“How long has that been going on?” Mia watched asChristina finished the last bite on her plate. Mia asked the waiter for a to-go box and the check.
“Since I started planning this wedding. I’ve been stressed. Sue me.” Christina put her credit card on the table. “Don’t argue. I know you haven’t gotten any of that level five money yet. Besides, I asked you to come and soothe my edges.”
“And you bought me a sweater.” Mia held up her hands as the waiter put her leftovers in the to-go container. “And lunch for tomorrow. Unless James feeds me. Then it will be dinner.”
They stood and headed out the door. Mia felt the pop as soon as they reached Buddy’s protection area. Having a dragon around came in handy as long as she kept herself out of sight.
Buddy appeared in the tree by Christina’s parking spot. Clutching an envelope in her claws, she chuffed at Mia.
“Another love note? You two should get a room.” Christina got in the car as Mia walked over to accept the envelope.
“Thanks, Buddy, for coming to get us. I might need you tomorrow on my way home. Should I just call Trent?”
Buddy nodded and turned invisible again.
A kid walking with his mother to their car stopped and pointed. “Mom, there’s a dragon in the tree. A purple dragon.”
“Oh? Is it Barney?” The woman smiled at Mia as they passed. “Television is great, but sometimes his imagination goes wild. He sees dragons everywhere.”
“He’ll grow up to be a creative. Maybe an artist.”Mia smiled down at the boy, not wanting to confirm or deny the dragon just a few feet from her. The mother couldn’t see Buddy, but the kid had.
“That will drive his dad crazy. He’s a lawyer and soon-to-be politician. I don’t think he wants his son talking about seeing dragons. It’s hard to be a parent.” The woman waved and climbed into the car.
Mia did the same and then smiled at the pair of yellow eyes she still saw in the tree. “Let’s get going. I’ll tell you what you missed as soon as we cross the bridge.”
“Do you still hold your breath over bridges? Isaac thought that was so weird.” Christina pulled the SUV out of the parking lot.
“Your brother’s weird, not me,” Mia replied, but she knew that people’s thresholds for weirdness were determined by what they knew to be true. Isaac knew the world was round and inhabited entirely by humans and the animals that he could see in a zoo. Just like how that kid’s dad would tell him purple dragons weren’t real—except one was, and his son had seen her tonight.
They were almost in the mountains when Mia finally felt comfortable enough to tell Christina about the spell she’d been drawn into at the restaurant. “I know we were being listened in on because of that vision. I’d said I wasn’t threatened by the idea of Trent and Sonja, so someone decided to put my feelings to the test. Someone from the coven and, if I have to guess, probably the same person who requested my retest. Brandon knows who that was, so sometime tomorrow I’ll stop by his house for a chat. Maybe he’ll let something slip.”
“He’s really sneaky. There’s no way I’d go to hishouse alone without backup. He might have a sex dungeon.” Christina slowed the vehicle down to take a curve.
“You read too many romances.” Mia closed her eyes for a minute. Pulling out of the vision had cost her some energy, especially because she had to verify that what she was watching had nothing to do with her boyfriend. But maybe the vision was a clue. Maybe the fact that Sonja was here this week wasn’t a coincidence. Abigail could check that for her.
“Brandon’s a dark romance character, but I don’t think he’s hero material. Not even a morally gray hero.” Christina laughed as Mia’s eyes popped open and she stared at her. “What? Don’t you categorize people you meet into fictional characters? I have to say, Trent is a perfect Prince Charming.”
Mia was beginning to think this whole week had been planned to get her off-kilter. And maybe it wasn’t just about the testing. “Thanks for driving tonight.”
“Thanks for calling in air support. Why is it I’m more freaked out about my possible magical talent than having a dragon for a protector?” She glanced up at the skies as they emerged from a wooded area onto the road that would take them to town.
“I always knew you were smart.” Mia glanced at her phone. She’d told Trent she’d call him in the car, but she thought this conversation would be better once she was alone in the apartment. She texted him, letting him know that they were in town and she’d send Buddy home soon.
The response came back quickly.
Maybe you should keep her there for a few days. Mom and Dad are at the academy waiting for you. Call me when you’re able.
As Christina pulled her SUV into the parking lot, she pointed out Levi’s Jeep in the line of cars parked in front. “Did Trent tell you what was going on?”
“No, but it looks like we have a meeting of our secret club to go to when we get inside. I’m so glad we got some girl time in, I’m worried now I might be locked in the tower for a few years.” Mia tucked her phone away.
“Okay, Rapunzel, stop with the dramatics.” Christina parked and turned off the engine. “Let’s go see what’s happened now.”
As Mia got out of the car, Buddy landed in her favorite tree on the other side of the parking lot. Mia grabbed her packages, then walked over to chat with her. “Can you go check on Trent and Cerby? I know he wants you here, but I’d like to know they are okay there too. Especially with Sarah and Em there.”
When Mia mentioned the baby, Buddy’s eyes lit up and the tree bounced a little. She chirped out her answer and took off.
Christina shook her head as Mia returned. “I didn’t realize that oak trees could bounce. Buddy is heading to Trent’s?”