“I’m not sick,” Dottie protests, cracking one eye open and glowering at me. “Can’t a woman take a midday nap without everyone fussing?”
Anything out of the ordinary automatically gets on my radar. And normally Dottie and Aggie are not big nappers. “As long as you promise there’s nothing wrong. If there is, I can go look for a pharmacy.”
“Nothing’s wrong.” She sits up on one elbow and glares at me. “Quit hovering. Go flirt with your dragon.”
I tilt my head, studying her. Does she look drawn or am I seeing things? Is this a bad time to head out with Murr for a night alone? I can’t tell if this is stubbornness or just me being hyper-vigilant. After a long moment, I decide to trust what she’s telling me. “We’re heading out later tonight, actually, for an overnight. For some quiet time, just him and me. Can you guys keep an eye on Rabbit for me?”
I don’t tell her that I already asked Rabbit to keep an eye on these two. Everyone can keep eyes on each other.
“Of course. She’s no problem at all. Good kid.” Dottie gets up, tossing the blankets back. “This is the perfect time for my gift.”
“You don’t have to, really?—”
She pulls out her bag and hands me an economy-size box of Extra-Large Ribbed For Her Pleasure. “It’s condoms.”
How did I not guess? “So thoughtful,” I choke out, and flip over the box. Expired in 2016. “Thank you, but I don’t know if they’re any good. They’re long expired.”
“Tell him to wear them anyhow. Some protection is better than none, and you don’t want any unexpected surprises.” She looks pointedly over at the dog and her many, many babies.
She’s…not wrong. “I appreciate it, Dottie. I’m not sure if he can make me pregnant, though. He’s a different species.”
“Until you’re sure, take precautions.” She nudges the box again. “Everything is good right now, but babies complicate everything.”
I hold the box close.
CHAPTER 67
DAKOTA
Shovingthe box of condoms into my backpack, I double-check it one last time for supplies. Change of clothes. Towels. Water canteens. Snacks. Two fluffy blankets. Enough condoms to last a decade. Check, check, and check.
I check in on Rabbit and Aggie again. They’re both seated with towels on their heads, and Rabbit is painting Aggie’s toenails for her. “I’m going to head out with Murr, guys. There’s dried meat in the containers and we’ll be back by morning.”
“Sounds good, Mom. Have fun.” Rabbit doesn’t look up.
Aggie waves and gives me the most obvious wink. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
Right. I’m not even sure what that might be. “See you tomorrow. Love you, Rabbit.”
I sling my pack on my shoulder and head out of the store, looking for Murr. He’s lying on the pavement outside, wearing his kilt and surrounded by cats. One cat is tucked under his arm, four more against his legs in a neat little row, and two more by his head. Others are piled onto his chest, and he strokes and pets cat ears and scratches chins. There’s a freshly dead wildturkey carcass nearby, with a few cats still eating, and feathers everywhere. He looks like the picture of contentment, and a cat on his chest gives me a sleepy but accusing gaze. I clear my throat. “Is this a bad time?”
The smile Murr gives me makes goosebumps rise on my skin. “Good time.”
He carefully moves cats off of him, easing them away from his legs and affectionately petting them before getting up from the ground. He moves to my side and pulls me in close, nuzzling my neck and pressing a kiss there.
“Ready to head out?” I ask, nervous like a schoolgirl now that we’re about to have our alone time. “I thought we’d head to a nearby bank. No one’s likely to head there because there’s no scavenging to be had. Banks are useless.”
“Fly?” he asks.
My eyes widen. Do I want to fly with him? Like…on his back? Or in his claws? Either way, I think my answer is no. I’m too much of a control freak to even consider my feet leaving the ground. “We walk.”
He shrugs, easygoing. “Dakota lead, Murr follow.”
I take his hand in mine, and as I do, I notice his claws are all shorn down to nubs. With a gasp, I lift his hand to study it closer. “What happened?”
The dragon-man chuckles. “Murr…bite.” He mimes cutting his nails short with his sharp teeth. “Make good for Dakota touch.”
For me? For sex? I’m touched. I kiss one fingertip. “Did it hurt?”
