Page 85 of The Dragon's Mate

“We should return to our clan,” she said toBren. “Thank you for your help. I’ll, uh, text you later about Tyler and Corey’straining.”

“Sure,” he said.

They all turned when they heard Jarvis’voice. “Walk slowly, Sika. There is no need to rush.”

“Jarvis, I’m fine,” Sika said with a softlaugh. Jarvis was holding her arm and she smiled up at him. “My healing is startingto kick in and I’m not nearly as sore.”

“You should still be careful,” he said.

Drago was walking behind them, the hatchlingcradled in his arms. He stared at the baby in reverent awe as Sika stopped infront of Bren.

“Thank you, human,” she said with a sinceresmile. “I am so grateful for your help.”

“You’re welcome, Sika,” Bren said. “Congratulationson your son. He’s beautiful.”

Sika glanced at the baby, her smilewidening. “He is, isn’t he? You will have to come for his naming ceremony.”

“Sika,” Drago said with a frown, “do notspeak such nonsense.”

“Hush, Drago.” Sika said and then huggedBren.

He returned her hug, smiling at her whenshe kissed his cheek. “Thank you again, Bren.”

Jarvis held out his hand. Bren shook itand Jarvis clapped him on the back. “I will not forget my debt to you, human.”

He reached for the hatchling and Dragosaid, “Perhaps I should carry him to the car so that you may assist Sika.”

Jarvis grinned. “That’s very kind of you, Drago.”

Sika covered the baby’s head and face withthe light blanket. “Did you remember the car seat, Drago?”

“Yes. It’s in the car.” Drago followed Jarvisand Sika out of the apartment, still gazing down at the baby even though he wascompletely covered.

“Are you ready, Bones?” Kaida didn’t want toleave Bren, but she wanted to leave before Bones said what she feared he mightsay.

“Yes.” He turned to Bren. “The council wishesto speak with you, human.”

Kaida’s stomach dropped to her feet and herdragon growled protectively. She calmed it as Bren said, “All right. When?”

“Tonight,” Bones said. “Seven o’clock.”

“Didn’t you say you had plans?” Kaida saidto Bren.

“It must be tonight, Kaida,” Bones said.

“It doesn’thaveto be,” shereplied. “The council can wait a day or two.”

“They won’t,” Bones said.

Her mouth bone dry, her fear making it hardto think straight, she said, “I’ll talk to them, I’ll -”

“It’s fine,” Bren said. “I can speak withthem tonight.”

Kaida’s dread grew as Bones said, “Tonightthen. Goodbye, human.”

“Bye.” Bren was still staring at her andshe tried to smile at him, but her fear was overwhelming her.

“Perhaps I should stay with Bren for theday,” she said. “Tell the council I’ll return with the human tonight and -”

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