Page 67 of Dragon Keeper
No, me neither.In fact, the idea that Riley would just not be back for Thanksgiving hurt his heart. He knew it hurt Brayden’s as well. He understood Riley needed to make his own way, but they were brothers, and up until they’d come here, they’d really never been separated. He missed Riley like a lost limb sometimes, and wherever Riley was, he was far enough away that he couldn’t just easily be contacted with a mental shout.
Incoming, Brayden snapped, and they went on alert.
They made a formation like a triangle with Cade at the front and slightly above, Brayden dropping down with him to protect their underbelly whatever threat it was coming from above.
Two dragons appeared in the space above them, and just about the time he thought they were going to have to start a battle, a shout went up from one of them, flames shooting out into the air.Brothers, I have come home. I’m ready for Thanksgiving.
Speak of the devil,Brayden told him.Here he is.
Sloan sent out a roar of his own, trying to make sure he didn’t shake the ground too much.Riley! Bright blessings, brother! It’s about time you came back for a little bit. We’ve missed you!
I’ve missed you too! But I’ve learned so much, and I’ve been everywhere, and it’s so much fun.Riley actually made a loop de loop in the air and Cade blew out a frustrated breath.
Who do you have with you?
The other dragon, whose scales were bright, shocking green, spread its wings and lifted its head. And it was as if bursts of lightning or fireworks started sparking all around it.
You don’t remember me, Cadeyrn? Has it been so long?
Sloan could feel Cade’s shock, and that was well, to be honest, it was kind of horrifying. He’d never seen Cade shocked before, or worried, or even surprised.
Tor!Cade exclaimed.
Sloan thought he knew the name, but he wasn’t sure if it rang a bell.
I’m home. I understand my brother is with child finally. And I came to bring him my blessings, possibly a warning, and to meet his mate. I need to make sure that the mate is suitable.
Right. That was where Sloan knew the name. This was Tyr’s twin. He was going to have to tell Tyr and Aleana, to warn both of them before they all got to the hive. He wasn’t sure exactly ifthis dragon was dangerous, and he was worried that perhaps he was unwelcome to Tyr and oh…
He didn’t know about this.
Isn’t this a wonderful surprise?Riley swooped over Sloan’s head.I met him at a game, and he looked oddly familiar. And then when he introduced himself, I knew who he was. So I brought him home for Thanksgiving.
Brayden whispered softly to him so very privately.Of course he did. Of course he brought him for Thanksgiving. Why wouldn’t Riley do that?
He didn’t know. No, and he didn’t know what to do. At all. So he pulled closer, nodding his head.I am Sloan. I am Riley’s brother and Tyr’s mate.
Tor kind of blinked. And then another one of those odd, tingly, sparkly sensations hit him. Fireworks. It was like fireworks.
It’s magic,Cade murmured, as if sensing his confusion.
I don’t understand. We’re all magic.
No, no, not like that. This is magic. This is not the same.Take care.
Tyr, your brother is here with Riley,Sloan sent.I need to know what to do. Do I invite him to the hives?
My what? Are you sure? I— of course. Of course you invite him. There’s no choice there. It is our duty to have our family. Take care though. I worry.
You and me both, cowboy,he told Tyr. Then to Tor, he waggled his wings.You’re welcome at the hives; your sister is here as well to partake in the Friend’s Feast.
How very exciting. I can’t wait. It’s been so very long since I was able to interact with my family. We’ll have such fun.
Wow. Sloan didn’t like this. He didn’t like this one bit. There was something going on here that seemed wrong. Truly odd.
Tyr sighed softly in his back of his mind.We have no choice. He’s family. We are honor bound to welcome him here. All will be well.
Sure. Tyr was a little optimistic, he thought, about that whole ‘all will be well’ bullshit. He didn’t like this guy already.
