Chapter Thirteen

Karl

"We will miss you at the Global Shifter Council meetings, but I believe in the work they are doing at the training center, and that children-and-teens program sounds promising." My boss at GSC, Omar, stared back at me from my laptop screen. "Is the picture frozen again?"

"It is. But at least we can both hear one another." I took a sip of coffee and waved goodbye to Georgi, and he and Peter walked out of the kitchen, our still-intact egg securely hanging from the sling Rayne had gifted Peter last week.

"True." I could hear Omar flipping through pages as he spoke. "We carried out the plan for your omega and son. I thought it would be best to keep their first names, but we created all new backstories for the three of you with official documents. We set up the accident sight as having three fatalities—A GSC agent and two witnesses who were under protection. The transition should be painless since you are now working at the training center and not GSC. You are all now the Herz family."

"Fantastic. Georgi picked that out. He said it meant heart in German." I loved the name.

"Perfect for you guys." Omar laughed. "We've been keeping an eye on the Del Marcos and the other families. They all seem content to believe that Peter and Georgi were lost in the car crash in Maine. They had a memorial service. Alessandro even produced some tears to convince the family. We will station a team of agents to keep track of that situation for a while and ensure your omega is finally free. Congratulations on your new family, man. You deserve it."

"Thanks," I said. "Did you handle telling my family?"

"Yes. And they have all your new information. We usually don't let contact continue once a new identity is constructed, but since your father and brother work for GSC, they know how to keep secrets."

"They sure do. I appreciate all of this. I will miss GSC, too. But the training center is the place I'm meant to be now. I think I can do good here."

"I know you can. And will. Keep in touch."

The call disconnected, and I sat back in my chair. I was relieved my mate and child were free of that past. I would make sure they stayed safe.

Speaking of my family, it was time to join them outside.

"Daddy Karl." Georgi ran up and wrapped his arms around me. "Come play with me. Papa can't shift because he has the egg, but Rayne and Wolf said they can bring the carrier out, and you can give me a ride on your dragon."

"What did your papa say to that?" I knew Peter was hesitant to have Georgi taken on a flight.

"He said you can if you stay low, and Wolf and Rayne strap me in tight."

"Did he, now?" I raised an eyebrow at Peter as we approached the spot where he was sitting in the field with our egg.

"I trust you with our son." Peter patted the egg. "Just not taking this one for a flight yet, okay?"

"Deal." I chuckled.

"Are you guys ready?" Rayne walked up to us carrying a sizeable sling-looking contraption with so many straps I got a headache thinking about getting it on myself. "Don't worry. We have let our mates take our kids on flights and feel safe with this. We can secure the straps from a shifted dragon around a human child's body so you both feel comfortable and protected."

"And Ollie and Zander are in flight now and will be watching from the sky. They are going to stick close and make sure things go smoothly." Wolf pointed to the two dragons gliding in the air. "So, shift, and we'll get this party started."

After several minutes and the two making sure we were ready for our maiden journey, Georgi and I took to the skies for the first time. And I had never felt more incredible than showing my son this part of myself.

"Wow." Georgi squealed excitedly as we soared higher before dipping back down.

Be careful. He looks so happy.

Peter's mind linked us. Thank the goddess for our mating bond allowing this communication.

I will be. Thank you for trusting me.

I soared above the treetops, the lush greenery sweeping past in a way that only those who fly can experience. I was overjoyed that I was able to give Georgi this. The wind rushing past us as he flew was invigorating. I heard his peals of laughter and shouts of excitement behind my head as Zander and Ollie crisscrossed in front of us, showing off for the kids.

I took Georgi to our house, close to the training center—his friends below cheering and pointing. I could imagine the exciting conversations they would have later. I loved that we had such a community here, and I felt welcomed—a part of the family.

Circling back to where we started, I swooped close to the ground and settled beside Peter.

"Daddy Karl." Georgi clapped his hands and waited for Rayne and Wolf to unstrap him. "That was so cool. Can we do it again tomorrow?"

"Maybe." Peter stood and hugged his son close to his body. Let's go sit and wait for Karl to shift back, and we can have this picnic I packed. I made your favorite ham and Swiss rolls and added those sweet pickles you love. And for dessert, there are apple pie and brownies."

"Both?" Wide-eyed, Georgi joined his papa on the picnic blanket and used hand sanitizer to clean his hands.

"Yep." Peter took out the containers and displayed them on the blanket. "I was hungry and had cravings, so we all benefit. There's enough for everyone if you guys want to join us."

Wolf and Rayne shook their heads. "We would love to and usually would, but Ollie and Zander put together a spread with the kids' help for today, so we must make sure they don't see us eating anywhere else. The kids would get upset."

"I totally understand." Peter nodded as he fixed Georgi's plate. "Next time, you will have to try it though. Maybe we can schedule a potluck and eat together as one large group."

"That sounds amazing." Rayne pulled out his phone. "I am making myself a note to look at my planner and try to find a date that works well for everyone. I'll message you later, and we can plan it all out."

"Sounds good. Enjoy the special lunch from your kids."

"We will. See you later." Wolf waved and returned with Rayne to where their families had set up for the day.

"That was a great idea. The potluck." I kissed Peter before grabbing a plate for myself. "It sounds like something a den, pack, or clan would do."

"Well, that's what they are, aren't they?" Georgi said around a bite of food.

"You're right." Peter looked at all our friends out on the field, having picnics and laughing. "They're our family."