Amethyst Storms (Primordial Protectors #1)

18. Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Seventeen

Ionus

Cocky dragon.

The scaly beast rumbled beneath the surface, preening and itching to fly.

Give me a few moments. Let’s get our mate situated first.

I did this! I gave us these perfect lives and twins at that.

Hey, I had a hand, err, part in this, too.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. We must inform our brothers.

Oh, yes.

Brothers, wonderful news.

Do tell, don’t leave us hanging, Mattias immediately clapped back.

Three eggs, four younglings.

Wait, what? Odem’s confusion forced a smile.

True dragon twins! The first in ages per the midwife.

I swear every brother, and every dragon cheered at the same time, nearly deafening me.

Leave it to Ionus to show us all up and kick out four at one time.

Smart-ass , though the cross words directed at Quint held no malice. I was too damn happy to be mad at anyone and he was only being cheeky.

Anyone up for stretching their wings?

A round of yeses echoed through.

Let me get my mate situated and I’ll meet you on the practice field say in thirty?

I scooped Alexander up and twirled with my mate in my arms. “Four. Four younglings. My love, if I were any happier I myself would be twins.”

He giggled. “You’re silly. I’m excited and nervous and a whole bunch of other verbs I can’t quite pinpoint.”

“Where shall I deliver you to?”

“I can walk, silly dragon.”

“Yes, but our dragon and I are both far too excited so indulge us and let me carry you before I meet my brothers for a celebratory flight.” Goddess, how long had it been since I’d flown? Our life had been a whirlwind since Alexander walked into it, in the best of ways, though of constant forward motion. I was thankful our dragon was as enthralled with our mate as I was, or he’d have surfaced without permission already.

Permission? Pfft, who needs permission? Surely not I.

True. He was a hell of a beast to harness when riled.

“How about the library and a charcuterie tray of cheeses, meats, olives, and maybe some grapes, though you won’t be there to feed them to me.”

“Anything else, your majesty? Perhaps a foot rub and a full body massage?” Though the words were said in jest, the full body massage was a pleasurable option for both and one I’d be all over tonight. Literally and figuratively.

“All of the above. When you return, of course. Our dragon will be ready to play with his mate with all the adrenaline coursing through him.”

“Don’t forget, there are others in the house now that can hear.” Knox’s voice took the wind from our sails as our dragon groaned and Alexander’s face reddened.

“Duly noted.” Though with him in the other wing of the house…

“Gramps! Three eggs, four babies!” Alexander cheered, and the smile returned to my face.

“Oh lordy. Four of you? Is everything in this house flame-proof?”

“Sadly, no. Challenges I will remedy before the eggs hatch.” Research was required for flame-proof draperies and furnishings. No wonder our kind preferred caves, nothing flammable in there.

“I’m happy for you two, really I am.” Knox teared up. “I only wish your parents could be here to enjoy this with us.”

Alexander rustled in my arms. I put him down and he went straight into Knox’s embrace. Goddess wouldn’t be able to protect anyone found to have had a hand in their deaths.

“All right, enough of this blubbering. Let’s get you fed now that you’re eating for twelve.”

“Twelve?” Alexander protested. “So not funny, Gramps. I’d be the size of a house.”

“Might be anyways, boy. Look at the size of your dragon. If you think you’re laying Easter eggs you’re in for a big surprise.”

Blink, blink.

Either my mate was in shock or…

“Knox, stop teasing him. He’s nervous enough.” I kissed the top of Alexander’s head. “Have a seat in the library, my love, and I’ll bring you a snack.”

“Could Gramps make me ceviche instead? Please?”

Teasingly, he batted his lashes.

“Oh lordy, Ionus. You and I are in for one demanding pregnancy dealing with this one.” He hooked a thumb in Alexander’s direction who was still working the puppy dog eyes. “If the owner of the house is good with my invading his kitchen, I’ll do my best to feed your pregnant mate.”

“Invade away. My brothers and I are stretching our wings for a bit.” A brief moment of sorrow crossed Knox’s face, though he righted it just as quickly. “You’re welcome to any space within our home.” Wasn’t quite at the trust him enough to show him the caves portion, though I was sure that would change. I hoped. Instincts had always served me well and I hoped this time was no different.

With a quick kiss, I left my mate in his grandfather’s capable hands and was off to meet my brothers.

I stripped down in the mudroom, which was basically an oversized laundry and shower room to rinse off as I came back inside in. With my clothes hung on the hooks next to a bathrobe, I stepped outside and shifted then took to the skies.

My dragon broke into a round of figure eights, happy roars and random breathy flames surrounding us. I could hear my brothers nearby, doing the same. This was truly a momentous occasion. Not only for my mate and I but for my family and dragon kind alike.

Maybe when we find the others, we’ll find our mates.

How lonely had my brothers been? Rarely did they show such emotion as they sated their needs in town. Mattias too longed for a mate, given his words.

There is hope for all. My faith in this has been restored.

Brother, we are there for you and Alex. Whatever you need, just ask.

Thank you, Caro. Right now, it appears an education in flame-proof materials is high on the list.

My brothers’ laughter rang out as thunderous roars. The elements shook around us, though it quickly settled. At times of levity, it was easy to forget how truly formidable we were and the level of power we harnessed.

Though I had a feeling all too soon the limits of said powers would be tested.

I landed with a thud, my thoughts changing with that realization. Long gone was the elation, replaced by fear for the potential battles ahead.

What’s wrong, Ionus? Quint asked as he landed beside me.

I just can’t help but feel that our limits are about to be tested and not only by rogue younglings running around.

I for one can’t wait to play with them.

That’s because you’re mentally the same age, Odem.

And now Odem and Quint were wrestling around. Mind you, still in dragon form, therefore the earth beneath them shook with each blow.

“Enough!” Caro bellowed, having already shifted into human form. “Not in the mood for your shenanigans. This is serious.”

“Hopefully Raven will soon have an update. I must return to my mate and get the nest sorted out.” And I had a surprise for him.

We have a surprise for our mate.

Yes, Dragon, we.

“I’ll reach out to Raven and let you know.” Mattias took his leave as did the rest of us down the respective tunnels toward our homes. Though the walk wasn’t long, and flying was faster, I had the urge to check on the stones along the way.

“We are of the same mind, brother.”

“Yes, Caro. That we are.”

My amethyst stone shone brightly, still pulsating and humming as it had since Alexander and I mated. “What does it mean?”

“I wish we knew. Emerson, much to his own detriment, has been working round the clock scouring endless tomes for the answer.”

“Is there something there to share?” Was that the correct way to phrase it?

He sighed. “I wish I knew. The draw is strong and though we’ve never been intimate, I won’t deny the desire is there.”

“What does your dragon tell you?”

“Mate. Claim.”

“Aye, as did mine with Alexander.”

“Great. I get the mate who’s on the verge of madness.”

“When first I realized Alexander was my mate, I called the Fates cruel,” I smiled at the fond memory. “As per their calling, they were correct, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. While we may never understand how they choose, we must trust in their choices. Maybe you’re the key to turning his world around.”

“Maybe.”

“Given what he shared with us of his upbringing, there may be trauma to contend with. Don’t let anger with his behavior drive you, let your heart and your dragon lead.”

“Wise words, brother. Wise words indeed. And with that, I’ll take my leave and venture into town.”

“Be safe, brother.”

“Always.”

With a final glance at the stones, back up the tunnel I went and into the house, though I wasn’t expecting to walk right into numerous bodies inside my house.

Are you well, my love? Is something wrong?

Everything is fine. Raven had some news to share, and I was just about to call out to you. While I love your naked ass, why don’t you cover it for our guests.

Yes, of course.

“Excuse me while I dress.” With a quick dart to the mudroom, I dressed and returned to our waiting guests moments later. “My apologies.”

“Not the first time I’ve seen your naked ass and I’m sure not the last,” Raven teased. “We come bearing information.”

“Let us adjourn to the library.” One of the gentlemen with her carried a myriad of items and the meeting table in there would sufficiently seat the lot.

We stepped inside and he proceeded to roll out the parchment he had and sat an antique box beside it.

“This is Carver, our coven leader. He’d like to conduct a locator spell which requires…” she trailed off.

“A piece of us,” Mattias answered for her. “The removal of a scale is quite painful.”

“Aye, it is,” I fiddled with my father’s scale in my pocket that I carried with me always, as did my brothers. “This one should be strong enough.” I slid it onto the table, the colors an iridescent hue of the five of us, near rainbow in formation. I could only image how breathtaking our father was in all his glory.

Raven understood the complexity of the gesture and squeezed my hand. “I can assure you nothing will happen to it, and it will not leave this room.”

“Thank you.”

Mate?

We each carry one of our father’s scales with us. Morbid, I know.

Not morbid at all. I think it’s a wonderful connection to your past.

I love you.

And I you.

Intently, my brothers and I watched on as Carver recited his incantation and tossed the scale onto the parchment. Moments later, lines, terrain, and a few other things appeared upon the parchment.

“These are the areas closest to Dragon City that have wards cast upon them by other covens.” Father’s scale vibrated and slid across the paper to an area where a flat embankment curved into a mountain. “There. I believe other dragons reside within this area.”

“Is there a way to zoom in or something?” Knox asked.

Carver nodded and recited another incantation. Just as you would zoom in on your phone screen, the map made a similar move just without fingers stretching the image out. This time the name of the town and the roads appeared upon the map.

“Is that?” Alexander stuttered.

“Yep, it is,” Knox tugged on his beard. “That explains a lot.”

“What explains what?” Caro asked. I hadn’t seen him sneak in.

“That’s our house.”

“Wait. The slumbering dragons are on your property?” Raven asked Knox.

“Looks that way and explains why I’ve never had the urge to move away. There was so much my father never told me, and I hope like hell when he wakes, he’s ready to talk.” Knox wasn’t happy about this, not at all and I felt for him and Alexander both. “How do we wake them?”

Carver returned the scale to me, and rolled up the parchment. “I’ll reach out to the coven in that area first and ask for permission to conduct a spell on private property that the owner has granted us the right to. Am I correct with that assumption?”

“You are correct, and I will be right there with you if they have any questions,” Knox replied. “When do we leave?”

“Let us reach out to the coven elders first. Give us a day or two then we can rally the troops. I’m sure Ionus, Mattias, Caro, Quint, and Odem will accompany us.” Raven knew there was no way in hell this was taking place without us. We had no idea how these dragons would react when awoken by strangers.

“You are correct, Raven.”

“I’m going. That’s my home, too.”

While I understood Alexander’s side, I wasn’t keen to put him in harm’s way.

We’ll talk about this later, my love. I do not want my family to be in danger.

It’s my land, too. I was born there, raised there, and I have every right to be there.

“No use arguing with him, Ionus. When that boy gets his head set there’s no budging him.” That much I knew, even without Knox reiterating it.

We bid our guests farewell and Knox decided to take a walk.

“You’ll feel the wards if you reach the perimeter, though I don’t recommend leaving them without one of us.”

“Don’t insult me, Ionus. I’ve been living on my own for a long time, but I have no plan to leave my grandson so I will stay nearby. Just need a breath of fresh air.”

Great, two strong-willed Drakemyres in one house. How fun.

“Come, my love. I have something to share with you.” I took his hand and led him down the hall.

“Ionus, why are we staring at the wall?”

“Remember this spot, my love.” The scanner emerged from the wall, and I placed a partially shifted paw upon it and the door appeared. “There is spell on this door, it will only appear for you or me.”

“Me?”

“Yes. Place your palm upon the scanner.” He placed a shaky hand on it and watched in awe as the door opened.

“Your hoard.”

“Our hoard and the safest room in the house.” We stepped inside and the door closed behind us. “If anything were to happen, you and the children need to get to this room, then I will always know where to find you.”

“Ionus.”

“Please, my love. I must know that you are all safe. Give me your word. If anything happens you will take the children and flee to this room.”

“I promise.” His eyes widened as he took in the vast space. “This room must be worth a fortune.”

I too took a moment to look at the wonderous collection. “Nothing is worth more to me than you and our family.” While he wandered around I retrieved the item I’d come for. “My love, have a seat.” Off to the side of the piles of gold and gemstones was a rarely used sofa. Normally I retreated to this room to assuage my dragon, and we slumbered in our true form.

I drew the ring from the box and stared at it with the same awe I felt so long ago when I first laid eyes on it. For centuries I’d held on to it, and kept it safe without reason. Or so I’d thought.

“I came upon this ring in my youth. It sat amongst the rubble of a town ravaged by war. How or why this ring called to me, I never knew but I’ve had it ever since. Now I finally know its purpose, it was meant for you. Alexander, will you wear my ring as a symbol of our eternal love?”

Alexander gasped. “It’s beautiful.” He leaned forward and kissed me. “I’d be honored, Ionus.”

I slid the ring upon his finger. “It fits as though it were made for you.” A gold band with a large flawless, perfect clarity amethyst in the center. Around the band was an endless circle of smaller stones. The perfect ring for the perfect mate.

Alexander slid upon my lap and pressed his lips to mine. “Will having sex mess with the eggs?”

“Ah, a pregnancy question I actually know the answer to.”

He nibbled his way down my neck and whispered, “And that would be?”

“No. The eggs will be safe while I’m buried deep inside you.”