Page 52 of The Accidental Dragon Baby

Ivo’s heart thumped. He pointed out the log to Mary. “That’s a Yule log,” he whispered. “Your grandpa and grandma used to burn those during Yuletide.”

Ace’s smile turned sad. He returned to sit with Ivo on the couch, pressing a large hand to Ivo’s back. “I burn one every couple weeks. They make my heart happy.”

Every two weeks?!Ivo thought incredulously.

The log whistled a jaunty festive tune. As it burned, golden sparks gathered above it to form the shimmering outline of a tiny dragon. The dragon roared soundlessly and spread its wings, landing on the bricks in the fireplace to scowl at them.

“Wow,” Ivo breathed. “I’ve never seen a Yule log do that.”

Ace gave him a private smile. “These are custom-spelled. Would you like to see a mink in a Yule log?”

“You can make that happen?”

“Of course.”

How much would that even cost? “If—If you want.”

“I want.” Ace’s eyes darkened. “Also, you don’t have to ask to burn these logs. Put one into the fireplace at your discretion. Hell, put ten in at the same time, I don’t care.”

“That’s crazy!”

Ace shrugged. “If it makes you happy, I don’t mind.”

Ivo wasn’t sure he would take Ace up on that offer. He said anyway, “Thank you.”

Ace grinned.

They watched the burning log together, firelight bouncing off their faces. More sparks accumulated and became a second shimmering dragon. This dragon flew to the other side of the fireplace to stake its territory.

Mary leaned forward with her little fingers outstretched, trying to grab the dragons.

“I’ll have to get the fireplace spelled so she can’t crawl in,” Ace said thoughtfully. He glanced at Mary’s towel. “Did she get too cold from the rain?”

Ivo shook his head. “We’re semi-aquatic. She’ll be fine spending a while in the water, especially as a mink.”

“Oh.” Ace sat back, falling into a thoughtful silence. Then he frowned.

Ivo squirmed. “What’s wrong?”

Ace shook his head. “It’s—not something we have to discuss right now.”

“Does it involve Mary?”

Ace sighed. “Yes.”

“Tell me. I’d rather know.”

Ace watched him for a long moment. Then he seemed to give in. “She has an affinity with two elements—fire and water. No wonder she’s so valuable to the kidnappers.”

Ivo’s stomach squeezed. “Does that mean we can never leave this place?”

“I don’t want this to turn into a prison for you. It just means I’ll always accompany you when you leave.” Ace wrapped a strong arm around Ivo, pulling him closer. “I’ll protect you both with everything I have. All three of you.”

Ivo’s chest tightened. “Thank you.”

Ace smiled; his lips glistened in the firelight. They looked pink and full, and Ivo wanted to know what they’d feel like on his mouth. Or throat.

His finger was on Ace’s lips before he knew what he was doing.

---