? Does she have to go?”
“She is invited. Everyone in Wyvern is.”
“A cotillion? Isn’t that a fancy dress dance?”
“I know what you are thinking. Shopping is very limited now. No one will be turned away. In addition, several women’s groups have offered to make dresses for anyone who needs something to wear.”
“That’s nice of them.” Her mind immediately went to her wardrobe. She had a couple of nice dresses. She even had a bridesmaid dress that could stand in for a long, fancy party dress. Maybe. It was pretty ugly.
“Abby is already working on something for you. Feel free to talk to her.”
“That’s so sweet of her. Thanks.”
“No gloves,” he mandated.
“No gloves?” she repeated in confusion.
His hand reached for hers. Sweeping his fingers over the dragon figure on her skin, he sent a cascade of sensations through her.
“Oh.”
“Everyone needs to know that you belong to me.”
“I won’t look at anyone else.”
“You will not,” he admitted. “The mate bond is only breakable by death. You are mine.”
She couldn’t help the corners of her mouth from twitching upward. His prehistorical cave dragon claiming was so cute. “You’ll have to dance with me then. I love to dance.”
“Definitely, you will only dance with me. We will practice after lunch before you dive back into your sexy story.”
“What will we do for music?”
“I’ve got that covered, too.”
“Your valuable collector’s items?” she teased.
“Exactly. Drink your lemonade. You’ll need the sugar boost.”
Epilogue
Ciel stood with Aurora and their dragons on the edge of the dance floor as they waited for the last guests to arrive. Some young people had chosen to view the requirement to attend as a request and not a mandate. Crews of Wyvern citizens were rounding up those who hadn’t chosen to attend.
The atmosphere was electric. Not with anger at being delayed or required to come. Those transported to the party quickly helped themselves to a drink and some of the bountiful appetizers. It wasn’t often that anyone had time to indulge.
The music coming from the group of talented wyvern citizen grew louder signaling that the last guest had arrived. Ciel nudged Aurora when an exotic-looking woman in her mid-twenties was escorted into the gathering in her nightshirt. Fuzzy animal slippers on her feet completed the outfit. She looked adorable. As she turned around, Ciel could see the rampant fear on her face.
Instantly, Ciel started forward, followed by Aurora, who must also have seen the same expression on the woman’s face. When Argenis tried to stop her, she shook her head and dodged around him, knowing that she would be in big trouble later. The crowd swelled onto the dance floor.
Ciel rose onto her tiptoes to keep the woman in sight. Finally, she reached her side, with Aurora right after her. “Hey. It’s okay. I’m Ciel.”
“I didn’t want to come. They made me.” The new arrival’s voice shook with emotion and her green eyes welled with tears.
“Everyone is required to be here. It’s okay. You can stay with us,” Ciel said, waving a hand at Aurora. “You’ve got two new friends. This is Aurora.”
“Lady Ciel. I have this,” Abby, their housekeeper, who had made Ciel’s dress and many others, said from behind her. She held out a garment. “I brought this just in case. It will fit over her shirt.”
“You are a lifesaver, Abby. Here. Let me help you.” Ciel and Aurora guided the newcomer’s arms into the dress and pulled it around her to belt in the front. It covered her perfectly.
“Thank you,” the woman whispered.
“We’re glad to help. What’s your name?” Aurora asked.
“Lalani.”
“What a pretty name.”
“Who are those guys?” Lalani asked.
Ciel glanced over her shoulder to see Argenis and Drake positioned behind them. “Those are our dragon mates. They’re good guys.”
A voice shouted over the hubbub of chatter, announcing that the main buffet was open. The crowd around them surged toward the side of the room, where a delicious aroma emanated. Jostled by the hungry town’s people, Ciel wrapped her arms around Lalani to keep her with them and felt Aurora hug them both.