Page 60 of The Ruby Dragon's Unconventional Mate

“And a year ago, I didn’t have one,” Bryant said. He was aware that the rest of the group were watching him and Lachlan like a tennis match. Back and forth. But he wasn’t going to listen to Lach belittle himself, which was where this was coming from.

“Well, who knows how long it will be before I find one, if I do.” Lachan kept his tone light, but Bryant knew better. His eyes flashed a clear, metallic platinum, and a little heat filled the room, as if the sun was beating down on them.

“Of course.” Bryant held up his hands.Sorry, brother. I just don’t like for you to say you’re not going to get a mate because you’re different.

I didn’t say that!

But you were thinking it. Now turn off your light.

Sorry.Lachlan subsided, and the heat died down.

“Ahem.” Jake eyed them both. “Anyway, like I said, Lachlan. You can have mine anytime.”

“That’s perfect.” Lachlan was back to smiling, and Bryant let it go.

For now.

“So, Lachlan, have you had any time to talk to anyone about a Keeper for your house?” Bea asked.

Now it was Bryant’s turn to smolder, and Lachlan raised an eyebrow at him.

No talking.

You suck,he told his brother.

“Not yet, no. I’m told Simon is looking into it. Please tell him how much I appreciate it.”

“Sure.” Logan grinned. “He’s so dear to me.”

He wanted to snap about how lucky that made Logan, but that was another thing he needed to keep to himself. The thought of bringing another Keeper into Lachlan’s home terrified him though.

He’d had to kill the last one…

The thought made him queasy, and he clenched his hands. And his teeth.

Love?Lars’s sleepy mental voice came to him.What is it? What’s wrong?

Nothing, sweet. You need to rest.

But you’re upset.

Mmm. I just let my thoughts get away with me. No one was mean, and neither was I. I promise.

Do you need me to come?

No, love. Sleep. I’ll be home soon.Bryant hated that he’d woken Lars with his bitter musings. They were fewer and farther between these days, but they still cropped up.

I love you.

I love you too.

Bryant glanced up, realizing everyone was watching him. He stuffed a bacon-wrapped date in his mouth to keep from babbling.

“We ready to talk business or what?” Bea asked, and that gave him the perfect excuse to smile and nod.

And if everyone in the room, and at his own home, knew that he was not okay, well, at least no one said a word. So he would do his best to just move on with what he needed to do.

Chapter

---