Page 65

“He’s amazing.” And Harden adored him. Loved his kindness and his strength. “I have a mate,” he whispered.

His mother nodded. “And you will have a child.”

“I will. Maybe more than one, though this one? Is a windrider.”

His mother’s eyes widened. “Harden. No wonder there’s worry.”

“You see the conundrum for me. Between my winged ysdri and my son we’re quite the magical target.”

“We need to call your father and your mate back in. I think we need to discuss this. I’m definitely coming with you.”

Harden reached out to cover his mother’s hand with his. “Mother, let them have their fun. My farm is under watch by some very special dragons. There’s no need to rush back. All will be well.”

She searched his face, her expression worried, her eyes dark. “Are you certain?”

“Yes, and really why would they bother to come to try to take Seren until my son is born?”

Her laughter trilled out, just like a bird’s. She had always reminded him of half bird, half dragon, not like Stella, the owl girl, but something more bright and fast, a song bird.

“My ever-so-practical son.”

“Why not? What good does it do to me to be worrisome and imaginative? It would only make me sad.”

“Eat your oats, my love.” She turned his hand over and patted the back of it, seemingly content with his series of replies. He loved her so much, but she could be impulsive. Sometimes she needed to know that there were alternative methods to her plans.

It wasn’t long after that that Father and Brayden came back. Even though they had both already eaten one plate of food, Mother sat them down with another.

“Harden tells me there may be trouble coming soon.”

He tried not to roll his eyes. Of course she would start with that gambit.

Father scowled. “What do you mean? What trouble?”

Then he had to explain everything all over again. His father, more like him, was measured in his thoughts and speech and tilted his head, pondering all the things he and Brayden had said.

“You should take your mother with you.”

“That’s exactly what I said.” Mother looked smug.

“Hey, that’s a really good idea. I imagine Harden could use your help. First child after all.” Brayden put a hand on his back, rubbing up and down, keeping him from tensing up. Sometimes Harden had a difficult time accepting assistance.

But he did appreciate that Brayden was perfectly willing to allow his mother to come. Newly bonded dragons sometimes were possessive, especially the alphas.

“Thank you, dear.” His mother beamed at Brayden, sliding another piece of smoked meat onto his plate. She did have a way of bribing people or rewarding them when they did what she wanted.

Father just smiled indulgently. “Don’t worry about me. My sister can come stay.”

Harden did roll his eyes then, because that was exactly what his mother had said.

Again.

He wondered if he and Brayden would be like this once they’d been together for as long as his parents had.

I love how you think, mate. In terms of centuries.

Harden ate his breakfast, savoring the oats. I want to be with you for centuries.

That’s how I feel about you, too. Like I know you’ll still keep me interested in all that time.