Page 39 of Destiny of the Dragons

Mother didn’t melt at that comment. But she didn’t bite Jace’s head off, so that was something.

“I wish to introduce myself. Jace Andoni, and this is Smoke.”

Smoke didn’t look happy. His face was impassive as ever, but his shoulders were tense, and there was tension in his jaw.

Mia wanted to catch Jace’s eye, tell him this was a bad idea, but she couldn’t show weakness. If she was anything but confident in front of Mother, she would eat that doubt alive.

“We are seeing Mia.”

Mother cocked her head. “I thought dragon society taught better manners than this?”

“Better manners than introducing yourself to your lover’s family?”

Mia was going to kill him. She was going to wring Jace’s scaly neck for this.

“For bothering them while they should clearly be working.” Mother shot her a look. “Mia is very busy.”

Jace blinked, and then resumed his charm. “I see. We thought she was getting off at noon today.”

“She belongs to her Family,” Mother gave him the stink eye. “And she’s done with her work when I say she is.”

Jace’s face turned red. Before he could say anything, Charlotte walked in.

Bless her sister, Charlotte scanned the room and took stock of the situation quickly. “Sorry I’m late, I had to drop off some orders.”

Mother didn’t even look at Charlotte. She kept her glare on Jace.

“Good, so Mia’s free now.” Jace grinned at Mother.

Mia was definitely going to strangle him. First she would kiss him hello, and then she would wrap her hands around his neck.

“Thank you for stopping by to see me,” Mia said. “I’ll let you know when I’m free.”

“She doesn’t own you,” Jace glared at her mother. “Your family should appreciate you, not act like you’re a servant.”

“I am happy to help my family,” Mia said. What the hell was he thinking putting her on the spot like this? He knew all about Family politics.

“You’re exhausted. You’ve been doing gods-know what sort of magic, and your mother begrudges you a lunch date.” Jace frowned. “You don’t have to live like this, Mia. Come with me.”

Mia froze. Oh no, no no. How could he be so good at reading people, but so stupid about this?

Mother smiled. “Yes, Mia. If you’re too good for your family now, why not run off with this lizard?”

Mia rubbed her face. “I can’t.”

Jace’s face fell. “I can take care of you now.”

“My family needs me.”

Mother couldn’t have looked more pleased with herself if Mia had stabbed him in the heart and started a ritual with his blood.

“We’ll talk later,” Mia said, trying to salvage this. Mother wouldn’t like she was going to keep seeing them, but Mother could deal.

Jace still looked dumbstruck. “I can protect you.”

Smoke grabbed Jace’s arm. “Later.”

“I’ll see you in an hour,” Mia said, trying for a compromise. “We’ll get Indian food again.”

---