“You are days away. I was going to tell you. I swear. We can use the covers if it will make you feel better. Dragon seed is potent but does not live long within a female. It is imperative that a male rut a female during her heat. Two days before would be more than enough but we will start using coverings now.”

“We must. I don’t want kids.”

She felt him tense. “You have already said that many times. We will use the coverings. I’m fine with it.” His voice was gruff but not in a good way.

“You don’t sound fine.”

“I am fine.” He released his hold on her. “I think that we should go back now.”

“I’m only just starting to relax and enjoy myself.”

Coal pulled her back against him. It felt good to be in his arms like this. Safe and not just from falling. “I’m glad that you are staying.” Coal nuzzled into her neck.

“Just for two weeks.”

“I wish that you would give us a chance.”

“There is no us, Coal. We have sex and that’s it.” It wasn’t entirely true. “I consider you to be a friend.” She added. It sounded stupid saying it.

“We are more than just friends. It’s more than just sex and you know it.”

“Stop. Let’s just enjoy the scenery. I don’t want you getting angry with me and leaving me here or tossing me over.” She choked out a laugh but it wasn’t funny. She didn’t mean it. Coal wouldn’t do that to her.

His breathing picked up. She didn’t need to look into his eyes to know that she had hurt him. “What happened to you, Julie?” His voice was thick with emotion. “Why do you struggle to accept that someone actually cares for you?”

“Nothing happened. I know that people care.” When they want something. “I know you think you have feelings for me but it’s not true. You want a mate and offspring. Any of the five of us would’ve done. When I leave in two weeks, you’ll bride hunt the next group of girls and pick someone else.” She swallowed hard, feeling a lump form in her throat. She was thirsty. Yup, that was it. “I’m sure whomever you pick will jump at the chance to become your mate and to give you lots of dragon babies.”

“But not you?”

“No. I’m a free spirit. I want to see the world and experience life and…” She looked around her as she spoke. The words sounded like, well, just words. Julie paused for a beat. “You want to know why I don’t trust? Well, I grew up in an orphanage and in foster homes.”

“Does that mean that you didn’t have parents?” Coal’s voice was deep. His chest rumbled against hers as he spoke.