Burning Bright (Going Down in Flames #5)

“Or not,” Clint pointed to someone headed their way.

Valmont’s grandmother, the evil woman who had told her she never should have been involved with Valmont in the first place, came to their table and sat next to Bryn. What was she going to do—ban Bryn from the restaurant?

“I never liked you,” his grandmother said.

“Yes, you made that perfectly clear,” said Bryn.

The woman narrowed her eyes. “But I wanted to thank you for doing the right thing. Valmont is better off with Megan. She makes him happy.” And with that she stood and walked back toward the kitchen.

Bryn wanted to slump down in her seat. This was emotionally exhausting, but since she was part Blue she sat straight in her chair and acted like none of this bothered her. “I may never eat Italian again,” she told Clint and Ivy.

“At least the drama is over,” Ivy said.

“Unless Valmont comes out to say hello,” Clint said.

Bryn froze. “He’s not. Is he?”

“No.” Clint said. “But I’ll keep my eyes open for any more chaos that might be headed your way.”

After Megan brought their food, Bryn was able to relax. She was on her last bite of calzone when Jaxon walked in the door and headed straight for her.

“What’s wrong?” Bryn asked.

“My mother asked me to find you and bring you to Westgate Estate,” he said, sounding less than enthusiastic.

“Why?”

“Asher made his appearance early this morning,” Jaxon said. “And she knew you’d want to meet him.”

Happiness bubbled up inside of Bryn. “That’s so exciting.”

“If you say so. Let’s go.”

“I have to pay.” Bryn glanced around for Megan.

“We’ll take care of the bill,” Clint said. “Next time you can buy.”

“Okay. Thank you.” Bryn followed Jaxon out the front door.

A low-slung black sports car that looked like it was made from liquid metal sat parked right in front of the entrance to the restaurant. Jaxon pushed his key fob and the car’s lights blinked. He opened the door for Bryn and she climbed in.

As she buckled her seat belt, he climbed in behind the steering wheel and took off.

“Is this your Christmas present…the Bugatti something?”

“Bugatti Veyron,” he said. “And yes, it is.”

“It’s amazing,” Bryn said. And she meant it. The car looked like a work of art.

“Thank you.” He shifted gears and headed down the main road before taking a sharp right into the forest. He picked up speed, flying down the winding roads.

“Aren’t you afraid something might run out in front of you?” Bryn asked.

“No.” He pressed the accelerator and the engine growled.

“Not too chatty today, are you?” she asked.

He didn’t bother answering. Bryn watched the forest whiz by as Jaxon drove down roads which barely seemed wide enough for the car. “Are these real roads?” Bryn asked.

“Of course.”

Ten minutes later Jaxon pulled up to Westgate Estate. The wrought iron gates sported giant Ws, which Bryn found ridiculous. From past experience, she knew it only became worse in the house. The foyer floor was inlaid with a gold W, which was probably made of real gold. Even the silverware was monogrammed. Her grandmother had once informed Bryn that she would receive a set of monogrammed silver as a wedding present. That was one present Bryn might accidentally shove in a drawer and forget about.

Rather than pulling to the front of the mansion, Jaxon drove around the side to an enormous garage, which looked like it could hold a dozen cars. Several SUVs sat at the far end of the structure. Jaxon parked in one of the open spots and turned off the ignition. Bryn reached for the door handle to let herself out.

“Wait,” Jaxon said.

Was this one of those stupid moments where she was supposed to let someone else, like a member of the Westgate staff, open the door for her? She didn’t see anyone outside the car. She glanced at Jaxon for a clue. He stared at his key fob like he was searching for something.

“Jaxon?”

He sighed. “I don’t know how I’m supposed to act.”

And she was lost. “What are you talking about?”

“As a Westgate and a Blue, I’ve been raised to behave in the appropriate manner for all circumstances, but no one prepared me for this. How am I supposed to act around Asher?”

Okay, how should she handle this? “Don’t get mad because I’m not making fun of you, I’m trying to help.”

He nodded like he understood.

“Normal, and by that, I mean non-Blue individuals, are usually happy about having another family member. How do you feel about having a baby brother?”

“I’m not sure. I’m happy for my mother, but I’m worried about my relationship with my father.”

Where was a psychology book when she needed one? “I’m an only child so I don’t have any actual experience with this, but I’ve seen how proud your father is of you. That won’t change just because he has another son.”

“I suppose not…so I’ll pretend I’m happy and go from there?”

A strange thought occurred to Bryn. “Do you spend most of your time pretending?”

“Doesn’t everyone?” he asked like he actually meant it.

“No,” Bryn answered.

“If there’s one thing I learned from my relationship with Rhianna, it’s that real feelings will only cause you pain. Pretending is a much better choice. We should go.” He reached for his door handle and exited the vehicle.

Bryn was caught between wanting to hug him or yell at him. Maybe both. What did he plan to do? Keep a layer of ice between himself and the rest of the world…between him and her? Forever? Not that she expected him to fall in love with her…that was ridiculous…but she at least needed the warmth of friendship, of a good strong ally that she could depend on…hell, she’d settle for someone she could have a dinner conversation with.

Maybe they needed to discuss some ground rules for their current and future relationship. His personality had already been molded by Ferrin and polite dragon society. Maybe she could help Asher become a more normal, happier, healthier person…sort of balance out the strange proper Blue teachings with normal feelings. She opened her car door and caught up with Jaxon.





Chapter Thirteen


Lillith sat in the nursery, cradling Asher in her arms. When Bryn and Jaxon entered the room, she beamed at them. “Come meet your brother.”

Jaxon approached his mother with a polite smile frozen on his face. “How are you feeling?”

“Tired but happy,” she said.

He studied the baby like he wasn’t sure what to do.

“Out of the way.” Bryn scooted past him and reached to touch Asher’s cheek. His skin glowed golden like his mother’s and he had a sprinkling of curly blond hair. His chest rose and fell with every breath as he slept. “He’s adorable.”

“I know.” Lillith grinned. “I may be biased, but I think he’s the most beautiful baby I’ve ever seen.”

“Every mother thinks that,” Bryn’s grandmother said as she walked into the room, “And every mother is right.”

“It’s a little crowded in here.” Jaxon backed up toward the door.

“Your father is in the den if you want to join him,” Lillith said.

“If you want me to stay—” He left the sentence hanging.

“Thank you for coming and bringing Bryn. You’re free to go do manly things now,” his mother teased.

Jaxon walked over and kissed his mother on the forehead before exiting the room.

“May I?” Bryn’s grandmother reached for Asher.

“Of course.” Lillith passed the baby off.

Her grandmother held the baby and did that walking bounce maneuver that seemed to be innate to all species. “I can’t believe he’s sleeping so well.”

“He ate an hour ago,” Lillith said. “So I’m expecting him to start fussing any minute.”

“Westgates fuss?” Bryn acted surprised. “I didn’t think that would be part of their genetic code.”

Lillith laughed. “Not so much fussing as making their voice heard in the world.”

As if on cue, Asher opened his mouth and wailed.

Bryn’s grandmother handed the baby back to Lillith. “Bryn and I will take a walk in the arbor-areum. You can send someone for us when you’re ready for company.”

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