Dragon Fire Read Free

Finally,” she squealed. She threw herself at Anna. “I didn’t know you were bringing someone.”
    “I’m not,” Anna said. “He’s leaving. Now.”
    Randi glanced at Ulf who was leaning elegantly against the railing in what could have passed for a golden boy fashion shot. “Is that your boyfriend?” Randi asked hanging onto Anna. She looked Ulf up and down. “Is that why you didn’t come earlier?”
    “Let’s go in,” Anna said, trying to get Randi back in the house.
    Ulf slid an arm around Randi’s waist. “Perhaps I can help.”
    “Oh sure,” Randi said. She giggled as she leaned into Ulf. “You have a nice… car.”
    “Leave her alone.” Anna pried Ulf’s wandering hands away from Randi who was happily wrapping her arms around Ulf’s neck. “Randi, knock it off.”
    “Oh, I’m sorry.” Randi pushed away from Ulf. “He’s yours. I forgot.”
    “I’ll take her,” said Siri, steadying Randi. “That way you guys can come in and take your coats off.”
    “Ulf has a date,” Anna said. She blocked the door after Siri and Randi disappeared inside. “With my mom. Or have you forgotten?”
    “Sweet little Anna.” Ulf reached out to touch her cheek with his leather gloved hand.
    Anna slapped it away. “Get away from me.”
    “You’re so adorable when you’re angry,” he said with a laugh. “Call me when you want me to come for you.”
    Anna resisted the impulse to slam the door and closed it calmly instead. The living room was packed with people dancing. She rubbed her forehead and walked over to the dining room table that was laden with food and drinks instead. She’d never understand her mom’s taste in men.
    Siri came and nudged her shoulder. “Where’s the guy you came with?”
    “Gone,” she answered, rolling her eyes. “Finally.”
    “He didn’t look your type,” Siri said with a shrug. “But you never know.”
    “He’s not. He’s my mom’s boyfriend. And he’s a jerk.”
    Siri’s hand hovered over the massacred chocolate cake. “That’s a mess.”
    “Tell me about it.” Ulf was by far the worst of her mom’s recent boyfriends. He was a liar and a manipulator. But her mom never saw beyond a pretty face.
    Siri dropped her voice. “Have you seen June? Is she coming?”
    “No. She went away with her boyfriend and his family for the vacation.” Anna noticed Siri’s look of relief. “Why?” she asked sharply.
    “I was worried that maybe she didn’t feel welcome. And I felt guilty. I mean… I’m really sorry about Fritjof.” Siri paused. “But I’m starting to wonder why I thought some of his ideas were good. I know you never liked him. But… I thought he was right. About June being different and the need to keep our race pure and all that.” Siri looked away. “I’m embarrassed I let myself believe any of it.”
    “He was persuasive, I guess.” Anna tried not to rub it in, but she was happy that at least one friend was coming back around.
    “Maybe. But I really am sorry.”
    “Tell June after the break.” Anna put her glass up to Siri’s. “She’ll understand.”
    “Why are you girls being so serious?” boomed Anna’s cousin, Red. He put an arm around each of them. “There’s music. You should be dancing. Or aren’t there any nice guys?”
    “Anna never thinks there are any nice guys. But I see a few.” Siri raised her glass and headed across the room that had started to get crowded now that a slow song was playing.
    “What are you doing here?” Anna playfully punched her cousin who was built like a rugby player. “You graduated last year. You’re not part of the team anymore.”
    “We told the guys that we’d be back,” said Red, nodding to where his best friend, Haakon, was surrounded by half the boys’ team. “But we can’t stay – we promised the girls we’d go to a dinner party. And they’ll kill us if we’re late.” Red and Haakon had dominated the court with their size and skill for the past three years, but