Topaz has been enjoying the small freedoms that each assignment for retrieval has given her. When confronted by deadly insects that have already killed her targets, she has to choose running for her life or finishing her job. She is assisted by another dragon who offers her an option for her time off. He will take her to visit her sister if she will spend some time getting to know him, and part of her is only too delighted to happily to take Kirai up on his offer. Dragons, kidnapping, giant bugs, poisons and meeting a sister she thought dead make for quite the short layover for an active D.A.R.E. agent.

Excerpt:

“It is likely. But Draven doted on his mate. He is still not stable and she has been gone for three decades. It will be good for him to know that she is safe.”

He can’t be told. Not yet.

Mother? The tone in her head was feminine and she had not been expecting it.

Lady Eiwyn? Lord Draven needs to know that you live. He stopped preparing food to speak to Topaz’s mother.

And he will, Kirai, but not until I am ready. There is much to do to settle our daughters and time is running short. If my girls do not heal the breach in the rift, the worlds will tear themselves apart, unravelling from earth outward.

Kirai’s eyes opened wide. This is why you left him?

I didn’t leave, I did what had to be done. I will return once my visions have come to pass, now be quiet and kiss my daughter. If she slaps you, you are not her mate and must let her go.

That is not a standard test.

Topaz is not your standard dragon. Kiss her, Kirai, or I will tell her about the time you came to court and you forgot your clothing and ended up in the women’s quarters. A strange set of events.

Topaz was listening intently and the dark flush of embarrassment on his cheekbones made her smile. Are you sure about this, Mother?

I am sure. There is no harm in a kiss.

No harm in a kiss. As Kirai approached her, she fought her smile. When he pressed his lips to hers, she leaned forward until she tipped off the chair and landed on the floor.

“Ow. And here she said there was no harm in a kiss.”