Page 55 of The Alliance

I didn’t like that. The idea of Alfie being solely responsible for everything. He was already doing so much. I wanted to help him. To ease his burdens.

“Iwantto help.

“And youare. You are there for him when he needs you, when he needs someone to talk to or someone to protect.”

“Huh? Why does he need someone to protect?”

“Because he’s a dragon elder,” said John, as though it were obvious. “Their instincts are to protect their clan. Having a mate to look after makes sure they can exercise those instincts in a healthy way, without becoming overwhelmed by them. Perhaps that is why Fate ensured Alfie foundhis mate before he was able to access his dragon. So he’d already have a healthy outlet for his instincts.”

John leaned back in his chair and stretched luxuriously, like a cat. He looked suddenly very pleased with himself.

“That’s the best thing about being mated to a dragon elder, don’t you know? Everyone fusses round you.”

I suspected he’d used my own words to make a point.

“You mean theylikedoing that?”

“Yes, they do. So enjoy it. Your joy is what makes all the hard work they put into running their clan worthwhile. Being happy is basically the most important thing you can do. For the good of the clan.”

He winked and a surprised laugh burst out of me.

Before I could respond, though, I heard a stampede. At least, it sounded like a stampede. It turned out to be only two pairs of little feet, but they made a lot of noise.

Hannah and Ed burst into the room, already talking.

“Gramps! Uncle Dane said we weren’t allowed to ride Uncle Glimmer butKingsleywas riding him.”

“Yeah, that’s not allowed.”

“Uncle Glimmer might eat him.”

“He’s entitled to.”

John choked. “Excuse me?”

“He’s the Guardian,” said Hannah, as though that explained everything. She was standing beside John’s chair, looking up at him expectantly. Ed climbed onto his lap and John wrapped an arm around his waist. I didn’t need to be able to see bonds to know that these three adored each other.

“Yeah, and Uncle Dane told us off for riding him. We got to goreallyfast before Uncle Dane saw us, though.”

“Yeah, Uncle Glimmer is the best.”

“Ah,” said John. “Perhaps we should keep that a secret between us, my dears? Unless you want Nana to know—”

“No!”

“No.”

They both sounded suddenlyverysure of that.

John shot me a sheepish look. “And sometimes what the elder doesn’t know won’t hurt her.”

I laughed. Tears rolled down my cheeks but I wasn’t sure whether it was laughter or relief.

Hannah approached me.

“Your tears are sizzling. Can I touch?”

I nodded and she reached out her small fingers and gently brushed my cheeks. Her fingers were cool against my skin, which probably meant that I was hot. I felt content and warm here.

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