by Minerva Howe
“Thank you. You’re good to us. Very.”
“Bah. I just love having you all about. We spent too many years apart.” Brand led the way down, and he had to admit, that was easier than up. Why Tyson insisted on talking those fourth-floor rooms he had no idea.
Oliver and Devon were playing with Arielle, chasing her on hands and knees and making her giggle. She kept roaring, but Eagan saw Brand frown when a little lick of flame came out of her mouth.
“Ah-ah, Princess. No fire. Not in play.”
Eagan scooped Ollie off the floor in a protective grasp.
“E?” Ollie looked up at him, obviously confused. “You okay?”
“I am.” Eagan gave Brand a panicked look.
“He was saving you from the dread Arielle and her fire!” Brand said with a rawr, and Eagan gently set Ollie on his feet.
Oliver laughed, and Arielle squealed, roaring back with utter glee.
“Come on, conquering girl. We have crackers and cheese in the kitchen.” Tyson took her and tucked her under one arm.
They all trooped to the kitchen, and he held Ollie’s hand. “How are you feeling, love?”
“Hungry. Happy.”
“How’s the acid?”
“Better. Still…okay. It’s still here.”
“Mmm.” He sat Ollie in a chair and moved to pour him a Sprite.
“Thanks, love. Did you see that little flame from Danger Mouse? She’s going to have to be flameproofed.”
“She is. She needs a wee fire-suit.” He pulled out crackers, cheese and—A knock at the kitchen food had him frowning, but it was just Lyle, and he took the summer sausage with a smile.
“I made a few large orders, Lyle. Can you arrange for their delivery?”
“Of course. Anything you need.”
“Thank you.”
“Are we staying for a while, E?” Oliver nuzzled his jaw, the touch electrifying.
“Hmm? Oh. I just had some things I wanted. We all did.”
“Hmmm.” Ollie didn’t sound convinced, but not suspicious either. “Anything yummy?”
“Mint chip ice cream.” That was a good place to start.
“Ooh…milkshakes. I approve.”
Eagan made a mental note. Milkshakes. Straws. Did Brand have straws?
“Ooh…I like milkshakes too.” Devon grinned at Brand. “Can we have them in fancy glasses with straws?”
“Of course. I think Eagan gave me just the thing a few years back. Footed glasses.”
“It’ll be like a party.” Devon obviously caught onto their excitement if not the reason why.
“I love that.” Ollie grinned. “I never understood parties, but now that I have a family, I get it. So much better than a college kegger.”
“Milkshakes and a rousing game of Pictionary, man. That’s it.” Devon grinned and winked.
“Totally where it’s at,” Ollie agreed.
Eagan had to laugh at those two.
Oliver hugged Devon tight, the men cracking up as Arielle roared at them. She was really feeling her inner fire, which was wondrous and adorable. She was growing so fast.
He wanted to believe that his baby would be her best friend. Eagan would believe it.
Eagan grabbed Ollie back from Devon, kissing him soundly. It was a biological imperative. Oliver opened to him as if they were alone, wrapping his arms around Eagan’s neck. They were both panting by the time they broke apart, and Devon and Brand applauded, Tyson hooting like an owl.
Arielle frowned at him though, then she looked at Tyson and started to sob.
“Come here, my love. What is it?” Tyson took her in his arms, bouncing her.
She babbled at him, very serious, patting his cheeks.
“Eagan. She says if she can’t bite, neither can you.”
He looked at Ollie, fighting his laughter, then he turned to Arielle. “Sorry, little one. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“Oh.” Ollie rushed over to pat Arielle on the back. “We were kissy, Danger Mouse. Not bitey.”
Tyson met Eagan’s eyes over Oliver’s head. Ollie understood her.
Arielle reached for Ollie, and Tyson let her go to him. She babbled a little more as Ollie moved to sit with her in his lap.
“I know, Danger Mouse. Grownups are weird. You, on the other hand, are my perfect godgirl.”
She sighed, nodding and then curling up against Ollie, head on his chest. A happy curl of smoke escaped her, and she fell asleep in seconds.
Ollie patted her butt. “She was very worried.”
“I’m glad you got her convinced,” Brand murmured with a raised eyebrow.
“I’m her godfather. It’s my job.”
“It’s true.” Tyson nodded sagely.
Eagan rolled his eyes. “I see how you both are. Goodness, you’re smug.” He crossed his arms. “The next one will love me best.”
“She adores you. You’re going to teach her so much, my love.” Oliver looked at him like no one else, ever.
It made him feel as tall and strong as the mountains they could see out the window.
“She does,” Dev said. “She just bonds with the giant goofball there,” he pointed to Tyson. “And Ollie spoils her.”
“I don’t! I just give her everything she asks for.” Oliver dropped a kiss on Arielle’s head.
She murmured in her sleep, patting Ollie’s belly with one little hand.
Oh. Eagan had to beam at his brothers.
Devon looked at him, then at Brand, then back at him. His grin widened, and Devon bounced. Smart boy.
“Oh, I want spray whipped cream and sprinkles and cherries, mate!” Devon did a little butt wiggle before tackling him in a hard hug. The whispered, “Oh, brother, yay!” made him beam.
Brand pulled out his phone, his fingers flying. “I’ll add it to the order.”
Eagan hugged Devon back. “Thank you.”
Oliver was cuddled back in the big chair, he and Arielle napping together, one of Ollie’s hands making sure she was held close. Brand took a picture, and Devon covered them both up in a blanket, tears in his eyes.
Their family. He loved them all so much. He couldn’t wait to add to it.
However, they might just have to find a nanny…
Oliver wasn’t sure what was going on, but whatever it was, it made his stomach burn. He pushed back from the computer and headed for the kitchen, needing milk.
Milk and a bowl of ice cream.
That would help.
He drank one glass as he waited for the ice cream to loosen up a little bit. Oh. Better.
When he opened the ice cream carton, he frowned. Was that enough? Hmm. He walked to the big mudroom, where Brand had just put in another big freezer. It was full of ice cream, where the other had been mostly for meat. Oliver pulled out another mint chip.
That would soothe the burn.
He had another glass of milk, closing his eyes for the ten seconds of relief it gave him.
“Are you all right, love?” Eagan appeared, coming to stand behind him and rub his belly, which always seemed to make it better.
“Acidy. Hungry. Don’t stop, love. That helps so much.”
“Mmm. Of course.” Eagan just kept rubbing, letting him lean back against that strong chest.
“You want a bite?” He offered over the spoon.
“Thank you.” Eagan licked the spoon clean. “Mmm. That’s lovely.”
“Isn’t it? It’s amazing. Minty creamy goodness.” He stretched up and moaned, moving under Eagan’s hand.
“It is.” Eagan kissed his neck, lips cold.
“Mmm… Wanna go get in the tub? I do. I itch a little.”
“How about the hot tub, love? It’s even deeper.”
“I love how you think.” Ollie did adore that hot tub. “Can we bring the ice cream?”
“Absolutely. It’s cold enough out there to keep it tasty. Do you want a bowl?”
“Huh?” He looked into the container. “Oops. Sorry.”
“Why
? We’ll just take the other with us and two spoons. I can eat a great deal.”
“Sounds good. I think they put crack in this stuff.” He had never been so happy. Never.
“I think it’s an addiction.” The way Eagan looked at him, he thought maybe he wasn’t talking about ice cream.
“Am I?” He could totally flirt along.
“You are, my love.” Eagan handed him the ice cream, then lifted him to stroll out to the hot tub. Which was unoccupied, but already fired up.
“Are you seducing me?”
“I might have been giving this some thought,” Eagan said easily.
“You’re so good to me, love. I’m so happy.” He stripped down, scratching his belly.
“Are you?” Eagan helped him into the tub, then handed him his ice cream. Then his lover began baring that strong body, starting with the wide shoulders and broad chest.
“Uh…uh-huh.” Damn, that was gorgeous. Oliver could lick every inch of that hard body.
Instead, he had another bite of mint chip while Eagan undid his jeans and pushed them down. Oh, hard cock, hair sprinkled thighs… Tasty.
Tasty and all his. A soft, deep growl filled the air, and it seemed to come from his chest.
He actually looked down, but nothing seemed different. Just his chest. What he could see of it above the water, anyway.
“That was you, my love.”
“Was it?” He’d never made that sound before.
“Mmm. Do you see how hard it made me?” Eagan reached down to jerk at that enormous cock, steam pouring from his mouth and nose.
“I do.” He groaned, the steam billowing out of the tub. “You’re far away.”
“Getting cold too.” Eagan slid into the tub, and he set the ice cream on the shelf thing attached to the side, wanting both hands for his lover.
“It’ll melt.”
“Stick it in the snow? I need you more than ice cream.”
Eagan chuckled, but did as he asked, leaning over the edge of the tub to put the carton down in the snow that had built up on the deck, probably from when Eagan had dumped the hot tub cover.
“I know. I know. I’m a dork.” Ollie sank back into the water, his feet floating up.
“Waste not want not.” Eagan joined him, hand sliding under the water to soothe his belly just as the skin started to itch.
“It itches,” he moaned.
“I know. I’ll put some salve on it, after we polish your scales.”
“Salve sounds like a great idea.” He snuggled in, then what Eagan said hit him. “I don’t have scales, love.”
“Mmmhmmm.” Eagan kissed him, driving all thought from his head.
He climbed into Eagan’s lap, rubbing them both together, rocking so they were in sync. The water sloshed around them, but the steam they were generating would keep them warm for hours. He loved how Eagan held him, how he knew he would never fall.
He could stay right here in the water forever, soaking with his dragon, loving Eagan.
“We can have forever, my sweet love. I promise.” Eagan nuzzled his neck, then bit at it, letting him feel it.
“For—oh, dragon.” His eyes rolled up in his head, the pleasure of that sensation making him pant. “Yes.”
“You taste so good, love. Salty and hot.” Eagan licked where he’d bitten, but it just wasn’t enough.
“Do it again. I want to wear your mark.”
“Are you sure, love?” Eagan pulled back just enough to stare at him, into him, those gorgeous eyes wheeling with facets.
“I’m yours, Eagan. I’ve never been so sure of anything.”
“Then wear my mark.” Eagan bent to him again, biting down so hard he jerked like he’d been zapped by a live wire.
Oliver arched, the water bubbling and steaming, frothing around them. His fingers and toes tingled, his cock rising up hard and hot, his ass clenching. He needed Eagan, needed the connection.
Suddenly he saw himself reflected in Eagan’s eyes, and he was blue, and he practically glowed. His scales were almost iridescent.
His scales.
“Eagan. Do you see it?” His voice was rough, rumbly. Full of steam.
“I do, love. I see all of you. So very beautiful.” Eagan stroked his back, then his chest, and he felt each bump as Eagan’s fingers dragged across his armor.
“All of me? Am I? Does this mean…” He wanted to believe. So badly. It would make Eagan so happy.
“Oh, love. Yes. Yes, and I knew it all along. You just had to stop being so worried.” Eagan’s smile lit up the whole night around them, and those hands held him like he was the most precious thing on earth.
He began to tear up, utterly overwhelmed. He was going to be with Eagan forever. If he was a dragon, wouldn’t have to leave his lover.
Love. The word reverberated in him, around him, and he growled loud, his need growing until he ached. Eagan was his, just as Eagan was his.
Yes. Yes, love. It’s real. It’s us. Am I going to have wings? I’m blue like you! He couldn’t believe the joy he felt at the idea.
You’re the most lovely turquoise. You’ll fly with me, my love. I promise. Eagan lifted him, rubbing against his balls, prodding Ollie with his rigid cock which seemed, impossibly, bigger than ever.
“Yes!” He felt like…magic. He felt power of it coursing through him, real or not, he didn’t care.
It’s real, my love. You were just waiting for me. Now we’re together, and the magic is so pure. Eagan reached down, spreading his ass cheeks wide, which made him wail.
He bobbed his head, half convinced this was an amazing dream, a wild fantasy.
Then Eagan slid inside him, rubbing along his nerve endings all the way, and he was grounded, real again, and horny as hell.
Oliver dove into a hard, happy kiss, riding Eagan with a fury, driving himself higher and faster. He knew now. Knew he could stay with Eagan and there would never be another mate but him. He threw back his head and roared his pleasure to the sky.
Eagan’s voice joined his, and they twined together, swirling and becoming a single, joyous cry that split back into harmony.
They were here. Together. And he was real. Steam poured from him in triumph.
Eagan growled, “Mate.”
“Yes!” He’d never felt so wild.
“Feel me in you.” Eagan’s guttural words drove him higher.
He growled back, roaring in sheer joy. He held on to Eagan’s shoulders, his whole body moving up and down, his cock so rigid it barely bounced. His claws dug in as he held on, which made Eagan grunt and steam up the air, hands under his ass.
“Ollie. Soon.” Eagan’s eyes glowed.
“Soon,” he rumbled. “Mate.”
Eagan leaned forward, biting his shoulder very deliberately. Marking him again.
Oliver shattered into a million pieces, coming so hard he dissolved.
Following him, Eagan spilled inside him, filling him with heat that the water around them couldn’t begin to touch. Oh, that felt so amazing, that huge knot swelling to enormous proportions in him.
He floated in his dragon’s arms, heavy and quiet and still. “Love you, E. That was…wild.”
“It was perfect, my love. You’re my mate, and I could never ask for anything or anyone more suited to me.”
“Mmm.” Ollie could live with that. He really could. He stroked Eagan gently as they floated. “Love it out here.”
“So do I. It’s especially lovely when it’s cold like tonight.” Eagan held him, letting him pet those amazing scales.
“Do I have these too? Can you see them?” He traced the scalloped shapes on E’s skin.
“You do. I can. They get so bright when you come.” Eagan was so naughty.
“I saw myself in your eyes. I was a dragon.”
“You are a dragon,” Eagan corrected.
“Yeah?” Oh fuck him. He was ready to accept that, all the way. “I never believed it was possible, E. You always just sailed past me on that.”
; “You just needed to manifest. It happens apparently.”
“How do you explain Arielle?” If she manifested any more, she was going to eat a knight.
“Well, she has no reason not to be who she is. You and Devon were both taught to be human. We’re magical, after all, and we adapt to our surroundings. After a while, your dragon self gets buried so deep it doesn’t know how to come out.” Eagan said it slowly, thoughtfully. “Arielle understands she’s a dragon. In fact, Arielle may be the most dragony dragon—”
“That ever dragoned a dragon. Yes. Our Danger Mouse is—intense.”
Eagan’s hand landed on his belly. “I wonder what our baby will be like.”
The words were shaky, a little, but Eagan had said them, so he had to respond.
“Do you think, one day? Maybe next fall?”
“Mmm. I think maybe sooner than that, my love.” Eagan nuzzled his neck. “But we’ll let nature take its course.”
“Sounds good to me.” He could wait for the next fall equinox to try again. Hell, they could practice over and over and over. A couple of times a day.
I like that idea. That smile Eagan gave him was purely lustful.
Me too. I like it a lot. Ollie sank deeper into the water, groaning softly.
Then we’ll do just that. Eagan held him, then grabbed the ice cream to feed him when his belly rumbled.
“Mmm…peppermint. It’s the one thing that kills this heartburn. Do you think it’s the dragon coming out of me?” That would make total sense.
“I think your body is changing, certainly.”
“Why do you sound so…canny. And tickled? And emotional?”
“Because I love you.”
“No…it’s something more.” Oliver stared into his Eagan’s eyes, searching for the truth, and when he found it, he gasped. “I can’t be. The equinox…”
“It’s like I told the brothers. Prophecies are tricky things. So are translations. Sometimes we misunderstand.” Eagan’s hand moved on his belly. “I believe it, love.”
“Really?” Oliver wasn’t sure if he was terrified, excited, or ready to burst into tears.
“Yes. Tyson says you smell different as well.” Eagan held him like he was made of gold. Not that he hadn’t always.
“Oh. And the heartburn, huh?” Whoa. He looked down at his stomach. Was there a baby in there?
