Page 24 of The Arrival of the Dragons

Enforcers? Does he mean the police chief and the Werewolves?Caden’s confusion was obvious.

He does. He has little love for authoritarian figures such as police, politicians or even the wealthy. He believes they are the root of all evil, Valerius said.

So he doesn’t rule? He’s not one of those authoritarian figures?Caden’s skepticism almost had Valerius laughing.

There’s a fair amount of self-blindness in Tezcacoatl--

Tez!Caden corrected with a laugh.

Valerius rolled his eyes.Yes, well, Tez is charming and quite vain. He believes he is the friend to the common man and woman.

And is he? I mean I hear in the papers about him helping workers and stuff,

Valerius shrugged.Each will have their own view on this. It is not how I rule my territory.

“You are talking! You are talking to one another somehow!” Tezcacoatl exclaimed as he looked between Valerius and Iolaire.

“Do you see lips moving?” Valerius was back to scratching Iolaire’s chin.

“No, which is even more intriguing,” Tezcacoatl said, which had Valerius internally groaning.

“Iolaire, you need to take the children home, and thenyouare to go home.” Valerius said the last bit looking into Iolaire’s eyes to make his point.

But not directly,Valerius cautioned. He was now thinking he had to be quite literal with Caden and Iolaire. He wouldn’t put it past them to go buzz sheep or something.Go back to the pool and use the vehicle to get home. Leave the vehicle near the corner of Lester and Donovan.

We’ll do that. I swear!Caden said even as Iolaire nodded.

Even as the two of them were talking internally, Tilly rattled off both Tobey and Maccauley’s addresses, which Caden already knew so he didn’t have to listen.

Seriously, how mad are you?Caden pressed.

Caden…

I didn’t mean for this to happen. Iolaire and I thought that--

I know. You meant no harm and you did no harm. In fact…Valerius grimaced.You handled Humans First well. You did not panic and did not hurt anyone accidentally.

Yeah, that guy was freaked, but all he did was pee himself,Caden chuckled.

Iolaire let out a chuff of amusement too.

But…Valerius touched Iolaire’s nose.No more excitement for today.

Iolaire’s head lowered.

We promise. No more. Though we’ll miss you, Caden told him.

You have no idea how much I will miss you,Valerius’ mind voice caught. He cleared his throat though that would do little.

Talk later? Call me? Tell me all the crazy stuff happening at the castle?Caden begged.

Yes, I promise. Believe me when I say that thoughts of you--and your amusement--will help me keep my temper,Valerius replied dryly. He would try to “enjoy” what happened with the other Dragon Shifters just to report it to Caden and Iolaire.

All right!He felt Caden’s joy.

Now take the children home,Valerius instructed.

I’ll talk to you later,Caden said quietly.

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