Fire In Their Hearts

by Lilly Wilder

  She gasped and buried her head against the sheets.

  Vern and I exchanged a look of mutual understanding. Ari would soon be carrying our child. I just prayed she was ready for it.

  I pulled out and saw that she was dripping. I carried her to the bathroom and helped get her clean. Vern was there to get her into some pajamas.

  “That was amazing,” she said with a smile.

  Neither one of us said a word.

  Once we were back in bed, I took her hand and looked into her eyes. “Do you understand what just happened?”

  “We had the best damn sex of my entire life?”

  “Well, yes… there’s that.” My mouth suddenly felt dry. I was terrified that she would respond with anger or that she would demand we get rid of the baby.

  “Lyle?”

  “I wasn’t able to pull out.” I said at last. I turned my head and looked away for a moment before returning my gaze to that beautiful face of hers. “Which means…”

  “I’m pregnant.”

  I nodded.

  She took a deep breath. “Okay.”

  “Okay?” I repeated.

  She smiled “Okay.”

  Vern cocked his head. “Mind telling us what your thinking right now?” He sat down beside us. “We know you said you wanted to wait.”

  “It was an accident,” she said. “Besides, I think I am ready now.” She fidgeted with the sheets before straightening out her posture. “The battle between clans really taught me something. Life is much too short to wait.”

  She took both our hands and squeezed them.

  “So, I don’t want to wait any longer. I want to start a family with you two.” Her smile deepened. “You have shown me a world I never imagined could exist and it’s a world in which I’d be honored to raise a child.”

  Vern rested his ear on her stomach. “What do you think it’ll be? A boy or a girl?”

  “I’d like a girl,” she answered. “Although she’ll have a hell of a time dating when she’s a teenager. If I had to guess, you two will be the sort of fathers to chance away every boy from our doorstep.”

  “That’s right.” Vern chuckled. “In fact, I should go out and buy my shotgun right now. I think it’ll be a pretty sound investment, don’t you think?”

  I shook my head. “I’d like a boy.”

  “Alright but once puberty comes around that’s on you two.” Ari held up her hands. “I have no idea how to handle hormonal dragons.”

  I laughed. “Just as you would handle a hormonal human. You sit them down and explain to them that girls are to be respected and cherished.”

  Ari leaned forward and kissed my lips. “You two are going to be pretty amazing fathers.”

  “And you, an amazing mother.” I responded as we fell into bed. She wrapped her arms around me while Vern spooned her from behind. She yawned and closed her eyes. “Sweet dreams,” I whispered as I kissed the top of her head.

  “I love you.”

  My heart skipped a beat. It was the first time she had said those three little words and it meant so much to hear them coming from her lips. I hugged her tight, vowing to protect her and our unborn child until my last dying breath. “I love you too.”

  Chapter 33: Ari

  The following Sunday.

  I was once again in a ceremony gown. This time it was a lilac color. It was styled like the tunic of a Greek Goddess and it certainly made me feel like one.

  “You look beautiful.” Becky clapped her hands together as she fussed with a particular flower and the way it laid against my hair. “Who would have thought we would end up here. It feels like just the other day when I was helping you pick out clothes for that big interview of yours and now, you’re getting married.”

  “I’m not getting married,” I corrected even as my cheeks turned red with the thought. “Dragons don’t get married.”

  “Well, this is as close as you’re going to get so enjoy it.” Becky squeezed my arms, accidentally smudging some of the dye. “Oops.”

  “Do not worry.” Said one of the artists. “They say whoever is blessed with the ceremonial dye will receive it next.”

  “Do you hear that?” I nudged her with my elbow. “You’re up next.”

  She held up her hand as if to hide the mating mark on her chest but I knew it was there.

  “Since when are you the shy one?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “You should be happy you landed one of the strongest warriors in the entire clan. And I hear Julian is quite the marksmen.”

  “Oh, yes. He shot an apple off my head the other day. I thought for sure he was going to kill me but he was right on target.” She giggled. “I definitely owe you one.”

  “I’ll remember that when I need a babysitter.”

  Her eyes widened. “Don’t tell me…”

  I nodded.

  She jumped for joy. “Oh! That’s wonderful.” Suddenly, she stopped. “Wait. How does that work exactly? Are they human babies or do you lay an egg? I mean, technically speaking, dragons are just giant lizards.”

  The other members of the clan gasped in horror. “We most certainly are not just giant lizards.” Chastised the matriarch. “We are a noble species and you will treat us as such.”

  Becky gulped.

  “Come, the time has arrived.” The matriarch took my hand and guided me through a doorway of stringed beads. As soon as I stepped into the sunlight, I shielded my eyes against the brightness. Luckily, that meant I was also shielded from the confetti of broken up seashells in my direction. They rained down and caught the light, casting shadows every which way.

  All around me, members of the Ragnis along with members of the Aetos smiled. They clapped as I walked by. A few even whispered their own blessing.

  The matriarch weaved her way to the great fire and there I was reunited with my mates. Once again, they were wearing nothing but a strip of fabric around their waists. My cheeks burned as a few fantasies recycled through my thoughts.

  “We are gathered here today to formally welcome two of our newest members.”

  Two? I wondered to myself. Was Becky having this ceremony alongside me but as I looked around, she was lingering on the sidelines with Astor and Julian.

  “Ari Greene will from this moment forward be recognized as Ari Stokes as she joins in union with our alpha. Lyle has done everything to protect us and now he has a new task at his feet – to protect his family.”

  A piece of wood was burned and the smoke was the same color of purple as my dress.

  It was passed to me and then along to my mates. Vern held it above his head before throwing it into the bonfire. The flames shifted from yellow to purple and the whole crowd fell into silence.

  The elder tapped his staff and I looked up at his milky eyes. “She carries their child and may that child join this world in health and happiness.” He paused and locked his gaze with mine. “And may Ari carry on many more children to come.”

  This time I was offered a chalice. I drank what was inside and it warmed my system. In a way, I felt like I could jump up and fly.

  “May all four of you live blessed lives.” With that, the combined clan members erupted into applause.

  Vern swept me off my feet while Lyle rested his hand on my stomach.

  ***

  The rest of the day was filled with dancing and celebration. I had never danced so much in my entire life. Even after my feet had gone numb, Lyle and Vern continued to twirl me around.

  It was a mission to try and escape. But when I did, I found an incredible assortment of food lined up on a buffet table. I’m going to blame it on the pregnancy but I stuffed myself silly. Everything looked so good that I had to try it all from the roasted chicken to the blueberry pie.

  “Enjoying yourself?” Vern asked as he sat down beside me.

  I had found a little safe haven underneath the leaves of a willow tree.

  “You know, I think I could get used to this.�
�

  He leaned back. “I could do without all the dancing.”

  “I thought you liked dancing.”

  “I do but I like doing you more.”

  I laughed. “Is that all you think about?”

  “I’m sorry but I’m a man and 90% of my thoughts consist of undressing you and having my way.”

  “And the other 10%?”

  “Food.”

  I laughed even harder. “This is why I love you.”

  Lyle appeared with a plate. It was piled high with all kinds of different desserts.

  “Jeez, someone has a sweet tooth.” I teased.

  “Why do you think I enjoy eating you out so much.”

  “Lyle.” I chided. He was practically shouting it to the world. “Do you want everyone to hear you?”

  He shrugged. “What do I care? As far as I’m concerned, I have the most beautiful girl in the world and I deserve to brag about it.”

  I shook my head. “Sometimes, you two are too much.”

  “You wouldn’t trade us for the world,” Vern said.

  “You got that right.”

  Epilogue: Ari

  A few years later.

  “We should have left fifteen minutes ago.” I shouted through the house as my little one, Tyson, held my hand. The tiny wings on his back fluttered as he attempted to fly. He made it off the ground a few inches before he landed with a thud.

  I shot him a look and he just averted my gaze by playing with his stuffed monkey.

  Finally, Vern came down the stairwell. He was looking as handsome as ever. He smiled and planted a kiss on my cheek. “Hey there, beautiful.” Even after all our time together, his words sent butterflies fluttering through my stomach.

  “Have I ever told you that you’re cute when you blush?”

  “Only a million times or so.”

  Tyson tugged on his father’s pant leg. “Daddy!” He said as he made grabby hands toward the dragon.

  Vern scoped up his son and tossed him into the air. Tyson giggled with glee.

  “Careful!” I chided when Tyson came dangerously close to hitting the ceiling fan.

  “Don’t listen to her, little guy.” He waved off my concerns. “Now, flap those wings just like daddy showed you.”

  Tyson screwed up his face and for a split second, he hovered in place. His little wings struggled to keep him afloat.

  With a huff, he lost his focus and came crashing down.

  I screamed.

  Thankfully, Vern caught him, safe and sound. “Just between you and me, mommy is a worry wart.” He whispered as he covered his mouth with his hand as if that would stop me from hearing him.

  “I’ve told you a million times not to do that. You could end up hurting him one of these days.”

  “He’s a dragon. He’s a little more resilient than a normal baby.”

  “That doesn’t mean you can go off and throw him to Timbuktu.”

  “Nice place.”

  “Huh?”

  “What are you two bickering about?” Lyle’s booming voice echoed through the foyer. The second Tyson heard it, he ran forward and jumped into his arms.

  Lyle smiled and hugged him tightly.

  “Hey there, little buddy. How're those wings?”

  Tyson gave them a little shake.

  “You’ll be flying in no time.”

  “That’s what I’m worried about.” I mumbled underneath my breath. “He’s enough of a handful when he started to walk. I can only imagine what’s going to happen when he starts to fly. How am I supposed to get him down when I have another bun in the oven?”

  “I already told you that I would stay home and help you raise the children.” Vern came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my swollen belly. “So, quit your worrying or you’re going to drive yourself to an early grave.”

  Lyle cleared his throat. “Shall we get going?”

  I raised an eyebrow. “Why are you wearing a suit?”

  “I have a meeting I need to go to after we’re done with the clan. One of my investors is thinking about opening up another branch in Europe and we need to brainstorm the logistics.”

  “Always working,” I said as I tidied up his lapel. “Can’t you think about anything else?”

  “I can name a few things.” He said as he grabbed my ass and gave it a little squeeze.

  I slapped him away. “Not in front of Tyson,” I hissed.

  Tyson cocked his head to the side.

  “Let’s just go. I’m eager to meet Becky’s baby.” I said as I opened up the door to the garage. Despite their ability to fly, it was easier to travel by car whenever Tyson was with it. He had a habit of squirming out of my grasp whenever we reached a certain altitude. Lyle assured me it was normal but you try dropping your baby from a thousand feet!

  ***

  “Oh, she’s precious.” I picked up the newborn and cradled her in my arms. “Absolutely precious. And she has your eyes, Becky.”

  She smiled. “And Astor’s wild hair.”

  I ran my fingers along the thick shock of black. “You’re going to cause mommy and daddies a lot of trouble when you grow up.”

  Tyson rose on his tippy toes trying to see the baby. “What is it?” He asked.

  “A baby,” I explained. “She’ll grow up to be a dragon just like you.”

  He knitted his brows together.

  “He’s getting big.” Becky adjusted herself on the bed so she could sit up a little straighter. Julian was there to fluff up her pillows and make her as comfortable as possible.

  “He is,” I said as I ruffled his hair.

  He pouted and ran off to hide behind his father. Lyle placed a hand on his head. His phone started to ring and I thought he would answer it but instead he ignored it. “It’s not everyday that you get to see a newborn whelp. The occurrence has become rare and it’s a shame.”

  “Do you think dragons will ever become… you know, extinct?” Becky blurted out.

  I made the ‘cut it out’ gesture but she didn’t see me.

  “Perhaps one day.” Lyle said, his tone serious. “After all, nothing can last together but I believe our legacy will live on to eternity. There will always be stories about dragons.”

  I passed the baby into her mother’s arms. “And until that day, we all have to do our part to keep the race alive.” I said with a wink. “So, no slacking!”

  “Oh, I don’t think that’ll be a problem.” Vern grinned.

  Becky laughed. “They really are a horny lot.”

  “Tell me about it.” I sat down on the edge of the bed. “Do you guys think we could have a minute?”

  “Of course.” Astor nodded his head and out they went.

  Once we were alone, I turned to Becky. “How did we end up here?”

  “I don’t know but I don’t regret it for a second. Joining this clan was the best thing that has ever happened to me.” As she spoke, she looked down at her child.

  “I know exactly how you feel,” I whispered. “And I’m just glad that some fairy tales really do come true.”

  *****

  THE END

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