Bride Of The Dragon by Georgette St. Clair Page B

with their love and gave it to their children so they would always feel that love.
    Kelly tried to remember if she’d ever seen Evangeline’s mother. Was she dead? That might explain a lot of Evangeline’s attitude.
    “Dragons aren’t able to be gem empaths, I’m afraid,” Kelly said. At least, she’d never heard of such a thing, and she was an expert in the field; she was pretty sure she’d know.
    “But what does it feel like?” Evangeline persisted.
    “Different gems have different powers and properties – just like different metals have different types of conductivity. Gems have their own energy. In their own way, they’re a kind of living being. I can communicate with some of them. Some of them, I can even tell them what to do.”
    “How?”
    Well, that particular knowledge wasn’t a secret; Evangeline could find that out herself online. “I hold the jewel close to me and I let my energy mingle with it. Once I understand the gem’s powers, I concentrate really hard and I visualize what I want the jewel to do.”
    Evangeline shrugged, looking out the window into the distance. “Interesting,” she said finally, and then shrugged again and glanced back at Kelly. “Thanks,” she said flatly, and left the room. Kelly was left with an uneasy feeling about the conversation, and she debated telling Gabriel about it, but finally decided not to for the time being.
    The door opened again, and this time it was Tabitha.
    “We’re going shopping,” she announced. “I have an appointment for you to be fitted at Birdie’s Bridal Creations.”
    Kelly stood up. What the heck – she’d play along with the insanity. And maybe she could get Tabitha to slip up and reveal where the ruby was.
    “Who’s we?” she said. “Should I go get my sister?”
    “That wet blanket?” Tabitha snorted. “Certainly not. Anyway, she’s busy trying to search the castle without us noticing, and making Winthrop’s hair go gray. That’s fine with me. Keeps her from ruining our fun.”
    Kelly shrugged and followed Tabitha downstairs. Gabriel met them at the front door, looking thoroughly rattled. His hair was mussed and he was out of breath, as if he’d just run at top speed to intercept them.
    “So, we’re going shopping?” he said, moving to block their exit.
    “You’re not invited,” Tabitha informed him loftily.
    “Mother.” He gave her a severe look, brows drawn together. “Of course I’m coming.”
    “Oh no,” Kelly said, with a malicious smile. She was enjoying seeing the normally unflappable Gabriel looking thoroughly rattled for once. “I simply must take this opportunity to get to know my new mother-in-law better.”
    Gabriel fixed his mother with a ferocious glare. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
    “Tell you what,” Kelly said to Gabriel. “Tell me where the Dragonsblood is, and you can come with us.”
    “Pretty sure he hid it in his underwear drawer. Didn’t you, darling?” His mother winked at him, and he stifled a laugh, which was quickly replaced with a scowl.
    “You’re a natural comedienne, mother.” Gabriel threw his arm around her shoulders and marched her off, none too gently. He leaned in and whispered something in her ear, and his mother just shook her head and looked sweet and innocent.
    Riiiight.
    Then his mother shook her head, pulled away, and walked back over to Kelly.
    “Ready?” she said brightly.
    “See you later, dear. Don’t wait up!” Tabitha called out.

Chapter Eleven
     
    Gabriel paced around the lawn behind the castle and tried not to think about what his mother might be telling Kelly as they shopped.
    He knew his mother’s mischievous streak – hell, he’d inherited it from her – but he also knew that she’d taken an instant liking to Kelly.
    So, as he’d pointed out to his mother before she left, it would be a really bad idea if she recounted any anecdotes about him when he was a cute little dragonling – like, say, when he’d flown over the