FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Mike's tired limbs protested as he hastily slipped on one of his few remaining presentable business shirts. The buttons were already fastened, allowing him to slide the garment over his chest in a hurried fashion. The previous night spent on the roof with Leena lingered in his body, causing a sluggishness that made waking up a challenge.

Mike was in the midst of tucking his shirt into the same pair of black pants he always wore when working at Ben's bar when the clunk of the toaster disrupted his focus, two Pop-tarts springing into the air slightly. Sensing the urgency, he swiftly slipped his feet into his trusty black shoes and conducted a hasty pat-down of his pockets to ensure he had all his essentials. With two Pop-Tarts freshly toasted, he deftly grasped one between his teeth to prevent burning his mouth, while the other remained in its packaging. Finally, he stepped out of his modest dorm room, locking the door behind him.

Aware that time was slipping away, Mike's mind yearned for a proper cup of coffee, but he knew he didn't have time. It would take him two bus rides to reach the office of Large Scale Developments, and the thought of being tardy on his very first day sent a shiver down his spine. Taking a bite of the sweet tart, he descended the stairs and swung open the door, revealing the sprawling grounds of the campus. However, he abruptly halted his progress when he caught sight of Leena, sitting a short distance ahead. Her amber eyes brightened as they met his.

"Morning, running late?" she inquired, her fatigued expression betraying the lack of sleep she had endured. Her scales still shimmered from the vibrant scale paint, her body a captivating shade of orange, save for her inky black paws and wing arms. A faint smile accompanied her offer, "Want a lift?"

With one Pop-Tart in each hand and his mouth still occupied, Mike hastened his approach, embracing Leena's neck tightly while ensuring the pastries didn't come into contact with her scales. He swallowed quickly, the scorching breakfast leaving a slight burn on his tongue, before warmly greeting her, "Good morning." As she raised a paw to gently squeeze him from behind, a wave of comfort washed over him. "Are you sure that's okay? Your dad wouldn't approve," he remarked, releasing his embrace and peering into her deep amber eyes, where he could discern the tempest of emotions she grappled with.

Leena's voice took on a flat, defiant tone as she bluntly declared, "Fuck him." Yet, a mischievous smile danced upon her lips. "But! It's not a free ride," she added, her eyes briefly flickering to the Pop-Tart in Mike's hand and then back to his smiling face.

With a playful tone, Mike responded, "Oh, I don't know. How am I going to win your family's acceptance if I keep letting you have ice cream for breakfast, and now Pop-Tarts?" He jestingly placed the edge of the freshly toasted tart between his teeth, his smile widening as he looked up at her.

Leena's giggle filled the air as she swiftly lowered her head to his level, taking the entire treat into her mouth. She pressed her snout against his lips for a moment before pulling back and savouring the warm breakfast. "Howt!" she exclaimed, recoiling slightly.

Mike couldn't contain his laughter at her reaction, finding the idea of her finding something hot highly amusing. "Leena, you breathe fire!" he chuckled, as she forced herself to swallow and coughed gently.

"That's... That's different. The fire happens outside my mouth," she retorted, her eyes slightly watering as she ran her tongue around her mouth, checking for any burns. "But it does taste better than fire," she added, smacking her lips.

"My poor widdle dragoness," Mike teased, pulling her into another hug before she had a chance to protest. The warmth of his embrace caused her heart to flutter and a sense of relaxation to wash over her. "Want me to kiss it better?" he quipped, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips.

Leena's frame trembled slightly as she giggled. "Mike, do you have any idea how difficult it is for me to not drag you over to that shower block and do unspeakable things to you?" she whispered, her words sending a surge of excitement through him, his cheeks flushing as he held her close.

Mike's delayed response hung in the air, his mind momentarily consumed by memories of their intimate moments together. "Leena, let's not make Mondays even harder," he finally uttered, gently releasing his grip on the base of her neck. Stepping back, he took another bite of his Pop-Tart, his gaze fixated on her face, which mirrored a mix of concern and trepidation.

Leena nodded, her expression tinged with sadness. She shifted her gaze across the campus grounds, taking in the pristine lawns and meticulously trimmed hedges, a sense of melancholy settling within her. This place seemed innocent and out of place compared to the impending battle they were about to face. The thought of willingly leaving this serene haven to confront her father's world made her stomach churn. Inhaling deeply, she let out a sigh. "Let's go to war then," she said, her voice laden with sadness. Lowering herself to the ground, using a paw to help Mike up onto her shoulders. A feeble smile danced across her snout as she felt the reassuring grip of his thighs on her neck.

With the remaining Pop-Tart still in his mouth, Mike held onto Leena's harness as she rose to her feet. Leaning forward, closer to her neck, he braced himself as she reared up and unfurled her magnificent wings. In one fluid motion, her powerful body surged forward, propelling them into the air. With a mighty beat of her wings, they soared above the campus grounds, rapidly ascending.

A smile spread across Mike's face as he surrendered to the exhilaration of flight. The brisk morning breeze tousled his clothes and kissed his face. As Leena levelled out, he released his grip with one hand, allowing himself to indulge in his breakfast. "I'll never get over this!" he shouted joyfully, his words almost carried away by the wind.

Leena turned her head to glance back at him, a smile gracing her features. Flying had become second nature to her, a mundane activity, yet to him it was the most magical activity in the world.

As they soared through the air, Mike caught Leena's smiling expression and returned the gesture. With his breakfast now consumed, he couldn't help but chuckle as he glanced down at the gridlocked cars trapped in peak hour traffic, while they effortlessly traversed the skies. He tenderly stroked Leena's neck with his hands, relishing the sensation of her muscles shifting beneath his touch as she subtly adjusted her body for flight.

"Is it weird that I sometimes forget how big your wings are?" Mike raised his voice to be heard over the rushing wind. Leena turned back with a quizzical look and a smirk playing on her lips. "I mean, most of the time I see you, your wings are folded," he explained, his gaze tracing the full length of her tan membraned wings. He marvelled at how the wind caused the trailing edges to ripple ever so slightly. "They're beautiful," he added softly, his words barely audible to Leena, who blushed slightly and focused her attention ahead.

A mischievous glint in her eyes, Leena couldn't resist indulging in a bit more gliding, ensuring that she stretched her wings as wide as possible. She smirked as she realized that while her father's workplace was still a considerable distance away they were making good time. With a gentle sway of her tail, she adjusted their trajectory, heading toward the river that divided the city, opting for a more scenic route.

Mike's hands continued to caress Leena's neck, just ahead of her harness, as they flew. "Hey, can I ask you a dragon question?" he inquired.

Leena laughed, her voice carrying through the rushing wind. "The best kind of question! Shoot!" she responded playfully.

"When people used to ride dragons, how did they get around a neck frill? I've seen many dragons with frills that extend down their entire back, but how did that work with a saddle?" Mike's curiosity peaked. Leena's own neck possessed a few small ridges of spines that would grow more pronounced as she matured, but nothing that would interfere with a harness or rider.

Leena glanced back at Mike, her expression now serious and contemplative. "Are you sure you really want to know?" she asked, observing his nod. "Saws," she responded bluntly, causing his eyes to widen in disbelief. "If they got in the way, they were simply cut off," she explained, turning her gaze forward once again, her body trembling at the memory.

"That's... that's horrific!" Mike exclaimed, leaning forward to tightly embrace her neck before settling back into his seat, mindful of not obstructing her flight.

Leena swallowed hard and looked back at him, nodding slowly, appreciating his compassion on the matter. "And don't even get me started on the removal of flame glands," she said with a tinge of sadness in her voice.

Having come across references to the procedure in textbooks, Mike understood the devastating impact it had on dragons. "That sounds utterly cruel." He said somberly, they rode in silence for a while before he smirked "Although, with a view like this, I can almost understand the reasoning behind removing a neck frill..." he fibbed, chuckling when Leena's head snapped back to look at him.

"Don't make me kick you off!" Leena teased, her tone feigning seriousness. "It's a long way down to a sudden stop if you keep that up," she joked, a smile subtly forming on her snout.

Mike tightened his grip on the harness, his eyes sparkling mischievously. "Oh, you wouldn't dare throw off your superior," he remarked, offering her a playful smile as she looked back at him.

"Do you want me to go inverted? See how 'superior' you feel then?" Leena replied sternly, though the hint of a smile at the corner of her lips betrayed her seriousness.

Mike locked eyes with her, his curiosity piqued. "You know, I'm actually quite curious. Could you do it slowly?" he asked with a smile.

Leena's eyes widened at Mike's request, and she nodded in response. Feeling his thighs gripping her neck tightly, she flapped her wings vigorously to gain altitude before gradually rolling to the right, then to the left, repeating the process at a slow pace. With each roll, the angle became steeper, and she judged his reaction carefully. "Just scream if you want me to stop," she called out, maintaining control as she continued the rolling motion, eventually flapping one wing and tucking in the other. Mike's laughter filled the air as they rolled over and began to dive towards the city. Leena couldn't help but smile as she felt his legs securely holding onto her. She moved one of her paws to his ankles, pressing them firmly against her chest to provide extra stability as they rolled. Using her tail, she pulled up once they were inverted, maintaining positive g-forces to keep him pressed against her shoulders instead of lifting away.

The infectious laughter shared between them made the experience all the more exhilarating. Leena pulled up to level out and returned to their original heading. "So, where did my scared Mike go? The one who wouldn't even look over the edge of a concrete building?" she teased, a playful glint in her eyes.

Mike smiled, releasing his grip on the harness and running his hands gently over her neck. "Oh, that's still scary. But I know you won't let anything happen to me," he replied, leaning forward to give her neck another affectionate squeeze before sitting upright again. Leena looked back at him, a warm smile spreading across her face. She was at a loss for words, touched by his unwavering faith in her abilities. Adjusting her wings, she settled into a slow glide, gradually descending as they neared her father's workplace.

Mike could sense the tension in her body as the imposing building came into view. Its glass windows were heavily tinted black, and the steel beams painted an ivory white, exuding strength and dominance. He noticed a balcony on the top floor, presumably the private entrance of his new boss. While he wasn't sure what he had expected, Mike couldn't help but feel that the architecture suited its owner. "It will be okay, Leena," he reassured her, his hand gently stroking her neck. "Just a few more days, and we'll be out of here." He saw a faint smile grace her lips and continued, "Just think about where you'd like to live. A house in the suburbs, by the beaches, or perhaps an island somewhere," he suggested, a smile playing on his face. "Or maybe even a cozy lair in a mountain."

Leena burst into laughter at the idea. "Oh my god, can I have a bed made of gold? And minions, of course!" she joked, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

Mike smiled, enjoying her light-heartedness. "Well, you already have one minion," he teased, prompting her to laugh wholeheartedly.

As they approached the building, Leena made a quick decision. She clipped one wing and twisted her tail, changing their direction. "I'll drop you off here. I really don't want to start an argument as we walk in," she explained, glancing back to see him nodding in agreement.

Mike tightened his grip on the harness as they descended to street level. Looking ahead, he noticed a designated area marked for dragon take-off and landing, a necessary precaution in a bustling city to prevent encounters between dragons and cars.

Leena flared her wings and smoothly controlled her descent with a powerful flap. Her strong legs absorbed the final impact as she touched down on the ground, lowering herself so that Mike could safely dismount. His legs felt a bit wobbly as they took his weight, but Leena brought her head around to his chest, allowing him to hold onto her for support and embrace her in a warm hug. "I'll see you in there," she said softly, giving him a tender kiss.

Mike smiled, stepping back onto the sidewalk as Leena nodded firmly and spread her wings. With a hint of sadness in her eyes, she leapt into the sky and beat her wings downwards, creating a strong downdraft that ruffled Mike's hair.

---

As Mike stepped into the grand foyer of the towering building, the adrenaline from the flight with Leena still lingered in his system. He absentmindedly ran his fingers through the unruly locks, hoping to restore some semblance of order before his encounter with Kaarak.

Approaching the marble reception desk, Mike's gaze met the captivating eyes of the receptionist, who sported a name badge proudly pinned to her blouse. The golden letters spelled out "Claire,". Nervously, Mike introduced himself, his voice betraying a hint of anxiety. "Hi, Claire, is it? I'm Mike. I'm here as Kaarak's new assistant."

Claire, with a mischievous glimmer in her eyes, scanned Mike from head to toe and couldn't suppress a smirk. "His new assistant, huh? He did mention your arrival, but I must admit, I had my doubts," she confessed, her voice dripping with playful scepticism. She rifled through a drawer, searching for the access card for him.

Mike, attempting to lighten the tension with a touch of humour, quipped, "Ah, does my reputation precede me, then?"

Claire burst into laughter, her amusement filling the air. "No, it's just that you're not like his previous assistants," she explained, finally retrieving the access card and sliding it across the desk towards him.

Chuckling along, Mike responded, feigning confidence, "Ah, so I've heard. Let's hope he doesn't get any ideas."

Claire's laughter echoed through the room, only stopping when she covered her mouth abruptly. "For your sake, I sincerely hope so too," she managed to say, her eyes sparkling mischievously, causing a blush to spread across Mike's cheeks. "His office is located on the top floor. You won't miss it. The card will grant you access anywhere in the building."

Expressing his gratitude with a nod, Mike bid Claire farewell and made his way towards the bank of large elevators at the heart of the building. Stepping inside one of the spacious compartments, he tapped the access card against the reader and selected the top floor. As the elevator doors gracefully closed with a soft whir, Mike could feel the subtle vibrations beneath his feet as the lift began its smooth ascent.

Mike couldn't help but steal a final glance at his reflection in the mirrored wall of the elevator, his gaze drawn to his slightly dishevelled hair. He reached up and adjusted his tie. With a swift motion, he ran his fingers through his hair once more, attempting to restore order to the unruly strands. Satisfied enough, he turned his attention towards the elevator doors, which obediently opened with a polite ding.

Stepping out into the air-conditioned expanse of the office space, Mike found himself surrounded by a sea of grey cubicles, each one large enough to accommodate dragons. The rows extended as far as the eye could see, interrupted only by a handful of offices situated around the outer edges, a welcoming break room, and a modest printing room.

Glancing at his watch, Mike realized he had a couple of minutes to spare. His eyes swiftly scanned the floor, seeking out the largest office that stood out among the rest. Its floor-to-ceiling glass walls offered a panoramic view of the workspace, allowing Kaarak to gaze across his domain. Inside, the formidable black dragon caught sight of Mike's presence and greeted him with an unmistakable smile. A curt motion of his head beckoned Mike to approach.

Eager not to keep him waiting, Mike swiftly made his way towards the office and leaned respectfully against the door frame, his demeanour poised and attentive.

"It's good to see you've come," Kaarak acknowledged, a hint of begrudging respect underlying his words. Internally, the dragon had debated whether the human would muster the courage to arrive, fully aware of Leena's potential efforts to save him.

"Of course!" Mike replied, his voice laced with politeness and determination. "How can I be of assistance?" he inquired, offering a slight bow while maintaining a steady gaze with the powerful dragon. As he stood there, Mike couldn't help but take in the intricate details of Kaarak's office. The room was adorned with a large, opulent mahogany table that exuded a sense of elegance, its polished surface reflecting the warm glow of recessed downlights embedded in the ceiling. These lights provided the sole illumination within the darkened office, as heavy blinds obscured the window, casting Kaarak in shadow and emphasizing his white chest and throat scales, which contrasted sharply against the dim backdrop.

"Your desk is behind you, and the coffee machine can be found down the hall in the break room," Kaarak stated flatly, his unwavering gaze fixed upon Mike until the human offered a nod of acknowledgement and excused himself from the office.

Releasing a deep breath, he hadn't realized he was holding, Mike moved past the adjacent office, where Leena's vibrant orange scales immediately caught his eye. He greeted her with a friendly wave, earning a warm smile in return. Leena was engrossed in something on her computer screen, her large paw resting on the desk as she deftly pressed the down arrow to scroll. The curtains on her window were drawn back, inviting an abundance of natural light into her workspace. In stark contrast to her father's office, Leena's surroundings exuded an air of openness and warmth.

As Mike made his way to the break room, he couldn't help but notice the prevailing silence that enveloped the office space. Colleagues, both humans and dragons alike seemed deeply engrossed in their work, their interactions limited to hushed conversations or fleeting glances, perhaps out of fear of drawing the attention of their draconic superiors. The break room mirrored the sombre atmosphere of the work place, with an assortment of stained couches haphazardly scattered in the cramped space. A few large refrigerators and a basic kitchenette completed the sparsely furnished room. However, the presence of an extravagant coffee machine stood out, its dominance on the kitchen counter emphasized by a laminated sign that bluntly stated, "CEO only."

"Of course, it is," Mike muttered under his breath, an amused smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. He went about turning the knobs on the coffee machine, setting it to warm up and prepare for his boss's drink. The machine roared to life, its gurgling sounds filling the room as Mike worked on the brewing process. After a few minutes, he skilfully poured the hot liquid into two large cups, his movements precise and practiced. As he added a touch of milk to one of the drinks, he couldn't resist the temptation to playfully swirl a heart shape into the foam before sealing it with a lid. With a quick wipe of the machine's surface, he deemed his task complete.

Balancing the two drinks in his hands, Mike approached his boss's office, only to be met by the emergence of Kaarak's long neck from the doorway. The powerful green eyes of the dragon focused intently on Mike, then shifted towards the two beverages. It was only when they reached Leena's office that Kaarak spoke, his voice dripping with venomous sternness. "That machine is clearly labelled for me and me alone, Michael," he admonished, his words leaving no room for argument.

Mike paused, his mind racing for an appropriate response, but before he could speak, Leena rose from her cushioned seat and stepped forward, her gentle voice interjecting. "Yes, father. And one day, I will be the CEO," she said, her words carrying a subtle hint of defiance. She extended a paw, indicating her desire for one of the drinks, and continued with a sly smile, "Isn't that what you wanted?"

Struggling to maintain a neutral expression, Mike handed Leena her drink, suppressing a slight flinch as Kaarak snatched his own from his grasp, the sharp claws narrowly missing his hands by a mere inch. Once Kaarak had turned his back, Mike allowed a soft smirk to grace his face, his eyes following the larger dragon's retreating form as he stormed back into his office, slamming the door shut with a resounding echo that reverberated through the cubicles.

"Thank you," Mike whispered, his voice laden with gratitude, to which Leena nodded in acknowledgement.

"No, thank you. I have a feeling I'll be needing this today," she replied, gesturing toward the coffee before awkwardly hopping on three legs back to her desk. Mike directed his attention to the cubicle located just outside both his and Leena's offices, grateful for its dragon-friendly size and relative spaciousness compared to the others. Seating himself, he took in the view, with one of the cubicle walls purposefully low, allowing him to observe both Kaarak and Leena from his vantage point. Uncertain of what exactly his next move should be.

As Mike glanced down at the desk, his attention was drawn to a folder lying there. Curiosity piqued, he opened it and discovered a collection of instructions detailing the day-to-day tasks of his role. However, what caught his eye was the fact that the instructions were not all written by the same paw. It appeared to be a compilation, a dossier consisting of contributions from several of his predecessors. As he flipped through the pages, he marvelled at the insights and titbits of advice left behind by those who had previously occupied his position.

His focus shifted when he heard a sudden moan coming from Leena's direction. Mike couldn't help but smile as he observed her taking a sip from her coffee. Catching his gaze, Leena held the mug close to her chest, stretching her neck high and swaying slightly, as though she was embracing the warmth and comfort the beverage provided.

Chuckling at her playful display, Mike's amusement quickly faded as he sensed Kaarak's piercing gaze from the adjacent office. The intense green eyes of Leena's father seemed to bore into his very soul. Hastily, Mike redirected his attention to the documents on his desk, immersing himself in absorbing the information they contained.

After finishing his reading, Mike lifted his gaze and found both Leena and Kaarak engrossed in their work. Unable to resist, he took a moment to observe them, noting the similarities and differences between father and daughter. As they focused on their respective tasks, their expressions mirrored one another, but Leena's more refined horns and sleeker features gave her a touch of sophistication compared to her father's formidable appearance.

Mike's attention was suddenly drawn to Kaarak as the dragon dialled a number on his phone, making the call on speakerphone. The office environment did its best to muffle the sound, but Kaarak's deep voice resonated throughout the space. Leena's head tilted in an attempt to eavesdrop on the conversation in the neighbouring office. Upon realizing that Mike was watching her, she smiled mischievously, mouthing the words her father was speaking while exaggerating his mannerisms for comedic effect.

Struggling to contain his laughter, Mike's body shook slightly as he witnessed the playful exchange between the two dragons. His imposing black boss remained stern, absorbed in his computer screen as he reprimanded the person on the other end of the call. Unbeknownst to him, Leena pranced around her brightly lit space, pretending to be her father, her vibrant space contrasting with Kaarak's dimly lit office.

Kaarak couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. Despite Mike's best efforts to maintain a stoic demeanour, other employees in the office had started to take notice, peering over their cubicle walls to witness the unfolding spectacle in Leena's domain. Sensing the collective attention, Kaarak rose from his seat, causing all gazes to dart back down, each individual retreating behind the protective walls of their cubicles in fear.

With a powerful paw, Kaarak forcefully swung open his office door and stuck his head out, locking eyes with Leena. His gaze remained fixed upon her as she continued tapping at her computer, feigning disinterest with a bored expression. However, the slight smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth revealed to Kaarak everything he needed to know.

"Michael!" He said loudly, making sure Leena could hear him. "I want you to audit each and every chair in this office. Visit every desk and test their functionality," he said sternly, he had no intentions of doing anything with the information but would keep the human distracted.

"Leena, Walk with me" He commanded and turned his attention to her, Kaarak gestured for her to accompany him and led the way into the bustling hallway. As his large, imposing frame enveloped her in the shadow of his massive, heavy wing, Leena couldn't help but flinch ever so slightly. Despite the physical gesture of protection, a tangible reminder of their kinship, a hint of unease tinged the air. "It's good to see you getting settled," Kaarak remarked, his voice softened, almost vulnerable, as he guided her down the corridor. "I understand it's still early days, and I know there's lingering animosity between us. But, my child, you must understand that everything I do is for your own well-being," he implored, his gaze lowered to meet her eyes at her height.

Leena fought to maintain composure, her teeth gritted in an effort to contain her emotions as she plastered a polite smile onto her face when passing a fellow employee. She couldn't help but feel a surge of frustration at Kaarak's manipulation, using Mike as a pawn in their strained relationship. "'Lingering animosity' are not the words I would choose," Leena retorted through clenched teeth, her voice barely a whisper within the office's bustling atmosphere.

Responding to his daughter's simmering resentment, Kaarak pulled her close, sheltering her under the protective envelope of his wing. "My child, you mustn't lose sight of the bigger picture," he implored earnestly. "You have so much to learn, and we cannot afford for you to be swayed by fleeting romances. I understand that you believe you love Mike now, but consider this: How long have you truly known him? A year? Two, at most? How lengthy has your courtship been?" he prodded knowingly, already aware of the answer.

"Not very long," Leena begrudgingly admitted, her voice dripping with defiance. "But that's none of your business," she shot back sharply, her words carrying a hidden frustration that resonated within the confines of the office space, although she maintained a hushed tone.

"But Leena, it is my business," Kaarak persisted, his voice tinged with a mixture of urgency and paternal concern. "I painstakingly built this place from nothing, pouring my heart and soul into creating a future for you. One day, you will inherit this legacy and carry it forward. However, you must be prepared for the immense responsibility that comes with it. It would shatter me to see you throw it all away for the illusions of love, based on a fleeting romance with a boy," he reasoned, his words carrying the weight of his aspirations.

Leena prepared to interject, to voice her own thoughts, but her father swiftly cut her off, determined to make his point heard. "A boy who cannot continue our legacy, no matter how strongly you believe you love him."

Feeling a surge of defiance, Leena withdrew herself from the shelter of her father's wing, pivoting to face him head-on. Her vibrant orange wings instinctively mantled, trying to appear bigger. "First of all, fuck off," she retorted, her tone laced with defiance. "Secondly, I'm here, aren't I?" Her words, though firm, also carried a trace of hurt. "You may be my father, but you are not a role model when it comes to relationship advice," she snarled, her eyes locked intently with his.

For a brief pause, Kaarak allowed her to have her moment, recognizing the fire burning within her gaze. He understood that he still needed to find a way to convey his message, to break through the barrier of her unwavering love for Mike. "So, you love him?" he calmly inquired, looking down at her as she fiercely confronted him. "Does he know that? Have you told him?"

Leena's initial response was poised on her tongue, ready to affirm her love for Mike, but she hesitated, her mind racing back to their interactions, their shared moments. Despite all they had experienced, those three profound words had never passed between them. Her momentary silence spoke volumes, and her father seized the opportunity to press on. "Leena, I implore you. Release yourself from this fantasy, this enchantment you have with him, and embrace your place within the family. I understand it won't be easy, but I am here to guide you. There is so much I must teach you before..." He trailed off, his eyes meeting hers, yet finding only anger and resentment. Swallowing hard, he hardened his emotions, bracing himself. "You need to awaken from this delusion."

Leena's mind churned, her thoughts now plagued by doubts and self-reflection. The realization that she had never verbally expressed her love to Mike swept over her, triggering an onslaught of intrusive thoughts, questioning the maturity of her emotions.

Shaking her head vigorously to clear her mind, she mustered her resolve and retorted, her voice a low, resolute tone. "My love life is my business. This company is yours," she asserted firmly, locking eyes with her father, challenging him. "I won't burn this place to the ground, and you won't lay a finger on Mike. Do you understand?"

Kaarak couldn't help but admire her resolve, even if it was for the wrong cause. He could only have wished to be as determined as she was when he was her age, something that would prove valuable for her in negotiations for future contracts. "Very well, you have my word. I will not lay a claw on your little pet, as long as you do as you are told and learn what you can from me." He said sternly. Leena's eyes darted between his as she tried to see through his deception before giving a snort of disapproval.

Leena's eyes flickered between his, searching for any hint of deceit, her wariness evident in her snort of disapproval. "I'll hold you to that," she retorted, her voice laced with caution, her mind still grappling with the uncertainty of his ulterior motives. She turned and made her way back to her office, a lingering sense of unease trailing behind her.

Watching his daughter's departure, Kaarak's mouth curled into a melancholic smile, a trace of sadness etching the corners of his lips. He let out a sigh, feeling a slight shiver coursing through his body. He knew that what he was about to do next would ignite a world-class argument, and he needed to ensure he approached it with a clear mind.

Surveying the office and the people he owned, Kaarak's gaze fell upon a blue dragoness working in the marketing department. He recalled a brief moment when she had offered a friendly smile in the elevator. Straightening his posture, he mustered a charming smile and began making his way toward her.

Meanwhile, Mike stepped into Leena's unoccupied office, his gaze immediately drawn to the large cushion on which she had been sitting. It beckoned him with its presence, covered in a meticulously crafted old patchwork quilt. Each panel of the quilt seemed to encapsulate a different milestone from Leena's life, inviting him to explore her history. With a sense of awe, he ran his hand over the worn threads, tracing the faded images that depicted the moments that had shaped her. Some panels appeared as old as Leena herself, their threads bearing the weathered marks of her hatching from an egg. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he came across a panel portraying her as a hatchling, standing proudly on the shoulders of a black dragon. "How things have changed," he murmured.

As he was about to depart from the office, his attention was drawn to a pad of large post-it notes resting on Leena's desk. An idea sparked within him, and he instinctively reached for his sharpie. With a gentle stroke, he etched a small heart onto one of the notes before carefully peeling it off and placing it on her monitor for her to find.

Leaving Leena's office behind, Mike continued his exploration of the floor, inspecting every vacant chair while talking to the owners of the occupied ones, seeking their opinions and feedback. Meticulously documenting the faulty chairs, recording their locations and the preferred seating preferences of their occupants on a trusty clipboard.

With his audit completed, he finally returned to his own desk. However, his relief was short-lived as he noticed Leena's return, her tense posture unmistakable. Concern etched across his features, he rose from his seat, ready to approach her and offer solace. Yet, before he could make his move, his gaze was intercepted by the imposing figure of Kaarak, Leena's father, striding purposefully toward him. The weight of his disapproval hung palpably in the air as Kaarak nodded curtly at Mike, silently beckoning him to follow into his office.

Mike tapped his access card on the reader, the door unlocking with a soft click. In a gesture of respect, he held it open for Kaarak, allowing the elder dragon to enter first, before stepping inside himself. The moment the door closed, an air of tension settled in the room. Kaarak's voice, usually resonant and commanding, was unusually hushed as he spoke. "Michael, I require your assistance in scanning and emailing a document for me. Can you handle this task?" He said, his voice quieter than usual and delicately opened a filing cabinet with a claw before pulling out a mountain of paperwork.

Michael's heart sank as he took in the sheer volume of paperwork before him. "Of course," he replied, his voice steady despite the nervous flutter in his stomach. "What are the addresses?" His gaze followed the drake's paw as it pointed towards the computer screen, revealing a list of email contacts belonging to various companies. Swiftly, Mike jotted down the addresses on a piece of paper, his pen gliding across the page with purpose. Double-checking the accuracy of his notes, he prepared himself for the arduous task ahead.

With a deep breath, Mike braced himself and lifted the towering stack of paperwork, straining to peer over the top as he made his way out of Kaarak's office. Mike nearly collided with a blue dragoness who appeared to be heading towards Kaarak's office. It was evident that she was there for a meeting with Leena's father. The moment she stepped inside, Mike saw Kaarak's deliberate action of pressing a button, causing the thick blinds to descend, shrouding the glass walls in darkness. Privacy was now ensured within the confines of the office, shielding the occupants from prying eyes.

Meanwhile, Leena's attention was momentarily diverted from her work as she heard the sound of Mike stumbling past her office on his way to the printer. An exasperated sigh escaped her lips, realizing that her father had most likely assigned him another trivial task. However, her irritation deepened when she heard the resounding thud of the office door closing, The deep sounds of her father's voice and a high feminine voice softly coming from her fathers office.

A flicker of concern passed through Leena as she focused on reviewing some design sketches. Her tail twitched in agitation as muffled giggles emanated from her father's office, followed by the distinct sound of something--or someone--being pressed against the desk's surface. An uncomfortable knot formed in Leena's stomach, her frustration mounting.

Leena grit her teeth, tempted to go in and break them up. But knowing it would do no good, seeing her father taking a 'ness not high on her list of things she wanted to do today. She tried to block out the sound but once she heard a loud whine and a deep grunt she quickly got up from her desk and headed out of her office in search of Mike.

Mike found himself engrossed in the task of un-jamming the scanner, his concentration fixated on the stubborn device that had brought his workflow to a halt. The low hum of the office was interrupted by the creaking sound of the printer room door swinging open. Startled, Mike's gaze turned toward the entrance, and there stood Leena, her vibrant orange face peeking through with a mix of sadness and longing. Despite the weight of her emotions, a faint smile adorned her face as she softly asked, "Mind if I join you?"

Mike turned to her and held out his arms, he was rewarded by a smile and her shuffling over to him, he held her tight as she pushed her front against him. "What if your father sees us?" Mike asked while still holding her close.

"He is fucking a 'ness right now, I doubt he cares about us." She said softly and pulled him closer with a paw, curving her neck she dropped her head down behind his shoulders in a warm hug. Her nostrils twitching as she took in his comforting scent, he gently stroked her scales as he held her and as she closed her eyes, she tried to picture being anywhere else with Mike.

The printer emitted an exasperated beep, its frustration evident as it stubbornly remained jammed. Mike let out a weary sigh and affectionately patted the sides of Leena's neck before reluctantly pulling away. "I swear, this thing doesn't like me," he grumbled, casting a rueful glance back at the defiant machine. He carefully retrieved the crumpled documents from the scanner, meticulously smoothing them out before gingerly sliding them back in. With a glimmer of hope, he pressed the large green button. The printer reluctantly accepted half a page, only to abruptly spit it out with an indignant beep of protest, as if mocking his efforts.

Observing Mike's determined yet slightly exasperated actions, Leena couldn't help but smile, a glint of amusement dancing in her vibrant orange eyes. She sat on her haunches, her majestic form gracefully settled, and unleashed a lengthy yawn, her lips curling back to reveal the glistening array of razor-sharp teeth. With a swift, decisive snap, she closed her formidable jaws, the sound reverberating through the room. Mike's smirk deepened as he glanced back at her, their connection palpable. "Feeling tired?" he inquired, noting the faint traces of weariness etched across her eyes. Leena nodded gently, her expression mirroring the admission. "Didn't manage to sleep last night, huh?" he remarked, his voice laced with concern. She softly shook her head, her trust in him evident. Sensing her needs, he offered a solution. "How about another cup of coffee?" he proposed, a spark of anticipation lighting up her eyes.

"I'll take care of the printer if you can make one of those magical coffees," Leena suggested playfully, leaning down to plant a tender kiss on Mike's lips. Their mouths met with a gentle fervour. He used a hand to stroke the area beneath her jawline, savouring the softness of her scales beneath his touch, an intimate gesture that conveyed both comfort and adoration.

Mike went to pull away and she followed him with her lips against his, he giggled as he held her head and turned his head sideways to talk. "Like my coffee that much do you." He said while she nibbled his neck.

"It was honestly the best coffee I have ever had." She said between kisses, pulling back from him she curled her neck into an elegant S shape. "I'll deal with the printer, it might find me very persuasive." She said with a smile and a glint in her eye that made Mike smile.

"Big coffee coming up." He said and left her alone with the printer. He looked back at her one last time before closing the door behind him and heading to the break room.

Leena sighed as he left and turned to the printer. "Alright then, what's your problem, hey?" She said and used a claw to delicately open a panel to see if there was anything jamming it. Her eyes scanned the rollers and her tail flicked back and forth as she realized she didn't really know how it worked, but it all looked okay. She closed the cover and re-stacked the paper, pressing the green button the printer gave a beep in protest. "Oh, shut up. I'm already having a bad day." She said and pressed the button harder in frustration, only for a mocking chime to be emitted by the stubborn printer.

Leena's gaze focused on the blinking error light, her heart starting to beat faster, she jabbed her paw down on the large button and heard the printer creak in protest before rejecting the job. Her lips curled back into a snarl as she whispered sternly, "listen here you piece of shit. You are full of paper, paper burns, I breathe fire." She said and pressed the button again. "If you don't do as you are fucking told, you are dead to me." As she slammed her paw down one final time, the printer let out a high-pitched beep and started to accept the sheets happily.

With a smile she sat back down on her haunches and watched the papers run through the feeder. "Good girl." She whispered to the printer. She sighed and kept a focused gaze on the machine, a part of her feeling like she had intimidated the thing into submission and had to maintain her gaze to make sure it kept working. As she watched she took in the details of the scanning, hundreds of pages were being scanned and emailed to a variety of email addresses, none of which were email addresses inside the company.

With a paw she collected a couple of pages that had been scanned and had a look, she recognized detailed drawings of her father's tender for the Drag'n'Drop facility, along with projected spending and cost estimates. Her thoughts interrupted by the door opening and Mike entering with two cups stacked on top of one another. A very large strong coffee for her and a small-for-her sized one for him. She placed the paper back down on the printer and held out her paw for the warm drink.

"You got it working!" Mike beamed and passed her coffee. With no lid on the drink, she could see the crude dragon shape he had drawn in the foam. Questions about the print job disappearing as soon as she put the papers back on the printer and took the drink in two paws.

"Okay, that's adorable." She said as she admired the foam art. Using both paws she brought the drink up, dipping her head down she took a sip of the warm coffee. "Oh gods." She said after she had swallowed, "okay, once we get out of here. We are doing that coffee shop idea of yours." She said and saw him blush slightly and took another sip while the printer continued to ingest paper and email them off.

Mike smiled and stood next to her, leaning against her front leg as they watched the ream of documents slowly become smaller and smaller as the printer worked away. "How did you fix it?" Mike asked as he blew on his drink to cool it down.

Leena smiled softly, "I had a chat with it, and we came to an understanding." She said and took a swig from her drink. "But don't change the subject... how about it?" She said and looked at him sideways.

"How about what?" Mike asked and looked up to her deep amber eyes.

"A coffee shop of course! We work here for a few days until we have enough to start our own shop." She said and saw him smile, "you make the coffee, I'm sure I can help somehow" she said her voice creeping with a tone of self-doubt which didn't go unnoticed by Mike.

He wrapped an arm around her front arm and gave her a squeeze. "Someone's gotta roast the beans." He teased and smiled as she blurted a laugh. "I also want to cater for dragons, so having a smoking hot 'ness behind the front counter.... We will struggle to keep up with demand."

Leena chuckled at his joke and kissed him on the top of his head. "So where shall we do it?" She said as she doted his head in gentle kisses before returning to her drink.

Mike's face flushed, "well I think this room is a bit small." He said not realizing that wasn't what she asked.

"I mean where would we open a coffee shop? You horny human." She laughed, her whole frame shaking as she tried to take a sip amongst her giggles.

"Oh. well, yeah that's what I meant." He lied but tried to laugh it off. "This room is too small to open a coffee shop." He said and took another sip. "I think in the city would be good. But maybe on the outskirts, the markets seem to be busiest in the evening, which doesn't really work for coffee." He added in thought.

"What about things other than coffee?" Leena thought, her stomach reminding her that she should have eaten something today other than just a small pop tart. "I'm thinking pastries, toasted sandwiches and the like." She added, her mouth starting to water at the thought.

Mike chuckled as he saw her gaze do distant at the thought. "So, a bakery then hey? what would we call it?" He said stroking his hand on the inside of her foreleg, his fingers tracing over the soft smooth scales.

"Well, something dragon related of course!" Leena said and looked to him, "and all the best shops rhyme, or are at least a bad pun." Her eyes meeting his as a smirk pulled at the corners of her snout, "I can think of a few names." She added and continued. "Flames and Froth, Scales and Steam, hell, Steamy Scales sounds hot. Dragon's Bite, Claws and Coffee?" She said, breaking out in laughter with Mike.

"Okay, you have thought about this haven't you?" He teased and pulled her head down to his level, stroking her snout tenderly as he looked into her eyes.

"Maybe..." She teased and gave him a kiss, followed by another. "Ever since you told me, after we went skydiving. I have thought about what it might be like to open a bakery or a café with you." She said softly, "and now I have tried your coffee! We simply must do it!" She added cheerfully.

Mike smiled, "well, if we work here for a few months, we will have more than enough to do it." He said and saw her face sadden slightly, "I know, I know. But it is silly money he is paying me." Mike added softly and held her head gently. "Besides, if your dad gives me scanning jobs like this, it means I could sneak in a little kiss here and there" he said and kissed her deeply, his small tongue running across her lips as she pressed into him, feeling their embrace.

Between kisses, Leena managed to voice her concerns. "I confronted him... I told him to back off, to leave us alone... He promised he would, but deep down, I don't trust him," she confessed, her voice strained with a mixture of frustration and vulnerability. Breaking their kiss, she pressed her forehead against his, her front paws tightly gripping his waist. "Tonight," she gasped, catching her breath. "Can I come back to your place? I long to snuggle with you in your bed," she whispered, her words barely audible.

A warm, understanding smile graced Mike's face as he continued to stroke her neck and cheeks, his fingers gliding over her glossy scales. "Of course, my love," he replied, his voice filled with reassurance. "We'll have noodles for dinner, then head to campus for a refreshing shower to rid you of the scale paint. And then, oh, the snuggles on my bed," he added, his heart racing at the mere thought of an intimate night together.

Leena's eyes widened with delight at the mention of food. "You had me at noodles," she chuckled, her hunger evident. A flicker of self-consciousness crossed her expression as she pondered the aftermath of the shower. "Are you sure you want to help me wash off the scale paint? I won't be as shiny," she admitted, only for Mike to embrace her neck in a tight, comforting hug.

"You'll look exactly as you are, and that's all I want," he whispered into her neck, his warm breath caressing her scales. "Besides, a shower can lead to other... delightful endeavours," he added, teasingly pulling back to meet her eyes.

Leena's smile grew mischievous as she played along. "Oh? And what sort of endeavours might those be?" she coyly inquired, her head tilting down to meet his.

Mike pulled her even closer, a slight blush tinging his cheeks as he confessed in a hushed tone, "I want to explore every single scale on your body, Leena. Every. Single. One." He punctuated his words with a lingering kiss, his hand gliding tenderly over her eye ridge. "Would you like that?" he asked softly, his voice laced with desire and affection.

Her deep amber eyes widened at the thought, and she smiled, "yeah, I would like that." She said softly, as she leant in for another kiss, as she was about to kiss him she paused, her father's question still ringing in her mind, "Mike, I wanted to tell you that I... -" the printer interrupted her with a cheerful beep. They both smiled, lips inches away from one another and glanced to the printer, the work had been scanned and a large tick was shown on the screen indicating that it had been sent. The couple looked at each other "never mind, I'll tell you tonight." Leena promised and Mike nodded.

Mike nodded in understanding, his eyes filled with curiosity and patience. "I imagine your father will be finished soon," he said, a mischievous smirk gracing his lips as a faint blush adorned his cheeks. Leena's expression saddened, and she tucked her head into a tight curve, seeking solace in Mike's presence. Just then, her stomach growled audibly, betraying her hunger.

"I'm going to grab some lunch. Would you like to join me?" Mike offered, his concern evident in his voice.

Leena let out a sigh, her expression hardening with a touch of resignation. "It's probably best if we don't, pushing our luck might not end well," she confessed. "But could you get me something, please?" She reached into her harness and retrieved her credit card, passing it to him. "It might be a good idea to grab something for my father as well, to keep him in a good mood," she suggested, and Mike gave a nod.

Leena left the room and a few minutes later Mike did the same, as he returned to his desk he smiled at Leena through the window and noticed Kaarak's office was empty with the door closed. He juggled the tower of paper and tapped his card on the reader outside Kaarak's door, it beeped happily, and he pushed the door open. Opening the filing cabinet, he placed the documents back where they came from and closed the drawer, unaware of a surveillance camera on the ceiling tracking his every move. He closed his boss's door and made sure it was locked before nodding to Leena and headed off to get lunch.

Kaarak waited until Mike had left in the elevator before returning to his office, logging onto his computer he tapped away with a single claw and brought up the recordings of his office security feed, selecting a few choice shots showing Mike accessing the filing cabinet, and composing an email asking IT to confirm his suspicions about Mike's email usage.

As the large black dragon pressed send on the e-mail, a sharp pain shot through his body, his chest tightened to the point where breathing was impossible. His paw reached for his side and rubbed his chest trying to relieve the tension. His other paw quickly reaching into a drawer and pulling out a bottle of tablets. With a loud pop the lid came off and he shook them out on the table, each one a token of a day until he would need to talk to his doctor again. With two claws he plucked one off the table and swallowed it with a gulp before grimacing as the drugs started to help. A niggle of a thought reminding him that if these drugs didn't work, he was very much out of options. His gaze lingered on a framed picture on his desk, a much younger version of himself laying down on the living room floor, a small orange dragoness hatchling sitting on a small patchwork quilt between his front paws while enthusiastically building a contraption with plastic building bricks.

He could remember the little warbles she would make when she needed him to help with the tricky bits. He recalled becoming adept at anticipating where she would struggle and being there to lend a helping claw, ensuring her progress remained smooth. "Best colour," she would exclaim whenever an orange brick was needed, her wide eyes beaming with delight when he brought home an intricate set featuring a famous, orange-coloured bridge. The recollection of teaching her the fundamental principles of bridge construction still warmed his heart.

A knock at the door broke his train of thoughts and he looked up and frowned, His assistant had returned carrying a brown paper bag of food. He gave a slight nod and Mike entered. "I brought you some lunch, I hope it's okay." Mike said and focused on getting the food out, trying to keep his distance in case Kaarak could smell Leena on him. The green eyes of the black dragon focused on Mike as he pulled the food out, Mike's delicate nature tugging at a heart string of his. He knew Leena needed him to help with one final tricky bit, she just didn't know it yet. A sad smile pulled at his lips as all the pieces were starting to fall into place.

Mike couldn't help but notice the peculiar expression on Kaarak's face, and instinctively, he inquired, "Is everything alright?" For a fleeting moment, it seemed as though he was not looking at the formidable and legacy-driven black dragon, but someone entirely different.

Kaarak swallowed and cleared his throat, his tone devoid of warmth, "Everything will be fine," he replied curtly. "Now, leave."

Mike nodded, sensing the tension in the air, and promptly exited the room, taking the bag of food to the adjacent office where Leena was waiting. Placing the hot stack of sandwiches on the table, he couldn't help but share his bewildering encounter with Kaarak. "Your dad gave me the strangest look," he said softly, his voice filled with a touch of concern.

Leena's eyes sparkled with amusement as she sniffed the enticing aroma of the food. Using her claw, she deftly unwrapped the sandwiches Mike had brought her. "Did he lick his lips or something?" she quipped, a chuckle escaping her lips.

Mike chuckled in response, shaking his head. "No, it was just... odd," he explained, and as she lowered her head to enjoy her meal, he leaned in for a quick kiss. "By the way, I've got your card," he whispered, retrieving the credit card from his pocket and tucking it securely into her harness, patting her gently on the shoulder.

Returning to his own desk with his meal in hand, Mike settled down and began eating. As he stole glances at Leena, he couldn't help but offer her a warm smile, unaware that his actions were being keenly observed by the black dragon.

Kaarak's powerful gaze shifted from Mike as his computer chimed with an incoming email from his IT department, confirming what he already knew. The email outlined that Mike had sent an email to his competitors with all of the information for his tender to build the Drag'n'Drop facility. His food became forgotten as he focused on sending a new email to his legal team, the press and more importantly the police.

The deal with Drag'n'Drop was already done, just not official yet. His competitors had already submitted their bids and lost, but that's not what the headlines would read. corporate espionage always sounded sexy in the press, and any story about a dragon being taken down by a human always made the front page, so with a bit of luck Mike's 'failed' attempt would at least make the evening bulletin.

His computer chimed with further notifications from his legal team, as they scrambled to put out the fires he had started, the media would likely arrive on site for interviews and he found himself looking at a mirror on the wall, his dull dark grey scales painted in a glossy black, hiding any truth about his health. He knew Leena wouldn't understand, the one she loved breaking the law to take her father's business down. A part of him wished she would fall under his wing at Mike's betrayal, but the reality of how she would react was as predictable as the sun rising.

It was late afternoon when Leena's head perked up at the sight of a squad of police standing outside her office, their big burly bodies covered in radios, handcuffs, tasers and sidearms. She got up from her cushion and poked her head out, "what's going on." She asked and raised her head over the top of the police to see a very pale Mike being placed in handcuffs. "Hey! Let him go!" She cried, causing one of the police to turn around.

"Ma'am, stay back, please," he commanded sternly, his voice laced with authority. "This is police business, not yours," he added, his hand casually resting on the grip of his taser as a subtle warning.

Ignoring his demand, Leena pushed past the officers, in doing so sent one of the police sprawling to the ground, their voices erupting in startled shouts. "Mike! What's going on!" she exclaimed over the top of the police's demands, her heart pounding with worry. The sound of a leather strap being pulled caught her attention, and she turned to see one of the officers with a taser partially drawn.

"You don't want to do that," she declared firmly, her voice flat and threatening, her lips curling back into a snarl that revealed her sharp teeth.

The policeman hesitated, briefly locked in a silent standoff with Leena as he met her intense gaze. "Ma'am, you need to step back. Michael here is coming with us for questioning," he stated, his words measured and unwavering. Leena's eyes narrowed, her own amber orbs never wavering from his, her body tensing as the glands in her mouth secreted oily substances, wisps of smoke curling from her nostrils.

"Leena," Mike's soft voice broke through the tension, instantly capturing her attention. She turned to him, her eyes filled with a mix of worry and determination, her body positioned protectively between him and the officers.

"It's okay. I haven't done anything wrong. It must be a misunderstanding," he reassured, his hands helplessly cuffed in front of him. Leena's breathing was ragged, her emotions in turmoil as she oscillated between the urge to unleash her rage and the need to trust in Mike's innocence.

"You are not taking him," she stated with unwavering resolve, her voice devoid of any faltering. Her claws dug into the carpet beneath her, leaving marks as evidence of her fierce determination. "You will have to go through me," she added with a snarl, the power resonating in her voice, causing the chests of the officers to vibrate. As her wings slightly mantled, preparing for action, her eyes widened when she felt soft hands on her thigh.

"Leena, stop, please," Mike implored, his voice filled with desperation as he gently stroked her leg. "Don't do it. Just... don't make it worse," he pleaded, his eyes reflecting worry.

Leena turned her back to the officers, causing them to step back to not be hit by her long tail. "This is his doing," she asserted, her words laced with a tinge of vulnerability. Determination ignited within her fiery eyes as she made a heartfelt promise, her voice trembling, "I will fix this. I swear, I will make things right."

"Just don't do anything silly, okay?" Mike implored and lifted his cuffed hands for her to rest her snout on, a single tear streaming down her cheek, her eyes wandering off to the side. "Hey, what did I just say?" He said and she looked into his eyes. "This is just a misunderstanding. I'll be out by dinner time, then we will get noodles, and a shower and then back to my place." Mike reassured her, his plan offering a semblance of order amidst the chaos. Grateful for the glimmer of optimism, Leena fought back the urge to succumb to despair and nodded faintly.

"But if not, I'll come get you," she declared with unwavering determination, her resolve shining through her teary gaze. Mike mustered a faint smile, but as he looked into her eyes, he sensed the gravity of her words. His hand gently stroked her snout, and he planted a tender kiss between her nostrils.

Their gazes locked, each reflecting the depth of their love and the shared pain they were enduring. Leena's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, threatening to spill over, as Mike's voice broke the silence, his words brimming with reassurance. "Leena, right now, I don't need a strong dragon; I need a smart dragon," he said, his tender touch caressing her snout. "And you are a smart dragon. Everything will be okay," he whispered, his hands reluctantly withdrawing from her snout, a gesture laden with both love and separation.

With a few hesitant steps backward, Leena allowed the officers to lead Mike away towards the elevator. Her head swivelled, her fiery eyes fixating on her father's office, its imposing presence shielded by thick, concealing curtains--a veil of secrecy that obscured the dragon who held her captive in a web of control and disapproval. Mike's warning reverberated in her ears, amplifying the rapid pounding of her heart, which seemed to drown out all other sounds. Looking back to Mike as the elevator doors started to close, he gave her a soft desperate shake of his head as he saw her whole body quiver with rage

The elevator doors made a thud as they closed, and Leena saw the curious heads of the other workers looking towards the elevator and to her. "Leave, now" She said curtly, her lips curling back into a snarl, the panicked faces only pausing for a second before quickly making their way to the fire escapes.

Leena's jaw was set, her body as tight as a drum as she turned to her father's office. Rearing up on her hind legs, she slammed the glass office door open, its hinges and lock offering a token amount of resistance as they quickly gave way, the large door coming off its frame and hitting the ground, shattering into a million pieces.

Her father remained calm behind his desk as Leena stepped into his office. He pressed send on his last email and turned to face her. "I can tell you are upset-" he started before his computer and the trinkets that lined his desk were sent flying with an almighty swipe of her paw. The sound of a glass picture frame smashing causing Kaarak to flinch slightly.

"What the FUCK have you done!" Leena bellowed, her whole body shaking in rage, every step of her soft feet resulting in the piles of carpet being plucked by her sharp talons.

His unblinking green eyes tracked her as she paced back and forwards on the other side of his desk, her tail thrashing and flicking in unbridled anger. He kept his tone low and gentle, "Me? What has your Michael done is what you should be-"

"Cut the shit! What have you done!" Leena snarled, her eyes sizing up the larger drake as she prowled back and forth.

Kaarak took a deep breath before explaining, "Michael, took it upon himself to email our tender to our competitors." He said coldly, turning to the smashed computer he softly added, " I suspect he was trying to get at me for something, or maybe he worked for them all along-"

"Bullshit! He wouldn't know what those documents were, or who to send them too!" She snarled, "you made him do it, didn't you! You fucking set him up!" She shouted, the beating of her heart pushing all rational thoughts out of her mind, Mike's soft voice telling her to stay calm the only thread of resistance stopping her from attacking her sire.

He could tell she wasn't buying his lie and tried to appear caring, "Leena, I know it's hard hearing this, but let me handle it. It's better if you don't-"

Leena's head darted forwards over the table, "don't what? Don't know the truth? That my piece of shit father just tried to put away my boyfriend? Is that it? What did you expect, me to come crawling to your side for help?" She shouted, drips of spit flying from her jaws, her fire glands ready for any excuse to expel their volatile liquids. "I'm not a hatchling anymore, I don't need you. But well-done You just got rid of the only reason why I'm here!" She said, a slight smile pulling at her lips as she realized his error.

Knowing that she wasn't easily tricked he changed tactics, slowly rising from his cushion he drew himself to full height, his painted black scaled body larger than hers. "You stupid child." He said firmly, his eyes focusing on hers. "Did you really think I would pay him over a grand a day to sit pretty in front of you?" He said, fluttering his wings slightly to emphasize his size before tucking them tightly to his sides and peering down his snout to her. "Think about it, for one second. I want him gone, can you wake the fuck up and join this family already? Why would I keep him around, and pay him for it?"

Leena's stomach sank, "but with him gone, I'll leave." She said, her voice wavering slightly as she tried to comprehend his angle.

"He will be locked away for years, Leena, because you thought you loved him." He spat, "you think he will get out of this? I have photos, emails and door access logs that say he did it. On top of that I have the money and lawyers to bury him." He said firmly, he could tell he was hurting her, but he needed her to understand. "I told you to drop him, and you didn't listen. Now he will spend the next few months bouncing in and out of court until you wake up." He could see her processing his words and made sure to measure his inflection carefully. "You are in control of this Leena. You can decide his fate. Drop him, let us teach you to be a contributing member of this family and we will make it all better. Then, and only then, will I drop the charges".

She snarled and turned around, facing the window while she gathered her thoughts. Her father was right, regardless of being set up, it would take months for his discretions to be discovered in the courts. Months that Mike would be left alone in the prison system. Her heart felt like it was breaking in two as she comprehended their situation, dark thoughts roaring through her mind at how stupid she had been thinking her father would pay Mike to be with her.

Her chest tightened and breathing became laboured as she realized the final piece of the puzzle had been placed, the last die cast, and she had led Mike straight to his trap.

Images of Mike's innocent face filled her mind, his pale face with cuffs around his wrists as he was led off by the police. Her whole body shuddered as fear pulled at her mind. Running was the first option she thought of, she could disappear, deny her father of his next trophy. But she knew Mike would be hung out to dry, suffering because of her mistakes.

Her body tenses as she came to the sudden realization that she had lost, and Mike had suffered, she felt her father's steps as he approached her, his breathing low and powerful, "my child, please I have so much to teach you and so little-" his words were cut short as Leena spun, her tail momentarily distracting him as she swiftly swung around, fore arm outstretched and claws fully extended.

Her razor-sharp talons caught his eye ridge and tore through his cheek, his dull black scales that hid behind the layers of paint offering little to no resistance as she swiped her paw across his face, four deep red gouges were ripped through the side of his face by her swing. Her momentum carried her onwards as she overshot, bringing her vulnerable neck within striking distance, Time seemed to slow down as she saw his pupils turn to nothing but slits, crimson blood gushing from his eye ridge giving him a menacing expression. Her pausing at the end of the swing was all the opening he needed, Leena's soft smooth scales bent slightly as his strong paw swiped her head down with a single powerful stroke. Her vision going blurry at the impact, she spun slightly as she lost balance and came crashing to the floor, before she could pick herself up, she felt the black paws of her father grab her by the horns, her legs feebly kicking as he dragged her to his hard wooden table.

He reared up and slammed her head down into the mahogany desk, her vision turning to nothing but stars as she tried to right herself. His deep growl resonating dominance throughout her body as he lifted her head up again before slamming her down again, causing her world to spin at the impact. "You stupid..." He said before lifting her and slamming her down again "ignorant... Spoilt ... Child" he growled as he showed her what strength really meant.

He exerted a final burst of brutal force, hurling Leena down with a sickening thud. As he released his grip on her, she lay there, her body limp and battered, desperately clinging to whatever fragment of control remained within her shattered mind. Each laboured breath she took was a painful gasp for air, her chest heaving with the weight of the physical and emotional agony she endured.

"Why couldn't you be more like your dumb fucking mother?" his voice dripped with venomous disdain as he sneered at her trembling form. His eyes momentarily fixated on her quivering body, he turned away and reached into a drawer, extracting a soiled washcloth. The stench of his essence and the smell of the cheap perfume the marketing 'ness wore wafted from the fabric. Clutching the cloth with a paw, he pressed it against his face, recoiling with a grimace as he observed the crimson hue swiftly saturating the once-white fabric.

"Just do as you are fucking told, or you are dead to me!" he snarled, any tenderness in his voice gone, "and Mike will rot in prison." he added with a spiteful glance at the shattered frame of a photograph, capturing a younger version of himself alongside a youthful Leena. The anguished sounds of Leena's sobbing pierced the air like a razor-sharp blade, and he glanced down at her as she struggled to find her footing, her entire body battling to coordinate its movements, her tear-filled eyes shimmering with vulnerability. The echoes of her cries tugged at the depths of his heart, the realization of his overreaction and their mutual loss of control slowly seeping into his consciousness. His eyes tracing down her trembling form, his gaze lingering on her black paw that was covered in blood. His paw, his genetic gift to her.

A sigh escaped his lips, the sight of his daughter weeping after his transgressions driving a metaphorical blade deep into his chest. Part of him yearned to retreat, to leave her in solitude, while another part fought the urge to offer solace and comfort. "Leena, I... I want you to under--" he began, his voice tinged with a mix of remorse and desperation.

"Fuck off," Leena muttered, her wings drooping low and her tail dragging on the ground as she struggled to rise to her feet. Without even sparing a glance in his direction, she limped past him, traversing the room until she reached the sanctuary of his balcony door.

"Leena, please, just listen--" he implored, his words tinged with a feeble hope, but she paid him no heed. With a swift movement, she yanked the curtains apart, before forcefully sliding the glass door open, revealing the twilight-kissed expanse beyond. Summoning all her remaining strength, she propelled herself into the sky, her wings straining to keep her aloft as she disappeared into the embrace of the setting sun.