Page 6 of Sprite Wedding
“No, we did our own things this morning. I visited the botanical gardens.” After pausing for effect, I added, “And discovered something wonderfully strange.”
“What?” Zoe asked.
The three of them stared at me. Oh, I loved the attention of a rapt audience.
“I was checking out exotic flowers that I hadn’t seen before. When I approached, a tiny buzzing creature flew up and popped me right in the nose.”
Zoe straightened in her chair. “What kind of creature?”
“Nothing to be worried about,” I assured her. “They were about yay big.” I motioned between four and six inches apart with my hands. “Some were cute, others hideous. They said they were sprites.”
“Sprites?” Nova echoed.
“Right. What do you know about them?” I asked, my eyes moving from Nova to Zoe.
“Not much,” Zoe replied. “They have a mischievous reputation.”
“I didn’t see any signs of that other than the nose punch. But that little dude was grumpy.” I turned to Diego. “Kind of like a smaller, flying version of you,” I joked.
“Har har,” he replied with exaggerated fake laughter.
“The female was nicer. We talked for a bit.”
“About what?” Zoe asked.
“Where we live. The grumpy one was so concerned about humans knowing about them. I assured him he had nothing to worry about.” I took a sip of my wine.
A man approached our table, his gaze fixed on Zoe. “Hey, how’s the leg?”
My dragon stirred. I quickly scanned the guy. His pointy ear tips and scent gave away that he was an elf like Zoe.
She tensed and then forced a smile. “Much better.”
“Glad I was able to help you out earlier.” His gaze lingered on her longer than I liked. My dragon perked with a low rumble. How did this elf help her with her leg? Why hadn’t she mentioned it? I’d think she’d mention meeting another elf on board.
“Yes, thanks for your help.” Zoe’s gaze darted around as if looking for a way out of this conversation.
Why? What was going on?
She turned back to him. “Bryan, this is Lucas, Nova, and Diego.”
I bristled but exchanged a brief hello. Why hadn’t she introduced me as her mate? Or at least her boyfriend or partner?
“Hope I see you around.” He kept his gaze glued on her. “Enjoy your dinner,” he addressed the rest of us.
After he walked away, I turned to her. “Who is he?”
She averted eye contact. “Just a guy I grew up with.” She brushed off that exchange with a dismissive wave. When she finally met my gaze, she widened her eyes with interest. “What were you saying about the sprites, Lucas?”
That’s right, that leering elf interrupted my story. I huffed, trying to release the frustration. My dragon was more reluctant to do so, sensing the elf was a threat.
How? He was much smaller than me physically. I attempted to dismiss my dragon’s concerns as being possessive and overprotective. Yet, I couldn’t shake off the sense that something wasn’t quite right.
“Where was I?” I asked, trying to return to the story.
“You mentioned the sprite being wary about humans knowing of their existence. Was he okay with your explanation?” Zoe asked.
“I don’t care what that little bugger thinks.” I shrugged. “Besides, they’re all in Bermuda, and we’re miles away sailing home.” I took a sip of my water and attempted to release the lingering tension. “It’s not like I’ll ever see those sprites again.”
