I find myself mesmerized, tracking every single drop of water as it traces a path down her transformed body. Her skin has taken on an almost luminescent quality, and the subtle changes in her anatomy speak to the powerful biological forces at work within her.
“Mina, I brought you Lee first,” I announce, my voice carrying both pride and protective concern. The pride comes from successfully executing the first phase of her carefully planned romantic surprise. The concern stems from my deep understanding of what’s at stake—not just the creation of new life, but the emotional fulfillment of someone I care about deeply.
As I speak, I watch a fascinating wave of scales ripple up her throat and cascade down her arms like liquid metal. The transformation is both beautiful and slightly terrifying—a reminder of the primal power contained within her seemingly delicate form.
“Lee can remove it when he feels completely safe,” I add, giving Leander a reassuring glance as I approach our mate with careful, measured steps. My concern for his safety is genuine—as a prey animal, he faces real dangers during Mina’s fertile periods, but I’ve spent months preparing for exactly this scenario.
The closer I get to her, the stronger her scent becomes. It’s almost overwhelming—a cocktail of pheromones that speaks directly to every mating instinct I possess. My body responds involuntarily, and I have to consciously control my breathing to maintain a focus on the task at hand.
But beneath my physical reaction lies something deeper and more profound—the absolute certainty that what we’re doing here serves the greater good of our family. Every child we’vebrought into this world has enriched our lives immeasurably. Every mate who’s experienced the joy of parenthood has become more complete, more fulfilled. This isn’t just about biological urges; it’s about building something lasting and meaningful together.
Slowly, with infinite gentleness, I approach her and carefully guide her arms behind her back. I take special care to ensure that the soft fur lining the interior of the leather harness touches her increasingly sensitive skin. Every movement is deliberate and protective—this equipment was designed not just for restraint, but for comfort and safety.
The trust she places in me to handle her in this vulnerable state fills me with profound responsibility. She’s not just my mate; she’s the cornerstone of our entire family structure, the one whose wellbeing affects everyone we love.
I lean in close and press a tender kiss to her flushed cheek, purring softly at a frequency meant for her ears alone. The sound is intimate, affectionate, and filled with all the love and support I can convey in a single gesture.
“Go make more beautiful babies,” I whisper against her skin before delivering a playful smack to her rear that serves as both encouragement and farewell.
The words carry the weight of my deepest hopes for our family’s future—more laughter in our halls, more small hands to hold, more hearts to love and protect.
I watch with satisfaction as Lee finally breaks free from his paralysis and begins closing the distance between them, drawn by forces older and more powerful than conscious thought.
My heart swells with happiness for him. Leander has waited so patiently, has been such a devoted member of our family, has shown such natural affinity with the children we already have. He deserves this moment, deserves the chance to experience the profound joy of creating life with the woman we all adore.
Recognizing that my presence is no longer needed—and that privacy is essential for what comes next—I phase out of the chamber immediately and materialize back on the academy campus.
Walking slowly along the familiar pathways, I make a concentrated effort to hide the excitement I feel for my old friend. Inside, I’m practically vibrating with joy at the knowledge that Leander’s deepest dreams are finally becoming reality, but I need to maintain a casual exterior to avoid drawing unwanted attention to our romantic conspiracy.
The satisfaction I feel isn’t just about successful matchmaking—it’s about strengthening the bonds that hold our family together. Every new child brings us closer; every fulfilled dream makes our foundation more solid. This is how we build something that will last generations.
Heading back toward Shadowcarve’s main complex, I encounter Abraxis and Vaughn setting up equipment for their next weapons training class. Perfect timing—this gives me an opportunity to gauge the situation and potentially advance the operation.
“Hey Brax, Vaughn, how’s the day treating you?” I call out with practiced casualness. In theory, if I start the conversation, I should be able to guide its direction and gather the information I need without arousing suspicion.
“Going well so far,” Abraxis responds before extending his hand for our customary greeting. But as our hands meet, his eyebrow arches upward with sudden alertness, and his eyes narrow into the distinctive slits of his dragon form.
The change in his expression tells me immediately that he’s detected something—most likely Mina’s scent clinging to my clothes and skin from our recent encounter in the chamber.
“Be right back,” I announce to Vaughn before grabbing Abraxis and phasing us both directly into Thauglor’s office without further explanation.
Thauglor glances up from his paperwork, arches one eloquent eyebrow, then nods with understanding as he catches the unmistakable trace of Mina’s aroused scent emanating from my person.
“You detect nothing, youngling,” Thauglor states with the absolute authority of an ancient dragon addressing a descendant. His eyes flash dangerously as he flares his impressive wings in a display of threatening dominance.
I appreciate his immediate understanding of the situation and his willingness to protect what we’re trying to accomplish. This is exactly the cooperation that makes our complex family structure work—everyone putting the collective good above individual desires.
“But...” Abraxis fumbles, clearly struggling with the conflicting desires to investigate further and to obey his elder’s direct command.
“As much as I desperately want to be buried deep within our mate at this very moment,” Thauglor continues, his voicecarrying a distinct growl that speaks to barely restrained desire, “the others need their opportunity at fatherhood as well.”
His words echo my own feelings perfectly. The sacrifice we’re all making—denying ourselves immediate gratification for the greater good of our family—is exactly what love looks like in practice. Actual love isn’t just about taking what you want; it’s about ensuring everyone you care about has the chance to find happiness.
His stare is fixed on Abraxis with an intensity that brooks no argument or disobedience.
Abraxis lowers his head in submission and nods reluctantly. “What can I do to help?”
“Leander’s afternoon classes need to be covered immediately,” I explain, consulting my carefully maintained notebook to verify the scheduling details.
