Page 12

“It is. I like it very much.” Cosmo perched on a little tufted bench.

“It smells like you, sweet. That makes it even better.” He wanted to sleep in Cosmo’s bed with him.

“Does it? I’m glad. I didn’t know what kinds of clothes you liked, so…we just brought a bunch. Soft.”

“Thank you. I’m sure it will be fine. Even if mine are here, they will be sorely out of fashion.” He had a feeling he’d slept longer than he supposed.

“I haven’t found any of your clothes, but we’re still exploring. We’ve been—working hard to make this a safe space.”

“Of course. That’s okay.” He was really more worried about his rocks. And his books. He had a few very special ones in Old Dragon.

“I’m sorry that I took your house. Myk gave it to us.” Cosmo twisted a napkin in his fingers.

“You didn’t take it, Cosmo.” He shook his head, rinsing off. He’d offer to let Cosmo join him, but the water was dirty.

“No, but still…” Cosmo stood and brought him a fluffy towel.

“Thank you.” He rose as well, letting the water drain, then turning it on to splash some on him to rinse off.

Cosmo watched him openly, tongue sliding over his lips.

He wanted to reach for Cosmo, but he thought the brothers might show up soon. He heard stealthy footsteps.

Cosmo nodded to him.It’s not fair. They think you’ve glamoured me. Have you?

No, love. I haven’t. Your Cullen should know that. He’s the illusion one, yes? I don’t have that kind of magic. I can cloak myself well enough when I fly. I can spit lava at an enemy. I’m a throwback.

You’re amazing. I dreamed—The thought broke off, but he saw a glimpse of the vision, a huge dragon circling the house.

Yes. I was doing reconnaissance. He chuckled.I watched from the heights, too.And then he’d actually seen Cosmo on the tower, and he’d been unable to resist coming all the way down to the ground level and finding out what was what.

“I wasn’t scared, much. You know I’m not a full dragon, don’t you?” Cosmo brought him a pair of soft pants, helping him dress with gentle, warm hands.

“I do. You are part fae, yes?” He reached out to rub a hand over Cosmo’s hair, unable to resist. Oh, it was soft and lovely, and he smiled at the feel of it.

“Yes. My mother is a Blessed one.” Cosmo smiled and stepped closer. “Oh dragon…”

A sharp knock came to the door, and Cosmo rolled his eyes. “Cos? Brother? Both of you okay?”

“We’re fine.”

“Okay. We just wondered.”

Cosmo mouthed, “Go away,” and he chuckled again.

“We should go on out and appease them. There will be time later.”

“Yeah. They’re not going to be decent until we do.” Cosmo rolled his eyes. “Brothers.”

“You love them very much. I can tell.”

“Well, sure. I have no idea what I would do without them. But right now, they could get lost.”

“That is not fun. I’ve been that way for too long.”

“Oh, dragon, that’s just a saying, not a wish.”

“Is it?” He frowned. “Hmm. Meaning they could leave you alone?”