Chapter Thirty-Four
Bryn waited for Ivy and Clint at the Snack Shack, per Clint’s decree, at eleven o’clock on the twenty-eighth. Actually, it was twenty til eleven, but she’d been so excited to see her friends she was early. The two guards who had driven her here were stationed in the lot across the street, keeping an eye on everything just in case evil Silver dragon-pires decided to make an appearance.
She’d worked her way through half a bucket of caramel corn by the time her friends arrived. Ivy came over and hugged her before sitting down. Clint grabbed a handful of caramel corn and shoved it in his mouth as he took his seat.
“Hungry?” Bryn asked.
“I told him he couldn’t badger you with questions about Jaxon, so I think he’s stuffing his face as a preventative measure,” Ivy said.
“You can ask as many questions as you want,” Bryn said. “Not that I have any answers.”
“What do you mean?” Ivy asked. “I thought things were falling into place. You’re on good terms with your parents, your grandparents, and Jaxon. From what you said, even Ferrin is playing nice.”
“I know, but there’s this voice in my head that won’t let me relax and enjoy and my life. It keeps waiting for the next tragedy to hit.”
“I think everyone has that voice now,” Clint said. “I’m grateful we made it through Christmas without any major catastrophes.”
Ivy arched her eyebrows at Clint. “Well, there was that one incident.”
“No.” He smacked his hands over his ears. “No, there was not.”
Ivy laughed.
Clint dropped his hands. “You wouldn’t think it was so funny if it was your parents we’d walked in on.”
“Walked in on?” It took Bryn a moment to understand. “Oh my God. Seriously?”
“Clint was going to spend the evening at my house, but he forgot the tin of peanut butter fudge he was supposed to bring over, so we both went back to his house to pick it up and let’s just say, his parents were making merry under the mistletoe in the kitchen.”
Bryn cringed. “In the kitchen?”
Ivy laughed. “Thank goodness they didn’t realize we were in the house. We snuck back out, abandoning the fudge. There were more than enough Christmas cookies at my house to make up the difference.”
“Now that you’ve shared with Bryn,” Clint said, “we will never speak of this again. I have to spend time in that kitchen with my parents every day over break. Rehashing the nightmare is harshing my ability to live in denial.”
“Okay,” Ivy said. “I won’t mention it again.”
“I don’t have any stories that are nearly as entertaining,” Bryn said.
“Nothing strange happened at Christmas dinner with Ferrin?” Clint said. “I find that hard to believe.”
“It was weird because it’s like he switched modes to some sort of host who was trying to impress us. I have to admit, the setting was magical. On a side note, I did learn that I sucked at ice skating.” She told them about the frozen pond Ferrin had added for Christmas.
“It’s like Ferrin lives in some alternate reality where he can create whatever he wants,” Clint said. “Maybe that’s why he doesn’t like it when he can’t control situations.”
“Interesting logic,” Bryn said. “And you’re probably not wrong.”
After lunch, they decided to go for a walk down Main Street.
“Are you sure we’re allowed to window shop?” Ivy asked. “We could get in trouble for loitering.”
“My grandmother and the Women’s League have been butting heads with the Directorate over this whole situation. So far, the guards have agreed to stay alert and watch for anyone who might be a threat without badgering people who appear to be shopping.”
“It’ll be hard.” Clint rolled his shoulders back and puffed out his chest. “But I’ll try not to appear threatening.”
“Uh-oh,” Ivy said. “Is it my imagination, or is that guard following us?” She nodded her head at the guard across the street.
Bryn checked to make sure before she said anything. “That’s Derek. He’s with me. My grandmother sent him with orders to stay nearby. Before that might have annoyed me, but now I’m okay with it.”
“Plus he’s kind of cute,” Ivy said.
“I hadn’t noticed,” Bryn said, practicing her polite Blue social skills because Derek was cute and God forbid anyone overheard her say that and pass the information back to Jaxon.
“Nice diplomacy act. Anyway, are we actually shopping for anything, or are we browsing?” Ivy asked.
“I wanted to pick up some Christmas ornaments for my parents,” Bryn said.
“They should be on sale now,” Ivy said.
“Funny how everything is on sale after you’ve spent all your money,” Clint said. “If we were smart we’d wait to buy gifts after Christmas and exchange them on New Year’s Eve.”
Bryn nodded along, despite the pang of guilt at having a ready supply of money, due to her grandparents. She’d never had money growing up. Having a bottomless purse now was fun, but it also made her uncomfortable.
“Let’s go by the art store,” Ivy said. “They had ornaments from local artisans which were really cool. Maybe they have some left.”
When they reached the art store, Bryn found hand-blown glass ornaments that were amazing. “I love this one.” She held up a globe made from swirling blue and green glass.
Ivy picked up a tear drop with white-and-red streaks. “I think I need this one.”
“Oh, that is pretty. Is there another one like it?” Bryn asked.
“They’re all unique,” Ivy said. “But here’s another red one your mom would probably love.”
Bryn accepted the swirling red globe Ivy held out to her. “How many should I buy?”
“That depends,” Clint said. “How big is your mom’s tree?”
“They dug up a three-foot tree that they’re going to transplant to their front yard after Christmas,” Bryn said. “So I have no idea what size they’ll have next year.”
“Whatever you pick can be a starter ornament set,” Ivy said. “They can always add more each year. That’s what my parents did.”
Westgates didn’t do starter-anything. Maybe Bryn should pick out some ornaments for the tree she’d have one day.
Clint picked up a red and blue globe with swirls of purple where the colors blended. “I think your parents need this one. It’s kind of symbolic.”
“I like that.” By the time she was done, Bryn had a dozen ornaments wrapped in tissue paper and sealed in protective cardboard sleeves inside another larger box.
After paying for the ornaments, Bryn said, “I wonder if I could ride out to see my parents and deliver these ornaments now?”
“We could go with you,” Ivy said, “if that would help.”
Bryn reached for the handle to the door when it was flung open and Derek the guard rushed inside. “Everyone get back,” he warned as he turned to face the door.
Bryn stumbled backwards dropping the box of ornaments. She reached for her wrist and activated her elemental sword. Her heart hammered in her chest while she waited to see what was coming.
The door banged open and a man with dark skin and eyes the color of steel entered the store. He seemed unconcerned with the large Red guard who stood blocking his path. His eyes were on Bryn. “There you are. That is an impressive weapon, young lady. I hoped you’d have it with you.”
“It’s of no use to you and I know how to use it,” Bryn warned. “So get the hell out of here.”
“How rude. I thought your grandparents would’ve raised you better.”
“They didn’t raise me,” Bryn said.
“That’s right. Your parents mentioned that.”
“You know my parents?” That didn’t seem right.
“I am acquainted with them. Right now, they are my guests.”
“Don’t come any closer,” Derek said. “You’re not welcome here.”
“I’m merely here to extend an invitation. Bryn, you’re invited to join us in Sanctuary for a belated Christmas dinner. Your parents and I will be waiting for you.”
Bryn gripped the sword tighter and pushed down the fire blazing in her gut. “What have you done with my parents?”
“Nothing permanent, yet.”
“Who are you and what do you want with Bryn?” Clint asked as he produced balls of lightning in both of his hands.
“My name is Adden. And I’m a Silver dragon.” He seemed to be waiting for them to be afraid or impressed.
“That explains the funky eyes,” Clint said.
“What do you want with me?” Bryn asked. She wanted to save her parents, but she also wanted to know what she was walking into.
“It’s simple. I’m using your parents to get to you. I’ll use you to get something I want—starting with that bracelet.”
He wanted her bracelet which was meant for a Red-Blue hybrid? It would kill him and right now she didn’t feel so bad about that.
“Let my parents go, and let us go, and I’ll give you the bracelet,” Bryn said.
“You’d just hand it over?” Adden said. “I find that hard to believe.”
“My parents are more important than a bracelet. Where are they?”
Adden pulled a phone from his pocket and hit a button. “There’s been an interesting development. Put her mom on the phone.” He pushed the speaker button.
“Bryn, are you there?” Her mom sounded stressed.
“I’m at the art store with some asshat named Adden. Where are you?”
“We’re in our house with some uninvited guests, but we’re fine,” her mom said.
“Your daughter lacks manners,” Adden said.
“Hurt her and you’ll be lacking your balls,” Bryn’s mom growled through the phone.
Adden blinked. “I see where she gets it from. Stay on the line until your daughter gives me her bracelet.”
Bryn removed the bracelet but held onto it. “I give you this, your people leave my parents’ house, and you let everyone go.”
“Agreed.”
“Is there a back door?” Derek asked the girl behind the counter.
She nodded.
“Go,” Derek stood between her and Adden. “All of you go. Bryn, give me the bracelet.”
She didn’t trust Adden to keep his word. “I have a better idea. We’ll all back up, and I’ll leave the bracelet here.” She deactivated the safety and set the bracelet on a display of colored pencils. “We back out of the store and you come get this.”
“That is acceptable.” He chuckled. “Leave the McKenna’s home,” he spoke into his phone.
Bryn backed away from the bracelet. Derek stayed between her and Adden. Clint and Ivy and the cashier headed for the exit.
“They’re gone, Bryn,” her mom said. “Are you okay?”
“Yes. I’ll call you soon,” Bryn hollered so her mother could hear her as she dashed toward the exit.
Adden confidently strode across the store and picked up the bracelet. He bent the ends out so it would wrap part way around his wrist. Bryn hovered in the doorway, waiting to see what the disembodied voice would do to him when he failed the Trial-by-Fire. With the bracelet in place, Adden stiffened and closed his eyes. This was it. He would fail because he wasn’t a Red-Blue hybrid.
“Yes,” Adden growled. “I knew I was right.” A sword of fire and ice shot from his hand. He smiled at Bryn. “Surprise.”
What the hell? “How is that possible?”
“I’m a master of all five elements,” he bragged. “Therefore, all the artifacts will work for me.” He came toward them, swinging the sword, cutting through book displays and bins of paint brushes.
“Time to go,” Clint said.
“Move,” Derek ordered. He shoved Bryn out the door while he grabbed his cell phone, barking orders at whoever was on the other end.
She didn’t know where they were, but she followed Clint and Ivy. They made it out onto Main Street where everything seemed perfectly normal. Her grandmother’s SUV sped toward them and screeched to a halt inches from Clint.
“Get in,” Derek ordered.
Clint yanked the door open and shoved Ivy inside, climbing in after her. Bryn went in next. Derek followed. Despite the fact that no one seemed to be chasing them, the driver sped away like a bat out of hell while Derek continued to talk to people on his phone.
When they reached Sinclair Estate, Ferrin greeted her at the door with, “Why in the hell did you give him your bracelet?”
“I didn’t think he could use it. Only Red-Blue hybrids should be able to use that bracelet.”
Her grandfather put a hand on Ferrin’s shoulder and pulled him back. “We had no way of knowing he’d be able to use the sword.”
“Plus, they had people in my parents’ house,” Bryn reminded him.
“We sent guards out there to make sure they were okay,” her grandfather said. “They’re fine. I’ve left someone to watch over them.”
Ivy held out her wrist. The black pearl bracelet shone in the light. “It’s a good thing he didn’t know about my bracelet.”
“And if he ever finds out, you’ll know not to hand it over without a fight,” Ferrin snapped.
“Bite me,” Bryn said.
“You’ve caused yet another mess—” Ferrin started.
“Keep yelling at me and I’ll name your grandchildren after my parents,” Bryn shot back.
Ferrin blinked, looking dumbfounded.
“Hey, look at that,” Bryn said. “I have a new way to annoy Ferrin.”
Clint and Ivy both turned away, trying not to laugh. Her grandfather sighed and rubbed his eyes. “Bryn, I need you and your friends to give a factual account of everything that happened. Come with me.”
Ferrin stalked ahead.
Clint caught up to Bryn. “That was freaking brilliant.”
“Thanks. It just sort of came to me.”
“Next time,” Ivy said, “tell him you’ll get his grandkids tattoos like Aunt Ivy and Uncle Clint.”
Bryn laughed. When they entered the dining room she did her best to put on a serious face.
“Derek, come with us,” her grandfather said. “Bryn, we’ll be back for you in a few minutes.”
They walked across the hall to the small living room where she’d first kissed Jaxon. Her grandmother came into the room, followed by Abigail who had a cart of snacks and drinks.
“Bryn, I thought we discussed this,” her grandmother said in a joking tone before coming over to give her a hug.
“Sorry, my status as a chaos-magnet continues.”
“Help yourselves to whatever you like,” her grandmother said to Clint and Ivy. “After you’ve given your statement I can have a driver take you home.”
“My car is in Dragon’s Bluff,” Clint said.
“Then we’ll take you back there,” her grandmother said.
When Derek came back into the room, the veins on his neck were bulging. Her grandfather or Ferrin must have ripped him a new one.
Before walking across the hall Bryn grabbed a soda and took it to him. “Thank you for protecting me today.”
“I did what I thought best at the time.” He accepted the drink. “Thank you.”
Bryn went across the hall and told them about everything that had happened in the art store. “I don’t know where Adden came from, but Derek made sure he couldn’t physically reach me. I swear I thought the bracelet would poison him or kill him.”
“And you were okay with that?” Ferrin asked.
“He had my parents. I would have been happy to see him drop dead.”
“Now he knows he can use any artifact,” her grandfather said. “We need to round them up to keep them out of his hands.”
“Ivy has her bracelet and Jaxon has his cuff links. What else could he be looking for?”
“Don’t,” Ferrin stated like he was king of the world.
Her grandfather ignored the decree. “We had several more knight volunteers who retrieved artifacts for us. There are weapons for Orange and Green dragons as well as Red. We were considering taking hybrid volunteers to find more weapons like yours.”
“What did you do with the knights?” Bryn asked.
“They were released once the artifacts were found.”
“So you think Adden and his Silver friends will be looking for anyone with an artifact? What does he plan to do with them?”
“Is there any point in asking you not to share?” Ferrin asked.
“No,” her grandfather said. “From what we’ve read, combining certain artifacts will create some sort of super weapon.”
“That does what?” Bryn asked.
“We have no idea. Miss Enid has been scouring the history books for us, but she’s yet to find anything conclusive.”
Something about this didn’t make sense. “Why would they need weapons if they’re immune to all of our breath weapons?”
Her grandfather squinted at her. “Why would you think they’re immune?”
“I was curious about the Silver dragons, so I read some articles in the library.”
“The Silvers may develop control over all of our breath weapons once they’ve fed off enough dragons from each Clan, but they’re not impervious to them. They may have claimed immunity to make themselves seem more impressive, but that’s not the case.”
“Good to know.” It made them seem little less threatening.
“You can share what we’ve told you today with your friends and Jaxon, but no one else.”
“Why even bother to keep it a secret?” Ferrin asked.
“What has your panties in a bunch today?” Bryn asked.
Ferrin rounded on her. “I am the Speaker for the Directorate. You will treat me with respect.” Frost shot from his mouth. Her grandfather was giving her a look like she’d crossed the line. Maybe she had.
“You’re right. That was rude. I apologize.”
“Send Clint in,” her grandfather said.
Bryn went back out and whispered to her friends. “I set Ferrin off. Tread lightly.” In a louder voice, she said, “Clint, you’re up.”
Bryn went to the phone and called her parents. After trading assurances that all was well and confirming that someone was watching their house, she sat and ate some more Christmas cookies.
After giving their statements, Clint and Ivy had a guard drive them back to their car in Dragon’s Bluff.
Once they were gone, Bryn sat on the chaise lounge and reran the day’s events in her head. A wave of self-doubt hit her. Had she been stupid to give Adden the bracelet?
“May I sit with you?” Derek asked.
“Of course.” She scooted over to the edge so he’d have plenty of room.
“I wanted to apologize for what happened today,” he said. “I never should have let Adden enter the store.”
What could she say to that? “You protected me. You have nothing to apologize for.”
“I saw him coming down the street, blasting ice in different directions. I didn’t know what he was doing, but I knew he was trouble. I should have blocked the entrance until backup arrived,” he said. “But all I could think about was making sure you were okay and I couldn’t do that from outside the store.”
“You can second-guess yourself all you want, but it won’t do any good.” Not that she wasn’t guilty of the exact same thing. “I’m just grateful you kept him from reaching me, so don’t beat yourself up over the rest of it.”
“Thank you.” He cleared his throat. “I just wanted to say my piece before your grandfather reassigns me.”
That wasn’t right. “You think he’d reassign you because of today?”
“I believe he will. As is his right.”
“That sucks,” Bryn said.
He smiled. “It would be best if you didn’t mention this conversation to anyone. We aren’t supposed to interact on a personal level with the people we protect.”
“That sucks, too,” Bryn said.
He laughed, and his green eyes sparkled, and his smile was genuine. Ivy was right. He was cute, and it would be easy for a girl to fall for someone like him.
Male voices could be heard coming down the hall. Derek jumped to his feet and stood off to the side in guard mode a split second before Jaxon entered the room.
“What in the hell did you do?” he asked.
She glared at him. “Do you want to try that again?”
“You know what I mean.” He pulled her to her feet and hugged her. “Are you all right?”
“Yes.” She relaxed against his chest for a moment. Being wrapped in his arms was comforting. It was funny that his heart was beating fast. He must have been worried. She looked up at him. “Seriously. I’m okay.”
“Good. Now. Answer my first question.”
Bryn stepped back and sat on the chaise. He joined her, still holding her hand, which was nice. She repeated her tale of weirdness, ending with, “And if anyone had told me there was a chance Silvers could use a hybrid weapon I never would have given it to him.”
“I would have used the same logic,” Jaxon said. “No one can fault you for that.”
“Your father disagrees,” Bryn said.
“I’m not surprised,” Jaxon said. “Now what?”
“I don’t know. My parents are safe. I’m not sure where the other artifacts are being kept, but I’d love to look and see if there was anything else I could use.”
“Do you think you could use a weapon meant for a Blue?” He held out his free hand, showing the cuff link.
“I’m not sure I’d want to try. If I was wrong, the results might be fatal.”
“True. What about that sword Valmont used? Did he take it with him?”
“No,” Bryn said. “I have it, but the cool thing about the bracelet was the element of surprise. I can’t exactly walk around campus with a sword strapped to my side.”
“You might start a new fashion trend,” Jaxon said.
She was grateful he was joking around with her. “I can still use my fire and ice.” And then she had a funny thought. “Could Garrett or one of the Greens make another bracelet for me?”
“Good question. I’m not sure who made the artifacts in the first place.”
“Me, either,” Bryn said. “They’re old. Miss Enid said she’d only heard of elemental weapons in myths and legends. And if they could be created now, I doubt the Silvers would be trying to steal ours.”
Bryn’s grandfather entered the room. “We’re going over footage of Dragon’s Bluff. Come and look at the video with us. See if you recognize anyone from school.”
They gathered around the dining room table to watch the screen. “Adden was parked across the street from the Snack Shack. He seemed to know where you were and then he followed you, acting like he was window shopping.”
“If only there had been some law in effect that would have kept Adden from loitering in his car and on the streets,” Ferrin said, taking sarcasm to a new level.
“Who knew your plans for today?” her grandfather asked, like he hadn’t heard Ferrin.
“We talked about it in the dining hall at school—before Christmas,” Bryn said. “Anyone could have overheard.”
Bryn watched the video play out. It cut from one angle to another. Adden looked perfectly normal when he walked down the street. He nodded at people and said hello, but he didn’t stop to speak to anyone. One of the people he walked past was Janelle.
Bryn pointed at the screen. “That’s a girl from my Medic classes. She didn’t interact with him but she’s the only person I recognize.”
“Since she had no contact with him, I doubt she was involved,” her grandfather said. “We’ll find out why she was in Dragon’s Bluff and what she did, just to make sure.”
“This is where it becomes disturbing.” Her grandfather pointed at the screen. Adden raised his hand and blasted ice, and the screen went blank. The video switched to another camera feed and the same thing happened.
“Derek had been watching the art store from across the street. He saw Adden’s strange behavior and realized it could be a threat, so he ran to join you.”
“Adden knew where the cameras were,” Jaxon said.
“The cameras are there for everyone’s safety,” her grandfather said, “so we try to make them blend with the architecture but we don’t hide them.”
“To sum up, there are crazy Silvers trying to get ahold of dragon artifacts which are meant to be individual weapons, but when combined they might make something worse,” Bryn said.
“Yes.”
“I’m sure they know about my cuff link swords,” Jaxon said, “but I doubt they realize Ivy’s bracelet is also an artifact. Where are the other items?”
“They’re being studied to see if they can be reproduced,” Ferrin said.
“Any luck in that area?” Bryn asked. It was probably too much to hope that she could get another bracelet.
“They have had a modicum of success focusing a dragon’s element into a dagger, but it doesn’t hold its form for long.”
“Are they working on campus?” Bryn asked.
“Yes,” her grandfather nodded.
“Do you think the Silvers were looking for artifacts,” Jaxon asked, “or your experiments on artifacts, on the Friday you cancelled classes?”
“You think they wanted us to quarantine students so they’d have time to search the campus?” Ferrin asked.
“It makes sense,” Jaxon said. “They had to know that multiple students feeling ill would cause a quarantine and the Medics would investigate.”
“There was an attempted break-in at the Vaults of the Library that day,” her grandfather said. “They made it down the stairs to the main chamber but were unable to open the doors, since they didn’t have a knight.”
“How’d they get the key to go down there?” Bryn asked.
“A dragon-pire fed on Miss Enid, knocked her out, and then used the key.”
Poor Miss Enid. She’d be very unhappy about being duped. Not to mention losing the key.
“There are a few more orders of business. Derek will be your shadow until you return to school,” her grandfather said. “We’ll station him on campus to keep an eye on you but you won’t notice him,” her grandfather said. “Now, you and Jaxon can spend some time together before he leaves.”
…
Feeling like she wanted some semi-fresh air, Bryn suggested they go up to the atrium. She and Jaxon walked among the flowers and stopped at a bench nestled into the plants. “This isn’t nearly as nice as your tree bridge,” she said. “But it will have to do.”
“It would be nicer without your shadow,” Jaxon said.
Derek stood off to the side, about a hundred feet away, staring down the hall like he was ready to lay down his life if anyone tried to join them.
“He’s doing his job,” Bryn said.
“When I’m with you he isn’t necessary,” Jaxon said. “His presence is insulting.”
She wanted to laugh but that would be wrong. “My grandparents are going to be hyper-protective for awhile. It’s no comment on your abilities.”
“From now on, he won’t be the only shadow you have,” Jaxon said. “This will probably make you mad, but no more solo trips to Dragon’s Bluff. Clint and Ivy will have to adjust to my presence sooner or later, so we might as well start now.”
“Fine. We’ll figure out some manly bonding thing you and Clint can do while Ivy and I shop for girly stuff.”
“Or, we could just have everything you need delivered to your dorm room so you don’t have to leave campus.” He nodded like that was a fabulous idea.
“Watch it. You’ll make me feel claustrophobic if you tell me I can’t go anywhere.”
“I’m hoping common sense will prevail,” he said. “Although I get the feeling the odds may not be in my favor.”
She elbowed him in the ribs, lightly so he’d know she was joking yet slightly annoyed. “Ha-ha.”
“What were you shopping for today?”
“Christmas ornaments for my parents. And I found some hand-blown glass ornaments that were beautiful—but I left them in the store. I should call and see if they can deliver them.”
Jaxon gave her a strange look. “Christmas is over. Why would you buy them ornaments now?”
Jaxon had never been without money so this was going to be an interesting conversation. “They go on sale after Christmas. My mom mentioned needing ornaments, so I thought I’d give some to her as a gift.”
“They didn’t have a chance to buy them, or they couldn’t afford them?”
“Both, probably. I think they’re trading services out at Sanctuary, but it’s not like before where they both had jobs.”
“I never thought of that.” Jaxon furrowed his brow. “I’ve never thought about not having money to take care of things I wanted or needed.”
“There are a lot of dragons that work and watch their budget so they can afford what they need. It’s bizarre to me that I have access to my grandparents’ unlimited bank account. And it’s a lot of fun, but it does make me feel guilty.”
“Maybe you should talk to your grandfather about jobs for people in Sanctuary. I’m sure he could have some Greens look into it and set something up.”
“Good idea.”
“I don’t suppose this incident today will be the end of our problems with the Silvers,” Jaxon said.
“No. They’ve discovered that there are fun new toys they can play with, so I’m pretty sure they’ll try to steal them.”
“Since we know they’ll come after my cuff links, maybe we should use them to set a trap,” Jaxon said. “That way I won’t be waiting for them to jump out at me. We could get them to come to us on our terms.”
“You want to be the bait for a crazy cult leader?”
“When you put it that way it doesn’t sound as good,” he said.
Bryn sighed. “Promise me you won’t run off and do something dangerous…without me.”
“A normal female would have ended that sentence two words earlier.”
“I’m serious. We really are a team now, right?”
He nodded.
“Then whatever danger there is, we face it together.”
“I will do my best not to have any life-threatening adventures without you.”
“Thank you.”
…
The next morning Derek stood guard in the hallway outside of Bryn’s door. That was new.
He nodded at her. “Good morning.”
“Good morning.” She wasn’t sure what to say next. “So I was heading down to breakfast unless my grandparents have me confined to my room.”
“Nothing like that,” he said. “I’m supposed to keep track of you. Just think of me as your shadow.”
“Okay.” She set off down the hall and he fell into step behind her. Should she try and make small talk? Maybe after her coffee kicked in she’d have a better idea of how to handle this new situation.
Her grandmother sat in the dining room, reading the newspaper and drinking tea. She smiled as Bryn came in. “You had a surprise delivery from Dragon’s Bluff this morning.”
“I did?”
“The lady from the art store said you forgot your ornaments.” Her grandmother pointed at the box, which Bryn had left behind after escaping Adden.
She walked over to inspect the box. It was a little dented on one side. Had all the ornaments survived? She opened the outer box and checked the contents. The individual boxes were cushioned between layers of tissue paper, so they seemed to be intact.
“Out of curiosity, why did you buy ornaments?” her grandmother asked.
Bryn headed back to the table and poured herself a cup of coffee and grabbed a muffin from the basket on the table. “I bought them for my parents. They have a tree but didn’t have time to shop for ornaments.”
“Oh.” Her grandmother appeared thoughtful but didn’t comment any further.
“So what are the plans for today?” Bryn asked. After Adden’s appearance and the discovery that he could use her bracelet, she wasn’t sure how much freedom she’d have.
“I planned to meet with the Women’s League in Dragon’s Bluff, but if you want to visit your parents and deliver your ornaments I could have the driver drop you and Derek off at Sanctuary and come back for you after lunch.”
She was surprised her grandmother would make such a generous offer. “That sounds wonderful. I’ll call my parents and make sure it works for them. One phone call later, Bryn had her plans for the day in place.
When they reached Sanctuary, both of her parents waited for them on the other side of the gate. Her father’s ax was absent. “Do you want to come in for a moment to say hello?” Bryn asked.
Her grandmother looked away. “Perhaps another day. I wouldn’t want to be late for my meeting.”
Bryn interpreted that response as “Absolutely not,” but hoped she was wrong.
“All right. We’ll see you in a few hours.” Derek had already exited the vehicle, carrying the box of ornaments. He came around to open Bryn’s door. After checking in at the front gate and receiving their passes, Bryn wasn’t sure how to introduce Derek so she improvised.
“Mom, Dad, this is my assigned shadow, Derek. Derek, meet Ian and Sara McKenna, my parents.”
They exchanged rounds of the obligatory nice-to-meet-you’s and then headed toward her parents’ cabin.
“What’s in the box?” her mom asked.
Bryn grabbed the box from Derek. “It’s a surprise.”
The wind picked up as they walked straight down the road before branching off to the right-hand street. Bits of sleet randomly hit Bryn in the face. “Please tell me it’s not going to sleet today.”
“I heard we might have some snow,” her mom said.
“Snow is fun, sleet is obnoxious,” her dad said as he opened the front door for them. Bryn followed her mom inside and then heard her dad say, “You’re not going to stand out here. Come inside.”
Derek didn’t argue with her dad, but after surveying the small living room and kitchen area, he said, “I’ll keep watch by the door.” He moved to stand by the front door with his back to them. Could he even see anything out of the small window set into the door? Better than staring at a wall, but still, it made Bryn uncomfortable.
“Let me take that for you.” Bryn’s dad plucked the box from her hands and passed it to her mom.
“Thank you.” Her mom settled on the couch and opened the package. “Boxes inside a box.” She opened one of the smaller boxes and pulled out the globe made from swirling blue and green glass. “Oh, honey. I love it.”
“They’re handblown. I found them in the art store in Dragon’s Bluff.”
“Makes me wish we’d kept the tree inside a little bit longer,” her dad said.
Her mom unwrapped a purple teardrop ornament and held it up to the light. “They don’t have to be just for Christmas. We could hang them from the skylights, like a chandelier.”
“I’ll get the ladder,” her dad said.
Warmth blossomed in Bryn’s chest. She’d missed these positive, warm, family moments. She loved her grandmother, but the difference in joy between the two women was astounding.
Her dad brought the ladder back in and handed Bryn a spool of wire. “This should work.”
Bryn helped her mom unwrap all the ornaments and attach varying lengths of wire to the ends where the hooks would normally go.
“I’ll hold the ladder,” said her dad.
Bryn grabbed an ornament, intent on climbing the ladder.
“Let me help you,” Derek said.
“Afraid I’ll fall off the ladder and you’ll have to explain the situation to my grandparents?” Bryn asked.
Derek grinned, and his eyes lit up. “Yes, plus staring out the door is boring.”
Bryn handed the ornaments to Derek while her dad held the ladder and her mom approved of their placement. When they were finished, the ornaments hung in a descending swirl design.
“I love it,” Bryn’s mom said. “I’ll make us some hot tea.”
Derek moved back toward the door.
“Have a seat,” her dad said. “And I won’t take no for an answer.”
“The Sinclairs would not approve,” Derek said.
“They won’t hear about it,” her dad said.
“Okay, then,” Derek sat on the couch next to Bryn. Her mom sat on the far side, and her dad brought a kitchen chair into the living room.
“How are things going in Sanctuary?” Bryn asked.
“We’re turning one of the cabins into a yoga studio,” her mom said. “The interior walls had fallen down and no one wanted to go through the work to replace them, so I asked to use the space.”
“You’re making sure it’s safe, right?” Bryn said. “I’d hate to lose you in some sort of cabin collapse.”
“We’re reinforcing the walls and making sure it’s sound,” her dad said.
“My uncle works construction,” Derek said. “If you need any extra manpower he could probably find some volunteers.”
“Thank you,” her dad said. “We might take you up on that.”
For the next hour, Bryn relaxed and enjoyed her parents’ and Derek’s company. It was funny how easily he fit in with her family, in a way Jaxon never would. When his cell vibrated, Derek checked the screen and sighed. “They’re waiting for us at the front gate. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. McKenna, for making me feel welcome. I’ll wait outside while Bryn says her goodbyes.”
“It was nice meeting you,” her mom said.
“Good to know you’re looking out for Bryn,” her dad said.
Derek nodded and headed out the front door.
“If you wanted to trade that blond kid in for this guy,” her dad said, “I wouldn’t mind.”
Bryn sighed. “In another life, maybe.” She hugged her dad and her mom. “I’m glad you liked the ornaments.”
Stinging sleet hit Bryn in the face when she walked out the door. “This sucks,” Bryn said.
They hurried down the road to the main gate where her grandmother’s SUV waited. They signed out and hustled into the car. As soon as the car door opened, Bryn was hit with the smell of Fonzoli’s pizza. She inhaled deeply as she took her seat. “Is that what I think it is?”
“Four pepperoni calzones. Two for your grandfather and two for you.”
“Yum.” Her stomach growled. “I don’t suppose I could eat one on the drive back.”
“No,” her grandmother said. “Tell me about your visit.”
Bryn told her grandmother about the ornaments, leaving out any mention of Derek.
Her grandmother shifted the takeout bag around on the seat next to her. “Do your parents need anything?”
“Not that I can think of. Mom is opening a yoga studio. She might need some yoga equipment, but she didn’t mention it.”
“I can’t imagine living in one of those ancient cabins,” her grandmother said. “But she’s happy, isn’t she?”
“Not that you want to hear this, but the only thing she’s ever really needed to make her happy was my dad.”
“I’m beginning to understand that.” She smoothed her hand down the front of her coat. “The next time you speak to her mother, tell her the Women’s League will fund whatever she needs for the Yoga Center.”
“Thank you. I’m sure she’ll be happy to hear that.” Bryn sat still even though she felt like bouncing in her seat. Had she finally convinced her grandmother to make some sort of peace with the situation? That would be a major victory.
…
The next afternoon, Bryn found herself staring at a sea of furniture in a set of connected rooms on the third floor of her grandmother’s wing. Beds, dressers, armoires, and nightstands were packed tightly together, next to sets of dining room tables and buffets. Couches and wing-backed chairs lined the far wall. Bryn turned in a circle, taking in the dozens of beds and tables that could’ve stocked a furniture store.
“Where did all of this come from?”
Her grandmother walked over and ran her fingers along the edge of an antique dining chair. “These have been passed down through our family. While you’re free to purchase new furniture, I hope you’ll find some furniture for your guest bedrooms and sitting rooms.”
Her grandmother held a stack of blue Post-its out to Bryn. “Wander around. When you see something you like, put a Post-it on it. Derek can move the furniture around if you want to see how different pieces work together.”
“One of my many skills,” Derek said in a voice only Bryn could hear.
She smiled but didn’t comment. “Where will you be while I’m browsing for furniture?”
Her grandmother smiled. “Ephram and I are going out to lunch.”
“Have fun.”
After her grandmother exited the room. Bryn turned to Derek. “Any suggestions on where I should start?”
“Not with the blue and green paisley couch in the corner,” Derek said.
“Agreed.” She walked over to a gray suede couch with a matching wing-backed chair. “This is nice.” She tagged it with a Post-it. “Do you think anyone would notice if we shipped a few pieces to my parents’ cabin?”
“I don’t think any of this would fit in their cabin,” Derek said. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure.” Bryn walked over to an end table with a white and gray marble top.
“You grew up like a Red…middle class…same couch for most of your life…right?”
“Yes.”
“How do you go from that to this?” he asked.
He wasn’t being judgmental. He just seemed curious. She put a Post-it on the table. “When I thought my parents had died, my grandparents took me in. They didn’t have to do that. So even though their way of life seems extravagant and sometimes strange, I’ve adjusted.”
“Better than going from rich to middle class, I guess.”
“Not according to my mother,” Bryn said.
“It’s pretty impressive that she gave up all this for your dad.”
“True love trumps everything.”
“I guess.” Derek pointed at a bedroom set across the way. “Is it me, or does the headboard of that bed look like a duck?”
Bryn walked toward the piece of furniture in question. “I think it’s supposed to be a swan.” She grinned at him. “Better than a duck bed, but it’s still strange.”
“No Post-it?” Derek asked.
“Nope.” She smiled at him. He was so easy to talk to when they were alone. “You know all about my strange life. I don’t know anything about you. Tell me your story.”
His smile faltered. “It’s not a happy story. My girlfriend, Ana, was fatally injured during the attack on campus.”
He shrugged. “You couldn’t have known.”
Bryn sat on the swan bed. “I’d ask how you’re coping, but that is probably a stupid question.”
Derek sat beside her. “Ana and I had been friends since we were little kids. It’s like my life is off-balance now. Like I’m not sure of my place in the world.”
“Oh.” What else could she say?
Derek sighed. “I probably shouldn’t have shared.”
“No. It’s okay. You can tell me things. I won’t tell anyone else.”
“I know you won’t.” He turned and met her gaze. There was an emotion in his eyes she couldn’t quite interpret. Was he sad or nervous? All of a sudden, the situation seemed too intimate. Not that she didn’t trust him, but she probably shouldn’t be sitting on a bed having deep conversations with a handsome guy who wasn’t her future husband.
She stood. “If I don’t use up half this stack of Post-its my grandmother will probably be insulted.”
“Are you sure you want to pass up this fabulous duck bed?” Derek asked patting the mattress.
“I’ll try to live without it.”
“That’s a shame.”