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ONE YEAR LATER
Jen went through the photos in her cellphone, many of which showed the home and lifestyle of the dragon shifters. She’d taken the photos surreptitiously. Her mind was racing, filled with thoughts of ambition and success. She even had some audio clippings that would support her claim about this secret lair. The question was, would she dare to expose these people who had welcomed her like one of their own?
She stopped moving through the photos when she got to the image of her newborn son. She clearly remembered that day when she’d felt the first pains of labor. Jack had stayed by her side the whole time until their resident doctor had helped her deliver.
Jen sighed, putting down her phone and glancing toward the crib in her bedroom where little Brennan lay asleep. He was three months old now, a precious bundle of joy that she never knew could capture her heart and entire being as he had. It was amazing how motherhood had given her so much joy despite all the challenges. The love and happiness were fast overcoming her desire for fame, wealth, and success in the world of science.
But after being in a career hiatus for long, there was still a huge part of her that yearned to become successful in her field. For many years, her talent and skills as a scientist had not been fully utilized or recognized, but now she had the best opportunity to fulfill her dreams. She only had to execute her original plan and expose this community of dragon shifters.
A knock on the door broke through her thoughts. She turned around, hiding her phone in the nearby drawer as she did.
Jack entered the room, looking tired but still good-looking and kingly. He’d actually been a hands-on dad the past months. Actually, he’d been the perfect father.
Something tugged at Jen’s heart as she gazed into Jack’s eyes. He strolled across the room and kissed her on the forehead.
“How are you, my love?” he asked gently, rubbing her shoulders and then taking her into his arms for a sweet embrace.
“I’m good, thanks,” Jen answered. The past year she’d been trying to control her feelings for him so that she’d have the courage to come out with her planned expose in the future. Nevertheless, his unchanging ways with her and especially his love of their son had seized her heart completely. She knew it, although she still wouldn’t admit to it.
“Jen... about our wedding...” he began.
Her heart skipped a beat as he once again brought up the subject of their marriage. She knew he’d just waited for her to give birth. It had been three months now that she had been evading the conversation, but she could not go on doing that forever.
Little Brennan suddenly burst out crying, making them both turn around anxiously. Saved by the bell, Jen thought.
Jack got to the baby first, lifting him from the crib and cradling him in his arms. He even began to hum a lullaby as he rocked the baby gently.
Jen watched them speechlessly, her heart torn and her mind in chaos. You’ve got a wonderful husband-to-be, Jen, a voice insider her whispered. Why are you even thinking about leaving him?
She had no answer to that question, except for the fact that he was not completely human. But did she still honestly still think that he could harm her and their baby one of these days or cause her trouble, after all this time, after all his love and kindness? So far he’d shown greater control around her, and had avoided transforming into his dragon self.
Soon the baby was asleep again, looking very much at peace in his daddy’s arms. Brennan hadn’t shown any signs of being a dragon shifter yet. According to Jack, most of them started out that way. Physical manifestations began at puberty, but of course they had been prepared as children by their parents.
In a subtle way, he was also telling Jen that they needed to do the same with Brennan. But first, Jen had to accept the reality first and embrace her new family and life.
As soon as Jack put the baby back down, the door burst open. Jessie came in looking excited, a beautiful black dress in her hands. Her dark hair was braided neatly while her sparkling brown eyes shone with excitement, brightening up her pretty face.
“Oops, sorry,” she immediately said as soon as she saw Brennan in his crib. “I didn’t realize my adorable nephew was sleeping...” She tiptoed to the baby and gave him a peck on the cheek.
Then turning to Jen, she laid out the dress she was carrying on the bed. “Look, I had the perfect dress made for you for tonight’s party!”
Jen looked at her in surprise. “You didn’t have to do that, Jessie. I mean, you’re the celebrant, after all.”
“Yes, but you’ve been so busy being a mom lately. I want you to have the time of your life tonight. Besides, our dear friend Ginny made dresses for me and all of our other close friends. It’s her passion!”
Jen gazed at the lovely long black dress with silky drapes and beaded top. “It’s really beautiful,” she said in awe. “Thanks so much.”
“It’s my pleasure,” Jessie answered with a wave of her hand. “Anything for my sister.”
Jen felt horrible deep inside. Here she was plotting to escape and expose the whole community of dragon shifters, while Jessie considered her as family.
“Anyway, I’ll give you two some private lovey-dovey time now,” Jessie said with a wink. “See you later!”
“Jessie really loves you,” Jack said after his sister left the room.
“Oh, she’s like that with everybody,” Jen said.
“No, she really does,” Jack told her. “She likes you a lot more than any of the other women I ever dated. And to think you’re the only full human I’ve been with.”
“I appreciate it,” Jen said, smiling at the awkward compliment. “She’s a great person.”
Jack quickly approached her and literally swept her off her feet in seconds. “It’s been a long time since we had alone time together, Jen,” he murmured into her ear, his lips grazing the outer lobe and sending a tingle down her spine.
With her heart beating fast, Jen pulled out of his embrace and slid back on her feet. “I’m kind of tired,” she whispered. She tried to ignore the disappointed look on his face.
“Okay,” he nodded. “I’ll let you rest. We can catch up tonight during the party.”
Jen tried to avoid his eyes as she slinked backward. He simply bowed and walked out of the room.