Page 75
“There’s the Rocky Mountain Clutch collectively, but I’m not sure you and your brothers belong there as far as naming conventions are concerned. I was going to say Brayden of the something-something Clutch, but do you want to be part of the Galinea Clutch?”
His heart started to race because no one had ever asked him to be part of their family by name before. “If that’s acceptable, I think so, yes.”
“I believe it to be so.” Her eyes flashed again, blue replaced with inky black. “Let it be written in the stars, you shall be known by all as Brayden of the Galinea Clutch, beloved of Harden, protected by the Obsidian Ones.”
His heart might just burst from pounding so hard. “Thank you.” He couldn’t even begin to express what that meant to him, but it made him tight in the chest and made his eyes prickle up.
Love, are you all right? What’s wrong?
Goddess, his inner turmoil had awakened his mate. Nothing, sweet. I was just in the kitchen talking to your mother. I’m fine. In fact, I’ll come back to bed soon.
I’ll be waiting for you. I could use your brand of warmth and care.
I’ll be right there.
Brayden stood, because what else was there to say to his mother-in-law and he felt so much better now. She stood too and hugged him hard.
“Thank you for everything you did for me tonight, but I think Harden needs me.”
“I think he does, too. You go to sleep. I’ll see you in the morning, and I’ll make something wonderful for breakfast.”
“Something sweet for my mate. You know how he feels about that.”
She laughed, the sound merry, and suddenly it was almost impossible to believe she was the fierce, terrifying dragon he’d seen during the attack. “I’ll make pancakes. He loves those. Go snuggle with your mate. He’s had a long day.”
“I will. Thank you.” He kissed her cheek and left because deep thoughts at this time of night were starting to hurt his head.
Brayden made his way to the bedroom he and Harden shared, which had expanded slightly these days, making room for the cradle he would put in for the baby until said baby was old enough to sleep on his own. There was a new sitting area where he had put a chair in for Harden to sit in and rock the baby, and a stool to put his feet up.
He loved the way the house was accommodating them, just like everyone had told them it would.
Harden lifted the coverlet. “Come to bed. We need you.”
“Do you now?”
Harden nodded. “I do, all the time. Our son is getting bigger every day.” He yawned and snuggled up to Brayden as soon as he got in the bed. “Is Mom okay?”
“She’s fine. She’s a fascinating woman.”
Harden opened his eyes and blinked at him. “I know. I mean, I didn’t know, and I don’t know how much I need to know, but she’s amazing. I think I’m way more like Dad.”
Brayden thought that was probably an understatement. “I think you’re perfect just the way you are.”
“Flattery will get you kisses, mate.”
“I’m here for it. Kisses make me incredibly happy and they fuel my day.”
Harden chuckled, the sound pleased, happy. “Silly dragon.”
Brayden slid one hand up behind Harden’s head and pulled him close for a kiss, lingering over it. He loved the heat of Harden’s body and the flavor of his kisses. Hell, Brayden loved everything about his mate.
Harden hooked one leg over the top of this hip and tugged him closer, as close as he could get with that belly between them. “Are you interested in a little gentle exercise to get us both to sleep?”
“Don’t you mean mutual orgasms?”
“That’s such an odd word for such a wonderful thing.” Harden pulled the blankets over their heads and kissed him.
“Let’s see if we can invent another one.”
