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“If you’re talking to me, I’m going for a walk and minding my own business.”
“You guys can’t see in the dark.”
“Did you want something, or is looking down on me your only purpose?” Lachelle squinted. She thought something moved straight ahead in the trees, but she couldn’t be sure. If they were faced in the other direction, she might have been able to make out the figure because in the main area of the homestead, lights lined the avenues. Declan’s property was like a fairytale small town.
The woman walked out of the trees. Lachelle recalled meeting Roxie when she arrived. Apparently, there was little love lost between her and Janessa.
Slender and beautiful, tall, and self-assured, this woman embodied all the great physical qualities of the dragon shifters. She tossed a thick mane of hair. “I wouldn’t get caught up on Gerard if I was you. They’re mad about their mates, and no one stands a chance against that.”
Lachelle ignored the twinge in her chest. “‘They?’ Aren’t you one of them?”
“No. I mean, not royalty. Gerard and Declan are a part of the royal family. They’re princes. Rather, as the leader of our people, Declan is the king. What he says goes.”
“I heard has a council.”
“A formality.”
Roxie fell into step beside her. Lachelle didn’t know why she allowed it, but she kept walking. Perhaps it was because she didn’t feel like getting sympathy, emotion that would choke her on her own feelings. Roxie didn’t appear to care one way or another. Lachelle could handle that.
“He put the council in place so everyone could feel like they had a say or a vote.” Roxie scoffed. “If he wants, he can crush us all. He’s that powerful. The leaders are elite, a cut above. There have been good ones and bad ones over the years, but the rest of us fall in line.”
“You sound bitter.”
“I’m not.” Roxie tried to laugh off her words. “I’m just telling the truth.”
“Truth as you see it, and based on how you’ve been hurt in the past.”
Roxie grumbled under her breath.
“Sorry. I don’t want to give you a hard time. I don’t know you.”
Roxie made a noise of agreement. “But you know your sister doesn’t like me.”
Lachelle didn’t deny it.
“I wanted Declan. I would have done anything to have him. He was never like his brother. Even back before the civil war, Gerard was quiet and boring. Declan was full of life. He loved to laugh and have fun. Of course, Gerard found his mate early, so he was out of the picture. I wasn’t close to the family, but I secretly hoped, just like all the other young girls.”
Lachelle found herself opening up. “I was similar. I loved to party and have a good time. Nessa kept her face in a book, and she was always talking about having her own business. It’s weird seeing her all about her family now. In a way, I admired her back then. She was focused and had dreams.”
“You never had a dream?”
Lachelle thought about police work. “Not until I met the man I thought was the love of my life. Both him and the dream were taken away. I don’t have a dream now.”
“That’s sad.”
“Not really.” Lachelle searched her heart. “I’m okay with not having a dream for now. Things might change. What bothers me is—”
She stopped. There was only so much she would share with this stranger. For all she knew, Roxie might be gathering info on her to take back to whoever might be interested.
What she’d been about to say was, what bothered her most was not knowing where Gerard’s head was—and his heart.
Roxie looked up and stilled. Lachelle stopped walking as well. The top of the trees waved. Gerard dropped down in front of them. His beautiful wings spanned and danced for a second in the moonlight and then tucked away.
Lachelle’s heartbeat raced out of control at seeing him. Roxie bowed her head respectfully and murmured, “My prince.”
“Go away.” Gerard never minced words.
Roxie raised her eyebrows at Lachelle and disappeared into the trees. Lachelle and Gerard were left alone.
