“That’s him,” Lily said.
“I did have a little to do with it, too,” Tempest said, as she waved Aubreigne in. “Come on in,” she said.
“Thank you,” Aubreigne said, finally entering the house.
“This is Angelle, Boon’s mate. And I guess that makes her my aunt-in-law,” Tempest said, making a funny face.
Angelle laughed. “I guess it does.” Angelle wiped her hands on a dishtowel and started toward Aubreigne. “Welcome, Aubreigne,” Angelle said, extending her hand to shake Aubreigne’s.
Aubreigne grasped her hand delicately, then offered her the basket she was carrying. “I brought some vegetables from my garden. I thought they might go well with whatever else you are having.”
Angelle looked into the basket and practically drooled. “Ohhh! Squash and eggplant! And onions! This is wonderful! Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome,” Aubreigne said, liking the girl immediately. It was clear that she was very honest, very sincere, and Aubreigne liked that… no games of any type.
“Come have a seat and visit with us while we get everything ready,” Angelle said. “This is my mother, Avaleigh. My father is downstairs.”
“He’s the tall, dark male? Dragon, right?” Aubreigne asked.
“Right,” Avaleigh said, extending her hand toward Aubreigne. “It’s very nice to meet you.”
“And you,” Aubreigne said.
“I have to admit, I’ve heard about you and your mate. I’ve been anxiously waiting to meet you. You have such a romantic love story,” Angelle said.
Aubreigne laughed. “I wouldn’t say it was all romantic, but we’ve got some kind of story, that’s for sure. I have to say, I’ve heard of you, too. And I’m very impressed with all I’ve heard.”
“I’m nothing special,” Angelle said, “I’m actually a very shy girl. I mean, I still wake up every day amazed at all this,” she said, indicating everything around her.
“But you’re also very strong, and that is the part I admire most. All of this was meant for you. I have no doubt you’ll teach us all a thing or two,” Aubreigne said.
Angelle smiled as she put the basket down on the counter top, flattered and reassured to know that Aubreigne didn’t think poorly of her because of the way she’d handled Saige. “Lily told me that you tended her injuries. Thank you. I’m glad you were able to take care of her.”
Aubreigne smiled slightly and canted her head, her long black hair shifting like a curtain of silk when she did. “I’m not quite sure what to call that. I didn’t expect you to be thankful to someone for treating the injuries of the woman who tried to come between you and your mate.”
“And my home. And my entire future,” Angelle said. “But the simple truth is, I didn’t want her to die. I just wanted her to go away and leave me and mine alone. I’m glad she’s recovering.”
“You’re a very kind, very complicated young lady. And I was right. I’m very impressed,” Aubreigne said.
“Oh, you made it!” Carolena said, as she walked into the room and spied Aubreigne sitting at the table.
“We did! Amilanu is downstairs huffing around the fire pit with the other males,” Aubreigne said.
“I hope you don’t mind. We invited a few friends along the way,” Carolena said to Angelle.
“I’m glad you did. I’m not brave enough to walk up to people’s homes I don’t know and say ‘Hi, I’m Angelle. Do you want to be my friend?”
Carolena laughed. “You won’t have to. Carnage has pretty much taken care of it for you.”
“Yes, don’t tell my father anything you don’t want everyone to know. He loves to deliver news to anyone who might not know it yet,” Lily said.
“I’m okay with that. I have nothing to hide,” Angelle said.
“You look great,” Tempest said to Aubreigne. “You never, ever age.”
Aubreigne smiled at her. “It’s the genes,” she mock whispered. “But thank you. I haven’t seen you in far too long. You should come home more often. We miss you.”
“I try. I just get so busy,” Tempest said.
