“As heshouldbe taken from you,” Ian hissed.
“Robert,” Dean snapped. “Please remove Ian from this room. His voice is giving me a headache.”
Robert and two burly dragons stood. Ian paled, then hustled from the hall with the three big dudes behind him. I glared at Dean.
“Why didn’t you come forward and say so years ago?”
“My boy, we couldn’t find you. We tried. You hid yourself far too well. I do apologize for Ian’s behavior. I can’t imagine what his problem with you is. Had he not been so – misguided – we’d have invited you to tell us what happened back then.”
“Where does this – misguidedness – come from?”
“I’ve no idea, but from now on, Ian won’t be our council liaison any longer.” Dean sighed. “Maybe Iceland would be a better choice for him.”
I laughed just as Jacy and Declan hugged me, each tucking their bodies under my arms. “I’d love to see that, sir.”
“Your young lady is also a dragon?” Dean asked.
“I am, sir,” Jacy answered with a smile. “Though I don’t know my parentage. I found out I’m a dragon just recently.”
“That’s a shame.” Dean smiled. “I’m sure your parents would be proud of you, my dear.”
“I hope so, sir.”
“Well.” Dean rapped his knuckles on the table. “That’s it. Avery, have a safe drive home with your family.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“My cats are in the car,” Declan announced with a note of defiance. “They need me.”
Dean’s smile widened as chuckles abounded around the table. “I adore cats, young man. If I ever hear of you not caring for them properly, I’ll summon you to this council.”
Declan grinned. “Will you come see them?”
“My boy, I’d love to.”
Chapter Seventeen
Jacy
“We’re fated to be together. Can’t you feel it?”
Avery and I sat together on the sofa, the TV off and the dancing firelight the only illumination. Outside, a fierce storm struck the region, blowing snow and ice past the windows. I listened to the wind howl over the snapping and crackling of the flames and felt safe. Happy, warm, and very much in love.
“Yeah, I do,” I murmured. “Hard to believe I came here just a few months ago. Now look at us. In love. With a wonderful future ahead.”
He squeezed me more tightly, his hand resting against my stomach. “Is it time to think about planting a baby dragon in there?”
“I don’t know,” I answered, unsure if I was ready for a pregnancy. Motherhood, absolutely. I already thought of Declan as my son.
“You want more kids, don’t you?”
“Sure. In time.”
Avery kissed my cheek. “I can wait until you’re ready.”
Breathing deeply, I smiled into his Nordic blue eyes. “Thanks.”
“We should consider getting married first,” Avery mused. “In the spring?”
