“Let’s get you something to eat, nugget,” Alaric said.
“Shall I make us lunch?” I suggested.
Alaric sighed wistfully, leaning his head on my arm. “Oh, thank gods. I forgot you’re talented in all things and can actually cook.”
“It’s one of my many skills, kitten.”
He swatted my chest. “Save the pet names for when we have a babysitter, you green-haired pervert.”
I laughed. “You haven’t called me that in a while. It’s almost nostalgic.”
Alaric’s eyes gleamed, sharing the feeling. “All this because of a little breaking-and-entering, huh?”
“And misplaced rage,” I added.
My mate stuck out his chest, looking proud of himself. “Was it really misplaced if I got what I wanted in the end?”
“I suppose not.” I leaned down to kiss his cheek. “In any case, I’m very happy you came to harass and interrogate me that night.”
He grinned. “I am, too.”
22
Epilogue: Alaric
My life wasnothing less than a dream. It was another gorgeous day on the island, and I was spending it with my mate and baby on the white sand beach. A sapphire-blue sky stretched overhead, and a delicate breeze tickled my sunscreen-coated skin. The air smelled fresh and sweet, like salt and jasmine flowers.
I sighed, totally relaxed in both body and soul. I took a sip from the honeyed milk tea Jade had prepared for me, then mulled over whether I should eat my biscuits now or save them for later. Though if I did that, there was always the possibility Mint could sneak them into his own mouth. Sneaky little chicken nugget.
As I reclined in my beach chair, an abrupt curiosity wormed its way into my mind.
“Does it have a name?” I asked suddenly.
Beside me, Jade and Mint were huddled together in the shade of an umbrella, engrossed in a story book. Mint took after his father when it came to books, which I thought was sweet.
Jade glanced up from the story. It was about an amaranth snake, which made absolutely no sense, but Mint loved it.
“Doeswhathave a name?” Jade replied.
I lowered my sunglasses. “Come on. You know.”
“I’m afraid I do not.”
I smirked. “Theotherdragon.”
Jade’s confusion turned to amusement. “Ah, I understand. What happened to keeping it PG?”
“It was a simple question,” I teased.
“The answer is: no, it does not,” Jade said wryly. “Get your mind out of the gutter, kitten.”
I shrugged, taking an innocent sip of my tea. “I’m just saying, babysitters are available.”
Jade chuckled. “You’re incorrigible.”
“I’m many things. And you love them all.”
“Guilty as charged,” he said, smiling.
