“How do you know that your transformation ritual won't kill me?” Freda asked pointedly.

“Joon found the evidence in an ancient text. Our databases were destroyed during the cyborg invasion. Most of our historic information is fragmented and scattered across our solar systems. But Joon was able to find a detailed account of how the Draxos gods came to Earth and transformed humans into dragons. With that information, we created computer simulations that simulate the effect of the semen protein on a human female. We believe that if we follow the protocols exactly, it should result in a human female transforming into a dragon at the point of claiming,” he said.

“That's very interesting,” she said scratching her chin. “Genetics are not my specialty, but I have an appreciation for the study. I would like to see the simulations you're talking about.”

“I have some of the data on my wrist com,” he said, tapping a silver bracelet at his wrist. A holographic screen came up above his palm, and he began to scroll through the information. It was in a strange pattern of symbols that Freda recognized as the Draxos language.

“I can't read that,” she said.

“Let me translate it for you.”

He tapped a few buttons and a moment later the information on the screen came up in English. She read through the data, not understanding most of it, but she could see that it was a true scientific study. Satisfied, she told him he could turn it off. A moment later, the waiter approached with their meals.

“Is there anything else I can get you,” the waiter asked.

“This is good,” Freda said.

She took another sip of wine, cut into her braciola, and took a bite. The flavor was heavenly and she devoured her meal in under fifteen minutes. Sysko looked at her wide-eyed, impressed by her appetite.

“You devour your food most greedily,” he said. “I find it extremely attractive.”

“You think me stuffing my face is sexy?” she said with a full mouth.

“It gives me ideas,” he said.

“Ideas?” she asked, dabbing her mouth with her napkin.

“Ideas I should not repeat in a polite conversation in public,” he said with a chuckle.

“Ideas, huh?” she said with a giggle, the wine going to her head. Then she sighed. “You know, I haven't had a boyfriend in over three years.”

“But you've had boyfriends in the past?” he asked.

“I’m twenty-five years old and this is Earth.”

“I didn't mean anything by that. I'm just curious what you expect from a boyfriend,” he said. “I would like to be your boyfriend.”

“I know you want to be my boyfriend, Sysko. You also want to be my fated mate and turn me into a dragon.”

“Don’t you like dragons? I hear that dragons are an important part of human mythology,” he said.

“I’ve read my fair share of dragon books,” she admitted.

“So why are you so skeptical when you meet one in person?”

“You have to understand that a lot of the dragon myths have to do with sacrificing virgins,” she said, with a giggle, after taking another sip of wine.

“You told me you had boyfriends before,” Sysko said carefully.

If Freda had been drinking at that moment, she would have snorted it up her nose.

“I've had boyfriends. But none of them have been dragons.”

“I am glad to be your first dragon,” he said with a grin.

The waiter came back and asked if they wanted any dessert. Sysko ordered everything on the menu before Freda could object. He poured her another glass of wine when the desserts arrived. Half a dozen delicious options were scattered across the table and they took bites of each one. Sysko pointed his fork at the tiramisu.

“That was my favorite,” he said. “You have to try it.”

He scooped a bite with his fork and aimed it toward her mouth. He looked straight into her eyes as the fork came toward her. She slowly parted her lips as the fork entered her personal space. He ever so gently placed the bite in her mouth, and she closed her lips around his fork. He withdrew the utensil and the tiramisu slid over her tongue. She groaned at the delicious flavor and looked into Sysko's sparkling eyes.

She didn't know why, but something about the flavor of the dessert and the look in his eyes made her body spark to life. He did smell awfully nice, and he had been extremely kind to her. With the five-star meal and vintage wine settling in her stomach, she was in a much more convivial mood.

“That is delicious,” she said.

“I'm glad you enjoyed it,” he said moving closer.

She took in a long draw of his scent and it washed over her body. She let out a sigh as his pheromones ran through her. She shook her head, wanting the sensation to go away, but once it started, it just wouldn't stop. She looked up at his black eyes and dark hair. He was so heavenly attractive that she wanted to reach out and touch him. But she held back. The waiter returned with the bill and Sysko paid it before they left the restaurant.

“I’m taking you for a drive to see a view,” he said as he opened her car door in the parking lot.

A moment later, they pulled out onto the nighttime street. The lights sparkled on the rain damped concrete, casting a hazy glow in the puddles that had accumulated on the ground. They turned several times until they came to a lookout with a view of the bay. The ships rolled by in the harbor, and they could see the entire Boston skyline. Freda let out a long sigh as she took in the spectacular sight.

“It is really breathtaking,” she said. “I haven't been up here in a long time.”

“I'm glad you like it,” he said.

“I'm happy you took me here. I need to relax sometimes.”

“You should always be relaxed,” he said. “When you are my bride, you will want for nothing.”

“Everything’s falling apart. I miss my parents so much.”

“I understand how hard it is for you not knowing where they are. I have my officers on the Black Phantom looking for them now.”

“Thank you,” she said.

“The Draxos value familiar relationships just as much as humans. I know it has been difficult for you. I'm here to do everything I can to help,” he said, turning to her and covering her hands with his.

She wanted to deny it, but the touch of his skin on her hand sent a flash of desire down her spine and into her core. It shot up into her heart and exploded in her brain. She gazed up at Sysko, his big black eyes peering down at her.

He tilted his head down toward her, cupping her face in his big hand. He pressed his warm full lips to hers. Freda gasped as it happened, caught off guard. She melted in his arms and let his probing tongue slide between her lips. He pulled her to him as the yearning grew. It wasn't just any kiss. It was like he was kissing her whole being. It was a kiss that would last a lifetime. A kiss that shattered worlds. She drew away, breathless and confused. Her whole body throbbed with excitement and something clicked inside her. She couldn't take it all in. Not now. Not yet.

“I think it's time for you to take me home,” she muttered, trying to draw away from him and back into her own space.

But it was no use. Something had changed inside her. Something had connected to him. Like Pandora's box, it couldn’t ever be closed again.