“Do you know which one that is?” Lauren asked.
“It’s Orazio – Z to his friends. He’s got dark green scales.”
Z circled over them, slowly landed at the back of the parking lot that was empty of cars, then folded his wings against his back.
Cass had never seen a dragon up close either. Holy crap he was impressive.
“Would you like a picture with him?” Trick asked.
“Oh, could I?” Lucy asked, her voice squeaking with awe.
“You bet,” Trick said.
They walked across the lot to the dragon, and Lucy stood fearlessly in front of him, her head tilted back to look up at him. “I’m Lucy! You’re very big!”
Z chuckled, the sound rough from his dragon. His big, clawed hand came forward and down, and he opened it in front of Lucy. In the palm of his hand was a rock. Trick had heard from the alpha that Z was going to bring a treasure to the little girl.
Trick squatted down next to her and said, “Z brought you a rock to start your treasure collection. Alpha Caz said to tell you that it means you’re an honorary member of the clan. You can start your treasure collection with a rock from the ridge.”
She leaned over and picked up the rock, which was about the size of a dinner roll. “Thank you, Z.”
He lifted his head into the sky and let out a call that echoed through the woods.
Trick moved away and let Lauren take pictures, then Lucy hugged Z’s leg and said goodbye, and they watched as he rose into the sky with another call and blast of fire and took off for the ridge.
Lauren looked at Cass. “Trick loves you.”
“Yeah, he does.”
Her eyes went glossy with emotion. “Maybe fast love isn’t so bad when it’s the right guy.”
“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you,” Cass said with a chuckle.
“I’m listening, and I’m happy for you.”
They embraced, and then Cass hugged Lucy. “I love you, Lucy-girl.”
“I love you too, Aunt Cass.” She hugged Trick. “Thank you, Uncle Trick.”
“Anytime, kiddo.”
They waved goodbye to her sister and niece and walked back into The Howl. “So, Lucy has an end of the school year concert next week. And now that you’re my mate and part ofmyfamily, you get to go and sit through three hours of mind-numbing elementary school music.”
“For you, anything.”
She gave her mate a sweet smile and said, “I think we’ve socialized enough for the night? I have some ideas about the rest of the evening.”
“Sexy ideas?” he asked.
“The sexiest.”
“Lead the way, beautiful. I’m all yours.”
“Forever.”
Read on… there’s another moment waiting for Trick and Cass!
A Slow Song on the Deck
