“The legends say the knights slayed the dragons to prove how much better it would be to hire them for protection than to offer a female to a dragon-shifter for the same thing.”
His mate nuzzled his chest with her cheek. “Bram mentioned the Enlightenment-period thinkers saving the dragon-shifters. Is that when your number repopulated, even without human sacrifices?”
“Yes. At least, until the two world wars during the last century. After that, we were desperate again.”
“I know the rest from my research, about the local bargains being made on a case-by-case basis until the DDA was established in the 1980s. If only I had access to some of the university libraries, I could start digging for references. Just think, Tristan, there’s a whole side to human and dragon-shifter history which the humans know nothing about.”
She fell silent and the corner of his mouth ticked up. “Are you outlining another book in your head?”
Looking up, she gave a coy smile “Maybe.”
He chuckled and kissed her nose. “Let’s handle the aftermath of this one first, love. Then we’ll tackle the next.”
His mate snuggled against him again. “I love you, Tristan. And I wish we could just stay like this, cuddled all day with our children, but Bram asked for us to watch the human media reports. We should get started.”
Tristan growled. “If you want up, then give me a kiss first.”
“How about asking nicely?”
“No.” He moved his son on his lap to lean against his sister in Melanie’s arms and then placed his finger under Mel’s chin. “This time, I’m going to take what I want.”
Tilting her head up, he kissed her. She allowed his tongue in without protest and he made each stroke count, letting his mate know how much he loved her better than he could ever do with words.
~~~
When Tristan finally broke their kiss, Melanie sighed. “One day, you’re not going to make me forget everything with a kiss, Tristan. What will you do then?”
His eyes flashed to slits and back. “That day will never come. My dragon agrees with me on that.”
With a smile and a shake of her head, Melanie readjusted her children so they were both on Tristan’s lap. “So cocky.” As Tristan placed a hand behind the heads of each of their twins, her heart squeezed. “Yet so devoted.”
Before her mate could persuade her to do some more kissing, Mel moved to the TV and turned it on. The BBC was in the middle of a special news report. Settling back beside her mate, Melanie tried to make sense of the images dancing across the screen.
Judging by the fire brigade trying to put out the flames of an old, brick building, the scene was the London Department of Dragon Affairs.
Pushing aside her initial shock, Melanie focused on what the announcer was saying.
“We’re still waiting on an official count, but sources say the death toll might reach as high as two hundred people. The Chief Fire Officer has put out a public statement asking citizens to please stay away from the scene. Memorials and tributes will be scheduled at a later time, once the fires are out and the investigation is complete.”
The announcer went on to replay the Chief Fire Officer’s earlier statement and Mel looked up at Tristan. “Two hundred people dead in London alone.”
“I know, love. But they’re talking about you now. Look.”
Mel glanced to the TV. Her official author photo was in the corner. She focused on the announcer’s words.
“The group claiming responsibility, the Order of the Dragon Knights, put out a video stating the recent book about the dragon-shifters living in the North of England is what prompted the attacks. Quote, ‘The dragon-shifter book is part of their agenda to seize control of the country. Melanie Hall-MacLeod was probably forced to write the book of lies under duress, to help alleviate the truth of dragon brutality. As soon as we let down our guard, the dragons will attack.
“The Department of Dragon Affairs has long worked with the dragons and can’t be trusted. To ensure the safety and future of the United Kingdom, we will target anyone helping the dragon-shifters, be it a civilian or the government. Consider this your only warning. If you associate with dragons and no longer wish to become a target, then comment on this video posted online with details of traitors. We will be checking there as well as other major sites on the internet, to be announced at a later date.’”
The announcer introduced a guest analyst and Mel clenched a fist. “How dare they accuse us of trying to take over the country, let alone plan an attack.” She looked up at Tristan. “Do you see now why I have to do the interviews? Otherwise, the knigh
ts will receive all of the airtime. The most easily swayed section of the population will start to believe them before long.”
Tristan sighed. “Even if you do the interviews, it’s going to take more than you defending yourself and the book to change public opinion. The knights have emotionally charged material.”
Her idea from earlier popped into her head. Could she really exploit her friends to sway public opinion?
“Melanie.” She met her mate’s brown eyes and he continued, “Tell me what you’re thinking so I can help you. Something’s conflicting you. It’s plain on your face. What is it?”