“You never know with him,” Roman said darkly.
Lyrica bit her lower lip to try to hold back her giggle. From the former human regent’s reaction, it seemed like the Xenon weren’t the only ones who were wary of Elder Blue. She had been looking forward to meeting the Dragon Warriors since she’d heard they were living in the Capital. It had been a surprise to discover that her mate was already friends with the couple, and she’d been thrilled when they’d issued an invitation to join them for a meal at their home.
Roman and Amari were just as impressive as she’d thought they would be. What she hadn’t expected was for them to live in a large black castle on a magically created island. That wasn’t exactly the standard structure one would find in a technologically advanced, modern city like the Capital.
The island allowed the couple to live close by the city while maintaining enough distance to ensure their privacy. Lyrica couldn’t blame them for wanting to live outside of the crowded city. While she loved the high energy and intensity of the Capital, she wasn’t sure she liked being surrounded by the constant flow of people and noise all the time. The suite had good soundproofing, but she was starting to miss the peaceful quiet that could only be found living closer to nature.
When they had left the city and arrived on the beach, she had laughed with delight when a bridge had magically appeared for them to cross. It was a really cool feature, though she doubted anyone would try to venture onto the Dragon Warriors’ island without being expressly invited.
If anyone did, Lyrica was sure they wouldn’t live long enough to regret it.
Roman was an intimidating male with glowing green eyes. He was probably used to towering over other people with his large, muscular frame, but now, Gabriel rivaled him in size. Amari had a natural elegance and beauty to be envied, but there was something predatory about the way her glowing gold and black eyes swirled in a highly hypnotic motion.
The sheer power the couple exuded was enough to make Lyrica’s own magic react. The immediate desire to protect herself had been unexpected, especially because she sensed nothing but warmth and welcome coming from the couple. Perhaps there was some truth to the legend that declared the Xenon and Dragon Warriors had been enemies in the distant past.
Then again, it was just as probable that she would have had the same type of reaction around other magical beings radiating that kind of power. That was definitely something she would like to do a more comprehensive study of in the future.
Lyrica didn’t bother to hide her curiosity as she glanced around the great hall. The walls were made of a shimmering black marble, and images of dragons and other celestial objects had been carved into the stone, creating a beautiful backdrop of artistry. Magical starlight flickered overhead, and a large stone firepit had been lit in the center of the room.
The rest of the hall was divided into sections, with a large sitting area situated on one side and a massive table on the other that could have seated a few dozen people. In the back was a large play area filled with soft pillows and brightly colored toys, and a double crib made of gold and silver crystal had been placed near the back wall.
It was a majestic home that suited the beings who lived in it.
“Do me a favor and check the box over thoroughly before you open it,” Gabriel requested, pulling Lyrica a few steps away from the gift on the table. “If this elder guy sent you something that explodes, I don’t want to be blamed if something happens.”
Roman shot him a grin before saying, “I’m just kidding. I just wasn’t expecting him to send us anything. I’m sure it’s nothing dangerous, but…maybe I should be the one to open it.”
Amari shrugged. “Whatever makes you feel better, mate.”
Roman smiled down at his son, who yawned and rested his head on his father’s chest. “Someone is getting sleepy. You finally ready for a nap, Odyn?”
When he started to put Odyn down in the crib, the baby gave a soft cry of protest.
“We talked about this, little one,” Roman said gently. “Sometimes daddy has to put you down.”
Gabriel stared at his friend as if he’d lost his mind. “He’s a baby, Roman. You’re talking to him like he understands you.”
“Oh, he understands me perfectly.”
Amari smirked at her mate before saying, “Roman is experiencing a bit of separation anxiety.”
“We both are,” he corrected. “You don’t like putting them down either.”
She laughed. “This is very true, but you succumb to every cry and whimper.” Her expression softened into a loving smile. “Still, there is no better father in all the worlds.”
Roman leaned over to kiss her, and both babies smiled up at them. Pulling back, he laughed. “Okay, okay. We’ll open the gift.” He turned toward Gabriel. “Do me a favor and hold Odyn while I open this. I could let him float, but that stuff makes me nervous when he’s tired.”
“Float? The baby floats?”
“Magic, Titan. Get used to it.” Roman smirked. “It’s your reality now.”
“Right,” Gabriel said weakly. “And it’s Snowden. Titan Snowden.”
“Nice. I’ll remember that.”
“Wait, hold on—” Gabriel sputtered out a protest as Odyn was shoved into his arms. He turned toward Lyrica, who smiled sweetly and linked her hands behind her back.
“Not it,” she said, reaching out to him through their bond.
“Traitor.”
“I like seeing you with a baby in your arms. You will be a wonderful father.”
“Oh, yeah? Perhaps we should get started making one of our own.”
“I like the sound of that.”
“You ready to see what Uncle Weirdo sent you?” Roman asked as he opened the box. “So,
