Page 17 of Dragon My Crazy

“That is unwise. They are a bad influence.”

I rolled my eyes. “You speak like you think they’d mind control him. If you are so worried, instruct him to watch without making contact.” Then, remembering my conversation with Elana, I said, “Elana wishes to visit the town tomorrow, and suggests that we bring Melantha.”

Leroy looked taken aback. “That is the worst idea yet. That would expose her to the townsfolk. Absolutely not. Clearly, this female has no idea how to keep a dragonlet safe.”

That was pretty much the reaction I’d expected.

“Perhaps Luella can look after Melly while we visit town, then.”

Leroy didn’t seem too happy about this either. “Why not take Luella out to the town?”

“Perhaps another time.” I stood, stretching.

I dismissed Leroy and started toward the dining room, eager to see Elana again.

Chapter 9

Elana

Melanthahadfinallyfallenasleep in my lap, her tiny body warm against mine, her breathing slow and steady. I traced the edge of her wing with my fingertip, marveling at the fact that I had a baby dragon in my lap.

The moment Melantha had touched me, I felt it, that very same connection I’d had when she’d been inside her egg. But stronger. When she nuzzled my palm, it was like she was trying to tell me she trusted me.

A voice in my head told me that walking away at the end of the weekend was wrong. The thought alone made my chest tighten so hard that it was difficult to breathe. But did I want to rush into something so big? I was so certain I was done with raising children.

I scanned the playroom with growing disbelief. The place was functional; I’d give them that. Every surface and toy was fireproof, every piece of furniture sturdy and well-built. But where was the fun? Where were the colors?

An eight-month-old should be laughing, exploring, and playing. I picked up a ball that was made of a fire-retardant rubber. It was the size of my head and weighed a ton, like something meant to survive being chewed on and nudged around with a snout. The room was missing all the things that were supposed to help a child her age learn to use her hands.

I didn’t believe that was the only reason she hadn’t shifted, but it would contribute to it.

The door clicked open behind me.

I turned, expecting Emmett, but it was the woman from before. What was her name? Luella. She looked shocked to see me. Her eyes widened when she saw me, her lips pressing into a thin line.

“You’re still here.”

“Emmett got called away.”

“And left you alone with Melantha?” Her tone was flat, but her gaze flicked to the little dragon in my arms, who was waking now from her slumber.

Was she worried I’d hurt the little dragon? “I won’t hurt her, if that’s what you’re worried about. I took care of her when she was still an egg.”

“I see.” She stepped closer, her expression unreadable. “She went through a lot as an egg.”

“She did. I’m glad she’s home now.”

“Well, it’s her nap time.” Luella held out her hands. “Give her to me. She gets cranky if she doesn’t nap before dinner.”

Melantha was fully awake now, her golden eyes locked onto Luella. I suddenly felt small and helpless, like I needed to defend myself. The sentiment confused me until I realized that I was feeling Melly’s thought. Which was crazy, wasn’t it?

Melly’s tail swished, and a tiny flicker of flame shot toward the nanny’s outstretched hand.

Luella jerked back, her eyes widening, but she regained her composure quickly. “You see? She’s already agitated.”

I soothed the dragonlet with a soft hand on her back, but did not hand her over.

“Dragons remember things,” Luella said, her voice low. “Even from when they were inside their eggs. Stress. Fear. It stays with them. Might even be why she won’t shift. She doesn’t feel safe.”She paused. “We’ve been doing so well lately. She hasn’t tried to set the place on fire in almost a week. I’d hate to see her regress.”