Page 81 of Lahaina Noon

“Mmm, much better,” she replied, laying her head on his chest. They stayed that way for a few minutes until a knock sounded on the door, followed by the attendant’s voice reminding them they needed to return to their seats.

“Be right there!” Vaughn called out. He was sure they had time enough for one more kiss.

Safely buckled in her seat, feeling much more alert, she caught Jack’s eye and nodded. She mouthed thanks to him for his thoughtfulness earlier. He smiled in return. He really was everything she would have wanted in a brother of her own. She glanced around and saw the rest of the group was engaged in various activities, a slight tension in the air.

Jorrie was still sitting with Liam, holding hands, their heads bent low over what looked like some sort of diagram. As if sensing she was being observed, she glanced up at Bridget and gave her a wink. Seemed things were going well in that department.

She looked for Gabe and finally located him at the far end of the cabin. He appeared to be asleep in his seat, Bunny next to him, asleep as well, with her head on his shoulder. Bridget pursed her lips. She was not looking forward to the moodiness she would have to endure when Bunny eventually went back to Italy and Gabriel stayed in Dallas for school.

Vaughn appeared next to her, bringing her a ginger ale and sitting down. She thanked him and took a few sips, appreciating the cold bubbles on her throat.

“Figured you needed to settle your stomach; you were a little green earlier,” he told her.

The plane made its descent into Dallas and touched down smoothly at the private airport. She wasn’t sure how he managed all of this, the money, the international rules they were probably breaking, but she figured there must be some magic involved to grease those wheels.

She glanced at Vaughn, but he was busy organizing the squads and arranging transport to the various hotels, so she decided not to bother him. She realized everyone was busy talking to someone or doing something useful. Feeling a bit out of sorts, she found a folding chair and plopped down in it. She propped her chin in her hands and observed the scurrying back and forth.

Siobhan walked over and gestured at her throat. “I could maybe help with that,” the girl said shyly. “Sorry, I should have thought of it earlier, but I was on the other plane.”

Bridget smiled; it seemed their talk earlier had broken down some more walls. “That would be lovely if you think you can. I was thinking I’d have to wear a scarf for a while, and it’s too hot for that.”

Siobhan nodded emphatically, understanding exactly what she meant. She held her hands near Bridget’s throat and sent gentle green waves over it.

“Oh wow!” Bridget said, stretching her neck. “That feels amazing! I’m so impressed with how you’ve managed to tweak your talents into something more. You should be proud of yourself too; I hope you’ll be willing to teach me more about my own powers. I could learn a lot from you!”

Siobhan straightened and beamed. She was like a flower blossoming in the warm sunshine.

Bridget figured it must have been hard growing up in a dragon family, in Liam’s shadow, knowing she would never have wings of her own. She smiled, “I’m so appreciative of all you’ve done. Thank you so much.”

“It was most impressive, Wielder. I am never seeing someone master skills outside of their own spectrum before.” A rich male voice came from behind the girl.

Siobhan whirled to face the man who had spoken. It was one of the very handsome red dragons from Italy. Lorenzo or Tomi, Bridget couldn’t remember which.

She spoke up, “Our Siobhan is very talented, isn’t she? She’s got an impressive amount of control over her magic. She taught me how to perform basic things without frying my brain in one day!” She saw Siobhan blush and try to deny it.

He nodded. “That is fascinating. I desire to learn more about you, Wielder. Would you walk with me?” He held out his arm for Siobhan.

She looked at Bridget, who nodded and made shooing motions.

“I’ll be damned!” she heard from behind her. Vaughn was standing there watching Siobhan walk off arm in arm with the red dragon. She was smiling, a faint blush on her cheeks. He shook his head. “You really have a way with people, you know?”

She grinned at him. “Nothing a little positivity couldn’t have handled.”

“In that case, how about some positive thoughts for a safe trip home?” he grinned.

“Way ahead of you babe!”

Chapter 43

One week later

Vaughn watched as Bridget wandered into the living room after spending some time with her cats. There were dragons and wielders everywhere. Almost every room in the large home was full of people. Some were their local force, and some were the Italian team. After their return home, dragons and wielders from all over the world had begun showing up. They came from Australia, China, Mexico, and Nigeria, to name a few. According to the rumors he’d heard, all the local hotels were full for some convention. Bridget was smiling; she’d told him she was fascinated with so many accents and dialects.

He continued to watch her flitting from group to group, smiling and talking to people. She certainly seemed to feel better. He’d worried about her after the attack. She hadn’t bounced back quite as quickly as he’d hoped, seeming restless. He sensed there was something she wasn’t telling him, but he didn’t want to push her. Regardless, she seemed herself again and for that, he was grateful. He reasoned being back home and in familiar surroundings had done wonders. Home. The word made his smile falter.

They’d come back to a gazillion waiting messages: police and arson inspectors wanted to speak to her about her house. They’d also received messages from the insurance company needing statements. They still needed to replace many of the things she’d lost. He looked at some of the rooms and imagined what they’d look like with her touch on them. He smiled, realizing he was looking forward to it.

“Drake,” he heard the hesitant voice from the doorway of the dining room where he’d set up his war room. He saw Marco standing there, tablet in hand, no doubt the data he’d sent him to obtain waiting for review. It had already been a week since they arrived back in Dallas, and everyone was getting antsy. He waved him inside, and they sat down to review the information with the appointed leaders of the different squads.

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