So Ivy followed the children into the kitchen. Daisy motioned toward a lopsided two-tier cake, decorated in white, blue, and green icing. "Ta-da! We made it for you. But we better eat it soon; otherwise it'll fall over. And Alfie says if it falls over, he's going to eat everything that isn't still on the cake stand."
The fifteen-year-old with nearly black hair grinned at Ivy. "We can't let it go to waste. Besides, it'll let me ensure it's not poisoned before everyone else eats it."
Alfie's mum grimaced, as did Daisy's mother. It was Dawn Chadwick-Whitby—Daisy's mum—who spoke up. "Let's not joke about poison, okay? Now, come on, Daisy-love. Let's divvy up the cake before it falls over and destroys all your hard work."
Ivy felt Zain's presence behind her, but she was focused on his sister, Sasha.
They'd never met. However, she'd allowed Freddie to visit her at the surgery, so she couldn't outright hate her.
Sasha walked over to her and smiled. "It's nice to meet the female who finally turned my brother from a growly grouch into someone who can joke around a little."
Ivy blinked at the compliment. "I didn't do anything."
Zain growled, "Sasha."
His sister ignored Zain and put an arm around Ivy's shoulders. "Come on. You must be tired, and I'll make sure you get the best bits of the cake." She lowered her voice. "Let's just say that the top tier is a bit burnt, so we'll avoid it if we can."
As Sasha chatted about how Freddie and Daisy had spent nearly an entire day on making and decorating the cake, Ivy blinked back tears.
Last year, she'd been hell-bent on destroying dragon-shifters, which included those currently inside her new cottage.
And now, they were welcoming her home with a cake.
Ivy had been wrong, so very wrong, about her early life choices. Which meant she had a lot to make up for.
Because through a pretend marriage, she'd gained a new family of her own. And she wasn't about to allow anything to happen to them, like with what had happened to Richard and David.
So Ivy forced away the tears and did her best to enjoy the moment. Soon enough, she would dig back into the data and her own ideas of how to tackle the drugs of the Dragon Knights.
For the present, she was going to enjoy being welcome and a part of something. And this time, it had nothing to do with hatred. No, it was love and family. And Ivy would die trying to protect it.
Chapter Fourteen
Zain finally shut the front door, meaning he was alone with Ivy in their cottage for the first time.
And rather than go to her, all he did was stand in place and stare at the door.
His dragon grunted. After all your talk of being strong and being able to resist her, you don't want to risk being alone with her, do you?
Only because Zain and his dragon had been talking with one another since he was six years old did he dare speak the truth. A little.
Don't worry, not even I would try anything with her until she's completely cured. Although letting her know we're interested may not be the worst idea.
He nearly asked who else would be interested? But then he remembered a recent session with Nate, Lucien, and Ivy, and Zain was fairly certain Lucien had flirted with her.
Not that Ivy had said anything or returned the action. However, that was only the once, when Zain had happened to drop in early one day. Who knew what Lucien said or did when Zain wasn't there.
Maybe he needed to have a chat with the male.
His dragon chuckled. You want her, so tell her. Otherwise, it's unfair to discourage others. Ivy has been alone for a while, and doubly so with her brother and his partner gone. She deserves some closeness, if she wants it. If you aren't going to give it to her, let someone else do it then.
When did you get to be so wise and patient?
Ever since you decided to be a bastard in denial.
Zain was about to tell his beast to fuck off when Ivy's voice drifted from the kitchen. "Zain? Are they gone?"
His dragon spoke again. Go to her. This is a new, unfamiliar place. Make it feel more like a home for her. Our mate shouldn't be anxious if we're around.