Tristan rubbed her back a little harder. “She’s right, love.
Under normal circumstances, Mel knew Evie had information she couldn’t share. Yet her book’s release day was the culmination of nearly a year’s worth of work and Mel didn’t like being left in the dark.
She looked back up to Tristan’s brown eyes. “What is this back-up plan, then?”
“You aren’t going to like it.”
She slapped his chest. “Tell me.”
Tristan held up a folder in his free hand. “Inside is a list of safe places to flee on the Isle of Skye if we need it.”
Mel frowned. “Scotland? He trusts Finn that much?”
Tristan nodded. “Apparently so. Although, the real question is if things turn sour, would you even go?”
She stared into her mate’s eyes. They were full of curiosity and a touch of concern. “If it were up to you, we’d leave right now.”
Tristan rubbed smaller circles on her back. “Yes, but it’s not solely up to me. I promised you I would always try to ask first, so I’m asking.”
Not caring that she had an audience, Mel whispered, “I love you, Tristan MacLeod.”
He smiled. “That still doesn’t give me an answer, my little human. Would you go?”
“No, I don’t think I could.” Evie made a sound of protest and Mel looked over at her friend. “It’s my work that’s putting everyone in danger. It’s taken me a year to gain the acceptance of most of the clan. What do you think would happen if I brought a heap of danger to Stonefire and then fled?”
Evie’s face turned grim. “They would hate you more than ever before. Maybe even think you did it on purpose, to make them suffer.”
Tristan growled. “Anyone who would think that is an idiot. My mate hasn’t hurt anyone, ever. She’s too big-hearted.”
Mel smiled up at her mate. “Thanks for the support.” She looked back to Evie. “If it truly turns into an all-out battle, I’ll send the children away to safety. But my place is here with the clan. I have too many interviews lined up over the next few days that might help stem any acts of violence.”
Evie shook her head. “You have more faith in the media than I do.”
Mel snuggled into her mate’s chest. “To change the laws, we need the media on our side. So yes, I am optimistic because otherwise, I might be risking everyone’s safety for nothing.”
Evie readjusted Murray on her hip. “Right, then we’ll all try extra hard. Do you need to go over your talking points again?”
Before Mel could reply, Tristan squeezed her and said, “You need a rest, Melanie Hall-MacLeod. Did you eat breakfast while I was with Bram?”
Turning her head into Tristan’s chest, she mumbled, “No.”
Her dragonman growled. “I’m feeding you and then you’re taking a nap.”
Mel looked up. “What about Jack and Annabel?”
Tristan looked past her to Evie. “I’m sure you and Arabella can manage.”
Arabella’s voice carried from the living area. “You could ask me, brother.”
Tristan dropped his voice so only Melanie could hear. “Ever since she met that Scottish bastard, she’s become bloody demanding.”
Hiding her smile, Mel whispered, “I say good for her. And it could be worse; she could be mated to the Scottish leader.”
Her dragonman made a low noise in his throat. “Don’t tease me about that, little human. He’s the last person I’d want as a brother-in-law.”
She raised an eyebrow. “The last person? What about the leader of Skyhunter down south? I’m sure he’d be a fabulous relative to have.”
Tristan narrowed his eyes. “It would still be a close contest between who would be worse.”