Page 27 of The Ruby Dragon's Unconventional Mate

That was fair, right? He thought it seemed fair.

“Doesn’t Jake have the baby that can teleport?”

Lars nodded. “He’s going to have to really work on controlling it, because what if he teleports somewhere dangerous? We’re all working on it. Samuel’s really very good at keeping him grounded, and he loves his baby sister to the ends of the earth.”

It’s totally fair by the way,Bryant told him.I was just saying, that was why I hadn’t popped over for supper or something. Bryant winked.

Well, that seems…reasonable, yes.Silly man. Was he teasing? Should he be teasing? He probably shouldn’t be teasing.

“So, Lars, what’s your favorite part of living in Oro?” Lachlan asked, his chin on his hand.

“The babies. The schools. The community. I love this place and the joy here. This is a good place, a safe one, and we work hard to keep it so.”

“It’s your job, yes? Dealing with the schools?”

“Yes. I volunteered for that one. Logan finds it frustrating, and Bea scares the teachers with her growl. Jake is a natural for the human relations that happen out on the highway.”

Him?

He loved babies. He loved kids. And he adored the teachers. Seriously, it was the happiest place, listening to the little ones reading and singing and laughing.

“What about you, Lachlan?” Lars asked in turn. “What do you want to do here?”

“I’m happy to be the new Jason. Ish. The business of the wing. Behind the scenes. Making sure we have all we need.”

Bryant was nodding, and he got it. These two were wheeler dealers.

“You’re like Logan. He’s an amazing businessman and an organizer.” Lars chuckled softly, shook his head. “He’ll have to be with new babies coming.”

The midwife said twins; Lars was betting on triplets. Regardless, they were going to be busy. Ari and Mari were fierce—both alphas, both wild, both willful.

“Dakota thinks more multiples?” Bryant asked. He looked a little tickled, really. He knew Bryant liked kids, but Lars wasn’t sure if that was in an abstract way, or a concrete one. Like, was it the idea or the reality of kids, which could be different.

“They say once someone has one set, it’s easier to have additional multiples. Still, it’s wild.”

“Will you be taking care of their older two while they’re in labor?”

“Oh yes. I will be Uncle Lars. They have cribs at my house. They’ll always be welcome with me, you know?”

Bryant beamed at him. “I remember that, from when you were sitting them as newborns.”

“I love them. They’re my first nieces.” He beamed. “And Grant and his sister are my next best sweetness.”

“That sounds amazing.” Lachlan looked wistful for a very short moment, then his smile came back full force.

Did he think he wouldn’t get to have a mate and babies?

He’s worried no one will want him as he is. He feels deformed, stuck between forms like he is.Bryant’s honesty honored him, because he knew his first instinct was to protect Lachlan.

There’s nothing wrong with him, Lars told Bryant fiercely.You can see how big his heart is in mere moments.

That’s what I tell him.

Lachlan licked his fork, then sat back, patting his belly. “Lars, that was the most amazing meal. Thank you so much for bringing it over.”

“You’re very welcome.” He smiled, ready to pack up and head out if that was what Lachlan needed.

“I think now, though, I am going to take my stunning new blanket and head back up to bed if you two don’t mind. Feel free to keep Bryant company for a bit. You won’t bother me at all.” Lachlan rose, looking much steadier than he had before, and grabbed his blanket.

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