Page 19

Story: Cullen

Butmatehad popped out of his mouth. And there was the most amazing-smelling red sauce.

So he guessed it was going to be a thing.

“Okay, time to dish up,” Orion said, and he filled bowls with noodles and sauce.

They had a feast.

And Cullen knew the way to his brothers’ hearts, if not Hawk’s, was through their stomachs.

So surely, they would all love Orion after this.

Right?

Elliot ate two-fisted. He devoured the sauce with a spoon, the noodles with his hands, and then bread and more bread and more bread.

Orion nodded, obviously pleased. “Impressive. You can eat.”

“I eat good!” Elliot croaked, so proud of himself.

“Yes, and after you eat so good, you’re going to go have a bath.” Cosmo rolled his eyes, one hand on his belly, the expression warm and fond. “You are a mess, young man.”

“Like bafs!” Elliot seemed perfectly pleased with himself, and to be honest, so was he.

Cullen found himself looking over at Orion, as if the man was a flame and he was a moth. Yeah, that worked.

Except he didn’t feel very moth-y. He felt a little like he was the flame, like he was on fire.

I want you too, beautiful one. You make me ache.Orion’s voice rang inside him like a bell, and flower petals fell on the table.

I think that you should let him sleep over at my house.Corbin was worried, not jealous, so Cullen wasn’t mad, but it still didn’t work for him.

I like him, I want him. He’s my mate.

Cosmo blinked.But he’s not a dragon or a fae, does that even work?

Right? I mean… What if it doesn’t function like that.Corbin’s stress was a palpable thing.

Not everything is about babies. If there’s no babies, we still have Elliot.He stared at Cosmo’s belly. “And whatever that is.”

She’s not a whatever. Don’t be a bitch. She’s your niece.

You know what I mean. He’s my mate; he’s not sleeping at your house. He’s sleeping at my house with me. I’m sorry.

Cosmo frowned.Don’t apologize if he’s your mate. Apologize if you’re just being a horndog and you’re lying to him, but if he’s your mate, you have to stand up for him.

Cosmo stiffened all of a sudden, and his eyes turned a blazing white.

“Papa!” Elliot screamed. “Hesees,Papa.”

“I’m right here. He’s okay, don’t worry. Cosmo, love?—”

Cullen shook his head. “I think maybe it’s too late for that.”

Cunkle! Help me!Elliot scrambled to get to him, running and jumping into his arms, heedless of sauce or noodles or buttered bread, and Cullen held on.

“It’s all right, it’s all right, my gargoyle boy. It’s just a vision. It’s just a vision. It doesn’t hurt him. Look at me.”

Cosmo started talking, his voice a monotone. “He must be protected. At all costs. He must be.”