“Anything else required?” Abraxis asks, glancing toward Thauglor for approval before committing to additional help. When Thauglor nods his consent, Abraxis releases the breath he’s been holding.
“Callan’s next on my list, followed finally by Vaughn,” I explain, looking up at Thauglor and then over to Abraxis to ensure they both understand the operational sequence.
Each name on that list represents another dream about to be fulfilled, another member of our family about to experience the profound joy of parenthood. The planning involved has been extensive, but every moment has been worth it for the happiness it will bring.
Abraxis develops a particular expression that suggests he has questions but is restraining himself from voicing them. The internal struggle is written clearly across his features.
“What is it?” Thauglor asks before I have the chance to address the obvious concern.
“Why is Vaughn scheduled to go last?” Abraxis inquires with a slight head tilt that betrays his confusion. I can practically read his thoughts—he wants Mina visible and accessible to the entire nest as quickly as possible.
I allow myself a knowing smirk and shake my head at the elegant simplicity of our plan. “He’s going to take his time with her. Vaughn will ensure she’s completely comfortable and safe, then wrap her securely in his protective wings. While she’s sheltered within his wingspan, she won’t shift to her dragon form. That will give me sufficient time to transport her to the main nesting chamber where everyone can be present for the egg-laying process.”
The strategy serves multiple purposes—it ensures Mina’s comfort and safety; it allows Vaughn the intimate time he craves with her; and it facilitates the community bonding that happens when we’re all present for new arrivals. Everything has been designed with our family’s collective wellbeing in mind.
My gaze lifts to meet Thauglor’s eyes, and I’m rewarded with the sight of a slow, appreciative smile spreading across his ancient features.
“You’ll be on pregnant Mina protection duty while yours truly phases back-and-forth hunting for her dietary cravings and comfort needs,” I continue, watching as Thauglor practicallybeams at the prospect of holding our beloved mate again under the protective span of his massive dragon wing.
“I want to take on that responsibility,” Abraxis states with what can only be described as a dignified pout.
“Descendant,” Thauglor addresses him with patient authority, “Mina is a wyrm dragoness. You are barely half her current size. There is absolutely no way your drake form could make her feel secure enough to lay her eggs without stress. This crucial responsibility falls to Klauth and me—we have the size and presence necessary to provide her with a completely stress-free delivery environment.”
He reaches out and places a reassuring hand on Abraxis’s shoulder, the gesture both paternal and commanding.
The hierarchy isn’t about power for its own sake—it’s about ensuring the best possible outcomes for everyone involved. Mina’s comfort and safety during egg-laying are paramount, which means the largest, most protective males need to fulfill that role.
Suddenly, I feel the familiar sensation of a gentle caress traveling down our mate bond, and I can’t suppress the satisfied smile that spreads across my face.
That touch fills me with warmth and purpose. After all these years, the connection between Mina and me remains as strong and vital as ever. She’s calling because she trusts me, because she knows I’ll prioritize her needs and the needs of our growing family above everything else.
“I have been summoned,” I announce with obvious pleasure. I glance up at the clock on the wall. I’ve wasted almost an hour with them, and now I’m needed elsewhere. To emphasize mytypically irreverent personality, I throw up a casual peace sign before vanishing from their sight.
My Mina has called for me, and I fully intend to obey that summons immediately. Every fiber of my being is dedicated to her happiness and the well-being of the family we’ve built together—a family that’s about to grow even more beautiful and complete.
Chapter
Nine
Arriving backin the hidden chamber, I find Mina swimming languidly in the mineral-rich hot spring, her movements graceful and content. Meanwhile, Leander lies sprawled on the chamber’s soft bedding, completely unconscious to the world around him.
I look over my oldest and dearest friend and shake my head with fond amusement. The man has the biggest, most satisfied smile plastered across his face while he sleeps so deeply he might as well be in a coma. The expression of pure bliss tells me everything I need to know about how their encounter went, and my heart swells with happiness for him.
Seeing Lee in this state of exhausted contentment fills me with such profound joy that I have to resist the urge to do a victory dance right here in the chamber. This man has waited so patiently for his chance at fatherhood, has been such a devoted member of our family, has shown nothing but kindness and support to all of our existing children. He deserves every moment of the happiness radiating from his unconscious form.
“Do you need anything, Mina?” I call out to her as she turns to face me, water streaming from her luminous skin like liquid diamonds in the chamber’s gentle lighting.
“I’m perfect, my Ziggy,” Mina purrs softly, her voice carrying that deep satisfaction that comes from successful mating. The endearment sends warmth flooding through my chest—after all these years, she still has the power to make me feel like the most treasured being in existence with just a few words.
“Did it take?” I tilt my head, waiting to determine whether I need to leave Lee here to continue their bonding or move on to collecting future daddy number two. The success of this first encounter will dictate the timing of everything that follows.
Mina rises from the water like Venus emerging from the sea, and I’m struck anew by her otherworldly beauty. She rests her hand tenderly over her lower stomach with the reverent touch that speaks to the miracle taking place within her body.
“Yes, it took completely. I can feel the egg beginning to form,” she says, closing her eyes and focusing inward on the new life she’s creating within herself at this very moment. The wonder in her voice mirrors the awe I feel whenever I witness the incredible process of dragon reproduction.
The sight of her hand protecting our future child—Lee’s child—fills me with such overwhelming emotion that I have to steady myself against the chamber wall. This is why I’ve spent weeks orchestrating this romantic conspiracy. This moment right here justifies every hour of surveillance, every carefully planned ambush, every risk we’ve taken.
“I’ll take sleeping beauty home then go acquire daddy number two,” I announce, glancing over at Lee with a smile so broad itmakes my cheeks ache. I am so ridiculously excited for my best friend that I can barely contain the energy coursing through my veins.
