Page 49 of Dimitri

Moments later, black hair came into view, then the most adorable man. He was a bit older, and his resemblance to Dimitri told me immediately who it was. I was looking at Chin. I smiled at my One’s grandfather.

“Hi there,” I told him. “Are you Chin?”

His smile lit up his already lovely face. “Yes. I do apologize for dropping in like this. Sergei said that Dimitri told him you still weren’t feeling the best. I came to see if you needed anything or if I could help in any way.”

That was so incredibly sweet of him. “Would you like to join me?” I asked, indicating the other chair. There was also a glider that sat two, but I hadn’t chosen it because Dimitri wasn’t here with me.

“I do not wish to impose. I only came over because I know that Dimitri is back at work and you were alone. I realize you are a warlock and can most likely take care of yourself better than I can, but I did wish to come by and check on you.”

“That is very kind of you. Please sit and join me. I have been wanting to meet you and Alpha Sergei for some time. My body just seems to have other plans.”

Chin sat, and I could tell he was studying me. I didn’t blame him. I was mated to his grandson, and of course, he was most likely curious about who the fates had chosen for one of his.

“Can I offer you something to drink?” I asked before taking a sip of the tea. “We have things other than the pregnancy tea, I promise.”

Chin chuckled. “I completely understand the need for the tea. I did not have the luxury of its benefits while pregnant with anyof mine.” Chin held up his hand. “I made do with ginger tea, and there is a pressure point just here,” he said, indicating a spot on his arm. “If you rub it in a circular motion, it can also help reduce nausea.”

“Seriously?” I asked. I set the tea over on the table that was between us and held out my arm. My coat was bulky, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me.

“May I?” Chin asked, holding out his hands.

“Of course.” I wasn’t sure what he was asking, but I wasn’t going to tell him no, no matter what. Chin moved over to where I was and sat on the lounger by my knees. He reached for my arm, and when he pushed the sleeve back, he touched the inside of my wrist and then applied pressure with his thumb just before it started moving.

“You apply pressure and rub for a couple of minutes on each wrist. It should help with the nausea as well.”

I closed my eyes and sighed. There was just something about what Chin was doing that I found relaxing. When the pressure and his hand were suddenly gone, I opened my eyes to find him smiling at me.

“Sorry. That was nice though. Thank you.”

“You are most welcome. I can rub the other one if you wish.”

I did, but I wasn’t going to impose more than I felt I already had. “You don’t need to. I will certainly give this a try and see if it helps.” I sighed. “I’ve been drinking the tea that knocks me out. It seems to be working well, but I miss spending time with Dimitri. I’m only awake long enough to drink more tea and fall asleep, it seems.”

“Your pregnancy sickness is more on the severe side.”

I nodded. “Yes,” I said and sighed again. “I didn’t expect to be the one getting pregnant, actually. I don’t mind though, and I adore your grandson, don’t think I don’t.”

Chin smiled. “We all know how much he loves you. It is good to know that is reciprocated. I can understand the surprise though,” he said. “With you being the carrier, that is. You aren’t the first warlock or vampire to surprisingly be a carrier when you discovered your mate in an alpha. Even Ambrosius was surprised when he met his beloved.” Chin chuckled. “Yet another dragon.” He touched his chin. “I wonder if the fates have a thing with putting unsuspecting vampires and warlocks with dragon alphas.”

I knew the shock showed on my face because Chin chuckled while nodding his head. “Please, I need to know that story. Seriously?”

“Yes. It’s a bit tragic in the beginning. He had a beloved a long time ago. Most likely around the same time the rest of the created ones were gifted their perfect other halves. But Ambrosius’s seemed to have a fear of being bitten. He ran away before they could claim one another, never to be seen again.”

My mouth dropped open before I caught myself.

“Yes,” Chin said. “That wasn’t even really the most tragic part. Instead of being gifted a new beloved, Ambrosius spent centuries alone. He helped others find their beloveds, helped them through trying times, taught them what he needed to, all while being alone. It wasn’t until he arrived here at the council that the fates realized that one of the created ones had been overlooked. Ambrosius was given a mate who could match his needs.” Chin chuckled. “He was given an alpha that most certainly doesn’t have issues with being bitten.”

“A dragon alpha?”

Chin was still smiling. “Yes. Ambrosius’s beloved is Aleric and Conrad’s youngest son. They first settled this mountain with Aleric’s parents.”

That was certainly an interesting story. “They are happy?”

Chin nodded. “The love you can see between them is undeniable. If you didn’t know the story of them, one would certainly believe they had been together just as long as the rest of us.”

I couldn’t seem to stop smiling. “That’s so incredibly lovely.” I sighed. “Are there more? More dragon and warlock or vampire pairings?”

Chin nodded. “Not in the council. Not until you and Dimitri. But there are others. We have a few warlocks in our own family. It happens.”

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