Page 40 of The Ruby Dragon's Unconventional Mate

“This is Lachlan’s house, and I’m happy with whatever makes him comfortable. I want him to be settled in his own skin.”

Well, that didn’t appear to be a problem right now.

They walked into a big foyer, and inside, it was much brighter and lighter than he’d expected. The outside was stern and stone, but the inside was filled with mirrors and lights, windows. A courtyard with a swing set, a sandbox, and a little playhouse.

“Wow, you guys have done a ton of work.”

Bryant shook his head. “It’s all Lachlan. He’s brilliant. He’s been busy.”

“I had to have a good place for my girls to come to visit me. And all the other children when they’re ready.” Lach put Mari and Ari down, and they ran into the yard without a slightest hesitation.

“They will be. The ones in the village will come to play, too.” Lars knew that to be true. Once the dragons knew a guardian needed the joy of children around him, they would come. There would be picnics and playdates and coffee with the adults…

He grinned at Bryant.Be prepared to be invaded.

I’ll make a note. Simon thinks he might know someone who can come work as a housekeeper.

Oh, yay! That will be great.

I hope so. I think it will do us a world of good to have someone to take care of some things.

You’re a good brother.

Thank you.Bryant gave him an almost bashful look. I want to be a good…friend? Mate? Lover? Too. It’s taken me a while to realize I can do both. Is it too late?

No.Lars tilted his head.But I still think slow is the way to go.

Of course.They walked over to sit by Lach, who grinned at them.

“Did you know you were talking to each other in your heads?”

“Yes. We’re deliberately leaving you out,” Bryant teased, and Lach hooted.

“I could invoke my guardian hearing and know what you’re saying, but I’m not going to.”

“Ha! Because that would be rude.”

He just sat back and let the brothers tease one another, the sound of their, and the girls’, laughter washing over him. Jarrel, Lach’s lynx, came to lay at his feet, paw slapping across on his ankles over and over.

“I think someone wants a belly rub.” He reached down to rub that fuzzy stomach, and he got a little nibble for it, but that was okay. It was barely a love tap.

“He’ll gnaw on you,” Lach warned.

“Eh. I have scales.”

Lach gave him a grateful smile, and he was glad he’d given these two a chance. Another chance. Whatever. They deserved it. Lars was so pleased he hadn’t left. He just needed to remember change was so hard sometimes. And when Samuel growledabout Bryant, Lars would remind him how he and Jake had been super not nice to each other to begin with.

It’s okay, love. I was a dick.

But you were protecting your brother. If I put myself in your shoes? I would probably have made my own mistakes trying to keep Logan safe.

Bryant chuckled warmly in his head.I notice you didn’t say you’d make the same mistakes.

“You want a drink, Lars?”

“I would love some iced tea, Lachlan.”

“Of course.” Beaming, Lach got up to get him a drink.

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