Page 173 of Dragon Boss (Paranormal Delights 2)

Porter snickered. “Spooky does tell me everything. And I do meaneverything,” he said. “Two huh? I don’t think I’d ever be able to take that. Being a human sucks sometimes. Hey!”

“Porter will have to call you later,” Jaygen said as his voice filled the line.

Arden grinned. “Don’t be too hard on him.”

“Hmm with all due respect, Arden I’m going to go ahead and ignore that,” he said. “If he wants to tease I can show him where teasing gets him.”

“Fuck,” he heard Porter curse in the background.

Arden shook his head. “I have a certain kitten that will be paying as well.”

“We’re close friends for a reason, Arden. The way we think is impeccable.” He paused. “Is today…you know?”

The smile disappeared from Arden’s face as he grew serious again. “Yeah, it is.”

“Good luck and take your time. And Arden?” He called.

Arden grunted.

“If you need me I’m a phone call away. Always.”

Arden’s heart squeezed. “I know. Thank you, Jaygen. For everything.”

They didn’t need to say one more word between them to know how the other felt. As the call ended, Arden pushed his phone into his pocket and headed for the palace. The sun would be down soon and he needed to get this over with before it consumed every single one of his thoughts. Normally, he went during the day, but his men insisted on going with him.

He was grateful they were so stubborn.

* * *

Arden stood staringat the grave. He’d dug it himself all those years ago and carved the headstone himself. It didn’t contain Kyree’s body, but it was a place he went to visit often. At first, it had been punishment, but now, it was simply reflective. He could think about all that he’d done and all that he would do; and how he would continue to do better for all the souls around him.

A hand slipped into his. When he gazed over, Micha smiled up at him. He gave Arden’s hand a squeeze and the dragon returned the gesture as his chest ached.

They’d all laid flowers on the grave and decorated it with coins, food, and incense. Even though it was for Kyree, Arden knew it was for more than just her. It was for every life that had been lost too soon. For the people he’d hurt.

And for Janek.

The man was a traitor and a bastard. But he had still grown up with him,had learned by his side, and loved him once like a brother. So, Arden would pay respects to the grave of his daughter and put the rest of the ugliness away.

The world was ugly enough without having to dwell on it.

“Are you okay?” Bash asked, a big, rough hand squeezing his shoulder.

“No,” the man admitted as he gazed at the burly man. “But with all of you here, it doesn’t hurt so much.”

“Arden!” Spooky pushed his face against Arden’s chest and clung to him. “You make me want to turn into a giant crybaby like Micha.”

The nephilim’s feathers ruffled and his cheeks pinked. “I’m not a crybaby!”

“Everyone knows that’s a lie,” Gamble said as he walked up and rapped a knuckle against Micha’s head. “Haven’t I always told you that you’re shit at lying?”

“Hey!” Micha exclaimed. “That hurt,” he pouted.

Tsking, Eldon gathered up their things and sighed. “We better be getting back or everyone will worry,” he said as he walked over to Arden. “Say goodbye. We’ll come back next year.”

Arden smiled at Eldon and the vampire returned the gesture.Eldon truly was his right-hand man.He took Eldon’s hand and kissed his knuckles lovingly.

“That would be great,” he said.

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