I Married A Dragon (Prime Mating Agency)(16)
“I do not know why they didn’t tell you. But I held you while the pod mended you, which went a long way healing me of the worst of the toxin.”
“I’m at least happy that, even unconscious, I could do that for you,” I said in all sincerity, although still miffed about the secrecy.
However, I strongly suspected tremendous pressure from the Derakeen Council had played a role in the Enforcer’s leadership going that route. I didn’t begrudge what healing I’d been able to give Cedros, even unaware. But I hated to have been used this way without my knowledge. Had they asked me, I would have consented. They didn’t have to put me in an induced coma to bypass asking me and the risk that I might refuse.
“You did. An Ejaya’s scent and touch trigger a physiological response that kicks our organs back into overdrive. It causes the nezarone hormone to flood our bodies, and then it’s like touching the divine. Normally, after a day of traipsing in the void, or getting a slight scratch from an aqrat, we only need contact for a few minutes, less than an hour in the worst cases. But I have a lifetime of catching up to do. So, I’m sorry that I will continue to bother you excessively in the next couple of days. But I promise it will diminish with time… Well, unless you don’t mind.”
I gave him an inquisitive look.
“Holding one’s Ejaya feels good, sick or not. Shadow Lords cuddle often with them,” he added, giving me the most adorable boyish expression.
I chuckled. “I’m sure we’ll work that out, too, so you get your cuddling fix.”
He grinned and gave me another affectionate squeeze.
“I’m here to help you,” I reminded him, sobering. “But I’m glad you found your tongue again. You spoke little earlier.”
“My brain was foggy from the toxin,” he said apologetically. “Be aware that, like most Shadow Lords, I am socially awkward. We’re mostly loners until we meet our Ejaya. Please be patient with me and don’t be shy to call me out if I am acting weird or inappropriate. I want to learn, and I want to please you.”
My chest warmed further for my dragon. While I loved a big and strong man, I also had a thing for a shy nerd or geek. Cedros was turning out to be a delightful mix of both. And oddly enough, my protective instincts were also kicking in for him.
“Don’t worry about it. You’re fine. I bet you will find me even weirder than I could ever find you to be,” I said in a gentle tone. “We’ll adjust together.”
He beamed at me and kissed my forehead.
“Good! You must let me know if you have any other needs I haven’t addressed or adaptations you require me to do to our lair. I have seen the liftable seats that humans put on waste seats. I will have one added in our hygiene room so that you no longer risk falling in since you want privacy. Otherwise, I will constantly worry when you’re here alone.”
My cheeks burned at the memory of the spectacle I made of myself. However, I welcomed the thought of a proper toilet seat scaled to my human behind instead of the gaping hole that looked like it wanted to swallow me.
“Sounds like a grand plan. As long as you lift it before you pee…” I added with a semi-false warning in my voice.
Cedros blinked and gave me a confused look.
I chuckled. “Never mind. Let’s clean this up, and then you can give me that tour of the house.
“Yes, my Ejaya.”
Chapter 5
Cedros
My Ejaya enjoyed my meal! A million other recipes I had read about were already flashing through my mind as the silliest pride filled me. I would charm my Kaida with great food—among other things. After all, her species had a saying about winning a human male’s heart through his stomach. Surely it applied to females as well?
As I cleaned the table and counter, in which Kaida insisted on helping, I realized how easy it was speaking with her. Sure, she confused me at times, but my tongue didn’t get tied like it did with others.
“I had a larger cooling unit installed here so that you can have room for all the foods humans eat,” I said, pointing at it by the counter. “We normally only have drinks, mostly fermented, in there. As you can see, I have filled it with fruits and vegetables for you, as well as some more cuts of meat, some of which are already marinating.”
“Thank you. That was very thoughtful of you,” she said gratefully.
Pleased by her approval, I gave her a tour of the living area, with the giant screen and my vast library of plays, which her people called movies.
“I usually lie down on this couch to watch. You can tilt the backrest all the way down, although I normally keep it at seventy degrees,” I explained, suddenly feeling self-conscious when Kaida began browsing my library.
Her curious expression shifted to surprise, then an odd mix of disbelief and amusement as she read through the titles.
“Claiming Drusha, For the Love of Arlea, Ilze’s Golden Scales, An Ejaya Like No Other…” She turned to give me the strangest sideways glance. “Most of these titles sound like romantic movies.”
I shifted on my feet, feeling embarrassed for a reason I couldn’t explain, and scratched the scales on the side of my neck. “I… uh… Yes. They have a strong focus on romance and love. It is fascinating to me to see how regular people interact with each other. The first courtships between juveniles to the more elaborate ones of adults... The dynamic of a normal family, from the younglings playing together to their relationship with their parents... The social events they take part in, whether purely for entertainment or as part of the courtship... It is fascinating, but not something I will ever experience.”