about maintaining it because it was a gift from a famous warrior or something like that. I could never really figure that piece out. But after Amber came along, he became really dedicated to making sure it got enough nutrients, it was hydrated and well groomed.”
I can guess why. “Because that’s the body Amber fell in love with him in. He couldn’t risk anything happening to it.”
“Bingo. That was especially true after they began having sex. He was really careful not to touch anyone, because he can only hold the DNA of one person in his mind at a time. I looked at his skin bag’s DNA one time when we were joined, and it was wildly complicated. He’s always afraid someone’s going to accidentally grab hold of him and hang on long enough to replace his primary imprint. That’s why he doesn’t socialize with others or fight with other guys like some of the others warriors do.”
I know without asking she’s referring to sparring. The shifter flat out refused to spar even though they told him it would keep him battle ready.
The quiet one interjects, “I think he’s worried that if he looks different Amber won’t like him as much.”
Jill huffs out an exasperated breath. “Zeong didn’t abuse us in any way. We didn’t suffer anything except boredom while under his care. He made sure we had everything we needed to be comfortable, and treated us better than our own government ever did. We just didn’t fit in with the rest of his life. Right now he’s obsessed with taking care of Amber and those kids. He’s got no spare time to be worried over what’s going on with three extra women. Just make everyone leave him alone.”
We all spend a minute thinking over how we thought the shifter was nearly invincible and how the Draconians spent a huge amount of time developing gadgets that kept him from imprinting on others, and come to find out he likely wore them as a way to protect himself.
Molly speaks up when no one else does. “I know it’s going to take a while for us to build some trust and get to know each other but…”
Lugon comes running into the room at top speed, tracking thick black mud everywhere. It’s the worst possible moment for him to put in an appearance, but he doesn’t know that. Realizing we have company, he gets excited. “We have more queens. This is what I like about this clade. We have an abundance of females to sniff.”
The women jump to their feet and begin screeching, pressing themselves to the side of the wall. I can’t really blame them. It’s not every day you see a huge saber-toothed feline.
Lugon reacts with alarm, growling viciously. “I will save you.” Jumping over the rest of us, he takes up a protective stance in front of the three panicking women. Reaching out one huge paw, he moves Molly behind him as well, probably simply because she’s within easy reach. “Fear not, Lugon will protect you from all danger. I have blackened my claws in order to appear even more ferocious to our enemies.”
Molly bends down, grabs one paw and begins wiping it clean with the corner of her apron. “I know this whole blacking your claws thing probably seemed like a good idea at the time, but I can’t have you tracking mud all over our clean floors.”
Lugon flops down, forgetting entirely about protecting the queens. “But I want to be even more ferocious. Did you not hear what I just said, Queen Molly?”
The others relax and move slowly away. Molly pulls the apron off entirely and thumps down on her knees to get a better grip on his dirty paws. “Yeah, I heard everything you said. The thing you need to understand is you’re already really fearsome. Humans can’t deal with so much ferocity. You don’t want to scare us to death, do you?”
Lugon’s voice turns petulant. “I have no wish to frighten innocent queens. It is our enemies that I wish to terrify.”
“I have an idea that might work. On Earth our ancient warriors used to paint their faces when they went to war. Some covered themselves in blue woad and others painted black and red streaks on their faces. I think something like that might be just the right amount of terrifying. What do you think?”
Before Lugon can answer, Jill squeaks out timidly, “It can talk.”
Lugon snaps his head around to glare at her. “I am