Treasured by the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons #10) - Jessie Donovan Page 0,19

back on Sasha and said, "I thought dragon-shifters were in great shape. Are you saying that a mere human wears you out?"

Sasha snorted. "Look at you, being all sassy. I like you more and more, Dawn. I'm glad you're going to live on Stonefire, and not just because it means Freddie won't ask me constantly about when he can see Daisy again."

"They are quite attached, aren't they?"

Sasha nodded. "Yes, but it's good for the both of them, I think. At least in Freddie's case, his behavior has improved a bit these days. He was never a troublemaker, but his mind can wander sometimes in school. He's much better now, almost as if he needs to learn every little thing so he can help Daisy understand it, too. He might even become a model student so he can help her when she starts school here."

"Just maybe don't sit them next to each other in class or nothing will get done."

Sasha smiled. "That will be up to the teachers. If they don't realize that now, they'll learn it soon enough." Sasha threaded her arm through Dawn's and added, "I'm glad you're here, too. And not just for me and my boy, either. You and Blake are both lonely people, and I'm beyond thrilled that you two have a chance now."

Maybe with anyone else Dawn would deny it. However, Sasha had become a good friend in such a short amount of time. She was the first true female friend Dawn had made in years, maybe ever since her ex-husband had left her. "Nothing is guaranteed, Sasha, and you know it."

The dragonwoman shrugged one shoulder. "Maybe. But if two good-hearted people can't make a true-mate pairing work, then I don't know who can. Especially since me and my mate—who I didn't much care for as a child but ended up becoming my perfect match later on—made it and still act lovey-dovey at times, as my boys can attest to with semi-disgusted frowns."

Dawn chuckled. "That's part of your job, though, to annoy your children at times."

Sasha winked. "Of course it is. It wouldn't be fun otherwise."

The outline of the surgery came into view, and Dawn reluctantly changed the subject, reminding herself that she should have lots more time to talk with Sasha if everything went well with Blake. "My second—and last date before I have sex with him—is about to start. It's weird to think of it in those terms."

Sasha met her gaze, amusement twinkling in them. "Oh, it's more than mere sex, my friend. A mate-claim frenzy is an experience unlike any other."

Even though she had asked Sasha a few questions about how the frenzy worked, Dawn had held back asking about her fears. Seeing as she would be going through with one soon enough, she decided to be bold and finally ask, "It's not scary, is it?"

Her friend raised her brows. "I can't imagine a mate-claim frenzy with Blake ever being scary. And no, I'm not insulting the male. He's just reserved, and kind, and the type of male to place a spider outside rather than kill it." Sasha cleared her throat. "That doesn't really sound the best. It won't be boring, though. His dragon half will make sure of that. Usually, the inner beast takes control for the second round before they almost tag team between them." Sasha leaned closer and whispered, "And who knows, sometimes the quiet ones can surprise you."

Dawn's cheeks heated at the thought of Blake naked and above her, growling as he thrust and claimed her. She wouldn't mind a little surprise in that department. Especially since her last long-term sexual relationship had been with her ex, and that had involved a lot of timetables and charts to try to conceive. Even before switching to IVF methods, the initial spark had vanished.

Which only reminded her that it'd been a long time since she'd had sex and she only hoped she didn't disappoint him.

No. It would be fine. Well, hopefully more than fine. She'd find out soon enough.

They reached the surgery and went inside. However, they stopped in the reception area and Sasha motioned toward the front desk. "Go and have a good time, Dawn. You deserve it. Just call me when you're done and I'll take you back."

She bobbed her head and they said their goodbyes, complete with Sasha winking at her.

The more she interacted with the clan members of Stonefire, the more she liked them. Maybe one day she could truly fit in. Dawn didn't worry about