“He’s doing good. It’s tradition not to interfere with the hatching,” Vaughn explains, his voice steady but tinged with the same anxious anticipation we’re all feeling. Mina shifts back to her human form, checking on each of her newly arrived children with the devoted attention only a mother can provide.
My beloved dragoness joins us, and my heart skips a beat as she kisses me first—that brief touch sending warmth spiraling through my entire being—then graces Vaughn with the same affection before curling into his side with natural grace. “The wait is the hardest part,” Mina’s voice is soft and melodic, filled with maternal wisdom as she kneels and gently touches the clawed finger protruding from the shell.
The finger jerks back quickly, and all I can see is a blazing golden eye peeking out with obvious fear and confusion. A sharp screech echoes from inside the confining shell, and I look over at Vaughn with understanding dawning.
“It’s calling for its mother. He wants your help, Mina,” Vaughn says with a gentle smile that transforms his usually serious features, and I’m struck again by how fatherhood has already softened him.
“That goes against your traditions,” Mina replies, her eyes searching his face for any sign of uncertainty, always so careful to respect the customs of each of her mates.
“He’s half dragon and our firstborn,” Vaughn says with a calm smile that reaches his eyes as he gazes down at our extraordinary woman. “Help our son.” I watch with growing emotion as he crouches down beside her, and together they work with infinite patience to peel away the restrictive egg. Soon the hatchling launches itself from its prison directly at Mina, climbing up into her welcoming arms with a determination that makes me chuckle. Its wings spread wide, using the sharp claws at the tips to maintain its grip, and I notice the protective scales along the wing bones—another gift from its dragon heritage.
“You have a fine child, Vaughn,” I say sincerely, watching with fascination as Mina tenderly touches the two silver horns adorning the top of the hatchling’s head. They’re curved like Mina’s horns but positioned like Vaughn’s when he’s in his shifted form—a perfect blend of both parents.
“Thanks, man,” Vaughn reaches out to touch his son with reverent fingers, and I can see the overwhelming love already radiating from him. “I need to take him for a glide.” Gently, he places the small silver amulet around his son’s neck with carefulprecision. “Just in case,” he adds quietly, looking at Mina as they share a meaningful nod. None of us knows whether the gargoyle curse might affect his half-dragon son, but we’re not taking any chances with this precious life.
“Lee’s back,” Mina announces with a radiant smile that makes my heart soar, and I immediately phase down to ground level to collect my friend and his daughter.
Leander has shifted back to his human form and gazes down at his daughter with such pure adoration that it makes my chest tight with emotion. She prances around him with boundless energy, her tiny hooves striking the ground with surprising confidence. “She’s amazing—absolutely amazing, and fast,” he says, happiness and pride radiating from every word. The joy in his voice is infectious, and I grin widely just watching them together.
“Let’s go join the others,” I offer, extending my hand to him as he reaches down to scoop up his precious daughter with infinite gentleness.
“Did the others hatch?” he asks hopefully, his face lighting up as his daughter nuzzles against his neck with obvious affection.
“Yes, the others hatched. Callan and Vaughn have sons,” I reply with barely contained excitement, watching as Lee presses tender kisses to his daughter’s fuzzy cheeks.
“Honestly, I was hoping for a daughter,” Leander confides in a whisper, accompanied by a secret smile that makes my heart warm.
“Same,” I whisper back conspiratorially, sharing in this moment of paternal confession. The instant Leander’s hand connects with mine, I phase us both back to the upper nest, the familiartingle of displacement magic carrying us through space in the blink of an eye.
We materialize to find Callan’s chick standing proudly between my daughters, their tentacles wrapped around her with gentle support as they help him learn to walk with patient dedication. They move slowly, providing just enough help to keep him steady while allowing him to develop confidence in his own abilities. The sight of my girls caring for their younger sister with such natural instinct fills me with overwhelming pride—they’re growing into such remarkable young women.
Vaughn approaches with his son cradled carefully in his arms, showing the hatchling to Leander with obvious parental pride. “I’m taking my son for his first glide. It’s as important as your daughter’s first run,” he explains to Lee, who nods with complete understanding of that crucial milestone.
“Have a safe flight,” Leander responds warmly, resting a supportive hand on Vaughn’s shoulder in a gesture of brotherhood that makes my heart swell with love for these men who have become more than friends—they’re truly my brothers.
“Thanks, man. See you guys soon,” Vaughn says before heading out of the chamber with his precious cargo, ready to introduce his son to the freedom of flight.
“I’m going to start dinner for everyone,” Balor announces as he passes us, ever the caretaker of our extended family, and I’m struck again by how lucky we are to have him looking after our practical needs.
I scan the room, taking in this perfect scene of family harmony. Leander’s daughter is meeting the other hatchlings with fearless curiosity, while my daughters continue helping Callan’s sonmaster the art of walking. Eventually, they reduce their support to one tentacle each, then finally none at all. The gryphon hatchling and the filly immediately begin romping around the room together, their playful energy filling the space with joy and laughter.
The older dragon hatchlings, except for Allister, sit side by side like tiny sentinels, watching their new family members with protective interest. My daughters have moved to a corner where they can engage in their own roughhousing without risking injury to the smaller ones—always so thoughtful and considerate of others.
When Mina curls into my side and rests her head against my chest, I feel like my world is complete. Her warmth seeps through my shirt, and I can smell the subtle scent of dragon magic that always clings to her beautiful hair. Together we watch the babies explore their new world, and I’m struck by the profound peace that settles over my soul in these quiet moments.
Abraxis disappears briefly, only to return with Balor carrying two large trays loaded with food for both adults and children. We settle together on the comfortable floor, creating individual plates for the new hatchlings while the older ones receive portions similar to the adults. It’s a testament to how seamlessly our unconventional family functions together.
When Vaughn returns with his son, glowing with the satisfaction of a successful first flight, we all gather for our first complete family dinner. Every mate now has at least one child, and my heart feels so full it might burst from the sheer magnitude of love surrounding us. There’s a five-year age gap between the second clutch and this new arrival, but that only adds to the richness of our family dynamic.
The look in Mina’s emerald eyes tells me everything I need to know—everything is finally right in her world. These precious little ones are living proof of our love made flesh, tangible evidence of the bonds that tie us all together. As I watch my beloved dragoness surrounded by her mates and children, her face glowing with contentment, I’m reminded once again that I wouldn’t trade this chaotic, wonderful, extraordinary life for anything in any realm.
This is what true happiness looks like—not just romantic love, but the deep, abiding joy that comes from being part of something bigger than yourself. We’re not just lovers or friends; we’re a family forged by choice, strengthened by adversity, and bound by love that transcends the ordinary boundaries of the heart.
Chapter
Sixteen
Solstice day-
