Are you sure, Angel? I’ll work something out if you really want to stay here. I want you happy, Angus thought to me.
I’m sure. Your place is there. You have an important position with your king, and you make me happy. So, I’ll be happy.
He grinned at me and nodded.
“Are there houses nearby?” my mom asked.
“Krispin owns the entire mountain and all the cabins on it. I’m sure that if you wanted to move there, he’d welcome you. I know my parents are very likely going to be moving there. Especially with their grandchildren being born,” Angus replied.
“Grandchildren. You plan to have children?” she asked excitedly. I guessed I should tell her she was going to be a grandma. I didn’t know if she understood I could become pregnant.
“Yes, mom. Actually—I’m pregnant,” I said.
My father’s jaw dropped, and my mom let loose a squeal.
“Oh, then we’re definitely going to need a place in Colorado. We’re going to be grandparents, Danny!” she said with joy.
“Congratulations!” Cam and Jackson said in unison. Lydia jumped up and hugged me.
The sliding door opened, and James and two other men walked out. They wore grim looks on their faces. Lydia pulled back and looked curiously at James.
“Carson, Basil? What are you doing here?” Angus asked, obviously knowing the men who smelled like vampires.
“Master Stephen asked us to come here at the behest of King Krispin,” one man said.
Angus tensed. “What happened?” he asked.
Both men, including James, grimaced. Whatever happened must be terrible.
“Aaran is missing.”
Angus
“What do you mean, Aaran is missing?” I asked. Knowing Krispin had wanted him to follow up on Harper worried me. My dragon rumbled and paced in my mind.
“A few days ago, there was a report that Bazer and possibly Harper were hiding in the mountains to the southwest. With the king’s permission, Aaran and two gargoyles from the Chadwick clutch took off to investigate. None of them have reported in since they left, even after being ordered to check in every morning,” Basil said.
“Addison?” I asked. I’d have thought he’d be here.
“Addison and Roarke are searching the mountains for them. Master Stephen has ordered Colin to remain with Ben and Devin. He also asked that we come and inform you of what happened before we join the search.”
I knew Carson was a skilled tracker. I turned to Embry. My mate—I couldn’t just leave my pregnant mate. My dragon recoiled at the idea of leaving him in this state.
It’s okay. Aaran’s your brother. Go find him. I’ll stay here; I heard Embry whisper in my mind.
Angel, I don’t know. Last time I left to do my duty instead of searching for you, you ended up hurt. I couldn’t bear itif something happened to you again. Especially now that you carry our child, I responded.
I’m sure James will watch over me, and I won’t go anywhere without an escort. I’ll even be in contact with you and talk to you unless there is a distance limit to our bond.
There is no distance limit. I will always hear you; I vowed.
Then it’s settled. You need to go. You need to find Aaran.
He was right. I still didn’t like it, but I needed to join the search. I lifted an eyebrow at James. “Will you watch over Embry?” I asked.
He nodded. “With my life. He will be protected. Someone will always be with him.”
I looked at Basil and Carson. “When do we leave?”
