Drakos is behaving strangely.

His eyes are freaking me out. They're dilating and flickering a darker shade ever so often. Especially when his eyes settled on me.

This is the second day this shit has happened and I'm unsettled as fuck. Can't he put on sunglasses or something? I'm trying to at least give him a chance but he's making it so difficult. Especially when his eyes are hooded with lust and his lips are parted with his tongue flicking out ever so often to moisten his lips.

At night, he sleeps far away from me, with his back turned. I'm not going to lie, it fucking irritated me. Just a few days ago he begged me to open up to him and when I eventually muster up a shard of effort and courage, he shuts me out. What the actual fuck?

I scrolled through the collection of baby products on my phone, biting my lip in irritation. I'm trying to focus on purchasing a playpen and a few things but I felt like I had ADHD. Did he grow tired of my bitching? Did I wait too late to give in? I'm trying here, why can't he understand that?

"If you continue to scowl like that, I'm afraid your face will stay that way." I didn't notice that Falcon had walked over to me.

I shut off my cellphone and grimaced at him. "What the fuck do you want, Dr.Phil?"

He rolled his eyes and sat down in the chair beside me, looking out at the beach beyond the balcony where we sat.

"It's a beautiful day to take a swim." He mused.

"Oh great, now you're a fucking meteorologist." I threw my hands up in irritation.

He grinned and crossed one leg over the other as the gentle breeze whipped his shoulder-length, auburn hair. "Do you know what you're up against, Asche?" He glanced at me with a now serious expression.

"Are you referring to the weather?" I replied sarcastically.

"You know what I'm talking about." His lips thinned as he continued to stare at me intensely.

Of course, I didn't have a fucking clue. Well actually I do, I'm up against a fire breathing beast. But what can I do now? I'm already knocked up with his dragon spawn anyway.

"Why are you asking this now after you've assisted him in finding me? It's a little too late to feel regretful and chicken out. If I had a chance to do it all over again, I wouldn't have returned that fucking book. But fate fucked me so hard, I can feel the fibroids forming in my ass."

His face distorted in disgust and then he said, "Ew. But seriously, did he not tell you what's going to occur tomorrow?"

I sighed heavily, annoyed by him beating around the bush. "Falcon, what are you trying to get at?"

He frowned and glanced ahead, deep in thought. I tapped my fingers on the arm of the chair, growing impatient. "Still waiting," I reminded him.

"I think it would be best if you stayed with Kirk until next week." He said, retaining his frown.

Now they were all just pissing me off with their confusing remarks. Why is Drakos avoiding me and why the fuck is his brother here telling me his irrelevant thoughts? I need to know exactly what's going on.

"Falcon, I'm not going anywhere so it's best that you tell me straight up what's bothering you."

He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck with an apologetic frown. "It would be best if my brother tells you himself. It's not my place to tell you but I will warn you that come midnight, you'll be in danger and I know he wants what's best for you by not telling you, but you'll find out anyway. Go and talk with him, hopefully, he minds me and takes you to safety."

He got up and left, and I stared after him grimly.

For some odd reason, my body got the chills when he said that. I quickly got up and went inside the hotel room, sliding the door closed behind me and I took out my phone to call him.

It rang five times before he answered and I released I breath I didn't know I was holding.

"Why are you avoiding me?" I didn't wait for him to answer.

"Asche...I could explain. I just need time-"

"Time as in six hours from now? Because it doesn't seem as if you've got much time judging by what Falcon told me and how fucking melodramatic he was at explaining it."

That was a lie but who cares? I had to add a little sugar and spice to get his ass to confess. What is he hiding from me? Did what he told me meant nothing but empty lies?

"I know you're angry but please understand I kept it away from you to protect you." He quickly explained. "You're with child and if I'm to mate with you, it'll possibly kill you or the baby."

I stared wryly ahead, blinking slowly. So, he's afraid to fuck me because he thinks he'll kill me with his cock? Interesting considering he almost did. Why should it matter now?

"I not following," I ran my hand through my hair, sinking on the bed.

He sighed and I heard the fear in his voice. "I'm going into heat, Asche baby. I can't be with you during that time."

I swallowed, exhaling. I didn't know what to say. A dragon shifter going into heat. Shit, that'll probably last a week or longer. Hopefully not.

The silence dragged on for a few seconds.

I licked my lips and cleared my throat to end the awkward silence that fell.

"So, um...where are you going to go?" I asked, genuinely concerned. What does a dragon-shifter do when their cock is ready to explode?

"I'll lock myself away. Falcon will be with me so there's no need to worry. Forgive me, Asche. I do not want to hurt you again. Listen to whatever Falcon says, he'll take you somewhere safe until next week. I'll have Kirk be with you until then."

My heart dropped and I clutched my chest, feeling glum. "Will you keep in touch?"

"I'm afraid not. Hearing your voice alone with trigger a feral instinct to track you down and mount you and that would be detrimental."

That thought alone had my cock stirring awake. But I remembered the excruciating episode at his penthouse and I clenched my ass. But this is a crucial situation. It's not like I can control how he feels. Besides, it's only for a week and Kirk will be with me. I hope he doesn't have Stephon come along or else I'm ditching them both.

"So we just...keep away from each other for an entire week?" I asked, feeling my chest contract with a painful emotion.

A part of me wanted him to stay away but another part wanted him beside me, curled up, all warm and comfy.

I cursed that side and fought back the horrid feeling.

"Yes," He responded wistfully. "I must go and please, stay inside and do not call or text me. You'll be safe, I promise." There was a pause before he added, "I love you."

I nodded, closing my eyes as I took in the tenderly spoken words. "Okay then."

I couldn't say it in return and I wondered if that bothered him. I do care for him but is the feeling of love? Possibly not.

When the call ended, I closed my eyes and exhaled, running trembling hands down my face, on the verge of tears.

Why the fuck do I feel like this!?

Shit!

****