MaryBeth will join us at their home with the rest of my family. Nothing formal, but we do have a lot to talk about with the new building.”
“I have to have a lie down, I think.” MaryBeth got up from her chair and made her way to Pem. “Honey, don’t push him away too much. He’s a good boy and has a good heart. You and me, we might wonder someday why we even thought of not being a part of all this.”
Pem sat down in her grandma’s chair and watched him. Theo let her, wondering what she thought of him but afraid to ask. When she let out a long sigh, he asked her if there was anything he could help her with.
“No. I’m fine just the way I am.” He nodded and sat down on the porch steps. “I slept all night. Not a single dream that I can remember. Also, I was thinking of getting dressed, and this is what appeared on my body. I’m assuming that is one of the little things you were talking about. Someone should be warned about something like that, don’t you think?”
“I had an idea you’d be able to dress with a thought. But if you remember, I told you I wasn’t sure of what you’d get. I am glad to hear you slept well. You look refreshed. Which I’m thinking you’re going to need when you take on your family tomorrow.” She nodded. “Have you discovered anything else?”
“It’s weird, so you tell me if it’s something you’ve never heard of. I can turn down the images in my head. Not turn them down, but off, I guess. I know they’re still there, lurking in the background to jump up and put me under again. However, it’s like I have some control over it.” He told her he didn’t know what she might be able to do with her mind. “I thought so. Is it weird?”
“Weird? No, I don’t think so. I think it’s more of a defense mechanism than weird. It’s to help you, and that’s what you needed more than anything else, right?” Pem nodded. “There are a couple more things I’d like to talk to you about. If you’re ready for it.”
“So long as it’s not too much. But I guess you’d not know what I think of as too much yet, would you? Just tell me.” He put out his hand, and she stared at it. “If you think I’m going to touch you again, you’re insane. Once was enough for that shit.”
He knew the precise moment she saw the faerie when it landed in his hand. “This is Bubble. They get to pick their own names when they’re deemed powerful enough to work with a dragon or his mate. In this case, Bubble will be your faerie. All dragons have one. Mine is Rose. She’s here on my shoulder.”
“Oh, Theo, he’s wonderful.” When Bubble realized she was happy with him, he went to stand on her outstretched palm. “My goodness, you’re very handsome too. I don’t know what you and I can do together, but it will be fun having you nearby, I think.”
“Yes, mistress. I will be with you at all times. Not the bathroom or shower. It has been explained to me that you might not be comfortable with someone in the bathroom with you.” She laughed, and Theo felt his heart fill with the sound. “I’m here to do your bidding. Whatever it might be, I can do it for you. If you have a thought to change up something, like a wall or anything like that, I can get a crew together and fix it right away.”
Pem looked at Theo. “I don’t know what to say.” He asked her what she meant. “This is the first gift someone has given me in longer than I can remember. Thank you for him. Bubble and I will get along nicely, I think.”
“Good. Now, there is one more thing I would like for you to try. This is important on a lot of levels, but it was something that Rachel got when she was mated to my brother Finn. I want you to put out your hand and—”
“What are you? I mean, I understand that you’re a dragon, but I know nothing more than that. George told me he wasn’t a dragon, but he had all the magic of one. He also told me that Finn is a red dragon. One that can melt even