Page 58 of The Ruby Dragon's Unconventional Mate

But that was what Lars could teach Bryant. No one could control everything. One had to believe sometimes that things were going to happen the way they were supposed to, and his mate had to give himself over to things like love.

They sat together over food, and Bryant had recovered from his anger, which Lars knew was based in fear. Alphas got all grr when they were scared, especially for people they loved. And Lachlan was still injured, he was pregnant…

So much change.

Are you making excuses for me, love?Bryant asked.

No. I’m reminding myself that no dragon is infallible, and that we all worry about things. We live on the edges of a world that doesn’t hardly believe in magic, let alone dragons. It’s a lot of pressure sometimes. Like we’re caught between two worlds, and we’re getting smooshed.

That’s exactly what it feels like.

Lachlan fed Jarrel a bit of chicken. “Do you see how they ignore me, Jarrel? What a good kitty. Such a good boy.”

“Okay, okay, we get it. We’ll stop talking amongst ourselves.”

Lachlan beamed at them. “How about we clean up, and then we go huddle together on the couch and watch a movie.”

“Pillows and blankets?” Bryant asked.

“My cheesecake?” Lars added.

“Only if I get a fork too.” Lachlan smacked his lips. Gods, he was funny.

“Done.”

They all kept talking about moving to the other room, but stayed in the kitchen. Lars started to droop, so Bryant took him to the couch and covered him with a blanket. “Be right back.”

“Mmmkay.”

He never did find out what movie they chose. He fell asleep far too soon.

Chapter

Nineteen

“Ithink Lars is about to rebel, Logan.” They were having a guardian breakfast meeting, which Lars had sent him to, claiming exhaustion. He was just starting to show, and he told Bryant that every move was like slogging through molasses right now.

“Dakota says that will pass. He says soon he’ll be full of energy and constantly horny.”

“I would much rather he be at that point.”

Logan put bacon on his plate, giving him a sideways look. “I bet.”

“Not that way.” Although, sure. “I just mean I hate seeing him sick and worn out.”

“Trust me. It gets better,” Bea said when she came to pour some bright pomegranate juice. She applied a liberal dose of ginger ale.

“And then it gets worse,” Logan said. “Especially if it’s twins. Swollen feet. Always uncomfortable. A little grumpy all the time.”

Jake snorted. “You would be too if you were growing a dragon.”

“That sounds like you parroting Samuel’s words.” Logan winked at Jake.

“Yep.” Jake grinned hugely. “I’m not stupid. I just nod and smile and say, ‘Absolutely, love.’”

“Smart dragon.”

Lachlan came over to inspect the buffet, wings rustling. They all stared at him, and he raised his eyebrows. “Don’t look at me. Not mated.”

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