DRAGON'S GAP: Set Includes Stories 1-3 Plus Love's Catalyst

by L M Lacee

  Charlie mulled over his words as Sharm drew blood from the small baby then he allowed her to dress the sleeping boy in clean diapers and clothes. Edith showed her how to swaddle him which she accomplished on her first attempt, impressing Sharm and Edith. Fascinating! His dragon commented.

  “You are wrong Sharm.” She stated now. “He is not alone. He has his sisters and me as well as a whole parcel of uncles and aunties so I am told. Then there is Ella and Prudence, also it seems, Grandparents.”

  “Does he now and how is that? I thought you were alone in the world?”

  Laughing up at him, she picked up the baby saying. “Oh did I forget to tell you. Your father claimed me therefore, you are now an uncle. So our boy and his sisters are not alone, and neither am I.”

  Sharm’s smile grew as she spoke. “Of course he did, how could he not, Mama will be pleased another daughter.” Then he grabbed her and the baby in an enormous hug. Edith walked silently back from the hallway in time to hear the last of the statement by Sharm. Seeing her Shadow hugging Charlie and the baby she could not help laughing as she heard Charlie’s muffled. “We are going to have to talk about all this hugging crap.”

  Sharm finally let her go, Charlie stepped away from the mad bastard and shook her head at Edith as she scowled and told her. “Your mate is as mad as his father, how do you cope?” Edith slipped under her shadow’s arm. “It is a trial, that’s for sure?” She said as Sharm mock growled into her neck. “Female!”

  Giggling Edith pushed him away before Sharm could retaliate worse. Rene` opened his eyes and placed the still sleeping Cara back on the chair as he rose. Ella, who had been aware for a while and heard Charlie include her in her family, sat with a warmth blossoming in her chest. It had only been her for such a long time, her parents having become tired of Ella’s inability to fit into their family. She was a constant embarrassment for her mother and sisters. She was clumsy, ungraceful, uncultured. Apparently more so since changing her style of dress and her attitude. Or so she was told on her last visit to her parent’s estate which had not ended well.

  With Edith’s help and her new friends, she was becoming more confident. It annoyed her mother and sisters tremendously which they went to great pains to inform her of. Also at her last visit. Ella detested the strictures of noble dragon society, in the past she only went home to the families’ estate when ordered. Which thankfully was only a few times a year, being the families disappointment meant she escaped all the duties her sisters loved. She had decided five years ago, she could take no more of the constant taunts and slurs from her mother and sisters. Her father she came to believe was oblivious to his daughter’s treatment. Ella was sure he had no idea most days if she was his daughter or a servant.

  So finally, she had left her home and found Sharm who had helped her develop her natural talent for healing, they became friends after a fashion. She had never been happier. Lonely yes because Ella, unfortunately, found it hard to make friends. When she did finally meet someone who she liked and who liked her. She never really knew if they liked her for her, or because of her parents. That was, of course if they stayed around after meeting her mother and sisters.

  So she had kept to herself until Edith, Lady Sage, June and Claire as well as Prudence had burst into her life. Now this impossible female Charlie seemed to be doing the same. A female who held many secrets in her eyes. And seemed to like her and wanted to include her in their family. Today is a happy day. Her Dragon told her.

  Ella almost giggled as she answered her. It is! You have helped me have many happy days. She felt her dragon’s pleasure at her words.

  Without a word Rene` stood and laid Cara down on the couch, then reached out for the sleeping Kelsey. He sat back down with her draped over his knee, much as he had done with Cara. Ella then rose and just before Rene` closed his eyes he saw her wrapping the little girl in a blanket.

  Rene` placed a hand over Kelsey’s forehead, and eyes, closed his own eyes then received a shock for the second time that night. Knock...knock.

  Surprised Rene` answered. Hello!

  Hi! Said a little voice that sounded suspiciously like Kelsey.

  Well hello. Is it Kelsey?

  Umm! Yeah, it is me!

  Intrigued he asked. This is a surprise. Can you do this all the time?

  Yep!

  I am guessing little Kelsey you can listen to people talking this way?

  Uhuh!

  I see. So you heard Charlie and me talking before?

  Uhuh!

  Rene` frowned as he said. I see!

  Kelsey asked him, worry in her voice. Are you angry Grandpa?

  No sweet girl I am not but Kelsey I think maybe you need to have...

  Oh shields that is what she called them. I use to have them, but I think I got real scared I lost them. Can you put them back because my head hurts when I don’t have them?

  Yes, I can do that, who did it for you before?

  My Nana, she wasn’t really my Nana. I just called her that because all the kids did. I don’t have to go back there, do I Grandpa?

  No, you are Charlies and ours now. So what did you want to tell me, Kelsey?

  Oh, I don’t think I had a mummy and daddy. I can’t remember them so can you make it so Charlie is my mummy and you is my grandpa please?

  Oh my dear girl I will. Also, you will have a Grandma and aunties and uncles, there are cousins as well. You Kelsey have a lot of family.

  Like Edee?

  Yes just like her and Sharm.

  Thank you Grandpa is Grandma as nice as you?

  She is very nice. I will also make the headache go away.

  Thank you Grandpa. Oh Grandpa, my cat wants to say hello.

  Well I would very much like to say hello to your cat. Instantly a small grey and white fluff ball with dark tufted ears and the cutest little bob tail uncurled itself and stood up. Then it walked slowly to him, she purred as she spoke. My Kelsey, she is not frightened anymore. We have been scared for a long time, long before the smelly room. My Kelsey called her Nana, she smelled bad like the others that took us from her. They smelled bad too, so we did not shift. We like our new mother. She smells different nice like soft grass. You smell like fire. I like it. We will stay with you.

  Charmed Rene` told her. Yes sweet kitten, you are staying. She curled back into a ball, and he heard her purr as she said sleepily. We sleep now, you fix. You take bad smells and dreams from my Kelsey they scare me. Then I can shift and have my own skin.

  Dismissed, Rene` laughed and told both Kelsey and the kitten. Sleep sweet girl. Grandpa will make it better, so you can have your own skins.

  Then he went to work sorting through her and her kits memories. Making sure he took all the ones with scents that felt wrong. And replacing them with new ones of Charlie and Cara, the baby boy and members of her new family. Then he put in place a strong shield helped by his dragon who was smitten by the kit.

  Kelsey would need training he saw as he went through her mind. She had an enormous amount of untapped magical power. He encased it in a box, to keep it safe and contained until he was able to talk to Sage. It looked like they were about to have a budding witch join their family.

  Ella stood unsure what she should do, technically she was finished and she could go home. She really did not want to go back to her solitary little apartment in town. She knew she should have taken Edith’s advice about living at the castle but she wanted to prove she was independent. This seemed slightly childish as she was lonelier now than she had ever been before. Charlie solved her dilemma by placing the baby in her arms. “Do you mind? I need to pee and can one of you guys with phones see if you can track down Clint…”

  “No need.” He said as he and June entered carrying trays of food and drink. The healer Donald came in behind them carrying two jugs, one of coffee that made Charlie’s mouth water, the other was filled with tea.

  Edith waved her off. “Go...go...Charlie, it will be here when you get back.”

  Ch
arlie bounced on her feet debating, but finally the pressure from her bladder decided for her. She made a dash through to where she spied the bathroom. Taking her time she used the facilities and pondered her situation. Would she loose anymore of her kids? Were their parents or other family members somewhere hunting for her girls? She was not sure if she wanted to pray that they were, or they were not. And as she thought that she felt mean for even feeling that way.

  Washing her face and hands, she determined that if Rene` told her there was people out there for her girls, she would leave her boy and the girls with Edith and trace those people down. And make it right. If that meant killing the ones that had hurt Cara. So be it. Another death for her memories would make no difference now. Because as the Goddess was her witness that baby girl was not leaving her new family!

  She wandered back to the room to find it changed. A dining table with plates of food and drinks had been added and there were more people in the room than before. Rene` now had an arm around a female that just had to be his mate.

  She looked for and found her girls wrapped up in lovely blankets and lying on a small couch. The baby was still in Ella’s arms, and he seemed quite comfortable. Charlie knew a lonely person when she saw one, had she not seen one in her bathroom mirror for the last twelve years.

  She was introduced to Verity, Rene`s shadow who was a tall, well-shaped female who looked at Charlie from bright brown eyes fringed with thick lashes. Her hair was beautifully styled and colored a soft brown with streaks of white entwined throughout. Charlie bet she did not dye it, her face was fill of warmth and there was a shyness to her that puzzled Charlie. It was as though being surrounded with this many people was as new to her as it was to Charlie.

  Verity introduced her to their sons. “This Charlie, is my son Johner. He is Commander of the Castle guards.”

  “Hello nice to meet you.” Charlie said as she looked the male over, he grinned disarmingly at her. “You as well Charlie, welcome to the family.” He bowed over her hand.

  Charlie raised an eyebrow. “Very gallant!” She replied, extracting her hand from his, he grinned wider. “I am! Our Dam taught us well.”

  Johner was so very different from Sharm and Rene` with his long blond hair and lovely deep blue eyes. He was tall and muscular although his frame was slender compared to Sharm’s. Still earth shattering handsome as his father and brother were, he nodded. “I know what you are thinking, and you are right, I am claimed although Mama is my aunt by birth!”

  “Yeah, that makes sense.” Yet she could see the ties, the bonds he had with Rene`, Verity and Sharm. And the male beside him, who stood patiently waiting. Verity said with smile in her voice. “This is my youngest son Keeper, do you know what a Keeper is my dear?”

  “I do Rene` explained it.”

  “Well Keeper is one by name and deed, he also Commands the town and castle guards.”

  “Oh, is that not confusing, the name thing?” She asked.

  Keeper raised one soot colored eyebrow so much like his father, she grinned when he answered her in a voice that curled her toes. “Not that I have noticed, or at least it has never happened to date. Why, do you find it confusing?”

  “Well, not now! It was just a question, sheesh brothers!”

  He grinned shooting him to the top of her, Oh my goddess list of handsome, so far. He too bowed over her hand. “I also was raised by my mother.”

  “And once again, I say she did a good job.” Charlie told him as he grinned back at her. “I have always thought so. Welcome to the family Charlie.”

  “Thank you.” It was obvious to Charlie that they were a close family and she knew that this is what she wanted for her children, for her. She looked at Rene` who still had his arm around Verity, love! They loved each other it made her thankful she had followed her heart for once and listened to the dragon at the crossroads. Clint shoved a large mug in her hand, and she groaned as she took a sip of the coffee, it must have been loud because silence ensued. “What?” Edith laughed as Ella let go a giggle. “Really?” Charlie asked. “Giggling?”

  Ella tried to stop but found when Edith beside her laughed again that she just could not. Charlie turned her back on them. Verity smiled and grabbed the smaller woman in a hug. “Charlie dear just ignore them. They have moments.”

  As they watched Charlie being hugged by Verity, they remembered her words from earlier, it started Edith and Ella off again. Verity held her at arm’s length as she looked her over. This was the female that Rene` told her about, now she could see what he saw. She was indeed brave, dangerous and held far too many secrets. What Verity also saw and her shadow did not was Charlie Easton was not quite human. Verity stated in her quiet voice. “So Charlie, you have enamored my dear Rene` this evening.”

  Charlie ran her tongue around her teeth before she answered. “Firstly he claimed me, not the other way around and I have got to tell you. I am inclined to let the adoption stand. You know, because of my babies. They need a family.”

  She looked Verity over and knew she could take the next bit. The silence of the room did not escape her notice either. “So are we going to have a problem here my Lady because if you want, we can step outside? You know because it is not a good example of diplomacy for the children and all, for us to be going at it inside.”

  Charlie stood sipping her coffee eyeing Verity who stood impassive as a statue as the whispers and groaning commenced behind them. “Did she just call our Dam out?” Keeper asked Sharm, who with laughter in his eyes answered. “Yes...yes, she did!”

  Clint held his head groaning, June nudged him. “At least she said my Lady this time.” Which made him groan louder. “Oh shut up!” Johner said as he and June laughed at the teenager. Edith and Ella could barely hide their grinning faces waiting for Verity’s answer.

  Donald frowned heavily as he stared into his cup, he found no humor in the female’s disrespect and that was what it was. Regardless of the royal family thinking otherwise, she was not the person to raise a hatchling, a possible royal. The hatchling needed to be raised in a decent dragon household. A place where he would learn what it meant to be a royal dragon and have respect for your betters. Unlike the shifter that wanted to keep him. Donald knew he could find a more conducive right minded dragon family to raise the hatchling. Even he would be far better than this female, at least he knew dragon history.

  Rene` sighed loudly twice as Verity said. “Very nice dear but more emphasis on the step outside part, otherwise it was quite good. What do you think Edee?”

  “It was okay for a first try.”

  “Yes, that is what I thought.”

  “Yeah, I didn’t really feel it!” Charlie said as she shrugged and listened to the explosion of laughter. Verity, her eyes twinkling nudged her shadow. “Rene` you were right she is delightful, we will keep her.”

  Charlie sighed as she was once more hugged by Verity and no one missed Verity’. “Get used to it dear, we have recently found we enjoy hugging!”

  “Yes ma’am.” Charlie grumbled.

  CHAPTER EIGHT:

  R ene` moved Verity away from the rest of the people present and sat with her on another small couch. “I have spoken to Edith my dear and apologized.”

  “Oh Rene`, you did?”

  “Yes.” He kissed her palm. “I am sorry, my heart, my shadow, to have left you alone so much, it was unforgivable.”

  “Rene` my love. I understood I truly did. I will admit, I did not like it but I knew why you left.”

  “I know you did, but it was selfish and still neglectful. Edith called me out on it and instead of doing what I should have and come to you, I flew away and sulked.”

  Verity could not find words of comfort for him, he had done exactly that and it had annoyed her. Especially as her plan for Edith to confront him had succeeded. Then backfired when he had not come to her as she had expected him too. “So what have you decided to do Rene`?”

  He smiled and kissed the corner of her mouth as he whispered. �
��Stay at home and love my shadow. When I go away, as I will have to from time to time. I will hopefully have made it, so she will want to accompany me.”

  Verity smiled and whispered. “I am sure she will want to.”

  Rene` kissed her again then whispered. “I will work really hard to persuade her.”

  Verity kissed him full on the mouth, instantly the flare of passion rose between them. “Seriously are you finished yet? I need to talk to you!” A female voice asked. Rene` released his shadow and sighed deeply twice and asked Verity. “Is she going to do that a lot?”

  Verity actually smirked and then asked. “Why are you asking me? She is your claim. I have Edee!” Before he turned to Charlie he eyed his smirking shadow and casually asked. “Dear heart, do you know what happened to the twenty bottles of vintage wine I was saving, they seemed to have gone missing from my cellar?”

  Verity looked at him like a deer caught in headlights, then said. “Charlie dear, what can we do for you?”

  Rene` hid his smile as Charlie her toe tapping and arms holding her baby asked. “Well I need to talk to you?”

  “Why?” Rene` asked as his arms slipped around his shadow feeling his dragon’s deep contentment in being with her. Charlie placed the baby in Verity’s arms as she sat across from them. “So Rene` what did you find out about the girls?”

  Rene` released Verity as he cast a glance at her, she just stared back at him as they conversed mind to mind. Charlie felt really good for the first time since she had entered the house of hell, relaxed and safe or as safe as she ever felt. She let the two dragon’s conversation flow between the couple watching the bands of love flex and settle, finally Rene` asked. “Do you want everything, Charlie?”

  “Not everything, only the things you think are important. I want to know am I going to lose my girls.”

  Rene` pulled on his lower lip as he sorted quickly through the information and memories of both young ones, shaking his head he told her. “No, there are no memories of parents. Both girls seemed to be living with females who were not related to them. I would safely say that no one will be looking for either girl, so the girls are yours, as is the boy.”