Nikki, on the other hand, was naturally outgoing and quietly bubbled with a mixture of excitement and nervousness in her eyes. Even though she had been captured at the same time as Charlie, Nikki had survived. However, not even Melanie knew all of the details from her time with the dragon hunters.
Before Mel could think of more encouraging words to give the nervous dragon-shifters, Kai walked into the room and everyone looked to the head Protector. “We’ve searched and patted down the BBC crew. There weren’t any weapons, nor was there any scent of drugs or chemicals. That’s as much as we can do.”
Bram nodded. “Right, then show them into the living area. That’s where the interviews will be held. Tell them we’ll be there in a few minutes.”
Kai left to carry out his order
Melanie resisted the urge to fidget. Pulling Bram aside, she whispered, “Where’s Arabella?”
He handed Murray over to Evie. “I’ll ring Tristan while you keep everyone calm. Can you manage that?”
“Yes.”
“Good, then I’ll be right back.”
Once Bram left, Mel shared a glance with Evie. Even her friend was a little worried.
No. Mel wouldn’t give up. If Arabella truly wanted to foster with Lochguard, she would pull through. She had to.
~~~
Tristan wanted to rush around the last corner and guide Arabella into the house. The interview should have already started and he wanted to watch his mate.
His sister, on the other hand, was in no hurry. Just as they reached the last bend, Arabella stopped and clenched her hands. Careful to keep his impatience from his voice, he asked, “Is something wrong?”
One beat of silence went by and then another. Finally, his sister said, “I don’t know if I can do this, Tristan.”
The earlier confidence and fire was gone from her voice. Turning toward his sister, he saw her looking at the ground. The sight reminded him of Ara in her late teens, during the first years after the attack.
His dragon chimed in. She needs us, like in the old days.
I know, bloody dragon. Give me a chance to help her.
Then stop dawdling.
To quiet his dragon, Tristan walked over to his sister. Placing a finger under her chin, he raised her head until she met his eyes. The uncertainty and sadness lurking in her brown gaze squeezed his heart. “Arabella, you can do this. And not just because of the deal you made with Mel and Bram. You’ve come a long way in the last year. Talking about your past will bring you into the final stretch of your recovery.”
“I’m afraid of another attack hitting me when I’m on camera. The memories are hard to handle one at a time. How can I handle them all at once?”
He placed his other hand on his sister’s shoulder. “Think of Lochguard. Hell, think of the flirty Scottish bastard if it’ll help. Visualize something you want, something positive, to counter the bad memories. Then you’ll do fine.”
Ara searched his eyes before replying, “This is your teacher persona, isn’t it?”
He shrugged. “Some of my students are afraid of their inner dragons until we work together to make them friends. Or if not friends, then to the point where they tolerate one another. I gave you too many years of space, but not anymore. Before you go to Lochguard, we’re going to work on you and your dragon.”
He waited to see if he’d pushed too far. The present might not be the best time to suggest working together with her dragon, but Tristan didn’t care. Pushing Arabella would let her know he wasn’t going to coddle her again.
His sister’s eyes turned determined. “I was too embarrassed to ask for your help before. Now that you’ve offered it, I’m going to take it.”
“You’re the only blood family I have, Arabella. Never be afraid to ask me for something.”
The corner of her mouth ticked up. “Even if it’s the middle of your date night with Melanie?”
“There are some conditions. However, if your life depends on it, then yes, I’d leave to help you.”
They each stared at one another. If Melanie were here, she’d be gushing about love and family bonds. Tristan and Arabella didn’t work like that.
Instead, he squeezed his sister’s shoulder and motioned toward the direction of their destination. “Are you ready then?”