Page 85 of Exquisite Monster

Someny frowned, and I held out a hand. “Take no offense. She has reason to be hesitant.”

“I spoke truly,” she said, directing the words at Lena. “Your business is your own. I will not harm you. I have no interest in you beyond making a sale.”

A bellowing laugh followed her statement, and a male nearly as tall as the shop itself stepped in from the door in the back. Large and barrel-chested, the dragon had pale golden hair and eyes to match. “She speaks the truth. If Someny ever has a hoard, it will be filled with nothing but the proof of customers she’s satisfied.”

His mate glared at him, but didn’t contradict the statement. Lena felt calmer, and I turned her toward me before tilting her face up. “Will you be all right or would you like me with you?”

“You’ll only be steps away,” Someny said.

Lena looked at me and took a breath. I felt her resolve, and in turn, I let her feel my pride. “I will be all right.”

“If you’re not,” I lifted her hand to my chest, “you know how to tell me.”

I kissed her again, this time not at all chaste. It was a distraction for her and a claim for the others. They needed to understand how deeply she was mine, and what I would do for her. I showed it all in the kiss before letting her go.

She followed Someny behind a curtain, and I could still hear their voices. But now the dragon’s mate watched me with intention.

“You risk much, bringing a human to our side of the world.” My beastflared, and Iavoss held out both hands. “You do not need to fearme or my mate. But it is unusual. And even here, it will not go unnoticed. We keep to ourselves, but news still travels.”

I pushed the hood off my head and locked eyes with him. The message I’d told Lena about had more than a simple statement that the town was safe. It had the names of those I could trust to keep our visit quiet.

“We are friends of Idroal,” I kept my voice low. “They assured me you would be discreet.”

Recognition crossed the man’s face, and his eyes shifted to his beast for a brief moment before he inclined his head. “You have nothing to fear here.”

“Whatever she wants, add to Idroal’s account. We will make sure it is paid.”

“Of course.”

I hesitated and decided to trust. “Among the things made. Is there a way to add protection?”

“From what?”

Huffing out a breath, I kept the burst of fear from reaching Lena. “As much as I hate to admit it, it is likely we will see conflict or combat. So… everything.”

Iavoss face was grave as he nodded. “I’ll see what I can do.”

We do what we can, I said to myself. And at the moment, it seemed it was all we had.

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

________

KATALENA

The dragon took my measurements with almost ruthless efficiency after I removed the cloak. True to her word, she seemed entirely uninterested in me other than trying to fit me for clothes.

“Do you have preferences?” she asked.

“With regard to?”

“Colors, fabrics, anything.”

“No, but—” I swallowed. “Please don’t give me anything related to customs I might not understand.”

Someny tilted her head in that distinctly dragon way and observed me. It felt like she saw too much. Finally, she nodded with no further questions. “Do you prefer skirts or trousers?”

My brows rose. It never occurred to me that I could have either. Women rarely dressed in trousers in Gleira, and if they did, they were commoners with work that made it necessary.