Page 103 of Second Chance Dragon Chief

“Oh boys,” Bloom quipped. “Always with the fighting and the testosterone.”

The guys laughed. “Come on, Fae Crossing would be so boring without us,” Dax said.

“Facts,” Bloom replied, as she pointed at him.

“So, what are my best mates up to on this fine Saturday?” Dax said.

“Nothing. Nothing at all,” Rollo said. “Since my nannies keep quitting on me, I managed to talk June into watching the boys, and me and my man Jack are just taking the day off.”

“That doesn’t sound like you,” Dax said suspiciously.

“We’re gonna go four wheeling over in the quarry in a bit,” Jack added.

“Ah, now you’re talking. I was getting worried,” Dax replied.

Jack laughed. “Why don’t you guys come? Wouldn’t take you long to go get your quads, Dax.”

“Thanks for the invite, Jack, but we are having a romantic afternoon stroll, if you didn’t notice,” Bloom said.

“Ohh, sorry, I had no idea,” Jack said, instantly apologetic.

“No problem, buddy,” Dax added. “You guys enjoy yourselves, because now that we have that Supernova shit handled, I wanted to start right in on Monday first thing. Frederick is next.”

“Yeah, he is,” Rollo said. “We are gonna get him for James and his wife. And then the boys can sleep better.” Then seeming to remember, “And maybe for your dad.”

Dax squeezed her shoulder.

“I have made peace around my father. Dax, you have helped me to do that,” Bloom said.

“I have?” Dax said, apparently surprised.

“What I mean is that my revenge won’t bring him back, and it would only serve to eat away at what I have found here, now in Fae Crossing.” She paused as she looked around at the three shifters, who all seemed transfixed by her declaration. “I finally really feel like I have a home.”

“Aw, babe,” Dax said, hugging her tight.

“You’re damn right you have a home, Bloom,” said Rollo.

“You’re one of us now,” Jack added.

“Thanks, guys. So yeah, I am at peace. At the same time, if it turns out this guy Frederick is responsible for what happened to my father? Let’s just say I am not gonna stand in the way of whatever justice the Fae Crossing Pack sees fit to mete out – and deliver.”

The packmates stood silent for a moment, before Jack broke the tension. “Hell of a woman you got yourself there, Dax. Hell of a mate.”

Dax and Bloom both laughed, and the mood lightened once again.

“Hey you guys, be safe out there. Some of the cars and machinery might be moved around a bit. Maybe blocking the paths. Sorry about that,” Dax said smiling. “You know, I was a little upset the other day…”

“No need to explain. Believe me, I get it,” Rollo laughed. “Okay, guys, catch you later,” he added as the two headed off.

After the two had left, Bloom took a stance as if to prepare herself for their next friendly encounter.

“I know, right? What do we have to do to get some privacy on this street?”

Bloom laughed before Dax continued, “What was I going to say before we were so rudely interrupted by all our friends? Oh right,” he said, apparently remembering. “You know you are going to have to settle on a plan for the beer garden eventually, right?” Dax said.

“Says who? The Tree is used to me changing my mind,” she said.

“I swear in the last few days you have shown me like ten layouts.”

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