Purrfect Roast: A Dragon Cozy Mystery Verena DeLuca (summer reading list .txt) 📖

"Random chance decides our scale coloring," Shadow transmitted. "There are no set genetics when it comes to scale tones."

"As for the cat breed," Azure transmitted. "That's a personal choice of each dragon. We have to live with the form we choose for years, so it better be one we like."

"Oh right, since y'all take on the personality traits of the breed as well," I transmitted. "That's fascinating."

"Our tribe specifically made sure none of us were the same breed," Azure transmitted.

"I never looked into Azure's breed, just took Tona's word for it. But after being here, I've noticed all the dragon's cat glamours have slight differences from the actual breed. Like Azure seems to be fluffier than most Bombay's. Is that on purpose?"

"Yes," Shadow transmitted. "Since we can look as we please, we all take liberty to appear how we most enjoy. While cat experts will notice it, our breed paperwork is legitimate so they can't question it."

"I see. Must be why dragons always win the shows. How long do you stay in one breed? I know cats don't live crazy long, but at some point you have to change breeds, no?"

"We can take a new breed as we see fit," Shadow transmitted. "Though we do take the obligations of the protector in having to explain a new cat to people into consideration."

"What does that mean, though? Do you come back as kittens and then grow? When will you change Azure?"

"So many questions," Azure transmitted his laughter. "If for some reason we needed to show ourselves as a kitten we would, but usually if we pick a new breed we present ourselves as an adult. I don't think I will pick any other breed for as long as I am a house cat. I enjoy being black and void-like."

"It fits your cheery demeanor perfectly," I transmitted. "What about strangers? Wouldn't they notice?"

"Most humans are too self-obsessed to notice a cat," Shadow transmitted.

"Besides," Azure transmitted, "we always live with our protector, and they know the truth. Haven't you noticed that every protector is a single woman?"

"Every protector? Like for all the tribes?"

I looked around the room as if I was going to prove him wrong. This was not the first time I gave it enough thought to question the situation. It was not like it applied to me anyway. I was as single as they come.

"Yes," Azure transmitted. "It's a requirement for being a protector."

"But that means . . . Why, though?"

I pushed the scraps of food around on my plate, deep in thought.

To say I was speechless would be an understatement, not that I wanted different. I was living my best life: best friends, financially secure, and a well-thought-out lifestyle. Not once had I wanted kids or family-oriented goals, but being told I could never have those things made the rebel in me antsy.

In all honesty, I never experienced the notion to settle down with someone in a marriage-type situation. I was happy for my friends that went that route, but I knew through many years of self-discovery and accepting who I was, it was not my path.

"Yes," Azure transmitted. "You will never find a human mate."

"A human mate." I laughed and glanced around to make sure no one else saw me laughing at cats. That would be the highlight of my weekend, crazy cat lady. "What if I fall in love though?"

"Really? You aspire to fall in romantic love? Maybe you should be asking yourself that question," Azure transmitted. "You were chosen because you have no urge for marriage, romantic love, or any of that romanticized tea. Are you not filled with love through your family and friends?"

"I mean . . ." I transmitted slowly, contemplating my next words carefully. "You're not wrong. I can't fathom having another person live in my house, requiring me to consult them before making choices, taking up my me time. I always thought I was being selfish because I love it being just me. But they say, love finds a way. Can't say I know for sure what the next sixty years will hold for me."

I giggled at my joke but attempted to cover it with a cough—I did not want to make light of a serious conversation. How did Skylar feel about all of this?

"What they say is irrelevant," Shadow transmitted. "Not every human is after those things, and that is perfectly acceptable. Dragons capitalize off those who are content in being a table for one. But if by chance, the initial probe was wrong, there are nuclear options."

What in the tea did that mean?

"Nuclear options?" I transmitted.

"He's being overdramatic," Azure transmitted with an eye roll. "It's not like your lonely. In essence, we're soul mates."

"True, but sounds like something I should have known ahead of time," I transmitted in my sternest voice possible.

"Give it a year," Azure transmitted with a chuckle. "You'll realize there was no sacrifice to be made on your part. Dragons just happen to be able to read you better than you can read yourself."

"Think of it more as something you've been destined for from birth," Shadow transmitted. "You would not have been chosen for this path if Azure had not seen life goals within your soul that aligned with being a protector."

The more I pondered the more I realized my own self-discovery journey was thanks to Tona's guidance. She never suggested how I should live, rather that I needed to learn to be true to my personal desires. She must not have chosen me for dragon protector until she knew where I stood regarding lifelong plans. Thinking back to our many conversations regarding happiness and self-acceptance, they were much clearer with this added information. Had I not been destined for this life she would not have chosen me as Azure's protector. The idea of living without him already left a deep sadness in my chest.

"That makes sense," I transmitted. "I mean, guys are great eye candy and all, but like kids,