Chapter 114: Pepper

My injuries are healed. And I'm worried about the conversation I must have with Tahr. The other dragons have moved their families and humans to our castle. Bastian, Acasia, and Ashrac occupy the north tower using Tahr's rooms, with Laryn and his family in the east guest tower. Tahr and I remain in the nesting tower with all humans in the west tower. An adult dragon is always guarding the castle from above. I've been excluded, until now. I'm more than capable of keeping watch even if Tahr doesn't approve.
"No," Tahr says softly. "You will not leave the nest.
I speak softly too because we do not want to disturb our son. The glow from within the egg is low, which means he sleeps. "I am not your captive and I have a say. Don't make me bring the women into this. And by the way, they fly guard duty and even Ashrac does and he still can't breathe fire."
Tahr runs his fingers through his hair letting me know how disgruntled he is. "You have barely recovered from childbirth and then my uncle's assault. You need to rest and remain close to our son. That's your primary duty as his mother."
Now I'm steaming and feel smoke gathering low in my throat. "That is a very low blow. I almost gave my life for our son. I also know that you, Bastian, and Laryn are planning something." It was actually Acasia who told me this. She was rather upset on being left out of the loop. "I have a right to know, Tahr."
He stops walking circles around the nest and glares at me. "I will do what I must to keep my family and humans safe..."
"Of course you will. I've never doubted that."
"You don't understand," he hisses.
I rise from the nest and move closer until our bodies are touching. I place my palms on his cheeks and lean in for a gentle kiss. "I've never doubted you, Tahr," I whisper against his lips.
His groan is filled with pain. "You should. My people have died because of me."
"No," I say and give him another sweet kiss. "You could not have known. They died because they freely chose to give their lives for our son."
"It was you, Pepper. They gave their lives for you." He rests his forehead against mine and I see so much suffering in his eyes.
"What is your plan?" I ask gently.
He inhales and I give a slight tug to his hair before he finally speaks. "We are going to him. He cannot be allowed to live or we will never be safe."
I've had the same thoughts, so I'm not really surprised. "Do you know where he is?"
He closes his eyes but answers. "We believe he's in the earth realm."
"I'm going."
His beautiful eyes open and silver flashes. "You cannot. I can't lose you. I love you."
"I've known that for a long time, my stubborn mate. And I love you, but you need us all. Your uncle is insane."
He ignores the end of my statement. "I've loved you since you kicked me in the shin," he smiles and kisses me. "I should have told you before... long before."
"Hush."
"You deserve the words."
I laugh huskily. "Yes I do."
"I'm so proud of you for protecting our son. I'm sorry I didn't arrive soon enough to save your friends."
"They don't just love me, Tahr. They have respect for you and value you as their keeper. They love you."
He closes his eyes for another brief moment. "I've never valued them as more than possessions and I owe them so much."
"You will have plenty of time to make it up to them."
I see tears build in his eyes. "I never forgave Henry for what happened to you and yet he gave his life."
My poor dragon. "I told him a long time ago that he was forgiven for what happened."
"For what I ordered."
A touch of exasperation fills me. "I forgave you long ago too, and you are changing the subject. I am going with you to the earth realm."
***

We all go. We have to draw Drakon to us, and if he is still in the earth realm, we have just the enticement.
Our son.
Sarn is not what I expect, and it's strange to meet a dragon who cannot shift. Stanger still is meeting a shifter who can take the form of a wolf. Sierra is in awe of our egg. Since the attack, the instinct to protect the egg has been overwhelming. At the same time, it has eased around the people who will help us defeat Drakon.
Sarn and Sierra's home is enormous. It is half castle and half modern mansion. Sarn is very proud of the many safety features. Without having his dragon form, he feels the extra precautions are necessary. Sierra explained this a few hours after we arrived as she showed me the reinforced lower level. "These rooms can withstand fire and just about any enemy but a vampire."
Chills run across my flesh. I have yet to meet Dmitri. "I can't believe you're friends with someone who sucks blood in order to survive."
Sierra laughs. "Before I became the mate to a dragon, those blood-sucking abilities gave me immortality." She changes the subject. "Will you be okay with your nest down here?"
"Yes, it's perfect."
"Good, we will get you and Tahr situated first and then everyone else." She gives me a quick squeeze. "We will win. You know that, right?"
"Yes, I know."
After we're settled and know the layout of the home, our plans go into action.
The beastkind clan begins spreading the news that Tahr and I had come to the earth realm for the safety of our child. Pack leaders make visits to examine our magical signature so they know what to watch for. Frustrating weeks pass before Marcus, the southwest clan vampire, sends word that one of his wolves sensed Drakon's magic.
He is close.
That night, Tahr holds me tightly and reassures me that we will survive. I trust Tahr and our friends and I know we will make it through this. We snuggle in the nest with our son and talk about names. I say no to Kyran, Braden, and Regal. Tahr says no to Archer, Asgard, and Damar. It's such an ordinary thing to do when we know danger is so very near. I fall asleep in Tahr's arms as he watches over us. I plan to be at full strength to fight our enemy.