SIX

"These are your rooms," Gaz opened the door for her. 

Pretty big! Neeri whistled appreciatively. All the ceilings and doorways were high. The furniture was large and robust. Clearly they had tried to make the space as suitable for dragon and wolf cohabitation as possible.

"Everything here is for you. Living room, kitchenette." He gestured to the open plan room they were standing in. "Cupboards are fully stocked, if you would like anything you can ask for it. Meals will be brought to you but it's nice to have option to make something for yourself or if you get hungry." He rambled, trying not to think about how much he didn't want to leave her here. "That's the bathroom, again, fully stocked. Bedroom." Gaz pointed at the door from across the room. "Clothes, linen - everything is in there. You're welcome to clean and tidy if you wish, laundry can be put outside of the door and will be returned clean but just as with the food your rooms will be cleaned for you. Any questions?" 

Breeth and Gaz both held their breath hoping Lillah would and they wouldn't have to leave just yet.

"Will that be what I do once I've had an ice dragon baby? Clean rooms for the other Omegas?"

"Not necessarily," Gaz blinked, surprised that Lillah was thinking so far ahead. "There are many roles here at the Nest, all dragon-shifters are able to and do do the jobs regardless of gender but wolf Omegas, such as yourself, are significantly limited in what tasks they can take on so, yes, many do clean but on a voluntary basis. Any work after providing a hatchling is optional. Kurt, a male dragon-shifter, actually cleans this floor." 

"What's behind those wooden shutters?" 

"Windows and a balcony. They are locked." The disappointment on her face had Gaz feeling guilty. "They will stay that way until -"

"Until I've had an ice dragon baby - I've got it. So I'm basically stuck in here until then? Neeri doesn't get to go for a run?"

"No, I will ensure you and Neeri get to go for a run soon." 

"What's with all the rocks?" 

"They are pretty. Geodes, igneous rocks, metamorphic. From the surrounding area and volcano. Would you prefer precious metals or gemstones?"

"Plants would be nice but with the -" Lillah gestured, frustratedly, at the covered windows, "they won't grow."

How can she not like rocks? I bet her wolf, Neeri, likes rocks. Ask her, ask, ask! Breeth insisted.

"Ehem," Gaz cleared his throat, "my, er, dragon, Breeth, would like to know if Neeri likes the rocks."

Lillah, he likes us! He likes us, Lillah. Tell him I love the rocks, I adore them. Neeri squealed, exuberant. 

You don't though…

So? We like him - be nice.

Neeri… he's only being nice so we will do what we are told. 

Alpha Aaron wasn't nice… and we did what we were told…

"Neeri is flattered Breeth would ask." A blush flushed her cheeks and she tucked her blond hair behind her ears.

She’s being diplomatic, Breeth deduced. We will get her plants. I bet she will like ones with flowers.

Do you think the other Omegas are also disliking of the rock decorations? Gaz contemplated. None of the others had questioned it or complained so it had just been taken for granted that they enjoyed the décor that had been provided. He was going to have to ask someone. How embarrassing.

No, Lillah is just … unique. Breeth sighed happily. Special.

“I’ll, er, see what I can do about getting you some plants. I’m sure I can find some that are ok with artificial light or low light.”

“Why can’t I have the windows open?”

“In case you jump.”

“I told you – I didn’t even see the ledge. It was horrible and scary being so alone, removed from a pack. I just panicked and ran and happened to fall off…” Lillah frowned, her heart sinking. She felt punished and wished she hadn’t ran – then this wouldn’t be happening.

“Lillah, it’s not because of that. We want you to settle, become acclimatised to living in the dragonpack before we open you up to any risk. It’s the same for all Omegas that come here, not just you. So many lies are spread about dragon-shifters, some of those lies can make the new pack members feel unsafe which has led to some rules; such as locked windows. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Beta.” Lillah looked down, tears in her eyes. Gaz wanted to punch himself in the face. Breeth surged inside him. Before he knew it he had closed the distance between the two of them and cupped her face.

“Don’t cry Lillah, it’s not forever.”

“You promise?” She looked up, her captivating eyes almost making his heart stop.

“I promise.”

“What happens now?” She pressed her tiny face harder against his huge hot hand.

“You’ll have some time to rest, here in your room and then your chosen Vermale will come and introduce himself. He will bring you food and gifts along with a potion to induce your heat. Then-”

“I know ‘then’.” She smiled sadly. If only Gaz could be her ‘then’. “What gifts will he bring? Is he going to bring me more rocks?” Lillah glanced at a collection of rocks, proudly displayed on a high shelf. Neeri giggled.

“He will probably bring you a rock.” Gaz rolled his eyes. It was what dragons did. They presented others with rocks or jewels or precious metals to demonstrate affection. “Would you like me to ask him not to bring a rock?”

“No,” Lillah smiled bashfully, “I’m kinda intrigued to see what kind of rock he brings. What’s your favourite kind of rock? That’s not too personal of a question, is it?” The Omega was suddenly worried that, like asking what sort of male a dragon-shifter was, asking about the rocks might also be too personal.

“Rocks are certainly something you can very safely ask any dragon about but I warn you, it’s quite the in-depth conversation starter…”

Idiot, Breeth boomed, tell her our favourite rock, better yet let’s get her our favourite rock – no, no, let’s take her to see our favourite rocks.

“Breeth, shut up.”

“Is he talking about rocks?”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to say that out loud. Yes, he is yammering about rocks.”

Oh, oh I have an idea about a ‘rock’ Lillah and Neeri’s will love… Breeth said mischievously.

“Now he’s plotting how to make you love rocks.” Gaz tutted and shook his head in disbelief. “I should go and let you get settled.” Taking his hand away from Lillah’s soft cheek felt like torture. “Let me know if you need anything.” Feeling defeated, he walked away.

“Gaz?”

He turned back, Lillah was nibbling her bottom lip. He hadn’t missed that she’d used his name and not Beta, or Beta Gaz.

“Yes?” He didn’t know what he’d do if she asked him to stay.

“If, if I could have chosen you – I would have.” She swallowed.

Goddess give us strength… Breeth was stunned.

In that moment, Gaz knew without a shadow of a doubt that from now on he would have to stay away from her, or he wouldn’t be able to resist.