by Macy Blake
“Did I do something?” Sawyer asked.
“I’m afraid so.”
“Oh man, it was the marshmallow thing, wasn’t it? I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to imply that your mate’s gift wasn’t perfect.”
“It’s not that, Sawyer.”
“Oh.”
Dalinda leaned forward and Draco’s breath caught. “I’m afraid you went and mated my son.”
“Oh!” Sawyer looked his way and grinned. “Yeah, I totally did. I’ve sort of been in love with him since the moment I met him.”
“He is wonderful. Of course, I raised him so….”
Sawyer laughed and looked at her. “You should be very proud.”
“I am. It is every mother’s deepest wish that her children find happiness. My son is happy with you. But he is also tasked with another sacred duty, one that also honors our family.”
“The guardian thing,” Sawyer said.
“Precisely. Now, I did not anticipate that my son’s mate and the Chosen One would be one and the same, but I knew the time would come when he would be called to your side. That you are also his mate, well, that makes this even more special.”
“Ma’am?”
Joash withdrew a small box from the bag, not much bigger than one of the shirt boxes Eduard constantly had arriving in the mail. But this…
“Mom.”
“Be quiet, Draco. I’m having a moment here.”
His father squeezed him again and Volos moved to his side. He stood pressed between them, barely able to stand. Joash stood behind his mother’s chair, and his smile was filled with so much pride.
“What’s… Draco? Are you okay?”
He managed a nod, but barely.
“Open it, Sawyer.” Dalinda gestured to the box and Sawyer looked to him once more.
“Go ahead.”
Sawyer lifted the lid cautiously and stared inside. It took him a second. Then he looked up with wide eyes. “Mrs. Volsunga,” he gasped.
“Sweetheart, I think you can call me Dalinda now. You’re family, after all.”
“Is this… is this….”
His mother reached forward and removed the lid. It exposed exactly what Draco thought was inside. Shimmering scales, expertly woven together to form a vest of sorts. The outer layer was so familiar to him, his mother’s shimmering red scales mixed with those of his fathers. He knew them all, would recognize their distinctive colors anywhere.
“This is for your upcoming battle, Sawyer. Wear it with pride, as this is a gift rarely given by dragons. We protect our scales at all cost, as they are so very dangerous when used against us.”
“Dragon scales are… this is too much,” Sawyer said. He looked at Draco, and Draco was finally able to move. Sawyer needed him. He knelt by Sawyer’s chair and moved the vest slightly, revealing the inner layer, the one which would lie directly against Sawyer’s skin.
Sawyer gasped once more. “Draco.”
“My mother has saved every scale I’ve ever shed. And when I got older and understood what the mark meant, I knew she had a plan. I’m closest to your heart, so in order to get to you, anything would have to get through me. And in order to get to me, it has to get through my parents.”
Sawyer seemed to understand then. “This is… these are yours?” He touched the scales reverently.
“Yes, Sawyer,” Dalinda said.
“I’m… I don’t know what to say. This is… this is the most…”
Sawyer pushed the box into Draco’s arms and flung himself at Dalinda. She was stunned for only a moment before she returned his hug.
“Thank you,” Sawyer said. “I’ll wear it with pride. I won’t even take it off. Ever.”
“That’s not necessary. I’m sure my son would rather not be in bed with you with his fathers and I between you.”
“Oh. Right. That’s freaky. Agreed. Okay, I’ll wear it a lot of the time.”
“That’s probably for the best.”
Sawyer reached for the box again and lifted the vest from inside. “Can I try it on?”
“I’d like it if you did.”
Draco took it from his hands and helped Sawyer slide his head through the opening and directed his arms into the sleeves. It was lighter than he expected, but then again, his scales weren’t heavy or he’d never be able to fly. He fastened the sides, recognizing his father’s work in the closures. Every piece of it perfectly formed. It took his breath away.
“Momma.” He could barely croak out the word. His throat had never been so tight.
“Oh, don’t momma me, Draco. You’ll make me cry and that’s just not acceptable.”
He didn’t care. He pushed to his feet and pulled her up and into his arms. “Thank you.”
“Anything for my baby boy.”
“Excuse me,” Sawyer said.
Draco turned to him and proceeded to be pushed away. Sawyer squeezed in and hugged his mother as well. “I needed in on this action. Don’t hog her to yourself, Draco.”
His mother laughed and before he knew it he was surrounded by his fathers as well. Sawyer let out a happy sigh before looking up at him.
“We should probably feed them. You’re supposed to offer to feed a dragon, right?”
“Yes.”
“I’m kinda wishing I’d had Viv make steaks now.”
“Why?” Blaise asked.
“Well, burgers just seem way too easy after a gift like this. Even if the burgers are Viv’s and—”
“We are having hamburgers for dinner?” Joash asked. His voice actually squeaked a little.
Draco tried not to laugh at his dad’s excited tone.
“Um, yeah? I know. Maybe it’s not too late.”
“No. No! We never get burgers. Blaise always burns them and Dalinda doesn’t like to make them correctly. I’ve found that mine always turn out… well, unpleasant is the word my mates normally use.”
“Everything Viv makes is exceptional. She does these things called smash burgers, and honestly, it’ll change your life.”
Joash actually whimpered a little. His dad practically drooled.
“And wait until you have her sides,” Draco added. “Her baked beans will make you rethink your life choices.”
“And the broccoli salad. I mean, broccoli is just meh but when it has bacon and cheese and—”
“Say no more,” Blaise said. “Feed us.”
“Yessir,” Sawyer said with a beaming smile. He led them all downstairs. Viv was in the kitchen where they’d left her.
Joash stopped and stared at the pile of burger patties on the counter.
Viv scowled at Sawyer before she saw his smile. “What?”
“Burgers are his favorite.”
She glanced suspiciously at his father. “They are?”
“Yep.”
“Then I guess I better get them on the grill.”
“Please,” Joash said.
Viv grinned. “Right away, sir.”
She turned back to Sawyer, then noticed what he was wearing. “Holy shit.”
“I know, right? Dragon armor. Aren’t Draco’s parents the best?”
She nodded, her eyes on the gleaming vest. “That is the coolest thing I have ever seen in my life.”
“Yeah, me too. I gotta go show my mates now.”
Viv nodded. “I’ll make a couple special burgers just for you, sir.”
Joash stumbled and only his mate’s quick thinking kept him from leaping over the counter toward her. Draco dragged him outside before he did something crazy, like ask her to mate with them. He did not need another parent, no matter how desperate his dad was for a good burger.
He looked over his shoulder and found Sawyer between his remaining parents. He kept running his hand down the scales, awe clear in his expression. His mother couldn’t be more pleased. He was so focused on Sawyer that he didn’t see Andvari’s reaction to Sawyer’s gift. No, he heard it. His mate dropped his sword. It clattered on the pavement. Everyone stilled, unsure what had caused the
calamity. Loch and Andvari had been playfully showing off for Eduard a moment before.
It only took a few seconds for everyone to look their way and realize why Andvari had reacted the way he did. The sunlight hit Sawyer and the scales glimmered with light.
Loch reacted first. His wings unfurled and he actually flew across the pool and landed in front of Sawyer. “Dragon armor,” he gasped. “I thought it was a myth.”
Draco’s mother preened.
“No, not a myth,” Dalinda said. “But legends will be made about it now.”
And she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Loch
Loch found it difficult to focus with so many powerful creatures in their midst. Draco’s parents, Eduard’s father, and Henry’s parents all sat at a long table Viv had set up for the occasion. Once the ice had been broken and Draco’s mother decided to forgive her son for not inviting her sooner, they were all able to relax. Loch found himself drawn to the quiet strength of Henry’s dads, watching the way they moved together, finishing each others’ thoughts. They were a true love match, and it was no wonder their son loved as deeply as he did.
Watching them all from his hidden perch near the hot tub, Loch kept half an ear on the conversation while the other focused on his surroundings. Although it would be an incredibly stupid time to attack, especially with the addition of four dragons, Loch never felt at ease letting up his guard. Yellow eyes obviously felt the same. Loch felt him watching, prowling the trees behind him.
He leaned back and looked into the trees. “You want food?”
Quiet.
Loch shrugged.
He heard a quiet cough behind him, practically a snarl. He couldn’t help but smile. Yeah, it must be frustrating to smell Viv’s cooking but be too stubborn and proud to accept it.
“Back in a few.”
Loch slipped into the kitchen and found Viv leaning against the counter sipping a glass of tea.
“All of our visitors raved over your cooking.”
“Yeah?” Viv asked.
“Indeed. I believe Draco’s father consumed six of your hamburgers.”
“Yeah,” she said with a smile. “He even out-ate Draco, and that’s saying something.”
“Would you mind preparing a plate for the woods?”
Viv scowled but turned to do as he’d asked. “Why doesn’t he just come in and eat with us like a normal person? It’s ridiculous having to cater to his whims like I don’t have enough to—”
“Viv,” Loch said gently.
She growled. It was entirely human but he understood the sentiment.
“We do not know what holds him back. We must follow Sawyer’s lead in this.”
“Yeah, yeah. How does he do it? He always seems to know how to handle people.”
“Magic,” Loch said. He grinned, and she glared at him before cracking a smile.
“Here. I gave him extra meat and left out the onions. He never eats the onions.”
“Thank you, dear lady.” Loch bowed over her hand as he accepted the dish.
“Oh, you. Get out of here before I swoon.”
Loch saluted and did as she asked, slipping out the back door once more. He kept to the shadows, but didn’t fail to notice Sawyer stepping away from the others. His mate was visibly tired but entirely too stubborn to leave when they had guests. Draco started to rise, but Loch caught his eye and waved him way. He detoured to his mate instead.
“Sawyer,” Loch said.
His mate startled, turning his attention away from the ravens squawking in the trees to him. “Hey, Loch.”
“I had a plate made for yellow eyes. He watches from above.” Loch gestured toward the steps leading up to the hot tub. “Perhaps you will give it to him?”
Sawyer accepted the dish and smiled. “Thanks. I was just going to go ask Viv to make up a plate.”
“Come,” Loch said.
He guided Sawyer up the steps and toward the edge of the hot tub. Eduard had designed small benches around the outside, and Loch had created his own little nest up there with some of the pillows they used on the lounge chairs by the pool. He liked the solitude at times, a place close enough to see and hear, but far enough away to breathe.
Sawyer yawned as they reached the top of the steps. “Where should I put it?”
Loch gestured toward the supporting wall which gave them a measure of privacy from below and one of the bricked pillars. “Leave it there.”
“He can reach it?”
“Yes, my love. He can get it. Now come sit with me.”
“Oh, I should…” Another yawn interrupted his attempt at protesting.
Loch reached out his hand. Sawyer put his in it and let Loch pull him close.
“You should rest for a few minutes. I will keep watch and let you know when the others need you.”
Sawyer opened his mouth to argue, then closed it again. “Thanks, Loch.”
He stepped close and wrapped his arms around Loch’s waist. Loch returned the embrace, leaning their heads together and breathing in Sawyer’s scent. “We should sit.”
“Yeah, okay,” Sawyer said.
That he didn’t argue was a sign of his exhaustion. Loch turned sideways and leaned his back against the arm of the bench, tucking a pillow behind him. Sawyer curled up in front of him, tucking his head under Loch’s chin and breathing deeply.
“I’ve got you,” Loch said.
“I know.”
It took less time than it should have for Sawyer to fall asleep. Loch held him gently, until Sawyer trembled a little. The night air cooled. Loch nearly called out to his mates and asked for help, but then he remembered. He leaned forward and unfurled his wings, then wrapped them around them both, holding Sawyer in his embrace.
Sawyer sighed and settled back against him, his breaths deepening. He caught movement in the shadows and barely made out the outline of a large man crouched in the vee of a nearby tree. His glowing yellow eyes were the only thing Loch could clearly see.
“He grows weaker,” Loch advised.
The man didn’t respond.
“You must decide soon, before we run out of time.”
Loch looked away, but heard the man creep closer. He moved silently, a sure sign of a predator. He followed the lead Sawyer provided, however, and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, the food was gone.
The stranger wasn’t the only one who needed to make a decision. Every resource had to be used to help Sawyer. Loch couldn’t stand to see him growing so weak. He hadn’t used every resource at his disposal, however. His pride still stung and resentment ran deep.
“Puteri,” Loch whispered.
The small elf popped into existence beside him. He’d still not forgiven her the betrayal which had left him wounded and unable to fly for most of his life, but he no longer doubted her loyalty. They’d reached a strange truce, each determined to keep Sawyer safe from his enemies.
“Yes, Guardian?”
Loch leaned down and pressed his lips to the top of Sawyer’s head. “Is there anything we can do for him? Anything you’ve heard of that might help?”
She shook her head sadly. “His body is not ready for what happens to it,” Puteri said.
“What exactly is happening?” Loch asked. He wasn’t sure he understood.
“His magic returns.”
Loch tightened his hold, drawing a small rumble of complaint from his mate. “He doesn’t have magic,” Loch said.
“He doesn’t have magic now,” Puteri explained. “But he is the son of a goddess, Guardian. That much power is hard to contain.”
Loch nodded. “Will you go to the lake for me? See if she would allow you to bring some water back to Sawyer?” He plucked one of the feathers from his wing and held it out to her. “Offer this as my thanks.”
Puteri’s eyes gleamed at the feather, understanding the powerful magic it held. She glanced at him, acknowledging the trust he placed in her. “I will do as the Guardian asks.”
The wounds
between them were fresh, but as she blinked away, Loch breathed a sigh of relief. The others were all contributing, doing everything in their power to help Sawyer. The least Loch could do was forgive.
Henry wandered up the steps a short time later while Loch was lost in his thoughts. He smiled at his young mage. Henry returned his smile and sat down beside him, leaning back against the bench and dipping his feet into the warm, bubbling waters.
“My dad has a patient so they couldn’t stay. I’m supposed to say goodbye to you and Sawyer for them.”
“I liked your fathers,” Loch said. “Your papa is very smart for a human.”
Henry grinned and leaned his head back, nestling his head into Loch’s feathers. “He really is.”
Draco and his mother came next, with Dalinda covering her mouth to quiet her gasp of dismay at Sawyer’s weakened state. Only the top of his face was visible beneath Loch’s wings, but she didn’t need to see him to know. She wrapped her arm around her son and gave him a squeeze.
“He is a treasure,” Dalinda whispered.
“Yes,” Draco said.
“And we dragons never let go of our treasures.”
Draco smiled and kissed his mom’s forehead. She left quickly, but not before Loch saw her wipe her eyes. Draco sat down on the ground beside Henry and leaned his head back against Loch as well.
Eduard and Augustus came next.
“My son has challenged me to help find answers,” Augustus said softly. “Every resource will be used. No stone will be left unturned. Now, I have a trip to the mountains to prepare for. I’m told the answers I seek are there.”
Augustus leaned in and touched his hand gently to the top of Sawyer’s head. He turned and touched his son briefly on the shoulder before leaving. Saeward and Andvari waited until everyone cleared the wards before joining them in their makeshift nest. They’d all just settled when Puteri popped back. She looked slightly worse for the wear.
“Puteri?” Loch asked.
“The imps miss you.” She practically snarled the words and Loch had to fight back a laugh. His friends were clearly not as forgiving as he was of her indiscretions.
“The lake?”
