Chapter 8
Krystal
I paced a rut in my living room, kicking aside a Lego every third step.
It was a little past five, and the September sun hadn’t decided whether to stick around or duck behind the mountains for the night.
I was torn about going to the Beck Clan gathering and didn’t understand why Zaden would invite me to meet his family.
Because that was what the clan was. Family.
It would be just as nerve-wracking for me to invite him to meet the pack. They were my family.
Meeting the clan was the only thing that amped my anxiety. Guilt churned at the thought of pawning Bryce off again. My son had already asked me about Zaden’s scent on me, not that Bryce knew the real reason I smelled like the sexy dragon.
Ugh. I was so out of touch with dating. Not to mention, I still didn’t sense the mating pull. I should just not go. Tell Zaden this thing between us couldn’t go anywhere.
On the heels of that thought, Bryce crashed through the front door with a howl. "Mom! Can I sleep over at Ethan’s? Please? Please, please, please?"
He spun circles in front of me with his cheeks flushed. There was a rip in one knee of his jeans, which meant he’d had a good day.
I tried to play it cool, even as my heart did weird little flips. "Don’t you have a spelling test tomorrow?"
He bounced on his heels, vibrating. "Tomorrow is Sunday, Mom, geez. All my friends are sleeping at Ethan’s. Please, Mom?"
This was the Universe telling me that I needed to accept Zaden’s invitation. I sighed, making a show of reluctance. "Fine. Go pack a bag and don’t forget to pack a toothbrush."
"Thanks!" He bounded toward his room, then stopped and doubled back. "Actually, can you help me find a shirt? Ethan’s got the new Mario Kart game, and I want to wear my Mario shirt. I don't want to look dumb."
"Bryce, you’ve been friends with Ethan since before you could walk. He’s seen you pick your nose and eat glue."
He shrugged. "Still."
I followed him down the hall, grateful for the distraction. We argued over the shirts. He wanted the Mario with the ketchup stain, but I lobbied for the clean one with the wolf on it. We compromised by choosing the clean wolf shirt and a Spiderman hoodie.
By the time he’d zipped up his bag and loaded his Switch, I’d almost forgotten about Beck Manor and the gathering. But as soon as Bryce was out the door and the house fell quiet, anxiety crept back in.
If nothing else, it would be nice to catch up with Aurelia, Sky, and Erin. Blowing out a rush of air, I texted Zaden.
Is it really okay if I come? Not trying to crash your family thing.
The reply came immediately, as if he’d been waiting by the phone.
Wouldn’t be the same without you. Want me to pick you up?
I stared at the words for a long minute before replying.
No. I’ll drive over.
That way I wasn’t stuck waiting on someone to drive me home if I wanted to leave early.
See you in thirty.
Thirty minutes. That wasn’t enough time to transform into a dragon-worthy version of myself, but I tried anyway. I tore through my closet and flung clothes onto the bed, dismissing each one in turn. I settled on dark-wash jeans and a silky emerald blouse that brought out the color in my eyes.
I applied tinted moisturizer, eye shadow, and lip gloss.
I attempted to wrangle my hair into something that suggested effort but not desperation, finally taming it into a low ponytail with a few strands left loose to frame my face.
I spritzed perfume behind my ears and dabbed concealer over the pimple on my chin that had made its debut that afternoon.
Ten minutes left.
I ran around the house gathering stray laundry and vacuuming, as if Zaden was going to inspect for dust bunnies. I texted Tavi a photo of my outfit, and she replied with three flame emojis.
I ignored the text, but not the warmth it sent through me. Before I could talk myself out of going, I grabbed my purse and keys and headed out.
The Beck Manor was a large stone mansion at the top of a winding driveway, its windows ablaze with light. The front lawn sloped down to the woods, and there were cars parked in neat rows along the drive.
I pulled up to a spot next to an SUV and killed the engine before taking a few moments to calm my nerves, then exiting my car. When I reached the front steps, the door opened, and Zaden filled the space.
"Nice place," I said.
He shrugged and looked around. "Dragons have a flair for the dramatic."
He stepped aside for me to enter. The foyer was all polished wood and stone, lit by a chandelier that looked like it had been forged from actual dragon claws.
Tapestries hung from the walls, depicting scenes of dragons locked in aerial combat, their bodies rendered in gold and crimson thread.
The air smelled of cinnamon and something richer, deeper. Maybe incense.
People filled the hallways and the formal living room beyond. Most of them looked like they’d stepped out of a GQ spread, every detail polished to an impossible shine.
Zaden stood a little straighter, his hand finding the small of my back. "You okay?"
I nodded, even though I wasn’t. "Yeah."
He chuckled, not believing me for a moment. "This way."
We wove through the crowd. Every head turned as we passed, some faces curious, others openly appraising. I kept my chin up and tried not to trip over the Persian rugs.
Zaden introduced me to his clan, one by one, though I'd met most of them at least once before.
First, Ashton Beck, the alpha, who looked every inch the part. He was tall with broad shoulders, with eyes so dark they almost ate the light around them. There was a warmth in the way he greeted Zaden that eased the tension in the room.
"Krystal," Ashton said, his gaze sharp and assessing. "It’s good to meet you. Zaden’s told us… well, not nearly enough."
I stammered something in reply, and Zaden squeezed my hip, grounding me.
Next was Drake, Zaden's brother, who had a rakish grin and a mop of red hair that threatened to take over his whole face. He was the opposite of Ashton in every way. Loud, quick with a joke, the kind of guy who could charm nuns into a poker game.
"Welcome to the madhouse," Drake said, raising his glass. "Good luck with my brother here." He clapped Zaden on the back.
Next was Chance, the newly awakened dragon. He had an air of quiet confidence, his skin a dark shade so rich it made the dark brown flecks in his eyes glow. He shook my hand gently, and said, "If you need to get away from these idiots, just let me know."
Next to me, Zaden growled at Chance’s comment, which only made Chance laugh. Zaden ignored him and placed a hand to my lower back, directing me to the women who stood in a group of their own.
"You already know Aurelia, Sky, and Erin."
I waved. "Hi."
Aurelia drew me into a hug. She had a warmth that felt almost maternal, even though she didn't look much older than me. Her hug was quick but sincere, and she whispered, "You have no idea how good it is to see Zaden smiling again. Thank you."
Skye was a rare female dragon, and she was an accountant and tech guru. She wore a green blazer and had hair dyed to match. "I second what Aurelia said."
Erin was Ashton’s mate and a new dragon shifter. When humans mated with shifters, they developed the ability to shift into whichever animal their mate was. Her hair was a sheet of red silk, her eyes kind.
I realized I was the only wolf in the room. The only non-dragon. It should have made me self-conscious, but the way Zaden kept a hand on my back made me feel almost special.
Food was laid out on a massive dining table with platters of smoked meats, cheeses I couldn’t pronounce, tiny glass dishes of caviar and gold-dusted desserts. I loaded a plate with the safest-looking options and found myself cornered by Aurelia and Skye while Erin made her way to her mate.
Aurelia leaned in, lowering her voice. "We’re glad you’re here. Zaden hasn’t brought anyone to a family gathering since the twenties."
I nearly choked on my cheese. "Seriously?"
Skye grinned, then cocked her head. "Oh, good. Vivienne is here."
When the doorbell rang, Skye excused herself to go answer it. I glanced at Aurelia and asked, "Who’s Vivienne?"
"She’s Ashton’s and my fourth cousin."
Skye came back into the living room with a woman at her side, who glided across the floor like she owned it. Her dark hair was swept into an elegant updo, and her dress was cut to flatter every angle of her body. Her eyes were sharp, her smile practiced.
She stopped a little too close to me, holding out a delicate hand. "You must be Krystal. I’m Vivienne."
I shook her hand, already bracing for the small talk.
She leaned in, voice low. "Eleanor Gallagher’s daughter, aren’t you?"
The name hit like a slap. My mother’s name was a loaded gun in most circles, but here it felt like a bomb.
I nodded. "That’s me."
Vivienne’s smile widened. "Your mother has quite the reputation in magical circles. I met her once, at a conclave in Asheville. She was rather unforgettable."
I didn’t know what to say, so I let her keep talking.
My relationship with my mother was strained at best. I haven’t talked to her for more than a few minutes at a time since telling her when Bryce was born.
She'd asked to visit several times over the years, but I'd always found excuses.
She'd kicked me out when I was at my most vulnerable.
Why would I want her in my life now that I wasn't?
Zaden materialized at my side, slipping an arm around my waist. His presence was solid and grounding, and I leaned into it.
"Vivienne," he said, his tone cool. "Didn’t realize you were back in the country."
She smiled at him, all teeth. "You know I can’t stay away. Especially not when the clan is celebrating."
Zaden’s fingers traced a slow circle at my hip. "We’re honored by your presence, as always. But I think Krystal needs a break from the interrogation."
Vivienne’s lips curved in a mock pout. "I was just getting to know her. She’s a delight."
"Maybe next time," Zaden said, steering me away.
We found a quiet spot by the fireplace. I sagged against him, drained.
"Sorry," he murmured. "She can be intense."
"It’s fine," I lied. "I’ve dealt with worse."
He studied me, concern etched in his brow. "You sure?"
I nodded, but the truth was I felt off. Like the whole night had been a test, and I’d barely passed.
The evening wore on. There was laughter and music and more food than anyone could eat, but through it all, Zaden never let me out of his sight.
At one point, I slipped out onto a balcony to get some air. The mountains stretched out in every direction, the stars sharp and close above them. The world felt impossibly big, and I felt impossibly small.
Zaden found me there, arms crossed against the chill. He wrapped his arms around me from behind, his chin resting on my shoulder. For a long time, we didn’t say anything.
"I’m glad you came," he said finally.
"Me too," I admitted.