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“Sore butts.” He patted Harden’s, which was still full of him.

“You are an evil, evil dragon.”

“Eeeevil.” He made wavy fingers in front of Harden’s face with his free hand, the other one keeping Harden upright. “Love you, my mate. Thank you for bringing me here.”

“I love you too. I’m glad you’re with me.”

They rested together, and he couldn’t wait to see what other things Harden had to show him here in this place where he’d grown up.

Chapter

Fifteen

Harden was so happy to be home for a visit.

His mother had made a huge breakfast. Harden was incredibly glad he didn’t have the pregnancy sickness anymore, because everything smelled so good — smoked breakfast meats and eggs, oats, fruits, slabs of bread with butter. Oh, it was so good to be here.

He felt more than a little spoiled. He was spoiled at home by Brayden, and he knew it.

This was different.

This wasn’t mate spoiling. This was mother spoiling. When she handed him the perfect bowl of oats, doctored up just like he liked it, he reached up and gave her a hug. “Oh, I’m so glad to see you.”

“We are glad as well.” She squeezed him. “I like your alpha, as well. He’s smart, focused.”

“It doesn’t hurt that he loves to cook,” he teased.

Brayden and his father were out exploring the barns. His mate wanted to know all about what kinds of improvements they needed to make at Harden’s farm, and Harden didn’t have the heart to tell him he’d made all the improvements at his father’s place. It was bonding time for his mate and his father and he loved that. Two alphas grumping around together, not beating their chests but just being alpha-y.

“I never thought I would find an alpha who wanted to mate with me,” he admitted. “And I already love him so much. I cannot imagine what it will be like when we’ve been together as long as you and Father.”

“It will be glorious. I’m very happy. Eat your oats.” She settled close, nibbling on a bite of smoked meat. “All is well where you are? I’ve heard rumbles, dark omens.”

He chewed his bottom lip. “There’s trouble, danger, I think, coming from the city. I’ve been warned to protect my son.”

He cradled the baby inside him, one arm protecting his belly.

“My grandson.” Her dragon became more pronounced, the blue scales along her face growing darker. “Perhaps I should come home with you until the baby is born.”

It wasn’t the worst idea in the world, but what about his alpha father? He might starve.

“The ysdri birthed a winged one. My son is going to be special. I’ve seen it. I’ve been warned that someone’s going to come and try to steal the little one.”

Her lips tightened even further. “I’ll speak with your father.”

“I’m not sure how he’ll survive without you.”

“Oh pish. His sister can come and stay. She’s always looking for ways to get away from all of those grown children she has at her homestead.”

He laughed. His father’s sister grew things to make wine, fruits, and herbs for flavoring and they had a huge production area with barrels. Her mate also brewed ale. She had four adult dragon children who all had mates and children of their own and they had just sort of created a giant compound where everyone could live. Sometimes she wanted to get away from it all.

“Well, I’ll warn my mate.” Because he didn’t think it was a terrible idea. Mother wasn’t an alpha, but she was fierce, and she knew about things, and she could teach Brayden all of his favorite foods.

There were a number of reasons that this was a sort of fabulous idea.

The bad part was that Brayden might not want her at the house…

“You know I’ll stay out of your way. I realize the two of you are still bonding.” Mom patted his cheek and gave him a sweet smile. “Don’t you worry about a thing. Brayden and I will understand each other. He’s a good alpha and a good dragon.”