Epilogue
Cassie’s house, Clevedon, two weeks later
“I can’t thank you enough for letting us live here at the house,” Emma said. “Right, Jack?”
“You don’t have to keep thanking me. This house is yours for as long as you want it. Hone and I are fine living at his place in Papakura. Besides, I’ll be away for a month here and there when I have studio and publicity commitments.”
Hone wrapped his fingers around hers. It gave her a buzz, sent pleasure coursing through her veins every time. “We’re going to be away for a month here and there,” he amended.
She shared a grin. “That’s true.” They’d set a date for their wedding. Something small and intimate with just Hone’s family and hers—although her mother was still doing her best to run Cassie’s life. Even though she hadn’t met Hone, she didn’t approve of her daughter getting married in such haste. Too bad. Cassie had no intention of changing her mind. “You haven’t had any trouble here?”
“It’s quiet. Peaceful. Not a single clown or trespasser,” Emma said.
Jack turned the steaks on the barbecue, and the scent of cooking meat made her stomach rumble. “The cops have been around a few times, asking about your neighbor. Evidently, he’s done a runner with his kid. The community constable didn’t say much, but we got the impression they have no idea of his whereabouts. There is no record of him or the kid leaving the country.”
“Matthew loves his son.” Cassie picked up a piece of garlic bread and waved it in front of her as she spoke. “It was easy to see when they were here together. Dillion loves his father too.”
“Oh, that reminds me. A letter came for you in the mail earlier in the week. It’s propped behind my recipe book.” Emma started to get up, but Cassie stayed her with a hand.
“I’ll grab it. Want another soda? Hone, Jack, another beer?”
The letter bore a Hawaii postmark, and she didn’t recognize the handwriting on the envelope. She tucked it under her arm and carried the drinks outside. “I’ve no idea who it’s from.” She squeezed in the gap between Hone and Emma and put the letter in her jacket pocket for later.
“Steaks are done.” Jack placed the platter on the table.
“What did Kevin say about you signing with a new manager?” Emma asked.
“Huh! It’s a wonder you didn’t hear him shouting out here. He said I was an ungrateful bitch and I’d regret it, then he hung up on me. I haven’t heard from him since.”
“He was trying to take advantage of you,” Hone snapped. “Bastard. If he decides to visit you in person, I’ll give him a knuckle sandwich with a punch to wash it down.”
Jack snorted and Emma echoed the sentiment.
“I might let you,” Cassie said. “Wow, I hang around you guys for a while and turn into a bloody-thirsty wench.”
“My wench,” Hone said with satisfaction.
Emma chortled. “I never thought I’d see the day.”
“I like him,” Cassie said and winked at her man…ah, dragon. “Will you take me flying?”
“We’ll have to get permission from Manu because I’m not sure if his units will make you invisible,” Hone said.
“This is so exciting. I’m learning about this new, mysterious world. How is Manu?”
Hone frowned. “Not good. Samuel is doing everything he can to provoke him.”
“Samuel wants to die and Manu is the only one who can give him death.”
Cassie set down her knife and fork. “How?”
“The sword,” Emma said. “Now that June is gone, Manu is the tribe leader. He bears the responsibility for every dragon within the Auckland region.”
“If June was the leader, how come Manu had the magic sword?” Cassie asked.
“The sword chooses the leader by melting into their body. It rejected June and accepted Manu before June flew here. Kahurangi said that was the final bit that made his mother snap,” Hone said.
“Fascinating, but scary too.” Cassie pushed her plate away and retrieved the letter. She ripped open the envelope and scanned the contents. “I don’t believe it. Listen to this.”
