Page 56 of Tempting Her Dragons

“Fine. Hopefully, Shade finds something soon.”

“Are you good with staying with Sally?” I ask.

“I’ll probably like her,” she says. “I won’t be a bitch to her. She showed up to lend support to your mate, and I can appreciate her dedication.”

“Sally is special to her,” King says. “She’s hilarious.”

“You don’t have the cops here wrapped around your finger. Don’t cause trouble,” I warn.

“I’m your mom. That’s something I should say to you.” We look at her until she cracks. “Alright,” she snaps. “I’ll be good. I’m not that wild.” We hold her gaze. “Okay.” She rolls her eyes. “I’ll do my best to be good.” She makes a cross on her chest. “Cross my heart.”

“We’ve heard that before,” King reminds her.

“I’ll mean it this time.” Her lips twitch.

“We trust you.” I throw my arm around her shoulder. “Sally is a wild one.”

“I can sense these things,” she says, leaning into my side. “This is a beautiful place. I suppose if you are going to leave me, this is a great place to be.”

“Mom,” King says, squeezing her hand. “We haven’t discussed moving here with her yet.”

“It’s good. She should be near her family and Saphy needs you here. You can bring her for a visit.”

“You could move here,” I suggest.

“Maybe. Let’s see how the night goes. I might be too much for this town,” she chuckles.

“You haven’t met the rest of her family yet,” King says dryly.

“Oh, that sounds promising.”

I turn her and guide her to the front of the house.

Our mom isn’t the typical mom.

How did this happen?

Sally is yelling, waving her hands in the air, telling a story to Mom. Saphira is watching her in amazement; the words are lost to me, but it must be shocking. Mom is rolling with laughter between them. Saylor is holding her pregnant belly, her head swinging back and forth between the two rabbits. Penny is shouting encouragement to Sally, egging her on, wanting all the details.

Saphira was cooking when we joined them, and what was supposed to be a quiet night with our mate turned into a small gathering. Mom helped her cook and asked about her brothers and that escalated to inviting them over. When Saph called them at her insistence, Elijah and Saylor were at their house, and she extended the invitation to them.

Bishop and Laken, along with Penny, brought dessert and the cheetahs with them.

Bishop is sitting beside Elijah in the kitchen, speaking with King. They seem to be getting along. I came outside to get some air and stood in the open front door, leaning on the cabin. I slidemy thumb over the worn silver of my lighter as I watch them interact.

“Quite the show,” Laken rumbles behind me. He left to get something for Penny.

“It is. Saph is happy,” I mumble.

“Sally can entertain anyone,” he says.

“Even you?” I ask, turning my head.

“Sometimes.” His lips quirk. He holds my eyes. “She’s happy with you and your brother.”

“How can you tell?” I ask, moving to face him.

“She appears to be listening to the ridiculous story of Sally’s life, but she keeps looking at your brother,” he says, tilting his head. “And you.”

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