“Well, you won’t be the first, but I’m very happy to accept your congratulations,” Angelle said.
“You are most welcome here in Whispers.” Destroy turned and left the kitchen. He went straight to Brandt and shook his hand. “Welcome back. Who are these people?” he asked.
Brandt shook his head with a grin. “This is Avaleigh GreyStorm, and her mate Daniel GreyStorm. They are Angelle’s parents. Uncle Daniel, Aunt Avaleigh, this is Destroy.”
“Of the now you’re warm, oh no, now you’re hot, oh, look, now you’re cold story?” Daniel asked.
Destroy laughed. “The very same. GreyStorm. That’s a great name. I need to look into a new name. Destroy GreyStorm,” Destroy said.
“GreyStorm is taken,” Daniel said.
“Hmm? Oh, yes, of course. What a pleasure to meet you both. On behalf of the community, and Enthrall, who is our official leader, welcome to Whispers. If you need anything or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.”
“Thank you,” Avaleigh said.
“RedStorm. ThunderStorm! Oh, I like that one. Destroy ThunderStorm!” Destroy said.
“You don’t have a name!” Lore snapped from his place on the floor with Elijah.
“Yes, I do. It’s Destroy.”
“A last name,” Lore said.
“Of course not. That’s why I’m considering one,” he said, as he strode across the floor and plopped down beside Lore and Elijah. “Hello, little magic Bear boy!” Destroy said, reaching out to tickle Elijah’s chin.
Elijah snapped at Destroy’s finger.
Destroy yanked back his finger and cried out dramatically and cradled his finger as though he was in pain.
Elijah dissolved into laughter. That deep baby belly laugh that never fails to cause anyone within earshot to laugh as well.
Destroy smiled and intentionally reached out to tickle Elijah’s chin again.
Predictably, Elijah snapped at him again, dissolving into laughter when Destroy pretended to be hurt even more dramatically than the first time.
“Can you go away? I am bonding with my great grand nephew, Elijah.”
“By my calculations, he’s your great, great, great and many more greats grand nephew. You’re very old, Lore.” Destroy said. “Let me know if you need help getting up off the floor.”
“Go away,” Lore said, his voice measured and controlled. “I was here first.”
“No. You go away. Oh, look! Two Dragons to anger over there! Go play with them,” Destroy said, as he tuned Lore out and started playing with Elijah again.
“I met him first,” Lore said.
“No, you didn’t. His mother met him first,” Destroy said.
Lily shook her head as she and Tempest sharing a knowing look. “You’re going to have to have another one, or assign visiting times.”
Chapter 12
Hours later after Lore and Destroy had tired of fighting over Eli, and Eli was ready for bath and bedtime, Tempest and Brandt began to gather their and Eli’s things.
“What are you doing?” Destroy asked, realizing they were preparing to go.
“He’s tired, and fussy. We’re going to take him home and give him a bath and get him ready for bedtime,” Tempest said.
“He’s not tired. He just wants Destroy to go away,” Lore said.
