Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 44553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
The buzz in her head told her he communicated with their guests, but she felt too horrible to pay attention. When her stomach was empty, Keres pulled off his shirt to wipe her mouth and hands clean. He lifted her into his arms.
“Poor baby.” He comforted her and carried her into the mansion and to their bedroom. In the attached bathroom, he stripped off her soiled clothes as he shushed her apologies. “You’re allowed to be sick, Little girl. Let Daddy take care of you.”
“Daddy, I feel awful.”
“I’m sorry, Rimi. Let’s see if I can make you more comfortable.” He washed her face and hands before gently easing one of his giant T-shirts over her head. “Would you like to stretch out for a while?”
She started to nod, but stopped when the motion reignited her nausea. Rimi whispered, “yes,” instead.
In a short while, Keres tucked her in bed. Rimi tried to find a comfortable position, but was too restless to stay still. Keres brushed her hair out of her face and kissed her cheek.
“Let’s try this, Mate.” He placed a cool washcloth on her forehead, and the tension eased. “Better?”
“Mmmhmmm.”
“I have a present for you, Little girl. He’ll scare the sick away so you can rest.”
Rimi heard a rustle and opened her eyes to see the black velvety material in front of her. She reached out to stroke it. “Soft,” she whispered and then hesitated before asking, “A present for me?”
“Yes, Snowflake. The black dragon is all yours. You’ll have to come up with a name.”
She tugged the stuffie from his hand and pulled it close, hugging it to her chest. “He’ll tell me his name when he’s ready. Dragons are bossy sometimes.”
“They are indeed. Close your eyes, Rimi. See if you can rest.”
In a few minutes, her breath smoothed.
“Daddy?” Rimi’s whisper alerted Keres.
“Hi, Snowflake. Do you feel better?”
“We’re hungry.”
“We’re?” Keres questioned.
“Yes. Rumble and me. We’re hungry.” She shook the black dragon stuffie at him.
“Rumble? He told you his name?”
“Yes, Daddy, and he’s starving.”
“I’m sensing urgency here, Snowflake. Let’s go to the kitchen and see what we can find that Rumble wants to eat.”
He helped her out of bed. Did her stomach seem more rounded than usual? It must be his oversized T-shirt. “Let’s find something for you to use as a robe.”
“I’ll put on my clothes,” she blurted.
“Are you comfortable in my T-shirt?”
“Yes, but your staff…”
“They will smile at you and be glad you’re here. Believe me, everyone working on my estate doesn’t care what you are wearing.”
Keres zipped into his closet and returned with a soft cotton robe he’d forgotten he even had. He helped Rimi into it and drew the belt around her waist. His hands stilled on her much rounder tummy.
“Food, Keres. I need to eat,” she said urgently.
“Should we fly?” he asked.
Rimi nodded. “Rumble will stay here. Can we go now?”
Keres rushed her through the mansion and out to the front lawn. He shifted as soon as she triggered her change and powered into the air to protect her. When she joined him, Keres guided her to his livestock fields.
He drove the plumpest beasts toward his mate one at a time until she failed to attack. Flying to that side of the field, he devoured the last cow for her. Keres landed next to her and rubbed his snout across the crystal dragon’s.
Rimi? How are you?
Better. I’ve never felt like that. My body demanded food.
It’s the hatchling. He needs nourishment to grow, Keres suggested.
She nodded and yawned. I’m exhausted again.
Home and sleep, Mate.
For three days, Keres helped Rimi shift from sleep to feasting. Each time she woke up, her belly had grown. Her current waddle enchanted him. She couldn’t get any cuter.
“Keres, I need to go somewhere safe. Can you take me back to the cave where we posed for Skye?”
“Of course.”
Keres had learned over the last hours not to argue, but to help Rimi with whatever she needed. He supported her as they made their way to the cave entrance. Off balance from her enormous belly, Rimi moved slowly. Halfway there, she bent over to wrap her arms around her stomach. Her cry of pain sliced through Keres.
“Rimi! What can I do?”
“Get me to the cave, Keres. Now!”
Lifting her into his arms, Keres sped for the entrance and eased his precious cargo through the slim opening. He breathed a sigh of relief as they emerged into the enormous cavern. When he lowered Rimi’s feet toward the ground, she pointed to the spot where she had lain for Skye’s picture. “There.”
He carried her to that spot. Rimi sank to the ground, clutching her belly. Sitting behind her, he rubbed her back, trying desperately to help. He reached out to her mentally and staggered under the pain that ricocheted inside her mind. Quickly, he pulled as much agony into his mind as he could. Her sigh of relief told Keres to continue.