Page 14 of Alder Woodacre and the Acorns of Affection (Amaranthine Interludes #3)
Joe waited for the import of what he’d said to reach Kip.
“Okay, I think I get it. I can see what you’re saying. But this is all just a really big, really sudden, understandably scary misunderstanding. So … hear me out.”
He nodded.
“The whole bondmate thing? There’s no takebacks, and there’s nobody who can take you away from me. You’re mine.”
“What if he wants a … a share or something?”
“I wouldn’t share you. That’s not a thing I’d ever do.”
“But ….” Joe couldn’t help the hurt and indignation that boiled over.
Kip just looked confused. “But?” he prompted.
Joe guessed it needed to be said. “But I have to share you. With Ash.”
“That’s … different.” He didn’t sound certain, though.
Thunder cracked and rolled overhead, shaking the whole barn, and both of them looked up. February was definitely not the season for thunderstorms. Joe’s heart lurched for a whole different reason. He urgently whispered, “Is Biddie warded against ice storms?”
“There are measures in place. We haven’t needed them so far, but if the weather’s turning nasty, I can trigger enough barriers to blanket the whole farm.”
From below, a voice called, “Joe, may I come up?”
Kip’s tail about doubled in size. He mouthed … who?
Joe found enough voice to call, “Kyrie?”
“Yes. I apologize. Anan was not able to follow me, and he does not like to lose sight of me.” The boy topped the ladder and took an apologetic stance. “He may thunder, but he will not harm your trees. I can promise this.”
“How’d you get past my barrier, kiddo?” asked Kip.
Kyrie lifted his hands. “I have always been able to slip through them. Father believes it is part of my dragon heritage. And I should confess that I placed a tracer on Joe when we met. I meant no harm. It was intended as a precaution. When I begin to think of someone as mine, I become … protective.”
“A tracer?” Kip searched Joe, hands light as they lifted and patted. “Oh, for pity’s sake. You really did mark him! Sneaky little things. Elegant, too. Show me the trick?”
“Certainly.” And with a blink, he changed his posture. “I beg your pardon. We have not properly met. My name is Kyrie Hajime-Mettlebright, and … you are Kip?”
“Heard of me?”
“From Harrison-sensei.” Kyrie took a few steps closer. “I have always hoped to meet you. All of us have.”
“Didn’t realize I had international fans.” Kip offered his palms. “Nice. So … Mettlebright?”
“Argent Mettlebright is my father. And he sent me with a message.”
“He’s here?” asked Joe.
“Yes. He arrived rather precipitously. In truest form. Nonny did not enjoy the ride.” Taking a neutral stance, Kyrie declared, “Linlu is harmless.”
Kip snapped to attention. “ Linlu Linlu? As in Linlu Dimityblest?”
“Yes. Dad says he is the missing piece to your puzzle. There is nothing to fear from the truth.” Kyrie partially extended his wings, curving them prettily. “And if you have the courage to face your two guests, Father will acknowledge you both. You will have reached your attainment.”
Joe ventured, “ Two guests?” He thought there had been three. Linlu and the two wearing the Starmark crest.
“Linlu’s companion was being quieter than usual, but he came to this place, and that usually means something is changing.”
Kip said, “I can’t even begin to guess what’s going on. Tell us who’s here, kiddo.”
With a sweet smile, Kyrie replied, “Bethiel.”