That conversation had occurred days ago and had never been far from her mind afterward. She looked upon Talonia with new eyes, preparing herself for the future. She was so glad that she had not mated with Kelan. Their pact, to marry at thirty if they had not found true love was a childish mistake. They would never have been happy as mates. Thankfully, Kelan had broken the pact. He and Michelle were meant to be. Shara's gaze and possibly her heart lay elsewhere. Her suitor was a surprise, one she had never expected. Fate had twisted and turned her world unexpectedly in so many ways. She was afraid yet exhilarated.
Eveline
The basket was heavily laden with food. Eveline was out of breath before she reached Tae's family home. She was bringing dinner to them so Tae could keep working. The house didn't appear to be much larger than her own residence, but she knew five people lived here. The door was answered by a young boy of about ten. His eyes were the same royal blue as Tae's. They stared at her with shock.
"Hello, I'm Eveline. Tae is working, so I brought dinner. Would it be alright if I came in?"
"You are the human he found," the boy stated. "Why would you bring food to us?"
"Tae is my friend, and I want to help him. As his family, you are my friends as well. If you don't believe me, you can run down to the mine and ask him. I promise that I'm here because he said it was okay," Eveline explained.
A man's voice came shouted from the other room, "Who is it, son? Let them in. We do not get many visitors."
The boy motioned for her to enter. She sat her burden on a rickety wooden table and followed him into the living area. An older man, whose once-piercing red eyes were now clouded, sat in a chair beside a fireplace. Its heat was stifling in the small room. He had a blanket over his legs. How could he stand the heat?
He must have seen the question in her face, for he explained, "I am always cold. The accident took more than my legs, I fear. My poor family endures the heat without complaint. I am sure they will be glad when I am gone."
"Father, stop talking nonsense. We have grown used to the heat and would not trade you for a cooler house. This woman is Eveline, the human," the boy replied.
"Tae's human," the old man responded. "It is good to put a face with the story. My son speaks of you often. I am sorry to be inhospitable, but I cannot get up to fix you a meal. Jax does not cook, and my daughters will not be home until later. Tae sometimes brings a meal. He has not come today."
"I came in his place. It isn't necessary for you to worry about me. I brought your dinner and plan to do so often. Tae is working extra hours. I volunteered to take care of all of you. There is a thick, hearty stew and bread still warm from the oven. Fruit laden with whipped cream is for dessert. I am not the best of cooks, especially with Talonian ingredients, but it tastes good to me."
"Can we eat now?" Jax asked excitedly. "It sounds better than the cold meat Tae brings us."
"Mind your manners, boy. Tae does his best, and your sister cooks when she has time. She must do her schooling, the marketing, and cleaning. It is too much to ask her for hot meals every night."
"I am sorry. I was not complaining. I am just really hungry. We hiked up the waterfall in school today," Jax replied.
"By all means, eat while it's still hot. A growing weredragon requires plenty of food. Bring a plate for your father as well," Eveline commanded.
"You must eat with us," Tae's father stated. "Jax, bring Eveline a plate. Make sure you only take your share. Your sisters will be hungry when they arrive."
Jax's grumbles could be heard from the kitchen, making them both laugh. Eveline discovered she was relaxing in the presence of the old man. The house was small, but she could feel the love it held within its walls. It explained a lot about Tae's kind heart. He had come by it honestly. These people may have been poor monetarily, but they were rich emotionally. She wanted this family to be hers. The place inside her that had been empty since she was kidnapped was slowly filling: first with Tae, then Michelle and her family, and now with Tae's family. She was healing on the inside to match her already healed outer shell.
