24. Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Four
Caspian
“Um, as precious as this moment is, can someone please carry me to the springs?” I’d been in labor all day but with the eggs cracking I wasn’t about to leave until they met both their Daddies and their Papa.
“Oh, snap!” Odem popped in right on time. “Upalo and I have this. Papa and Daddies, head out and bring us our last two girls.”
The second Mattias scooped me up, Odem and Upalo replaced us in the nest, fawning over their new nieces and nephews.
As much as I hated leaving our newborns, I knew they were in good hands.
Mattias had my clothes off and me in the water moments later.
Shifting was the most natural way to deliver Seadragonets and in doing so, my water finally broke.
Mattias and Kes remained in their human forms and joined me as I swam around waiting for the girls to emerge.
Autumn, Summer, are you ready to meet your Daddies and Papa? I was hoping a bit of encouragement from the Daddy in labor would help move things along.
Anxious was the best way to describe what they sent through our bond.
Sweet girls, Papa is right here, waiting to hold you. Mattias said in the sweetest voice.
I can’t believe I almost missed all of this. I was a fool for signing back up for patrols this soon. I belong here with you and the babies, Caspian.
Poor Kes, I hated how down on himself he always was.
You’re here now, mate, and that’s all that matters.
I had no problem with him taking the occasional patrol shift, but while the babies were young we needed to raise them as a unit.
Emerson’s head popped around the corner. “Would it be too invasive for me to be here? I’ve never seen nor read really anything on Seadragon pregnancies or deliveries.”
Hahaha, I laughed, as did my mates. Tell him I’d be honored to be a part of his research.
In our herd when a father delivered most of the others were around to witness it and wrangle the babes.
Especially once we went into hiding. Ensuring we all stayed together was of the utmost importance for everyone’s safety.
“Come on in,” Mattias waved to him. “Be warned, Seadragons tend to come out at breakneck speed.” Emerson’s eyes widened as he stripped down to swim trunks and slowly entered the water.
He was a funny one for sure given we’d all seen each other naked numerous times yet here he was in smiley face swim trunks.
He won’t jostle me. The girls are moving around a lot. I have a feeling they’re anxious to meet their siblings.
Kes shared that message with a wide-eyed Emerson. He was unique, but we were lucky to have an archivist as passionate as he was and with such a kind soul.
Generally, Seadragon dragonets remained in Seadragon form for most of their lives. This was gonna be interesting given we no longer lived in the water but were now housed on land. I’d have to make sure Emerson had that bit of information for his records.
Come now girls, it’s time to meet your family.
That was all Autumn needed, she shot right out and her Papa caught her, nuzzling her tiny nose with his.
“What a gorgeous girl you are.” It was her sister Summer that was playing peek-a-boo.
Autumn’s soft blue hues and silver mane were nearly transparent.
I could see how easily it would be for her to win every game of hide and seek beneath the sea.
“Sweet Summer,” Papa cooed, handing Autumn off to Daddy Kes.
“Please come out so we can meet you. I swear, Papa is right here to catch you.” She shot out like a rocket and right into Papa’s arms. “My beautiful girl, welcome to the light.” That one was gonna be Papa’s girl for sure, which gave me a wonderful idea for personalized onesies.
“She’s the exact opposite in color to her sister,” Kes pointed out. “Silver with an opaque blue mane. They are absolutely stunning, Caspian.” Kes gave me the sweetest kiss. “I love you, mate.”
I love you, too.
I shifted back. Mattias wings encased us and the girls. “And I love all of you, the best gifts this Papa could’ve ever received.”
“Let’s get you and your Daddy back to the nest so you can meet your brothers and sisters,” Kes said, scooping Autumn up. “I think they’ll shift to human form once they’re with the others.” But I had to admit, tiny Seadragons were beyond adorable.
“Emerson, why don’t you carry Summer while I carry my mate,” Mattias handed our dear girl over to her uncle.
“Fascinating.” Emerson eyed her like a science experiment. “You are one beautiful girl,” she blew bubbles at him. His face instantly morphed from curiosity to love. “Goddess above has this family been blessed.”
Luff, luff, luff, luff, was chanted as we neared the nest.
“How is it that they can already think a word? I mean, I understood it when in utero but out?” Wasn’t that too early?
“You must remember, Mate,” Mattias set me beside the babies in the nest. “Our dragonets are special. Gifted beyond comprehension by the Goddess herself.”
Luffs continued to ring out along with tiny grabby hands as the babies not so patiently waited for Daddy Kes and Uncle Emerson to put the girls down with them.
“Wow, impatient much,” Kes teased them as they set the girls beside their brothers and sisters.
There was so much love in this tiny nest and sure enough, Summer and Autumn shifted into the most adorable babies—yes I’m biased.
Our dragonets were, of course, the most gorgeous babies ever. All six of them, that is.
“See mate,” Mattias kissed the top of my head. “All is well in our home. All six are healthy and full of love.” Luff, luff started up again. They’ve only been in this world for a few hours and already I’d give my life for them. I was head over heels in love with our family.
“Thank you for letting me be a part of this,” Emerson smiled.
“It’s important we document everything we can.
History is how we learn to survive, fix our mistakes and move forward.
Plus, babies,” he waved his hands around.
“Never thought I’d be as into the parenting scene as I am, but Cade changed my outlook and my world, for the better. ”
“I think that’s happened with all of us,” Kes said. “There is so much joy in this room. I know not every day will be a winner, but with them in our lives we’ll never be without love or purpose.” I was beyond thrilled to hear those words come from Kes. He’d been so down since birthing the boys.
See mate, you are loved, you are wanted, you are needed. No more putting yourself down.
He grinned. Now you sound like Mattias.
Aye, he does and he’s right. Never forget we are your number one fans, and we love you, unconditionally. Kes blushed and ducked his head.
Sapphire was the largest dragonet by far.
Our little Alpha would protect the others just as Griffin does.
I can’t wait to see those two in action, keeping the others in line.
Goddess forbid if anyone crossed our dragonets.
Those two would be beast to contend with, not to mention all the Daddies and Uncles too.
“Congratulations, brothers,” Ionus smiled. “What fine additions to Clan Denarius. Such brilliant colors. I see a protector in the making.”
Guess I wasn’t the only one who saw that in Sapphire.
Mattias dragon puffed up. “Never been prouder in my life,” Mattias said.
One by one the brothers and their mates funneled through.
But when the dragonets got fussy and it was time to feed, I too was ready for a full belly and a nap too.
Thankfully, Kes and I had been pumping and freezing our milk these last couple of days, so Mattias was able to help us get the fussing under control and our sweet babies off to sleep.
Once we were all tucked in with our sleeping dragonets, Mattias joined us, wrapping his wings around the nest. “I love you all to the moon and back. In this life, and the next. Sweet dreams, my loves.”
“To the horde room, now!” Ionus barked. “There’s another dragon here.”
“I feel him too, brother,” Mattias said and we all nodded, gathering the babies to follow Alex to their horde. “But how did they get past the wards?”
“They have to be of our blood or a mate,” Quint added.
“I brought him. Stand down, protectors.”
“Goddess,” Ionus bowed and every abled adult, including Griffin, fell to one knee. “To what do we owe the gift of your presence?”
The ethereal glow around her was nearly blinding, her beauty but a mirror image of how we envisioned her. Within moments, Raven joined us.
“Goddess, we are truly blessed. How may we be of service to you?”
“Raven,” she placed a hand upon Raven’s shoulder. “You have done well protecting this clan.”
“Thank you, Goddess,” Raven replied.
“Ionus, Caro, Odem,” she shook her head, “oh, how I do enjoy your antics.” Odem’s smile was ridiculous.
“Mattias and Quint, the chosen ones. War is upon us, a war you’ve trained all your lives for but sadly, one where there will be loss of life.
We must defeat the evil bearing down upon us and right their wrongs.
This is Kieran,” she pointed to the black dragon beside her.
His scales were still visible even in human form.
Kieran bowed his head. “As a necromancer dragon he can assist you and finally claim his mate. Kieran, you’ve been by my side, putting our needs before yours and I thank you for that.
Now, it’s time you join your clan and your mate. ”
Every head in the room, save for the children’s, glanced around. The one who finally stepped forward sent a round of shocked responses around the room.
“I am a dragon.” Mattias had told Kes and I that Knox believed he too was broken, having never been able to shift into dragon form, and there was no way he truly was. It wasn’t until this very moment that any of us understood why he was unable to—his dragon was waiting for their mate.
“Yes, Knox, and I’m sorry I’ve kept him from you but there was much we had to tend to before it was time for him to join you. My apologies for that.”
“Thank you, Goddess,” Knox said. “I understand and didn’t mean to react selfishly.”
Kieran’s smile was brilliant, his eyes never left Knox from the moment he stepped into view. In two short strides, Kieran crossed the room, drawing Knox into a fierce hug and fiery kiss.
“I’ve waited so long to hold you,” Kieran said the moment their lips parted. “I’ve watched you from afar for years. My arms longed to hold you and my heart ached with need.”
“I-I’ve felt you,” Knox stuttered. “I wasn’t sure what it was but now it all makes sense.”
Kieran chuckled. “It was rare we were far apart. Only when the Goddess requested my services. We’ll never be apart again, my love.”
“I’m sorry to tear this happy moment from you, Kieran and Knox, but there are more pressing matters to attend to.
Protectors, trust in Kieran. He has seen many things and can guide you to others who wish to join your cause.
His gifts are special, as are all of yours and together you can win this war.
Once Kieran and Knox have mated, your strengths will increase as they have with each brothers mating.
Your powers rely on one another’s. Kieran, I believe you have a message from the other side to share with them? ”
“Aye, I do.” Kieran stepped back from Knox. His scales shimmered in the light and his eyes turned white. “My sons.”
“Father?” Ionus said.
“Aye, your mother is with me too. We’re so proud of you and the dragons you’ve become.
I’m sorry I wasn’t there to help raise you, but your mother did a wonderful job training you.
We hate that it has come to this, another dragon war, but as our dear Goddess has said, together you can win it. We love you and we believe in you.”
Kieren shuddered, his eyes returned to the obsidian color they were before.
“Thank you, Kieren. I know that wasn’t easy to channel them and it drains you, but that was an important message from Griffin and Luna.”
Ah, now I knew how the names for two of Alex and Ionus children came to be. All five brothers dabbed at their eyes but I knew without a doubt receiving that message from the other side held a lot of weight with them.
Ionus stepped forward and pounded his chest, “We are ready to do your bidding, Goddess.” Caro, Odem, Mattias and Quint did the same.
“Aye,” they replied as one.
“Good. There isn’t much time. The evil we speak of is within reach, but it won’t be easy. Blessed be, my sons.”
“Blessed be, Goddess,” we all replied. Silence filled the room the second she disappeared. The weight of her visit, of the impending war and of the Denarius parents’ message was heavy.
War was upon us, and there was no way out.