Draco sucked in a breath, feeling the last of his anger dissipate.
“You are doing well, my son. Don’t let your mother fool you. She’s proud of you as well.”
“I know she is.”
“She’s already put out a call to all of the aunties.”
Draco groaned again.
“The aunties?” Eduard asked.
“All of the other dragon moms she knows.”
Eduard visibly gulped. “And, um, what did she tell them?”
“They are ready to go to war for you and yours,” Blaise said. “Your mother has deep bonds in the community. She is highly respected among our kind for her wisdom and generosity. She gives without asking for anything in return.”
Draco’s throat tightened and he looked once more toward his mother. “But she asked this time.”
“She did. And they are all prepared.”
Draco leaned into his father’s touch once more, and then left him with Eduard to keep discussing strategy. He’d seen the gleam in his father’s eye. He’d grill Eduard about his thought process, and Eduard would enjoy it since he wasn’t being challenged by his mother’s tone. He went to her and wrapped his arm over her shoulder. She leaned into him, wrapping her arm around his waist, never pausing in her conversation with Sawyer and Augustus. They had similar temperaments, and each were champions at wordless apologies.
They’d butted heads so often over the years, but he never doubted her fierce devotion to him. He should have invited her sooner, made it a priority to introduce her to his mates. It had to have hurt, especially if she knew they’d gone to see the griffins first.
“Son, show me your home.”
Draco turned his attention to her, pulled from his thoughts. “Sure, Mom. Whatever you want.”
She huffed at him and he grinned back.
“So much attitude. I raised you better.”
“No, you didn’t,” Draco said. He winked at her and guided her toward the house. “I learned attitude from you.”
She scoffed, but Draco knew she was pleased.
He led her through the kitchen where Viv had the rest of the stuff jumping at her command. He showed her the formal dining room, then the entry where Eduard had hung some of his favorite art. Then the office and library. He opened the door to their bedroom and she poked her head inside.
“Excellent. You’re able to stay together. I was concerned, son.”
“Eduard had the bed made for us.”
“I like your griffin.”
“Yeah?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t have thought to buy up all the surrounding land.”
“I wouldn’t have either.”
“Although it frustrated my plans, it was necessary.”
“I’ll tell him you said so.”
“Draco,” Dalinda paused and her eyes filled with fear. He reached for her hand.
“Mom.”
