Page 89 of The Ruby Dragon's Unconventional Mate

“Better, Lars?” Arthur asked.

“Yeah. I was scaring myself. It’s weird, you know. I worry about things I didn’t before, but on the other hand? Some things I used to freak out about are easy.”

“I don’t think that’s weird. You’re transforming.”

“I am?” He had visions of a butterfly…

“Yep. You’re pregnant, so you’re about to become a parent. You’re mated. You’re transitioning from being a fake-alpha solo guardian to sharing those duties with your mate… Your whole vision of self is shifting.”

“I am. And it’s a good look on me, but brand-new.” He stroked his belly. “And exciting.”

“Yes. But it can be worrisome.” Arthur pulled in at Lachlan’s moments later. “I think you’re doing great, and Bryant is finally coming up to snuff.”

“I think Bryant is going to be an amazing dad.” But yes, he felt weird and unnerved, a little uncomfortable in his own body, which was a first.

“You’re going to do great, Lars.” Arthur handed him the cake carrier as they stepped out of the car.

“I am. I just need to get my head on straight, you know? I need?—”

The alarms from the wards went off, and Lars instinctively took to the air. The children were at the school, and it was up to him to protect them.

No matter what.

Chapter

Thirty-One

Bryant! We need you! Something is happening at the school!

That was Lachlan, calling him, and Bryant heard him where he was standing in line for food, chatting with the hamburger truck guy, Obe.

He literally dropped everything and jumped into the sky, flying through the wards at the river and heading into Oro Escondido proper, heading for the school. As he got closer, he could hear the alarms going off, and he put on a burst of speed, hoping it wasn’t something dire.

All the guardians were in the air, weaving and fro, searching for any danger.

He caught sight of Lachlan, then Lars, and he stopped himself from roaring at the last moment. Lars was a guardian. Bryant couldn’t ask him to be less than he was. This was his job.

Lars was guarding the front doors, his mate heavy and swollen with their child.

He circled, looking for what might have set off the alarms, but he saw nothing but their own wing.I’m circling around back of the school to check the wards!

I’m with you.Jake followed, even as Bea went the other way.

Lars! Keep those kids inside.

And everyone else out,Lars agreed, a wave of strength filling him.Don’t worry. No one will get past me. Ever.

No. He knew that. His lover had those children’s back. His guardian mate.

He saw it first, an obvious bend in the magic of the wards. Not a break. But a dent, for sure.There, Jake!

Jake swooped down, roaring, and Bryant followed, flames lighting up the air.

A small adult dragon darted out from under some cover and soared up into the hills beyond the town. Beyond the wards.

No one follows,Logan thundered.We check inside the boundaries first.

Logan? We can take him.

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