He pulled back, setting his forehead against hers with a chuckle. “You’re right. That wasn’t a kiss the first time.”
“Thank you,” she said primly, somehow able to maintain a modicum of composure despite the fact that she felt as if she might float away.
“I hate to break up this touching reunion, but we do still have a Boris to deal with.”
“He’s right.” Odessa jumped to her feet with a rush of guilt. “What happened to Katrin?”
“I sent her to find Sonya and keep her out of the way. I would imagine she’s with Dmitri now.”
“I should go.” She held out a hand to help him up, which he used to tug her closer to him once he was standing. His hands found a home at her waist. “Are you coming with me?”
Jax smiled, his mischief replaced by devotion. “I go where you go, love.”
“Love?” She felt her cheeks heat with a blush.
“I’m trying it out.” He winked. “What do you think?”
She pretended to consider it for a minute before answering, “I like it better than Odie.”
Jax threw his head back and laughed.
And kissed her again.
Chapter Twenty-One
ODESSA
Despite the first signs of dawn already appearing on the horizon, the Menagerie was still in chaos by the time they arrived. Boris was barking orders to the palace guards, who were trying to corral several of the emus without getting kicked in the head. Prince Herrick had wrestled two to the ground and was holding them still while Katrin, still disguised as Odessa and therefore expected to be capable, tried to overcome her fear enough to assist him in leading them back to their enclosure. Most of the guests had retreated to the perimeters, some huddled together in fear but others watching the proceedings with as much interest as if they were attending an opera.
Odessa turned to Jax with a long-suffering sigh. “Really, Jax? Emus?”
He just grinned. “That’s exactly what Dmitri said! Don’t worry, though.” He pulled his panpipes from his satchel as he walked backwards into the courtyard. “You happen to have a highly trained and reputable Bird Catcher on the premises.”
He spun on his heel, putting his instrument to his lips and playing a soft, lilting melody in a minor key.
Odessa looked up at Bean, who sat just behind her shoulder where they waited in the protection of the shadows. “Do you think I should help him?”
“Why would you do that when he clearly wants to impress you? Let him have his moment. See how the Bird Catcher spreads his feathers like a peacock trying to woo its mate.”
She shook her head and sighed. “You’re incorrigible.”
“I am but a reflection of the humor my father has taught me.”
“Father?” Her eyebrows lifted. “You mean Jax?”
“Well, I’m certainly not claiming Boris.”The dragon was silent for a moment.“You and Jax are my family. So are Katrin and Sonya. Dmitri is…undecided. There’s potential.”
“Your family is growing rather quickly.”
“Of course. Have you ever heard of a dragon hoard shrinking? But don’t worry; you’ll always have a special place as my Mother.”
She blinked back tears as she leaned into him and watched Jax work his magic. He moved to the beat of his music, his steps perfectly timed and each turn executed with the precision and grace of a dancer. One by one, the emus joined in following him until he was leading a veritable parade. They stepped together in sync as he directed them down the path and back to their enclosure. Katrin tossed him a key as he passed, which he caught in one hand without missing a note, and followed at the rear.
The party guests were spellbound, watching in awestruck silence until Jax and his army of birds disappeared down the path. Then, like a dam erupting, the buzz of their conversations filled the air like a swarm of bees.
“What kind of sorcery is this?” Boris’s question rose over top of them all.
Prince Herrick brushed the dirt from the front of his jacket. “I think it’s a Fairy gift, not sorcery.”
