“She was a dancer at a club,” I said.
“Yes, I read that in the report. Once she had you, she became a teacher?”
I nodded. “She taught at an elementary school. And she taught dance on the side for extra money.”
“I’m sorry that I wasn’t there. And I know I can’t make up for that now, but I can provide financial assistance for you now. And your child.”
I bit my lip. That was the plan. That was the whole reason I came here, so that my child would have a better life than I had. It was what all parents wanted. And I would take whatever Cael had to offer, even if it went against my beliefs. Just because he sired me didn’t mean I was entitled to anything.
Only now circumstances had changed…
I had a mate that actually wanted me and wanted our child.
Did Cael know that?
Could I tell him?
How was he going to react to the fact that his head of security was mated to his son? I may have learned a few things about Cael that contradicted the public image he portrayed, but he was still very much the powerful man that took down his enemies without a second thought.
I wasn’t comfortable sharing the news without Dain’s permission.
“I can see your wheels turning, Nym. You should know that there isn’t anything that happens in the house without me knowing.”
“Oh.” So he did know. Or he thought he did. I wasn’t about to offer any information he didn’t have. This could be a trap.
“Oh is right. Is my bodyguard the father of your child?”
I nodded.
“I figured as much.” Cael leaned back and pondered for a moment. “I suppose there are worse sons-in-law I could have. But if he hurts you or doesn’t take care of you in the way you deserve, then he’ll feel my wrath in a way that—”
I held up a hand. “Cael. Dad… don’t.” I laughed. “That’s not necessary. Dain is… He’s the best mate I could ask for. We had a rocky start, but the two of us are working it out. Just the two of us. We don’t need any outside assistance.”
Cael grinned. “I can respect that. The offer stands, but I will keep my thoughts to myself until I am asked.”
“Thank you,” I said.
“I’d really like to get to know you better. You and Preston are welcome to stay here as long as you need.”
I sighed. I really shouldn’t accept that. I should stand on my own two feet and figure out my life, but why not let myself stay near my mate while I work on opening my own business? It only made sense to stay here.
“I’d like that,” I said. “You can start by telling me about my half siblings. Eventually I’d like to meet them, if they want.”
Cael smiled and seemed to relax, like I was the one making him nervous. And maybe I was. Maybe he was just a regular guy behind all that tough dragon facade. “They’d love that.”
Chapter 14
Dain
I raised a hand to knock on Nym’s door when it flew open, and Nym was standing there, a shy smile on his face.
“I sensed you close by,” he said.
My eyes widened, and I couldn’t help but smile back. “You can do that?”
He shrugged. “Apparently. It wasn’t just that I heard you. I just knew instinctively that it was you.” He put a hand over his chest and rubbed. “It was like I felt you getting closer. Here.”
“I like that,” I said. A warm, fuzzy feeling filled my chest, and I couldn’t hide the smile on my face if I was forced to.
