Page 86

Story: Cosmo

He paced in the room that Gavin had given them, his eyes on fire. His head pounded where he’d been hit with a falling rock, and his belly danced a little with the baby kicking, echoing his agitation.

Hawk was going to be stuck here now.

And he was going to lose his mind.

His brothers were going to kill him, when he got right down to it. They were supposed to be guardians. The three of them. And he’d just messed it all up.

“Cosmo.”

He jumped, almost slipping and falling. “Boss. I didn’t hear you.”

“No? I heard you.” Gavin’s voice was rich and familiar and fond. “How are you? You seem stressed.”

“I am.” He threw his hands in the air. “Hawk is trapped here now, and our house is out there.” He waved toward the entrance to the house that faced the dragonlands.

Stressed didn’t even begin to cover it, if he was honest.

He was scared. He didn’t want to be scared. He wanted to be happy.

Gavin sat down in the easy chair next to the big bed. “How do you know he’s trapped?”

“What? What do you mean?” He didn’t follow.

“How do you know Hawk is trapped here? Have you tried to take him home?”

“No. No, do you think it’ll work? If he can’t, will it hurt him?”

“It shouldn’t. I’ve tried.” At his surprised look, Gavin chuckled. “You know me, kiddo. Say I won’t. It just spat me back out here.”

“Oh. I think he’ll be happier if he can visit—here and his home, and I wanted you all to learn to love him.”

“What can it hurt to try?” Gavin blinked at him. “You’re really very pregnant.”

“I really am.”

“And you rescued the twins in the caves.”

“I really did.” He never even hesitated.

“You always were fearless.”

“Not anymore.” Cosmo put his hand on his belly. “But I had to go. They were so scared.”

“Yes. Eagan’s going to lock them in their rooms.”

He chuckled. “I bet. They were also extremely contrite.”

“Your mate went to seal up the cave entrance with Ty?”

“Temporarily, I hear, but yes.”

Gavin nodded. “Smart move. No unauthorized exploring.”

“No, they could have been terribly hurt.” It made his heart ache.

“They’re fine.” Gavin rose. “So are you. Now, when your mate gets back, take a little walk.”

“Right. Just try it. If not, I will live here with him. I love him.”