Page 118 of Dragon Charmed

Tessa chuckled. “You could say that.”

“Come sit down and tell me how you came to that conclusion.”

Tessa brought him up to speed on the kidnapping, Lily’s disappearance, and Adam getting his memories back. When she got to the point where she picked up the scroll and it changed, John held up his hand and went inside, coming back out with a bottle of scotch and two glasses.

Once they each had a glass in hand, she finished the story.

“Holy hell, woman. I don’t know what to say.”

Tessa took a sip, and the heat went down her throat. “Join the crowd.”

He leaned forward. “I can sense something from you. I don’t know if I missed it the last time you were here or if Eric’s and Adam’s dragons blocked me sensing you.”

“Eric said he can’t sense witches. But you can because you’re both?”

John nodded. “Yep.”

“So tell me about witches.”

“Back when I was born, witches and dragons had their full powers. Witches could cast spells that impacted the different elements. Most witches had a particular strength that their powers centered on.”

“What about me being able to transcribe the scroll? Could any witch do that?”

John shook his head. “No. I would say you would be what used to be called a scribe witch. Your powers would center on the written word.”

“Do you think I can do other things?” Tessa held her breath.

John shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m surprised that you would develop powers this late in life. It could be from being around other magical beings. Maybe it sparked latent powers in you.”

“Possibly.” She stared at him for a moment. “Why are you being nice right now?”

“Because I know what it’s like to want answers. Don’t get used to it. So what does the heir apparent think of you being a witch.”

Why wasn’t she surprised he was asking about Adam. Were they that obvious in their feelings for each other? “He’s fine with it.”

John took a sip of his drink. “You’re the one who isn’t.”

“I don’t know what being a witch means. What if I hurt Megan or, God forbid, Bella or Lily.” Or Adam.

“Are you planning on hurting them?”

“Of course not!”

John poured more liquor into his glass. “Being a witch isn’t any different than being human or dragon. There are good and bad people. You choose your own path, whether you sprout wings or cast spells.”

“Who knew under all that curmudgeon-ness was a heart. Maybe you’re the Grinch?”

“This heart ain’t growing three times its size anytime soon.”

Tessa laughed and then turned as an SUV drove toward the cabin.

“Were you expecting someone?” John asked.

“No.”

The SUV came to a stop.

“Wonderful. Another surly Simonson, just like his brother, Eric. I hope there aren’t any more Simonsons that plan to show up here. I think I’ve had enough of this family.” From John’s wicked expression, he was getting ready to poke the bull. Or the dragon in this situation.