Page 62 of Here Be Dragons

“But the artifact—”

“Is here.” Emmett held up an anchor. Then he turned to Gillisandra. “Better get prepared for your long sleep. You wouldn’t want to leave any of your wards unset. You have made a lot of enemies.”

With a huff, Gillisandra leaped into the air and flew away.

“An ordinary anchor? That’s the artifact?” I asked, dumbfounded. It didn’t look like anything special to me.

“None of the artifacts had any real value aside from being part of the competition,” Desmon explained. He turned me to face him. “But today, I have won something infinitely more important than any artifact in the entire universe.” He pressed his forehead to mine. “I have won a life with you!”

I didn’t wait for him to kiss me; I pulled him down and kissed him hungrily instead. And just like every time we’d touched before, we got carried away and became lost in each other. It was hard not to, when he oozed such masculine sensuality.

The loud sound of a throat clearing stopped us. “I hate to break it up,” Liam said, “but I don’t think here on the sand is a particularly good spot for that type of activity. Unless you like getting sand all over your junk. Don’t ask me how I know.”

He had a point.

Desmon turned to our friends. “Thank you, everyone, for all your help. I promise there will be a big bonus for everyone.”

“We didn’t do this for the pay,” Mateo said.

“I know.” Desmon put a hand on Mateo’s shoulder. “Thank you.”

Mateo grinned, then said, “But I’ll gladly take a raise!”

Seth stuck up his hand. “Me too!”

Mateo looked like he wanted to give Desmon a hug but held back. Seth, on the other hand, didn’t hesitate. Then I gave Mateo a little shove, and he awkwardly pulled Desmon into a stiff one-armed side hug. Well, it was a start. I’d wager that Mateo hadn’t been hugged much in his life. And by Desmon’s reaction, neither had he.

“Carly and I still have several nights left at the villa,” Desmon said to Seth. “But I’d prefer to spend some time at home withmy mate. Why don’t you and Liam take a Hawaiian vacation? I’ll extend the booking for another week.”

“Thank you. I do need some R and R after all that.”

Seth looked visibly older from over-taxing his magic, and it suddenly had me wondering if he used magic to keep himself looking perpetually young.

“Let me do one last thing for you, though.” He waved his hand, murmured a few words, and a portal appeared. “There you go. Enjoy your staycation at home. And congratulations on your big win.” He turned to me. “I hope this whole thing doesn’t scare you away. Welcome to the family.”

I grinned.

Emmett approached, and Desmon quickly moved to place himself between us.

“Congratulations on your mating,” said the other dragon. “Your human and monster allies have impressed me. I’m glad I placed my bet on you.” He looked at Seth and Mateo thoughtfully. “Perhaps I should adopt a few lesser beings as well. Farewell for now, brother. I’ll see you in a few decades.”

Then he walked off into the darkness.

It was only now that I realized Desmon had been, inadvertently or not, treating the two of them like sons. Seth’s father was an asshole, and Mateo had none at all. Desmon had stepped in and offered them both guidance, disguising it as employment. But it was clear they didn’t treat him like a boss. Those “I’ll take araise” comments were starting to sound like two boys asking for more allowance to me.

Both of them seem to have near unlimited access to his home, except for his lair on the top floor. Seth dropped in anytime. Mateo had lived there for years. And according to Elana, he still sometimes showed up for dinner.

I didn’t think Desmon or Mateo recognized their unusual dynamic for what it was, though Seth probably did. He was perceptive. But I sure as heck wasn’t going to mention it. I didn’t want Mateo or Seth calling me mom, even as a joke. And I couldtotallysee Seth doing that.

It wasn’t long before I was in the big tub in Desmon’s bathroom, soaking off all the salt and sand. My mate was in the water with me, and everything felt…right. The ordeal was over, and we could finally relax.

“I think I’ve had enough adventure and excitement to last me a lifetime,” I said as I settled back against his broad chest.

“I promise, life with me isn’t usually so stressful,” he said, nuzzling the shell of my ear. “Most of it is pretty boring. That’s why we have the games and competitions.”

“Yeah, about that,” I said, putting on my best stern school tour leader voice. “You’re banned from ever participating again.”

“How about betting?”

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