The Pack's Dragon
“Tone it down.”
“Hey,” Rhett protested. “I’m not…”
“We’ll just…” Aislen gestured with her head and eyes down the hallway to Lauren. “Before we lead Jessica any further astray.”
Lauren laughed, a genuine belly laugh. “Oh goodness,” she surprised Aislen by throwing her arms around her and embracing her tight. “You are such a breath of fresh air, Aislen,” she said as she leaned back. “One of the truly genuine people I’ve ever met. Thank you. Thank you so much, for Jessica,” she rubbed her hand over her daughter’s head fondly. “And for Havermouth. And…” For being a good friend, she thought but didn’t say, and Aislen’s cheeks heated.