The woman wearing glasses shook her head. “I never thought much about it, to be honest, until I moved nearby and could see the dragons fly overhead. Even then, it was just something to gawk at. After hearing the four stories today, however, I can’t ignore them anymore. I want to know them better.”
Closing her dropped jaw, Mel looked to Tristan. “Did you hear that? I almost want to say it’s too good to be true, but maybe, just maybe, things will finally change.”
“I wouldn’t get your hopes up just yet. It’s still early.”
“Even so, the fact so many came out to support us is a sign. Some of the indifference toward dragon-shifters is fading. That alone is huge.”
“It would be even better if they left my sister out of this.”
Mel let out a sound of frustration. “Can’t we just celebrate a little? Yes, I know things could go wrong at any minute, but I can’t remember a time in my life when people cared this much about dragon-shifters.”
Tristan looked at her a second before replying, “I will hold off for a few hours, at any rate. If things continue as they are, and that’s a big if, I might even have a chance to intimidate your parents and brother in person before long.”
Mel rolled her eyes. “My mom is a lot like me. She won’t put up with your crap.”
“Your brother then.”
Mel smiled at the mention of her brother. “I’m not sure about Oliver. He used to be funny and able to charm anyone before the cancer. I wonder if he’s back to his old self or not. It’s hard to tell during our video chats.”
“If you have anything to say about it, we’ll find out soon enough in person, my little human.”
Smiling, she looked down at Jack, who had finally settled. “Let’s put the twins down and risk searching the internet. I want to know how other news outlets are handling all of this, and not just in Britain. Maybe then you’ll be a little more optimistic.”
“You need my doubts to ground you.”
Schooling her face into a mock serious expression, she made her tone sarcastic. “Yes, without you, the world would never change. Only through your doubts can I be motivated to change the world.”
“Bloody stubborn woman.” Tristan stood up carefully. “Going back to your original topic, America might handle it well. I’m not so sure about China or Russia, though.”
Dropping her mock act, Mel walked with her mate up the stairs to the twins’ room. “Regardless, if we figure out which countries are taking it well, Bram can reach out to some other clan leaders.”
Tristan’s voice was dry. “Does Bram know of your plans for world domination?”
She shot a look over her shoulder. “Not yet. But he’s the one who wants to form alliances. This is too good of an opportunity to pass up. I’m pretty sure Evie will back me up on this. If she does, he doesn’t stand a chance.”
Shaking his head, Tristan mumbled, “Human females.”
“That’s right, mister, and you wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Inside the room, Tristan gave her a quick kiss. “As much trouble as you are, you’re right. Both man and dragon only want Melanie Hall-MacLeod.”
“You’re not too bad yourself, dragonman.”
Laughing, the pair of them went to work putting the twins down for the night.
Mel kept touching each of her babies in turn. All of Tristan’s teasing aside, their children would have the future they deserved. If, for some reason, the public’s response became tepid and unsupportive, Mel would think of another tactic. And then another. She would do anything to ensure her children would have the opportunity to know their human side of the family.
She and Tristan might even be able to start their own yearly family summer trips. Even though her twins and mate could fly, nothing bonded a family like a long car trip.
With both babies asleep in their cribs, she leaned over them and put every ounce of confidence she had into her voice as she whispered, “I will change the world for you two, no matter what it takes.”
~~~
Arabella uncrossed her arms and widened her stance. Then she shuffled her feet and clenched her hands at her side. Finally, Bram said, “Stop your fidgeting, Ara. Finn said he’d sign on.”
Considering Arabella had set up the connection, she knew that. Still, the moment was too important. Before anyone could change their minds, herself included, she wanted her fostering with Lochguard to be a done deal.
The screen filled with Finlay Stewart’s cocky grin and some of her agitation eased. Without thinking, she blurted, “You’re late.”