Chapter 13
Chapter
Thirteen
Kieran woke in Lachlan — in their— bedroom, blinking slowly to get his bearings.
Lachlan’s bed was a dream — soft and cozy, huge and warm. He had all the pillows and blankets he wanted, his mate next to him, and they lived in a castle.
A castle with dragons who flew together.
He smiled, his world very much like a dream.
Lachlan reached over and pulled him close. “Good very-early morning, my love.”
“Go back to sleep. I was listening for Micah, that’s all.”
“Is he all right? I could go get him and let him snuggle with us.”
“Do you mind? He’s awake, but not crying.” Not yet.
“I don’t mind at all, my love.” Lachlan rose, leaving him in the warm, soft bed to put on his robe and go get Micah.
He was so lucky, and he didn’t deserve it. He hadn’t done anything to deserve it.
Stop that, Lachlan ordered. You deserve all the good things.
Sorry. I mean, I didn’t do anything good. I didn’t do anything bad either.
You came to me, and we needed each other.
Lachlan appeared, holding Micah, bouncing him lightly.
Micah squealed when he saw Kieran, and his heart swelled with sheer joy. “Baby!”
“Da!”
“Hello, my wee love.” He held out his arms, and Lachlan plopped the baby into them so he could nuzzle and hug.
“Da. Da — Papa!” Micah waved to Lachlan, laughing as he slid into the sheets.
“My sweet boy,” Lachlan agreed, tickling Michah’s toes.
These were the moments Kieran loved the most. These quiet family times he’d thought he would never have.
But you lived. You fought and lived, and we have each other. Lachlan blew him a kiss.
“Pa-Da.” Micah seemed to be agreeing. Gods, he was so cute.
“Yes, Da is the cutest.” Lachlan nibbled at Micah’s fingers. “But you’re pretty amazing.”
“Da fwy!”
Lachlan nodded. “He did. He flew with me.”
“Fwwwwwwwwwwwwwy!”
“Next time, my little love, I will carry you in my paw,” Lachlan agreed.
Oh, that made his pulse race with worry, but he couldn’t let either of his fellows know that. They needed his confidence.
I would never let either of you fall. Not ever.
I know. I do. He trusted Lachlan with his whole soul, which was freeing. And he trusted the wing to support them too. “I want to go to the bookstore with you. I want to take Micah to visit Kaden.”
“Then we’ll do that. Both of them. I can drop you off at Lars’s place if you want to have a playdate with the kids and chat with him alone.”
“Maybe. Maybe the first time you stay?” That wasn’t too much, was it?
“I would be happy to. I can always sit with my brother and shoot the shit.” Lachlan winked.
“I’ll call later and ask if they have lunch plans.” He felt so brave, so incredibly daring.
“Perfect.” Lachlan laid back with him, and they let Micah play between them, singing a little nonsense song.
He couldn’t believe this was his life. Not at all.
Suddenly Lachlan’s eyes went wide, and he hurtled out of the bed.
“What’s wrong?”
“Mari and Ari are missing.”
“Missing?” He grabbed Micah.
“No. Not kidnapped. They ran away. They’re coming here, I’m sure. Can you keep an eye out for them. We’re all going to fly.”
“Of course.” Kieran popped up to pull on clothes, then grabbed Micah so he could jog downstairs. He would put on coffee and make food.
Those girls. Lachlan had left from the balcony upstairs. Dakota is in hysterics.
What do I do if they get here before you all find them? He knew he couldn’t coddle them. They weren’t allowed to go off on their own.
You call for Kota, and you tell them to sit down and stay.
Kieran wasn’t sure if he could do that, but he’d sure try. Of course, love. I’m on it.
Just befuddle them with your light…
He had to laugh at that. He watched out the window as Lachlan flew off, then set himself and Micah up in the front kitchen to make coffee and snacks for the search party.
Those two girls were going to be the death of Logan and Dakota, no question. They were so fierce, kind of bubbling with this quiet anger that he didn’t understand.
Somehow Lachlan did, though, and those two little girls adored him immensely, and he adored them right in return.
Not to say that their parents didn’t. Obviously, Logan and Dakota loved them both to death, but it was pretty clear to him that they just had so much fire, and the younger twins were so much more peaceful.
So of course, they had to run off and try to find their own way when things got too pent up.
He hummed to himself, Micah seeming to sing along, and he made coffee and put hot chocolate in the crock pot before starting sammies.
Okay, something was up.
Kieran thought he heard something outside. He tilted his head, listening.
Was that a dog? They didn’t have a dog, Grant, Jake, and Samuel? They had a dog, a wolf. Logan’s girls had a cat, a big one. Maybe that was the noise he heard.
He went out and opened the door, peeping to see two very pale, very low-flying little dragons just barely making it through the trees.
Oh, bless the goddess. “Making hot chocolate. If you want some.”
The girls stopped, both of them fluttering.
“There’s bacon, too.” He kept it really casual, not wanting to freak the girls out.
He sent out to whoever was listening, They’re here at the edge of the woods.
Then he focused back on the little ones.
“Are you sure you don’t want to come in?
It’s warm. Everything’s good, like I said.
There’s hot chocolate. You can have whipped cream or marshmallows, or if you want, you can have both. ”
One of the little girls was the first one to change. He didn’t know which one. “Hot chocolate, really?”
“Really. And I’m making bacon sandwiches and eggs and maybe something sweet too.”
He wasn’t holding his breath. Kids could tell when one did that.
“I’m hungy and cold. Is Uncle here?”
“He’s out flying, but he’ll be back soon.” Not a lie, right?
“Oh.” The other girl crept forward. “Is he looking for us?”
He nodded. “He wants you safe and not too cold. Come in and warm up. Flying is tiring, I know. I flew yesterday, and I was pooped.”
Both of the little girl’s eyes went wide. “You flewed? With Unka Lachlan?”
“I did and your dad and Bryant came and flew with us too, and that’s why I was so tired because I was trying to keep up, and I’m just little.”
Both the girls came and climbed up onto chairs at the kitchen table. “We’re tired of being just little.”
“I bet you are. It’s really tough but you know what? Sometimes it takes a while to learn things or to do new things, and it really helps if we learn to be patient.”
Kieran could hear them now, the thump-and-whomp of big wings on the way. He hoped they didn’t come in too hot and start growling at the girls. They were exhausted and clearly heart sore about something.
Maybe he could get to the bottom of some of it before Logan got here.
“So what were you so upset about today that you needed to come here and see Uncle Lachy?”
One of the girls opened her mouth, but the other one nudged her with an elbow. “No Mari, he doesn’t need to hear it. I was just going to say it’s silly.”
“Never say it was silly. Never. Even if I don’t understand why you’re upset about something, that doesn’t mean it’s silly.”
“I don’t wanna get the littles in trouble,” Ari said.
So the younger twins had done something to upset the older girls. It probably wasn’t on purpose. That’s what happened with younger siblings but it was obviously serious enough for these two that they had run away.
“Ah. That’s very dear of you girls. Little siblings need care, for sure. Did…did one of them do something and you got in trouble?”
Both girls went wide-eyed. “We gotted sent to bed without supper!”
“And Papa yelled!”
“And Simon was dis-dapoinded.”
“And Daddy didn’t believe us that we didn’t break it!”
“Oh, girls. Come here.” Everyone, these little girls are sad and exhausted, and I will bite anyone who snarls. Am I clear?
They came to him right away, clinging to him like little vines. “So why did you get sent to bed?”
“There was a broken vase. The littles said we did it, but we didn’t!”
“Oh, that hurts so much, when you tell the truth and no one believes in you, doesn’t it?” He held them gently, cradling them.
Ari hiccupped. “Yes. I know we can be bad, but when we didn’t do it, it’s not nice.”
“Well, we’ll fix it, but you have to tell when you’re going to come to Uncle Lachy’s, okay? Everyone was scared. Next time, you can call for me, all right? Or Uncle?”
“We can?” That was sweet Mari.
“I promise, you may.”
Ari snuggled in. “‘kay.”
“Good girls.” The sounds of dragons landing was loud, thudding deep.
The girls snuggled into him, waiting.
Lachlan strode in first. “My sweet girls. Are you all right?”
“Unca! We needed you!” They spoke as one, hurrying over to push in close, Lachlan’s wings wrapping around the little girls.
“I was out looking for you. I heard you were coming, and I was scared.” Lachlan wasn’t accusing. No, his voice was so gentle. What happened?
One of their brothers broke something and they accused the girls. The adults didn’t believe them when they said they didn’t do it.
Oh no. Logan, how could you?
The other dragons swept in behind them. In my defense, it’s usually them. I’ll apologize.
And I will too. The boys are so… Dakota’s sigh was low and unhappy, but it still made Kieran happy. He could hear them — his wing. They’re just so easy.
Which means these two need more understanding and patience, Lachlan teased gently.
Logan came to Lachlan. Still. They cannot just run away. That is not acceptable. They could be hurt.
Yes, I understand. But right now, they need to know you love them.
Logan’s face softened, and he knelt by the girls. “I’m sorry I didn’t believe you, my loves. I truly am. And I am sorry I growled.”
“We didn’t do it.”
“We don’t lie.”
“We aren’t—”
“—bad, Papa.”
“I know, my loves. I do. It just seemed like something that could have happened.” Logan took the girls from Lachlan, kissing them. “I should have listened.”
The little girls melted into their father, one sobbing, the other immediately falling asleep.
“Does anyone need coffee?” He knew that everyone was so worried and stressed.
“Please.” He got a smile from Bryant.
“Oh, me too.” Bea grinned.
“I’m on it. Coffee and there are sweet rolls — thank you, Alban.” He poured out coffee, passing it out along with sugar and cream. Then he passed around the pastries.
The sandwiches came next, and soon everyone was relaxed and smiling, if still a bit tense. Micah cooed in his carrier, so Kieran picked him up, bouncing him to soothe them both.
Lachlan came to take Micah, one wing wrapping around Kieran. “All is well, mate. Thank you for your help.”
“You’re very welcome. They’re a little heartbroken.”
“Logan will make it up to them. And if not, they can slumber party here for the night.”
“No. No, they will come home, and we’ll deal with this as a family.” Logan smiled at Kieran and Lachlan. “I’m so grateful they believe in you two. That they know they’re safe with you.”
“So are we, my friend.” Lachlan beamed at the twins. “We love you, hmm? Go be home and safe.”
“We will.”
Slowly, everyone but Bryant left, the brothers sitting together. Soon, he knew, Lars and Kaden would be here.
He loved that they would come and comfort everyone and spend time with them.
“So that was fascinating, wasn’t it?” Lachlan shook his head, still looking a bit wide-eyed. “It’s hard because I want to protect them, but Logan and Kota are their parents.”
“We all make mistakes.” Bryant chuckled and shook his head. “Some of us more than others.”
“Well, I think every now and again, Jake and Samuel are the ones who are the most overwhelmed with Grant.”
“I dread when that child is going through puberty. The world may end.” Lachlan’s grin belied his words.
“Oh, my God.” Kieran laughed. “He will take over the wing.”
“He might, but there’s something glorious about that kid.” Lachlan loved the babies, and Kieran adored that about him.
It meant his mate would adore their babies just as much, protect them, love them.
All of them, including Micah.
Lachlan kissed Micah’s downy head. “Of course I will.”
Alban went to the door, and there was Lars and the baby, along with Alban’s dear twin.
“Come in. There’s coffee and pastries.” Kieran went to draw Lars in, hugging him tight.
“Thanks.” Lars grinned. “Crazy day already, huh?”
“Yes. Note to self, try not to have two sets of twins in a row.” Kieran winked at Lars.
Those poor little girls — so mad. He had no doubt Logan and Dakota would fix it.
Lars shuddered. “Nope. No Dakota is a prince among dragon mates.”
“And maybe he needs a vacation. Just him at a spa somewhere. Maybe in Denver?” Lachlan suggested.
“Oh that’s a great idea. I’ll tell Logan. We could all watch the kids. I think that would be fantastic for Dakota. Though maybe Glenwood Springs is a little more low-key and freak-friendly.”
“Oh good idea,” Lachlan waggled his eyebrows. “Should we put these two babies down on the blankets so they can enjoy each other’s company?”
“Sounds great. I could use a mimosa or something.” Lars nudged Kieran with his elbow.
“Oh, do we have sparkling apple juice?”
“Of course we do and orange juice too.” Lachlan kissed him. “I’ll hook you up.”
“Mmmm. Thank you.” Lars looked so pleased. “Alcohol is probably a bad idea.”
Lachlan smiled. “Congratulations, Lars. Bryant told me.”
“Thank you. I think that Kaden will love having a sibling to play with.” Lars went to snuggle up to Bryant, the babies babbling at each other on the floor.
“I bet. He’s such a happy one.”
Bryant winked at them. “And I hear you’re ready to try.”
Lachlan laughed. “We’re certainly practicing.”
“Lachlan!” He couldn’t believe his mate had said that. The laughter filled the air, and he felt the camaraderie deep inside him.
“What? It’s true. I’m waiting eagerly for your heat.”
His cheeks were on fire, just burning, and Lars laughed for him, cackling hard enough to shake him a little.
“I understand this on a deep level,” Bryant said.
Lars chortled. “We did that already, baby.”
“Twice,” Bryant agreed.
Kieran cracked up, and lifted his face for a kiss, which Lachlan gave eagerly. He felt so loved. So cared for. And all had ended well with the girls. He would bet Dakota and Logan listened to them more now.
This is home.
Of course it is, my love. This is your home, your wing. Your place.
Kieran had to make Lachlan understand. Yes, but I’ve never felt that way anywhere before. Ever.
Then I’m glad you found us. Thank goodness. I needed you in my life.
I needed you too. Soon we’ll all nap and enjoy some time together, but then I want it to be just the three of us.
Anything you want, love. Anything at all.
They smiled at each other, then moved back to entertain their family, knowing soon they would be back in each others’ arms. Kieran couldn’t wait.