“Way to go, little bro. You scored yourself a protector,” Upalo teased.
“Hmph, don’t you mean Odem is the lucky one. I mean after all, he scored me.”
“Ha-ha, aye, my love. I am indeed one lucky dragon.” I laid one on him to the joyful tune of a room filled with groans.
About that time, Emerson arrived and handed Cade off to Caro. “And this is my mate, Emerson, Dragon Archivist, and our son, Cade.”
“Dinner is at our home tonight, a welcome to the family celebration. There you’ll meet my mate, Alex, and our brood.” Ionus was quite happy. Our family was expanding, as was our knowledge base regarding other dragon clans, and as to why Dragon City was growing at an alarming rate. Long gone are the days of rest and relaxation.
Are you seeing what I’m seeing, mate?
Aye, Mattias hasn’t left Kes’s side.
I was referring to Upalo and Rory.
Oh, snap! Hadn’t caught that one.
The Goddess was a busy bee today.
I’d love nothing more than to have my brother living amongst us. I hope we find our mother and birth father soon.
I promise you, my love, if they are out there we will find them.
I wished our parents were here. They’d love watching their family grow and spoiling the dragonets. But I knew they watched over us from the great beyond. At times, I felt a surge through bonds, bonds that long since lay dormant.
Mattias?Ionus questioned.
Could it be?Mattias response, filled with hope.
I do truly hope so, brother.
Me too. I feel something, yet I dare not hope having waited so long. But why does the connection I see between us have a third.
Dear Goddess, can it be true?I laughed so loud all heads turned my way.
No? I’ve heard of triads from long ago. Would she surely resurrect those connections now?
Aye, she would.Now it was Ionus who garnered everyone’s attention. His deep chuckle filled the room. “This is truly a blessed day.” His announcement was met with a round of gleeful cheers. Mattias, our somber, keep to himself brother, part of a triad. Nothing would be more perfect than to witness his life turned upside down in the best of ways.
My tired mate yawned and I rose with Ronan comfortably cradled in my arms. “Excuse me, gentlemen, I’ve got a sleepy pregnant mate to tend to. Help yourselves to whatever you need. The kitchen is stocked and your bathrooms are as well. Welcome again, brothers.”
“What a truly glorious day,” my mate said as I laid him in bed. “The eggs will be here soon. Our house will be full of love and laughter. My brother may have found his mate. Blessed. The Goddess has truly blessed us.”
“That she has, many times over.” Our lips met in a chaste kiss, then I kissed his belly. “Sweet dreams, sleepy family.” By the time I’d shut the door, Ronan was nestled between his sunshine pillows, dozing off.
“Canyon went upstairs to get some sleep,” Upalo informed me as I rejoined those who were still here. “The plan is for the four of them to leave after the welcome dinner tonight.”
“Why don’t the rest of you join us for our morning practice on the training pitch at sunrise tomorrow?” Ionus offered.
“I’d be honored to be trained by the protectors,” Upalo bowed. “I can’t believe that not only did I find my brother, but the true protectors as well. How is it no others have?”
“Our lands are protected by our High Priestess, Raven. I believe you met her when you were at the police station?” At least, I was certain they had.
“Yes,” Upalo said, “she’s a bit frightening.”
“Ha-ha,” I chuckled. “She can be, but she’s a true friend, and delivers the protectors’ mate’s eggs. It’s best to stay on her good side,” I winked.
“Noted. So, where exactly do all these dragons live?”
