Page 11 of The Manny's Fiery Dragon Bond

Chapter 7

Malric

SomethingaboutOlliebroughtout my dragon. That was a lie. Everything about Ollie did.

I found myself utterly unable to stay away. I tried to distract myself with work and the mile-long to-do list I had for both my personal life and the clan. Nothing worked. The man was etched into my every thought.

It was so bad that I nearly kissed him when he thanked me for helping with the kids. And worse than that, I couldn’t stop thinking about the look of disappointment on his face when I didn’t. Had I read him correctly or was I interpreting things the way I wanted them to be instead of the way they actually were? Probably the latter. Still, I couldn’t help but wonder what would’ve happened if I’d leaned in just a tiny bit more.

The next morning—despite the mountain of paperwork I had waiting for me and the long list of plans to finalize for upcoming clan events—I drove over to my son’s home instead. Most of the list could wait, I added on there in my feeble attempt at restraint.

It took all I had to wait that long and not show up in the middle of the night—or for that matter, to leave in the first place. I’d nearly turned around the second I was out the door, feigned losing something or offering to let Ollie take a break or possibly tasting those tantalizing lips. Yeah, it was better I went home.

I lied to myself, saying I was heading there to see my grandchildren. And it was true, I did love spending time with them, but I wanted to see Ollie just as much. Perhaps more. That should’ve been the sign for me to turn around.

His smile had me captivated in a way I hadn’t felt before. And that was only one of his attributes that called to me. He was trouble, in the very best of ways. If he knew what he did to me, he wouldn’t have been so open to having me around, that was for sure.

The drive was short, and when I arrived, Ollie had all three kids in a stroller, walking down the sidewalk. I’d arrived just on time, by the look of things.

His face lit up with a broad smile the moment he saw me. Was that because he needed help or was that smile for me? Mine was for him, that was for sure.

“Lord Malric! I didn’t know you were coming today.”

I wished he would skip the whole Lord thing. Being respected for my title was great and expected from most, but with Ollie, it was like there was an invisible wall erected between us when he used it. I didn’t want him to see me as my position, not as the clan leader and not as a grandfather for the children he mannied for. I wanted him to see me as a man… an alpha.

“Yeah, I’m avoiding work.” I left off the part about longing to see his sexy smile. “If you’re headed out somewhere, I don’t have to stay—”

“Oh, no. Come with us. We’re going to the park. I thought the fresh air would be good for the three of them.” He leaned closer to me and lowered his voice. “I’m also hoping it’ll help them sleep well tonight.”

“Fresh air is great for that.”

He leaned away, and I missed him being close to me instantly. It was ridiculous… utter nonsense that I couldn’t seem to get enough of this omega. Yet, I wasn’t going to run away. I couldn’t. I fell into step beside him as we made our way down the sidewalk, wishing I were beside him, our fingers woven together.

It was already mid-afternoon, and the day was warm, though the light breeze made it bearable and kept the bugs at bay. Some light clouds were rolling in, but no rain ones in sight. It was the perfect day for a stroll.

“I trust they napped well?” I asked, trying to steer the conversation away from my wandering thoughts. The children were still on a two-a-day nap schedule, although they were getting to the stage where it would soon morph into one.

“They did. And they slept well last night, too. All three woke up exactly at eight. They were a little sad that their dads weren’t here, but we had a FaceTime call, which helped.” Technology was such a wonder like that. It wasn’t the same as having them home, but it was far better than not seeing them at all.

“We had a slow morning—some jungle gym play, a too-short nap, a lunch they were very unimpressed with, and then a proper nap this afternoon.”

“Good to hear,” I said, then hesitated continuing. I wasn’t one of his bosses, and this conversation was heading into boss/employee territory and I didn’t want that.

“You’re welcome to stay for dinner, Lord Malric,” Ollie said. “I have a chicken dish in the crock pot.”

“That sounds delightful. Thank you.” He could’ve told me he was making dry toast and I’d have agreed with a smile on.

He glanced over at me, smiling.

“And you don’t have to keep calling me Lord Malric. Just Mal is fine.” My heart gave a painful little pang even as I said it. No one had called me Mal in… years. Not since my omega. He would have no idea it was reserved for so few, and I originally meant to say Malric, but that smile… that smile wanted him to be more than everyone else.

Something about the nickname felt right, and I couldn’t wait to hear it from Ollie’s lips—from his gentle voice, his warmth.

“All right, Mal.”

Once we reached the park, Ollie laid out a blanket, tossed a few toys onto it, and let the kids roam. They were still too small for most of the playground equipment, but the fresh air was nice, as was the change of scenery and having the other young children playing nearby of varying ages.

One little one toddled over, his father trailing behind him. The kid was adorable. The alpha? He was conventionally attractive. Why couldn’t he be old and gross? Not old like me old, but human old.

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