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They returned to their own homestead after two days with Harden’s parents and, while they didn’t get to have the same kind of fun they’d had on the way down, Harden’s mom was a joy.

She’d been with them the better part of a month, and Brayden thought it was about time for them to have some kind of party at the farm. Nothing big. Just Tyr and his brothers, Samuel and some of his family, like Seb and Zeke, and Cade and Poe.

Harden was becoming more and more isolated, spending most of his time with the bwostfal and becoming more and more quiet. He had no idea what was going on, and he didn’t like it. Now, he knew Harden was training dogs and spending time gentling and training his winged ysidri, but…

He sought out his mother-in-law, wanting to ask her opinion.

“Brayden, why is your face like a thundercloud?” Alina found him instead of the other way around, from the house and coming to join him in the daybed they set up for Harden under the trees.

“I’m worried about Harden. He seems withdrawn. I was wondering if you thought it would be a good idea to have a gathering here at the house, draw him back out of his shell.”

She studied him for a moment, her lips pursed. “Perhaps. I know part of what is happening to him is natural instinct.”

“It’s instinct to not talk to your mate when you’re pregnant?” Brayden didn’t mean to be flippant, but his feelings were hurt and he was worried, very worried.

She chuckled. “No, but it is instinct to nest. The problem is that Harden has never been overly concerned with his house. So when the instinct hits he goes to his barns, his bwostfal, where he feels the need to concentrate.”

Brayden felt his shoulders stiffen up and he tried to relax them. “I’m trying not to be very hurt by that.”

“My sweet boy,” she reached up to pat his cheek. Her fingers were soft and yet callused at the same time somehow. “You must tell him that. Harden is very used to being alone. I imagine he thinks you are very busy with the work of being a guardian, and he has lost his way a bit. But do not let this come between you. Speak up.”

“I’ll go see him when we’re done.” She was right — he was an old dragon. He didn’t need to be acting like a fledgling. If he had something to say, he needed to just say it instead of expecting Harden to know how he felt. “Think about the gathering?”

“That would be lovely. If you contact all of your friends and family, I will plan the menu and arrange the decorations.”

“Thank you.” He took the hug she offered and kissed her cheek. “I should go find Harden.”

“You should.” She turned and sort of floated back into the house, which was interesting for someone who was usually as bustle-y as she was. Sometimes he thought maybe she had a little bit of fey in her or something, the way she moved and the way she knew things. Maybe that was just him being paranoid.

Brayden marched his ass out to the barn, to have a talk with Harden. He just felt off-kilter, as if they weren’t communicating at all. And he wanted that fixed.

He found Harden in one of the stalls tending to a bocapal who had run into the fence and knocked it down and cut a hoof rather badly. It was recovering well, but Harden hovered a little sometimes, wanting his animals to be well immediately. He was such a mother hen.

“There you are, baby. I was wondering if you were going to come to the house today for anything, maybe some food?”

“Hmm?” Harden glanced up at him and smiled. “What did you say?”

Brayden studied the tired lines around Harden’s eyes, even though the smile looks genuine. “Love, are you all right?”

“Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be?” Harden finally turned to fully face him, reaching out to grab his hand.

He toyed with Harden’s fingers a little bit, loving how they felt against his skin. “I feel like you’ve been avoiding me. I’ve been home, but you haven’t been up at the house except to go to sleep at night.”

“I know Mother and you are entertaining each other, so I’ve been working with the bwostfal.”

He tugged Harden closer by his hand. “Your mother’s not my mate.”

Harden’s eyes widened. “Are you angry at me?”

“No, but my feelings are hurt, and I’m worried about you. You just seem so withdrawn, and we’re still mate bonding. Not to mention the fact that you’re carrying my baby. I’d love to be more involved in that process.”

Harden scowled at him. “Why didn’t you just say so? I would never mean to hurt your feelings! I’ve just been very busy.”

“I understand that, but could we be busy together, maybe?” He took Harden into his arms, kissing his forehead. “I miss you.”

Harden slid both hands around his waist, holding him close. “I’m sorry, mate. I get trapped in my own head.”

“Then come out of there for a little while and let me love you. I’ve been working on some things in the house I want to show you.”