Skye waved off my denial as if swatting a bothersome fly. "We might not sit on thrones or hold official titles, Ashton, but we are a clan." Her eyes held mine, fierce and unyielding. "If anyone is our alpha, it's you."
I shifted uncomfortably, her belief in me pressing down like a physical force. "We're just... friends. Family that watches out for one another," I said, though theword felt too small, too simple for what we were to each other.
"Friends who rely on each other, yes," she said, "but when it boils down to it, we're a clan. And magic," she said, a knowing look crossing her features, "magic doesn't care for our self-imposed labels. It sees the truth of what we are. The truth is, Chance, Drake, Tyson, and Zaden all look to you as our alpha."
I sank back into the couch, the worn leather creaking under my weight. Could she be right? The thought was a spark igniting tinder in my mind. If my finding Erin meant freedom from the curse, did that extend to the others? All my friends, trapped in their enforced slumber in the cave, could they also be moments away from shaking off the shackles of our shared torment?
The possibility sent a thrill through me. A current of hope surged through me, setting my pulse racing. For the first time since awakening, I allowed myself to truly consider the future—a future where the curse was nothing more than a memory, and each of us could find the kind of bond I had stumbled upon with Erin.
"Could all of them find their mates?" I said, almost afraid to give the words life. But Skye heard them, saw the dawning realization in my eyes, and her smile spread wide.
"Yes. According to my research," she said. "Just imagine it. Not just the end of hibernation. No more having toretrain for your veterinary certificate or make excuses to the humans who don’t know where you’ve gone for a decade, and why you look no older when you return. I mean come on Ash. How many times has Zaden told some female in town he’s his own cousin? It will all stop and if your fated mate accepts you, then all of us will find ours. This is exciting, it’s the beginning of something new for all of us."
Skye’s mention of research did not surprise me, though like any dragon, she liked to keep an eye on her hoard with her job in accounts, this was one dragon that kept herself well acquainted with the latest technology, what there wasn't to know about computers and the internet, Skye could probably jot down on the back of her hand. She didn't just scroll through websites, shenavigated the deepest corners of the web, finding backdoors,making even the most complex digital landscapes yield to her will.
Aurelia leaned against the doorframe, her eyes dancing with curiosity and mischief. "So, what's your next move with Erin?"
I paused. "I'm going to woo her," I said firmly, surprising myself with the confidence in my voice.
Skye made a squeeing sound, her grin infectious. "We're here to help," she said, her eyes bright. "Anything we can do or any advice we can give—just let us know. We happen to be women and know what we're talking about."
"Actually," Skye said, her expression turning thoughtful, "I recommend you stop on the way home and grab some flowers for her table."
I arched an eyebrow, confused. "For her table?"
"Exactly," Skye said, nodding. "It's too early to take flowers for her personally. If it's just something casual that you picked up as you passed by in town, no big deal."
Aurelia nodded eagerly, agreeing with Skye's strategy. "She's right. It's the little things that count at this stage."
"Okay." My mind was already racing with ideas. "I'll swing by the florist on my way back."
"Make it look effortless," Skye said with a knowing smile. "Like you just happened to see them and thought of her. The charm is in the understated thoughtfulness."
"Effortless, right." I nodded, making a mental note. "Nothing too fancy then."
"Exactly," Aurelia said, her voice filled with a sister's knowing tone. "Erin will appreciate the thoughtfulness without feeling overwhelmed."
Skye tapped her chin, a new glint in her blue eyes. "And speaking of thoughtfulness, notice what she likes. Find out if she has a favorite tea? Or a certain pastry from the bakery?"
"Yes!" Aurelia chimed in, bouncing on her toes slightly. "Or if you overhear her mentioning something she needs for the inn, a specific tool, or a book she’s looking for, keep an ear out. Finding it for her, without being asked, shows you’re paying attention."
"And most importantly," Skye added, her voice dropping slightly, "Listen. Really listen to what she says. Her hobbies, her small complaints, her dreams. Remember the details, Ashton. That’s how you show you truly see her, not just some idea of her."
"Thanks," I said, genuinely grateful for their insight. "I could use all the help I can get."
"Anytime, brother." Her support was unwavering.
"Good luck," Skye said, her enthusiasm clear.
"Thanks." I turned toward the door. "I think I might need it."
Chapter 11
Erin
"Ugh,"I said, glaring at the empty counter. How could I have forgotten to pull something out for dinner? With a sigh, I moved to the pantry to grab the pressure cooker, already dreading the rush of throwing together a last-minute meal. I had a few guests who checked in this morning. There was an older couple from out of state, looking for a peaceful getaway from city life. A young family, energetic and keen to tackle the nearby national forest trails. Lastly, a woman, clearly on a business trip, who’d chosen the personal touch of the Montgomery Inn over a sterile chain hotel.
At least I didn't have to worry about feeding them, as they’d all decided to eat out tonight, which was a good thing.
