Page 55 of Alpha Dragon's Mating Contract

---

“Um,” Walren said. “What?”

“I know! I’ll build a sail so when the wind blows—ha,blows—the logs will slide back and forth like they’re frotting.”

“I... can’t picture that,” Walren said honestly.

“Just you wait, I’ll have it ready in no time. Then you won’t have to imagine it because it’ll bereal.”

“Don’t you have to work at the restaurant, too?”

Raptor made a face. “Damn it.”

“And, um, you said the logs will be moving... I’m just worried that Zebbie might get his fingers caught between them.”

Raptor’s eyes grew wide. “I’m going to ask a friend for some help.”

He pulled out his phone and began texting. Out of curiosity, Walren went up to his side, peeking at his phone.

Raptor

Heyyy Uriel! I would like some help

Uriel

What do you need help with?

Raptor

A spell to keep lil fingers out of some dangerous things. Many of these, I guess.

Also, do you have a spell for a guaranteed conception?

Walren choked.

Uriel took a long time to reply. His typing dots appeared on the screen, then vanished. Then he started typing again and stopped.

Walren’s phone buzzed.

Before he could check the text, a bright orange glow flickered in the corner of his vision.

Zebbie!

Walren panicked. Surely Raptor had not seen it. Surely Raptor didn’t know that Zebbie was part-dragon, or he would want Zebbie for himself too.

He turned, only to find Zebbie as a fawn, with orange flames bursting out of his little snout.

15

THE SECRET

Walrenleaped.He landed between Zebbie and Raptor, gently nudging Zebbie’s mouth shut even though the flames burned his hand.

He hissed in pain. But at least there were no more visible flames.

“... Sweetheart?” Raptor asked.

“Nothing’s wrong!” Walren squeaked.

Zebbie tried to shake off his hand. Walren held on, making sure no flames escaped the faun’s snout.

---