“Tell me more about them,” I said to Sebastian later that day while we were gathered for lunch.
“Must you have those insects at the table?” Emmavane asked.
“My apologies, Madam,” I said and tucked the vial of beetles into my jacket.
She sniffed haughtily, her gaze coasting over my wings, even though they were pressed against my back by my chair and mostly hidden. Emmavane Langras had her disapproving look mastered. She gave it with a glance, then slid it over to Sebastian.
Sebastian ignored her. I was discovering that the human was made of firmer stuff than I'd thought. He focused on his work when necessary, and knew plants like I knew machine parts, but he also found joy in everything he could. I'd even go as far as to call him mischievous. And I admired that. It was how I strove to be—eager for life and all it brought. I thought I'd been doing pretty well, getting happier day by day. But then I'd met Rian.
Love puts a wrinkle in my emotions and it shouldn't. I needed to stop being so dependent on someone else for myhappiness. It was a flawed premise that now that I was in love, I could only enjoy my life if Rian was in it. I loved Rontor, but I was getting over him. The only ones truly bound by love were mated Dragons.
And that's what made things difficult with Rian and me. I couldn't go into it with Sebastian's carefree attitude. I couldn't dive into my love for Rian and truly immerse myself in it. Not until I knew if we were mates. If we were, then I could rejoice knowing that I'd finally found the one man who would never leave me. The one who I'd never leave. But if I wasn't, then I'd have to walk away.
The thought sent a spear straight through my heart. I had known life with Rian would be bittersweet if I wasn't his mate. Our joy would be poisoned by his future. But the thought of leaving him had never occurred to me. Now, I knew it was the only option. With Rianvar Langras, it would have to be all or nothing.
I blinked, realizing that Sebastian was speaking, and focused on his words.
“—the sweeter trees. So, it's a little surprising that they've invaded this forest.”
“Hold on.” I cleared my throat. “Could we back up?”
“Oh, certainly,” Sebastian said. “By sweeter trees, I mean fruit-bearing trees and maples. Those with sweeter sap or fruit to offer. The beetles adore them and usually target those types of trees, making them a problem that farmers usually deal with, as opposed to something like this.”
“Are you saying that someone deliberately released them here?” Rian growled.
Sebastian's eyes went wide. “Am I? I don't know. I'm just saying they prefer those types of trees. It is odd that they're feasting on a forest of oak, pine, and birch. They are most assuredly found in this region, though. So, it's not unheard of.”
Rian grunted thoughtfully.
Sebastian shoved a bite into his mouth, chewed, and made appreciative sounds. “This is delicious, Mrs. Langras.”
“To whom are you speaking?” Emmavane demanded.
“Oh, not you. I know you don't want to talk to me,” Sebastian said, making me choke back a laugh. “I was addressing the lady of the house.”
“Iam the lady of the house!” Emmavane growled.
“No, you are not!” Mila shot to her feet, the bones of her face shifting beneath her skin, and the men of the household drew back in their chairs. “Iam lady here, Emmavane, and I have had it with you mistreatingmyguests. You are family, and you are always welcome.” She grimaced. “No, let me amend that. I put up with you because I'm mated to your son. But this is not your estate. It ismine!”
“This estate has been in the Langras family for generations!” Emmavane snarled as she stood up. “It belongs to all of us.”
Vashana growled and lifted her head.
“Shh,” I whispered. “Stay down, girl.” I tossed another chunk of meat onto the plate I'd put on the floor for her.
With my reassurance, Vash was happy to focus on her meal.
If only the rest of us could do the same. But you don't get distracted when two Dragons are fighting. Especially not the women. They're even more aggressive than the males.
“No, it damn well doesn't,” Mila said. “It was passed to Ravand upon our mating. That makes you a guest here.”
“I am not a guest!” Emmavane roared. “I helped decorate these halls. My touch is everywhere.”
“That is how it goes with property such as this. We are all only custodians until the younger generation claims its due.” She nodded at Rian. “We may leave our mark on the estate, but it is not ours forever. Thiswasyour property, but it is mine now, and I rule here. Out of respect and family ties, I tolerate your presence and allow you to call this your home. But if you want to be the lady of an estate again, you'll have to find another.”
Emmavane bared her teeth and growled.
Mila set her hands on the table, leaned across it at her mother-in-law, and growled back.
