by Lisa Oliver
Ivak ended the last sentence in a growl, sensing the moment the tension shot up in the room and a few of the males shared worried glances with others at different tables. He stood up, the power of his dragon filling the room, resting his fists on the table. “You pathetic fools seek to control me, hiding behind your positions and petitions as if they’d ever make a difference to who I am or how I live. For decades while my father was alive, you had it sweet, living a cushy life in the court because you were too damn lazy to forge a life of your own in the real world. Not anymore.”
Yes, definitely a few worried faces now and then David, bless his heart, played the perfect mediator. “Your majesty, as you’ve stated only twelve families got behind the petition. There are many people here who have simply wanted assurance that you’re healthy and that your mating is fated as you claimed.”
“All they had to do was see me training.” Ivak didn’t look at David, he was too busy watching the room. “Shirtless, my beloved consort’s scar shines against my neck like the treasure it is.”
“Aw, babe,” Byron said quietly. “So romantic.”
Hmm. Ivak considered that and decided that yes it was a nice thing to say. He resolved to do that more often – for his mate.
“Could one ask, your majesty, what it is you plan to do with the twelve families who question your authority?” David asked.
Ivak’s grin was pure evil this time. “It’s already done.”
“Your majesty?” A pretty woman Ivak vaguely remembered from the farce on his coronation day, stood up, glancing worriedly at the man sitting next to her. “Can I ask if the families of the signatories will also be punished?”
“Did you have anything to do with the signing of this petition?”
“No, your majesty. I didn’t even want…” the woman blushed. “I wasn’t a willing participant on your coronation day. I believe I’ve already found my mate, but he’s a non-dragon.”
“He is welcome in this court if you are agreeable to the claim. The pronouncement was made about non-dragon matings last week. You can sit down,” Ivak said kindly.
Then the mask he knew his mate didn’t like, but that was so necessary in this instance fell over his features and his voice was threaded with the ice from his dragon and the power of his wolf. “Dragon’s greed, being what it is, has stood me in good stead this evening. I couldn’t help but think of my father, and how, when he lay dying his only company was the loyal David, and my cousin who was only there seeking to hasten the king’s demise. Yet the king had given you all a good life here for the entirety of his reign, sacrificing his own personal happiness for a bunch of selfish ingrates. It is somewhat sad.”
Ivak paused for a moment. “It is for that reason, the people responsible for the twelve signatures placed on the document that undermined my authority, sought to damage my mating, and harm my unborn child have enjoyed meals and drinks heavily laced with meravin – the same poison that killed my father, his latest mistress, and likely my half-siblings too. I felt it was fitting somehow. Those affected will have roughly an hour, to an hour and a half to get their affairs in order before they’re dead.”
Ivak sat down as the whole room erupted with wails, gasps, and shouts of anger, reaching for Byron’s hand.
Chapter Thirty-One
Byron was stunned speechless, yet there was a part of him that applauded what Ivak had done. Whether there was poison in the food or not, and that was debatable, Ivak had come across as suitably angry, and proven he could be completely ruthless. Byron noted his mate’s comments about the late king’s death and wondered if impending parenthood had made Ivak question the role his father played in his life – or lack of it.
“You fucking cur.” Byron looked up as a man in a custom Armani suit lurched towards them, clutching his chest, his face bright red. “You’re not fit to be king. My son will avenge me, and my son’s son, and my son’s son after that until one of them prevails. The family of Lexington won’t rest in their graves until my death has been avenged.”
“It seems rather sad that you’d condemn your entire family line for a cause of your making.” Ivak winced and shifted slightly in his chair. “Are you even allowing these sons of yours to procreate before you sign their death warrants?”
“You bastard. Heartless bastard. I should’ve known the moment you swanned in here clutching the hand of your boy toy…” Spittle flew from the man’s angry lips.
“I am not a boy toy.” Byron pushed back his chair and stood up. Something was wrong with Ivak and there was only one thing it could be. Byron had to draw Lexington’s attention. “I am a Hollingsworth, a family courted by kings and governments all over the world because of our investment expertise. Insulting me is a direct insult to your king.”
“Faggot,” the man spat. “I bet that baby in your mate’s belly isn’t even yours – that’s if there even is a baby.”
Byron shifted. It wasn’t planned, he hadn’t even been paying attention to his dragon, so worried about Ivak’s wince, but now in his dragon form, he towered over Lexington. “That baby is mine,” he snarled through a mouth of teeth and fire. Leaning his long neck over the table, he picked up Lexington, slinging him against the ceiling. The damn glass didn’t break. Of course, magically enhanced.
Stomping over the table, plates, glasses and everything smashing in his wake, Dancer made his way over to where the man was gasping on the floor. “Through the glass,” he said, picking the man up again in his teeth, uncaring of the blows and kicks Lexington was using to get free. He glared at a woman standing in his way.
“Oh right. The glass. You meant the window. Sorry, consort.” The woman scurried out of the way.
Now he had a free shot. Swinging his neck around, Dancer flung Lexington against the glass which shattered this time as Lexington went flying through it. “Hold him,” he snarled as two guards poked their heads around the corner.
Making sure each footfall thumped on the floor, Dancer swung his tail as he turned, smashing tables and sending people flying. “Who else?” He roared sending his flames towards the ceiling. “Who else believes my mate’s child is not mine?”
“I’ll take you.” A tall thin looking man pushed through the crowd. “I’m dying of the poison anyway. I’ll be doing the ice dragon kingdom a favor by ridding them of you. Just let me shift.”
Dancer looked over the heads to where David and Petrov were looking after his mate. Someone had used the wreck of the table to form a barrier and Ivak was on the floor. Dancer felt the presence of the wolf, and smiled, causing a number of people to fall away from him. He eyed his challenger.
“Aren’t you ready yet?” The man was standing naked, looking like he was trying to pass a huge shit.
“My dragon won’t come.” Screwing up his face, the man tried harder.
“Dum di do.” Dancer was getting impatient. He could feel the tug on his mating bond and knew his little one was on its way. He glared at the naked man. “Will you hurry up?”
“My dragon won’t come,” the man yelled. “It must be something in the poison. I can’t shift.”
“Your dragon isn’t coming because he thinks you’re the most pathetic excuse for a body to be stuck in.” Dancer looked up and down the bony body. Shit I hope his cock doesn’t get stuck in my teeth, he thought as he swung around with his neck, grabbing the man’s torso in his teeth and biffing the man out of the window. “Two down. Any more?”
“Please consort.” A third man, slightly bedraggled, with sweat pouring down his face, knelt on the floor in front of him. “I didn’t want to sign the petition. I was forced. Lexington said he would hurt my daughter if I didn’t sign. Is there anyway to stop the poison? I love my family and I don’t know who will care for them when I’m dead.”
“This man is being sincere.” Petrov appeared by his shoulder. “Your mate needs you. I will deal with this one.”
“Is he the last of them that actually threaten my mate and child?” Dancer hovered, not sure if he s
hould give up his form.
“Only the two of them, the rest were forced,” Petrov agreed.
“Good.” Dancer swung his neck right around glaring at the crowd now huddled by the walls. “Let this be a lesson to you. The king did not poison your food, even though you let your previous king die alone. But know this. I will fight for my mate. He will fight for me and together he and I are unstoppable. Our differences make us stronger, not weaker. Think twice before you come up against us again.” Stomping towards the small stage, Dancer let Byron take over, remembering to shift complete with clothes.
You did good, Dancer. Byron said as he broke into a run, hopping up on the stage and going around the table, shuddering to a stop as he saw them. His mate and child.
“Babe. I didn’t see your Radostnyy make an appearance.” Byron stepped forward carefully.
Ivak looked up, the pride in his eyes unmistakable. “Radostnyy felt that the dragons would be more shaken up if our wolf gave birth. Your brothers and clan lent their magic to make it all possible, leaving you free to fight our foes. Come and meet our new daughter, Clara. Clara Sellivik-Hollingsworth.”
“Clara. That is a lovely name.” Stepping over the broken plates and glasses, Byron hunkered down next to his mate, staring at the sleeping daughter in Ivak’s arms. “Are you feeling okay?” He wrapped his arm around Ivak’s shoulder.
“She’s of royal blood.” Ivak shook his head. “It’s incredible. She was born with clothes on, still fast asleep. I’ve never heard of anyone doing that before.”
“Special from the start.” Reaching over, Byron gently touched a little chubby cheek. Clara had dark blond wispy curls and the cutest button nose Byron had ever seen. “You didn’t answer my question. Are you feeling all right?”
“I could sleep for a week, but that’s only because I can finally sleep on my stomach again.” Ivak leaned his head on Byron’s shoulder. “I’d also feel a lot happier if we were in our room, but I need to show these doubting assholes a baby actually exists. Then we’ll go upstairs and let David and Petrov handle everything else.”
“You’d better let me take her,” Byron said with a grin. “I can just see you holding her up above your head and snarling at anyone who gets near. She’s sleeping now and I have a feeling those times will be few and far between for a while.”
“You will make a good daddy.” Ivak’s eyes sparkled as he handed over their precious bundle. Something fundamentally shifted in Byron’s heart as the slight weight hit his arms.
“Hello Clara,” he said softly as he let Ivak help him to his feet. My daughter. Oh, Dancer, she’s so beautiful.
She’s made in love, Dancer cooed back softly.
/~/~/~/~/
Ivak looked around the shattered hall – tables broken, glasses shattered, and the people in their finery not looking quite so fine anymore. Most were wary, a few even scared, and Ivak knew that the evening would resonate for most of them for a long time. Which was his intention.
“People, can I have your attention.” Ivak felt it, the moment the crowd realized what the bundle was in Byron’s arms. “While my mate’s been busy weeding out the corrupt few in our court, I’ve been busy giving birth.” He looked around slowly, making sure to catch the eye of every single person present. “This can be the best court in the world – our dragons can be the most prosperous, strongest and most defended of all, if we all work together. You’ve already seen what my true mate, my consort can do. His dragon will fight for you as easily as he will fight against you, because that is who he is. As for me, I have one more decree to make. I am changing the laws on succession as they are outdated and insulting to females everywhere. Court, I present to you, your future queen, Princess Clara.”
There was a stunned silence and then everyone in the room clapped and cheered, even the guards who were keeping an eye on the crowd. Ivak looked over, sure Clara would wake up. But Byron was holding her close, whispering in her ear, and the little one slept soundly through the noise. Long may that last, Ivak said as he escorted his new family to the king’s suite.
Epilogue
Six weeks later.
“Oh crap, not again. Clara, that was my new shirt.” Byron looked down at the milky splodge now decorating his previously pristine shirt. The family were in New York, Ivak deciding to present Clara to the Hollingsworth dragon clan for their daughter’s first shift. While Byron personally didn’t care what their daughter shifted into for the first time, he didn’t want anyone at the court ruining her big day and after talking to Dirk was happy to agree.
“Aww, has our baby princess gone and shit her diapers again?” Ivak came in, buttoning his cuffs. “Oops, no. I did warn you against wearing the shirt while you were feeding her.”
“And aren’t you the perfect papa,” Byron grumped. “If I take the bottle out of her mouth when I think she’s had enough, she cries. If I let her feed for as long as she wants, she burps up a mess.”
“Daddy is just grumpy because he has to change his shirt.” Ivak finished his cuffs and came over, swinging the now sleepy baby against his chest and rubbing gently down her back. “Go and change, Daddy, stop being a nervous grumpy bum. You know it doesn’t matter if she doesn’t shift at all. Our princess will do that when she is ready.”
“I know. I can’t help it.” Byron got up, quickly unbuttoning his shirt and throwing it at the laundry hamper which was already full. Having a baby seemed to involve a lot of clothes washing. He made a mental note to send it to the laundry service in the morning. They were staying in Dirk and Jon’s apartment in town but were expected at the house within the hour. He quickly rustled through the closet looking for another shirt.
“Babe, do you regret me, regret us?” Ivak was there by his side.
Stunned, Byron dropped the shirt he’d found and pulled his mate into his arms. “No. Never. I love you and our little princess. What made you say something like that?”
“I just,” Ivak looked down at Clara who was now huffing in her sleep, “I’m not sure I’m the best when it comes to being a papa, and we’ve not had a lot of chances to connect with each other lately – intimately. I felt as though things have changed between us since Clara arrived.”
“Babe, things have changed between us. We have Clara now, who is proving to be the biggest princess this side of anywhere.” Byron chuckled. “She barely sleeps unless one of us is holding her. David and Petrov have offered to watch her a dozen times, and you get huffy about it when they do. But the things I want to share with you, are not child friendly so they have to wait.”
“Are you sure it’s not because I’m skinny again?” Ivak pouted and wouldn’t meet Byron’s eyes. “You couldn’t keep your hands off me when I had a bump.”
“I love you with a bump and without it, and you’re hardly skinny. You’re a very ruggedly beautiful man.” Taking a chance, Byron took the sleeping Clara from his mate and set her in the middle of the bed. Crossing the floor, he swept Ivak into his arms. “I love you, all of you, warts, bumps and even gray hair if you get any. I love you with a bump, without a bump and any stage in between. I want you with every cell in my body and the number of times I’ve pulled myself off in the shower would attest to that, but this is what being a parent is all about. Babies come first.”
“I know that in my heart.” Ivak wrapped his arms around Byron’s neck. “I love you too, grumpiness and all. I just… Jon messaged you earlier and offered to babysit Clara overnight.”
“And you said no?” Byron wouldn’t expect anything else from his overly protective mate.
“I didn’t reply. I want to say yes because I desperately want to spend some quality time with you.”
“And? You know Jon and Dirk are trustworthy.” Byron stared into his mate’s bright grey eyes.
“I don’t want Clara to think we’ve abandoned her,” Ivak whispered. “I never had anyone permanent in my life except Petrov and for years I didn’t have him either. I don’t want Clara to think she’s been left. What if s
he cries when Jon or Dirk try to feed her? What if she needs us?”
“Oh babe.” Byron rested his forehead on Ivak’s. There was still a lot he had to learn about his mate’s upbringing, but he’d got enough to realize when Corine knew she couldn’t use Ivak to become a dragon queen, she basically left him to his own devices. “Clara has a huge family – her uncles in Russia in David and Petrov, and this over here is her American family. Uncles and cousins. Think of how much more secure her life would be if we trust these people to get to know her too.”
Ivak bit his lip as he nodded. “She won’t forget us or want them more than us?”
“She will always love us, and she’ll love us more for giving her a huge family who love her too.” Byron kissed Ivak briefly, knowing they didn’t have time for much else. “Why don’t you pack a bag for her, and I’ll text Jon and let him know we accept.”
“The bag’s already packed.” Ivak looked up, his smile bordering on heated. “I really wanted a night alone with you, just one. Just once in a while.”
“It will be good for her,” Byron promised, “and please don’t ever doubt my love for you. You might have been a bastard when we met, but you’ve more than made up for it since.”
“I love you too.” Ivak stuck his lips out and Byron was happy to join them with his own. He had no idea what would happen with Clara’s presenting ceremony, and in the grand scheme of things it really didn’t matter. Clara was a contented, fast growing baby who had two daddies who loved her. Byron’s mated life might not have been what he’d dreamed of for ten years, but it was everything he wanted now. He had a family, and that was definitely the jewel in his coronet.
The End
Of course, this isn’t the end of the City Dragon’s series. There are still three cousins, possibly even four, that could do with a mate. While some of you might be wondering why I didn’t show Clara’s presentation ceremony, I deliberately held off, as that is where the next cousin sees his mate for the first time… or is it? LOL. Needless to say, there will be more in this series.