12. Chapter Twelve
Chapter Twelve
Caspian
“I need to see Kaika,” I told my mates during breakfast. “Can we go when we’re done?”
“Is everything okay, mate?” I felt the protectiveness of Mattias’ dragon through our bond.
“Yes, nothing bad, I swear.” But I wasn’t going to get our hopes up until Kaika confirmed what I’m pretty sure I already knew. Or, hoped I knew even though my dragon was certain and was back to doing figure eights, itching to take to the sea in a celebratory swim.
Soon, dragon. Let’s verify first.
Hmph.
He’d become a bit of a, what did Ronan call it again? Oh yeah, a pissy bitch.
Am not.
Are too.
Just get to Kaika then we’ll see who’s the pissy one.
There will be no living with him if he’s right on all accounts.
“I want to show you both something on our way to the seaside village,” Mattias said. “Ready to go?”
Kes and I followed him into the familiar tunnels, only instead of turning right and heading toward the shoreline, Mattias turned left.
“I wasn’t aware there was another segment of tunnels down here,” Kes said exactly what I was thinking.
“That’s because it’s protected,” Mattias replied. “It’s only visible to the Protectors, their mates and Raven. This wing is heavily protected, and this is why.”
“Whoa.” Five huge, glowing stones stood before us in this cave. Each in the color of the protector’s dragon. “What is all this?”
“These are our life sources. Our gifts come with limitations. If our mates die, so do we along with the light in our stones. If a brother dies, it weakens the others. Our mates are everything. Not only have we waited centuries to find you, but you give us life, in more ways than one. As our family bond strengthens, so do our powers. Both protectors and mates alike.”
Pressure? Ugh, is it hot in here or was it just me?
Knowing a major battle awaits us, this terrifies me to no end.
“I don’t know whether to feel honored or terrified,” Kes said.
“Sorry, mates,” Mattias turned and kissed us both. “It wasn’t meant to do that, it was meant to share how important you are. Not only to the Denarius family, but to me. I love you both, more than I ever thought possible.”
A declaration of love in a sacred space. No one could question the depth of Mattias’ admission. Especially not Kes nor I.
Emotions were high, both Kes and I had teary eyes and Mattias’ drew us into his arms. “I love you both,” Mattias said again.
“I love you both too,” I admitted. Poor Kes couldn’t even look at us, just kept his head buried against Mattias’ chest. We felt his love through the bond, there was no doubt it was there.
In time, he’d say the words. Or maybe showing was more his style.
But we knew he cared, given the fact he’d foregone the eye patch when it was just the three of us. That was a huge step for him.
“Thank you for trusting us enough to share this,” Kes managed.
“Of course, you’re my mates. Come, let us pay our seaside family a visit.”
I loved, beyond words, how welcomed not only the brothers had made my herd but the residents in Dragon City had too.
No long, drawn out conversations about where to put everyone or what they’d do with this many newcomers.
Just a short, let’s build them a village one and so it shall be.
It wasn’t beneath our beloved sea, but it was along the coast where they could easily come and go.
Though they chose to stay close to the shoreline where it was safest. For now.
As we passed each of them they greeted us with kind words or a quick wave for those who were hard at work. The younglings surrounded us, Mattias picked them up swinging each around one after the other. Their giggles floated through the air, and I longed to see him do the same with our own children.
“I wondered how long it would be before you paid me a visit,” Kaika said as she emerged from her home and embraced me. “Sweet boy,” her tiny hand cupped my cheek. “You’ve finally got your wish.”
My dragon preened.
“Wish?” Mattias replied. “I hope it’s a good wish.”
“The best!” I squealed.
“Step inside and let me examine you.”
“Wait,” Mattias held a hand out to stop me. “What’s going on here? Sorry, Kaika, but Caspian isn’t going anywhere.”
“Mate, trust me.”
Your dragon is far too excited for me not to.
Kaika held the door open and the three of us crammed inside her home. She was tiny, compared to us. Especially next to Mattias, but we managed to squeeze inside.
“Lay here, Caspian,” she pointed to couch. “Ah, right on time.”
“Raven?” Mattias’ hackles went up. “What on Earth is happening?”
“Down, Mattias,” Raven said as she stepped around him. “Watch and listen.”
Whoa, she told him, but how did she know we were here.
Raven knows everything, Mattias said. But why are we here is what I’d like to know.
I wasn’t ruining the surprise so his over protective butt would just have to wait a few more minutes.
“Thank you for coming, Raven,” Kaika said. “I’m not sure Mattias would calm down with only me doing the examination.”
Mattias growled. “Examination for what?”
“To see how many dragonets your mates are carrying,” Raven replied, rather sternly. “Now, hush up.”
“Wait, mates as in plural?” Kes paled, much like he had during breakfast.
“Maybe the two of you should sit down.” I feared they may both pass out which would absolutely destroy Kaika’s cute little place. As it was, Mattias’ head touched the ceiling. One wrong move and the whole place could collapse.
Raven and Kaika’s hands hovered above me. A tingling sensation ran along my spine like wispy tickles.
“Four,” Raven said.
“Two dragons, two Seadragons,” Kaika confirmed. “This will be a challenge for sure.”
“Did she just say…” Mattias paused. “I-I’m. We-we,” he stuttered while Kes and I giggled.
“Yes, Papa,” was the most perfect response I had.
“Yes, two eggs and two live births,” Raven confirmed.
“All girls.” Hearing that from Kaika surprised me but after our recent purchases at the baby store, it all made sense. My dragon was drawn to the more feminine items for a reason.
“Congratulations, Mattias. I’m sure Ionus will have a field day with this,” Raven smiled. “Kes, would you care to join us?”
I hugged Raven and Kaika then skipped over to Mattias and kissed his cheek. “Are you happy, mate?”
“Happy doesn’t even cover it.” He laid a pornography worthy, fin melting kiss on me.
Kes laid down and they began their assessment. “Two heartbeats, one egg. Fraternal twins.”
“Kaika?” Mattias asked.
“Yes, I see the same,” Raven confirmed. “Both boys.”
“Goddess above, if they’re firebugs like Ionus’.” Mattias stared up at the sky. “With our luck, instead of flames we’ll have floods.”
This was the first time I’d seen Raven erupt into uncontrollable laughter. “The Goddess does seem to have a sense of humor when it comes to the Denarius brood.”
“Here, take this, Kes.” Kaika handed him a seaweed blend. “This will help with the nausea.”
“I don’t know where you two came from,” he said as they helped him up. “But boy am I thankful you’re a part of our family.” Seers were amazing Elders in our herd. It was sad we were down to one, but at least we had her. And having a High Priestess was the ultimate blessing for any clan.
The sound of five very large dragons landing on the beach rattled Kaika’s home.
“I’m guessing the welcome wagon is here?” Kaika smiled, Raven just shook her head.
“That’s the Denarius brothers for you. Can’t blame them for being as excited as they are after all the centuries they’ve waited to find their mates,” Raven said. “Let’s join them before they wreck the place.”
“Whoop! Whoop!” and “Way to go, Mattias!” rang out along with whistles and cat calls as soon as we exited Kaika’s place.
“Nice going, Fertile Mertle!” Odem teased. I think I knew what that meant and with as red as Mattias’ face got, I think I was right. “Six, wow. You sailed right past Ionus fertile ass.” Ionus smacked Odem in the back of the head. “Ouch, what was that for?”
“Your crass behavior,” Ionus replied. “Congratulations, Mattias. I couldn’t be happier for you.”
“No blanks shot by these brothers,” Odem slung his arm over Mattias shoulder and he pushed off, “Am I right? Team Denarius for the win!”
I’ve heard many times over, this is why some animals eat their young, but up until now, I’d never understood nor agreed with it.
If we could turn back time, I’d have a conversation with their parents about Odem… That boy ain’t right.
Maybe they dropped his egg?
I couldn’t stop smiling, surrounded by my herd and our new family.
What a great start to rebuilding the Seadragons.
For as long as I can remember I’d wanted to be a father and now it was coming true though I wished my parents were still here to see it.
They’d have been fantastic grandparents and would’ve thoroughly enjoyed the brothers and their antics.
Upalo had poor Kes pulled into a never-ending hug. I hadn’t even thought twice this morning when he said he hadn’t felt well, but now it all made sense. I hoped Kaika’s herbal remedy helped him with the morning sickness.
Was Kes happy he was with egg? Or, double egg in this case? He’d never mentioned any thoughts on parenting. Ugh, I really must be more on the ball with learning what makes both of my mates happy. He knew it was a possibility given his heat, but still...
Mate, are you happy?
Kes turned his handsome face my way. I am, just nervous.
That’s understandable.
Honestly, I’ve never been happier. I have two mates I’m madly in love with and now you and I are giving Mattias the best six gifts ever. Kes blushed. I just hope I don’t screw them up. Didn’t have any positive role models in my life.
Just saying that puts you way ahead of the curve. You want to be a good parent and that’s half the battle. Look at Odem, he’s crazy but one of the greatest uncles and dads there are.
Point taken. He is the life of the party, though.
And there he was, big as day, Odem. Drawing a crowd, everyone smiling and laughing at his goofiness. He may be a giant dork, but he had a heart of gold. I hope I’m half the father he is.
True. He makes Ronan nuts, but they do love each other.
Mates, Mattias cut in. You’ve made me happier than you could ever know. Tonight we’ll celebrate properly, as a family. Just the three of us.
Don’t you mean just the nine of us? I teased.
Someone’s feeling sassy. Sassy bottoms get red bottoms.
Promises, promises.
Mattias cocked a brow, Challenge accepted.
Before you two start spreading more orgasmic delights, Kes cut in, can we hit the baby store again. We definitely didn’t buy enough for six when we were there.
Ohhh, and lunch at the diner. I want to say hi to Mable and Cicily. Maybe get some fries. And a burger. Mmm, and a chocolate shake. Suddenly, I was starving. Can we go soon, please?
Yes, but let’s take one of the vans. I’m sure between the three of us there will be too many packages to fly back with. Mattias hadn’t stopped smiling since we stepped outside and I adored every moment of it.
It was such a happy time that I hated that a somber thought such has how few there were left of my herd creeped inside my head. But it was hard to miss when the gathered crowd was easy to count.
Rebuilding homes was the easy part. Rebuilding lives, not so much.
Is this all that will ever be left of my herd?
Deep breath, little Seadragon. Mattias had a way of calming me with the simplest of words. Have faith, I believe we may find others in our quests not to mention the ones in your belly.
I do too, Kes said. Bits and pieces are still fuzzy, but I remember my dragon showing me others. I just can’t remember where we saw them.
Come on, a bit of retail therapy will be fun. Mattias, a natural fixer at heart was ready to turn our frowns around.
And food? I didn’t eat much this morning. Poor Kes, this was going to be a long pregnancy for him.
And food, my sweet ice dragon. Let’s go feed and clothe our babies.
“Back so soon?” Alice the owner, greeted us the second we walked into the store.
“Yes,” Mattias puffed up. “My mates and I will be welcoming six dragonets soon.”
“Congratulations!” she cheered. “Such wonderful news. FYI, my mate makes personalized fire proof blankets.”
“We’ll take six!” Mattias exclaimed. “But can we get back to you with the names? We literally just found out and haven’t had time to discuss that yet.”
“You absolutely can. Gender or color ideas?”
The three of us looked at each other, but I knew what I wanted. “We’re having four girls and two boys, but I’d still like them to be gender neutral colors, if possible?”
“That is absolutely doable. Let me get some information from you.” She handed Kes and I each a basket then Mattias followed her to the counter to fill out the forms for our special orders.
Special orders. For our dragonets. Come on, that is beyond awesome!
There you are, Kes. I wondered when it would hit you.
It hit me, alright. Nearly gave me a heart attack at Kaika’s, but now that we’re here I’m pretty excited. We’re so lucky, not only to find our mates but to find each other.
Kes, that’s one of the sweetest things you’ve said to me. I turned and kissed his cheek. “Now, let’s do some baby shopping.”
“Look at all the teeny tiny socks. I can’t believe their feet will be this small.” Kes picked up a four pack of every color available. “Their feet will be so cute!” Okay, this excited side of Kes I was totally on board with. “We should order custom onesies online with silly sayings on them.”
“That will be so fun. Plus, we need to order six of everything furniture wise. Mattias, which room will be the nursery?”
“Well, with six babies why don’t we make two with a pass through.
One for sleeping and one for playing. Then as they get older we can move them into their own rooms.” A couple of Baird’s clan had been staying at Mattias house in the spare rooms, but they since moved out.
“Oddly enough, we have five spare rooms so only two will have to share a room when they get older.”
“We may be able to redesign the rooms and turn five into six or even seven so we have a guest room. Those rooms are huge as they are.” Kes had a point and sent my brain into a spiral of room colors and decorating ideas.
“I’ll call the contractor in the morning,” Mattias said, adding more to his own basket. “We can get started on the nurseries right away then he’ll have time to redesign the other rooms.”
Might as well build his own home on site with as much work as he’s had at the compound lately.
Four brothers down, one left to add to the dragonet count.
Huh, we may need to consider opening our own school…