Page 86 of Dragon's Revenge

Jermon cleared his throat. “I also want to point out that my brothers and I have vowed servitude to the wolves to atone for the wrongs committed by our father and uncle. That is a debt we fully intend to repay.”

When Oliver had first found out about that, he’d been shocked to his core. Alpha dragons, kneeling for wolves? Offering their apology and insisting on atoning for what they hadn’t even done themselves? Unthinkable, yet they had done so freely. Oliver couldn’t help but think the gods had to approve of such a deep sense of honor, of justice.

“We’re not going to make any rash decisions. But I want everyone to start thinking about creative solutions. How can we adapt our structure and traditions to accommodate our growth and diversity? This is a challenge, one we must rise to.” Rhene looked around the room, his expression serious yet calm. “We’re in uncharted territory here. A mixed pack and clan, growing at an unprecedented rate. We need to figure out how to make this work in a way that preserves our unity and strength. I want to be clear. No decisions have been made yet. This is the beginning of a conversation we all need to have together as a pack and as a clan. We’ll need everyone’s input and ideas to determine the best path forward.”

Sivney nodded. “In the meantime, we ask for your patience and understanding. Change is never easy, but we have faith in the strength and resilience of this community. We’ll find a way through this together.”

The weight of their words hung in the air as the meeting concluded. Oliver’s mind raced as he filed out with the others, lost in thought. He nearly jumped when a hand brushed his shoulder.

“You all right, angel?” Adar asked softly, concern etched on his handsome face.

Oliver leaned into Adar’s touch, seeking comfort. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “Were you able to hear what was being said?”

Adar nodded. “I was positioned right outside the door.”

“The idea of splitting the pack and clan… It scares me. We’ve worked so hard to build this unity.”

Adar pulled him close, his strong arms providing safety amid the uncertainty. “I know. But we have to trust in our leaders, in the strength of our bonds. We’ll find a way through this.”

Oliver nodded against Adar’s chest, wanting to believe him. The pack and clan had already weathered so much upheaval. Surely, they could navigate this challenge too.

As they walked a little farther away from the barn, Oliver spotted Zack engaged in an intense conversation with Abner—one of the new dragon omegas—and Fallon. The newly appointed third-in-command was already stepping into his role, listening intently to the concerns of his packmates.

Farther ahead, Rhene and Sivney stood with their heads bowed together, no doubt strategizing their next moves. The weight of leadership hung heavy on their shoulders, yet they carried it with grace and determination. Adar was right. They should trust the leadership. Easier said than done though.

“Trust doesn’t come easy to me,” Oliver said softly.

“No wonder after what you’ve been through. It’s much easier for me. Lidon and Palani set a great example, and so far, Rhene and Sivney have shown a similar devotion and integrity.” Adar pulled him close, his strong arms enveloping Oliver. “They’ll guide us through this.”

Oliver nodded against Adar’s chest, breathing in his mate’s calming scent. “You’re right. I just… I finally feel like I belong somewhere. The thought of that changing is scary.”

Adar tilted Oliver’s chin, meeting his gaze. “Hey, no matter what happens, you’ll always belong with Delton and me. We’re not going anywhere.”

Warmth bloomed in Oliver’s chest at the fierce love and protectiveness in Adar’s eyes. “I know. Thank you.”

Adar kissed him softly. “I love you, angel.”

“I love you too.”

He was almost reassured…until he spotted Duff Bás slip out of the meeting barn, unnoticed by anyone else as he hurried off. What was he up to? Oliver might’ve felt sorry for him, but that didn’t mean he trusted him. No, only time would tell what the dragon slayer was truly planning.

Because Oliver didn’t believe for one second that he was here just to observe…or to have his mind changed about how evil dragons were. No, his goal was to kill all the dragons, and he was merely biding his time.

Epilogue

Six Weeks Later

“That’s it. That’s the last box,” Adar announced as he put down the heavy carton box that contained the last of Delton’s books.

Delton shot him a guilty look. “Sorry.”

“For what?”

“For the fact that you had to carry all two thousand of my books into our new cabin?”

Adar shrugged, wiping his brow with his sleeve. “My pleasure. I know they bring you joy, and when you’re happy, that’s all I need.”

Delton’s heart melted all over again. Adar had called himself a simple man, but only in the sense that he found profound joy in the smallest things. It didn’t take a lot to make him happy. If Oliver and Delton were good, Adar was too. He rarely asked for anything for himself other than the impact play sessions they now did every other week.

---