Page 69 of Dragon Unhinged

Ewan crosses his arms over his chest, looking at Declan and me. “If you have another safe house I can spend some time in, I wouldn’t mind some space from these two.”

Syrena lets out a laugh. “I think we can work something out.”

I want to protest, but at the same time, this is the first chance I have at sleeping in my mate’s arms.

In a real bed.

Without any spells keeping us apart.

Declan’s hand squeezing mine says he’s having similar thoughts.

“Before the two of you get too wrapped up in each other, Ash is going to want to talk to you.” Syrena’s stare is entirely too pointed to be less than a command to keep clothes on for a bit longer.

I twist a little to press a kiss to Declan’s cheek before standing. “Could I talk to you alone for a minute?”

“Of course. Let’s go out to the backyard.” She stares down Declan, who’s already starting to get up, and he immediately sinks back down into the chair.

I follow her out to the small yard, but as soon as the door closes, I wonder if it’s worth it to even bring up. I don’t even know what questions to ask, really, other than feeling completely and utterly underprepared for this conversation.

For this baby.

“Whatever’s on your mind, I’m sure we can work through it.” Syrena smiles at me, and as she pulls a crystal similar to the one Ellie had out of her bag, I let out a slow sigh of relief.

“Okay, I know that you’ve probably seen plenty of dragon babies be born, and Declan keeps saying that dragon pregnancies are easier than human ones, but the thing is…”

“You’re not a dragon.” She finishes my thought easily. “I’m not going to lie to you and pretend that we’re not in uncharted territory with this one, but you’re in good hands now. Pru’s been tending to humans and dragons both for centuries, and I’ve got eons of witch knowledge to go through. We won’t let you suffer because of this baby.” She reaches out and takes my hand, squeezing it gently, reassuringly. “The tourmaline clan, the Wystans, are mine to protect, mine to tend to in all areas magical, and so I know I’m coming from a place of bias, but I swear to you, these dragons are going to defend you and yourbaby fiercely. We’re going to get you through this without any hiccups.”

“If Declan claims me now, would that affect the baby?” I’d be lying if I said I’m not worried about the claiming, but I also feel like a lot of my fears would go away knowing that I’m one of them, knowing that I’m a dragon as much as my mate and my baby will be.

“That, I don’t know. I think we should talk to Pru, and I can look into the old magics to see if they say anything, if anything like this has happened before, and then we can talk about your claiming. I know you and Declan both are anxious for it to happen, but I want to make sure you’re doing it safely, and that means just waiting a little longer.”

I’ve waited this long, what’s a few more days? Even a few more months?

As long as there’s not added risk with me still being human, I guess I can wait.

“Trust me, now that you’re back among Declan’s family, you’re going to get through this just fine.” Syrena squeezes my hand once more before glancing at the crystal. “Anything else you want to talk about confidentially, or should I let Declan out to see you? I swear, he might be the most possessive Wystan sibling I’ve seen so far, but that could just be because of everything you’ve been through together.”

“You know, don’t you?”

“Know what, exactly, dear?” Her eyes seem to be twinkling, which makes me think she knows what I’m asking, but she wants me to say it out loud. She wants me to admit it.

“My father was the one holding them captive.”

“Exactly. Your father. Not you. We’re not all the products of our parents, no matter how hard they’d wish us to be. You did the right thing, setting them free, and all three of them will be better off in the long run because of what you did. You’re not toblame for your father’s actions. Only your own.” She smiles at me and tucks the crystal away.

Almost immediately, Declan crashes through the back door, and he wraps his body around mine in a tight hug.

At least it’s nice to know that the jealousy I felt earlier matches Declan’s possessiveness. I’m not going to complain about his need to be near me, to be touching me. Not when I’m in uncharted territory with a baby that shouldn’t have been possible.

Chapter

Twenty-Nine

BRIANNA

The clothes Syrena promised arrive before Ash or any of Declan’s other siblings do, and I’m glad to get to put on something that’s less casual than an oversized bathrobe.

Even if the jeans and t-shirt are met with disgruntled growls from Declan. I pat him on the shoulder with a playful pitying smile.

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