Free Betrayal Foretold: Descended of Dragons, Book 3 by Jen Crane

closed her eyes and looked away from me. Not for the first time, I thought we might never work through our problems.
    “We’re all tired,” Gaspare said gently. “Let’s head to the cottage. Everything will look better in the morning.”
    I nodded and looked up for my grandmother. “ Bay ,” I sent up, hopeful she could hear me. “ We’re beat and heading to Gaspare’s for the night. Better come on down .”
    “ Don’t wait up ,” she called. “ I’ll see ya when I see ya .”
    “ What? Bay ! Come down here and stop being ridiculous! You don’t even know where we’re staying. ”
    “ I’ll find a place to land. Be fine .” Bay wrapped herself in her strong wings and spiraled upward in a joyful ascension.
    Happy. She was happy. And she deserved it. I shook my head and grinned, glad at least one of us had found some peace.
    “You and Bay are so different, Mom. So different.”
    “Yes,” she said. “As different as you and me.”

Chapter 11
    G aspare’s “cottage ” was a two-story, four-bedroom that could comfortably house a family of eight. After a brief tour, he left us, promising to return the next morning to answer all of our questions. Under normal circumstances, I could never have slept with the new information and worry hanging over my head, but I’d had what certainly felt like the longest day of my life. I fell face first onto the comforter of the coastal-themed guest room with one last thought of Ewan and Boone and Timbra, and didn’t think again until morning.

    * * *
    “ S o , what you’re telling me is not only are there dragons and skin changers here, but they’re living together in harmony with people of all descents. No ‘dragons are evil killers’ or ‘skin changers can’t be trusted.’ They’re neighbors and friends. One big happy family.”
    Gaspare tended to gulp coffee rather than sip it, and rose to pour himself another cup. There was no staff here like at the PM residence back in Thayer. I preferred him this way. He never really fit with the whole “privileged” persona anyway.
    “Yes.”
    I shook my head at his matter-of-fact tone. I had woken rested, hungry, and with a longing for adventure. But I also wanted to know that my friends, especially Ewan, were okay. I wondered how soon I could see them again. Gaspare hadn't gone by the night before to check on Ewan, which was a source of irritation for me. He had caused many of Ewan's injuries, yet seemed completely unconcerned.
    My mother shuffled out of her room for coffee, but retreated again to shower. I was raring to go before I bit Gaspare's head off, again, about the friends I'd left behind in Thayer. I had already showered and grabbed jeans and a top from a shifter-friendly closet Gaspare showed us the night before. Before long, Mother joined us at the kitchen bar still looking a bit worse for wear.
    “You okay?” I asked.
    She nodded, and I suspected she was putting on a front braver than she felt.
    “First things first,” chirped Gaspare. “Let’s retrieve your grandmother. I know where she stayed last night.”
    “Where did you stay? It wasn’t here.” I grimaced at my own accusing tone. “Sorry. That’s none of my business.”
    He laughed. “No, it’s okay. I plan to show you that today, too.”

    * * *
    “ D ears ,” Bay said in a rush and ran toward us. “I’d like you to meet Forster McCreight, an old friend of mine.” She looked at him adoringly, if a bit sadly. And often.
    Forster McCreight was of medium build and height, but there was something about him that required attention. Demanded it, even. His head was shaved so closely he was nearly bald, so nothing distracted from his strong features. Framed by gentle creases, his eyes were light blue and so clear I knew they held no secrets. Maybe that was what was so intriguing about him. He seemed open, honest, and genuine.
    “Nice to meet you, Mr. McCreight.”
    “Forster, please.” He shook mine and Mother’s hands.
    “How do