Page 18 of The Manny's Fiery Dragon Bond

I had the couch positioned in such a way that they couldn’t escape, along with two different gates to keep them in the living room. This set-up would only work for a short time. Soon enough they were going to be climbers who could rival the Olympic sports climbing team, but it was working for now.

Finally, when I felt that the house was sufficiently clean, I sat down with them, and we played.

Each of them looked so much like Malric. I could see him in their eyes, in the shape of Flint’s nose, the way all three of them had one singular dimple. I’d never be able to escape him, not working for this family, but I’d made a commitment to this job, and I would keep it. It wasn’t their fault that I’d fallen hard for someone who didn’t want me.

Perhaps I could avoid him for a while, although not for long. He was an active part of their lives, as he should be. And I wasn’t silly enough to think that the truth wouldn’t come out eventually.

The hardest part was that I knew in my heart of hearts that we were mates. He was mine. I was his. There was no one on this planet for us except each other and all that jazz. If only I could convince him that.

And if Malric continued to refuse to believe that, then that was his problem. Also mine, but mostly his. It wouldn’t change the facts. Rejected mates were rare, but they did happen. I wouldn’t die or anything dramatic like that. I would just want to. Why couldn’t I unmeet him? That would’ve been so much easier.

When the door clicked open, the children all squealed with delight, as if they could sense that their fathers were home. Tavian and Kier threw their bags down and picked up their children, hugging them tightly, giving them lots of kisses, as if they had been away for weeks and not just two nights.

“We missed you guys so much.” Tavian blew raspberries on Ruby’s belly, and the room filled with her giggles.

I grinned. “They missed you. They were very brave, though a little bit more trouble at bedtime than usual, but they did very well. And in the middle of the night, Ruby wasn’t satisfied that it was me who came in there and not one of you.” Secretly, I thought she was comforted some by the fact that she could scent Malric on me, and that did enough to appease her last night.

That wouldn’t happen again. Rip my heart out once—shame on you. Do it a second time—shame on me.

“Thank you, Ollie. We really would never have done this trip without you. I’m sure you’re ready for a break.” Kier snuggled Flint and Opaline in his arms.

I smiled. “Oh, I wouldn’t mind one.”

Originally, I’d planned to shower and then go meet my mate for a nice dinner. That plan was gone. But regardless, I was exhausted and a break from pretending everything was sunshine and roses would be nice.

“Well, feel free. We’re here. We’re just going to toss our stuff in the laundry and then relax for the day,” Kier said, and truth be told, he sounded pretty exhausted as well.

“That sounds great. I have lunch all prepared and dinner in the crockpot for you.”

Kier put a hand over his heart. “Oh, Ollie, that is above and beyond. Thank you. Thank you. I was just telling Tavian that we could just order pizza for the day.”

I grinned. “Me and the kids might have done that for lunch recently.”

Tavian eyed me carefully, his nostrils flaring. “Did my dad visit?”

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Of course he could scent him.

He kept his sharp gaze on me, as if he was looking for any morsel of information. Could he know what had happened? No, he couldn’t. Probably. Suck.

“Yes. He visited Friday night and again yesterday.” That wasn’t a lie. I just didn’t mention that he was also here this morning because he stayed the night with me in his arms after his cock was in my ass. I wasn’t going to say that part out loud in front of them… ever.

“I’m glad he was here to help.”

“Great. I... well, I’ll let you spend some time with the kids. I’m gonna—” I pointed toward the hallway.

I needed to escape right now. I’d been on the go since Malric left my bed, and I almost wanted to sink into the shower and cry, but that would do zero good, and there was shifter hearing in this house. I wouldn’t be crying here, not unless I wanted them to know, and I did not.

“I might run to town, check out the bookstore and a few other places. If there’s anything you all need—” I needed nothing, but the privacy and fresh air would do me good.

“We’re great. Thank you, Ollie. Truly. We’d be lost without you,” Tavian said.

They’d be fine. Sure, it was easier with a third set of hands around here, but they had managed before I arrived and could continue to manage on their own after I left. Not that I was planning on leaving.

“Ollie, seriously.” Kier pulled me into a hug and held me tight. “Thank you. I never would’ve left my children with anyone else. I mean, maybe Malric, but seriously—”

“It’s what I’m here for,” I said, and I left them alone before I let the emotions overwhelm me.

Inside my room, I looked at the freshly made bed. I had swapped out the linens and even the comforter with some extras in the linen closet. I would have to switch over the laundry later. It was possible I would have to wash everything twice just so I could get the scent of Malric out of them. And even that might not be enough. Just the tiniest hint of his scent was enough to bring all of my emotions flooding back in.

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