“You little bugger.” He closed his eyes and took a long breath. Apparently giving up on pulling the little body from its new perch, Fin lifted a finger to point toward the dragon. “Sacha, meet Cyan. If you needed any more proof I’m not from your world, well, here he is.”
Am I dreaming?This can’t be real.Should I run right now?
The dragon flapped his wings, lifted into the air, and landed on Sacha’s shoulder.
She became a statue—terrified he’d rip off her face with the little knives in his mouth that doubled as teeth.
The smell of smoke curled near her nose, and the dragon nuzzled her neck. A soft trill, almost like a purr, vibrated when his flesh touched hers.
“Oh.” She relaxed a bit. “You’re gentle, aren’t you?”
“Careful.” Fin stepped forward, as if to grab the pet. “He doesn’t let anyone else touch—”
“Why, you’re just a little cutie.” Carefully, she lifted a hand to stroke the long neck. His scales were slippery and warm.
Cyan lifted his head, moved his face into her cupped palm, and rubbed his snout next to the skin.
Pushing into her caress, he flashed his tongue and licked her fingers.
Fin glowered. “Get over here, Cyan.”
The dragon faced the man, raised a clawed foot, and exhaled a puff of smoke.
Sacha tried to hide a grin.
“I don’t want to hear it.” Fin pointed his index finger. “You get right back where you belong, or you’re never getting another taco again.”
Sacha laughed. “You feed him people food?”
“It’s the only way Margaret and I can get him to behave.” Red eyes bored into hers and seemed to swirl with annoyance. “Don’t ask me why, but he has an affinity for hard-shelled tacos.”
Cyan climbed down Sacha’s shoulder, then turned and trilled, nudging her chest.
She crooked her elbow, creating a makeshift cradle.
Folding his wings, he rolled into her embrace like a baby, and his talons clawed at the air.
“He’s delightful.” The firelight bounced off his scales like warm amber, and Sacha giggled.
“That’s not the word I’d use most of the time.” Fin’s tone sounded surly, and he closed the distance to peer down.
“He’s so little. Is he a baby?”
“Technically, he’s fifty years old, but in dragon years, yes—he’s very young.” Fin laid a finger on the animal’s belly and scratched.
Cyan opened his eyes and tried to clamp his mouth on the digit.
Fin jerked the finger back before the teeth caused lasting damage. “This is a load of codswallop.”
“I don’t know whatcodswallopis, but I think I’m in love.” Sacha could feel Fin’s gaze roving across her face, but she focused on the little creature snuggling its body against her heart.
“Come here, Cyan.”
The dragon yawned and pushed deeper into Sacha’s arms.
“Margaret.” Fin threw the words toward the kitchen. “Bring me a damn taco.”
“Ah,” Sacha crooned, “I don’t blame you, Cyan, I wouldn’t want to go back to such a crotchety recluse, either.”
