Page 37 of The Ruby Dragon's Unconventional Mate

“Noted.”

In moments, a perfectly pulled espresso was handed over to him with a wink. “This first, then lattes, all right?”

Bryant would bet that Lars drank shots, too.

That earned him a raised eyebrow and a wink, so obviously Lars heard him. Whoops.

A soft knock came to the back door, and Lars wandered over to answer it, peeking through. “Oh, Celeste, please come in.”

“Cesty!” Grant crowed, waving to her with his spoon.

“Hello, my dear, how are you? Hello, all. I brought pastries and enough for everyone. I know everyone must be starving.” Celeste smiled at Lars, the expression warm.

“Yes, I’m sure that Simon will be so pleased to have the help. He had a little bit of a long night helping out with everything.” Lars winked at her.

Bryant just stared. She was lovely with dark blue skin and huge eyes. She was utterly magical. “I’m Bryant, one of the new guardians. My twin, Lachlan, has the twins.”

Lars snorted. “The twin girls. We’re no longer going to be able to just call them the twins. Now we’re going to have to separate it out. These are the twin girls and the twin boys.”

Celeste chuckled, the sound kind of tinkling like bells. “Well. I’m glad to meet you finally. I’ve heard very much about you. I’m here to help, especially with this little one.” She stroked Grant’s cheek, and he just beamed at her.

“I have cereal.”

“Good. Would you like a doughnut as well?”

“Do-no! Do-no!” Grant cheered and popped right out of his high chair and ended up in Celeste’s arms.

Bryant’s mouth fell open.

“Oh, you didn’t know about that, did you?” Lars winked. “He’s special.”

“He’s amazing.”

“Da-maaaaaaaaaaaaaaz-balls.” Grant kissed Celeste’s cheek. “He’s nice.”

“That’s good. We like when we make new friends, hmm?”

“Grant?” Jake came tearing into the kitchen. “Oh. Oh, hey, Celeste.”

“Hello. I brought doughnuts and thought I could spell Simon a little if I need to.”

“Oh, I bet he would love that. He’s been in and out helping with Dakota. It was—” Lars looked at Grant. “Well, he could use the help.”

“Ah, I see.” Celeste smiled at Lars, her expression gentle. “Well, I will do my best.”

“Mmm. Donos.” Jake grabbed a doughnut out of the box, then gave Grant a bite.

Bryant pulled one out too. “What’s your favorite, Lars?”

“The strawberry ones.”

“Here you go.” He handed one over to Lars, watching him take a bite. Oh, that was so damn hot. His attention was caught, and he stood there, staring, doughnut in hand.

“Thank you,” Lars said around the doughnut. “So are we all hanging out here today? Even Slippy showed up.”

“Yeah. I’ll trade off with Bea,” Jake said. “I’ll do rounds while she comes by to hang.”

“Bea!” Grant popped out of Celeste’s arms and appeared in Jake’s. “Me wuvs.”

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