Chapter 20

Eli

I had been in my wolf form for the better part of two days, sensing that the moment was near. Curled protectively around the eggs, each weighing over one hundred pounds, I felt the softening shells and knew the dragonets inside were ready. Whether or not their alpha father and I were ready was a whole other story. It was time.

Aldryn emerged from the bathroom with a towel around his waist, and he smiled warmly when he saw me.

"How are you, mate?" he asked, running his hand through my fur.

I sighed, my muzzle resting over one of the eggs. The feel of his fingers through my fur sent reassuring vibes down my spine. All would be well. My mate was beside me, and when that happened, we could handle anything.

It was evening, and Aldryn had just returned from his work as a ranger for the park, a role he relished as it allowed him to connect with our new pack members. While he was out meeting others, I stayed close to the clutch, attending only essential meetings like our pack membership confirmation and meatloaf night at the diner. I wasn't going to say no to Nancy's cooking.

Aldryn's mom had also relocated to our new pack and had quickly befriended another widow in the community. His siblings were even talking about visiting us once the eggs had hatched.

One of the eggs shifted, and my senses sharpened. I nudged the egg gently. There it was again—the tap, then a crack. Quickly shifting back to my human form, I laid my ear against the shell. "They're coming. I don't know how long it'll take, but they're on their way!"

Aldryn chuckled. "I know, mate." He settled in next to me and kissed my cheek. "I can't wait to meet them."

I grabbed more blankets, preparing for the imminent arrival of our dragonets. The pack had been incredibly supportive, gifting us crocheted blankets and other essentials for our nursery, which was now well-prepared thanks to their generosity.

A second egg nudged, followed by a crack splitting it open. Not to be outdone, the third egg began to crack as well. Gripping Aldryn's hand tightly, I whispered, "They're really coming. They really are."

"Should we help them?" Aldryn asked, concern and excitement in his voice. He hovered over the eggs just as much as I did.

"Not until they need it," I said.

Suddenly, a snout pushed out of the first egg, nudging the shell until it split open, revealing a dragonet. His little eyes blinked up at us, and I couldn't contain my joy.

"Oh my goodness," I exclaimed, holding out my hands. He promptly leapt into it, snuggling close. He was the size of a small dog, more tail than body. His steps were clumsy, but he was absolutely perfect.

"He's beautiful," Aldryn murmured, awe in his voice.

The next egg followed suit, rolling to the side, allowing the second dragonet to kick out the bottom of his shell. He emerged and, like his sibling, blinked up at us before letting out a little chirp. Then, without hesitation, he jumped into Aldryn's waiting arms. His wings flapped erratically, whacking Aldryn in the face. The both of us laughed.

Aldryn embraced the dragonet, tucking his wings in so that they didn't hit him.

"They're perfect," I said, overwhelmed with emotion as we welcomed our dragonets into our lives and our home.

The last egg sat quietly. Once both Aldryn and I were watching, it began to wiggle.

"That's it. There you are," I whispered, overcome with emotion as the third and final egg burst open, sending shell fragments flying. This dragonet, I knew instinctively, would be our stubborn one. The little guy blinked up at us.

As the three little dragonets now cradled in our arms looked up at us with their adoring eyes, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with love and joy.

We had three perfect children. Each had scales that matched the shells of their eggs, so they were all different shades of green. Little variations of their alpha father. I was sure some of my wolf characteristics would make it in there as well, even if we didn't share the same animal.

"They're so perfect, mate. They really are," I murmured, marveling at their tiny forms. Based on what we had been told by others, they would shift into their human forms within a few hours of birth and then not shift to their dragon form again until they turned twenty-five. This was a relief, because with three growing dragons, I feared our house might end up burned down.

We had three green onesies and three bassinets at the ready so that once the dragonets shifted forms, we would be ready. We had been cautioned that they may not like sleeping apart for a while, so we were prepared for them to all share a crib.

"Not going to lie, I'm excited to have our bed back," Aldryn teased, elbowing me gently.

"True, but these three will be sleeping in this room for quite a while," I replied, gazing down at our newborns. The eldest, Verdon, let out a puff of smoke from his nose, snuggling closer in my arms and closing his eyes. His green scales most closely matched Aldryn's. While Irving and Oliver had lighter shades with duller tones.

"They're so beautiful," I whispered, overwhelmed with gratitude for our growing family. "They really are."

"Thank you for coming on this journey with me, mate." Aldryn leaned over and kissed me.

I melted against him. "Anytime, love. Anytime."