Page 82 of The Aurora Marelup Complete Saga Omnibus

I feel how restless her child is and I’m guessing it wants its father. Almost instantly, the minute Alaric picks her up, the baby calms and Aurora starts making that odd hybrid noise of hers that’s a mix of dragon and wolf. It’s definitely a dragon thing. I wonder who will get to father the next child that she’s going to carry? It really doesn’t matter if you think about it. She said each of us would have our own child; it’s just a question of when. I’m kind of excited, mostly scared, but excited all the same. Only time will tell. For now, we do what we have to do. We have to make all of our preparations and wait for Aurora to say to us that she’s ready.

Tonight’s my brother’s and my turn to go out with Alaric to work on the birthing space. We’re adding our own little touches, each one of us, so that something of ours is present with her. Nicodeamus and Alaric suggested that it just be the three of them when it comes time because of the child she’s carrying. I don’t like the idea, but if we’re to maintain any semblance of control here, some of us must stay behind. After all, we don’t want anybody looking for Aurora while she’s off giving birth.

A little after midnight, Alaric gathers Jayce and me up and takes us out into the courtyard. I’m really not too keen on the idea of flying. The gods gave me four paws for a reason and not wings. Jayce looks so excited. Then again, he likes looking at Alaric naked. Alaric, like most dragons isn’t very selective about what gender he takes his liberty with. I was however shocked about Klaus being bi. He didn’t seem like the type that would be on the receiving end. Hell, I’ve caught Jayce and Klaus more than once taking care of each other’s needs. Aurora doesn’t care, as long as her needs are met and no other female is ever involved.

Alaric finishes his shift and Jayce walks over to me carrying Alaric’s clothing bag. I have our bag of stuff for the birthing nest. Wow, a birthing nest for our mate. The weight of the situation hits me harder than any punch ever delivered to my body. I’m amazed and in awe of what Aurora is capable of. Here is one of the strongest females I’ve ever known, heavily pregnant and defenseless. Aurora isn’t the type to like to depend on others, and here she is, trusting us to protect and provide for her. I can tell Alaric is getting impatient when he thumps his tail on the ground near me. Fuck, I’m really not looking forward to this. Aurora once asked me if I’m afraid of anything and I answered with losing her. The truth is, I’m scared of heights too.

Reluctantly, I climb onto Alaric’s back where he had instructed us to sit. I have a death grip on the spine before me. I’m terrified. Jayce looks back at me and smiles at me. I force a fake smile at him and draw in a deep breath. I admit it, I scream like a little bitch when Alaric launches himself into the air. We circle the castle once, waiting for his personal guards to join us. Aurora is standing on the balcony with Dimitri right behind her, holding her tightly. I couldn’t think of a better male to entrust her care to.

We turn to the north, following the ridge line, staying low to the ground to not attract attention to ourselves. Jayce is ecstatic, looking everywhere, making me a nervous wreck with how he’s constantly twisting and turning. Me, personally, I feel like I want to puke my dinner up. The dips and rises on the thermals make my stomach flip and flop with every beat of Alaric’s wings. Up, down, up, down…. How much fucking further is this damn place!

Out of nowhere, a mountain rises up out of the fog. The side facing us is almost perfectly vertical, disappearing into the clouds. I’m starting to panic when Alaric reaches out to me through the bond.Relax, we’re almost there now. Just a straight climb up the side of the mountain. I won’t fly straight in like I do with the others.I roll my eyes as if that makes me feel better.

Suddenly, Alaric flair’s his wings as if hitting the brakes, and he brings his body up and parallel to the mountain. Yup, experiencing terror in this moment. I can feel his dragon laughing at me, the bastard. Alaric lands, and his talons dig into the stone as he begins his climb. Several minutes later, we reach the opening and he climbs in. I look around cautiously, and my eyes widen. He flies into this opening? Yeah, I’m glad he decided to climb this time. As soon as it’s safe, I slide off Alaric’s back and begin to look around.

As I step away from Alaric and Jayce, I shift my eyes to the ones Aurora gifted me with. My mercury, wolven orbs look around, taking in the layout of the caverns. You can tell, once upon a time, that a dragon dug the cavern out itself. I run my fingers over the groves that were left behind. I’m genuinely amazed by the strength of the dragons, more than anything. Alaric comes up beside me and lays his hands on the groves as well. “The Blood Queen dug this cavern; it’s been in Nicodeamus’s family for generations. From what Nicodeamustold me, he was the last hatchling born here. He had fully intended for Aurora to be born here, but the attack happened and well, we know what happened after that.” Alaric looks down and moves away. One of his guards lands in the cavern opening and lies down, blocking the entrance.

CHAPTER 69

Dominik

February-

We follow Alaric into the depths of the cavern to this grand opening in the center. It is like a mini oasis hidden within the mountain. I’m guessing the Blood Queen scented the oasis or something then decided to dig towards it. There’s a beautiful moss-covered island in the middle of a stunning clear water pool. Small fish swim in the water in circles around the island. I wonder exactly how long they have been here and if they naturally occur.

Jayce and I begin to work in tandem with cleaning and moving rocks and various other items, clearing Aurora’s path to arrive. Alaric has shifted back to his dragon and uses his fire to remove mushrooms and various other mold spores from the walls and ceiling. Jayce and I stop to watch Alaric work; it’s incredible to think that a living creature can carry and produce fire. His dragon’s coloration is quite unique; he’s mostly white with gold and blue mixed in. Typically, his species are not large dragons, but he’s on the larger side than Nicodeamus. Alaric’s guards are Black and Red Dragons. They have fire and acid weapons at his disposal. My thoughts are sidetracked forseveral moments watching Alaric work when my brother taps my shoulder.

“Dom, we really ought to hurry up. I don’t like being away from Aurora for long.” Jayce smiles at me, showing his level of concern because of our absence.

“Yeah, you’re right; I think we have everything done that we can possibly do for today anyway. Alaric, when you’re ready, we are!” I shout so that hopefully he hears me over his fire’s roar. Slowly, his great head turns to look at Jayce and me, and he begins to head towards the entrance. “I guess he’s ready to go, Jayce.” I lightly nudge my brother and gather what’s left of our belongings.

As we head towards the cavern, I notice something shiny sticking up in the black sand. I bend down and grab ahold of it; it’s a bracelet made of gold with jewels. Nicodeamus would know who this belonged to, so I stick it in my bag and run to catch up to Jayce. He’s already sitting on Alaric’s back, waiting to leave. I love him. He’s my brother, but at times like this, I just want to smack him. Reluctantly I climb into my spot on Alaric’s back and pat his scales so he knows we’re all set.

Alaric being the resident wise-ass, goes running towards the mouth and just launches himself out of the opening. We go into free fall. I’m terrified. My fucking brother is hooting and hollering like he’s on a fucking roller coaster. If we didn’t look so much alike, I’d be questioning if we were related or not. The flight back isn’t as horrible as the ride out; I’m guessing the winds are behind us, pushing us home. We glide towards the castle, and Jayce and I shift our eyes, searching for any possible dangers. We don’t see anything as we make several passes around before Alaric lands.

His guards take position so that he can return to his human form safely. Once shifted, Jayce and I head in the front door, we split off, Jayce heading straight to Aurora and I head tothe kitchen. I don’t even wait to look for the cooking staff. The enormous walk-in refrigerator is amply stocked with all kinds of meat. I grab a leg of lamb and a few raw steaks and set them on a platter. I then head out into the central part of the kitchen and find several types of pastries. I grab as many as I can before heading back to our suite.

Once inside the suite, I don’t find anyone in the bedroom which is concerning to me. I reach out to sense Aurora; she’s resting comfortably, floating in the bathtub of hers. I head to the master bathroom. Dimitri is leaning back on the stairs supporting Aurora’s head and shoulders out of the water. “How are you feeling, love?” I ask softly, just in case she’s sleeping as she floats.

“Dominik, I’m glad your back. I’m hungry and uncomfortable and fat and hungry. The baby won’t sleep because Alaric isn’t here.” Aurora starts crying, and then the water starts to freeze around her.

“Love, please calm down. The boys are back. I’m sure once you’ve eaten Alaric will help settle the baby down so you can rest comfortably.” Dimitri attempts to soothe Aurora before he’s turned into a bear-cicle.

Jayce comes running in and stops dead, seeing the half-frozen tub. Jayce goes to the side of the tub and turns on the hot water and the bubbler. I move to the side of the tub, waving a pastry at Aurora, trying to draw her out of the water.

Unfortunately, Aurora almost instantly looks sick. She immediately hurls herself over the edge of the tub. She promptly vomits her entire stomach contents onto the marble floor. Alaric comes running into the bathroom; his own color matches Aurora’s, and he’s holding his stomach. Alaric runs to the side of the tub and slips on the vomit and falls on his ass.

I’m trying my best not to laugh at the man that can roast my ass in an instant. Nicodeamus is not as cautious as he proceedsto full belly laugh at Alaric. “Poor guy just puked his guts up out of nowhere, now he falls on his mate’s puke. Priceless. Welcome to being mated!” Nicodeamus raises his arm at the last part of his statement before moving to help Alaric stand back up.

Dimitri helps Aurora out of the tub and sets her on her feet. Slowly, Aurora waddles her way over to Alaric, takes his hand and leads him to the shower. I hear Aurora say she’s sorry she made him sick too. He kisses her forehead and tells her not to worry about it. Aurora leans into the shower and turns on the water for Alaric. He shakes his head at her and makes her sit on the bench close by.

Jayce removes the pasties from the bathroom and goes to set up the steaks for Aurora. I walk over to the mini fridge in the suite and grab a few bottles of juice and bring them over to offer to Aurora. “I’m so sorry; I didn’t know the pastries would make you sick.” I feel horrible that my decision had made her ill.

In typical Aurora fashion, she pops the top on two drinks and takes a sip from each before settling on the one she wants. The second bottle she offers to me then returns to watching Alaric’s shower. “It’s almost over, Dominik. I’m so tired and uncomfortable. I just want my daughter to be happy and healthy,” Aurora says as she rubs her stomach. She sighs softly and scoots so she can lean back against me. Slowly she sips at her juice, and I watch her wince.

“Are you ok? Is it time?” I’m anxious and excited about the impending birth. Alaric heard my question and pops his head out of the shower.

“I’m fine. Klaus’s grandmother said it’s normal to have these fake contractions. As long as my water doesn’t break, it’s not time. From what she said, a first birth can take up to a day.” Aurora shrugs her shoulders like it’s no big deal. A day is a long time for something to go wrong.

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