Page 27 of Fire in Cabin 27
“Grr,” Kayden growled, showing his tiny fangs. “I’s a dragon, not monster.”
“You’re my monster and I love you,” Azure tickled him and his giggles filled the air. How could I not smile when such a sweet, trusting soul chose me as his friend. “Why don’t you run and play with your cousins while mommy and Juni talk.”
“’K,” he kissed both our cheeks, “but I sit by Juni.”
“I’ll save you a seat,” I promised. He smiled and wiggled out of my arms and off he went.
“Our house is closest to yours,” Azure said. “Kobalt and Kyson are the oldest two and they were thicker than thieves until Kyson moved away. Having both of you here will make my life a lot easier.”
“How so? Well, besides having Kyson around to keep Kobalt busy.”
“Because, now I’ll have a new bestie, and we are both pregnant at the same time. Make sure you use it to your benefit,” she winked.
“As in?” This was getting good. Who knew I’d learn so much today.
“Oh honey, please, rub my feet, they’re so swollen,” she feigned weakness. “Honey, I’m craving a hot fudge sundae. Would you be a doll and make me one? Get my drift?”
“I am so all over that. I have much to learn from you, oh wise one.” And I had a bestie to be for the first time. How had I never seen how toxic my life was before? Meandering through it, allowing others to use me, and now I had a new family who wanted me for me. I’d merely survived all those years, hiding from love and sheltering myself from others to keep from getting hurt the way my parents had absolutely crushed me.
Our children would always know they were loved, even when they’d done something wrong. Given the comments I’d heard so far about Kyson and his devilish youth, there was no way our two weren’t mischief bound. And I couldn’t wait for those days tocome. No matter what mischief they brought we’d weather these challenges together as a family.
I had a family of my own and they’d not rejected me.
“I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen Kyson this happy,” Azure whispered beside me. “This is good, you’re good for him,” she nudged my shoulder with hers. “You brought the family back together.”
“Me?” I questioned and pointed at myself as if someone else stood in my place. I glanced across the clearing, beside what I’d learned was Kyson’s childhood home, at my mate. When our eyes met, he smiled and winked.
I had teased Kyson that he’d tamed the shrew, but it was me who had tamed the surly dragon in return.
“Kobalt had mentioned your first pregnancy was challenging. Is this one starting off the same way?” Nerves were hitting about mine.
“So far,” she knocked on the wood tabletop, “so good. What about you?”
“Given I didn’t even know I was pregnant it’s about the same. Hopefully it’ll stay that way. I’m a horrible sick person.”
“Most men are, Juni,” Azure laughed. “There are enough Cinders here to help though.”
Their younger sister, Kallie, and her baby, Pilot, joined us. “How old is he?”
“About three months now,” Kallie said. “Want to hold him?”
Normally this was where I’d bow out, but new leaf and all that. “Please, show me how.” Screwing this up would earn me that kick out of the clan I feared.
Kallie came around the table. “Cradle your arms like a bowl.” As soon as I did she laid Pilot in them. “Now, always make sure you’re holding their head until they’re able to do it themselves. Dragons are a bit different than human babies, given they grow a lot faster, but in the beginning their care is much the same.”
Good to know. As I stared down at the sleeping angel in my arms, it hit that this would soon be me.
You’re a natural, sweetheart.
I glanced up and there was Kyson, his eyes filled with love. Had I not been sitting I’d have likely fallen over.
Pilot is such a good baby.
I can’t wait to hold ours.
Me too, Juni.
Reluctantly, when a plate of food appeared in front of me, I had to give Pilot back to his mother. Right after Uncle Kyson got in a few cutesy coos first, of course. But before we could hand him over, Nana Felicia swooped in and stole him.
