Page 17 of Dragon Unhinged

My father would see through any attempt to get out of the dinner. Or worse, he’d call a doctor to confirm that the symptoms are in my mind. Even if I were to vomit all over the fine government-issued china, I’d be presumed to be faking it.

Better to just suffer through, and debate sneaking down to visit with Declan after, to tell him all about my terrible night.

I dress quickly, twirling my hair into an elaborate style that can be held in place with a hair comb, and adding just enough makeup to make it look like I’m not wearing any at all.

The entire time, I can’t stop thinking about the dragon below, and the moment I was certain he was about to kiss me.

Did I make it all up? Does he really just think of me as someone kind, someone friendly?

Why do I care so much?

When a maid knocks on my door to announce dinner’s ready, I’m the picture of what my father considers perfection, and half mad with the questions bouncing around in my head.

“Brianna, I want you to meet Dr. and Mrs. Lee, and their son, Peter. He’s studying pre-law.”

Dr. Lee beams with pride as he says, “He’s going to be in politics.”

I fight the urge to roll my eyes as I bow my head and say in a soft, subdued voice, “It’s very nice to meet you.”

We get herded into the formal dining room, and unsurprisingly, I end up sitting squarely between my father at the head of the table and Peter.

For a possible suitor, he could be worse. He’s intelligent, if he’s studying pre-law and wants to go into politics. Living with my father has certainly educated me on how complicated politics can be. He’s handsome enough, I suppose. He’s not really my type. Dark hair kept short and tidy, clean shaven, dark eyes, high cheekbones, and he’s almost pretty like a K-pop star.

A complete opposite of the gloriously rugged man I’d rather be spending time with, even if he’s dirty, injured, and rough around the edges.

“Being a politician is a noble pursuit. What inspired that career choice?” My father immediately guides the conversation,and I pick at the salad in front of me, wishing the floor would open up under my chair so that I can get out of this hell.

“I always knew I wanted to pursue law, but after that spectacle in Times Square, I knew I needed to think about protecting humanity from these monsters who threaten our way of life. We can’t let them burn our cities, kidnap our children. We certainly can’t let them anywhere near the fairer sex.” Peter gestures at me. “Take your daughter, for example. A girl like her might not understand the threat, the danger that these creatures pose. I’m sure you’ve never imagined being eaten by a dragon, but that’s what they would do. Make no mistake. They’re nothing more than killers, monsters, nothing more than barbaric beasts that would roast you alive.”

“Have you ever met one, Peter?” I tilt my head toward him, as if I’m actually curious, even though I’m sure I can guess the answer.

“Meet one?” He curls his lip at the thought, and his pretty face becomes nothing but a smear of disgust. “I don’t need to. They’re uncivilized monsters, living amongst us, no doubt stealing our resources, just like the stories of old. You think these dragons, any of these shifters or even fae, are above hoarding our wealth, stealing our homes?” He says it with such an air of haughtiness, with so much derision for shifters, I almost want to break the carefully cultivated calm demeanor I’m trying so hard to hold onto. “You know the stories. We’ve all heard tales of fire breathing dragons destroying entire communities to get their hands on gold and virgins. Fae stealing babies and leaving their own sickly ones behind. Wolves pretending to be someone they’re not, to eat our children, our livestock, and our livelihood.”

This idiot believes The Little Red Riding Hood is an actual shifter tale? Please, someone get me out of here.

“You’re exactly right. It’s why I’m glad there are young people who are standing on the side of right, looking to make sure we have protections in place. You can’t be too careful these days. Anyone could be something other than human.” My father looks like he’s buying into every one of Peter’s inane ramblings.

It’s probably why he likes Peter as a prospect for me. Someone else my father can bring in on his little project downstairs. I’m guessing it’s lucrative as well or my father really wouldn’t have any interest.

“There is one good thing these monsters are good for.” Peter’s lips curve into a malicious sneer, which I think is his attempt at a villain smirk. “I must say, there’s nothing quite as exhilarating as watching two of them battle to the death.”

My stomach roils at his admittance of the fights my family orchestrates, and I press my left hand to my abdomen, trying not to be sick all over the dinner table. Declan and the others are directly below us. If I could, I would free them right now and watch with some delight if they tried to get revenge for how they’ve been treated.

“Brianna.” My father’s terse tone brings me back into the dining room, which is the last place I want to be. “Peter asked you a question. Do not be rude.”

I jerk my head over to Peter trying to continue with the demure, obedient vibes that have been beaten into me literally and figuratively.

Peter’s eyes are fixated on me, and it makes my stomach roil again. “Brianna, are you okay? You look white as a sheet.” Peter almost sounds concerned. Almost. It’s a dutiful concern, I know the difference.

“I am well,” I say in a small voice.

Peter asks, “Are you sure?”

“She’s fine.” My father waves off his concern over me, because my father certainly isn’t concerned. “Perhaps we shouldchange the topic of conversation, though? I doubt either of the girls at the table want to talk about such brutal things.” My father tries to smooth things over, even as he’s staring me down, undoubtedly trying to silently will me into pulling myself together.

I force a smile. “Why don’t we talk about school. What university are you attending?”

As the conversation shifts, it turns into a dull roar in my ears, none of the words coming through with any clarity. The men are happy to hear their own voices over the women in the room anyway.

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