Paper Cranes (A Fairytale Twist Novel) by Jordan Ford

Author:Jordan Ford [Ford, Jordan]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Jordan Ford Books
Published: 2017-06-16T04:00:00+00:00

22

The Dragon

Helena’s tongue was spellbinding. Tristan lost the ability to think clearly. Time stood still; the air was sucked from the room and a soft hum buzzed around him.

And then the attic door rattled.

“Helena, I—”

Her mother’s sharp cry ripped the couple apart.

Helena spun, her long braid hitting Tristan’s arm. He rested his hand lightly on her hip, supporting her weight when she nearly stumbled.

The dragon’s eyes darted to his hand before flaming with pale blue fire.

“Mother. Wha—I…” Helena’s breathing was rapid, not the sweet caper from before but panic-filled puffs that Tristan had never heard before.

Everything about her mother’s expression was sharp, from the dip between her eyebrows to the point of her chin. She had the same build and complexion as Helena, a blonde, pale angel, although this one rode a horse of fire and wanted to slash him in half with a blazing sword.

“Get your hands off my daughter.” Her voice rang with a low, hard edge, making her sound like a man.

It was damn intimidating.

“Sorry, ma’am. I…” He backed away from Helena, stepping around the quivering girl and thrusting out his hand. “I’m Tristan Parker. I—”

“Get out of my house.” The blue fire in her eyes was becoming dark with fury, her molten words hot in the air.

“Mother, please.” Helena touched her stomach, leaning forward as she implored, “He’s my friend.”

The dragon’s head snapped towards her, indignant puffs spurting out of her flaring nostrils. “How did he even get in here?”

“He…” Helena pointed over her shoulder at the open window.

“Are you out of your mind?” She stormed across the room, practically knocking Tristan over in her attempt to get to the window.

The pane slammed into place, making Tristan flinch. The woman spun back and snatched Helena’s arm, dragging her closer. “You don’t even know this boy. How could you be so stupid?”

“He’s a good person. He’s not going to hurt me.” Helena kept her voice even and sweet. Her milky white fingers rested on her mother’s cheek. “It’s okay. I’m safe. We’re safe.”

“He is not safe. I don’t know him and I want him out of this house!” She accompanied her shout with the point of a shaking finger, snapping her gaze to Tristan. “Get out! Get! Out!”

Tristan shuffled backwards and bumped into the doorframe.

“Mother, please.” Helena grasped the dragon’s arm, trying to stop her from going after Tristan.

She strained against her daughter and bellowed, “Leave!”

Helena lost the battle, her fingers slipping through the fabric of her mother’s blouse as the woman wrenched her arm free.

Tristan’s heart raced so hard and fast, he almost felt sick. His gaze shifted to Helena, who gave him a sad, desperate appeal. Her eyes shimmered with tears. The thought of leaving her with her psycho mother nearly killed him.

He stood tall and tried for another attempt at diplomacy.

“Please, ma’am, I don’t—”

The dragon’s steps were gunshots on the wood. “I will call the police. You’re trespassing. You were not invited into this house.”

“I invited him.” Helena’s shout was ignored.

“Leave now!”

“Please, Mrs. Thompson, I—”

“Out!” The wild-eyed woman snatched a book off the shelf and hurled it at Tristan.

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