Page 18 of Captured By the Dragon Warlord (Fated Mates of the Sarkarnii Warlords #2)

I admit, I didn’t think Dexx would follow the rules I’ve set for him, not for one instant. But here he is, my big bad dragon warlord, eating egg on toast as if he does it every morning.

I’ve seen what Sarkarnii eat for breakfast, and it is not egg on toast. So much for rule three. However, Dexx does seem to be genuinely enjoying it, so there’s that.

I admit, I made the rules up on the fly, really to see what buttons I could push on Mr. Growly, but he didn’t flinch at any of them.

Perhaps he is in rut for me. Perhaps he does want to prove he’s better than a mere space pirate. Although, given the Sarkarnii are sort of space pirates, with a protection racket on the side, he may have to gloss over that part.

The eggs are good, richer than hen’s eggs. None of us were bold enough to ask where they came from when I was on Darax’s ship. We guessed they probably weren’t reptilian, given our hosts’ nature, but then apparently Sarkarnii don’t lay eggs.

And having discovered that particular fact, there is no way I’m exploring what creates these eggs. Especially after the cockroach aliens.

I will remain in blissful ignorance of my breakfast treat.

“You wouldn’t have thought emylos would produce something so tasty, given their pincers,” Dexx says conversationally, as if he really is reading my thoughts, which he claimed not to be able to do.

“I don’t want to know,” I respond immediately. “I like this breakfast.”

Dexx huffs some smoke. “Rule three is all about truth. You should know where your food comes from.”

“If it makes it gross, I do not want to know,” I reply warily, noting the evil twinkle in his eye.

I might have made the rules, but he’s a Sarkarnii who has perfected the art of bending them.

“And anyway, the truth rule only relates to what goes on between us because you’re rutting for me,” I add quickly. “Not food.”

Dexx rumbles deep down in his chest. It’s difficult to tell if it’s a growl or the strange purr I’ve heard from him on a few occasions. I wouldn’t have thought dragon men purr, but I’m not exactly an authority on Sarkarnii.

I do, however, know someone who has been more up close and personal than I have…just about. I resolve to text Kerra as soon as I get the opportunity. About the purring. And the rutting.

“Lord Dexx.” A warrior approaches us slowly. “You are required in the control center.”

Dexx gives him a brief snarl before looking at me.

“Will my mate excuse me?” he queries, clearly recalling rule one.

“Yes, of course.” I nod as he rises.

Damn, for all the lies, for all the abductions, for everything he’s done to me, Dexx is a fine example of a male, all glittering scales, endless abs, and muscles everywhere.

As he turns, Dexx inhales, giving me a brief glance once again before he follows his warrior out of the dining hall.

Ugh, and the most amazing bum. Once he’s gone, I immediately whip out my comm device.

Hey, do Sarkarnii males purr?

Kerra

Darax does sometimes, why? Does yours?

Mine, even though he is not mine, I’m not sure exactly what he wants from me. And yes, he purrs.

Kerra

What the fuck? And also, purring is a good thing.

It’s hopelessly complicated. The last thing I need.

Kerra

Look, we can come and get you if you want.

It’s not all bad. I’m currently teasing him for being such an arse and abducting me.

Kerra

sounds like fun. But if it stops being fun, let me know.

I consider her reply. I know they’re all worried about me, and I’m going to have to make Dexx let me go back to see them soon, but it’s true.

Now everything is out in the open with Dexx, I don’t hate it here.

I’m still mad he did what he did to me, but these rules and the obvious discomfort of his rut are punishment enough.

I’m certainly going to milk it. After all, so far, it’s been fun, and Dexx isn’t hating it.

Yet.

I see Dexx stomping back in my direction, his tail flicking with annoyance and a face like thunder. I down the last of the warm drink called fee which tastes slightly like coffee and slightly malty at the same time as not really tasting of anything.

Bland but not terrible. Unlike my big bad dragon who throws himself into the seat next to me.

“Anything important?”

“No.” He growls deep in his chest before he recalls who he’s talking to…and rule four.

Rule Four: No Secrets.

“I have continuing investigations into the cave-in. When we first started mining here, we had frequent rock falls until we worked out a propping system. The fact is, the propping system we had in place in the area where the cave-in happened was incorrectly installed. It shouldn’t have happened.”

Dexx finishes off his tankard of fee and winces.

“You don’t normally have fee for your breakfast, do you?” I try not to laugh.

“No.”

“Or egg and toast.” I gesture at the remains.

“No.”

“What do you have?”

“Ale-wine and meat.”

“Why doesn’t that surprise me?” I shake my head. “Why don’t you just go have it? You’re a big male. I guess you need all the protein you can get.”

“I am only hungry for one thing, Scarlett,” Dexx rumbles.

“Oh yeah?” I do my best to contain my mirth. “What’s that?”

“You.”

Oh shit.