“Maybe.” Her eyes crackled. “Or maybe it’s because a wise old dragon lives here.”
Estelle gave a helpless huff of laughter. “I somehow doubt it was because of you.”
Fiona lifted one shoulder. “And yet you called me.”
That did it. Estelle laughed again, properly this time, and when the sound faded, she felt different. Lighter.
Her dragon settled more comfortably inside her, less restless than before.I still don’t know if I like her.
I know,Estelle thought.But I think we needed her.
Fiona rose then, smoothing down the front of her cardigan. “I won’t overstay. You’ve had enough emotional upheaval for one day.”
Estelle stood too. “That’s it? You’re just... leaving?”
“For now.” Fiona headed for the door. “Use it when you have made up your mind.”
“Made up my mind?” Estelle asked.
“About staying. I already have.”
“Then you know what you have to do.” Then she stepped out onto the porch and strode to her car.
Estelle stood where she was for a long moment, staring at the open doorway.
Behind her, from the sofa, came the soft rustle as Adara stirred in her sleep.
Her dragon lifted its head.Well.
Well,Estelle agreed.
What did she mean?her dragon asked.
I don’t have a clue.
Chapter Eighteen – Leo
There’s another shifter scent here,Leo said.
Dragon,his bear ground out as his hackles went up.
Leo curled his lip. His bear was right. Estelle had not simply spoken to Fiona on the phone.
The dragon shifter paid our mate another visit,his bear said.
But was she invited?Leo clenched his jaw as he climbed the porch steps, bracing himself for what he might find inside. Although his senses told him that even though Fiona had been here recently, she was not here now.
Do you think she came uninvited?his bear growled, protective instincts rising.Is that why she wanted the number?
I don’t know,Leo replied.But I intend to find out.
He knocked twice and waited, his concern growing with each second.
“Come on in, it’s open,” Estelle called from inside.
At least she sounds okay,his bear said, some of the edge leaving his voice as Leo opened the door and stepped inside.
“Estelle? Adara?” he called. It felt strange entering the cottage without Estelle opening the door. This was Estelle’s personal space. She had made that clear from the start.
