His dragon spoke up.As if she could upset Mum. After all, she had to deal with us, and that wasn’t easy. But I think Mum will be good for her. Given the way Emily acts, I don’t know how much she opened up to others on Stonefire. We should find out.
And yet, you teased me about wanting to do exactly that earlier.
His beast harrumphed but remained silent.
And as they all sat down at the dinner table, already laden with food, he ignored how irritated he was that his brother and mother got the seats next to Emily.
During the walkfrom the door to the dining area, Mary Alexander had asked about Emily’s work, praised her for all that she was trying to do, and had even invited her to join the unofficial human mate club on Seahaven.
How the woman had managed so much in such a short walk, Emily had no idea.
At least they’d arrived at the table before she was forced to answer about the club. Emily was an introvert who could be social in the right circumstances, but the thought of constantly being around people and never getting time alone made her anxious.
She smiled at Tor and then Angus before sitting down at the table. Cam was across from her, sitting with his arms crossed, and watching her. Closely.
Why was he always watching her? If they were an actual couple, then maybe she’d think it was the love language of undivided attention. But they weren’t, and so he was probably just making sure she didn’t insult his family.
Like she would.
Tor touched her shoulder to garner her attention, and then said, “Mum said you went to Farr Bay and then later Kirtomy Bay yesterday. They’re beautiful, aye?”
She smiled and made sure to face him. “Yes, each in their own way. What’s beautiful in sign language?”
He placed his thumb against his other fingers, making a circle, held it to his chin, and then moved it away from his face as he spread his fingers. “Beautiful.”
Emily made the same motion. “Beautiful.”
Tor grinned. “Aye, that’s it.”
Before she could stop herself, she blurted, “Have you painted those beaches?”
Tor didn’t even blink. “So Cam told you about my painting. Aye, I paint there, and a lot of other places in the Highlands. I love to focus on the lighting and how it plays against water, rocks, plants, anything, really. But my style is more stylized than realistic.”
She smiled. “I’d love to see your paintings.”
“Of course, Emily. Anytime.”
Mary jumped in and signed as she said, “Aye, well, now that’s settled, let’s eat before everything gets cold.”
Emily wished she could do the same and talk and sign at the same time. The last thing she wanted was to make Tor feel left out.
But the teenager in question must’ve been able to read her facial expressions and said, “It’s okay. As long as you look at me when you speak, I will understand most, if not all, of what you say. And if you’re talking to someone else, that’s fine, too. That just means I get to eat more whilst no one’s looking.”
She laughed. “You do require more calories to grow at your age, after all. Dragon-shifter teenagers could quite literally eat people out of house and home, with the vast quantities they need.”
Cam spoke as he signed, “Tor, switch with me, and then you can see Emily more clearly. Otherwise, she’ll get a twinge in her neck, aye?”
Tor’s pupils flashed before he shrugged. “Fine.” He signed something quickly, and Cam frowned.
She was about to ask what was happening when Mary whispered, “Tor’s teasing Cam, is all. We can all tell Cam wants to sit next to you, lass, and is jumping on the excuse.”
Her cheeks heated as she glanced at Tor and then Cam, who were still busy signing to each other. “I doubt that’s it. Cam just likes to find the best solutions, I think.”
Mary snorted. “For him, aye.” She opened her mouth to protest, but Mary continued, “I’ll have a word with them later about having entire conversations in BSL without you.”
“No! It’s me who should learn.”
Mary smiled and patted her hand. “You’ll do, Emily Davies. You’ll do.” She moved her gaze to her sons and signed as she spoke. “Just go ahead and switch, Cam, and don’t let Tor rile you.”
