“A proposition?” I repeated Arlene's words. She was standing in front of me tall and beautiful. While I was sitting by my table still having the rest of my tea to drink. I suddenly felt like I was in a presence of a queen. She looked me dead in the eye and said: “I could do with a bit of help.”

I cocked my head to the side while she explained: “I told you I need to go to different places finding sinners. That job is not just about a visit I have to keep on returning to see the progress of people and if it is possible for them to change where they are. And that is not easy when I look like a vulnerable woman.”

'Vulnerable’. That word repeated itself in my mind as I observed her. She was a dragon but even in her half human form, she looked like a small woman. No wonder she was worried about her image around humans, especially males. My eyes trailed down to her full, inviting lips. Then they moved to her slim neck and finally towards her revealed shoulder. Seeing it any man would be teased. Before my eyes wandered any lower I reminded myself sternly 'Shes a dragon. A dragon!' I nodded dropping my eyes to my cup. Guilt washed over me for many reasons but I decided to ignore it.

She then continued “So I could do with a partner during those lookouts.”

My gaze was still cast downwards while I asked “Why me? There are plenty more people around who will gladly do it.”

Arlene looked towards the window, “Yes but they were sinners themselves. It will be harder for them to pick on small things. Meanwhile, you're pure. So you will be able to help with the sinners as well as a good decoy for people trying to approach me.” I sighed and she added, “Besides all those men here have jobs already or families. And as I recall you didn't found a job yet. So you might as well earn your stay by helping me out.”

I looked up at her with a frown “Blackmail?” I always knew dragons could go to worst methods to get what they want but her too? Maybe it was in the blood.

“No, a friendly proposition and advice.” She smirked and I couldn't help but feel like a mouse played by a cat. However, it was true that I didn't earn my upkeep. It did make me feel slightly guilty when Rick's family fed me. “So what would be my job description? I just go on rounds with you look at people and earn the stay here?”

Arlene's eyes glittered like she just got a bite then she said: "As well as helping out with the lookout you will be my guard."

That shocked me, a hunter guarding a dragon, you had to be kidding me. “A what?!”

“While I am in a human form and someone attacks or tries something I need to hide who I am so you'll be guarding me. It will be a lot more believable if a man protects me rather than I just kill them on the spot, don't you think?”

I wanted to laugh, I almost did but the serious expression she gave me was no joke. Once she measured me with her eyes she turned towards the doors saying “Think about it. I am not telling you to do impossible.” I stared after her while she was leaving. However, before her frame disappeared she mumbled “Also try to control yourself a bit better. I am a dragon after all.” She gave me another smirk and left me feeling confused, shocked and flustered. Damn that dragon can she read minds too? I scratched the back of my head while looking out the window.

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