Page 96 of Cast By Flames (Dragon's Breath)
“I missed you,” the little boy said, hugging the large shifter who held him tightly.
“I’ve missed you as well.”
“Me, me!” Leilany said, scooting from Ozara’s lap where they sat at the extra table.
Zoran carefully set Orion down before scooping up the two-year-old girl.
“And who might this be?” he asked, giving the child a kind smile.
It was an expression Aidan had never seen on his brother before, and he continued to be amazed at Zoran’s transformation. They’d talked for a few minutes before training this morning, and he’d mentioned spending time with human families while exiled. He’d seen their love for each other, envying it. Zoran had done his best to protect them from other dragons, and they’d been kind to him in turn. He’d learned to see the benefits of a caring family rather than a divided one. Aidan suspected there was even more to the story, but he appreciated his brother opening up to him.
“That one is mine,” Ozara said.
Her expression was tight, but she didn’t move to take her daughter away. She understood this was a day to put animosity aside. Though she’d had little interaction with Aidan’s eldest brother before, she disliked him for his treatment of his siblings over the years on principle, which was understandable.
Lorcan stepped inside from where he’d been standing on the balcony, enjoying his first view of the fortress from that vantage point. “And she’s mine as well.”
Zoran lifted a brow. “It appears there is much I have missed if you’re involved.”
Aidan hadn’t told him much during the few times they’d spoken since his return. Phoebe and Ruari had seen him as well, but they were still guarded, especially their sister. He’d heard she punched their eldest brother in the face and promised him a swift death if he made one wrong move. That had been theextent of their conversation. He likely knew she was pregnant since her scent had grown stronger recently, but he wisely didn’t mention that sensitive topic.
“That’s an understatement,” Ruari muttered.
Zoran carefully set down Leilany and tweaked her nose. “You look like you’ll grow to be as beautiful as your mother.”
“Thankfully, she inherited very little from her father,” Aidan said, grinning. He wanted to smooth over the tension that had filled the room at his eldest brother’s arrival.
“Hey,” Lorcan said. “I’ve never heard a female say I’m anything less than stunningly handsome.”
Phoebe snorted. “Let’s hope our children don’t inherit his arrogance.”
“Yes.” Ozara reached out for her daughter to settle in her lap again. “He lacks a humble bone in his body.”
Zoran let out a deep chuckle and patted Lorcan’s shoulder. “I see some things haven’t changed even over the centuries since I last saw you.”
“I have no idea why I subject myself to this family,” Lorcan said with a martyred sigh.
Another knock sounded at the door. Aidan opened it to find Kayla and several servants with heavy platters of steaming food. He waved them inside.
“Make room,” he ordered.
Stomachs rumbled at the teasing aromas, and everyone quickly moved out of the way as the two tables were topped for the feast. Everyone would be eating well tonight. Falcon and Sabryn were presiding over the dinner in the great hall, ensuringeveryone had a good time there so that Aidan could remain here. The kitchen staff would do minimal cooking tomorrow for only the castle residents, allowing them more time with their families before the war began.
Once the servants finished and left, everyone took their seats. Only Kayla remained, taking a seat by Paul and Candace. She seemed the most comfortable with them since they were fully human like her.
Aidan sat at the head of the table. Bailey took the seat to his left, and their son took a place to his right. Imee was in the chair next to her grandson so she could help him fill his plate and cut his food. She enjoyed doing it, allowing Aidan and his mate to relax while enjoying their meal and the company.
He took a large chunk of roasted lamb for himself and another for Bailey. After that, everyone else began getting their food. There was little talk in the beginning. The cooks had done an impressive job providing the best meal he could recall ever eating, and they couldn’t slow down their consumption to speak.
Lorcan sat at the next table over with his daughter. “I have decided all the verbal abuse I’ve received is well worth it for this meal. Perhaps we should request your people to teach ours how to prepare food such as this.”
“You wish,” Kayla said from the end of Aidan’s table. “I’m not going down there, even if you bribe me with some of your gold and jewels.”
Aidan smiled at her show of bravery.
“You wound me, little human,” Lorcan said, clutching at his chest.
Conrad snorted. “If only.”
