Chapter 33
CHAPTER 33
P uff said goodnight to Mateo and Atticus and went to his room. He was too upset to sleep and he paced back and forth for a few minutes. He could feel Bob was also still angry over what had happened, not that he blamed him. Dragon guards had died.
He should go and check on the dragon who was still healing under the dome. Maybe if he was there, it would help the dragon heal faster. Well, that’s what he hoped anyway. Decision made, he walked to the bedroom door, opened it and then jumped as Mateo and Atticus were standing there. Putting his hand to his chest, he huffed. You made me jump.
Mateo laughed. “Sorry.”
“We could feel your emotions, and thought we’d come and spend time with you, maybe help you calm down,” Atticus explained.
I was going to go outside and see the dragon who is still healing under the dome, Puff told them, waving them into his room.
“Maybe wait until tomorrow,” Mateo said, closing the bedroom door. “He’s safe where he is and is healing.”
Puff sighed. Yeah, okay. Today sucked and the next few days are going to as well. I knew being king wouldn’t be easy, but never expected something like this so soon. He walked to his bed and glumly sat on the side, shoulders slumped.
Mateo and Atticus sat on either side of him. Atticus took his hand and held it while Mateo put his hand on Puff’s leg.
“No one expects any of the bad things that happen to happen. You’ve dealt with today really well, especially as you’ve got no voice,” Atticus told him.
“You really did. I was so proud of you today, of how you coped with everything, and you’ll only get better with time. I can’t wait to see how you grow.” Mateo paused. “Can I tell you a secret?”
Both Puff and Atticus looked at him and nodded.
“I wasn’t expecting to like you. I met your father once and thought you’d be just like him. I apologise now for all the bad things I thought about you on my way here.”
Puff gave a silent laugh, but Atticus guffawed. “I wasn’t sure what I was expecting when I asked to meet you, and until you took my pledge, I didn’t know I was your grounding force or even your future mate. All I wanted to do was meet you and offer you whatever help I could give. The fact that you’re both my mates is an unexpected bonus.”
I was so annoyed when Blake suggested to the three lords that I had guards that I had a brat rant. I mean, Bob is super strong, and I couldn’t see the point of having guards. Then, I thought to punish you all by making you pledge to Blake and go on the patrol rota. Puff nudged Mateo’s shoulder. Sorry about that. He looked at Atticus. Meeting you was a good day. I did freak out when I found out you were both my mates, but I’m used to the idea now. But, Atticus, tell me if I ever give you too much work.
“I promise I’ll tell you. I’m in the process of passing some bits over to my brother, so that will free up some more time.”
“Have you passed it to Destruction, Chaos, or Mayhem?” Mateo asked with a laugh and Atticus joined in.
“My oldest little brother, Archer. You’ll meet him when they come for a visit.”
I can’t wait. Puff leaned against Atticus. Thank you for coming to check on me. But how are the two of you doing?
“I’ll be glad when the funerals are over. Today was tough, not gonna lie, especially when that guard nearly killed you. Thank goodness for Hades.” Atticus dropped a kiss on Puff’s head.
“The same. For some reason, I never even considered something like today could happen here. I mean, the pack grounds are so well protected. I need to expand my thinking.”
Puff covered Mateo’s hand with his and Atticus put a hand on Mateo’s shoulder. Mateo placed his hand on Atticus’s.
“These next three years are going to be long,” Mateo speculated with a groan.
“They are,” Atticus agreed.
Really? I know the mating bond won’t kick in until I’m twenty-one, but that doesn’t stop me from having a crush on the both of you, Puff told them.
Mateo and Atticus grinned at him.
“Really?” Mateo asked, still smiling and raised a brow.
Puff nodded. Yeah, I mean, have you both looked in the mirror lately?
“I do have two fine-looking mates,” Mateo said, grinning, as he pulled Puff to his side. “Check out our white-haired dragon mate. We’re so lucky.”
Puff and Mateo stared at Atticus who blushed.
“I think I’m the lucky one,” Atticus said, gazing at both of them, lust burning in his eyes.
“I bet Atticus’s kisses are amazing,” Mateo said to Puff. “Do you want to find out?”
Puff sucked in a breath and nodded. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine kissing either of his mates tonight, but as Mateo released Puff, he moved forward and Atticus moved closer. Atticus raised his hand to touch Puff’s cheek.
“I’ve dreamed about this since I found out we were mates,” Atticus said softly, his lips descending onto Puff’s.
Puff had never kissed anyone before – he kind of thought he knew what to do, and just went on instinct.
Atticus pulled him closer, wrapping both arms around him and deepening the kiss, before slowing things down and finally tapering it. He leant his forehead against Puff’s. “So perfect, just as I imagined.”
Now it was Puff’s turn to blush. He smiled at Atticus and touched his cheek. It was perfect.
Atticus grinned. “Now I think it’s time for you to sample our Mateo’s kisses.”
Puff smiled, still blushing, and turned to Mateo.
“Watching the two of you together was incredible.” He pulled Puff close. “Gonna kiss you now, Puff. If you don’t want me to, tell me now.”
Puff, feeling brave, moved and kissed Mateo.
Mateo wrapped his arms around Puff and plundered. Finally, when he needed air, he drew back. “Atticus was right, just perfect.”
It was. But I think the both of you should kiss now.
“I like that idea,” Mateo said, running his hand down Atticus’s arm.
Puff scooted back on the bed to make room for them.
Mateo pulled Atticus into his arms but then paused. “We can wait,” he offered.
“As if,” Atticus said and, putting his hand around the back of Mateo’s neck, pulled him forward and kissed him.
Puff wasn’t sure how he would feel watching them kiss, but surprisingly, he rather enjoyed it.
Slowly, Atticus and Mateo ended the kiss.
“Just as perfect,” Atticus reiterated, this time smiling gently at Mateo.
“It was,” Mateo agreed. “The Fates have surely blessed us.” He held a hand out to Puff, who took it.
Then Atticus held his out and Puff took it. He repeated the gesture to Mateo, who also took his hand. “And just imagine how much better it will get over time.”
They both nodded.
“Do you think you can sleep now?” Mateo asked Puff.
Puff nodded. I do, somehow I’m all relaxed now. Sleep well, both of you, and I’ll see you at the breakfast table.
“You will,” Atticus said, dropping Puff’s hand and standing up.
Mateo and Puff stood as well.
Mateo flicked Puff’s nose. “Sleep well.”
Puff grinned and nodded. Atticus touched his shoulder and the two men left Puff’s room.
Puff flopped back down on his bed, lying on his back and reliving the kisses. That was amazing.
He felt Bob come forward. It was. Our guardian and grounding force are perfect for us. As is Barden and Salvador. We’ll all be very happy together. Now get ready for bed. The next few days will be long.
They will. Are you okay, Bob?
Still angry and upset about what happened. All we can do now is be strong for our people.
We can. I’ll eat extra bacon at breakfast for you tomorrow.
He felt Bob softly smile. Thank you, Puff.
Mateo and Atticus walked to their rooms. They reached Mateo’s room first.
“Our Puff was so brave,” Atticus said.
Mateo nodded and stepped closer to Atticus. “He was.” He raised a hand to Atticus’s cheek. “Thank you for helping to relax him.”
Atticus turned his head and kissed Mateo’s hand. “You never have to thank me for that. Now I’m going to kiss you goodnight and go and have some very happy dreams.”
Mateo burst out laughing. “Me, too.”
Atticus wasn’t sure who moved first, but soon they were both wrapped in each other’s arms and kissing.
Slowly, they drew apart.
“I don’t think I’ve thanked you for being able to ground me as well,” Mateo confided.
“I didn’t know that would be possible, but I’m glad I can help you both. Now I’m off, I’ll see you in the morning,” he said, pulling away.
“You will,” Mateo promised, dropping his arms and opening his door. “Night, my Atticus.”
Atticus gave him a gentle smile. “Night, guardian.”