Chapter Eleven #2
“I can promise you that.” I’d dote on my healing mate until he hollered to leave him alone.
“Yes,” Nuri added. “He should heal well, but if you have any concerns reach out and either Shayla or I will come and check on him.”
“Thank you both, for everything. There aren’t any others in the world I trust above you.” Mom kissed my forehead and Nuri squeezed mine and Juni’s entwined hands.
I lifted Juni out and held him while mom and Nuri rolled up the plastic and placed the eggs in the center of the nest. Carefully, mom wiped Juni down then laid him beside the twins. “I’ll be right back, sweetheart. Just gonna change then I’ll join you.”
“M’kay, love you, Ky.” Juni mumbled as he rolled over and tucked the eggs against him, his arm outstretched as far as it could so he could hold them. Our mate was just as protective as dragon and I were. By the time I returned he was soundly sleeping.
“I can’t thank you both enough for all of this. Bringing my family into the world,” I teared up. “They’re everything to me.”
“As they should be.” Mom said as I hugged her and Nuri. “Now, lay down with your mate so I can go check on Azure and their new boy Keegan.”
“Another boy, Kobalt must be thrilled.”
Congratulations on your son Keegan, brother.
Congratulations on Kael and Kalliope. We’ll be by soon to see them.
No rush, enjoy your family and we’ll gather soon.
I stared at my sleeping family as they lay in the nest, not bothering to wipe away the happy tears as they fell. As soon as I curled up around them, our dragon contentedly sighed.
Love you, mate.
Love you too, dragon and love you too, Ky.
Love you all to the moon and back.
Who knew a heart could hold as much love as mine did. With my family safely in my arms we took our first nap together. Kael and Kalliope nestled between us. I was now a Papa. This was everything, and so much more.
Ky, Ky, someone’s in the kitchen. Juni’s excited words came through our link.
A quick sniff of the air and my stomach growled. Whoever it is they’re cooking so they can stay.
Ky, seriously. What if it’s a burglar.
I didn’t mean to laugh, but I did. Sweetheart, not only would they have had to make it through a throng of dragons, but they wouldn’t take the time to cook. But just so you know, it’s mom.
“I need to pee.” Guess that was enough to soothe his nerves and get him up.
“Ha-ha, sorry, I know it’s not funny. Let me help you up.” I got him situated in the bathroom and wrapped the eggs in the blankets nice and tight like we were still holding them.
“Thank you,” Juni gazed lovingly at our eggs. “I can’t believe they’re really here.”
“Me too, darlin’, you were amazing. Here, put your robe on and I’ll carry you downstairs so we can eat. Whatever Mom’s making smells fantastic.” Either that or I was just starving, but I had yet to eat anything she made that I didn’t like.
“Will they be okay without us?”
“Yes, my love, they’re just fine all curled up in their shells. Besides, we’ll only be downstairs for a short while. Come on, let’s get some food in you.” Gently, I scooped Juni up and carried him into the kitchen.
“Good morning, you two. Juni bug, how do you feel?” Mom kissed his cheek and Juni grinned.
“Sore but happy. Ouch,” he grimaced when he took a seat.
“Easy, darlin’, don’t be hurting my mate,” I winked.
“Kael and Kalliope are going to be two absolutely beautiful dragons. Your father and siblings want to stop by, are you two up for that?” Mom slid a bowl of stew in front of us. There was a warm loaf of homemade bread sitting out too.
“They really are. The colors of their shells match their Papa’s dragon so perfectly. I’d love for them to come over. I need to go see Azure too. How’s she doing?” As inseparable as those two had become I was surprised when they hadn’t opted to share a nest for the births.
“She is doing well. Keegan is a gorgeous sapphire and quite a big egg too. Being her second one though, she had it much easier than you.”
Juni and I drained our bowls, and mom quickly refilled them. “Sorry, we haven’t eaten since breakfast yesterday.”
“No need to apologize, Juni Bug, this is what I’m here for. You should have plenty of leftovers to reheat later. Family will be traipsing through any minute now with…” knock-knock, “Here comes the first wave.”
Mom must’ve sent out a mental shoutout the second Juni agreed. In walked Kobalt with Azure in his arms. “Where’s my bestie?”
Juni’s smile brightened the second she said that. “What are you doing out of the house?”
“I had to see you and my niece and nephew.” Azure hugged him the second Kobalt set her down. “Grandpa Otis is with the boys right now, not so patiently waiting his turn to visit.”
“Yes, and Kayden was not happy he couldn’t see his Juni,” Kobalt shook his head. “I promised to bring him by later, if that’s alright?”
“It’s more than alright, I need my Kayden fix too. Let’s go upstairs so you can see them. They’re so beyond beautiful,” Juni said right before I picked him up and made him squeal.
“Sorry, darlin’.” His arm tightened around my neck, and he pressed his lips to my cheek.
“Oh my gosh,” Azure’s eyes widened. “I’ve never seen colors so vibrant as these. And the first girl in the family. I foresee the boys being overly protective of her.”
“I’m sure she’ll be just as fierce as her Daddy.” Not to mention this Papa would make sure his baby girl could hold her own.
Throughout the afternoon family members stopped by, each bringing a prepared food dish as was part of our culture. Juni slept off and on and I stayed nearby, sketching out the carvings I planned to add to both Kael and Kalliope’s cribs.
It hit me just how much stuff we’d still need to buy.
Clothes, diapers, toys, the more research I did the bigger my online cart got.
I’d wait to check out until Juni approved it first, I’m sure he’d want themed bedding for the twins.
I’ll have to upgrade Juni’s nickname to queen now that we have our very own tiny princess.
My sleeping mate stirred so I set my stuff aside and curled back up with them.
Life was good and because of these three I’d always be the best man I could be.
Love was the strongest emotion and with it you feel as though you can take on the world. And for my family, I would.