Chapter 10
Chapter
Ten
Mercury had bought several books, four to be exact. Two of them were mysteries that seemed very cozy, was that the word he thought that he was supposed to use?
The other two were actually romances—dragon romances, which he thought was hilarious. Because they weren’t written by dragons, they were written by humans. And really, what did humans know about dragon society?
Still, he very much loved curling up under a blanket and reading a book on the couch.
Not because he was ill, but because he could.
And because he had time and because he could have all the books he wanted, really.
That, and he could have snacks. Books and snacks went together so well, and he was never having to look another can of beans in the eye as long as he lived.
He wiggled his toes, got comfy, opened his book again and started reading about these mountain dragons and the snowboarders who fell in love with them.
How cute was this? Clueless humans were fascinating.
He was about halfway through, around where this clueless human got pregnant when a knock came to the door. “Coming!”
Dammit.
Triton’s omega mate stood at the door, three babies in hand. “Good afternoon, I was wondering if you’d like to go to the pool?”
Why on earth would he want to go to the pool? He was warm and happy and reading. He didn’t say that though because it was very kind of Elowyn to come and invite him, and the babies were cute. And Elowyn, to be honest, looked like he needed a little help.
“I would love to. Please come in, and I’ll get a swimming suit.” Here, they had swimming suits that you wore in the pool if you weren’t going to be a dragon.
Also, here the pool was warm even in the dead of winter, which was lovely. And there was a place to eat food near the pool. It was good to be here.
Elwynn nodded, his expression grateful. “I’m so glad. Everyone’s very active today, and I’m not. I feel very tired today for some reason.”
“Well, I’m happy to help. I am their xoffan, after all.”
Talon had assured him that, now that they were mated, he was absolutely family. So that meant that these babies were part of his family. That was kind of wonderful.
He put his book aside, folded the blanket up, and Leilani immediately went to sit on top of it, as if she were the king of the mountain.
“Yes, Xoffar Mercury did that just for you,” Elowyn rolled his eyes, sitting both of the smaller girls down, who were like carbon copies of one another, except for their eyes, which were the wildly different.
He chuckled when she crossed her arms and nodded as if that was that. Goodness. She was hilarious.
He went to grab a swimsuit, his feet getting cold, so he put on thicker socks, as well. The drier cold here was nice compared to the frigid ocean area he came from, but he still felt a little like his scales were too thin.
Mate, I’m going to go swimming with Elowyn and the children.
He knew he didn’t have to check in, but he thought it was a nice thing to do, a gentle thing to do, so that Talon didn’t worry.
Excellent, I’ll be down there in about an hour, and we can play. I don’t think we’ve ever swam together.
This will be our first time. I haven’t been in the water like this in many, many decades.
But Elowyn seems as if he needs some company and some care.
He thought that, from what he’d overheard at least, that Elowyn was very used to Cerran being at the house with him and the children while Triton worked in the training areas more often.
Now that Cerran was a diplomat of sorts, Elowyn had to feel as if all his support had just disappeared in a rush.
Mercury finished dressing and headed back into the main room, finding the children watching the big TV. “I’m ready.”
“Excellent, I really appreciate this. I know I could have just gone by myself, but—”
He interrupted because he didn’t feel as if Elowyn needed to apologize.
“But we’re family, and besides, it sounds like fun to swim with the children.” Mercury offered Elowyn a smile. “You should feel as if you can come here and ask for assistance. If I’m here and I can, I will happily give it.”
“Oh, you are dear.” Elowyn grabbed him and hugged him all of a sudden, and his eyes went wide.
It was such an innocent and honest thing, and after a moment of panic, it was easy to hug his brother-in-law back, to share comfort with his fellow omega.
It had been so long. So long since casual touching had been a thing in his life. Maybe never, in fact.
He wanted to be the kind of dragon who gave it, though. So he hugged and smiled. “All right. Swimming ahoy, my wee friends.”
“Yay! I want water!” Leilani came right to him and grabbed his hand and a rush of power slammed into him. The world shivered and his eyes went wide.
Suddenly they were at a pool. Oh dear.
He looked around and saw dragons and the cafe that made milkshakes, so he was okay. He knew where he was.
Even if he couldn’t breathe very well.
Talon, I need help.
His braaken was immediately there, whole in his mind. Where are you? What’s the matter?
Oh, I took the little girl’s hand, and she did something, and I slid. And now I’m here, and I don’t know how to tell Elowyn where I am.
Okay, okay, you’re all right, you’re all right. Talon’s voice was like a gentle, soothing. Where are you?
The swimming pool.
Excellent. Good job. Leilani can talk to her father. I have Triton right here, and we’re coming to you. Everything’s all right.
Right, and it was his job to protect this little one.
Mercury smiled at the little girl who was looking a little panicked around the edges. “Well, that was quick, wasn’t it?”
“Uh-huh. Love you?”
“Oh, I love you too. Daddy’s on his way up with your sisters.” He hoped.
Goddess, he hoped he wasn’t in trouble. He didn’t want to be in trouble. He liked Elowyn, and he wanted to be friendly.
Also, he never just slid. Not like this.
Leilani is special, sweetheart. Don’t stress it. We are on our way. Elowyn knows, and he’s coming too.
They’re never going to let me babysit or even hold her hand ever again.
Nonsense. Leilani wanted to go, and you are a goer.
But I can’t just let her drag me all over the world.
Talon’s gentle laughter filled his head. Well, it’s a good thing she doesn’t know much about the world, then, isn’t it?
It took him long minutes to realize that no one was mad at him. No one wanted to hurt him for what he’d done. Leilani wasn’t really even scared of him, she was just nervous about what had happened. And why not? Sliding could be completely disorienting.
Elowyn, Triton, and Talon all showed up at the same moment.
He waved. “Hey, um, so this happened.”
Elowyn rolled his eyes and Triton held his arms open for Leilani. “She’s got a will on her don’t you, Leilani, honey? You have to ask before you slide with Uncle Mercury. Xoffar wasn’t ready.”
She blinked up at him, squeezed his hand. “Sowwy.”
He smiled and nodded, then glanced at Elowyn. “I’ve never had that happen before.”
Triton snorted. “You hear that a lot in response to Leilani. A lot, a lot. Where’s Cerran?”
Elowyn shrugged. “Working.”
Mercury’s cheeks heated again. “I just wanted to help. I do apologize.”
I’m so sorry, braaken. I swear, I didn’t expect it.
Stop. Elowyn’s not mad at you. He’s mad at Cerran.
Oh, well, I don’t want to get involved in that, do I? He tried not to smile because that was not his place, but he had a feeling it would come to a head. Elowyn didn’t seem particularly meek.
Nope, not one little bit. Talon gave him a broad wink.
“You swim too, Papa?” When Leilani beamed up at Triton as if this was her whole goal all along. To get her dad there.
“Sollon, should we swim with these hooligans?”
“Absolutely.” Talon kissed his cheek. “I just said I wanted to swim with you, and now I get my chance and I get a chance with all of these little ones.”
Little Serena hooted and leapt out of Elowyn’s arms into Talon’s, not questioning for a second that he would catch her.
“Go see your Xoffar Mercury. I will go change very quickly, and I’ll be back in two shakes. Don’t slide anywhere.” Talon winked at him.
“No, no, my feet are staying right here.” He expected it now, so he could just be firm with himself and with Leilani.
He took little Serena easily, holding her with care.
The braaken left to change, and he glanced at Elowyn. “I am so sorry. I didn’t expect it. She is very strong-willed, and I wasn’t—”
“Mercury! It’s fine. I knew you hadn’t stolen her.” Elowyn leaned close. “No one would steal her. No one could steal her.” He pointed to the blue bubble surrounding the keep. “This? Keeps us safe.”
“Oh. Oh, wonderful.” A full ninety percent of his worry was the fact that he could have just ended up anywhere with this poor little girl and not been able to get her home. That was a horrifying thought. “I would never hurt your child. I wish for you to know that, never.”
“Of course you wouldn’t. You’re family. Come on, let’s get in the water. The braaken will be back soon.”
He nodded, stripping off his outer clothing, and he shivered because even in the humid warmth of the pool area he was a little chilly, enough to make his nipples harden.
So he slid into the pool, making sure he was in a place where it was shallow enough that he could stand on his own two feet to begin with.
It had been a long time since he had been where he could swim.
“Here you take her.” Elowyn handed over Leilani, who giggled and splashed as soon as he took her and held her above the water.
“You can get her wet. She loves it.” Elowyn marshaled the other children into the water, none of them needed floaties or anything because they were dragon children, but they were still small enough that he felt like he needed to keep a close eye on them.