“Not only will my shoulders kill me by the time we get there, but a hundred miles out from the coast and Gaia is going to ride on my back,” he said.
Most dragons didn’t mind their mates riding on their backs, but Gaia did it without shifting into her humanoid form.
“That’s because I’m not going to plunge to my death if something happens,” Gaia shrugged.
So, Other World gateways it was. It was my cousin Bernard who drove down to the lake to pick us all up in his friend’s truck. It was extended cab, but the love birds decided to ride in the back. Bernard and I talked about everything and anything to keep the topic from landing on Pras Lavender. It had been his mate who found our grandfather’s book among his dead sister’s belongings. So he had a front row seat to a lot of stuff I missed out on.
With the wind ruffling our hair, I had to ask how he felt about the memoir. He was a dad now. So maybe he hadn’t hadtime to read it, but there weren’t many people who were in the same situation as me.
“How do you feel about the memoir?” I finally asked, ripping the bandage off.
“I think it took balls to write it and tell the truth,” Bernard said. “But it doesn’t change anything. Pras’s life and death don’t change. Maybe having all of us know what’s going on helps Pras, but it only reminded me that most people in power are shitheads.”
“Roster’s blood is in our veins,” I whispered, hoping those braving the truck bed wouldn’t hear me.
“So is Pras Lavender’s and Haen’s. So are a lot of peoples’. Look, Nash and I go round and round with what makes someone a villain,” he sighed, thumbs drumming against the wheel as he spoke. “I don’t think having one for a grandpa or a great grandpa or whatever makes you one. It’s not some title you can inherit. Do I feel bad for the people they hurt? Yeah, I do, but I also feel bad for the people who were hurt by Grady Moore, that whacky elf who led the Meadow Clan, and others and I’m not related to the person who hurt them.”
He was right, but I couldn’t shake what I was feeling. Something or someone wanted me in the GGB at that celebration, but it wasn’t a feeling I could explain. Maybe I’d have to fight Ferrick or maybe I just needed to bear witness to him leaving Earthside for good.
“You’re as antsy as Nashen and the others,” Bernard said.
“Why aren’t you?” I asked him.
“Because freaking out won’t stop whatever’s coming,” he shrugged. “We hope for the best and prepare to fight the worst if it comes down to it, cousin. Seriously, that’s what I’ve learned from being a dad. You worry that everything will go wrong but like ninety-five percent of what you worry about never happens. I’m not saying not to be watchful, but when you see the farm, you’ll see why I’m not worried. Security is high and people have come in from everywhere to help. No one wants Ferrick to get loose.”
A bear shifter stood at the only open vehicle entrance to Canton Valley Farm. I should’ve known who he was from all the times I visited the GGB, but I traveled so much that I was lucky I still recognized my cousin.
“Hey, Deon,” Bernard said, rolling down the truck window.
“Deon is from Philip’s brood,”my dragon chimed into my thoughts.“I think he might be Ruben’s biologically, but don’t use that word around the grouchy old bear.”
“I was wondering where Eran took off to. He hasn’t been away from those babies since they were born,” the bear shifter laughed.
“Eh, had to pick up my cousin and his friends,” Bernard said. “How’s it been today?”
“Had to turn back some curious folks who aren’t invited. Ty’s teenage daughter and her friends have tried to sneak in twice. Think they’re going to salt the ceremony grounds. Canton swears he’s about to lock them in the hayloft until this is over,” Deon laughed.
“Fayla is a piece of work,” Bernard nodded. “All good intentions, but she…”
“She’s a teenager,” Deon nodded. “We all got up to dumb stuff back then.”
A car pulled up behind us and Bernard waved to Deon before pulling forward.
“Thanks for letting us stay,” I said to Bernard.
“Don’t piss off the women or omegas. Don’t wake up Brazzen. Seriously, if he’s asleep you keep your mouth shut. Plus, watch out because he’s moving around and likes to hunt toes and if you kick my kid, I’ll toss you out the window. Same goes for your friends.”
I blinked. Bernard had never been a push over, but he’d definitely changed since meeting his mate and having a kid. Maybe he’d changed before that, but it had been too long since I had last seen him to realize it.
“I’m not joking,” Bernard killed the engine. “You can go on in. I need to take Eran his truck back.”
“Are you really okay with having us here?” I arched a brow.
“I am, but things are different now. We’re a family home and not a flop house. Also, if Nashen hisses at or scratches one of you all, my first question will be what did you do to him or the baby. Don’t pick up the baby unless he climbs on you or you ask Nashen first. Bree carries him around sometimes. You’re not Bree. So don’t try that. She’s become Nashen’s new best friend.”
“Are you okay with that?” I asked.
“Yeah. I like Bree,” Bernard shrugged.
