by Chris Cannon
“Imagine my devastation,” Jaxon shot back.
She stuck her tongue out at him because it seemed like the thing to do. Surprisingly, he laughed which made her smile. “I know you didn’t drop by to make small talk, so what’s going on?”
“I have it on good authority that we’ll be called to my father’s office at six thirty tomorrow morning unless we go speak with him now.”
Bryn turned to Valmont. “You choose. Do it now or get up early and go tomorrow.”
“Is there a third choice?” Valmont asked. “Because I don’t like either of those options.”
Bryn pushed to her feet and held her hand out to him. “Come on. If we get this over with now, we can have the rest of the weekend to do what we want.”
Valmont let Bryn pull him to his feet.
Clint and Ivy stood, dusting off their clothes. “We’re coming with you,” Clint said.
“Are you sure?” Bryn asked. “Have you forgotten how delightful Ferrin is?”
“Nope,” Clint said. “But they’re liable to say you can’t share whatever information they tell you, but if I’m there and hear it firsthand, then I’ll already know.”
Jaxon opened his mouth like he was going to comment on Clint’s convoluted logic, but then he shook his head, turned, and walked toward the library.
“I think you rendered a Westgate speechless,” Valmont said. “Nicely done.”
Bryn was surprised to find Keegan waiting in Ferrin’s office and disappointed that her grandfather wasn’t there. Ferrin left to his own egomaniacal devices could result in nothing good.
“Why are you here?” Ferrin asked Clint.
“Because we were with Bryn when Jaxon came to find her, and I like to know what’s going on.”
“What did you need to tell us?” Bryn asked, trying to redirect Ferrin so he’d get to the point and they could all get out of his office as quickly as possible.
“The blood work came back on your friend, Keegan, and there are no genetic markers for Throwbacks.”
“I know where you were trying to go with this,” Keegan said, “and you’re way off track. Throwbacks would never side with Rebels. Our goal is to blend in with Dragon Society, not sabotage it.”
“Prove it,” Ferrin said. “Help Jaxon and Bryn collect the names of all the Throwbacks on campus and the Directorate will interview them to make sure they aren’t a threat.”
“Seriously? You want to round up a minority group of dragons because they’re different and try to blame everything on them?” Bryn said. “You do realize that sounds slightly Hitler-ish, right?” Ferrin growled at Bryn like he was going to shift and physically attack her. Valmont drew his sword, and Bryn considered shifting herself.
“I’m sure Bryn didn’t mean that to be as insulting as it sounded, Father. She lacks tact,” Jaxon said. “But as student liaisons we could put out a message among the students that it would be wise for Throwbacks to get in touch with us so they don’t come under suspicion, given the tense political climate. We can meet with them and ascertain any possibility of a threat. Once we have the information, we’ll pass it on to you. I’m sure Keegan will be happy to help us.”
“Sure,” Keegan said. “I’ll help in whatever way I can, as long as it’s Jaxon and Bryn who are talking to the students.”
“And that way the Directorate can use their time to focus on more important matters,” Jaxon said. “Does this meet with your approval, Father?”
Would this work? Bryn kept her eyes on Ferrin. She could see the wheels in his brain processing the information and figuring out what would benefit him most. If they were lucky, putting his son in a leadership role would outweigh the Directorate interrogating and possibly harassing the other Throwbacks on campus.
“I approve of your plan,” Ferrin said. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have far more important matters to attend to.”
Bryn bolted out of the office and down the stairs. Once they were outside the library, she stopped under a group of trees and waited for her friends to catch up with her. Jaxon was the last to join them and he did not look like a happy camper. He kept coming until they were almost toe to toe.
“Never disrespect my father like that again.” Sleet shot from his nostrils. “You may not agree with his opinions, but he is the Speaker for the Directorate.” Jaxon emphasized each word of his father’s title. “And you will show him the respect he deserves.”
It had taken guts for Jaxon to intervene on her behalf. “Thank you for smoothing things over. I swear I’ll try to keep my opinions to myself.” What she planned to say next would probably send Jaxon over the edge. “Now let me ask you a question. Do you agree with the tactics he’s taking?”
“He’s doing what he thinks is best for the greater good.” Jaxon said, and then he stalked off.
“He didn’t really answer your question, did he?” Valmont asked.
“No,” Bryn said. “Which is an answer in itself.”
Keegan shifted his weight from his right foot to his left and then back again. “I agreed to help, and I will. I’ll pass the word around that Throwbacks need to contact you or Jaxon, but I won’t give you anyone’s name.”
“I respect your decision,” Bryn said. “And I am eternally grateful your Throwback blood doesn’t show any genetic differences from normal shape-shifting dragon blood. That could have been a real disaster.”
“Agreed.” Keegan caught sight of some Reds walking across campus and waved at them. “See you guys later.” He jogged over to meet his friends.
“Well that was entertaining,” Ivy said.
“There was a moment where I thought Ferrin was going to lose it,” Clint said. “And I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but maybe you should curb your outspoken tendencies around him. Not because of his position in politics, or out of respect to Jaxon, but because I think Ferrin is kind of unstable and he really hates you.”
“I got that feeling, too,” Bryn said. “You know, it’s kind of funny. Every time I wonder how my parents could have abandoned this life and given up flying and magic, I have an interaction with Ferrin and it all makes sense.”
…
Saturday afternoon Bryn and Valmont joined Lillith and her grandmother at Fonzoli’s, which meant Bryn ate lunch with Lillith and her grandmother in the dining room while Valmont hung out in the kitchen visiting his family. She’d expected him to eat with them but couldn’t blame him for wanting to visit.
Megan, the cute young waitress, stopped by their table to refill their water glasses. “Is there anything else I can get for you?” she asked.
Bryn tried to suppress a yawn, but failed. “Sorry, I’d like a cup of coffee.”
“Are we boring you?” her grandmother asked.
“No. I’ve been having the strangest dreams about Rebel attacks and the vaults, and I’m actually relieved when I wake up, but it feels like I haven’t slept.”
“I dreamt Asher was like a doll-size replica of Ferrin, and he refused to wear the cute onesies I bought for him.” Lillith laughed. “It’s funny now, but at the time I was so upset.”
“The mind can play strange tricks on you,” her grandmother said. “Sometimes when you have strange dreams it’s best to wake up early and start your day. Going back to sleep never seems to help much.”
“That’s exactly why I need the coffee,” Bryn said. “I dreamt about being locked in the vaults with no way out. I was so grateful when I woke up, I didn’t care that it was six on a Saturday. I stayed awake.”
Megan came back with the coffee and a far too perky smile. “Valmont is such a great guy. You’re lucky you get to spend so much time with him.”
“Yes, he is, and yes, I am,” Bryn replied, stomping down on the jealousy which reared up inside of her. Megan was a sweet girl, who had a crush on Valmont, which was totally understandable. Totally normal. Not a problem at all. Just because she was a human girl who his evil grandmother would probably adore…that was no reason to set Megan’s hair on fire
. Bryn sipped her coffee and pushed down the flames igniting in her gut over the thought of Valmont with a girl like Megan. A normal girl who could give him a normal life, which he totally deserved.
“Bryn?” Her grandmother’s tone sounded concerned.
“Sorry, I tuned out for a moment. What did I miss?”
“I said we should tell Valmont to wrap up his visit, because after you finish the coffee which you so obviously need, we are going to look at baby clothes and then check out what’s new in the boutiques.”
“Oh, okay.” Bryn finished her coffee in one long gulp and then stood and headed for the kitchen. She tried to walk in quietly, without interrupting, but everyone stopped talking when she stepped foot through the doorway. Wow. Talk about awkward. What’s that about?
She approached Valmont. “Sorry to interrupt, but we’re leaving in a few minutes.”
“No problem,” Valmont said. “Give me a minute to say my good-byes and I’ll meet you at the table.”
“Sure.” Bryn plastered a fake smile on her face like nothing was wrong, like Valmont’s family didn’t openly resent her, and wandered back to the table.
Valmont joined them a few minutes later, and his expression said it all. Regret. He regretted having to walk away from his family. He’d never openly say that, but it was clear. When he’d first come to stay with her twenty-four hours a day, he had claimed he didn’t mind being away from his relatives, but here was proof positive he’d lied. Or maybe he hadn’t been gone long enough at that time for it to make a difference, but now, now he definitely missed his family. Not like she could blame him.
“I’m sorry,” Bryn said. “We should visit more often.”
“I’d like that,” Valmont said.
Megan would probably like that, too. Bryn managed to keep that snarky thought to herself, but she still felt guilty about it.
After picking out several bibs and blankets for Asher, Bryn’s grandmother led them to a boutique Bryn had never visited before. Per custom, her grandmother rang a buzzer to alert the staff they had a customer. It was beyond ridiculous that you had to be buzzed into a store. Without customers, these high-end stores would be nothing more than closets. The elitism of this system made Bryn grind her teeth.
When the saleslady glanced up and saw Marie Sinclair and Lillith Westgate on her doorstep, she practically danced across the room to open the door.
“Please come in. Mrs. Sinclair, Mrs. Westgate, it’s a pleasure to have you in our store.”
That was a little over the top. Bryn couldn’t blame the woman, but the suckup-ishness was annoying.
“This is my granddaughter, Bryn and her knight, Valmont.”
“Nice to meet you,” the saleslady said like it was a common occurrence to have hybrids and knights in the store.
“Nice to meet you, too,” Bryn said and then felt awkward because the woman hadn’t mentioned her own name.
“What can I help you find?” the saleslady asked.
“We’re looking to spruce up our summer wardrobe,” Bryn’s grandmother said.
“I know just the thing.” The saleslady led them to a rack of linen blouses and capris. Unlike a normal store, there were only a few outfits hanging on each rack. Why did fewer outfits in the store always seem to mean they were more expensive?
Bryn followed along as her grandmother pointed at items, which the saleslady rounded up and carried to their dressing rooms.
“I think we should try a few things on now,” Bryn’s grandmother said. They adjourned to their assigned dressing rooms. Bryn tried on a cream-color top with the matching cream and blue striped capris. The outfit was flattering, but the light-color blouse probably wouldn’t survive breakfast the first day she wore it. Any crumb or tiny drip of coffee would show up immediately. Still, it was pretty. She stepped out to show her grandmother and was surprised to see Valmont and Lillith deep in conversation.
“What are you two plotting?”
Lillith’s cheeks colored.
Valmont wore a frown he normally reserved for Jaxon. Not good.
Neither of them gave her any type of explanation. “Is everything all right?”
Valmont nodded.
“Everything is fine,” Lillith pointed at Bryn’s capris. “Those are so cute.” She looked down at her belly. “I wonder if they make those in maternity clothes.”
“We can order anything you want in a maternity size,” the saleslady volunteered from across the room.
Lillith stood. “Then I’m going to look around a little bit more.”
Did Lillith really want to look at clothes, or was she fleeing the scene because she didn’t want to answer questions?
Bryn’s grandmother came out in a blue dress, which practically floated as she walked.
“That dress is amazing,” said Bryn.
“Thank you. I had one in a similar fabric placed in your room.” Her grandmother tilted her head and studied Bryn. “I like the pants, but we should find the blue top that matches the stripe. The cream is too boring.”
“I do think the blue would be better.” Not for the same reason, but her grandmother didn’t need to know that. Bryn headed back to her dressing room to try on another round of clothes. Half an hour later, Valmont was carrying two bags to the car for Bryn. Thankfully, Lillith and her grandmother’s clothes were being shipped to their estates. Otherwise, they would have needed to make several trips.
Back in her dorm room, Bryn hung up her new clothes and waited to see if Valmont would volunteer any information. Nope. Zero. Zip. He didn’t say anything. He just went into his room and shut the door.
That was a pretty clear signal. He needed time to think…which she understood. But after fifteen minutes of pacing in the living room waiting for her boyfriend to come out, she caved and went to knock on his door.
“Valmont? Are you okay?”
He opened the door and leaned against the doorframe. “No. I’m not.”
“Can we talk about it?” Bryn grabbed his hand and pulled him out into the living room toward the couch.
He sat on the couch and rubbed his chin. “I like Lillith, but today she crossed a line.”
That so didn’t sound like Jaxon’s mom. “What did she do?”
“She told me I needed to plan for my life when I’m no longer your knight.”
“Why would she say that?”
“According to her, once your marriage contract to Jaxon is approved, you’ll no longer need me, so I should ride off quietly into the sunset and date someone like Megan.”
“What the hell?” Bryn was offended on so many levels. “Why does she think she can tell you or us how to live our lives?”
“Just wait. It gets better. As Jaxon’s mother, she claims she’s looking out for his best interests. She can tell there is more going on between us than there should be, and she believes we should terminate our knight-dragon bond as soon as possible.”
“I have no words.” And she didn’t. Lilith was the last person she would have expected to launch a sneak attack on her and Valmont. “Do you think maybe she’s being overly maternal because she’s pregnant?”
“Maybe.” Valmont leaned back on the couch and held up his arm so she could scoot closer and snuggle against him. “The whole thing came out of nowhere, and I didn’t feel like I could argue with her.”
He hadn’t said a thing about Megan and that bothered her. She didn’t want to play the jealous girlfriend and felt the need to confess. “I might not like Megan on the sole basis that your grandmother who hates me, would love her.”
Valmont chuckled. “I understand. I might deeply dislike Jaxon not only because he can be a pretentious, elitist asshat, but also because you’re going to live with him at the house of many W’s while your own W infested estate is being built.”
Bryn laughed. “Okay, you win. Listening to my grandmother and Lillith go on about me marrying Jaxon is way worse than me thinking about how much your family would love Megan.”
“She is swe
et,” Valmont said, “and I think she has a crush on me.”
Bryn poked him in the ribs. “Don’t tease the dragon. She might flash fry you.” She leaned in to kiss him. The phone rang, stopping the kiss before it even started. “Bad timing,” Bryn muttered as she pushed up off the couch and went to answer it.
“May I speak to Valmont?” a woman asked.
Was it wrong that she wanted to ask who it was? It could be his mom. It’s not like Bryn knew Valmont’s family’s voices. “Sure. Hold on.”
“It’s for you.” Bryn held out the phone.
“Who is it?”
And she’d walked right into that one. She put the receiver back to her ear. “Who’s calling, please?”
“It’s Megan.”
Her grip on the phone tightened. She held the phone toward Valmont. “It’s Megan.”
“Really?” he seemed amused.
Bryn produced a small fireball in her left hand.
“No need for that.” He took the phone. “Hello, what’s up?”
She wanted to sit and listen to his conversation, but he needed to know that fireballs aside, she did trust him. So she went to her room and picked out her clothes for the next day, and then she decided to paint her nails using Quintessence. She imagined her nails a deep shade of red. When she opened her eyes, her nails sparkled in the light. Now what? Maybe she’d add a black tip like a French manicure. She focused on her nails, and they turned completely black, which didn’t look half bad, but she was pretty sure her grandmother would have a cow if she walked around with black fingernails. She changed them back to a shiny garnet color.
She heard Valmont saying his good-byes, so she walked back into the living room. The sappy smile on his face had her rethinking her stance on fireballs.
He sat down on the couch and patted the space beside him.
Bryn sat on his lap instead and put her arms around his neck. “Why did Megan call you?” It was her phone. He was her knight and her boyfriend. She had a right to know.
“My grandmother mentioned something she wanted for her birthday, and Megan called to tell me so I could buy it for her. I told her my grandmother used to tell me what she wanted so I’d pass the information on to my grandfather, which is what I asked her to do, since I’m not there to do it.” He grinned. “Are you okay with that?”