Revealing the Dragons (Stonefire Dragons #2.5) by Jessie Donovan

Tristan.”
    The earlier confidence and fire was gone from her voice. Turning toward his sister, he saw her looking at the ground. The sight reminded him of Ara in her late teens, during the first years after the attack.
    His dragon chimed in. She needs us, like in the old days.
    I know, bloody dragon. Give me a chance to help her.
    Then stop dawdling.
    To quiet his dragon, Tristan walked over to his sister. Placing a finger under her chin, he raised her head until she met his eyes. The uncertainty and sadness lurking in her brown gaze squeezed his heart. “Arabella, you can do this. And not just because of the deal you made with Mel and Bram. You’ve come a long way in the last year. Talking about your past will bring you into the final stretch of your recovery.”
    “I’m afraid of another attack hitting me when I’m on camera. The memories are hard to handle one at a time. How can I handle them all at once?”
    He placed his other hand on his sister’s shoulder. “Think of Lochguard. Hell, think of the flirty Scottish bastard if it’ll help. Visualize something you want, something positive, to counter the bad memories. Then you’ll do fine.”
    Ara searched his eyes before replying, “This is your teacher persona, isn’t it?”
    He shrugged. “Some of my students are afraid of their inner dragons until we work together to make them friends. Or if not friends, then to the point where they tolerate one another. I gave you too many years of space, but not anymore. Before you go to Lochguard, we’re going to work on you and your dragon.”
    He waited to see if he’d pushed too far. The present might not be the best time to suggest working together with her dragon, but Tristan didn’t care. Pushing Arabella would let her know he wasn’t going to coddle her again.
    His sister’s eyes turned determined. “I was too embarrassed to ask for your help before. Now that you’ve offered it, I’m going to take it.”
    “You’re the only blood family I have, Arabella. Never be afraid to ask me for something.”
    The corner of her mouth ticked up. “Even if it’s the middle of your date night with Melanie?”
    “There are some conditions. However, if your life depends on it, then yes, I’d leave to help you.”
    They each stared at one another. If Melanie were here, she’d be gushing about love and family bonds. Tristan and Arabella didn’t work like that.
    Instead, he squeezed his sister’s shoulder and motioned toward the direction of their destination. “Are you ready then?”
    After a deep breath, Ara nodded. “I think so.”
    “Good. Then it’s time to make the dragon hunters wish they never messed with our family.”
    They began walking again and his sister looked up at him. “That’s a bit much, Tristan. One story won’t change the world.”
    “I don’t know about that. If Melanie’s involved, it just might. The bloody woman wants to change all of British society in less than two years.”
    Arabella smiled. “That sounds like she has another book waiting to be written.”
    He shook his head. “Don’t even bring it up. I’m going to try to distract her once all of this is over.”
    They reached the door of the cottage and Kai waved them inside. The head Protector guided them to a room off to the side as he briefed them. “Melanie’s in the other room and is about to go on air. Arabella will be last.” A guard moved from in front of the door. As they entered, Kai continued, “Wait in here with the others. They can tell you more of what to expect.”
    Tristan looked to Kai. “Are there any signs of danger?”
    The blond dragonman shook his head. “So far, so good. Security is on high alert. Nothing will happen to your mate, Tristan, if I have anything to do about it.”
    Kai looked as steady and serious as always, but Tristan noticed the circles under his eyes. The head Protector was working around the clock and probably not sleeping.
    He would mention it to Bram later. An overworked