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Finch went stiff.

“Excellent work, Calvin.” Atticus slapped him on the shoulder. “A heartfelt confession for the

history books, I’m sure. Now that that’s out of the way, to the study with you.” He raised his

voice to call into the hallway, “Next!”

“I’m not done, you dusty codger.” Calvin rolled Atticus’s hand off his shoulder and took a step

toward Finch—and by extension, Hugh. Hugh held on to his beloved Finch protectively, but

Finch was in no mood to be coddled. He ducked under Hugh’s arms and took a bold step

forward to face the approaching dragon.

There was a tense moment of silence. Hugh wanted nothing more than to pull Finch back to

him, but he knew better than to steal his freedom. Perhaps there was more to the kidnapping

plot than he’d originally believed. He’d have to have a think about it later. For now, he needed

to keep an eye on this Calvin. Yes, he was an Amethyst, but heaven knew they could be a wily

bunch. There was no telling what he might be up to.

Calvin extended a hand toward Finch, which Finch made no move to take. When it became

obvious that Finch wouldn’t reconsider, Calvin dropped it to his side.

“A part of me may be cold-blooded, little bird,” he said, “but I am not a monster. I’m a dragon

who wasn’t given a chance to show how much of a man he can be. If you have no room in

your life for me, I understand, but if you are my son—”

“He is,” Atticus posited.

“—then I want to make things right.”

Finch crossed his arms tightly over his chest and stood a little taller. A prolonged beat of silence

passed. Just when Hugh thought he’d stay silent, Finch cleared his throat. “I suppose that can

be arranged.”

“There. And we’re done. Very good.” Atticus smacked Calvin’s ass with his cane. “Out, whelp.

There are twenty-five minutes left before the cucumber sandwiches arrive, and there are still

so many blasted Drakes to tend to.”

“Will you be staying here with Atticus?” Calvin asked Finch, deftly stepping aside to avoid

another smack from Atticus. “I visit often. I’ll be able to see you, and I can arrange to be here

for when the dragonet is born.”

Hugh blinked.

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