“Brace yourself, Dragon.”
Chapter 2
Dash waited until the dragon was centered, then he unleashed the spell she needed. Fire shot from his horn, toward the heavens, and it rained sparks over them.
The sparks turned to ash and, as they did so, her body began to transform. Her scales rippled and bubbled as they turned from their shimmering incandescent beauty to pale, opaque human skin.
She cried out from the pain.
He hated that for her, but birth was never an easy thing, and transformation was particularly nasty. It was to be expected.
What he didn’t expect was the exquisite form she’d take.
Vibrant red hair cascaded over the face of an elfish beauty that came complete with pointed ears. Perfect lips and luscious curves the likes of which most only saw in their dreams.
She held her dainty hand up so that she could examine it. “I don’t remember humans having claws.”
He laughed at her earnest words. “They’re fingernails, my lady. And they will break if you’re not careful.”
She didn’t comment as she tried to push herself to her feet,then fell back down.
He smiled at the consternation on her face. “It takes a moment to adjust to being on two legs when you’re used to four.”
Lying flat on her back, she let out an exasperated breath. “Two legs are just not steady. What a stupid evolutionary thing. No wonder humans are only good for food or torching. I hate this!”
Dash smirked at her mini rant. “Two legs are weak, but you’ll get used to them. I have all faith in you.”
And to help protect her, he gave her the knowledge to instantly balance and run fast. Especially the latter as she would definitely need it in the human world.
Then again...
He took in her beauty and slight form and added the ability to defend herself with the strength of a male. She’d definitely need that to deal with the vermin who might be tempted to overtake her. While unicorns and dragons were mortal enemies, he had no wish to see her preyed upon.
No one deserved that and it was the last thing he wanted for anyone, especially a dragon he’d made vulnerable by granting her strange desire.
“Try standing now.”
She let out a long, annoyed sigh, then rolled to her side so she could stand. Thankfully, she came easily to her feet and lifted her head with pride.
Until she tried to take a step. Then she wobbled and reached out to steady herself.
Dash shivered at the sensation of her dainty hand sinking into his dark coat. It’d been a while since he’d allowed anyone to touch him. Given his past, he wasn’t keen on contact of any kind, especially when it came to females who were normally scheming ways to tie him to them forever.
Females who would do anything to seduce him because of his station and titles. Everyone was conniving and out forthemselves—a hard, bitter lesson he’d learned far too young in his life. They saw him as a mark to be manipulated and used. A friend only so long as he gave them what they wanted. And the moment he didn’t, he was an enemy to be eliminated. They flattered him to his face and lied about him the moment they were out of his earshot.
Or worse, they saw him as an enemy they wanted to assassinate.
And many had tried.
That was the sole thing he’d admired about his father. At least the old bastard had insulted and abused him in his presence.
But the dragon meant nothing by it. She knew nothing of him and that seemed to make it mean more than it should.
“Are you all right?” he asked.
Biting her lip, she slowly stepped away from him, then tripped on her skirt and fell back to the ground. “Ugh!” She slapped at the gathered material. “What is this thing?”
“It’s called a dress. Women wear them.”
