Sky put her head around the jamb first before entering. She closed the door behind her. It was the first time Candy had seen the other woman in a couple of days. She was smiling from ear to ear and her cheeks looked rosy. She looked different somehow. More relaxed, happier. “What’s going on?”

Sky shrugged, she put down a tray. “I brought croissants. I’ll put the kettle on.”

Candy put her bookmark into the book and closed it, placing it on the coffee table. “Sounds good.”

“I went into heat.” Sky blurted. She covered her mouth for a second. She was smiling hard. “I can’t really believe it.”

“You went into heat as in…”

“A female can become pregnant when in heat.”

“Oh.” Candy nodded. “You ovulated. How do you even know?”

“Dragon females know. Firstly, we begin to scent differently. It drives males crazy. Then we start to need sex. Our bodies crave our mates. Lake took me to one of the caves and… yeah, I’m sure you can guess the rest. We were holed up for a few days, that’s why you haven’t seen me.”

“A cave?” Candy raised her brows. “As in, a dusty hole in the mountain?”

She nodded. “Yeah, something like that. They are rustic but we need very little during the heat, save our partner and plenty of sex. The caves are kitted out with the basics.”

“Oh, okay. Wow! Does that mean?” Her eyes tracked to Sky’s belly.

The she-dragon covered her stomach with an open hand. She was smiling broadly and looked so happy that Candy couldn’t help smiling along with her.

Sky nodded. “I hope so. It is rare for a she-dragon not to become pregnant if a male is with her during her heat.”

Candy squealed. “That’s so exciting. I’m thrilled for you. You must be—”

“No!” Sky held up a hand. “Don’t congratulate me yet, it is considered bad luck.”

Candy held up her hands. “I won’t, but it is exciting. How long before you find out?”

“It shouldn’t take more than a week.” She narrowed her eyes on Candy. “What’s been happening with you? I ran into Torrent on my way here and he looked relaxed.” She sniffed the air.

“You haven’t rutted, but…” She sniffed again.

Candy felt heat flood her cheeks. She busied herself with grabbing some mugs and plates. “Stop it. It’s none of your business.” She couldn’t help but smile though.

“No sex… yet… but you’ve moved things forward.” She clapped her hands together. “I’m so glad. How are things between you? Is he still being an arrogant ass or is he showing his… sweet side?”

Candy shook her head. “He’s really been amazing. He’s trying really hard and…” She chewed on her lip for a moment. “It’s working.” Then she felt herself frown.

“What’s wrong?” The kettle clicked off.