Page 53 of The Alliance

“Yes, I thought she might. I can count on one hand the times Edith has given up a weapon to another clan. Her instinct is to keep them closeto protect her own family, and especially not to strengthen another clan.”

He wiggled his fingers, and I saw he was holding three fingers up. Three times? That wasn’t that many. It meant Alfie must be a very special elder to make her trust him so quickly.

A little drop of worry fell into my stomach. Alfie was doing so well at this, and I hadn’t done anything yet. He was out there, making bonds with Edith and Prince and now Nadia, and I… well I hadn’t done anything yet.

“Is something bothering you, Blaze?”

“Huh? Oh no, I’m fine.”

John looked at me hard for a few moments and I began to squirm under his gaze.

“Well…” I began.

He waited.

“I just feel a bit useless,” I admitted. “I can’t really do anything. I don’t have any skills to help the clan. I need to start doing something to earn my keep and help out.”

To my surprise, John snorted with laughter. “Oh, Blaze, I think you’re doing just fine.”

“That’s what Mrs. Wilson said.”

“She sounds like a wise woman.”

“She is, but… I need to do something, don’t I?”

I leaned forward, suddenly desperate to talk to someone, and this kind, wise, quietly-spoken human made me want to reveal my secrets to him.

“I feel guilty.”

“Oh? Why?”

“Because I’m not really earning my place. Alfie’s doing a lot of work but I’m not doing anything.” I lowered my voice, embarrassed to admit my biggest secret. “Everyone takes care of me. I don’t do anything for them, but they’re always doing things for me.”

“And do you like it when they take care of you?”

I nodded quickly.

“And do they enjoy doing it?”

I thought about that. “Maybe.”

From beside me, where I’d thought she was asleep, Evangeline said, “Yes, Blaze, they do.”

John sat back, smiling. “Well then, that works out well, doesn’t it?”

It was frustrating that I couldn’t seem to express my worry properly. They didn’t seem to understand the problem.

“I’m… being very selfish.”

“I don’t think you are, Blaze. I think you’re doing exactly what you need to be doing.”

At my quizzical look, John expanded his cryptic answer.

“Fate matched you to a dragon elder. Are you saying that Fate was wrong to bring you to Alfie?”

“No!” I went cold just at the thought of not being Alfie’s mate.

“Let’s assume, then, that Fate was right to match you with your mate. There must be something about you that makes you perfect for the role.”

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