Page 73 of The Ruby Dragon's Unconventional Mate

“Wait, so it’s okay for you to say that about me but?—”

“You’re pregnant, and you’re my mate. That’s my prerogative.”

Lars pondered that. “Fair enough.” He took Bryant’s hand. “I want to go home, and I think Lachlan wants me to go home.”

Lachlan laughed. “Not necessarily, but I do want you and Bryant to be together and happy, so please take Arthur and go, right, Alban?”

Alban nodded. “Absolutely. You can take your pudding with you.”

“Mmmm.”

“I’ll go grab that.” Arthur winked, then hustled to the kitchen, the two ferrets chasing him. They seemed happy with him, as well, which Lars hoped reassured Bryant.

He would spend a good bit of time rewarding Bryant for being reasonable and willing to apologize once they got home.

Lars believed in positive reinforcement.

Bryant gave him a sideways look.I heard that, love.

Did you?He tried not to smile, but he couldn’t help it. I’m practicing for our baby.

I am not an infant.

And you’re not even acting like one anymore.

Oh, I will tickle you until you pee for that.

Uh-huh. Home. I need to go home.And that was simple as that.

Chapter

Twenty-Five

Bryant couldn’t sleep. It wasn’t really that Arthur was here that was keeping him up. He quite liked the little guy, and he would admit it, no question, that Arthur made life easier.

No, he was worried about Lachlan, who couldn’t defend himself if something terrible happened. Well, what were they going to do if someone attacked? Not Alban. But someone else.

He stared down at Lars, who was sound asleep, hand resting on his belly, the swelling obvious and amazing, but it didn’t comfort him.

What if Lachlan couldn’t do it and got hurt and then something happened to Lars or the baby?

The worry made him dizzy. It made his heart hurt.

What are you going on about?The question was sharp, surprising.

Lachlan? What are you doing?

My rounds. I’m a guardian, remember? It’s Bea’s night off. What is going on with you? You’re acting psychotic. Have you lost your mind?

He rolled his eyes.No, I’m worried about you. I had a traumatic experience.

There’s no question there. It was traumatic. I was traumatized. You were traumatized. It sucked, but it’s time to get over it for a while. You’ve got a baby coming.

You can’t just get over it.

No, you can’t just get over it. I’m doing a really good job. I’m not helpless, you know. Not even a little bit. I’m actually a guardian. I’m happy. I have a good job. My brother’s here, my brother-in-law’s here. I have a new baby niece or nephew coming. Not only that, but I have the twins tomorrow. We’re going to learn how to swim.

His eyebrows lifted.Dakota is just going to let you have them with a pool?

---