“Sounds like a plan,” Sasha said.
“Max!” Noel screeched.
“Shower,” Max said firmly. “You’re probably a bit sore, and the warm water will ease your muscles.”
“Max! Shasha!”
Max opened the bedroom door. “In here, buddy. Are you hungry?”
“I couldn’t find you,” Noel sobbed.
“We’re right here. Let’s get you washed and dressed, then we’ll make Sasha breakfast.”
“Shasha makes breakfast,” Noel said, leaning into Max’s legs. A wave of love for his little brother filled him. No way was he letting his grandmother take custody. No matter what, even if he had to break the law to do it.
“Today, we’ll make breakfast for a change to give Sasha a rest.”Max’s mind busily worked through his options as he washed Noel’s face and helped him to comb his hair. His conclusion—his decision depended on Sasha because he loathed the idea of walking away from her. Besides, he suspected this mate bond ran both ways. Throughout the morning, he’d experienced a sense of well-being and happiness that echoed his own. It was weird that he felt it in his gut, and he could sense Sasha’s presence before she fully entered the room. To test himself, he said, “Tea?”
“Please,” Sasha said as she strode into the dining area.
“Shasha,” Noel said, and his round face was one big beam.
“Noel’s behavior has been so much better since you came into our lives.”Max sent the thought to Sasha. When he placed the mug of tea in front of her, she squeezed his forearm.
“Thank you,” she said.
Max checked on the bacon and cracked three eggs into the pan. He placed four slices of bread into the toaster, checked the darkness setting, and popped it down to cook. “What did you do on Perfume Isle? Did you have a job?”
“No. Most of my friends were the same. We stay at home until our parents arrange a betrothal, and then we move to join our new husband.” She pursed her lips, her discontent shining through. “That’s part of the problem in our world. Dragons my age—the women—have no occupation apart from running the home and looking after their families. Looking after Noel for you was fun, yet it gave me a sense of self-worth too. It’s the first time I’ve ever earned money of my own and purchased things I wanted. If I went home, it’d be difficult to settle again. Maybe I could talk to my parents and try to explain, but I doubt they’d understand. My brothers are lucky. They have more freedom.”
“What would you do if you had the opportunity?”
“I love looking after Noel and helping him learn new things. Maybe I could be a teacher.”
“Don’t you have schools in your world?”
“The boys have tutors and university. Some women go, but they’re usually from wealthy families. My mother taught me to cook and run a household, how to do needlework, and conduct myself in public and at parties. That sort of thing.”
“You’re too intelligent to waste your skills on running a home. Not that that isn’t an important job, but you require a challenge.” Max served the bacon and eggs and rescued the toast.
Soon, they were all eating.
“Noel, would you like to walk after breakfast?” Max asked.
“Beach,” Noel said immediately. “Swim.”
“We could manage that,” Max said.
An hour later, they set off for a walk. Although it was still early—just after nine—the sun was shining, and it promised to be a hot day. Not a cloud marred the blue sky. They exited a white wooden gate at the rear of the property, and a few minutes later, they were on the beach.
“I didn’t realize we were that close,” Sasha said. “Last night, I was too busy watching for danger.”
“Well, this is handy since it will keep Noel happy.” Max glanced along the beach, and on seeing no one, he asked, “Can you sense the barrier?”
He’d noticed her distracted air and sensed she was gauging her surroundings. It must be disconcerting to find oneself in another land. Pride swept through him. Sasha had coped admirably with all the changes tossed at her. He didn’t think he would’ve done as well under the same circumstances.
Sasha grabbed his arm, excitement blazing across her face. “The barrier is down. When we first came outside, I sensed it, but the faint buzz it emits has ceased.” She took two steps before releasing a heartfelt groan. “It’s back again.”
Max hated her disappointment because he knew she missed her family. “Let’s walk along the beach. We’ll go that way, so we’re wandering away from the castle. It’s best if we stay away from the town because Noel stands out with his Down syndrome. If I end up not returning to Bamburgh, we don’t want to leave a trail of clues.”
