Page 76 of The Ruby Dragon's Unconventional Mate

He was ready to go fly and defend the world, or at least the wing.

Possibly get a giant cup of coffee and a croissant and do guardian things before stopping and getting onion rings.

Bryant shook his head. “It’s too dangerous. We’re in the deep part of winter. Have I mentioned it’s dangerous? No.”

“You can’t just tell me no.” He was going to kick Bryant’s butt.

“Logan’s the boss. He can tell you no.”

Oh, he did not just pull the brother card!

“Logan is my brother. If he tells me that, I’ll kick him in the face.”

Bryant’s lips twisted as he fought his grin. “I’d love to see you try.”

“Why are you being so mean?” Lars decided to go for the concerned and a little whiny track.

“I’m not. Any other time, I would be like go. Guard. I’ll watch the baby, but you’re very pregnant. It’s not safe, and I love you. So no.”

“You’re not very nice, Bryant. I don’t like you anymore.” He stomped into the kitchen. “I’m going flying.”

Arthur wasn’t gonna argue with him, right?

“Are you? All right. I’m going to make green chile stew and tortillas for lunch,” Arthur said.

“Homemade tortillas?” He loved those. Loved them.

Arthur nodded. “I’ll save you some.”

Oh, they were so much better fresh off the comal…

“I can stay and have some, I guess.” He plopped down on a stool, ignoring Bryant completely. He didn’t want to look at his stupid, correct mate.

He was more than willing to pout—most sincerely—about this whole thing, but Arthur wasn’t cooperating.

“Oh excellent. I have the good butter out too. What’s the baby’s position on spice levels today? I want you to be able to eat it.”

He shrugged at Arthur. “Somewhere between ‘mmm…fruity with a kick’ and ‘fuck me, I’m on fire’?”

“I can do that. Bryant is a giant spice virgin.” Arthur winked.

“He’s also right here,” Bryant murmured.

“Yes, and we’re going to help develop your palate over the next few centuries…”

Bryant blinked at Lars. “I thought Keepers were supposed to be gentle and helpful and all.”

Lars opened his eyes wide. “You have met Simon, right? Like…he’s evil incarnate. I adore him.”

“Listen to the things you say.” Bryant teased him. “Your poor, poor Simon. I thought he was your friend.”

As if. Lars snorted. “He’s been my nanny; he’s been my confidant. He has been a pain in my butt. He’s a great joy. And I admit, when he ended up going with Logan instead of me, my feelings were hurt. I’ve gotten over it, like all the way over. Like bump de bump over. But, not a friend. Now Arthur, you poor thing, you got stuck with us.”

Arthur’s eyes went wide. “Do you know how rare it is for a pair of twins to need Keepers at the same time? Do you know how long I’ve waited for you guys and Lachlan? We waited for eons because we didn’t want to be separated. We wanted to be able to be this complete family together, all of us. I didn’t think we were ever going to be able to do our jobs and then suddenly—” Arthur sparkled, the colors in his scales seeming to ripple. “I’m so glad that you found us.”

The baby shifted inside of Lars, making an easy circle, and he stroked his belly.

“Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl? I think it’s a girl. One way or the other, they’re definitely an omega. She’s very kind of laid-back, lazy.”

---