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Jade tried to hide her smile.
The reverend had a way with words, but what he was saying was clear. Keep your brawling ways out of our town.
“Understood,” Rafe said. “But I can’t have anyone thinking they can lay paws on the lady.”
“Oh, I think there are plenty of other things to lay paws on around here,” the schoolteacher from the platform put in, blinking at him flirtatiously as she approached. “I’m Larrah Boone, schoolteacher. I hope you don’t mind. My children have heard stories of the Invicta, but never met one of your brotherhood. May I introduce them?”
Jade felt an unexpected flash of jealousy.
“Of course,” Rafe said, puffing up at the implied praise.
“Now children,” the teacher said. “This gentleman is an Invicta warrior. Can anyone tell me what that means?”
“He’s a dragon,” one of the kids yelled out.
“Now, Luphon, we raise our hands when we want to answer,” she scolded gently, then pointed to a little girl. “Ray-tha.”
“It means-it means-it means… I don’t know,” Ray-tha admitted sadly.
“Does this gentleman always look like he does right now?” Miss Boone hinted, then pointed to a boy with flowing tentacles on his head.
“No,” the boy said, practically quivering with excitement.
“What can he look like?” the teacher asked.
“A dragon,” the first boy burst out again, utterly unable to help himself.
“That’s right,” the teacher said, apparently giving up. “And when he’s not in his dragon form, he wears his leather armor, isn’t it beautiful?”
The children made dutifully impressed noises.
“Invicta warriors are known for being very tall, with fit physiques and bulging muscles,” the teacher went on, her eyes drifting all over Rafe.
“I have to use the refresher, Miss Boone,” a little girl with some sort of metal retainer on her protruding lower tusks lisped.
“Oh, err, yes, Crelly, of course,” the teacher said, then turned to Rafe. “Maybe you could come talk to my class one day?”
“I’d be glad to,” he told her.
The teacher practically swooned.
“Miss Boone,” the girl said anxiously, wiggling in place.
“Oh dear, yes,” the teacher replied. “Crelly, come with me, the rest of you, back to your seats.”
The two disappeared into the next car.
“Schoolmarm took a shine to you, eh?” Tag teased, slapping his thigh.
Rafe frowned.
Jade seethed silently, feeling surprised at herself for being so possessive over a man she had just met and had no claim to.
“Now don’t be jealous, little lady,” Tag said, turning his attention to Jade. “It’s clear this big fella’s only got eyes for you.”
Tag laughed at his own joke, while Jade desperately tried to think of what she could say that wouldn’t make things even more awkward.
Before she had a chance, there was an audible pop, and the lights flickered out.
