The late afternoon sun painted a moving pattern across the windows overlooking the backyard when Lissandra opened her eyes. Pleasant aches accompanied her return to her body and she stretched slowly. Another body shifted with her and she froze.
A moment of disorientation hit her. Was it her husband? Mikelorrian is dead, has been for decades. Then who in hellwinds lay in bed with her?
Denarrion’s scent filled her nose as his arm settled over her belly, and her tension melted slowly away. True Mate, her mind said, but the distress remained.
While the connection with him was instant and strong, the darkness she’d Seen in his aura made her stomach clench. Add to that his unusual ignorance of dragonlore, and her tension returned. Why was he so ignorant, and where was the darkness coming from?
And do I want that anywhere near my kids?
Lissandra turned over and looked at Denarrion. Asleep, he appeared content and relaxed, handsome and happy. She’d seen evidence of his happiness in his ice blue eyes, cocky grin, and his hard cock. Especially his cock. She snorted softly. Hard to miss that.
But she sensed a well of darker emotion, especially now that he’d bonded with her. It lurked beneath his happy-go-lucky façade. Not quite anger, but more than simple irritation. It would have been stronger if she’d bitten him in return, but something held her back.
She tried to follow the energy to its source, but the origination kept slipping away from her questing mind as if it had a consciousness of its own. She frowned in concentration as she shifted into her Sight, but the source remained elusive.
Sighing, she closed her eyes and rolled onto her back, letting her mind drift in hopes her feigned inattention would give her a clue. Nothing. Grumbling, she tried to fathom where it could stem from. Thinking back to their conversations, she suspected it had something do to with his family. He’d avoided talking about them whenever she’d asked, which seemed strange. Most dragon families loved to be together. What was so wrong with his?
Maybe it’s me. Maybe he doesn’t want me to meet them.
The idea unsettled her as much as his obvious interest in human females. While his “research” into human sexual relations had paid off, she didn’t like their obvious possessiveness. He said he would commit to her if they made the courtship official, and they were True Mates. Did he regret the pairing already? And what could she do if he did?
You’re overthinking this too much. Relax. There’s plenty of time to decide.
She opened her eyes and studied Denarrion again, trailing her fingers over his cheek as he slept. What is this darkness riding you?
His ice blue eyes opened and focused on her with amusement and lust. “Hey.”
“Sleep well?”
“Yeah, very. Best I’ve slept in years.” He rolled and stretched like a cat. “What time is it?”
She twisted around to look for a clock. “I don’t know. Late afternoon, I think.”
He groaned. “I guess we better get up then. Charlie and Torri will be here soon.”
“Yes, they will.” Unease tugged at her attention. “Why do you call your brother and his wife by their common names?”
“It’s just easier than saying all the extra syllables,” he replied flippantly, but she sensed his stress settle back onto him, and the darker energy surged in response. “I don’t mind calling you Lissandra, though. Your name just rolls of the tongue. Come on, let’s get up so we can meet everyone clothed.”
Denarrion rose quickly as if the thought of the Ravenwings finding them in bed together had unsettled him. Her earlier disquiet flared at his nervousness.
Sex between the courting partners had never been taboo in the dragon community. That was a human trait. But she caught his discomfort and rose to dress, determined to keep her own energy serene despite her mate’s disquiet.
“It’ll be fine, Denarrion. Didn’t Charlorrion suggest this blind date to you?”
He paused and gave her a perplexed smile. “Yeah. Why?”
“I’m pretty sure they’ll know we’ve had sex.” She winked.
He laughed, but it sounded strained. “Yeah, well, after this afternoon, I’d rather not make it a major conversation.” He grimaced. “It’s obviously no secret I’ve been a player in town.”
Lissandra wanted to calm his anxiety, but Denarrion’s focus turned to dinner and she let it go. It’s not really my job to make him feel better. No, but she could let him know she’d forgiven him. Mostly. The past couldn’t be changed, but she expected the present to be different.
They’d finished setting the food out when someone knocked on the door.
“Ready for this?” Denarrion set the last bowl on the table as he headed for the front.
“Sure.” Except anxiety wafted from his shoulders like a new fragrance. “It’s going to be fine. They’re your family.”
“Yeah, that’s what worries me.” He shook his head and opened the door. “Hey, Charlie, Torri, come in.”
The Ravenwings entered, Charlorrion carrying Lissandra’s bag. “Hey, Denarrion. How’s it going? You look pretty good today. You feelin’ okay?”
“Shut up.” Denarrion swiped at his foster brother. “I’m fine. Come in, jackass. You want something to drink?”
“Just water for me tonight. I’m on shift at eight.” Charlorrion shook his head. “Here’s your stuff, Lissandra. How are you doing? He treating you okay?”
“Hey.” Denarrion scowled, but Lissandra nodded.
“Yeah, the day has gone pretty well, all things considered.” She took the bag. “Thanks for bringing my things. I’m going to take this upstairs.”
Torriandra raised her eyebrows. “Upstairs already? I guess things are going well, then.”
“Better than expected, eh, Denarrion?” Charlorrion raised a sardonic eyebrow.
“Yeah, yeah, I know. Don’t rub it in.”
Lissandra shook her head and shoved away any lingering concerns as she took her bag up to the loft. She dropped it on the hope chest at the foot of the bed but paused before she returned to the people downstairs.
Something felt off. They’d gone at this courtship thing a little fast, though she didn’t mind the hot sex. But she wondered if she’d come into this with only half the information. Solenarra and Charlorrion had put the blind date together, and on the surface, everything seemed fine. But Lissandra sensed some tension in both Torri and Charlie with regard to Denarrion. What the hellwinds is that about?
She shook her head. Won’t figure it out if you stay up here. Squaring her shoulders, she descended the stairs, smoothing out her expression to be friendly and polite.
“So what are you drinking tonight, Lissa?” Denarrion gave her a wide smile and she let her lips return it.
“Just water for me tonight. I’m a little dehydrated.”
“Are you sure? I have some dragon fruit wine if you’d like some.” He held up a crystal decanter with the pale green liquid inside.
“No, thank you. That stuff’s too much for me. I’ll just stick with ice water.” She shook her head to hide her grimace. The last thing she needed was to be distressed and drunk.
“All right. It’s here if you want it.” He gave her his Puckish grin and set it on the counter.
“Hey we brought over beef and veggie kababs. You got a little grill we can use?” Charlorrion held up the pan full of skewers.
“Oh yeah, let me light one. You shoulda told me you were bringing that over. I would’ve had the grill going.” Denarrion led the way out to the front porch.
“What’s the fun in that? We have to show Lissandra how on the ball you are.”
“You suck.”
Charlorrion’s laugh faded as they stepped out the door and Lissandra filled her glass with water and ice from the fridge. She sighed as she settled onto one of the chairs around the table. Torri grabbed her own glass and sat across from her.
“Can you tell they’re brothers?” Torri grinned as she shook her head. “They harp on each other every chance they get.”
“It’s good to see Denarrion has one good familial relationship.” Lissandra nodded and hoped her smile was natural.
Torri blinked. “He told you about his parents, yes?”
Lissandra shook her head. “No, not really. But from the things he’s said, I can guess they don’t get along well.”
“No.” Torri’s expression grew sad. “Charlorrion moved out when he met me and it was probably the best thing for him. But he was a foster brother and could leave anytime he liked. Denarrion and his sister weren’t as free to leave.”
“Is Denarrion close with his sister?”
Torri shook her head. “Not as much as they used to be. Denarrion and his father Waltarrion don’t see eye to eye on much of anything.” She closed her lips tight. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be talking about this as it’s not my story to tell. You should ask Denarrion more about it.”
Lissandra nodded. “I will. It seems like a sore subject, though.”
“Yes, it can be.” Torri forced a smile and waved her hand. “But this is good that you’re here. Hopefully it’ll get him to open up and let go of some of his past issues.”
Lissandra snorted. “You mean like sleeping his way through the entire town of Redfield?”
“Oh.” Torri’s smile faded. “You heard about that?”
“I didn’t have to hear. I experienced his former lovers’ animosity. Apparently, several of them thought of him as taken.”
“Sweet glory.” Torri grew pale. “What happened?”
Lissandra grimaced but related the story of their shopping trip. The more she spoke, the paler Torri became.
“Oh, holy Mother, I knew that would come back to haunt him someday.” She drank some of her water. “I’m so sorry you experienced that. Denarrion went through a rebellious phase against his father, and being a dragon, that lasted decades rather than just years. He really is a good guy under all the anger.”
“Anger?”
“Good glory, I can’t seem to keep my mouth shut today.” Torri ran her hands over her face. “Let’s talk about Charlorrion. You know he’s a firefighter?”
Torri’s bald attempt to change the subject made Lissandra’s narrow her eyes. They’re not telling me something here. But she let the subject drop and allowed Torri to lead her away from Denarrion’s troubled past.
Torri bloomed with joy talking about her husband working with humans in a profession he seemed completely suited to do. True, he had to keep his true nature hidden and he couldn’t do more than the strongest human, but the other firefighters seemed to have accepted him as a little stronger and faster than them at a high adrenaline job.
“His favorite part of the job, though, is going to schools and festivals to interact with children about fire safety.” Torri beamed. “He’s really just a big kid himself. He loves children and can play with them for hours.”
“Charlorrion said you really want children.”
“Oh yes, very much. I try to get my fix by teaching first grade at the school here in Redfield, but summers are hard.” Torri shook her head. “I don’t really want to wait to have my own, but I don’t have a choice for the next fifty years.”
“I know it’s hard to be patient. I’m glad you both do things that help you ‘get your fix.’” Lissandra nodded, smiling at Torri’s wistfulness. “I know both Kressendra and Lucenarra have kept me sane through the grief process after losing my husband. They both gave me someone to focus on.”
“Oh, I bet they did. How long has it been?”
“Three decades next year. It goes by in a blink.” Lissandra let the last of her grief drift away. “But I realized it was time for me to find a new partner. To be honest, I caught my oldest daughter Lucenarra soothing my emotional upheaval with a deft touch. I don’t know how long she’s had the ability, but if she’s showing it this early, I’ll need to find her a teacher soon.” She paused. “My mom and I don’t have that ability.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful. You know, that’s my specialty, the emotional Healing gift.”
“Really?” Relief and excitement flooded through Lissandra. “I’ve been thinking about Lucenarra’s apprenticeship now that she’s over two hundred. It’s so important to find the right mentor.”
“It is. It can make all the difference in the world.” Torri nodded with a knowing smile.
“If I introduce you to her, would you be willing to take her as an apprentice in the future?”
Torri paused, studying Lissandra for a long moment before she said anything.
“Yes, I think that’s a wonderful idea.” But her exuberance faded as an odd mixture of emotions slid across her face. “I would have to meet her first, of course, and we couldn’t make any concrete plans until…”
“Until?” Lissandra’s guts tightened as her apprehension returned in a rush.
Torri’s gaze darted toward the front door as Denarrion entered the house with the empty pan. He noticed their looks and raised his eyebrows.
“Until you and Denarrion solidify your plans, of course.” Torri pasted a bright, false smile on her lips. “I’m sure we could take the kids on some field trips if you and Denarrion want some time alone. You know, if the courtship works out.”
“Are you okay, ladies? Did something happen?” Denarrion came back to the table with lettuce and other vegetables for a salad.
“No, no. We were talking about her kids.” Torri waved his curiosity away. “Here, can I help with that? You want a fresh salad, right?”
“Yeah, that’s what I was thinking.” He shot a look at Lissandra. “Are you sure everything’s okay?”
“Yes, everything’s fine. Do you need help with anything outside?”
She rose and rolled her shoulders to loosen them as the tension returned. She wanted to ask Torri why she stopped, but she didn’t think the other woman would answer while Denarrion stood within earshot.
“Nah, but I wouldn’t mind the company.” He winked and she laughed, hoping to shake off her disquiet.
It’s going to be okay. Everything will work out. She took a deep breath and watched Charlorrion and Denarrion tease each other over grilling the kababs. Cautious contentment rose as their easy camaraderie settled over the yard. Maybe this is Denarrion’s true family.
The tension eased and laughter seemed to be the order of the day. Charlorrion shared stories about growing up with Denarrion as a brother. Denarrion chimed in with his own teasing comments and they all ended up laughing. Lissandra enjoyed hearing the connection between these dragons and she told stories of what it had been like to live in Colorado with Solenarra.
They all retired to the house to eat. Lissandra’s concerns drifted to the back of her mind and she relaxed enough to enjoy the conversation. It had been a long time since she’d enjoyed the company of adult dragons. While she loved being with her kids, it was nice to have conversations about things other than Disney movies and kids’ books. I could get used to this.
“Well, I hate to take off, but I gotta get to my shift at the fire station.” Charlorrion rose with Torri and helped her take the dishes to the kitchen. “Denarrion, you knocked it out of the park with that meal. Good stuff.”
Lissandra found herself reluctant to say goodbye. Odd misgivings about being alone with Denarrion crowded to the front of her mind. Don’t be ridiculous. You’ve been with him, naked, twice. What are you afraid of? But the pep talk didn’t erase the concerns Torri had hinted at earlier.
Denarrion rose as Torri came back to the table and Lissandra pulled her aside. “What were you going to say earlier before Denarrion came in the house?”
Torri’s eyes widened. “What do you mean? When?”
“Earlier while you were making the salad. We were talking about my daughter Lucenarra.”
Understanding flashed in Torri’s eyes, but she gave a perplexed smile and shook her head. “I don’t remember.” She shot a look at Denarrion and her husband before she shrugged. “I’m sure it was nothing.” She gave another strained smile as she waved at her husband. “Charlorrion, I’m going to use the bathroom before we go.”
Lissandra swallowed her growl. There was definitely something important the Ravenwings held back. Something to do with Denarrion. And if they knew this before I came here, why wouldn’t they have told me up front?
“Before you go, Charlorrion, would you give me your cell phone number? My old phone is in the bottom of the reservoir.” She waved her new phone.
“Yeah, sure.”
“Hey Charlie, give me a minute and you can take your pan with you.” Denarrion headed back to the kitchen while they waited for Torri to come back.
Lissandra raised her chin and met Charlorrion’s gaze. “Level with me, here. Tell me what’s wrong with Denarrion.”
“What?” Startled panic flashed through his eyes. “What do you mean?”
Bingo. “Come on, I’m not stupid. You and Torri have been giving me subtle clues all night. Is there something I should know about Denarrion and his family? Something you haven’t told me?”
Charlorrion opened his mouth to answer, the scent of guilt overriding his usual fragrance, but before he could say anything, Torri rejoined them and took his arm.
“Come on, Charlorrion. You’re going to be late if we don’t get going. It was great to see you both again.” Torri manhandled her husband out onto the porch.
“Don’t forget your pan.” Denarrion trotted past her to hand Torri the pan. “Thanks for bringing the kababs.”
Lissandra scowled at Charlorrion, but he grimaced and followed his wife out the door. What in hellwinds are they trying to hide? Was it just that Denarrion had trouble with his family and slept with the whole town? Or was it more than that? Charlorrion looked back before they climbed into this truck and his expression conveyed regret and guilt.
Dammit, I know there’s something wrong.
She stepped out onto the porch and pulled out her phone, intent on calling Solenarra. The warm evening wrapped around her with its crickets and frog songs as the phone rang in her ear. Unfortunately, it went to voicemail and she tucked the phone away without leaving a message. The evening sky turned a rosy pink against the silhouetted trees and she let her mind drift, hoping the snarls and tangles of her worries would straighten out.
Denarrion returned to the porch and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. He kissed the nape of her neck. Despite her worries, it felt so good to be in his arms. Because he’s my true mate. But she hadn’t bitten him yet. Why was that?
“I think it’s bedtime for you, young lady.”
She laughed and turned in his arms. “I had a nap today. I’m not tired. Are you?”
“Nah, I just like the idea of tucking you in to make sure you sleep well.” He grinned.
“Of course you do.” She chuckled as she pulled away, but her smile died as soon as she had her back to him. “Why don’t we get some tea and sit out here for a while? It’s nice.”
His brows came down a little. “Yeah, okay. Everything all right?”
Lissandra nodded. “Yeah, I’m fine.”
“Okay, I’ll go start the kettle and I’ll be back.” He ducked back inside and she sighed.
She settled into the lounge chairs on his deck with the intent to relax, but the disquiet bounced around inside, breaking apart her contentment. Something was wrong and Charlorrion had avoided the issue. Time to go to the source. She needed to know more before she let this relationship continue.