Page 70 of Emerald Waves
“Feels like I erased his presence,” I muttered, truly bothered by the empty spot and the memories I carried from back before it was an archivist building. I didn’t want to think of what my life would be like if he’d never come here.
If the Gorynych had never kicked him out.
How many other mates were out there wondering what had happened to the dragon the fates were supposed to have made just for them? Did any of them just stop believing in the fates when they never found their intended, or did they make lives with the dragons and even the humans around them, searching out a way to be content even in the face of heartbreak?
Was there still a chance of recovering any of them?
Had others, like Emerson’s friend Aris, somehow managed to find their mates and live the lives they deserved far away from the people who’d mistreated them?
I hoped so.
The Merdragons and Drakemyre were confirmation that pockets of dragons existed, hidden away in difficult to reach regions. Now that we were actively looking for them, the hope was that some would reach out and initiate contact.
I wondered if the Gorynych already thought that we knew where they were all located. Perhaps that was what they’d hoped to find in Emerson’s archive. They’d better keep the hell away from my mate if they knew what was good for them or this would be a war that would only end once they’d been wiped out.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Emerson
I was thankful Caro had finally given me the time it required to properly sort through all the boxes. It took several days, but I appreciated his understanding of my need to complete the tasks on my own. These archives were my babies and as my stomach grew with our actual child it took longer than normal to maneuver my way through them.
We still slept with our bodies intwined after making love most nights. Our dragons’ purrs, having been sated by our coupling, lulled me into a deep sleep in the dead of night. This was my life now and there wasn’t a single thing I’d change about it. Not even where my helicopter mate was concerned.
“Emerson,” Caro knocked on the library door as I glanced around at the once ridiculously packed space, proud of what I’d accomplished. Now, they were as safe as baby Denarius, and I were.
“Yes?”
“Larkin is here, and he wishes to speak with you.”
What in the world could my adoptive father, reallytheonly true parent I’d ever known, wish to discuss with me. “Come on in.”
Larkin slid between Caro and the door, his eyes shimmered and his smile widened as he took in my expanded abdomen. “Pregnancy suits you. You’re absolutely radiant.” He hugged me the best he could, and happiness bubbled through me. Our dragonet was elated and in very good spirits today.
“I hate to bring down this joyous moment,” Larkin slid his phone from his vest. “But I need to know if you recognize either of the prisoners and if so if you can tell us anything about them. They’re refusing to talk.”
One glance at Caro said he knew nothing of this.
If you don’t want to, just say no.
I want to help.
The decision is yours to make, my love.
“Okay.” He brought up the first guy and I shook my head. “No clue who he is.” But the second one, my legs gave out and before I hit the floor Caro had scooped me up and gently deposited me across the room on the couch.
“Mate? Your face is so pale. What happened?”
“That’s, that’s.” I couldn’t even bring myself to say the word, the man was the polar opposite of what a caring parent should be. “That’s my sperm donor.”
“Sperm don…” Caro paused, and his jaw tightened so hard I feared he’d crack his teeth. “Aye.”
Larkin caught the meaning right away and nodded. “Good to know.”
I feel your rage, Caro, but trust me when I say he isn’t worth it.
Just a little pain?
Remember the grief you felt over taking a life.
