“Uh-oh. I’m almost afraid.” Lucie chuckled. She turned to Abe. “You don’t have to change your scent if you don’t want to.”
“I’m not attached to it. I’m fine changing it, to be honest.”
Brian ran back into the room.
“Here.” Brian had a big grin on his face as he handed Abe a small vial. “Hurry, get it down fast. He’s coming.”
Abe didn’t hesitate. He shot the liquid down, and his scent instantly changed to that of smoked cedar. It had a very rustic, log cabin scent to it. At the same time, the doors shot open.
“Brian, you meddlesome little prince. Just as bad as your father. You got into my things again. You think it’s okay to take advantage of an old man? Such a troublesome child.” Grandpa Sage clicked his tongue angrily as Brian chuckled.
Reiya giggled. This reminded her of when she first arrived in the dragon kingdom. Xander and Grandpa Sage were always bickering with each other.
“Too late, Gramps. It’s gone. I fed it to the soul here,” Brian said with a smug grin.
“Do you have any idea how hard that is to make?” Grandpa Sage snorted.
“Relax. You have a whole drawer of them. Besides, Reiya’s the one who wanted it,” Brian said, deflecting the blame.
“Oh, Reiya? If it was for you, then you should have just asked. No problem, then. You wanted him to have a different scent? Makes sense, makes sense. Ho ho ho, dear child, just ask and it’s yours.”
“Hey! Gramps!” Brian’s jaw dropped. He had a completely different attitude for Reiya. Absolute favoritism.
“What was it?” Lucie asked as she bit her lip, hiding her smile.
“It’s a potion that alters your scent. Usually, it’s used for dragons who wish to leave the dragon kingdom and go rogue. They take on a new scent and identity. Each vial will create a different scent depending on the person who drinks it. It isn’t harmful,” Grandpa Sage said with a chuckle.
“He’s so much nicer to the girls.” Brian folded his arms over his chest.
“That’s because they aren’t sneaky rascals.” Grandpa Sage growled. “Anyway, I have important work to do.”
Lucie looked over at Abe, who had a faint smile on his lips. His eyes met hers. “I … I like it.”
“I’m glad.” Lucie leaned into Derrick’s chest.
“Ready, Lucie?” Derrick whispered near her ear.
“Ready.” A large portal formed in front of them. It was time to go back to the vampire kingdom.
CHAPTER 52
The group walked out from the portal and were back in the hallway of the vampire kingdom. Derrick took in a deep breath, and a warm smile rested on his lips. He was home. And finally, he would be able to act like this was his home.
“You’re back!” Ryan came from down the corridor and his eyes immediately rested on Derrick, with Lucie still clinging to his arm. “Are you planning to make the announcement early?”
“I need to speak with my parents first. But that’s my plan,” Derrick said, and he watched as Ryan’s eyes trailed to Lucie and back to him. He knew what he was thinking. “Myra.”
“My lord.” The small, pale woman appeared in a kneeling position.
“Tell my parents I request their audience in my chambers.” The girl instantly vanished. “Let’s go.” He nodded to Ryan to join them as well. They were in a private hall that was reservedfor the royal family, so keeping Lucie at his side here wasn’t a problem. He led her to his room with the others following.
They walked inside and everyone made themselves comfortable, except for Abe, who remained standing.
“Please, have a seat.” Lucie nodded to another chair. She noticed how he hesitated until he locked eyes with her. Then he obediently walked to a chair.
“Hey, if this works out, you won’t have to swap spit with Ryan again.” Aedan’s eyes flickered as he stared at a very pale and uncomfortable-looking Ryan.
Derrick squeezed Lucie’s hand and sighed heavily. “You’re lucky I can read Lucie’s mind.”
