Free Revealing the Dragons (Stonefire Dragons #2.5) by Jessie Donovan Page B

yourself that, lass, if it helps.” He paused and then continued, “Are you coming? Everyone’s moving toward the temporary green room, which will probably make Nikki and Hudson even more nervous. I’m sure Evie’s pregnancy hormones aren’t helping the situation either.”
    She laughed. “At least, she’s not pregnant with twins. I’m told it makes everything twice as bad, although I’m not sure I believe Tristan.” She stood up tall. “At any rate, let’s get this party started.”
    Bram chuckled. “Act just like that, and everyone will love you.”
    “Maybe. I’m going to have to be somewhat diplomatic when talking with the journalist.”
    As they walked out the door and down the stairs, Bram said, “I’ve watched Jane Hartley’s interviews before. She’s more than fair.”
    She glanced over at her clan leader. “I’m not worried much about her. I’m more worried about the aftermath.”
    Bram kept his voice low. “Just keep that feeling to yourself, lass, or the others might start panicking.”
    She nodded right before she and Bram entered the room being used as a waiting area; all three sets of eyes fixed on her with expectation. Nikki and Hudson’s eyes also held a hint of nervousness. They wanted her to allay their fear.
    For the first time, she understood what Bram must deal with on a regular basis.
    Gathering up every ounce of no-nonsense she possessed, Mel gestured toward Nikki and Hudson. “The TV crew should be here soon. But no worries, I know you all will be brilliant. We’ve gone over your talking points. If you freeze, take a deep breath, and try again. All of Stonefire is depending on us.”
    Looking a little pale, Nikki and Hudson both nodded.
    While Mel had seen Nikki fairly often after being assigned as Evie’s guard, Mel had rarely talked with Hudson in the past. His mate, Charlie, had been a Protector and died while in the hands of the dragon hunters four months ago. His poor mate had been drained of blood.
    The dragonman was quiet, with sadness in his eyes and permanent smile lines at the corners of his mouth. At one time, he must have been happy. However, she had a feeling he hadn’t smiled in months. She hoped he remedied that soon for the sake of his son.
    Nikki, on the other hand, was naturally outgoing and quietly bubbled with a mixture of excitement and nervousness in her eyes. Even though she had been captured at the same time as Charlie, Nikki had survived. However, not even Melanie knew all of the details from her time with the dragon hunters.
    Before Mel could think of more encouraging words to give the nervous dragon-shifters, Kai walked into the room and everyone looked to the head Protector. “We’ve searched and patted down the BBC crew. There weren’t any weapons, nor was there any scent of drugs or chemicals. That’s as much as we can do.”
    Bram nodded. “Right, then show them into the living area. That’s where the interviews will be held. Tell them we’ll be there in a few minutes.”
    Kai left to carry out his order
    Melanie resisted the urge to fidget. Pulling Bram aside, she whispered, “Where’s Arabella?”
    He handed Murray over to Evie. “I’ll ring Tristan while you keep everyone calm. Can you manage that?”
    “Yes.”
    “Good, then I’ll be right back.”
    Once Bram left, Mel shared a glance with Evie. Even her friend was a little worried.
    No. Mel wouldn’t give up. If Arabella truly wanted to foster with Lochguard, she would pull through. She had to.
     
    ~~~
     
    Tristan wanted to rush around the last corner and guide Arabella into the house. The interview should have already started and he wanted to watch his mate.
    His sister, on the other hand, was in no hurry. Just as they reached the last bend, Arabella stopped and clenched her hands. Careful to keep his impatience from his voice, he asked, “Is something wrong?”
    One beat of silence went by and then another. Finally, his sister said, “I don’t know if I can do this,