“Politicians don’t plan attacks like the one today. Also, the shooting was very amateurish, which rules out any group with a deadly reputation.”
Bram raised an eyebrow. “I agree about the gangs and groups with reputations, but don’t dismiss the politicians so easily. They may not have planned the attack themselves, but if they can nudge any of their supporters to do so, the politicians can then use the events to their advantage.”
“I have no interest in human politics, so I can’t comment on that. But if we rule them out and the organized crime groups, could something similar to the Order of the Dragon Knights still be around? While no one will put on steel armor and go on quests to slay dragons, a group hiring out to destroy the dragons’ way of life is a possibility.”
Bram shook his head. “I haven’t heard of anything. Maybe if we ask Evie’s friend, the one with far too much knowledge about our kind; she could tell us something.”
“Isn’t the human female in hiding?”
“Yes, but from the brief exchanges I’ve had with Evie’s friend, Alice, hiding won’t stop her from finding out what she wants to know. If a rumor is floating around, she’ll know it.”
Tristan frowned. “Even so, I don’t like rumors. Is there any proof?”
Bram shook his head. “No, but we’ll wait to see what Kai and the news has to tell us. I’m sure Evie can contact Alice in a few hours and see what the human has dug up by then.”
The conversation lulled and they continued in silence. Since Tristan and Bram had been friends for nearly thirty years, it wasn’t strained. Still, since his friend was also mated to a strong human female, Bram might have some advice on how to handle Melanie if Tristan managed to ask.
Before he could think bette
r of it, Tristan blurted out, “Would you force your female into safety, even if she didn’t want it?”
Bram stopped and Tristan followed suit. His leader searched his eyes a second before saying, “If I could actually see the threat coming at her, then yes, I would. However, if the threat is merely there without any specifics, then no. Evie is like Melanie and would hate me if I stashed her away against her will. Melanie loves you, Tristan, but being a prisoner would slowly eat her alive. She needs to interact with people, especially with you. While you may not like it and your dragon screams to take her away, work with her or else you could lose her.”
She will not leave us.
Shut it, dragon. You’re no bloody help.
With a growl, his beast retreated again.
Bram continued to stare at him, waiting for a reply, so he murmured, “I will take that into consideration.”
Tristan walked and Bram caught up in two strides. His friend added, “I already contacted Finlay Stewart about the attack. Relations are friendlier between the Scots and Clan Lochguard, something about fighting against the English centuries ago created a tenuous bond that still exists, and he’s confident enough to send some assistance. While he can’t come here himself to help this time, he’ll send the same Protectors who came before to help with security. Barring any attack from the air, Mel and your children should be safe.”
Tristan believed his words and that confidence eased his tension slightly. “Thanks, Bram. I just can’t lose her.”
Bram clapped him on the shoulder. “I know, Tristan, I know. I feel the same way about Evie.”
Tristan’s dragon huffed. Take our mate to Skye. We won’t lose her then.
There’s more than one way to lose a mate, dragon.
They reached Tristan’s home. The instant they were inside the door, Bram called out, “Evie Marie?”
Carrying Murray on her hip, Evie walked over and laid her head against Bram’s chest. As the clan leader soothed his mate with words and touch, Tristan went into the living area.
Melanie sat on the couch with Annabel asleep in her arms. A quick look told him Samira had Jack in the armchair off to the side.
Taking his son from Samira, she stood and smiled. “Now you’re back, I should go home. Liam’s waiting for me.” Samira looked to Mel. “Will you be fine without me?”
Mel smiled. “Of course. Go to your family. Tristan can handle the other half of baby duty for now.”
Once Samira was gone, Tristan moved to sit beside his mate, wrapped his free arm around her shoulders, and she laid her head against him. She sighed. “Thank you for bringing Bram here.”
“I know better. Five more seconds, and you would’ve handed me the crying baby and gone out the door to fetch Bram yourself.” He squeezed her shoulders. “Did you find out anything else about the attacks while I was out?”
“No. Evie couldn’t contact her friend currently in hiding; you know the one with all the knowledge about dragon-shifters? She’s worried something’s happened to Alice.”
Tristan rubbed his mate’s arm. “The female has remained hidden for nearly a decade. I’m sure she’s fine.”