Chapter 14 Peace Before the Storm
Peace Before the Storm
Embry
Light shone into my eyes as I slowly woke. The slight twinge in my body reminded me I’d had sex—but not only that. Angus had claimed me. I felt him snuggled into my side. Opening my eyes fully, I lifted my head and scanned the area. We were still in the cave.
I didn’t know how long we’d been here, or what time it was. After the first claiming, the heat had come, and it came strong. This was the first time I’d woken without the insatiable need to be filled by my mate. What did that mean? Did it mean I was pregnant?
The thought scared me, but I regretted nothing. So, I would be a father. If I had Angus by my side, I knew I could make it through anything.
A loud snore filled the small den. Angus was still asleep.
I smiled. The man was gorgeous as sin, but he snored like a freight train.
I felt my stomach rumble and realized I was starving.
It brought me back to wondering how long we’d been here.
I knew we needed to return. My parents were probably worried.
I reached over to my mate and gently brushed the mark I’d left on his chest. My wolf was proud of his mark, and he loved the mark his dragon had given him.
“Morning, how are you feeling?” Angus’s sleepy voice said.
I looked up at his face and saw him gazing at me. “Morning. I’m f-feeling fine. A little sore, but I no longer feel that crazy need. How long have we been here?” I asked.
He shrugged. “I don’t know. It had to be a few days. I’m sure our families are wondering what happened to us.”
I leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss before standing up. “We should get going. We don’t have any clothes. We left them in the clearing.”
I didn’t hear any response, so I looked down. Angus was staring at my cock. “Oh no, buddy. I need some food before another round,” I said, the hunger hitting full force.
He shook his head and grinned. “I wasn’t looking at your dick, as pretty as it is. I was looking at the conception mark and the caste marking. We’re only going to have one baby, and he’s of the Blue Caste.”
I abruptly looked down, and above my belly button was a little, light blue scale. “That means I’m p-pregnant?” I asked, rubbing my finger over the spot.
He reached up and touched it. “This mark tells us what caste he will be and how many we’re having.
If there were more than one, there would be more marks.
” He paused and touched a spot above my groin; it looked like the faded tattoo of a dragon.
“This tells us you’re pregnant—the conception mark.
It will open when it’s time for him to be born. ”
I reached down and ran my finger over it. I couldn’t believe it—I really was pregnant. I looked into Angus’s eyes. They glistened with tears. I felt happiness, but it wasn’t my happiness. I was glad, of course, but it felt like Angus’ emotions.
He smiled again. It’s the mind-link. We can share feelings and thoughts. But don’t worry, I can’t read your mind. It’s only thoughts or words you project.
My eyes widened. I was thankful he couldn’t hear me all the time. I wanted to try it, so I thought, I love you.
It was his eyes that widened now, and a smile broadened across his face.
“I love you too, Angel,” he said. His voice was full of emotion. He pulled me into his embrace, and I felt his kiss on the top of my head.
“Let’s go. We’ll head back to the clearing; hopefully, our clothes are still there. If not, we might be walking in the buff,” Angus said with a chuckle.
We made our way out of the cave, where he transformed into his magnificent dragon.
He rose on his hind legs, spread his wings, and roared.
I shuddered at the sound, but I also found it endearing.
I knew I liked to stretch when I shifted into my wolf, so I understood.
He settled down and lowered his head, allowing me to climb on.
Then we were off. I loved the feel of the wind on my face as we flew. Who knew that a wolf would like to fly? Most wolves hated planes; we drove everywhere.
All too soon, we landed. As we set down in the clearing, two large wolves exited the treeline.
One was black, the other was smaller and brownish-blond.
Jackson and Cameron. They shifted as they walked forward.
I felt Angus change beneath me, and I was in his arms. He stepped in front of me, blocking the other two.
“Jackson, Cam, do me a favor and turn around. I know we’re all shifters, but no one should see my mate’s naked body but me,” he said gruffly.
Cam chuckled, and Jackson looked like he was trying not to laugh. “Sure thing, Angus. Your clothes are over there. We figured you would be back, since you left them here four days ago,” Cam said.
“Four days!” I exclaimed. “My parents are probably freaking out.”
“Don’t worry, Angel. They’ll understand. They know what it’s like when you meet your mate and need to bond,” Angus replied, handing me my clothes.
“It’s okay, Embry. They freaked out at first, but Alpha James called King Krispin. Krispin explained it could take some time, especially if you were bonding,” Jackson said.
“Still, four days was a long time.” My stomach agreed. It growled at that moment. We needed food.
“Let’s get some food and call your parents, Angel,” Angus said.
Dressed and ready for food, we turned to Jackson and Cam, who still stood naked.
“Do you have clothes, or are you going to shift?” Angus asked, obviously annoyed.
You know I’ve seen them naked before, and shifters don’t have a sense of modesty, I said through our link.
I understand, love. It’s my dragon that’s annoyed by it. He doesn’t like anyone naked around you but us.
I shook my head and grabbed his hand. “Come on, I’m hungry,” I said, not waiting for any answer from Cam and Jackson.
We began walking, and two wolves ran past us, yipping. I smiled. I liked them—I wished I knew them better. Stupid Tom had stopped me from making friends. No. Fear of what Tom did prevented me from making friends.
It’s okay now, Angel. You never have to worry about him, Angus said through our bond.
I hadn’t realized I’d projected my thoughts to him.
I was going to need to watch that. We continued walking in silence, making it to the forest edge.
James’s house rose in the distance. Cameron and Jackson stood on the deck with Lydia and my parents seated at a table filled with food.
My mom saw us, jumped up, and sprinted toward me.
“Embry! You gave me a scare! I was so worried!” she cried, squeezing me tight.
“I’m okay, Mom. We just um—got um—” I stumbled over my words. Luckily, Angus had his.
“It was the mating heat, ma’am,” he said.
“None of that ‘ma’am’ stuff. You’re bonded to my son. It’s Toni or Mom,” she said, grabbing and hugging Angus as well.
He seemed shocked for a moment, then chuckled. “It will be the first time I've ever had a mom.”
I laughed too. Angus had told me about his two dads.
“I’m glad you’re okay, Em. Congratulations,” Lydia said. “Come, sit down. We have tons of food.”
At the mention of food, I became ravenous.
I stepped aside, making a beeline for the table.
I sat and piled my plate high. They had burgers, hot dogs, and Italian sausage.
I put some of each on my plate and dug in, moaning at the first taste.
I looked up and saw Angus and my dad grinning. I shrugged and continued.
After satisfying my initial hunger, I heard my father ask Angus, “Have you decided if you’ll stay here, or are you moving?”
Angus and I hadn’t discussed it. We’d been too busy. I felt Angus tense through our bond. He had a position with his king; he was a guardian. I knew it was important to him.
“We’ll be moving to Colorado,” I said, deciding and putting my mate at ease. I’d miss my family, but I knew our place was there.
Are you sure, Angel? I’ll work something out if you really want to stay here. I want you happy, Angus thought to me.
I’m sure. Your place is there. You have an important position with your king, and you make me happy. So, I’ll be happy.
He grinned at me and nodded.
“Are there houses nearby?” my mom asked.
“Krispin owns the entire mountain and all the cabins on it. I’m sure that if you wanted to move there, he’d welcome you. I know my parents are very likely going to be moving there. Especially with their grandchildren being born,” Angus replied.
“Grandchildren. You plan to have children?” she asked excitedly. I guessed I should tell her she was going to be a grandma. I didn’t know if she understood I could become pregnant.
“Yes, mom. Actually—I’m pregnant,” I said.
My father’s jaw dropped, and my mom let loose a squeal.
“Oh, then we’re definitely going to need a place in Colorado. We’re going to be grandparents, Danny!” she said with joy.
“Congratulations!” Cam and Jackson said in unison. Lydia jumped up and hugged me.
The sliding door opened, and James and two other men walked out. They wore grim looks on their faces. Lydia pulled back and looked curiously at James.
“Carson, Basil? What are you doing here?” Angus asked, obviously knowing the men who smelled like vampires.
“Master Stephen asked us to come here at the behest of King Krispin,” one man said.
Angus tensed. “What happened?” he asked.
Both men, including James, grimaced. Whatever happened must be terrible.
“Aaran is missing.”
Angus
“What do you mean, Aaran is missing?” I asked. Knowing Krispin had wanted him to follow up on Harper worried me. My dragon rumbled and paced in my mind.
“A few days ago, there was a report that Bazer and possibly Harper were hiding in the mountains to the southwest. With the king’s permission, Aaran and two gargoyles from the Chadwick clutch took off to investigate.
None of them have reported in since they left, even after being ordered to check in every morning,” Basil said.
“Addison?” I asked. I’d have thought he’d be here.
“Addison and Roarke are searching the mountains for them. Master Stephen has ordered Colin to remain with Ben and Devin. He also asked that we come and inform you of what happened before we join the search.”
I knew Carson was a skilled tracker. I turned to Embry. My mate—I couldn’t just leave my pregnant mate. My dragon recoiled at the idea of leaving him in this state.
It’s okay. Aaran’s your brother. Go find him. I’ll stay here; I heard Embry whisper in my mind.
Angel, I don’t know. Last time I left to do my duty instead of searching for you, you ended up hurt. I couldn’t bear it if something happened to you again. Especially now that you carry our child, I responded.
I’m sure James will watch over me, and I won’t go anywhere without an escort. I’ll even be in contact with you and talk to you unless there is a distance limit to our bond.
There is no distance limit. I will always hear you; I vowed.
Then it’s settled. You need to go. You need to find Aaran.
He was right. I still didn’t like it, but I needed to join the search. I lifted an eyebrow at James. “Will you watch over Embry?” I asked.
He nodded. “With my life. He will be protected. Someone will always be with him.”
I looked at Basil and Carson. “When do we leave?”