Page 26 of Having the Dragon's Baby

Rachel wasn’t sure how to respond.

Of course, she wanted to meet his dragon and see the magnificence of the shift, but a part of her was nervous, given that she had never seen him shift before and wasn’t sure how intimidating it might be. It had felt different watching the children shifting at the gathering the other day. This was more private, just her and Marcus.

“I promise there’s no change in personality like those terrible werewolf movies,” Marcus said with a chuckle.

Apparently, Rachel’s thoughts had been plain on her face.

She nodded. “I would love to see it.”

His smile widened as he stepped farther back. “Don’t be nervous. You’ll see why.”

Within a flash, his body morphed and stretched before her eyes. Quickly, there was a massive red-gold dragon that sparkled under the sun in front of Rachel.

Her mouth fell open as she looked upon Marcus’s dragon.

He stood proud with his head raised, looking satisfied at Rachel’s response.

Impressive, isn’t it?

Rachel jumped back. She heard a laugh rumble as she looked around for the voice she heard in her head.

Yes, I can still talk to you.

She focused her mind and thought toward him. Can you hear me? When he didn’t reply, she realized that this type of communication was one way. That was okay because she wasn’t sure she wanted a virtual stranger hearing her thoughts.

She studied Marcus’s eyes, and they wrapped a calmness around her. He was still him, just in a different form. It was all so new to her.

She knew this world existed, and she was now a part of it, but seeing it was a whole other thing.

Marcus lowered his massive head and moved it closer to Rachel. She held out her hand, and he placed his snout in it and nuzzled her.

She nervously laughed as his scales tickled her hand.

See, it’s not so bad, he soothed.

“You’re right. But I still feel silly thinking I’m just responding to a voice in my head.”

She heard him laugh in response.

“Can everyone hear you when they are around, or just me?”

It depends, he answered telepathically. Right now, just you. But I can connect my inner dialogue to the whole thunder or a group should they be around. Though the other dragons don’t have to be in range for me to talk to them in dragon form.

“So, I am talking to myself.”

Well, yes. I mean, if anyone were to overhear you, his voice in her head answered.

She saw the laughter in his eyes. She couldn’t help but smile in return and shake her head.

You said heights don’t bother you, right?

“Right.”

The dragon turned sideways and lowered his body.

Good. Get on.

“What?”

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