Page 86 of Dragon Keeper
Abe cleared his throat. “Perhaps this is something we should discuss when the children are playing.”
He glanced at Fredda, who watched him with big eyes, her lips quivering.
“Yes, I suppose perhaps?—”
The whomp of big wings sounded, and he heard the thud of a huge dragon landing. Fredda squealed. “Daddy!” She tore outof the house, running outside, and Aleana chuckled. “Well, that was fast.”
He glanced at Aleana. “You don’t think he’s going to be mad at us?”
“Why would he be?” She scoffed. “You saved her. You and little Stella. Your guardian. You saved her.”
“Hey!” Tor threw a piece of bread at her. “Don’t forget about me.”
She rolled her eyes, but her grin was kind of wicked. “I suppose that you did something, you and all of your shining.”
Tor gaped at her, but Tyr had to start laughing. It was so strange how normalcy happened in the midst of drama.
Mari strode in, carrying Fredda, and he swept a hard look over all of them. “You are all well, my family? No one is injured?”
“We’re fine, my love.” Aleana stood, moving to hug him.
“Tyr? Tor, hello. You are all right?”
“We are,” Tyr said, trying not to wilt under the force of Mari’s stare.
“Good. Good. I was worried for you all. Thank you for protecting my ladies.”
Oh… Not mad at all. More scared.
“Da! This is my best friend, Stella. She can fly.”
Mari blinked at Abe and little Stella. “Bright blessings.”
“A bright day to you as well.” Abe offered Mari a smile. “I’m sorry to meet you under these circumstances. I’m Abraham from the Rocky Mountain clutch.”
“Abraham, it’s nice to meet you.”
“Stella yelled at the bad mans. She yelled at them, and they stopped.” Fredda seemed so impressed, and Stella blushed and peered at Mari, chirping madly.
“Well, Stella, you are a hero.” Mari looked hopefully at the mounds of food. “Is it still breakfast time?”
“Of course. Grab a plate and help yourself.” Tyr waved a hand. “We are not being formal.”
Mari nodded in thanks and grabbed a plate. “I must say, you’re looking very round, brother Tyr.”
“Well, I am pregnant, and really that’s a good enough reason to be round.” He patted his belly, and the baby kicked, hard. “She’s going to be a good-sized baby, I can tell.”
“We’re all eager to meet her when it’s time.” Mari sat down to eat.
“Are you going to stay for long?” Tor asked, and Mari shook his head.
“No, in fact, we’re leaving today. We’re going home.” Mari’s voice brooked no argument, but Tyr still had to ask.
“Are you sure that’s wise? We’re all here to protect her.”
“My people, my clutch, will also all be there to protect her. We can go visit my parents for as long as we might need to and protectbothmy babies.”
Aleana put her hand on her belly, smiling at her mate. “That is a good plan, love.”
