Free Dragon Around by Zenina Masters Page A

hummed to herself as the check-in time for her newest guest drew near. The thrum of the portal in the Meditation Centre told her that he was right on time.
    She cocked her head as she finished mixing her batch of cookies. There was a lot of power in this one. She could feel it from where she stood.
    One by one, she spooned the cookies out onto the pan before lifting it in her hands and baking them in a column of hot air that she created as easily as breathing. She watched the cookie dough melt and turn golden brown, and with a smile, she set the pan onto the cooling rack. “Ta-da!”
    It was sad that she did her best work when no one was watching, but baking without electricity was an art form that she enjoyed mastering. She had not met another dragon for years, and she was content with her lot in life as a proprietor of the Open Heart Bed and Breakfast.
    She enjoyed all the trappings of the modern age, including the spatula that she used to slide the cookies onto a charming plate with images of animals capering about the edge in a lovely pattern.
    When the cookies were arranged just so, she carried them into the entryway where her antique desk was waiting for her. She read the reservation slip and frowned slightly.
    “What kind of a name is Enker Thosos Makiel Norwin ?”
     
    * * * *
     
    Mak stood on shaky legs as he took in his surroundings. A man and a woman were waiting for him. The male stepped forward. “Enker Thos—“
    Mak held up his hand. “Call me Mak.”
    “Mak, my name is Anthony. Call me Tony. This is my mate, Teal.” The man extended his hand, and Mak took in the filigree silver band he wore. It matched the one on Teal.
    Mak shook the man’s hand and felt the power in his grip. Despite being somewhat smaller in stature, there was an ancient magic in Tony. One that was almost as strong as Mak’s.
    “How are you feeling?”
    Mak tested his limbs and grinned. “Good. Stable. Shall we proceed?”
    “We shall. Welcome to the Crossroads.” Tony opened the large doors that ponderously swung wide to reveal an actual crossing of two roads.
    Looking around, Mak raised his head. The winds brought him knowledge of the local predator and prey species, the amount of women to men and the unmistakable scent of cookies. He loved cookies.
    Tony took him on a tour of the common areas. The café, restaurant, general store, first aid centre and, of course, the bar were shown to him one by one.
    Mak received his fair share of attention from interested women and hostile men. It was part of being a unicorn, and thankfully, he knew how to defend himself against any number of hostile species. Of course, a touch of his hand would calm them, but where was the fun in that?
    “And down this road is the Bed and Breakfast that has been booked for you. The Open Heart has the best that this bubble of magic can offer.” Tony grinned.
    Mak raised his head and focussed on the Victorian-style building from which the enticing scent of cookies wafted. As an equine, he loved sugar, but there were so few socially acceptable means to binge on it in the human world. Cookies provided that means, and the proprietor was offering cookies. He was going to like it here.
     
     

 
     
     
    Chapter Two
     
     
    Dira looked up as Tony came through the door with the new arrival. She blinked in surprise. She knew that cocky set of the head, the flowing golden hair and the soft brown eyes. Everything about him said that he would be an engaging companion and an excellent lover. He was a unicorn.
    “Good afternoon, Dira. This is your new guest, he goes by Mak.” Tony inclined his head and stole two cookies from the plate.
    “Thanks, Tony. Welcome to the Open Heart, Mak. Do you want some refreshments, or should I show you to your room?”
    Mak came forward and smiled at her. His eyes took in her curves with appreciation. “Thank you for your hospitality. I believe a snack is called for.”
    She grinned at him. Unicorns loved sweets. “Juice? Or