“Get off the table. You’ve eaten all the fucking food, Kain. There’s nothing else up there for you.” I sit up in my bed, glaring daggers at the plate that’s laying in broken pieces on the floor. A fuming roar that sounds a little like a pouting cry comes from his red snout, but he continues to search the old table for scraps. New claw marks line the surface of the table that he’s currently using as a throne to sit his ass on.
Their names swirled through my sight for days. The names taunted my thoughts. When I finally tested the sound of their names on my lips, they responded as if fate itself named them. It warmed me to give them names. I rarely ever keep and name my creatures. It makes it harder to get rid of them. Just look at the hellhound I haven’t been able to part with since I first laid eyes on him.
Don’t even get me started on Bobble. I tilt my head at the beady eyes that are looking up at me from my bedside table. As the fish ascends closer to the surface of his glass bowl, its body starts to swell. I think it’s a sort of allergy to the air, but it doesn’t stop the poor thing from trying to test its limits. As its body bobs above the surface it inflates dramatically, pressing its eyes out impossibly further within its head until I use my index finger to push it back down into the clear water. The fish’s body deflates immediately, and it blinks its unintelligent black eyes up at me in thanks. I can definitely understand why Bobble’s kind is nearly extinct.
I shake my head at him before looking down at my lap. With anxious hands, I shove at the heavy dragon that’s blanketed across my body. Its dark wings are spread across my hips as Chaos lies like a lazy dog between my legs.
Rime is the only good one. He sits quietly in a chair by the window. His gaze assesses every move outside the dirty glass.
He’s almost a better watchdog than my actual watchdog. Let’s not tell the sweet little hellhound I said that.
A bowl shatters to the floor and my jaw tics as I pin Kain with a hard stare.
“I swear there’s nothing left. Get off the table. All that’s left to eat is me.”
His clawing stomps halt. Silence drops immediately. His head swings my way and he gives me a slow appraisal. Heated, fiery attention skims over my shoulders, my breasts, and the curve of my hips. It’s so human-like it makes me pull my blankets closer to my chest.
Chaos’s gaze meets mine and a rumbling sound emits from the animal’s throat. The humming sound rolls against my core until I kick out of the covers.
My bare feet skim over the warm floorboards. I’ve slept too late and the sun is high in the sky, heating my little shack to an unbearable temperature.
I’d sleep naked, but the dragons really do seem smarter than the average lizard. Even as I stand here in my bra and underwear, all three of them watch me with too much interest. A groan shakes through Rime’s chest before he tears his attention away from me.
I turn my back on them as if they’re actual men instead of pets.
I both love and loathe their company. They’re sweet and somewhat loyal like a puppy. Adorable even.
But Goddess, are they inconsiderate assholes too.
I slip on a white top that drifts down to my navel and pull on the thinnest skirt I own. It covers me down to my bare feet, but it will also allow the breeze to hit my skin.
“Okay, loves. Who wants to go for a walk?” I shove a smile in place. I even add a hint of happiness to my tone.
I’m making a real effort. It’s more affection than I show toward any human.
And it goes very unappreciated.
Their response is apprehensive, guarded glares.
Damn, these things are like a woman when a guy is suspiciously too nice to her.
These dragons don’t trust me, but they do defend me. It’s an odd sort of combination. When we do go on walks, they’re always watching our surroundings and growling when a passerby gets too close.
But they also act that way toward me when it’s just the four of us, so I can’t really feel too special.
“We’re going to take a walk into town. Today is Sell-Those-Fucking-Dragons-So-Arlow-Can-Afford-To-Live Day. Doesn’t that sound fun? Festive even, right?” My brows rise, and a wide smile is even passed their way.
Nothing. I get nothing.
All of them tip their heads down to look up at me with narrowed eyes.
“Yes, I knew you shitheads would be excited.” I gather three slim chains.
I start with my favorite. “Look at Rime being a good boy.” The chain locks around his beautiful, shining, white scales with ease.
I stroke my palm up his slender neck and he leans into my approving touch.
“Good boy.” My lips skim his cheek like a favored puppy and his head rests against my shoulder for a moment. A deep rumbling sound, similar to a cat’s purr, hums through him.
