After that, she would soon have her freedom.
~~~
Mel watched from the window as a group of dragons took turns flying passes over the front gate. She was no stranger to the sight of flying dragons, but the ones in the air above her had on a new kind of armor over their chests, bellies, and lower necks. Bram said the synthetic shields protected against air projectiles. Considering she’d seen the laser gun damage up close when Tristan had nearly died a year ago, she hoped the new armor was effective.
Moving from the window, she went to the monitor displaying the front gate security feed. Bram had wanted to keep an eye on things, in case they turned south. Already, a crowd of about twenty people stood in front of Stonefire’s land.
Sure, no one in the crowd was throwing grenades or launching firebombs, but it could happen any second. Or, maybe they were waiting to view the interviews and then react. Thanks to the convenience of technology, everyone would check out the live broadcast using their cell phones.
A van drove up the single road leading to Stonefire’s main entrance. When it was close enough, the crowd cleared a pathway. She couldn’t see the side of the van, but it would be the BBC since no other interviews were scheduled for the day.
Mel turned away from the monitor and paced. She’d prepped everyone except Arabella, who still hadn’t arrived. There was nothing for her to do but wait and it was driving her crazy.
As she shook her hands and wrists to loosen up, there was a knock on the door. Bram entered with Murray in his arms. Blue eyes stared at her as he sucked his thumb. Mel smiled. “At least Murray seems in a good mood.”
Bram shrugged. “He usually is. Nikki and Hudson are waiting downstairs with Evie. She’s doing her best to calm them, but maybe you can help. They’re nervous as
hell.”
“Any sign of Tristan and Arabella?”
“No, but don’t worry, lass. Ara will come.”
“I hope so.” She glanced to the monitor. The van was no longer there, which meant it had to be on Stonefire’s lands. “The interview crew will probably be here any second.”
“Melanie.” She looked at Bram, his gaze steady and strong, every ounce the clan leader he was. “Whatever happens today, I want to say thank you for everything you’ve tried to do for our clan.”
“Things could go very wrong, Bram. I wouldn’t be thanking me just yet.”
He took a step toward her. “Even if planes appear in the sky and start dropping bombs, I’m still going to say thank you. You are giving it a try, which is more than anyone else has ever tried to do for my kind.”
She tapped her hand against her thigh. Accepting praise had never been one of her strong points. “It’s a bit selfish, you know, since I’m mostly doing it for my children.”
A corner of Bram’s mouth ticked up. “Tell yourself that, lass, if it helps.” He paused and then continued, “Are you coming? Everyone’s moving toward the temporary green room, which will probably make Nikki and Hudson even more nervous. I’m sure Evie’s pregnancy hormones aren’t helping the situation either.”
She laughed. “At least, she’s not pregnant with twins. I’m told it makes everything twice as bad, although I’m not sure I believe Tristan.” She stood up tall. “At any rate, let’s get this party started.”
Bram chuckled. “Act just like that, and everyone will love you.”
“Maybe. I’m going to have to be somewhat diplomatic when talking with the journalist.”
As they walked out the door and down the stairs, Bram said, “I’ve watched Jane Hartley’s interviews before. She’s more than fair.”
She glanced over at her clan leader. “I’m not worried much about her. I’m more worried about the aftermath.”
Bram kept his voice low. “Just keep that feeling to yourself, lass, or the others might start panicking.”
She nodded right before she and Bram entered the room being used as a waiting area; all three sets of eyes fixed on her with expectation. Nikki and Hudson’s eyes also held a hint of nervousness. They wanted her to allay their fear.
For the first time, she understood what Bram must deal with on a regular basis.
Gathering up every ounce of no-nonsense she possessed, Mel gestured toward Nikki and Hudson. “The TV crew should be here soon. But no worries, I know you all will be brilliant. We’ve gone over your talking points. If you freeze, take a deep breath, and try again. All of Stonefire is depending on us.”
Looking a little pale, Nikki and Hudson both nodded.
While Mel had seen Nikki fairly often after being assigned as Evie’s guard, Mel had rarely talked with Hudson in the past. His mate, Charlie, had been a Protector and died while in the hands of the dragon hunters four months ago. His poor mate had been drained of blood.
The dragonman was quiet, with sadness in his eyes and permanent smile lines at the corners of his mouth. At one time, he must have been happy. However, she had a feeling he hadn’t smiled in months. She hoped he remedied that soon for the sake of his son.