Chapter Six
Nevair watched in amazement as Lian stood in a white lab coat and took blood from over two dozen dragonkin, himself included. When Lian explained his predicament in getting a good number of test samples, Nevair had thought he'd have a problem getting volunteers. However, the hope of solving their fertility issues had dragonkin coming out of the woodwork to offer their blood.
It probably didn't hurt that Nevair sanctioned the study and Milot encouraged them to participate. Lian's people hadn't arrived yet, but Milot had put spies in the spaceport to keep an eye out. Nevair smiled when Lian scratched at his back. His mating mark had come out in brilliant glorious color that morning but apparently it itched. Nevair spent a good hour spreading lotion on the design before becoming distracted by the rest of the man.
Nevair's new communicator rang. He didn't look at the number, his gaze stayed on Lian. "Yes?"
"You need to get your ass back to the cathedral and conduct your services. The council is having dragon kits. They say you've abandoned your post and are looking to replace you," Tres demanded.
Nevair growled. "Only the goddess can replace me."
"I think they have a different opinion," Tres said dryly.
"I'll be right there. Someone needs to remind them of the sanctity of mates." Nevair wouldn't put up with that kind of behavior. He knew his rights.
"Mates?" Tres asked.
"Lian's mark came in this morning." Nevair couldn't keep the pride from his voice.
Silence filled the communicator. "Tres?"
"Um, congratulations." His voice didn't sound right but Nevair didn't call him on it.
"I'll be there in an hour," Nevair said.
"See you then," Tres agreed.
Nevair disconnected in time to see one of the dragonkin males get too close to Lian. "Hey," Nevair snapped. "Don't even think about touching him. He's mine."
The man held up his hands and stepped back. "Sorry, Pontifex, I didn't know you'd claimed him."
"I should make you go shirtless all the time so your mark is on display," Nevair threatened.
Lian laughed. "Yeah, that would show them."
The female he had just extracted blood from snickered at Lian's words. "He's adorable. You should give your mate a ring."
Nevair thought it over for a moment. A ring wouldn't be enough. Anyone could wear a ring for any reason. He needed a stronger statement.
He knew just what to give Lian once he could take his mate back to the cathedral. "I'll keep that in mind."
Lian set her vial of blood next to all the other vials.
"Why do you need samples anyway? Can't you see the poison?" Nevair asked.
Lian nodded. "But I can't see why. Besides although they trust my judgment I can't expect my bosses to take my word for stuff until I can give them concrete proof about the poison and hopefully its source."
"I've got to return to the cathedral. Apparently they are lost without me. I'll see you later." Nevair was reluctant to leave his mate but he needed to attend to his duties.
Lian nodded absently, his attention already back to his research. "Good luck."
Nevair chuckled. He'd have to get used to someone who had more important things to pay attention to than him.
Still shaking his head, Nevair walked his way back to cathedral, keeping an eye out for anyone following him. He didn't see anybody but he didn't exactly have super spy skills either. When he arrived at the cathedral, he found Tres standing on the front steps tapping his foot. His handsome face twisted in disapproval as he caught sight of Nevair.
"What?"
"Where is he?"
