A knock came to the door, and Boone went to open it, Triton striding in. “What has happened, brother? I heard a ruckus.”
Talon looked down at Mercury.I need your strength, brother. I need him to wake up. Together we can give him some energy.Gods, he was grateful his brother was there.
Well, of course.Triton came to him immediately, no question. His brother’s hands covered his own scarred ones. Forall that Talon slashed through the world, Triton was way more like a hammer—a big, pointed, iron-clad war hammer.
And the blow of energy into Mercury after they joined hands was enough to make him gasp and his eyes fly open. “Well, hello!”
Then Mercury looked at Triton and grinned, and his brother just smiled back, the look weirdly angelic.
“Hey, Mercury, welcome home!”
“Did he make it? Did someone get the new dragon help? He was very hungry. He was going to eat us!”
“I noticed you didn’t ask after me,” Kami said, his voice dry as dust.
Mercury rolled his eyes. “Like I would have ever left you. You’re my good friend.” Mercury grinned, the expression wicked. “And you were the one who knew where home was. Wow, look at all the sparklies! Hi, Triton! Hey, Anemone.” Mercury snuggled into Talon’s chest.Oh, I’m so glad to be home. That was so scary. I swear I didn’t mean to go. It was just… I don’t think either one of us intended it.
If you’d intended it, you would have been in really big trouble. As it is, we’re going to have to work on your internal no-ness.
Myno-ness?
Talon nodded.Yes, your no-ness, as in, no, I can’t slide today. No, we are not going to some strange place to find a rock. No.
Mercury chuckled, rubbing his face against Talon’s chest.No-ness. I love it. Anemone will help?
She says she will, yes.
“I’m hungry,” Mercury said aloud. “Is anyone else hungry?”
Talon had to laugh. “I bet Kami is.”
“Oh my God, yes. That cold space while we were sliding was like, super draining. I could eat an entire side of beef.”
“I want doughnuts,” Mercury stated. “Filled ones. Jam. Cream. And I want a patty melt. Did you know about patty melts, Talon?”
He nodded somberly, trying for serious. “Boone and Durango introduced me to them.”
“So good. And the dragon? His name is uh…”
“Dannol.” Kami put that in. “Why isn’t anyone ordering food?”
Reno rolled his eyes and pulled out his phone. “Give me your orders everyone.”
“Doughnuts!”
“French dip!”
“Patty melts!”
Anemone’s laughter filled the air. “Can I have a turkey sandwich, please?”
Talon sat back, Mercury in his arms, and he was so relieved he just let everything wash over him, Triton still gripping his hand.
This was the best family a dragon could have. And he loved them all so much.
Now they just had to keep everyone safe. Especially his best friend and his mate, who seemed determined to find trouble.
Not determined. It was an accidental thing. Honest.Kami met his eyes.I swear to you. I heard the baby’s stone, and I was so excited I grabbed his hand. I didn’t even try.
