Sasha swallowed hard. This grown-up business was tough. Justine, The Smart Computer, had made it seem effortless when she’d directed them to relevant sources. “Okay,” she murmured. “The scent goes to the wooden gate over there. I’ll creep closer and peer through the fence.”
“I’ll be right behind you,” Max promised as he gave her shoulder an encouraging squeeze.
Sasha crept closer. The low rumble of masculine voices came to her, and she quickly checked on the wind direction. Thankfully, the breeze was blowing her way. Luck was with her this once. With her gaze on the garden beyond the fence, she failed to see a piece of driftwood. When she planted her foot on the stick, a sharp crack broke the silence. She froze in alarm. Holy f-bombs.
The male chatter ceased, and her stomach fluttered with nerves. What if they came to see who was out here? Or if the women returned? Her pulse raced, and sweat gathered on her brow. With caution, she lifted her foot and winced at her close call. They hadn’t come to investigate. She edged farther along the fence to get a better look at the people socializing in the garden. Max followed, and when she spared him a glance, she noted he was taking care of his footfalls.
“Did you want something?” a masculine voice drawled.
A second male voice said, “Are you spying on us?”
Sasha cursed under her breath and slowly raised her gaze to study the two massive dragon males observing her and Max with clear suspicion.
“You had to stand on a stick,”her dragon groused.
“Do you recognize them?”Max asked.
“No,”Sasha said.
“Hello,” a feminine voice said from behind them before Sasha had decided what to tell the dragons.
“We thought this was a public walkway,” Sasha said. “So sorry. We’ll be going.”
“Don’t be silly,” the brown-haired woman said. “Stay for a cup of tea. Joanna would love to have someone to play with.”
“Thank you,” Max said. “We’d love to have tea.” He and Sasha moved out of the way of the women.
The girl ran straight to Noel. “Do you like to draw pictures? I draw dragons. Can you draw a dragon?”
“I flew on a dragon,” Noel said in a clear voice.
“Did you?” the redhead said without a blink. “That must’ve been something.”
“I hate to bother you,” Sasha said.
“Come in. Have tea. Tell us why you’re skulking at our gate,” one man said, his gaze sharp. Suspicious.
Before Sasha knew it, the two women had ushered them into the enclosed garden area. Noel ran to the deck area with the girl.
“I think introductions are in order,” the brown-haired woman said. “I’m Liza. That’s my daughter Joanna over there, and this is my mate, Leo.” She gestured at the closest man who had long black hair and piercing green eyes.
“I’m Cherry,” the redhead said then pointed at the second male who had black curly hair. “Martinos. Also, my mate.”
Both women glanced at Sasha and Max expectantly. Sasha hesitated, apprehension rippling through her to settle at the pit of her stomach. Now that she’d found actual dragons, she worried about Max’s and Noel’s safety.Hersafety.
“There you are,” another masculine voice called.
Sasha frowned and turned toward the new arrival. One glimpse of the familiar face, and she was running, her feet flying across the grass. She flung herself at her brother. “Blaze! You’re here.”
“Sasha.” Shock filled her oldest brother’s expression but he beamed at her, and his beefy arms wrapped around her and held tight. “I’ve been so worried about you. I can’t believe you’re here. Safe. I was about to start a search here and on the mainland.”
Sasha squeezed her brother again before pulling back. “Blaze, I want you to meet someone.” She turned to Max and offered a reassuring smile even though nerves continued to tap-dance through her. “This is Max. He’s my mate.”
Blaze tensed for a moment before arching a brow in her direction. “Your mate?”
“Yes,” Sasha said, lifting her chin. “I love him.”
“Are you positive?”
