Page 39 of Emerald Waves (Primordial Protectors #2)

There have been several incidents over the years that I’ve gone against my gut on only to find out it was right.

That revelation had me questioning so many oddities I’d written off and scouring my brain for any details I’d overlooked.

What else had happened that I should’ve been more aware of?

How I made it all these years, nose buried in a book, even while walking down the street, just amazed me. I had likely missed a ton of red flags.

“I told you it’s not gonna fit.”

“Sure, it is, watch.”

“No. It. Won’t. Ouch! Fuck!”

Someone tumbled down the stairs while the other yelled, “Shit!”

Nope, not touching that. Dragons heal instantly, but mates will be traumatized by what they see. This was one of those best to let them sort it out scenarios. Besides, the sight of blood might not be wise for a very pregnant mate to see. Or ever, when it comes to me. Blood is my kryptonite.

“Let’s take it apart and reassemble it in the family room.” Okay, Caro finally realized the issue. Why didn’t they measure the door opening in the first place?

Alpha males and the way their brains work.

Someone should write that book.

Overgrown children and how to tame them.

“What are you giggling about in here?”

Oops, busted! “Just amusing myself while I gather my thoughts and decide which project to dive into next. How goes the battle of dragons versus crate?”

“Oh, the smart guy has got jokes. I see how you are.” Caro smiled and rolled his eyes. A reaction I was getting quite often from him. “That’s what I came to get you for. Come see.”

Keep an open mind, Emerson, don’t burst their bubbles. A chant I repeated all the way to the…

“Holy moly.” Good thing we hadn’t considered a tree topper, there’d be nowhere to put it. The very tip top of it literally tickled the ceiling and given he was replanting it after the holiday, I wasn’t keen to do any trimming. “That tree is ginormous!”

“Yeah, isn’t it great?” Caro smiled wide. “She’s a pretty pine.” Was it possible for trees to preen, because I swear the needles just puffed up as he petted them.

They’d decorated, as in wrapped it in Christmas paper, the huge base they’d built out of the crate, that is. “For creativity you get an A+.”

“You don’t like it?” Two sets of sad eyes met mine.

“Caro, I love it. I meant for the use of the crate. The tree is amazing, and the base is very creative. Odem, will you stay and help us decorate it?” There wasn’t much I could do aside from putting the hooks on the ornaments and pointing to where they go.

Not that I was a decorator, but I’d be of zero help.

My feet were swollen and standing for long periods of time sucked.

“Really?” His head bounced from me to Caro then back again. Youthful exuberance filled his eyes, and I was glad I’d extended the offer.

“Really. I’ll be of no help with the lights or anything up high.

I’ll hang the stockings and spread out some of the other décor.

” Setting the mood was important, not to mention fun.

I found a station playing only Christmas songs, then stacked the fireplace with logs.

Before I had a chance to light a match to the kindling, a fireball appeared and started it for me.

A quick glance over my shoulder at my smiling brother-in-law gave away my fiery helper, not that I didn’t already guess who it was.

“You’re welcome,” he winked. I had to admit that out of all the brothers, Odem was the easiest to get along with and quickly becoming a favorite.

Cade will adore Uncle Odem and his silly antics just as the twins do.

“Having mates sure has made being around you and Ionus a lot more fun,” Odem poked at Caro, who quickly put him in a headlock. “Uncle! Uncle!”

“You were wise to tap out, little brother. Yes, life has changed much this last year for our family.”

“Hopefully I find my mate soon.” Odem got a faraway look in his eyes as he fiddled with the lights. “I’m tired of being alone. I want a house full of babies. It’s too quiet there.”

Caro clapped his shoulders and looked him in the eye. “Yours will come soon, brother. I can feel it. There’s a change in the wind and a reason why the Goddess waited so long to bring them to us.”

I had the same thought, only mine had a caveat—a belief it was to strengthen the brothers for the impending war. They were stronger as five and even stronger once mated. Though until I found proof of that, I’d keep that theory to myself.

“It’s gonna take a week to decorate this thing,” Odem whined. “What’s for dinner, I’m starving.”

Caro shook his head and acquiesced, setting his end of the lights down. “Come and help me figure that out.”

After dinner we got right back to it. Well, Caro and Odem more so than me. My belly was full, the music was soothing, and the room was toasty warm. I laid down on the couch for a second, or so I thought.

“Time to get my family to bed.” Caro scooped me up.

“Wait, I want to see the tree.”

“It’s not done yet, but you’ve been snoring for the past couple of hours so it’s time to get you to bed.” The bigger I get, the faster I’m worn out.

“Okay,” I yawned. “Bedtime.” I was in no place to argue, nor did I think for a second that my legs would’ve carried me upstairs on their own.

“Goodnight, my love,” Caro pressed his lips to mine.

“Goodnight.”

I woke up the next morning to the most perfectly decorated tree ever.