Page 10 of Emerald Waves (Primordial Protectors #2)

“We have a huge pitch on our land for flying. I can’t wait to get you out there,” Caro said as we traveled up the road and into the mountains. “Maybe tomorrow?”

“That would be great. Are you sure all this stuff will fit in your house?” There was barely room for our bodies in the vans. Boxes were stacked to the ceiling.

“I’ll let you be the judge of that. We’re nearly there.”

We drove along a windy road through the forest. When we got to the top of the peak, a wave of energy flowed through me as we passed through the wards.

I’d fully expected them but was elated to feel them for myself.

The log cabins I expected to see were nowhere to be found, but five of what I could only describe as mansions came into view built into the surrounding mountainous terrain.

“Whoa.”

“Any more questions about space?”

“No. And you live here alone?”

“Not anymore.”

The houses disappeared as we drove beneath them and into a massive garage full of expensive cars.

“Whoa.”

“I take it that’s the word of the day?”

Apparently so.

Five stairwells ran along the stone walls to a separate door. Each led to a different brother’s house.

Caro guided me toward one. “This is ours. I feel like I should carry you over the threshold or something.”

“Huh?”

“Never mind,” he grinned. “Welcome home, Emerson.”

Home. What a foreign word.

When we stepped inside, my jaw hit the ground. “Whoa.”

Through the sea of boxes lining the foyer was the biggest house I’d ever been in. Just as expected, it was meticulously decorated with high end furnishings. Yeah, my stuff was garbage compared to his. Glad I’d wisely chosen to leave it behind.

“Let me show you around.” We walked past the foyer and into a grand space. “This is the living room which opens out onto a balcony that overlooks the canyon.

The view was breathtaking, my dragon sighed, already imagining soaring through the air just outside our home.

Your dragon is pleased , Caro’s voice came through our connection.

Indeed, he is. These views are amazing.

I’m glad I get to share them with you.

“This bottom floor houses the common area spaces. Kitchen, living room, my office, horde room, and the library.” The brothers waited in the living room as Caro and I continued the tour.

“I’ll show you the horde when we’re alone.

It has biometric scanners, and I’ll give you access then.

Come, this is the room I know you’re most anxious for. ”

The library was not small as he’d said. “You want to renovate this space? It’s massive.” I stood in the center and spun around.

“You’re welcome to utilize our library at any time.” Ionus’ offer delighted me to no end. If Caro saying his was small and Ionus was huge, I couldn’t wait to see it.

I squealed and did an excited jump. Five burly dragons stared at me. Were those fond smiles or mocking ones?

They’re happy for you, and for us, mate.

This is like all my dreams, the ones I swore would never come true all rolled into one.

Same. I’ve gone centuries certain the Goddess forgot to create the perfect mate for me. And now, here you are.

Perfect.

I was anything but that.

Don’t go there.

Old habits and all that.

Old habits die here.

“Renovations aren’t necessary. We can keep the most ancient scrolls in the horde room and this will serve perfectly for the rest of them.”

“Completely up to you. Ionus has the contractor on standby should you determine otherwise.”

Now, shall I show you our bedroom?

My face heated. When had Ionus walked away? I was so in awe of the library I’d once again zoned out as I imagined myself working inside this grand space.

Caro took my hand and led me upstairs.

“In this wing, there are four guest rooms, each with an en suite . Ignatus and Elgin are currently staying with us, but our quarters are on the other side of the house.”

There was more than enough space for everyone.

“I’d always dreamed of a family. Even though the hope for one had dwindled, I still had the house constructed with the idea that a great nursery would someday reside next to the master suite.

” Caro guided open the door and the vast space took my breath away.

Any child of ours would be lucky to call this room theirs.

“Wow, this is beautiful. I love the way the light shines through the windows.” Could I see this as a nursery? Absolutely, but given the fact I’d never really seen one it was harder for me to envision. Perhaps after I see Alex and Ionus the visions would come.

“And this,” Caro opened a wide set of double doors next to it, “is our private quarters.”

The bed alone was nearly the size of the living room at the archive apartment. My brain immediately went to Caro’s past lovers and how many had shared this bed with him.

No one has ever been here except for you. Not even our guests have seen this wing of the house.

Was I that transparent? Insecurity had never been my friend, though it was always present.

Sorry, I had no right.

You have every right, but rest assured that fear is all for naught.

My throat constricted, choking back emotion I didn’t dare allow to boil over.

Caro stayed in the bed chamber area while I toured the closet and restroom. There was plenty of space for my things without disturbing his. Another balcony rested off the glass doors that led outside. I imagined making love beneath the stars atop the lounge chair.

Warm emotions have flooded me. Dare I venture to think my mate was having illicit thoughts?

Perhaps. Ask me again later when we’re alone.

Consider it done.

Whatever I did to deserve this man and this life, please, Goddess, don’t let me fuck it up by being me.