Page 69 of Dragon Keeper
Sloan tilted his head, still watching Tyr and his siblings.And do you know what you’re going to do now?
Riley chuckled, but his gaze was back on Tor and Tyr and Aleana, who almost looked like a pack of wild dogs who were circling each other, looking for weaknesses. I think you and I should talk about that later along with Brayden. For now, maybe we could all go inside and have something to drink and eat. I’m parched after our long flight.
Tyr met his gaze and then gave Riley a wide smile. “Welcome back, braedor Riley. Bright blessings. You both must be tired. Why don’t you come inside, and we’ll have something to eat and drink?”
“I told Sloan I’ve been dreaming about your honey cakes, Tyr.” Riley rubbed his belly. “I hope you have some.”
“I do. I also happen to have some of the Rocky Mountain clutch’s cinnamon buns.”
Riley moaned. “Man, I would do some pretty sketchy things for some of those.”
Aleana scoffed. “At least you would not do sketchy things just because you can.”
Tor scowled. “What is this sketchy? What does it mean?”
“It means dishonest.” Aleana turned on her heel, tugging Fredda along with her and walked back into the house.
Tyr asked, “So, Riley, where did you meet Tor?”
“He introduced himself to me.” Riley grinned at Tyr. “I didn’t know that this would be a problem.”
“It’s not a problem.” Tor stared at Tyr as he said it. “Is it?”
“No, of course not. It’s a little unnerving. I never expected you back, Tor. I think that’s fair to say. But not bad in the least.”
Tor frowned a little again. “I didn’t know that you felt that way.”
“Honestly, I didn’t know that I’d never see you again when you left. And then you didn’t come back, and I thought it was forgood.” Tyr’s expression was so earnest. It hurt Sloan’s heart to see him uncertain.
“I went to the city, not to the stars. You don’t have to be so insular.”
Tyr’s lips firmed. “You don’t have to be so dismissive.”
“I’m not trying to be dismissive. I just wanted to spend some time with you. And meet your mate, especially after I met his brother.”
Tyr waved a hand. “We can talk later. Fredda will have a thousand questions, maybe more. And we all need something to drink.”
Brother, I feel bad, Riley said.I just— He was charming. The family resemblance is clear. He knew about all of us and Fredda and the baby, and he wanted to come see everyone. Especially Tyr. I guess because he was pregnant, or maybe just because he was mated, or maybe just because he was lonely. I didn’t know.
“You’re fine.” That was Tyr, calm, as always, at least outwardly. “This is my twin and it is the feast week. All are welcome. He would be welcome regardless, because he is family. We have history. Brothers fight, yes? You should know that.”
Riley chuckled, the sound wry. “Do I ever?”
Sloan had to tease. “What, you mean I wasn’t the perfect big brother? Wasn’t an absolute angel?”
Scoffing, Riley whacked his arm. “You’re a staunch defender, brother, I love you, but you’re kind of a butthead.” Riley chuckled when they got inside and scooped Fredda up for a hug. “How is my girl?”
“I’m not your girl. I’m Papa’s girl.” She was so matter-of-fact, and Sloan bit back a smile.
“Okay, well, can you be my niece?”
“I amyour niece. This is good. Like Ewyrml Tyr is good. Ewyrml Tor, are you good?”
Tor chuckled, the sound altogether too ironic for his taste. “I try, child, I do try, but whether or not I accomplish it… that you’d have to discuss with your mother.”
“Mama, is Uncle Tor good?”
“Not even close. But he is your ewyrml.” Tyr’s glare at his sister obviously had an effect. “And he is welcome, and we do love him. Even if he is an argumentative, dismissive pain in the bottom who deserted his family in their time of need.”
