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Maybe other people would think it was grumpy, but he just adored it.
He reached out to touch Harden’s cheek after setting the tea aside. “What can I do?”
“Stay with me here for a bit.” Hayden took his hand and pulled him down, kissing his knuckles as they lay back. “I was just feeling so out of sorts, and Tyr always understands these things.”
“Of course he does. He’s a very understanding sort. The reasons that it makes it sort of incredible that he’s with Sloan.”
Harden laughed, just like he’d hoped he would. “Tell me about your day. Tell me about everything.”
He wasn’t sure Harden really cared. It was more his voice, their togetherness.
He murmured in a soft tone, letting Harden float in the bed with him. “As you know, I went up the mountain to make frames for my charms. Zeke came out to talk to me. I think he’s a little lonely sometimes. Not for other dragons because he has so many, but just for someone who isn’t involved in his family.”
“Mmhmmm.” That lazy sound was so sweet and soft, Harden dozing against him. “I love that you can be friends. I want you to be happy here with us.”
“Oh, baby. I’ve never been happier.”
“Truly?”
He stroked Harden’s long back slowly, gently, his only intent to make Harden feel good. “I promise. I am… This? You? I feel as though I’ve found my place after all this time.”
“I love that you can fly free.”
“I do too, but more than that? I love that we’re building a home.” He held Harden tight.
“Yes. Us. Our home. Will you be very angry if I have become pregnant so soon?”
“No. Of course not, love. We were in it together, yes? And if you are, I will be honored.”
“I don’t know, of course. It’s very early, but I think I was in heat. So does Tyr.”
“So does Zeke.” He chuckled a little. “Everyone but us seems to know.”
“They have done it many times. This is our first.”
“True enough.”
Harden chuckled for him, the sound sweet and soft. “Should we go enjoy food with our family?”
“As long as you’re up to it.” He eased Harden to sitting.
“I am. I had simply worked myself into a state, and I was very upset in the stomach.” Before he stood, Harden drank down the tea, which had cooled a great deal now. “Tyr’s honey is always so good for a sore throat or an unsettled stomach.”
“It is, isn’t it?” He tugged Harden up, then wrapped an arm around him. “Dinner smells lovely.”
“Yes, and little Melissa will be needing her Brayden, I know.”
He grinned and nodded. “She is my dear niece. As long as Riley isn’t here, of course. Then I’m second best.”
“Never.” Harden said it with feeling.
“Thank you, baby.” He stopped Harden before they made it to the main quarters, taking a kiss. Just a touch of lips, just in case. Heat seemed to be over, but they were still new lovers.
And this was Sloan and Tyr’s house.
My mate. Harden’s hand was warm and solid against his cheek.
They smiled at each other, leaning their foreheads together. Then they turned and went into Tyr’s main room, where the smells from the kitchen made his belly rumble. Harden’s answered him, the sound loud, making Sloan and Tyr laugh when they joined them.
