Dragon Dreams: Book 2: Prophecy of the Dragons Read Online Free Page B

seen in your bug." In addition to allowing Andi to graduate high school this time around, her parents also let her get her driver's license. With that, they bought her a new Volkswagen Beetle. She'd always loved the styles of the VW bugs, so her dark blue one was a perfect fit. It almost matched her scales, not that anyone but the family would know that. Ben's parents had bought him a new mid-sized pickup. They'd almost got it in the same color as Andi's but everyone decided to go with black instead. Andi and Ben already made enough people at school barf with their togetherness, so they didn't need to add anything else.
    "She thinks my bug is cute and all, but…" She broke into her Melissa imitation, which Ben insisted was spot on. "C'mon, really? Hello? Convertible here."
    "Actually, I'm going to have to side with her on that one. Too flashy for every day, but, hey, every once in awhile, why not?"
    "Yeah." She paused, and Ben noticed. Before he had to ask, she said, "I saw something strange. While we were walking through the mall, there were these shadow figures. They looked sort of like apes because of their long arms, and they moved with impossible grace. I thought they were following me, but I couldn't be sure if there was a purpose to it, or if they were simply attracted to my power."
    Ben nodded and looked thoughtful. "I saw them, too, on the last day of school before break. I couldn't tell why they were stalking me, either. I was about to bring it up when Princess High Drama" (his new nickname for Melissa, one that never failed to bring out a snort from Andi, this time being no exception) "came over with news of the frivolous."
    "She's good at that."
    As they walked up to the wreath-adorned front door, which, besides the string of colored lights running along the first story roof-line, was the only outside Christmas decoration, she wrapped an arm around his waist.
    "So where are your parental units?"
    "Over with yours. Probably decorating or shopping or something." He gave her a sly grin. "Why do you ask?"
    "Hmm, well, then that means there'd be no one to walk in on a hot make-out session."
    "I like where this is going."
    As they started up the stairs, he playfully smacked her behind. "So what did you get me?"
    "I don't believe I actually said I got you anything. How do you know I didn't buy something for myself?" He stopped and gave her a peck on the lips.
    "Because I can read you like a book. Pretty much literally."
    "Good point." She grabbed his hand and continued up the steps. "What did you get me?"
    "Nothing."
    His emotions sang out that he was lying, but she didn't call him on it.
    "In that case, this better be an exceptional make-out session," she said, as they entered his room.
    He chuckled, picked her up in a bear-hug, kicked the door closed, and set her gently down on the bed. When his lips met hers, she was in heaven.

Chapter 3
     
    Ben sat on the floor, leaning back against the sofa with Andi snuggled against him. They'd finished Christmas Eve dinner and dessert, and were settling down for the gift exchange. Dad and Lee deep fried a turkey, while Mom and Cassie took care of all the trimmings. He'd never had a deep fried turkey before, and he hoped he wouldn't have to wait long to have it again. It was fantastic, both crispy and juicy, sending a multitude of flavors over his tongue with every bite. The mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, baked sweet potatoes with honey butter, buttered corn kernels, and fresh biscuits — not from scratch, but from one of those pop-open canisters, which was fine with him, as he liked those every bit as well — rounded out their feast. He and Andi both finished the meal with slices of pumpkin and apple pie, each piled high with whipped cream.
    Tomorrow would bring two more celebrations: one for lunch with Grandma and Grandpa Phillips, along with the rest of Dad's side of the family, and another for dinner with Grammy and Pops Miller and Mom's side. Aunt Alexa, Dad's