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Twelve

The sandpit was the coolest thing in a long history of cool things. Well, it was actually really hot, but it was Hawk hot, and it hadn’t burned him. Not even when they’d fallen asleep.

Of course, he kinda fit into one of Hawk’s paws, didn’t he. Well, not really, but into the crook of his dragon front arm, yes.

Wallowing in hot sand. Who knew? It was an amazing thing.

And it had eased his worry. Made it better.

“Where have you been?” Corbin asked him while he was making dinner, humming this song he could only hear in his head. Cosmo was starting to think of it as Hawk’s song. Like their mating tune. Who knew?

“Hawk’s volcanic sandpit.”

“His what?” Corbin stared at him. “Get out.”

“Tis true.” He winked. “Instead of a pool, he has sand.” Cosmo held out one hand. “I’m glowing, see? Very good for the scales.”

“You’re shitting me.”

“Nope.” He shook his butt a little, the song swelling. Hawk must be on his way.

In fact, Hawk came into the room just after that.

“Tell him, babe.”

Hawk raised his eyebrows. “Tell him what?”

“About the sand.”

“It’s a pit? Actually, it’s more like volcanic glass sand. It’s black, super smooth, perfect for polishing.”

Corbin blinked, expression hungry. “Dude, I’m jealous.”

“Whyever for?” Hawk smiled at him. “We’re family. You’re welcome anytime.”

Cosmo could feel his brother’s shock, could see the hint of surprise. “Really?”

“Yes, brother. Really.”

“Thank you.” Corbin offered Hawk a quick smile, then peered into the pot, where he was making a vegetable soup from the last of the late summer bounty. “I think the pumpkins are almost ready to harvest. It’s been an incredible crop.”

“Oh, pumpkin pie, pumpkin soup, pumpkin bread. Just roasted pumpkin.” Cosmo rubbed his hands together, very excited.

“Yum.”

“I have a good recipe for pumpkin curry.” Hawk began to talk food with Corbin, and he loved to see it.

Things seemed to be easier this evening. He wasn’t quite sure if it was because he was relaxed or because things were simply going to be better with Hawk and his brothers as time went on. He wanted everyone to love Hawk like he did.

Well, not exactly like he did…

Cullen’s laughter tickled his mind.We do love him, goofball.

I know, I just. “Is it weird to you too?” he burst out at the exact moment as Cullen walked in.

“Is what weird to us too?”

“There’s no work. I mean there is housework, but there are no jobs. Gavin’s not sending us anywhere. There is precious little beginning, middle, or end? It’s just one long story.”