Page 74 of The Ruby Dragon's Unconventional Mate

Honestly, as much trouble as Dakota is having with them, I think Dakota might just drop them off and leave them for a month. As it is, they’re just staying for the day. Lars is going to come and help.

Just Lars.That kind of hurt his feelings.

Well, you’re welcome always. I didn’t think I had to ask, but if I do, would you please come over tomorrow and help me with the twins? There are going to be hot dogs.

It’s really not the right time of year for hot dogs. Hot dogs are for summertime.Silly brother.

Are you going to tell Mari and Ari that they can’t have hot dogs? Because I’m not going to.

He shook his head instinctively.Nope, I will personally fry those hot dogs all by myself with my breath.

That’s what I thought. Sort of like exactly what I thought. We could have stew and bread.There was a pause as Lach made a gentle banking motion.Yeah, I like that—stew, bread. You bring whatever sweet thing that your husband is going to devour.

Right? I can’t believe that all of his teeth don’t just fall out. That baby has got to be super sour to need this kind of sweet.

I’m gonna tell Lars that you said that.He had the sensation of Lachlan soaring over the wing.

Uh, no. That would be a terrible mistake. He knows how I feel about all the sweets, but the midwife says it’s perfectly normal so I’m just going to leave it alone.Because he didn’t have a death wish.

I think that’s smart. From what I understand, it is a super mistake to bother pregnant omegas. Let them eat what they need.

I’m so in.

Right. Got it.

So how is it going with you and Alban?he asked, desperately curious.

He’s very good. He’s quite charming. He plays cards if I’m bored, but for the most part, he’s very busy. He’s very good with the children, and they adore him. Celeste has come over with Grant and the baby once, and Simon came over with all the twins once. They all were fine. I mean, I thought I’d be worried. I thought I would be scared, and I’m not. This doesn’t feel like before.

Are you sure?

I really am.Lachlan admitted.I really am, and I feel a little dumb because I feel like I ought to be freaked out, but I just can’t quite seem to manage it. How about you? Are you all right?

I’m in the same boat. I kind of like Arthur. He makes everything easier, and he’s not in the way, and he’s just sort of, you know, there every time we need him. It’s a little terrifying. And wonderful.He shook his head, not even believing he was admitting this.I’m so glad, though, that I wasn’t born to do what they do. I just don’t think I’d want to.

I would imagine if you asked them if they wanted to be an alpha, they would say no. To think how sad Lars was when he had to pretend. When everyone thought he was somebody hewasn’t and he had to fake it. He was miserable, and now he’s just blooming.

Is he? He hoped that was the truth, but was he dragging Lars down?

Bryant.Now Lach was snapping at him again.You used to be happy and charming and secure. I want that for you again. Do you need therapy?

Maybe?Dragon therapists? Was it a thing?

I’ll talk to the healers.If it’s possible, they’ll know about it.But I love you no matter what, and so does Lars. Trust in that, if nothing else.

He knew Lachlan wasn’t belittling him or his fears. To a human, Lach’s words might have sounded harsh. But dragons were magical. They had a way of resetting themselves, even if some wounds wouldn’t heal. But he could sure use a little help finding the reset button on this one.

I love you so. And yeah, if the healers have any insight…Lachlan saw them for his own problems already, anyway.

I’ll ask. Now, hold your mate tight and try to sleep.

I’ll try.

He actually yawned, feeling heavy as he curled up to Lars and sank into the mattress.Knowing that Lachlan was out there, doing what he was meant to do, guarding the wing… Well, it meant that Lach felt safe here. He wouldn’t even leave the house at their last wing, but here he was making great strides. That, if nothing else, made it easier to rest.

It wasn’t perfect, but it was good.

“Mmmmph.” Lars snuffled, shifting back against him. “Y’kay?”

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