"Will you call me when you safely arrive at your destination?" Drakos asked, rubbing his hands up and down my arms, his eyes soft with affection.

"Yes, I will, Drakos. You're behaving like a worried dad." I said exasperatingly, rolling my eyes.

"I love you and I care for you so that means I don't want to see you hurt, okay?" His fingers were brushing along my cheeks so softly, I couldn't help but close my eyes and enjoy the feeling.

"Okay," I agreed. "Now can I go?" I opened my eyes and stared at him.

He pecked me on the lips and drew back reluctantly. "Yes, love. You can."

I clenched the keys to his Maybach in my hands and smiled, taking his hand in mine and tugging him to me and kissing him. The kiss was messy and toe-curling. I didn't want to let him go but I had to.

We released each other, panting. He smiled, brushing his thumb across my cheek. "Go, before I change my mind, throw you over my shoulder and ravish you in my bedroom."

I grinned walking backwards, using my pinkie and my thumb to imitate a phone. "I'll call you."

He nodded and closed the door, not before I walked out of his eyesight.

I got into the elevator and went down into the parking garage where I found his spotless, sleek, black Maybach. I unlocked it and slid in, appreciating the buttery leather interior. It smelt like Drakos in here. Rich and masculine.

I inhaled and released a pleased sigh. I can drive in this all day. I closed the door and turned the key in the ignition, starting the car.

With my destination in mind, I drove out of the garage and on to the busy streets.

***

I called Kirk who answered my call immediately. "Hey, where are you now?" I asked as I navigated the highway.

"I'm on my way. I'll meet you there," He replied and I heard moving cars in the background confirming his statement.

"Okay, see you there." I ended the call and focused on the road, doing as Drakos pleaded.

There was another person I wanted to call but I'll wait until I leave the breeder's house. I searched around in a pet catalog and found a lady who breeds dogs for a living and sells or put them up for adoption. She lived not too far from where Kirk lived and I needed him to help me with what I'm planning to do.

So my first stop was the breeder's house. She lived in a quiet, small neighborhood that I found to be very clean and impeccably landscaped. I'm a sucker for a good lawn. When I get my own house, I'll ensure that the lawn is groomed to perfection.

I strolled up to her front steps and rang the doorbell. The door opened a few seconds later, revealing a medium-height female with brunette hair and kind brown eyes. She was dressed in tan cargo shorts and a black t-shirt. Her face lit up when she saw me.

"You must be Asche. Come on in." She pulled the door open further and allowed me to pass. She closed it and gestured for me to follow her.

She led me through her sparkling clean house, to my surprise, and through her kitchen then we slipped out a screen door that led to a den of small animals.

I heard cats meowing somewhere outside and I realized she did not only cater to dogs.

My eyes latched on to half a dozen puppies that were either asleep or playing around with each other. They were all different colors and I already knew it was going to be a tough decision choosing one.

"They're all eleven weeks old and at a good age for adoption or sale. Whatever is to your choosing. I'd recommend the twins over there," She pointed to a pair of Shih Tzu's that was nearly white with black spots in their fur.

My eyes flitted on them with a stab of pain. Twins. I touched my stomach in the large t-shirt. I was nearly four months and my stomach bulged considerably, although it wasn't noticeable under the loose shirt.

My eyes stung at the memory. Blood loss, excruciating pain, and the feeling of emptiness. If I were still carrying our twins, adopting the twin puppies would have been a wonderful idea. I gripped the hem of the shirt and gritted my teeth.

"Are you alright? You've fallen silent for a while." She placed a hand on my shoulder.

I swallowed the lump in my throat with a nod. "I'm okay. I just had a bad memory. I think I'll adopt them. I want them both, please."

I couldn't help but love the duo that wrestled with each other playfully. I decided right then and there that they'd belong to me.

She gave me a lingering, concerned stare before she nodded, her ponytail bobbing. "I'll just write up the adoption papers and have you sign them, then they're all yours. I have a spare puppy crate if you need one."

"That's very thoughtful, I actually forgot to buy one," I said, feeling embarrassed.

She smiled genuinely, "It's okay. First-timers always do. Have a seat in the waiting area. It's on the other side of the den. I'll be right back." She turned away and went down the hall.

I faced the puppies, feeling an instant connection to the pair. I'll be raising a child and two dogs at the same time. Am I even prepared for it?

Of course, I can do this. I have Drakos and he'll help. It shouldn't be that complicated. I preferred dogs over cats. Cats are a handful and they're just plain ass rude.

I walked over to the sitting area and took a seat on a bench. Her backyard was huge. She had other dogs in cages built along the walls of her yard. The cages were big enough to fit several dogs in each, making me wonder if that's where the mothers gave birth.

She returned with the papers and I signed where she indicated, passing her the clipboard and pen.

"Alrighty then. Let's get them in the cage." She placed the clipboard and pen on a nearby table and got a black cage from the other side of the den. I watched as she gently scooped them up and placed them in the cage, locking it.

She picked it up by the handle and came towards me, handing me the cage. "You'll love them. They're beautiful pups that share a close bond. They're always together and their rather playful. Thanks for adopting them. I feel a bit wistful to see them go. But I know they're in good hands."

I took it and the puppies gathered near the cage to sniff me. I smiled.

"I'll take great care of them. Thank you." We shook hands and I left.

***

I got back on the highway, placing the cage on the backseat. I glanced through the rearview mirror ever so often to make sure they were okay. They were having a field day playing. So far so good. Now I needed to hurry before they peed all over my hot half-dragon lover's car seat.

I stopped in the parking lot of a diner and called a man who probably wanted to have nothing to do with me. Well, this was a chance I was taking.

His phone rang for a long moment before he answered it, his voice rasp. "Hello?"

I swallowed. "Falcon? It's me, Asche. Um, sorry if I woke you up. Are you feeling okay to talk?"

There was silence and I heard a muffled sound from the other end.

"It's okay, babe. Asche's on the phone."

I closed my eyes. Stephon's with him. Indistinct chatter ensued and Falcon said, "Yeah. I'm free. Is everything okay?"

I licked my lips as I stared through the car's windshield at customers entering and exiting the diner. "I'm great actually. The vacation was awesome." I paused, then added, "I was hoping to get your input on something if it's okay with you. I know you and Drakos aren't on good terms--"

"Asche, what is it? Are you sure you're okay? Is Drakos okay?" His voice held concern, and I heard shuffling in the background.

"I'm fine as well as Drakos," I assured him. "You see...I uh wanted to plan something and I couldn't do it alone. Well...I was hoping you'd give me your opinion on what I had planned. If that's okay with you." I got out hurriedly, feeling anxiety kick in. I'm not good at asking people for favors.

The last time I saw Falcon, he and Drakos had a disagreement, and Stephon and I parted ways. I didn't want to seem like I only wanted to speak with them because I had plans to surprise Drakos for buying such a gorgeous pendant for me. I desired to return the favor to show him my appreciation.

"What sort of plans? Asche, it would be better for both of us if you cut to the chase." He noted gently and I nodded, holding on the steering wheel with a sigh.

"I want to surprise Drakos because he bought something amazing for me," I said, holding my breath afterwards as my heart raced in fear that he may tell me to hell with Drakos.

I really needed Falcon's help. He knew his brother better than I did and I wanted to pinch myself for not asking him what he liked. This is why communication is key in a relationship. Falcon took a while before he answered, the suspense nearly strangling me.

"Asche..." He began and I interjected with a plea.

"Please, Falcon. Do it for the sake of our relationship. I know you care even though you're still angry at him. You both are just stubborn and it was all a misunderstanding. I desperately want to please him. He went out of his way to put a smile on my face and I'd like to do the same for him. Stephon can help too. I wanted you both in on this. Kirk's helping as well. Consider this a reconciliation project between all of us. What do you say?"

"Let me talk with Stephon and I'll get back to you." He said and I felt my heart descend in my chest but I held myself in check.

"Okay," I said weakly and he hung up.

I dropped my phone on the passenger seat and clenched the steering wheel with both hands, placing my forehead on it.

What am I doing?

***