Arson snorts a laugh.
Lake pouts. “What about you, Monty? Oh, Sorry. Xaze.”
A wave of heat radiates off my pretty mate. I’ve noticed it happens every time he feels loved or included by my family.
“Purple is a lovely color.”
Lake perks up.
“But,” Xaze continues, “I think you could accomplish what you want with a bold purple-based wallpaper and keeping the stairs in their natural state.”
Everyone stops talking, shifting their attention to Lake and Nico. No one even bothers trying to sway my brother’s mate when he’s got his heart set on something, least of all Nico, who’d rather burn the house down than deny him.
Dempsey seems to be holding his breath as he squeezes Hemingway’s hand, but Xaze lifts his wineglass and calmly takes a sip.
“Not a bad suggestion,” Lake says, and a collective sigh of relief spreads around the table. “The upkeep is easier too.”
“Absolutely. I’d love to help you pick out something.”
Lake’s face lights up. “Ooh, a mate shopping trip.”
Draydon groans.
“With that settled,” Lord begins, lifting his wineglass. “I’d like to say something.”
Now we’re all focused on Lord. He swirls his glass, his brow creased for a moment before relaxing.
“Our family has nearly doubled in the last year or so, and I thought it was time I addressed the new energy in the compound.”
I scrunch my nose. Where is he going with this?
“We’ve welcomed two mortals, a wolf, and a demon. I’m sure none of us expected this, but…” He pauses as a warm smile spreads across his lips. “But oh how fate has blessed us. I am so proud to witness it, and the love that flows between you all soothes my soul.” He lifts his glass slightly higher. “So here’s to us, the Drakes.”
“May fate continue to shine upon us,” I add.
“Here, here,” Nico says.
“You’re definitely next, Lord,” Lake says with a big smile. “I swear something’s in the air.”
“When it’s my time, I welcome it.” A flicker of something that looks like longing crosses his face.
We finish our meal, talking and drinking well into the night. Hours later, just as the moon rises high in the sky, I lead Xaze through the living room at Lord’s house to the foyer, but we’re all startled by a loud thud coming from the courtyard.
Pushing Xaze behind me, I open the front door and rush out, quickly followed by my brothers.
“Gods of fire.” I hurry to the mangled body, half human and half dragon, in the grass. “It’s a dragon,” I call out.
Lord pushes past me, kneeling down and flipping the wounded dragon onto his back. The poor beast has a sword in his chest.
“Oh no,” Lake gasps, leaning into Nico.
“Judre,” Lord whispers, cradling the dragon’s head in his lap. “What happened to you?”
The man’s eyes flicker open, focusing on my brother. “I found you.”
His voice is weak, barely audible.
“I’m here, Judre. Talk to me.”
