Page 13 of Dragon's Midlife Secret Baby
She shook the hand he extended. “So I’ve heard.”
“How do you know her name?” Beck demanded.
“You told me all about her,” Ewan explained. “You were all excited about this redhead, and you said you were going to see if she’d want to go on along vacation with you for a while. Then you just sort of fell off the face of the planet.”
“In a way, I did. There’s a lot to explain.” This man knew him, even if Beck couldn’t exactly return the sentiment. The one thing he understood was that his dragon felt safe with him. As soon as Ewan revealed himself, the beast had calmed down. It didn’t bother Beck in the least that his mate and child were standing right here with him.
“Sounds like it. Why don’t you guys come on back to the clanhouse with me? Everyone will be nuts to see you again, Beck, and they’ll finally get to meet the mysterious Chelsea we’ve all heard about.” Ewan motioned at his car.
“Give me just a second.” Beck pulled Chelsea aside, just out of Ewan’s earshot. “I think I have to go. I don’t quite understand, but if he’s one of my people…”
“Of course you do,” she confirmed quickly. “Beck, this could be just the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for. I’m happy to come with you.”
“Are you sure?” He felt like he’d asked so much of her lately, even though he’d never really asked directly for much at all.
“Yes. I want to be there for you.” Shebrushed his arm with her fingertips. “Besides, I don’t want to miss out if you have some big revelation.”
“Okay, then.” He took one last glance at Ewan as he consulted his dragon. It knew about Chelsea and Corbin, and it seemed to know about Ewan as well. If he could be around other dragons, then there was no telling what might come back. “Let’s go.”
6
Beck stoppedfor a moment and looked up at the large brick house. The mansard roof was edged with careful corbeling that drew his eye along the mass of the building. An old wrought iron fence complemented the iron streetlight and the walkway, which was yet again brick. He could be standing in front of this house at any time over the last couple of hundred years, with the only obvious concession being the electronic lock on the door and Ewan’s sports car parked by the curb.
“I called and told them we were on our way over.” Ewan swung through the small wrought iron gate—decoration more than protection—and strode up to the door. “I hope you’re hungry. It sounded likeLilith started getting pots and pans out the moment she heard.”
“Lilith.” Beck repeated the name softly. Just as with Ewan, it was only somewhat familiar. There was still a blockage in his mind, a wall just as hard as all the brick that made up this place.
Ewan lifted his hand to press his finger to the electronic lock, but the heavy door swung open before he had a chance. A hulking man with grey hair stared out at them. He looked angry as he came out onto the landing, but as he took a couple of steps down toward Beck, that anger turned into disbelief. “It really is you.” He held out one meaty hand.
Beck took it and was immediately assured he was in the right place. He didn’t know this man’s name but knew he was one of his people. “I suppose so.”
The man’s brows pushed together. “You suppose so?”
“Things have happened, and I have gaps in my memory.” It was the simplest way to put it, though so much more could be said.
“Hm. Well, it’s good to have you back. Come inside. Everyone is waiting to see you.” He turned and led the way into an entry hall with a checkered floor and a curving staircase. From there, theyturned right into a large living room. The green walls, parquet floor, and dark trim gave the room a cavelike appearance, which was very different from the bright, airy feeling of Maeve and Chelsea’s covenstead. Several other people were seated around the room, and they rose as he entered. They clamored with wishes of welcome and joy.
A woman a little younger than him with bright blonde hair came running in from the other room. She wore an apron with a splash of sauce on the front, although she carefully angled herself as she hugged Beck. “There you are! I just couldn’t believe it when Ewan called and said he was bringing you back. I’ve got a huge batch of chili started. It’s not quite done, but I hope you can stay long enough to enjoy it.”
This must be Lilith, whom Ewan had referenced earlier. “We’ll have to see.”
“Oh, but first, you have to introduce us!” Lilith let go of him and moved enthusiastically over to Chelsea. “It’s nice to meet you. And what a sweet baby boy! Beck, you should’ve told us you had a son.”
It was a lot to take in, and the situation had quickly gotten out of hand. “Iwould’ve, had I known. You might want to sit down. If you are all who you say you are, then we need to talk.”
The man who’d greeted them at the door narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean? Are you going to tell me you don’t recognize your own uncle? I might have an extra gray hair or two, but that’s not bad compared to most humans.”
“I didn’t even know my own name until yesterday.” Beck crushed his palm into his forehead. There was something in him—his dragon, he supposed—that knew these were good people. He knew he could tell them, but how? He was still figuring so much out for himself.
Chelsea slipped her hand into his and squeezed his fingers. He squeezed back, appreciating the reminder that he wasn’t alone. His mate had literally come with him into the dragons’ den, facing whatever might come right alongside him.
“Tell us,” Ewan said as he flopped down onto a sofa. “Two years might not be very long for us, but it’s long enough to make us curious.”
Still holding Chelsea’s hand, he brought his family over to an empty sofa and tried to get comfortable. “Much of my memory has been erased,” he said slowly. “I believe I was taken prisoner and held captive. There’s very little I can tellyou because I don’t understand it all myself. Even being here only rings a few faint bells for me. Believe it or not, that’s progress considering how little else I know.” As quickly as he could, he recounted washing up on shore and Jace finding him.
“So you don’t know me,” the older man concluded with a grunt. “I’m Kendrick, your uncle. Your father was my younger brother. My sister was Griffin’s mother.” He nodded toward another man who was lingering near the window. “You’ve already met Ewan out in the street, and this is Lilith.”
The blonde woman gave a little finger wave, confirming Beck’s suspicions.
