"Good job," Keoni murmured, and the words sent warmth floating through me as I let my eyes flutter shut.
Just before I fell asleep, something warm and soft pressed against my forehead, and my lips curved in a smile as I floated away.
Nine
Keoni
This was one ofmy favorite ways to spend time, and the fact that Zephyr was here too made it even better.
We were in a clearing in Forest, and Silas had brought over some chairs from the Dining Room. Dustin and Zephyr were in the chairs, while Khush's tail was wound around the tree branch he lay on as he watched over Dustin from above and chimed into the conversation every now and then.
Liam and Haruto were there too. Liam's shop was closed for the day—he'd kept it open every day so they could keep Khush and Dustin company, and was now taking a well-deserved break—and he sat leaning against Haruto, who was in his human form for the moment, probably because Silas, who was terrified of spiders, sat beside him with his mate, Touya.
Nolan and Zamir sat beside me, with Zamir cradled between Nolan's legs, his back against the dragon's chest. They looked very much in love, and the sight made me happy. I knew how lonely Zamir had been until he met Nolan, and I loved seeing him so besotted and adored.
The only Forest resident who wasn't here was Draven. When Silas had gone over to invite him, he'd replied with his usual grunt that meant he wasn't interested or that he'd drop by at some point. While Draven wasn't very social, we all knew he cared about us. He was all about actions and gestures.
I leaned into Zephyr's chair, gazing down at him as he talked with Dustin about who knew what. I couldn't really focus on his words, though the warm cadence of his voice washed over me like a warm, comforting wave.
When I'd first come to the Sanctuary, I'd been instantly enamored by him. At first, I'd thought I was just grateful since he'd saved my life. But when Draven made the cart and made it possible for me to walk again, I realized what I felt for Zephyr wasn't gratitude after all.
But since I'd lied about my age, I knew he would just push me away if I started expressing any interest in him, so I'd pushed those feelings away, and after a while, I'd managed to put him firmly in the friends category.
It was why I'd taken weeks to confirm it after the stars told me we were mates. I'd been worried my wishful thinking had made me read it wrong, but after multiple readings, I couldn't doubt it anymore. Zephyr was my mate.
Now that the Sanctuary was fixed and Khush and Dustin were back home, I could finally pursue him without restrictions. Zephyr took care of everyone with such dedication, and I wantedto take care of him. He deserved it, after everything he'd done for everyone here.
I didn't think I'd be able to do it alone, though. I'd need assistance from my friends, though I had a feeling they'd be only too happy to help. After all, Zeph had never asked them for anything in return for everything he gave them except a bit of magic.
"What do you think?" Zephyr asked as he glanced up at me, his blue eyes all warm and sparkly, and I blinked.
"Huh?" I asked like a dumbass, and he chuckled.
"Names, Keoni. We're thinking up names for the baby."
My eyes widened. "Oh! I've got a bunch!" I exclaimed as I took out my phone and pulled up the list I'd started making a few months ago.
"You do?" Dustin asked, and I grinned at him.
"Yeah. Ever since you two announced it, I've been noting down any good names I came across in books."
Dustin's eyes widened, then filled with tears, and I winced.
"Should I not have done that? I mean, obviously, you'll pick the actual name. I just thought you might like having the options. I looked up their meanings too, and—"
"It's okay, chill," Khush said as he dropped down from the tree and wrapped an arm around his mate, letting him cover his shirt in tears. "They're happy tears."
"Oh, phew," I mumbled as I pulled up the list and handed my phone to Khush.
He gazed at the screen, then shot me a smile before showing it to Dustin. "Look. It's alphabetized and everything."
I blushed at the teasing edge in his voice, then shrugged. I wasn't embarrassed of the effort I'd put into it. There wasn't much I could do to help Khush and Dustin on this journey of theirs, and I hoped this could make up for that a little.
Dustin took the phone from Khush as he wiped his eyes, and his lips parted as he scrolled. Okay, so it wasn't a small list. I just wanted him to have a good set of options to choose from, but I may have gone a bit overboard.
"Dude, you could make one of those baby name books with this list," Khush joked, and Dustin smacked his arm.
"Don't tease!" He beamed up at me, my phone clutched tightly in his hand. "Thank you, Keoni. This is wonderful. Can I send it to myself to look at later?"
