Aurelia drew me into a hug. She had a warmth that felt almost maternal, even though she didn't look much older than me. Her hug was quick but sincere, and she whispered, "You have no idea how good it is to see Zaden smiling again. Thank you."
Skye was a rare female dragon, and she was an accountant and tech guru. She wore a green blazer and had hair dyed to match. "I second what Aurelia said."
Erin was Ashton’s mate and a new dragon shifter. When humans mated with shifters, they developed the ability to shift into whichever animal their mate was. Her hair was a sheet of red silk, her eyes kind.
I realized I was the only wolf in the room. The only non-dragon. It should have made me self-conscious, but the way Zaden kept a hand on my back made me feel almost special.
Food was laid out on a massive dining table with platters of smoked meats, cheeses I couldn’t pronounce, tiny glass dishes of caviar and gold-dusted desserts. I loaded a plate with the safest-looking options and found myself cornered by Aurelia and Skye while Erin made her way to her mate.
Aurelia leaned in, lowering her voice. "We’re glad you’re here. Zaden hasn’t brought anyone to a family gathering since the twenties."
I nearly choked on my cheese. "Seriously?"
Skye grinned, then cocked her head. "Oh, good. Vivienne is here."
When the doorbell rang, Skye excused herself to go answer it. I glanced at Aurelia and asked, "Who’s Vivienne?"
"She’s Ashton’s and my fourth cousin."
Skye came back into the living room with a woman at her side, who glided across the floor like she owned it. Her dark hair was swept into an elegant updo, and her dress was cut to flatter every angle of her body. Her eyes were sharp, her smile practiced.
She stopped a little too close to me, holding out a delicate hand. "You must be Krystal. I’m Vivienne."
I shook her hand, already bracing for the small talk.
She leaned in, voice low. "Eleanor Gallagher’s daughter, aren’t you?"
The name hit like a slap. My mother’s name was a loaded gun in most circles, but here it felt like a bomb.
I nodded. "That’s me."
Vivienne’s smile widened. "Your mother has quite the reputation in magical circles. I met her once, at a conclave in Asheville. She was rather unforgettable."
I didn’t know what to say, so I let her keep talking. My relationship with my mother was strained at best. I haven’t talked to her for more than a few minutes at a time since telling her when Bryce was born. She'd asked to visit several times over the years, but I'd always found excuses. She'd kicked me outwhen I was at my most vulnerable. Why would I want her in my life now that I wasn't?
Zaden materialized at my side, slipping an arm around my waist. His presence was solid and grounding, and I leaned into it.
"Vivienne," he said, his tone cool. "Didn’t realize you were back in the country."
She smiled at him, all teeth. "You know I can’t stay away. Especially not when the clan is celebrating."
Zaden’s fingers traced a slow circle at my hip. "We’re honored by your presence, as always. But I think Krystal needs a break from the interrogation."
Vivienne’s lips curved in a mock pout. "I was just getting to know her. She’s a delight."
"Maybe next time," Zaden said, steering me away.
We found a quiet spot by the fireplace. I sagged against him, drained.
"Sorry," he murmured. "She can be intense."
"It’s fine," I lied. "I’ve dealt with worse."
He studied me, concern etched in his brow. "You sure?"
I nodded, but the truth was I felt off. Like the whole night had been a test, and I’d barely passed.
The evening wore on. There was laughter and music and more food than anyone could eat, but through it all, Zaden never let me out of his sight.
