Page 31

Story: Cullen

“He’s sleeping the sleep of the…well adored.”

Corbin’s lips twisted. “Good save. Can I help with anything else?”

“Does Elliot need to clean up or anything?”

Was he still in diapers? He didn’t know. The little dragon was dressed. In the most adorable pair of zebra jammies ever.

“Are you ready to get some clothes on, Elliot?”

“No.”

“He’s all right.” Corbin shook his head. “Alphas.”

“I bet you’re all excited about the new little dragon.” Orion knew Cullen was over the moon.

Corbin nodded. “We are. Everyone’s very pleased. We’re also very confused by your appearance, but pleased.” Oh, for Corbin that was high praise, so he would take it.

“We can blame it all on Yarrow. He’s the one who decided that he was worried about you guys.”

“I liked him. He seemed a good solid sort.”

Orion nodded. “In my experience, beaver shifters often are.”

“Do you know many? Beaver shifters, I mean?”

Of course he did. “Yeah, they kind of come in families.”

“Huh. Have you ever met a porcupine shifter? I think porcupines are incredibly cool.”

Why did this not surprise him?

“I met one from South America once. Loved crunchy things.”

“Yeah?” Corbin grinned hugely. “I love those YouTube videos of the non-shifter porcupines eating like, corn and popcorn and all.”

“They have the best cronches. You know what videos I like?” Orion asked.

“What?”

“Binturongs. You know, the bearcats?”

“Oh they have great whiskers.”

“Whiskies! Make wafs,” Elliot demanded.

“I am, my love,” Orion told Elliot. “But the waffle iron can take a bit. Let me heat up some syrup.”

“Warm syrups?” The little one’s eyes widened.

“Yes. It’s so much better that way.”

“Cullen has a little electric warmer. Here.” Corbin got it out for him. “He actually uses it for honey a lot.”

“Excellent.” He took the fun little thing and plugged it in, setting the clean pot on top and pouring in enough syrup for all of them. Well, he thought so. Corbin couldeat.

Orion?

Hello, my love. Would you like to join us for waffles?