“Fear not,” she whispered back, her lips twitching. “I’ll rescue you.”
Amusement warmed his eyes.
She took a deep breath, which did nothing to ease her nerves. After all, how did one explain to perfectly ordinary parents that their daughter was mated to an immortal warrior who could shift into a dragon?
Then her parents appeared at the archway, their welcoming smiles faltering for a second as their gazes settled on Race.
“Mum!” She hurried forward.
Her mother—radiant at sixty, with her bobbed sable-brown hair and warm hazel eyes—pulled her into a fierce embrace. “We’ve missed you, darling.”
“I missed you both, too.” Ash clung to her for a heartbeat before turning to her father. “Dad?—”
“Good to have you home, sweet pea.” He hugged her, then eased back, his salt-and-pepper hair catching the light, gray eyes crinkling with relief.
Only then did they both look past her to Race again.
Ash saw it instantly—the brief flicker of wariness, the subtle bracing as they took in his height, the breadth of him, the quiet intensity he carried like a second skin. Mum’s smile stayed courteous, but Dad’s didn’t quite reach his eyes.
Don’t mind, Dad,she mind-linked with Race, keeping her smile.He’s really protective.
As it should be. He kept my mate safe.
Her heart melted.
Unable to throw her arms around him right there, Ash squeezed his hand instead and drew him closer. “Mum, Dad—this is Race. Race, my parents, Charles and Emily James.”
“Mr. James,” Race greeted her father. Handshakes were exchanged.
You seem surprised, my mate? Did you think I’d hold out a claw?
She bit her lip, stifling a nervous giggle.Mercy, please. I almost peed my pants.
A wave of warmth swept through their bond, steadying her.
“It’s good to meet you, Mr…” Her father paused expectantly.
Ohhhh, crap!
“Pyr’xian,” Race said.
Brilliant save,Ash teased him.
Though nothing showed on his face, she could feel his amusement as he gave her mother a small, graceful bow. “Mrs. James.”
Her mother’s hazel eyes twinkled in delight. “Really, it’s our pleasure, Mr. Pyr’xian.”
“Just Race, please.”
“Let’s have tea, and we can catch up. Come.” Mum led the way to the dining area.
Dad’s on the quieter side,Ash told him. Mum’s a bit of a chatterbox.Then she moved away to help her mother prepare the tea snacks.
“He’s absolutely gorgeous, darling,” Mum whispered, her eyes shining. “I didn’t realize Eastern Europe had men like him.”
Ash laughed, her nerves settling. Mum was always easier to talk to, but Dad, on the other hand…
She brought the two plates, one with savory meat pies and samosas, the other with tea cakes, and set them down. Race rose, saw Ash seated, then waited till her mother sat before he did so again. Her father blinked at that.
