Chapter 20
jesper
. . .
I stood in my mom’s and Aunt Maelis’s house surrounded by soft lamplight, floral doilies, knitted throws, and the faint smell of lavender oil that Aunt Maelis had been dabbing into every corner since I’d brought home her new reason for living.
The familiar warmth of it all settled in my chest as I looked toward the small living-room armchair where the orphaned baby dragon I’d rescued sat happily in Aunt Maelis’s lap.
Mason.
He was my little cousin, officially, now that all the paperwork had been completed.
His tiny scales shimmered like wet bronze, and when he cooed, his chubby cheeks puffed out in a way that made Rune melt instantly.
She knelt in front of him, wiggling her fingers, and Mason’s hands fluttered excitedly as he reached toward her.
“When are you two going to have a baby?” my mom asked casually.
I choked on my breath, feeling my heart swell at the thought.
Rune startled so hard she smacked her back on the coffee table and hissed under her breath.
“A baby?” she echoed, laughing incredulously.
“Not for a few decades, at least. Myself, Jesper, and my other mates, except Drecken, obviously, are supernatural council agents, or will be soon. I really don’t think bringing a baby into that life is smart.
Eventually, yeah, I’d love a baby…when we retire. ”
Mom giggled behind her teacup. “Well, I can wait a few decades. Especially since I have this new little nephew.”
“True. You get to enjoy this sweet boy for now.” Rune tickled Mason’s belly, and he erupted into a squeal of baby laughter. Rune smiled softly. “I definitely want children. Just not right away. I want to enjoy the agent life with my six mates first.”
Across from her, Aunt Maelis lit up, her expression softening as she lifted Mason and nuzzled his cheek. She’d fallen so in love with that baby the moment she saw him. And honestly? I didn’t blame her. Losing Darian had hollowed her out, but Mason had become her sunshine in the dark.
I didn’t think it was healthy for her to forget Darian entirely, but she wasn’t doing that. She talked to Mason about his brother often.
If I could push that grief out of her heart myself, I would.
I finished filling everyone’s plates for dinner and carried everything to the table.
We all sat down, Mason in Aunt Maelis’s lap as she fed him a bottle, Mom beside her, and Rune beside me.
Between bites, Rune looked up. “Did Mom tell you about Zuko and I finding the humans’ facility location?”
I nodded, setting down my fork. “Yeah. Sabine was practically vibrating when she told us. The Human Council verified that it’s a real facility but not one registered on their roster. Which means, it’s a private one.”
Rune’s eyes filled with a familiar thirst for revenge.
I continued, “A full invasion is scheduled. We’re retrieving the kidnapped supernaturals and shutting the place down permanently, but we need time to fully plan and prepare for it. It won’t be until next week.”
Aunt Maelis let out a breath of relief and worry at the same time. “Good. That gives Rune time to enjoy the end of her last year at the academy.”
“It does,” I said with a small smile before letting out a harsh breath. “I can’t believe you’re finished with your last year at the academy.”
“Not yet.” She set her fork down with a grin. “I still have the formal event, the final, and of course, the House Gauntlet again. After that, then I guess it’ll be time for my first real mission!”
“It will be.” I leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Sabine put me in charge of leading the mission into the facility, and you and all your mates will be on my squad officially after that.”
“Really?” Her lips curved upward, and I scoffed.
She already knew that.
Mom’s fork paused halfway to her mouth. “You will be leading it?”
“Yep.” I took another bite and swallowed. “Eight squads. I’m command lead.”
Rune’s brows shot up. “Really? Jesper, that’s incredible.”
Mom groaned into her hands. “I love that you’re all doing good in the world…I just hate worrying constantly.”
Aunt Maelis laughed softly, bouncing Mason. “It was so much easier when they were babies.”
“Don’t worry, Nymera,” Rune murmured to my mother. “We’re strong, and we’re not going to let the humans win. We’ll get everyone they took back.”
“I know,” Mom whispered. “Doesn’t make it easier.”
I reached over and squeezed her hand. “We’ll come home. All of us.”
Rune leaned her head on my shoulder.
Mason babbled happily in Aunt Maelis’s lap as if agreeing.
Our home felt calm, safe, and peaceful, and soon, we would take vengeance.