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When he got home to his ranch that night, Deimos surprised Hope with his news.
“Hope, I want to thank you for everything you have been doing to help me with what’s happening to my cows. I arranged a tour of the castle for the two of us. We’ll get there by boat, and I’ll show you around.”
Hope gazed at Deimos. Her surprise was evident on her face … her eyes were wide, and her delectable mouth was slightly opened.
“Oh … well, how can I refuse such a wonderful offer?” Hope’s eyes twinkled as she flirted slightly with Deimos. “Also, I made dinner for the two of us.”
“Mmm, what is it? I am hungry!” Deimos’s own grin added to the playful gleam in his own eyes.
“I made steaks using beef from Earth. They are … I hope … medium-rare. I made mashed potatoes and two kinds of vegetables to accompany the steaks. Dessert is apple pie with ice cream.”
Deimos’s mouth watered. “I’m ready for dinner.”
“Go wash up.”
At the dinner table, Deimos eagerly cut into his steak. As he placed the meat into his mouth and chewed, he closed his eyes and dropped his head back.
“Oh, this is delicious! Perfectly seasoned and cooked. You seem to really like your vegetables.”
“Yes, because we need more than just the protein in meat. I would guess that a dragon shifter would, as well.”
“Caught. I really love to eat meat. You’re right. We do need other nutrients as well.”
“Well … it’s just like humans. We need several nutrients all across the scale. We can enjoy the meat in your case and the sweets in mine as long as we eat them in moderation.”
This is another reason I need her in my life. She’ll look after me just as lovingly as she does my cows.
“Is medicine for humans and animals similar?”
Hope thought for a minute, then nodded.
“It is. Our body systems are similar, though not identical. For instance, our bodies can handle foods such as chocolate, onion, garlic, and others …” her eyes unfocused.
“Hope? Are you all right?”
Hope started. “Errr, yeah. I just had a thought …” She gathered her thoughts, mindful that what she was about to say could upset Deimos. “Certain substances on Earth are toxic and sometimes deadly to our Earth animals. I know we’re still waiting for the lab results. I’m wondering if someone deliberately poisoned your cows.”
Deimos’s mind followed Hope’s train of thought. Absently, he thought he wanted to delve into them more deeply. Then, her words hit him.
“You mean … someone might be poisoning my cows?” His eyes glowed red.
Hope shifted back slightly. “Umm … yes. I do. I’m sorry, Deimos.”
With effort, Deimos exerted control over himself and his dragon.
“No, it’s not you. It’s … whoever is out there.” Gripping the side of the table, he growled under his breath. “If I find out who it is … they will not be happy with the results.”
Hope stayed where she was. “Okay, but let’s just wait for the lab results first. Now. Tell me more about this visit to the castle.”
Deimos recognized Hope’s suggestion as a form of distraction. Still, seeing the slight level of fear in her eyes, most likely caused by his near-shift, carefully moderated his response. Gathering himself, he exhaled and made himself calm down.
“I know just what you’re doing, Hope. But it’s good … I can’t do anything until I know why my cows are sick. I’m renting a yacht, complete with a crew. We are going to sail to the castle. It’s the only way we can get there.”
Hope’s eyes glowed, and her beautiful lips were parted. “A yacht! I’ve never been on one, you know.”
“No, I didn’t. You are going to love it. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes because we’re going to do a lot of walking.” Deimos’s grin was wide.
“Hmm. I think someone is giving me a challenge here.”
