Chapter Nine
Odem
“Nice of you to join us,” Ionus sneered, purposely glancing at his watch. “You’re late.”
Even Ionus couldn’t ruin my good mood today. My mate had been beyond thankful to his rescuer…Twice. To say he worshipped the magic my dragons’ tongue weaved was putting it mildly.
Oh yeah, that was one of many…gifts…I possessed.
I’d have been a fool to turn him down.
As if.
Ha-ha, some modern-day lingo was just fun to use.
“Hello, Odem, are you in there?” Mattias tapped my skull.
“Dude, knock it off.” I took a seat in one of the leather chairs surrounding the large meeting table in Ionus’ massive office. This man did nothing small. Not even when impregnating his mate. Now that shit was just funny.
“As I was saying,” Ionus snarled. “We’ve detained four of our assailants, three dragons and a witch.
Three others are dead, courtesy of Odem and Ronan.
Well, one decided to take his own life,” he paused, eyes burning into me.
“Wipe that smile off your face, Odem. Taking a life is never to be celebrated.”
“It is when they threaten your mate and your eggs.” There was no budging on that. Threaten my family and you’ve just signed your own death certificate.
“Anyway, Emerson’s father got away. Have you shared that with Emerson, Caro?”
“Aye, needless to say neither of us are pleased with that outcome. Thankfully my mate is perfectly content staying on the compound.” Hopefully mine will be too. If he’d learn to play well with others I’d suggest he spend more time with Alex and Emerson.
“Wait, how did he get away?” It didn’t add up, Caro only had one assailant, which should’ve been easy peasy.
Caro huffed. “My guess is the ones the rest of you took care of in the cave alerted him, because mid-fight, he took off. I followed him for a while but didn’t want to leave the compound unprotected, so I came back.”
“Makes sense.”
“Yes, Caro made the right decision to protect our loved ones. Larkin is getting nowhere with the detainees, even after the scare of Odem’s errant fireball. Stop rolling your eyes, Odem, you’re not twelve.”
“One tiny fireball, big deal.” Even if it was directly aimed at a jackass who more than deserved it.
“I can’t decide if I like depressed Odem or the old, smart-ass Odem better,” Caro grinned. “But I am happy your mating is moving onto a better path.”
“You and me both, brother, though it pisses me off that he had to be kidnapped for it to happen. He still doesn’t believe he’s a dragon, or has any powers, even though he shot a lava ball at one of the kidnappers.”
“You’ve got your work ahead of you with convincing Ronan he’s a dragon. Is he still planning to return to work?” Ionus asked.
“Nope,” I popped the ‘p’. “He notified Mable and she was in complete agreement. Said she would’ve called me right away to come and get him if he showed up. She’s got cameras going up around the diner today, inside and out.”
“Good call. Make sure she ties them in with Larson’s program.”
“Already happening. She used his team to install them.” Ionus nodded, clearly pleased with that decision.
“Brothers, the Gorynych have become far too brazen in their quest to take us out. They were too close to our homes.” And the stones, brothers.
They cannot reach our life sources, he mentally sent to the four of us.
“Raven is increasing the wards. I’m just thankful one of the existing spells was strong enough to block the entrance to our tunnels from the mountainside. ”
“Ionus, how did they even locate the area near our compound?” Quint asked, but I already knew the answer before Ionus said it.
“Marge.”
“Shit,” Caro growled. “I know exact coordinates weren’t in the area of the database she utilized, but I’m sure she figured out the general vicinity of our compound and pointed them in that direction.”
“We’ll resume regular surveillance shifts immediately. Larkin has his team working around the clock too.” It was rare that Ionus missed even the smallest of details, so there was no way this near hit wasn’t eating him alive.
“Include us as well in your patrol schedule, Ionus,” Baird offered his team up. “I’m only sorry we weren’t here when all of this went down. From now on, when we’re following leads we’ll leave at least two men behind.”
“Thank you, Baird, we appreciate that. Let’s do half your team in town with Larkin’s and the others here with us.
My brothers and I will rotate between both as well.
Raven’s coven is strengthening the wards in town as we speak.
The only problem with doing so is that we really lose the ability to follow one of them out. ”
“We’ve dead-ended on every lead. It’s like they get so far then poof, they’re gone,” Angus added in his heavy Scottish brogue. “If they have mages as strong as ours, then they, too, are well protected.”
“Aye,” Baird agreed. “We need one of the prisoners to crack.”
“On it,” I rose, ready to play the ‘how much pain can they take before they snap’ game.
“Sit,” Ionus demanded. “You are the last one we’ll send there, I’ll handle this. Baird, would you care to join me?”
He cracked his knuckles. “Been a while since I got to play.”
“I like your style,” I winked at Baird.
Ionus shook his head, clearly done with me, but I was in too good of a mood to care. “Mattias, can you touch base with Clan Tempest?”
“Aye.”
“Take Caro with you. We need to travel in pairs at minimum, understood?”
That was one order from Ionus I agreed with. Well, I mostly agreed with everything, but where was the fun in letting him know that?
Odem, that woman is here again in my home.
Our home and what woman?
That one who wants to poke and prod me and my eggs.
Our eggs. Raven?
Yes, that one.
On the way.
“Gentlemen, I must excuse myself. It appears our High Priestess has paid my mate a visit.” And it might include a curse if Ronan didn’t learn to respect her.
“Good morning, or is it afternoon?” I glanced at my watch. “Good afternoon, Raven. To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?”
“I wanted to examine Ronan and the eggs again. He didn’t allow much time during our last visit for me to provide you with a general timeframe for their delivery.
” Raven was clearly exasperated with Ronan, who stood in full attitude drag.
Arms across his chest, bitchy scowl on his face. Goddess, this man was hot.
“Ronan, my love. We are lucky to have Raven as not only our High Priestess but as the midwife who delivers the eggs. This is a great honor and one she only does for my brothers and me. Please, allow her to not only examine you but to bless our eggs.” I ran my hands along his arms, hoping my touch would calm him.
I didn’t dare point out the scales breaking out along his.
My mate was protective, which brought his dragon out.
“Fine.”
I had enough worldly sense to know the word fine never meant the one saying it was truly fine. But Ronan did lie back on the couch.
Raven hovered over him, a luminescent glow wavered along his torso. “Both eggs are very strong and healthy. Quite possibly strengthened by mating when already pregnant. Their heartbeats are like no others I’ve heard.”
Opal.
Ruby.
Two sweet, melodic voices cheerfully sang.
Ronan’s eyes widened. “Did they just?”
“Aye, they did, mate. Raven, meet Opal and Ruby, our girls.” Goddess I couldn’t be happier. Two girls. I was so gonna be a kick-ass girl dad.
“Opal and Ruby, I can’t wait to meet you.” They giggled when Raven said that. “I had a feeling you were a bit further along. My guess is you only have about six or seven weeks left to prepare your nest.”
“Yes!” I clapped. “So quit trying to cram yourself into those tight ass pants, Ronan. Our girls need room to spread out.”
“Ugh,” Ronan sighed dramatically. I envisioned our girls following in his footsteps. “Fine. What do you suggest I wear? A moo-moo?”
“Only if that includes you being sans those sexy lace panties.”
“And on that note, I’m out of here,” Raven stood. “Congratulations to both of you.”
“Thanks, Raven.” I laid beside Ronan on the couch and ran my hand over his belly. “Your Papa can’t wait to meet you, sweet girls. I’ve dreamed of you for so long. What do you want them to call you, Ronan?”
“Hmm. I’m really not a daddy figure but in this setting it would work.”
“Papa and Daddy it is then. Did you hear that, girls? I’m gonna hug you, and love you, and squeeze you,” they giggled.
“You’re like a giant cartoon man-child, aren’t you?” His words, meant to be snarky, were anything but, given the grin on his face.
“Yup. Best Papa ever!” I trailed a finger along his torso, more scales appeared. “Psst, Ronan, look at your belly.”
“What the?” He screamed. “What’s wrong with me?”
“You mean, what’s right with you. I’ve been telling you all along, you’re a dragon.”
“No. I’m. Not. You likely gave me shingles. Or scabies!”
“Scabies? Really? Not to mention the fact neither of us can get sick. Well, morning sickness doesn’t count, but as dragons we aren’t subjected to human illnesses.” His scales were magnificent. A brilliant opaque white like the brightest Opal.
Opal.
Ruby.
Does that mean?
Oh. My. Goddess. Our girls are brilliant.
Brothers, twin girls. Opal and Ruby! I couldn’t help but share our happiness with them.
Congratulations! Caro shouted.
Congrats followed next from Mattias and Quint.
Luna will be ecstatic. Stock up on tutus, little brother, came from Ionus.
Thank you, brothers. I’ve never been happier. Though I knew the first time I held my angels, that would be a snapshot in time I’d never forget. One I’d draw from whenever apart or in times of need.
“Hey, pay attention to me!” Ronan protested. He was gonna be a handful and then some.
“So sorry, my love. Wherever is my head?” I nibbled his neck and flipped him to sit atop me. “That’s more like it.”
“Ahem,” Donovan’s voice cleared behind us. “Sorry to interrupt, Odem, but I have a couple of questions for you.”
“Ugh,” Ronan sighed and slid off me. “I forgot he was here. What do you have him fixing anyway?”
I hopped up and kissed him. “It’s a surprise. You just stay here and keep warm. I’ll be right back.”
“Sorry about that,” Donovan said as soon as the nursery door was shut behind us. “But you didn’t answer your phone.”
“No worries, I’ve never been opposed to having a crowd,” I winked and he blushed. “Whatcha got going on in here?”
“Well, the walls are primed and I have a few color choices to run by you that are gender neutral.”
“We just found out they’re girls.”
“Congrats, man. I’m guessing no princess theme since Luna owns that one?”
I laughed. “True, and she will always be this family’s princess, but I’ve come to calling mine angels. How about that? Well, not in the religious form, but pinks and purples. Flowers, cute animals and such. Surprise us. Oh, and their names are Opal and Ruby.”
“I love that. I’m seriously excited for you. You’ll make a wonderful dad, Odem.”
“Thanks, that means a lot. Guess I should let Jacob know as well.” I fired off a text to our baby furniture maker.
“Glad you’re already on this. Raven says the eggs will be here in a few weeks.
” Shit, now I needed to double up my online ordering efforts.
“Alright, holler if you need me. I’ll keep the phone close by, I promise. ”
“No worries. Painting will be done by the end of the week. The white walls in the wardrobe are drying now. After this room is painted and ready for furnishings I’ll move back to Ronan’s space.”
“You da man!” I gripped his shoulder. “Thank you again.”
But now my mood had shifted from one of lust to filling that shopping cart. “Babe?” Ronan was curled up, napping on the couch. Not wanting to disturb him, I covered him with a nearby blanket and headed into the office to spoil our eggs rotten.
Ugh, that didn’t sound right.
To spoil our unborn daughters rotten.
The endless options were overwhelming and exciting. Eventually they’ll want their own rooms and would be able to choose their favorite themes, but for now, this proud Papa was.
First stop, nesting materials.
To build a nest my dragon could snuggle with his family in…
hmm. Blankets, pillows, no need for warming pads, both Ronan and my dragons generate enough heat for that.
I wonder if he’ll be able to shift after he lays the eggs.
I couldn’t wait to see it. His dragon will be magnificent and no doubt stunning.
My mate did have a penchant for flair, which I’m certain carried over to his dragon.
Two miniature versions of us. What a beautiful family ours will be.
I rubbed my father’s scale, always with me.
Grounding, comforting, like he’s right there.
He’d have loved the family his sons had made, he and mother both.
I liked to believe they’d both be proud of the men, and the protectors, we’ve become.
Enough walking down memory lane, it’s time to make new ones.
Hmm, I wonder if Ronan wants a say in decorating their room?
How fun would that be? I swear, I could entertain myself with nothing more than a cardboard box.
Best set that one aside and just focus on the nest for now.
Hopefully doing that together will bring Ronan and I even closer, though I had to admit, today was a much better day for us.
Hopefully tomorrow will prove to be even greater.
Ooohhh, pretty butterflies.
Adds to cart.