Chapter 8
EIGHT
S ayer stared at his phone, his jaw clenched in frustration. Another crisis at the Hong Kong hotel demanded his attention, pulling him away from the peaceful morning he’d hoped to spend with Fia and Vienna. The constant barrage of calls and emails had been relentless for days, and he felt the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him.
“Mr. Gentry, we need your decision on the new management structure immediately,” his executive assistant’s voice crackled through the speaker. “The board is getting impatient.”
Sayer pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to stave off the headache he felt brewing. “I understand, Amelia. Send me the final proposals, and I’ll review them within the hour.”
As he ended the call, Sayer caught sight of Fia in the kitchen, preparing Vienna’s breakfast. The toddler babbled happily in her high chair, oblivious to the tension radiating from her uncle. Guilt gnawed at Sayer’s insides. He’d barely spent any time with them over the past few days, constantly pulled away by one emergency or another.
“Everything okay?” Fia asked, her brow furrowed with concern.
Sayer forced a smile. “Just some work issues. Nothing I can’t handle.”
But as the day wore on, that optimism faded. Lunch came and went with Sayer trapped on a video conference call. He could hear Vienna’s laughter floating up from the garden where Fia played with her, and his heart ached to join them.
By dinner time, Sayer had missed another meal. The next day was the same. At the end of the day, he found himself eating his food while feeling like he’d missed the best part of dinner being with the girls. The house was quiet when he finally emerged from the home office on the third night, his eyes burning from hours of staring at spreadsheets and financial reports.
In the dim light of the kitchen, he found a plate covered with a warming charm – Fia’s thoughtfulness only intensifying his guilt. As he ate the now-lukewarm meal, Sayer’s frustration bubbled over. He needed to clear his head.
The cool night air was a relief as Sayer stepped outside. Without conscious thought, he found himself striding toward the woods at the edge of town. As soon as he was under the cover of trees, Sayer let his control slip.
The shift was instantaneous. One moment he was a man, the next, a massive golden lion stood in his place. Sayer’s feline form stretched, muscles rippling under his tawny coat. He took off at a run, paws pounding the earth as he lost himself in the primal joy of movement.
For hours, Sayer roamed the forest, his keen senses alert to every rustle and scent. The physical exertion helped calm his troubled mind, but as the sky began to lighten with the first hints of dawn, the weight of his responsibilities settled back on his shoulders.
Shifting back to his human form, Sayer made his way home. Sleep eluded him, his mind racing with thoughts of work, Vienna, and Fia. As the first rays of sunlight crept through his window, Sayer gave up on rest. Perhaps another run would help clear his head.
The streets of Whispering Pines were quiet as Sayer jogged through town, the cobblestones echoing under his feet. He was so lost in thought that he nearly collided with another early riser.
“Whoa, there!” a deep voice chuckled. “You’re up and about early, Mr. Gentry.”
Sayer blinked, focusing on the man before him. Cedric Fernwood, the town mayor, stood with an amused smile on his face. Despite the early hour, the dragon shifter looked impeccable in a tailored suit, his golden eyes twinkling with warmth.
“Mayor Fernwood,” Sayer greeted, slightly breathless. “I apologize, I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.”
Cedric waved off the apology. “No harm done. But you look like you could use a friendly ear and a good cup of tea. Care to join me at Ivy’s?”
Sayer hesitated, acutely aware of his rumpled appearance and the mountain of work waiting for him. But something in Cedric’s kind expression made him nod. “I’m underdressed, but that would be nice, thank you.”
The Green Thicket Tea House was just opening its doors as they arrived. Ivy Sullivan greeted them with a warm smile, her curly blonde hair already escaping its ribbon.
“Mayor, Mr. Gentry. What a lovely surprise. Come in, come in. I’ve just pulled some lavender scones from the oven.”
“Ah, Ivy,” Sayer grinned, “that smells great. I was trying to maintain my lion-like physique, but I suppose one scone won’t hurt.”
The cozy interior of the tea house enveloped them as Cedric led them to a quiet corner table. Soon, they were settled with steaming cups of fragrant tea and plates of still-warm pastries.
“Now then,” Cedric said, his tone friendly but firm. “What’s got you prowling the streets at this ungodly hour, Sayer? And don’t give me any of that ‘just enjoying the morning air’ nonsense – I’ve been around long enough to recognize a man with a lot on his mind.”
Sayer leaned back, a wry smile on his face. “Is it that obvious? And here I thought I was maintaining my air of mysterious charm.”
Cedric chuckled. “About as mysterious as a neon sign, my friend. Spill it.”
Sayer sighed, his smile fading slightly. “It’s work. There’s been a crisis at one of my hotels, and it’s demanding more of my attention than I’d like. I’ve barely had time to spend with Fia and Vienna, and it’s... frustrating.”
“Ah,” Cedric nodded knowingly. “The age-old battle of work and family. And I’m guessing your inner lion isn’t too pleased about being away from his girls?”
Sayer’s eyebrows shot up. “Am I that transparent?”
Cedric laughed. “Sayer, my boy, you do realize we can all tell just by looking at you, right? I’m surprised you haven’t claimed and mated the sweet Ms. Barlowe yet.”
Sayer felt his cheeks warm, but he couldn’t help chuckling. “Fair enough. But how do I balance it all? I’ve built this business over centuries, I can’t just neglect it. But Fia and Vienna... they’re everything.”
Cedric’s expression softened. “You’re not alone in this, Sayer. You and Fia are a team now. It’s natural for there to be days when work demands more of your time. The key is communication.”
“Communication?” Sayer repeated, arching an eyebrow.
“Don’t give me that look,” Cedric warned playfully. “I know you lion types, all growls and no talk. But trust me, a little conversation goes a long way. There will be times when Fia needs to focus on her business, too, and you’ll need to step up with Vienna. It’s a give and take.”
Sayer considered this, a new perspective dawning. “I suppose I’ve been trying to handle everything on my own,” he admitted.
“Exactly,” Cedric nodded. “You’re not a lone lion anymore, Sayer. You’ve got a pride now. Act like it.”
As they finished their tea, Sayer felt his dread lifting. Cedric’s advice, delivered with humor and understanding, had given him a new way forward.
Cedric smiled. “Parenting and running successful businesses are both challenging jobs. The key is to work together to find a balance that works for both of you. Have you talked to Fia about your concerns?”
Sayer shook his head, feeling a pang of guilt. “No, I... I didn’t want to burden her.”
“That’s your first mistake,” Cedric said kindly. “Open communication is essential. Share your struggles, listen to hers. You might be surprised at how understanding she’ll be.”
As they finished their tea, Sayer felt more certain about his way forward. Cedric’s advice had given him a new perspective.
After the mayor left, Ivy brought over another cup of her special calming blend. “You know,” she said, a mischievous glint in her eye, “you really should ask that lovely Fia out on a proper date.”
Sayer nearly choked on his tea. “I... what?”
Ivy laughed. “Oh, come now. You’re in a town full of magical creatures with heightened senses. We can all see you two are mates. Why not take the plunge and get to know each other better?”
Sayer’s mind went blank. “It’s complicated,” he mumbled.
“Life always is,” Ivy said sagely. “But that’s no reason not to embrace happiness when it comes your way. When you’re ready, give Daisy Bloom a call. She’d be more than happy to babysit Vienna for an evening.”
With those parting words, Ivy left Sayer to his thoughts. As he made his way home, his mind was awash with possibilities he hadn’t dared to consider before.
The house was quiet when Sayer returned, but he could hear movement upstairs. He headed to the kitchen and began pulling out ingredients. By the time Fia came downstairs with Vienna, a stack of French toast was waiting on the table.
“Sayer?” Fia’s surprise was evident in her voice. “You didn’t have to do this.”
He turned, taking in the sight of her. Fia’s hair was slightly mussed from sleep, and she wore simple lounge clothes, but to Sayer, she’d never looked more beautiful. Vienna squealed with delight in her arms, reaching for Sayer.
“Good morning,” he said softly, taking Vienna and settling her in her high chair. “I wanted to apologize for being so absent lately. And... I was hoping we could talk.”
Concern flickered across Fia’s face, but she nodded. “Of course. Is everything okay?”
As they settled in to eat, Sayer took a deep breath. “I’ve been struggling,” he admitted. “Trying to balance work and being here for you and Vienna. I feel like I’m falling short on both fronts.”
Understanding dawned in Fia’s eyes. “Oh, Sayer. Why didn’t you say something sooner?”
He shrugged, feeling vulnerable. “I didn’t want to add to your burdens. You’ve been handling everything so well, and I... I didn’t want you to think I couldn’t handle it.”
Fia reached across the table, her hand covering his. “We’re in this together, remember? You don’t have to shoulder everything alone.”
The warmth of her touch sent a jolt through Sayer. “Thank you,” he said softly. “I promise to be more open going forward. And I want you to know that if you ever need time to focus on your business, I’m here to take over with Vienna.”
A smile bloomed on Fia’s face, and Sayer felt his heart skip a beat. “I appreciate that,” she said. “Actually, there’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about too.”
Sayer’s brow furrowed. “What is it?”
Fia’s expression grew serious. “I’ve been getting calls from my parents and their lawyer. They want to see Vienna.”
Alarm bells rang in Sayer’s head. “Is that a problem?”
Fia’s face clouded. “My parents... they’re not good people, Sayer. They were cruel to Myla and me growing up. They saw us as tools to enhance their social standing, not as daughters to love. And my older sister, Brooke, she’s even worse. They’ve never done anything unless it benefited them somehow.”
As Fia recounted the emotional abuse and exploitation she and Myla had endured, Sayer felt a growl building in his chest. His lion surged to the surface, demanding that he protect his mate and cub.
“They will not come near Vienna,” Sayer said, his voice low and fierce. “Or you. I swear it, Fia. As long as I’m here, those people will never harm either of you.”
Tears shimmered in Fia’s eyes, but she smiled. “Thank you, Sayer. You have no idea how much that means to me. I can handle them but it’s Vienna I worry about. I don’t want them anywhere near her.”
As they finished their breakfast, a comfortable silence fell between them. Sayer watched as Fia cleaned Vienna’s syrup-covered face, marveling at the easy affection between them. In that moment, he knew he’d do anything to protect this little family they were building.
Gathering his courage, Sayer cleared his throat. “Fia?”
She looked up, an eyebrow raised in question.
“I was wondering...” Sayer began, feeling uncharacteristically nervous, “if I were to ask you out on a date, would you say yes?”
A blush crept up Fia’s cheeks, but her eyes sparkled with amusement. “Well, Mr. Gentry, you’ll have to ask me properly to find out, won’t you?”
Sayer grinned, feeling lighter than he had in days. “Is that a challenge, Ms. Barlowe?”
Fia laughed, the sound music to Sayer’s ears. “Maybe it is. What are you going to do about it?”
As they bantered back and forth, Vienna watching them with wide, curious eyes, Sayer felt a sense of rightness settle over him. This was where he belonged. With Fia and Vienna, building a life together in this magical little town.
“All right then,” Sayer said, his voice soft but determined. “Fia Barlowe, would you do me the honor of going on a date with me? A proper one without floating food or work emergencies interrupting us?”
Fia’s smile was radiant. “I’d love to, Sayer.”
“You won’t regret it,” he promised, his heart thudding at double time.