Page 58 of Alpha Dragon's Mating Contract
“Tell me anyway.” Raptor leaned in, looking so eager that Walren’s defenses crumbled.
“Um, I ate your bluebells. A few minutes ago.”
“My—” Raptor turned, glancing around. “I... didn’t notice. I don’t even know where the bluebells are.”
“You were busy with the—the nest.” Even now, it felt strange to talk about it. Raptor was building a nest so Walren couldgrow a babyin it. “And, um, I ate some of your hibiscus flowers too.”
Walren gestured vaguely, but this time, Raptor found the hibiscus bush with his eyes. His gaze zeroed in on the bottom of the bush, where there were no more flowers. A wide, delighted grin spread across his face. “You ate my flowers!”
Walren cringed. “Um, yes?
“You’re a flower eater!”
“You’re not mad?” Walren asked carefully.
“No, why would I be? I should grow more flowers around here. Do you have a favorite?”
Walren gaped. “No one’s ever offered to grow me flowers.”
Raptor rubbed his chin. “Well, then they don’t deserve to be your alpha.” He pinned Walren with a look. “Favorite flower, sweetheart.”
“Um. Peonies and dahlias. They have so many petals to munch on.”
“But not roses?”
Walren made a face. “Thorns. Especially if Zebbie also develops a taste for them.”
“Gotcha. I’ll have the gardener plant them as soon as possible. How much of the grass should I keep around?”
Walren stared. “Y-you’re giving me power over your garden? Lawn? Whatever you call this huge amount of land?”
A faint pink colored Raptor’s cheeks. He looked away. “Well. Yes. Since you’ll be carrying my baby.”
Walren had to try very hard to remember why he didn’t want to conceive Raptor’s child.
Because he’ll take away my baby!
But... Raptor was also building him a nest, and talking about planting flowers so he could eat them whenever he wanted.
Walren had never felt this torn in his life. “Um. I... I would like space to run, if that’s okay.”
“Hmm. So, long grassy paths to run on, and in between them, there will be flowers.”
“That sounds really pretty,” Walren whispered.
Raptor grinned. “Yeah?”
Walren nodded.
“That’s decided, then.” Raptor clapped his hands. “Are you feeling better?”
Walren flexed his fingers. The pain from the burn was no longer there. “I think I’m okay now. Thank you.”
Raptor grinned. Then he scooped Walren and Zebbie into his arms, carrying them back to the nest-building site.
Halfway there, Zebbie squirmed. Then he shuddered, and two leathery emerald wings sprouted from his back.
Raptor paused. “Uh, sweetheart?”
