Page 43

All right. Thank you. I just want…

A happy pregnant mate? I think that’s smart.

He laughed, because Sloan said what they all thought. They had known enough pregnant omegas now to know that if an alpha kept them happy, the alpha’s life would be happier.

Thanks guys. I really appreciate it. Sloan, you’ll arrange that with Faelan?

I will, and if he needs any help we’ll give it to him tonight. If he has any questions about the route then tomorrow he can come see you.

Sounds perfect. He pulled the fruit off the grill with his bare hands. That was one of those advantages of being a dragon, not having any kind of sensitivity to heat. While it was still hot he squeezed the juice into a bowl and then set it aside to let it cool. This was the foundation of Harden’s favorite salad dressing.

The different fruits and vegetables that he had gotten introduced to in Lunastra were fascinating to him. Some of them were very similar to things they had back home. Tubers that were like sweet potatoes but they came in a rainbow of colors beyond purple and orange. Fruit that tasted like crosses between cucumbers and apples or between lemon and dragon fruit.

Harden had been terribly amused when someone had brought a dragon fruit from the other side for them to taste. He had said it tasted like nothing really, but the outside of it fascinated him with all of its little spines. His favorite thing from the garden that the Rocky Mountain Clutch was growing up on the mountain, led by Myk, was tomatoes. He thought Harden really liked the mix of acidity and sweetness they had.

Harden came wandering in, arms wrapping around him, lips brushing his shoulder. “It smells like heaven, mate.”

Those warm hands wrapped around his waist, searching for his skin under his tunic.

His abs tightened up, and Harden chuckled for him.

“Mmmm. Feeling better my love? Cooler?”

“Absolutely. I was actually beginning to become a bit chilly out there just when I came inside. Well, that and I smelled the steaks.”

He laughed, because Harden was truly an omnivore. He may not eat the animals he raised, but he did like to have a variety of foods. “Taste the dressing for me and make sure it’s right?”

“Of course, mate. Such a hardship.” Harden dipped a finger in the dressing and brought it to his lips. Brayden paused for a moment to watch that because it was fascinating. He loved to watch Harden taste test for him.

“Mmm…it’s delicious. It makes my toes curl.” That smile was enough to heat his belly.

“Good. Then I know I did it right.” The greens were super-earthy, so the dressing had to be acidic and bright. “I do love making us dinner.”

“I love when you make dinner. Your cooking is special.”

Brayden thought it was just the care that was special to Harden. But that was sweet to hear.

“Mmm. Sit if you want. I’ll be done here in a minute.”

“I’ll make a nice spot for us to eat. It’s been a few days.” They didn’t use a formal table, but they did have a spot with a low table and cushions.

“That sounds perfect, baby.” If Harden felt better and wanted to do that, Brayden was down. He pulled the steaks to rest before dressing the salad. They had some bread he could put some butter on…

Harden lit candles and cleared the low table. It was comfortable and warm, and Brayden was eager to join his lover, who had wrapped up in a blanket, but who hadn’t dressed.

Brayden sliced the steak once it was rested, so they could eat it with just their fingers or a fork, and just brought that and the bowl of salad, the bread, and two forks. No plates needed.

“It smells amazing, mate. Thank you.” Harden beamed at him, stealing a bite of steak.

“I’m glad. I have the next few days off my patrols.”

“You do? Why? Did something happen?”

“I talked to my brothers and I told them I didn’t like being away from home so much. That I wanted to be with you.”

Harden frowned at him a little bit, and Brayden could see his confusion and his worry.

“You mean you did this because I’m pregnant?”