“Hold on,” I interrupted. “You’re saying the intruders are dragon hunters?”
“I don’t know who they are exactly or what they want. It’s possible they recognized what Percy was from the image posted online from the time we went together to the grocery store."
“Which would indicate they’re knowledgeable about dragons,” Nicky pointed out.
“And if they know about my kind, then that means I might not be the only one,” I added. Excitement filled me at the possibility of not being alone. Despite what I’d said before, being on my own had its drawbacks, not to mention, it could be hard to gloat without a rival to envy my achievements.
“Did the woman try to get inside?” Bruce asked.
“Yes, but she failed since the doors were locked. I thought she might try and break a window but her phone rang and she left soon after.”
“Did she see you?” Nicky asked, tugging Zaza onto her lap for a cuddle.
I shook my head. “No.”
“How can you be sure?” Bruce insisted.
“Because I’m not stupid,” I huffed. “I took your warning to remain out of sight of strangers seriously. My inherited memories are clear about the fact not all of humanity embraces the honor that comes with serving a dragon. Some see us as threats and want to do us harm. Others think they can use us to cement a position of power.”
“Do you think they’ll come back?” Nicky asked, hugging Zaza tight enough the child protested and squirmed free.
“Yes.” Bruce didn’t hesitate. “But they seem to be concerned about my presence, meaning it’s doubtful they’ll show up while I’m here.”
“Guess it’s a good thing you bought all those groceries since we won’t be going anywhere for the next little while,” Nicky quipped.
“What about your job?” Bruce asked.
“Percy’s safety is more important. We can’t leave her alone.”
“We also can’t stay holed up in this chalet indefinitely,” Bruce countered. He glanced at me. “We could try to force their hand by making it seem as if Percy was left unattended.”
Me, dangled as a morsel? It sounded undignified, but at the same time, I grasped Bruce’s sly plot. “You want to set a trap with me as the bait.”
His lips curved. “I do.”
“That sounds dangerous,” Nicky interjected.
“Only if these people come armed and ready to fight. If they’re scientist types, looking to poach, then chances are they’ll surrender the second I point a gun at them.”
“A gun?” Nikki squawked. “I didn’t know you had a weapon lying around.”
“I don’t. Not yet. But I’m thinking it’s time I got my hands on one.”
“You’ll have to leave the chalet to do that,” Nicky reminded.
“I’m aware.” Bruce glanced at Nicky. “When I drop you and Zaza off tomorrow morning, rather than leave Percy behind, I’ll bring her with us, tucked under a blanket in the back seat.”
“Sounds stifling,” I grumbled. “I could just stay here out of sight.”
“I don’t want you to be left alone,” was Bruce’s firm response, and while I could have countered it, the fact he cared gave me a warm feeling inside.
“What if I get hungry?”
“I’ll bring snacks.”
“Fine,” I sighed heavily as if doing him a huge favor. In reality, the idea of having an adventure excited me.
“Since we can’t be sure they won’t return in the meantime, I’ll sleep on the main floor tonight just in case,” Bruce added.
