Really? Now that was crazy talk. Humans and shifters didn’t belong together. They were just too different. She thought about Coal. He was an attractive guy. His dragon was beautiful and although he was a bossy boots, he was also sweet. The man did have ulterior motives though, namely to get her to mate with him and to have his babies. Sex was one thing. She still wasn’t sure about his man parts. Sex with Coal would probably be intense since he was so intense but she couldn’t imagine staying in dragon land. No way. There was a whole world out there. Adventure waited. This couldn’t be it for her. She wasn’t ready for a relationship. She’d probably never be ready for one. People let you down. It was a given.

“You never know.” Julie finally said, noting that Pauline had that faraway look again. “I hope that Flame told you that if it doesn’t work out that you can go back to Walton Springs.”

Pauline nodded. “Yes, he did.” Her face clouded. “Not that there’s much to go back to.”

“Good, you should know your options.” Julie smiled. “I’m glad you’re okay. We should chat in a few days. I’m going to check in with the others.”

“I saw Lisa. She was really angry. She shouted about suing the dragons for all they’re worth. That poor guy she’s with looked like shit. She had him cringing. A big, strong, dragon shifter was afraid of her.” She choked out a laugh. “It was hilarious.”

Julie had to laugh as well. She actually felt sorry for the poor shifter that landed the heiress. Lisa was something else.

“You didn’t see any of the others did you?”

Pauline shook her head. “No, but Flame assured me that everyone was okay, so I’m not worried. They’re not at this castle. One of them is with the water king and the other is on earth territory.” She pulled a face like she didn’t really know what she was talking about.

There was only one way Julie was believing it and that was by seeing them for herself. “Okay. You go back to bed.”

“Yeah.” Pauline yawned a second time, putting her hand in front of her mouth. “I’m bushed. I’ll see you soon.”

Julie nodded. The door opened before she got to it. Coal was waiting for her. “Jeez, you weren’t lying when you said you had better hearing than us.”

He turned down the hallway. “Lisa is just down the hall.”

She nodded.