Page 77 of The Dragon's Mate

They drank in silence for a few minutesbefore Kaida said, “Does the clan know?”

“Yes. I called Walter and told him,” Jarvissaid.

“They must be freaking out,” Kaida said.

“I had no choice. You know how everyone ison pins and needles waiting for the hatchling. If Sika and I didn’t returntonight, they would have thought the worst. I assured them the human wouldkeep our secret,” Jarvis said.

“Did they believe you?” Kaida glancednervously at Bren.

“I think so.”

“You think so or you know so?” This timethere was no denying the anxiety in Kaida’s voice.

“What’s wrong?” Bren said.

Kaida shook her head. “Nothing. Everything’sfine.”

Bren stared at her in disbelief. Smilingfaintly at him, Kaida turned back to Jarvis. “How did you get here so quickly?”

“You know how.” Jarvis took two bigswallows of his beer.

“That was a terrible risk, Jarvis,” Kaidasaid.

“I had no choice. My mate needed me. Besides,it was overcast today. I flew above the clouds until I reached the human’shome.”

“You may have been seen,” Kaida said.

“Wait, are you telling me you changed intoyour dragon form and flew here?” Bren said.

“I did,” Jarvis said.

“It’s forbidden,” Kaida said. “We are onlyallowed to fly at night and only at certain times.” She squeezed Jarvis’ hand.“You will be banished if they find out, Jarvis.”

“Only if they find out. I’m not planningon telling them. Are you?”

She shook her head and then stared at Brenwho immediately shook his head as well. “My lips are sealed.”

“Are you returning to the clan tonight?” Jarvisasked.

Kaida hesitated. “I thought I would stay. Incase Sika needed me. If that’s all right with you, Bren?”

“Mi casa es su casa,” he said. “Although wemight have to order out for dinner, I wasn’t planning on eating at home tonightand don’t have any groceries in the house.”

Kaida flushed as Jarvis finished his beer andstood. “I’m going to sit with Sika and the hatchling. Thank you again – both ofyou.”

He leaned down and kissed the top of Kaida’shead before shaking Bren’s hand again. When he was gone, Kaida said, “I’m sorryabout our date tonight.”

“No big deal. We can reschedule.”

She stared at him in surprise. “You stillwant to go on a date. Even after knowing what I am?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Why not?” he said.

“You do realize how dangerous I am to you,right?”

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