“Gold dragon,” he says, releasing me. “Maverick.” He clasps my brother’s hand. “Green?”

“I am,” Mav says. “You are the oldest vampire I have met.”

“You know my age?” Micah asks.

“I can tell the age of every shifter and vampire.” Mav rubs his hand on his jeans. “Your power is pushing to be released.”

“It’s always ready.” He smiles and clasps his hands behind his back.

“Okay, you’ve met. You can go now,” Saphira insists.

“Saph, I just go here,” he says, smiling slightly.

“You’re going to make them leave,” she says.

“Hardly,” he denies. “Am I?” He surveys us with a lifted brow.

“No,” we say at the same time.

“See,” Micah says, motioning toward us with a hand.

“We respect your need to see that she is alright,” I say.

“But she is right. She needs time with us,” Mav says.

“I understand,” Micah says. “I was pissed when everyone kept interrupting me when I met my mate. I understand it, but it doesn’t mean I’m sorry. Double standard. I know. Saphira is like a daughter. This is what dads do, right?”

“Daisy wouldn’t want me to call you Dad,” Saphira glares.

“Doesn’t mean I can’t act like a father,” he says softly.

“Yes, it does,” she snaps.

He looks at her almost sadly. “She has grown into a beautiful woman, inside and out.” He looks at us. “Value her,” he demands with steel in his voice.

“Of course,” I say.

“Micah,” Saphira sighs softly, probably regretting her tone.

“Sally is putting together a gathering,” he says, returning to the door. “It’s tradition.”

“No,” Saphira says.

“Yes.” He smirks. “It usually involves fights, blood, fire, threats, and dancing. Maybe some pick pocketing. Luckily, most of the time, it’s not the family getting hurt.”

“We are not going out,” Saphira says.

“I’m afraid so.” He doesn’t look sorry at all. “Sally sent out the group text with when and where.” He looks back at us. “Don’tworry. We just want to get to know our new family. Once you are in, the family will protect you and your bond.”

“We’ll be there,” I agree, cupping Saphira’s hand when she looks ready to battle. “We want to know our mate’s family.”

“Your family soon, too,” he says, nodding before closing the door behind him.

“I bet you didn’t expect a huge family,” she grumbles.

“No, but we’ve always wanted one,” Mav says.

“Oh, shit,” she whispers. “I—”