Chapter 59 59- Do Not Pretend You’re Not Interested
LEXI
Breakfast goes fast. Probably because we are literally the only people there. The space feels too quiet, the usual background noise missing, chairs neatly pushed in like they’re waiting for permission to be used. I don’t think breakfast is actually formally being served yet, but Blake walks us straight in like this is perfectly normal and we are able to get our food like usual, so I guess it’s fine? No one stops us. No one questions it. The Academy, apparently, has opinions about punctuality but not about dragons ignoring schedules. We eat quickly, not rushed exactly, just efficient. There isn’t much talking, mostly comfortable, half–awake quiet, the kind that comes from being tired but content. Then we head off right away. We end up reaching my home a lot faster than I expected. I had planned to just walk down to the closest bus stop and then catch a ride there. It seemed reasonable in my head. When I suggest it, though, Blake looks mildly horrified, like I’ve just proposed something deeply unpleasant and possibly unnecessary. He insists on a taxi. I point out that it’s not a short trip and that it would be an expensive ride. Blake snorts, clearly unimpressed by that argument, and calls one anyway without hesitation. There’s something very him about that, deciding the matter is settled and moving on immediately. I have to admit that the taxi ride is a lot nicer than sitting on a bus would be. The seat is comfortable, the windows clear, the whole thing quiet and smooth instead of cramped and rattling. And a lot faster. I lean back and let myself relax, watching the scenery slide past instead of counting stops. We arrive at my house. The taxi barely has time to stop before the front door opens. My mum steps out onto the path like she’s been waiting right there the whole time, her face already lit up, hands clasped together in that way she does when she’s excited and trying not to overwhelm anyone.
“Lexi!” She says the second she sees me. I barely get one foot out of the car before she’s there, pulling me into a hug that’s tight, warm, and completely
familiar. It smells like home, laundry detergent and whatever she’s been baking lately, and I melt into it without thinking.
“Hi Mum.” I mumble into her shoulder, smiling despite myself. She pulls back just enough to look at my face, hands still gripping my arms like she needs to
confirm I’m real.
“Did you have fun? You look exhausted.” She says, immediately
“Oh, you look lovely though.” She adds. Then her attention snaps to Blake.
“Well, you must be Blake! I’ve heard so much about you.” She says brightly, already stepping closer before he’s had a chance to brace himself. Blake stiffens just a fraction, shoulders drawing back, posture straightening like he’s suddenly very aware this is a formal situation. He hesitates for half a second, clearly unsure whether she’s going to hug him too, before settling on polite and safe.
“Yes, ma’am,” she says, offering a small, respectful smile.
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“It’s very nice to meet you. Thank you for having me.” He continues,
“Oh, don’t be silly.” Mum says immediately, waving one hand like he’s said something ridiculous.
“Any friend of Lexi’s is welcome here. And please, call me Sharon or just mum if you’re brave enough. I answer to most things. I’ll even answer to ‘hey you‘
if you forget.” She says jokingly, Blake’s smile tightens just a touch at that, but there’s humour in his eyes now too.
“I’ll… Work my way up to that.” He says carefully. Mum beams like this is the correct answer. My dad steps forward next. He doesn’t rush it. He takes in
Blake properly first, height, posture, the way he carries himself, before offering his hand.
“I’m Lexi’s dad, Roger.” He says simply. Blake shakes it firmly, meeting his eyes without hesitation.
“Sir.” He replies, respectful but steady.
“Hope the trip wasn’t too much trouble.” Dad continues, his tone neutral, conversational.
“No trouble at all. Thank you for letting me intrude.” Blake answers. Dad gives a short huff of what might almost be a laugh.
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Chapter 59 59- Do Not Pretend You’re Not Interested
“If Lexi invited you, you’re not intruding. This is her home.” He says bluntly. Dad’s gaze lingers just a moment longer than strictly necessary, not unfriendly, just assessing. Curious. Like he’s mentally cataloguing Blake, where he fits, what kind of person he might be, whether he’s worth trusting around his daughter. Blake doesn’t look away. Finally, Dad nods, apparently satisfied for now.
“Come inside. You must be hungry.” He says. Mum is already ushering us toward the door, one hand gesturing us in, the other reaching out to fuss at my
hair.
“Honestly, you two must be starving. I’ve got cold drinks, and there’s food if you want something proper.” She says. One week away and she has gone full mother hen mode. I guess she missed me. I glance sideways at Blake as we step inside, watching how carefully he moves, how aware he is of every look, every word. He’s polite, controlled, clearly making an effort. He isn’t looking past them the way he does with everyone at the Academy. He’s being very mindful of them. Considerate. It’s quite different to usual. I don’t think he’s intimidated exactly. More like… Respectful. And for some reason, that makes my
chest feel warm.
Ten minutes later, we are both seated at the dining room table with cold drinks and sandwiches in front of us. The table is familiar and solid beneath my hands, the surface faintly marked from years of use. The glasses sweat slightly in the warm air, little rings already forming beneath them. I’m not even particularly hungry. It hasn’t been that long since breakfast, and my body hasn’t quite caught up to the idea that it’s mealtime again. But Blake digs in without hesitation, already halfway through his sandwich like this is a perfectly reasonable second breakfast. I swear he’s always hungry. Then again, his shifted form is supposedly REALLY big. So maybe that makes sense. My dad has sort of wandered away. He’s in the kitchen tinkering with something, moving things around, opening and closing drawers, but I suspect he’s actually just eavesdropping, positioning himself close enough to hear without looking like he’s trying to. Mum, on the other hand, isn’t subtle about her curiosity at all.
“So…” She says brightly, leaning forward just a little.
“Blake. Tell me a little about yourself. Lexi said you’re a dragon, what’s that like? How did you and Lexi meet? Are you enjoying classes? What’s your favourite class?” She delivers the entire string of questions in one breath. Blake blinks. Once. Then again. His expression goes carefully neutral, but there’s a flicker of something unmistakably overwhelmed there. I laugh, unable to help myself.
“One question at a time, Mum.” I tease. She sighs dramatically, sitting back in her chair..
“Oh, fine.” She grumbles. Then immediately brightens again.
“How was the dance?” She asks.
“It was great!” I say before Blake can answer.
“There was a contest and Blake and I won!” I add cheerfully, already reaching for my compass. I pull it out and over my head, then slide it across the table
toward her. Her eyes widen.
“Oh my goodness.” She breathes. Blake smiles smugly and pulls his own out, setting it beside mine so the matching set is obvious. Mum lets out a delighted little sound, hands hovering like she wants to touch them but has decided against it.
“That’s gorgeous.” She compliments, I pull out my phone next, flicking through the photos. Mum leans closer, oohing and ahhing appropriately, commenting
on everything.
“Oh Lexi, look at you!” She says, tapping the screen lightly.
“That dress was perfect on you. And Blake, you cleaned up very nicely.” She glances up at him with a grin. Blake looks… Bemused. His ears redden just a little, and he clears his throat.
“Thank you.He says politely, like he’s not quite sure how to respond to being openly admired by someone’s mother. Mum pays it no mind and just continues chatting away, question flowing into question, determined to learn every single thing about our first week of classes. She wants to know what my schedule looks like, what the Academy is like, whether the food is any good, whether I’m sleeping enough. She’s thrilled to hear that I managed to heal a bruise, even
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Chapter 59 59- Do Not Pretend You’re Not Interested
if it is only a tiny thing. Her hands clasp together like I’ve just told her I’ve cured something terminal.
“That’s amazing, sweetheart. I knew you’d do well.” She says, beaming. Blake is the one who told her, when she asked if I learned anything cool. I’d been a little unsure and hesitant about mentioning it myself, since I haven’t made a lot of progress in some areas. He doesn’t hesitate at all.
“Her medicinal magic instructor offered her private lessons.” He says, like this is the most obvious proof of competence in the world. Mum’s eyes widen even
further.
“Private lessons?” She asks. I feel my face heat.
“It’s not-” I start, but Blake cuts me off.
“Apparently she impressed her professor.. She wants to teach her more advanced work.” Blake continues, completely unapologetic. He looks more proud of it than I am. Somehow, the conversation devolves into Blake and my mum going back and forth discussing my virtues. My work ethic. My kindness. My stubbornness. I sit there quietly, half amused and half mortified, picking at my sandwich. I don’t think they would even notice if I walked away. They certainly don’t notice my dad approaching. He leans down beside me, voice low.
“Seems like you have your own little two person fan club.” He jokes, glancing toward the two of them.
“Apparently.” I answer, equally quiet, a smile tugging at my mouth as I watch them continue on like I’m not even there.
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Lisa McNew
love the interaction between her mom and Blake. it’s heartwarming, especially when you think about the relationship he has with own parents.
7 days ago
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
