Chapter 3
Chapter Three
The following morning, when Grace blinked her eyes open against the bright light, her sleep-deprived brain panicked for a second at the unfamiliar room. Was she back in that prison?
Then her eyes fell on the two bassinets next to her bed, and she let out a sigh of relief. No, this was Trahern’s cottage, not the prison.
She rose slowly and stared down at her sons, who were mercifully still asleep.
While it would be crazy to think Trahern’s words had worked, her babies had been more cooperative after his chat.
He’d mentioned something about inner dragons understanding language sooner, or something.
Was it true? Grace had no idea. From what little she’d known, inner beasts didn’t start speaking to a dragon-shifter until they were school-aged.
It was yet another question for her ever-growing list. So she wouldn’t forget, she took out her mobile phone and added it to her notes. Melanie had said that she and some of the other humans would stop by at least once a day to check on her and answer her questions.
While she didn’t think their supposed kindness would last, she hoped they would answer enough of her questions to keep her from feeling like she was useless.
Last night had been bad enough. If not for Trahern, she might’ve burst into tears and sobbed on the floor.
Stupid post-pregnancy hormones. She needed to get a better grip on herself because Trahern wasn’t her boyfriend or husband, or in any sort of position that meant she could ask for his help and lean on him.
No matter what Melanie said, Trahern wasn’t like the other dragonmen she’d met.
He was hard to read and didn’t broadcast confidence or ego, like the others.
Like the arsehole who’d dropped her off at that prison without a backward glance.
Eddie stirred a little, and Grace raced to the kitchen to fill the kettle and turn it on. Tea would make her feel more human and ready to face the day.
However, before the water boiled, she heard the little sounds that would soon turn into a full-blown cry if she didn’t hurry.
Her breasts ached as she rushed into the room, both because they were full and she was sore.
She’d just finished feeding and burping her second son when the doorbell rang.
Resisting a sigh, she stood and took Eli with her to open the door.
A woman with chin-length blonde hair and blue eyes stood next to a twelve- or thirteen-year-old girl, who looked a lot like the older woman.
The woman smiled at her. “Hello. I know we haven’t met, but I’m Dawn Chadwick-Whitby, and this is my daughter, Daisy. ”
Daisy waved. “Hello! I’m human, in case you were wondering. But my stepdad is a dragon-shifter, as are my brothers. They’re at home, though. My stepdad thought it would be easier if he looked after the twins whilst we visit. Four babies at once would be a lot, even with me helping.”
Grace blinked. “Er, okay.”
Dawn said, “Excuse my daughter. She doesn’t beat around the bush.
At any rate, Melanie told you the human mates would be stopping by, and I volunteered for today.
Mel and I are the two humans with twins on Stonefire.
Well, I guess you’re the third now. But I understand how hard it can be, and frustrating, and how you want to tear your hair out sometimes, and thought I could offer some tips.
Daisy is good with babies, too, so she can help entertain them.
Speaking of which, who is this handsome fellow? ”
Eli cuddled against her chest, his eyes fixed on the little girl as she made funny faces. Grace wondered what her son could see at this young age—probably just a blurry splotch.
Sensing her mind was about to wander, Grace cupped her son’s head and replied, “This is Elijah, but I call him Eli. Edward, or Eddie, is in the other room, and I should check on him before he starts crying again.”
“May we come in? You look like you could use a strong cup of tea.”
Even though the words were innocuous, her eyes heated with tears. Grace blinked and cleared her throat, determined not to cry. “Yes, please. If it’s not too much trouble.”
Dawn’s gaze turned sympathetic. “Daisy, go make some tea and see what you can find for breakfast.”
“You mean I can cook on my own?”
“Yes, you should be fine. But if you burn down the house, you’ll be grounded for years.”
Daisy rolled her eyes. “I won’t burn the house down.
I’m very careful.” The little girl looked up at her.
“Is there anything special you want? I’m a pretty good cook these days, although that’s according to my friend Freddie, and he can’t even make toast. So I’m not sure how truthful he is.
Still, I can make toast. And eggs. And bacon.
I could try pancakes or muffins, but that might take a while. ”
Something about the little girl made Grace smile. “Toast, eggs, and tea are fine.”
“Right, then I should get started! Just point me to the kitchen.”
Grace motioned down the hall, and Daisy dashed inside the room.
It was then that Eli decided to poop, and the diaper turned warm under her palm. He shifted, and Grace sighed.
Dawn scrunched up her nose. “Well, I think it’s time to take care of this young man. Would you let me help you?”
The woman put out her arms, and for a beat, Grace hesitated.
Dawn added softly, “I can’t begin to understand what you went through.
But what you might not know about me is that my first husband was a complete arsehole, and I struggled to trust any man for a long, long time.
And it’ll take time for you as well. However, at least give Stonefire a chance.
The people here really do care about each other and offer help with no strings attached.
Regardless of the circumstances, you mated Trahern.
And so now you’re one of us. Let me at least help you with this so you can eat and take a shower.
Believe me, it’s the small things that help keep you from breaking down and crying.
Even with a mate, I still feel that way with my boys sometimes.
So, will you let me help you for a bit?”
Grace was a long way from trusting anyone on Stonefire. However, at the warmth and sympathy in Dawn’s eyes, she thought maybe it would be okay to accept a little help. Just enough so she could eat, shower, and be ready to face the day.
Plus, she would be in the same house the entire time.
She gingerly transferred Eli over to Dawn’s arms. He moved for a second and then went back to sleep.
“Just direct me to where to change this young man, and you can do whatever needs to be done. I’ll check on his brother, too.”
For a few beats, Grace bit her lower lip and hesitated.
Then Dawn cooed to Eli, took his little hand in hers, and began to sing a soft lullaby.
Before she could change her mind, she pointed to her bedroom. “In there. That’s where the boys and I sleep.”
Dawn smiled at her. “Take your time, Grace. Daisy doesn’t have school, and my mate is working from home. We can stay for as little or long as you like.”
Daisy’s voice came from the kitchen. “Grace, are you ready for breakfast? It’s nearly done!”
Dawn sighed and whispered, “She knows not to shout across the house.”
As the scent of toast filtered down the hall, Grace’s stomach rumbled. “I’ll eat first. I won’t be long.”
With that, she dashed to the kitchen. Daisy stood at the stove, spatula in hand, dancing in place as she sang, “Cook the egg, cook the egg, but don’t overcook the egg!”
Grace smiled and went to stand next to Daisy. “Thank you for making breakfast.”
“No problem! I can make a lot of things. My stepdad is a better cook than me, but I’m catching up. He promised to let me help with Christmas Dinner, and I can’t wait.”
As Daisy went on about all the things she wanted to make for Christmas, Grace sipped her tea and then ate her eggs and toast. The girl never stopped talking, and yet, she didn’t mind. Grace was too tired to be social, and there was something soothing about Daisy’s chatter.
When she finished eating and stood, Daisy took her hand in hers and said, “My mum said you can call us anytime for help. I can cook, and she’ll change nappies—I hate changing nappies—and help with your boys.
I’m convinced they’ll be best friends with my brothers one day, even though my brothers are a little older.
But I have older and younger friends, so it’s not impossible, I think.
Anyway, just promise to ask us for help, okay?
It can be hard to live with the dragon-shifters at first since some of them are a little suspicious of humans.
Not that I blame them, since some humans are horrible people.
But still, give them a chance, and then they’ll always help you, whenever.
I even got the old timers to smile and help with the last human-dragon children’s camp.
And everyone said that was impossible! What was I saying?
Oh, that’s right—let my mum be your friend. She wants to.”
Daisy finally stopped talking, and Grace said, “I’ll try.”
“Well, that’s a start. Now, let me do the dishes whilst you do mum-stuff. Let me know if you need me to watch the boys. I’m good with babies, I promise.”
“Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind.”
Grace finally went to take a shower. And as the hot water helped ease some of her soreness and tiredness, she thought about Daisy’s words.
Grace wanted to believe them, to think most would accept her and help her, but she couldn’t.
Maybe she’d give Dawn and Melanie and some of the humans a chance, but it would be a long while before she could trust any dragon-shifter.