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“We will, I swear. I’m just cleaning him up while Brayden works on you.”

He laid down a line of fire, closing Harden up before wrapping him in a warm blanket. “Better?”

“Mmhmm.” I want to see my son. Please, Brayden.

“Of course, love. Here, let me get him.” He took Luca from Harden’s mother, cradling the tiny form in one arm so he could support the wee one with the other hand while showing him off to Harden. “You did so well.”

His son was blond, with silvery scales shimmering around his hairline.

“Oh. Oh, you are perfect. Our sweet boy.”

“Look what you did, baby.” Brayden kissed Harden’s forehead, then the tip of Luca’s tiny nose.

“Hello, beautiful boy. I’m so glad to meet you.” Harden’s cheeks were streaked with tears, his mate exhausted, but so happy.

Luca made this noise as if he was answering. So cute. God, Brayden was just going to die.

“I love you too. Go to your Da. I’m going to breathe a little.”

“Rest now, love. I have him, and I’ll watch over both of you.” Brayden would keep them safe no matter what.

Mom was watching them, her eyes warm and wet. “I’ll go get him a bottle. I bet he’s hungry.”

“I think so.” In fact, Brayden could feel Luca’s intense hunger.

“Be right back.”

“Thank you for everything.”

She winked, then headed out. He rocked Luca in his arms and listened to Harden breathe as he fell into a tired sleep.

This was his now. His mate, his home, his baby. His family.

He couldn’t believe he was such a lucky dragon.

But he was grateful. And he would hold on with everything in him.

Chapter

Twenty-One

“Harden! Harden, we come bearing honey cakes and warm clothes for the little one.” Tyr’s voice was full of excitement, his dear friend desperate to meet Luca.

“Bright blessings. Tyr! Come in, come in. Brayden and Sebby are out with the bwostfol.”

“Are they? Sloan is heading that way with Melissa. He said your mom flew home?”

Harden nodded. “My father was lonely. They need one another.”

And Mom felt they were safe here now. He prayed she was right.

Then again, who knew what kind of shadow dragon she’d left behind to watch over them? He would bet she had at that.

“I imagine. I would hate if Sloan was gone for so long.” Tyr winked at him. “Can I see him?”

“Of course. He’s in his bassinet.” He led Tyr over to see Luca, who slept, his little bow of a mouth sucking madly.

“Oh. Oh, my friend, he’s the most beautiful little boy I’ve ever seen.”