"What makes you say that?" she asked. She hadn't told him about Cosimo's reaction, but somehow, he knew.
"Dad probably hasn't told you that he hasn't shifted into his dragon yet," Bas continued, pulling out punnets of berries from the fridge.
"He hasn't mentioned that."
"He's the only one of us that hasn't." Bas washed the fruit carefully, a thoughtful expression on his face. "That means his dragon is awake, and it's volatile. Not dangerous to you in any way, but the dragon has a way of taking over during moments of emotion. Like you saw at dinner when it threatened you."
Marcella nodded and cradled her wine. "And you are sharing this with me, why? And would he be okay with it?"
"Probably not," Bas snorted. "Dad is being stubborn about shifting. The boys and I are planning on taking him out tomorrow to try to help him with it. It's going to start driving him crazy if he doesn't do it soon."
"And you said it's not dangerous?"
"Not dangerous toyou," he stressed. "His dragon likes you. It watches you. It's hyper protective of you. It would have gone crazy today when you fainted. If Dad managed to hold it together, it's only because his control is so good. It might not be as good if we have to go and see your shitty ex, however."
Marcella reached for another bundle of small tomatoes to chop. "What do you mean? Cosimo seems like the least aggressive person I've ever met."
"He's not inclined to use violence to solve problems, but his dragon isn't as diplomatic. It wants to protect you. Your ex will have to be really careful not to piss him off if he wants to keep all his limbs functioning. Don't be fooled into thinking Cosimo is all gentleman. He's got a darker side and isn't afraid to use it," Bas explained and topped up both their wines. "He would be mad at me for telling you all of this, but I feel like you need to know."
"I don't know why his dragon side feels that way toward me. We really are just friends," Marcella said, tipping the tomatoes into a bowl.
Bas glanced sideways at her. "That's all? Because he hasn't let another woman in the house like this since Mom. What's between you guys is your business, but I'm telling you right now, I know my dad. He's in denial about his dragon and how lonely he is. I know that he likes you, and not all of his thoughts are the kind you would have about friends."
Marcella bit her bottom lip. She didn't look at Bas as she admitted, "Not all of my thoughts are either, but the timing is not good. We need to find your auntie, and then maybe after we do, I might ask him out."
"He's bad at noticing when someone is interested in him. Maybe just kiss him instead of asking him out," Bas replied and laughed softly. "Honestly, I think he just needs someone to kiss him senseless to get him out of this idea he has that he has to be alone forever."
"Sometimes being alone is easier. No, I lie. It'salwayseasier. I haven't regretted staying single since my marriage," Marcella said, feeling awkward about the whole conversation.
"Easier, but not always better. Dragons aren't meant to be alone. Dad is just scared to try again," Bas replied.
"I understand that too," Marcella said and looked around the kitchen. "What's next? How about I cook the pappardelle, and you tell me all about the astral plane?"
Marcella needed to stop talking about Cosimo. Enough had happened that day to leave her confused about him and her reactions to him. It would be good for him to get out with his boys tomorrow and give her a day away from him. She would read her new Zosimos book and do her best not to think of the sexy magician who had given it to her.
Dinner endedup being a boisterous and drawn-out affair. Marcella listened to the adventures that Apollo, Lachlan, Reeve, and Charlotte had in the city and offered a few suggestions to add to their list.
She got the impression that both the Greatdrakes boys were trying to get their mates to have a break. Charlotte had been working on healing magic and had her hands full with the survivors of the attack on the dragon city in Faerie. Lachlan was training new hunters when he wasn't sent off on dangerous missions to far-flung places to hunt monsters. Reeve and Apollo had been doing their best to force the Ironwoods not to think about work.
Yelena and Valentine's adventures were leading them wherever Yelena wanted to go, from markets to archives in the university to crypts beneath cathedrals.
Marcella was wise enough not to ask how they were getting access to such places. Rules seemed to be for other people.
By the time they were finishing up their limoncello and gelato, Marcella was ready to climb into bed. When Cosimosuggested they portal her back to her apartment, she didn't refuse.
After saying all the good night formalities, Marcella followed Cosimo through a portal and into the small street behind her building.
"Let me walk you to your door," Cosimo said, collapsing the portal and retrieving the token. "Are you sure you don't want me to hang onto that Minerva statue?"
Marcella gripped the tote. "Nice try, but she's staying with me."
"I'm allowed to be concerned," Cosimo said as they walked around the corner.
"And I am allowed to do what I like," she replied, patting his arm. "I will be careful… What is that?" Marcella stopped walking and tentatively touched the side of the building. "What did you do?"
"I didn't do anything," Cosimo replied with a small smile. "Valentine, however, did this."
He brushed his fingers to the wall just above her hand. Scarlet and silver light flared from his touch, and Marcella stumbled back into him as lines and sigils and shifting designs were made visible for a moment.
