Page 25 of Fire in Cabin 27
“Wow, I can’t decide if I snagged the most eligible dragon or if this is a consolation party for me.”
Felicia laughed. “Oh, Juni bug,” she hugged me again, “you’re gonna fit in just fine. Keep my boy on his toes and your wit intact and you will persevere, son.”
Son.
She hadn’t a clue how much it meant for her to call me that.
As we meandered through the crowd they each introduced themselves. “If there’s a pop quiz later, Ky, I’m gonna fail.”
He chuckled. “No worries, darlin’, we don’t expect you to remember anyone but this fine woman right here.”
Rows of tables and chairs had been set out and at the very front of them sat an elderly woman with a knowing smile on her face. Had I seen her somewhere before? Did she know me?
“This is our clan elder, Nuri. Nuri, this is my mate…” she cut him off.
“Juni. I’m old boy, but I’m not dead.” She eyed me up and down, appraisingly. “You don’t screw around, do you Kyson?”
“Excuse me?” As soon as Kyson said that a hush fell over the crowd.
“How long have you two been mated?”
“About three weeks, why?” I was staying out of this. Kyson could banter with her all he wanted but I planned to stay on her good side. At least, that’s where I hoped I was.
“He’s carrying your eggs already.”
“What?” I squealed so loud I jumped.
“Two, if I’m not mistaken.” And the mountain rumbled again with claps and whistles. Me, I was so shaken I nearly fell, but as always Kyson’s arms wrapped around me and kept me safe.
“Really, Nuri? You’re not bullshitting me, are you?” Kyson’s hopeful words came out in a rush.
“Me bullshit a bullshitter. I know you, Kyson, saw the shenanigans you got up to as a youngling. Your mate will lay the eggs come late spring and by end of summer you’ll welcome two healthy dragonets. Now, will somebody get me a damn drink?”
I was spun around like a fair ride bouncing from one set of arms to another, but I did notice that someone had slid a drink in front of Nuri. She sipped it and happily chatted away with the person beside her like she hadn’t just turned my world upside down.
Two eggs.
Lay in spring.
Holy shit!
Everyone moved around, gathering food, cooking various meats. Not sure I cared to know what animal gave their life for this, but I had a sudden craving for a very rare steak.
They were all so happy. Nothing like my life had been, bouncing from point A to point B, rarely making eye contact with another human outside of my circle of friends. More acquaintances, I guess, since I haven’t heard from a single one of them.
Did I miss them or my past life?
No. The answer came so quickly it jolted me.
The Cinders clan welcomed me with open arms—literally and were happy I was here. Granted, I hadn’t said much, my brain was still working through Nuri’s shocking words. But I felt better here, more at peace if that makes sense. No one here knew I had money, so they weren’t after that, unlike my so-called friends, who used to stick me with the bills every time we went out. These people wanted nothing from me except to be a good mate to Kyson and father to our children.
That much I could promise I’d always do my best with.
“Come on, darlin’, I want to show you something.” Kyson tugged my hand and led me away from the party. We walked for a bit in the crisp, cool air forest air. Heaven on earth, was the first thought that came to mind as I took in the lush scenery surrounding us.
A slight breeze whistled through the trees. Douglas firs, cedars and maples with ivy winding up them. The crunch of dried pine needles beneath our feet as we walked and the birds overhead were the only sounds. How long have these trees been here? If I cut one open and counted the rings would that tell me how old it was? Thoughts the old Juni never would’ve had but new Juni was very curious about.
The greenery opened into a clearing where a large slab of concrete rested. “Is this?” Could it be already?
