Page 97 of Dragon Keeper

Yes, and that’s your da.He tilted her toward Tyr. He worked so hard for you to be here.

A rush of love hit him, and he nodded.That’s right, little bee. He loves you so much.

“She’s perfect,” Tyr whispered. “I’m so glad that she’s here.”

“Me too.” He handed her back to Tor so he could deal with the cord, and then she was swaddled up. Tyr was clean suddenly, and he laid the baby on Tyr’s chest. “Here she is.”

My little bee.

Da. Love.Then Sloan heard, clear as a bell.Hungry.

“Of course you are, baby girl. I’ll get you something.” He had practiced for this, in fact.

She’s loud, brother.Riley had a bottle in hand, now that the mess was dealt with.Is that normal?

I think she’s very special, bro. I really do.He grabbed the bottle, laughing a little. Two worlds colliding.

And in one body, not three.Tyr smiled at him. She’s amazing. Seriously, she’s utterly amazing.

She is, love. You did so well. Rest now. I can hold you both and feed her. Tor will be my backup.

Always.Tor’s ferocity made Sloan feel safe. Honored.

Thank you. Happy birth day, little bee.

Papa. Da. Unks.She was so smart already, and she fed, then burped, then slept. And so did Tyr.

Sloan stayed awake with his brothers, because Brayden came, and his new brother Tor stayed with Riley.

It was their privilege to watch over the baby and her da.

Chapter

Twenty-Six

Tyr took Melissa out into the sunshine. The summer was fading and quickly, but as soon as he walked outside, the bees swarmed curious and humming and rejoicing for him.

They were excited to meet little Melissa who shone in the sunlight and blinked at her extended family.

She was unafraid, and the bees, of course, climbed all over him, standing on his fingers to peek at her. They fanned her with their little wings.

“This is Melissa. I’m so glad to finally be able to introduce you. By the time you see her next spring, she’ll be walking. It’ll be amazing.”

Each of the queens came by, the big bodies moving slowly under the weight of their extended abdomens. They understood all too well about being pregnant and about rejoicing when their beloved children were born.

Each one greeted Melissa, offering her the sweetest touch of queen’s jelly, honoring her and welcoming her to their hive.

She just giggled and squealed and opened and closed her hands, but she never squeezed the bees, her little fingers so careful.

“Do the hives approve?” Tor came wandering out, giving him a once-over. “The queens are happy?”

He nodded, offering his brother a warm smile. “They are. And you? Are you happy? Do you miss the city?”

Tor shook his head. “No, that is not a place for me now. Now I need to be here. Right here in the hives with my twin and my beloved niece.”

“I’m glad, brother. I missed you.” And he had a feeling they would need Tor as time went on.

Right now though, it was for him and Sloan, their daughter, their family. It was time for the harvest to start to draw close. It was time hopefully for them to dance again.