Chapter 13 #3
“I want to be clear,” I say. “You’re here, offering to pay us with ten thousand human lives, for our willingness to protect your northern border? Is that how the United States does things, now?”
Mother steps in front of him, shaking her head. “Not at all. No, these humans all volunteered. They’re not payment. We’re trying to help our allies solve a problem so that they’re better able to help us.”
“Tomayto, tomahto,” I say. “What else are you offering?”
“An entire state,” Gideon says. “You can live anywhere you’d like in Montana.”
“Minnesota was also an option,” Mom says. “Northern states seemed wise, given the location of the vanir.”
It’s strategic. They offer us land, so we settle closer, and we can better fight off the enemies the humans are unable to defeat. “Smart.” I sigh. “Dad, what else?”
“Provisions, of course,” he says. “And whatever else you need.”
“We’ll help you because it’s the right thing to do,” I say.
“But being able to solve a major problem thanks to your aid is a good start.” I wave at the closest humans, and they wave back.
“Speaking of that, how will you react if Azar’s father and the rest of the blessed show up?
Because they’re coming soon. Any day, really. ”
“Given the seemingly robust population of the vanir, it seems like it would be a good thing,” Gideon says. “We do have some stipulations.”
We talk about them for almost an hour, actually arguing about the amount of water in the dragon state, making Minnesota and Michigan better options, and the types of wildlife the blessed can hunt as well. “I think we’ve covered most of the details.”
“No kidding.” Sammy walks up behind us, and he yawns. “This is so boring.”
Mom follows the sound of his voice and visibly stiffens. “Why is—you brought the kids?” Her eyes widen. “Why would you do that?”
So much for the warm welcome I was hoping they might get. “It was supposed to be a surprise, and as for why, they wanted to see you.” I toss my head, and Jade and Coral slide off the backs of their bonded and land on the ground. “I thought you might want to see them.”
“You let your sister ride that enormous red one?” Mom hisses. “He’s the worst of the lot.”
“He’s my bonded, Mom,” Coral says. “You really shouldn’t say rude things like that.” She lifts both eyebrows. “Remember that time I said the guy on the motorcycle was cute? I bet you wish I’d found a motorcycle guy instead of a fire dragon.”
Mom’s entire face drains of blood. “Bonded?”
Dad grabs her arm.
“You allowed your siblings to be bonded?” The blood in Mom’s face is back and then some. Now there’s a strange vein popping out near her temple. “How could you do that? The one thing I thought you’d be good for, and you couldn’t even do that.” She walks toward me then, her hand raised to strike me.
I’m too surprised to stop her.
Before her palm can connect with my face, a burst of wind topples her backward, and she rolls head over heels several times until her backside strikes a tent wall.
When I glance behind me, Sammy’s eyes are as round as saucers.
Jade’s face is scrunched up and she looks like she may cry. Coral’s scowling.
“You shouldn’t have yelled at her, Mom,” Sammy says. “She told me over and over not to bond anyone, but I bonded Gordon anyway.”
“You bonded. . .you bonded him?” Mother’s eyebrow’s arched as she shoves up to a seated position. “Come, now.”
“It’s true,” I say. “Gordon knew I didn’t want the kids to bond dragons, and he was listening to me, even though he was dying as a result.”
“And I bonded Rufus too,” Sammy says.
“He’s bonded a second dragon?” Now Dad looks as dazed as Mom.
“Chadwicks are overachievers. No one else has bonded two,” I say. “As far as I know, no one else has been able to. Attempts were made after the additional dragons arrived, but without success.”
“I chose to bond Asteria too, even though technically she bonded me,” Jade says. “Don’t get mad at Liz for what we did.”
But it’s Azar’s face I can’t help noticing. I’m one hundred and ten percent positive he blew my mom over. He won’t meet my eye, but I’m sure it was him, and even now, he looks irritated in the extreme.
Dad’s helping Mom to her feet, and Gideon sighs. “It was only a matter of time before it happened. It’s better that at least they’re bonded to dragons Liz knows and trusts.”
I did not expect Gideon to support me. “Thanks,” I say.
“No, thank you,” he says. “I know I’ve made some bad decisions, but I see that you always did what you thought was best, and I should’ve followed your lead instead of trying to save you. You didn’t need saving.”
It’s exactly what I needed to hear, which makes me distrust it, but it’s still nice.
I hate him, Azar says. And not on principle now. He’s sneaky, and he’s trying to manipulate you right in front of me. He looks like he’s getting ready to blow someone else over. Or worse.
I glare at him.
And then Coral folds her arms. “Did we work out all the details? Because if so, I want to go back home.” She looks at me. “Tomorrow’s Christmas Eve, and me and the kids have plans.”
Plans? What’s she—it’s almost Christmas Eve?
Is it really? I tally days in my head and realize that she’s right.
I haven’t gotten a single present for anyone.
And my mom, my dad, and Gideon seem to hate me.
Even so, I turn back around to face my own mother, whom I can’t decide to love, hate, or hug.
“We’re coming back to pick up all the brights tomorrow.
Do you want to return to the United States right away, or come back with us to celebrate Christmas tomorrow? ”
I’m almost sad when they choose to stick around.
I’m not almost sad. Azar grumbles. I’m definitely upset. Our house isn’t big enough, and I really hate the Gideon one.
“Noted,” I whisper. “And for the record, blowing my mom over on her butt was the right call. Burning would have been too much, and roaring, not quite enough.”
Even a dragon can learn, it seems.
I climb up onto his back. “My dragon learns new things that impress me all the time.” And then he rips open a portal and takes us all back home so we can get ready for a full-on family reunion tomorrow.
Christmas with dragons.
My mom and dad and Gideon joining us.
I’d never have imagined it, but I bet it will be interesting.
I hope I can get through it without burning, slapping, or sobbing on my mother’s shoulder. Somehow, I doubt I can avoid all three.