Chapter 40

FORTY

A sher groaned against Talon’s chest. “Himalayan caves are looking better by the minute.”

“I heard that,” Nellie appeared with suspicious timing, followed by an equally determined Evadne. Both mothers carried tablets loaded with what looked suspiciously like Pinterest boards. “Now, about the seating arrangements. We need to consider molecular stability near the dragon fire demonstrations-”

“There will be no demonstrations at my daughter’s wedding,” Evadne interjected.

“Of course not, dear. Just traditional flame blessings. Very controlled. Usually.”

“Usually?” Asher’s father perked up from his impromptu equation station. “Are we accounting for variable combustion rates? Because I have some theories about thermodynamic variations in ceremonial dragon fire-”

“NO!” both mothers chorused.

Everett leaned closer to Asher, whispering, “Twenty bucks says Dad tries to install monitoring equipment at the ceremony.”

“Thirty says Mom already?—”

“I can hear you both,” their mother said without turning around. “And your father has already been banned from bringing scientific equipment to any more family events after the Christmas party incident.”

“That magnetic field generator was perfectly safe,” their father protested. “Mostly safe. The tree only caught fire a little bit.”

Levi, who had finally emerged from his ‘security discussion’ with Lori, raised an eyebrow. “Is that why last year’s Christmas cards smelled burned?”

“Controlled burn,” Everett explained solemnly. “Very festive.”

Elder Magnus, still adorned with equations, joined their growing group. “Speaking of controlled burns, young lady,” he addressed Asher, “that plasma wave theory of yours shows remarkable promise. Though perhaps we could discuss its applications somewhere away from the more... flammable antiquities?”

“The ancient texts are fireproof,” Talon pointed out.

“The texts, yes. The building, demonstrably not.” The elder gestured to the scorched walls with dignified exasperation.

“We should probably reinforce the entire structure,” Lori mused, finally looking up from her tablet. “Given the frequency of... unexpected combustion in this family.”

“I have some ideas about incorporating electromagnetic shielding into the traditional wards,” Asher’s father began enthusiastically, reaching for another napkin.

“Dear,” Evadne interrupted, smoothly substituting a proper notebook for the napkin, “perhaps we could focus on one structural renovation at a time?”

“But the quantum harmonics of combined magical and electronic defenses-”

“Can wait until after we fix the holes in the actual walls,” she finished firmly.

Talon took advantage of the family’s distraction to draw Asher toward their balcony. “Your father’s enthusiasm is admirable,” he murmured against her hair, “though perhaps we should warn the contractor about the likelihood of impromptu experiments.”

“The contractor already has a special clause in their insurance policy,” Asher admitted, leaning into Talon’s warmth as they stepped onto the balcony. “After the incident with Dad’s particle accelerator prototype in the garage.”

Below them, cleanup crews worked efficiently in the moonlight, their efforts punctuated by occasional bursts of both magical and electrical light. Through the great hall’s windows, she could see their families still mingling, dragon and human cultures blending as naturally as the ancient and modern architecture around them.

Her father had somehow accumulated a small audience of young dragons, his hands painting elaborate patterns in the air as he explained some complex theory. Several of them actually took notes, though she noticed they used proper paper instead of borrowed robes.

“Five minutes before he tries to demonstrate,” Talon predicted, following her gaze.

“Three,” she corrected. “He’s got that look. The one that usually precedes emergency sprinkler activation.”

Right on cue, Evadne swooped in to confiscate what appeared to be a hastily constructed energy modulator made from pizza boxes and borrowed silverware.

“Your mother has impressive timing,” Talon observed, his chest rumbling with laughter against her back.

“Years of practice. Though she missed the coffeemaker he converted into a plasma containment unit last week.”

Inside, Lori and Levi had finally abandoned all pretense of reviewing security protocols, their heads bent close together over what might have been building schematics but was definitely not being read. Mallory and Harlynn exchanged knowing looks while their mother pretended not to notice the obvious matchmaking potential.

“Watch this,” Asher murmured as Everett approached the couple with exaggerated casualness. “He’s about to-”

“Hey, Levi,” her brother’s voice carried through the open windows, “didn’t you want to show Lori that thing? In the security room? The very secure, private security room?”

Lori’s tablet clattered to the table. “We should definitely check that. The thing. For security.”

“Professional responsibility,” Levi agreed quickly, already standing.

“Very smooth,” Talon chuckled as they watched the pair make their strategic retreat. “Almost as smooth as someone who used to request private lab tours.”

“Those were legitimate scientific inquiries,” Asher protested, turning in his arms.

“Of course.” His smile held wicked promise. “Just like your current theoretical applications require thorough testing?”

“Exactly.” She wound her arms around his neck, electricity crackling faintly where they touched. “Very rigorous methodology needed.”

A crash from inside, followed by her father’s enthusiastic “I can fix that!” and her mother’s long-suffering sigh, barely registered as Talon’s lips found hers.

“Perhaps we should continue this research somewhere more private,” he suggested between kisses. “Away from impromptu physics demonstrations?”

“Mmm. Wouldn’t want to contaminate the experimental environment.”

They slipped away as their families continued the impromptu celebration below. Once they were both out of their clothes, Talon picked her up and tossed her gently onto the bed.

“Now to claim my mate.”