“Because we are.” Gabriel glanced at the twins who were entertaining themselves by flinging food at one another. “Just how old are your kids? I thought they were born recently, but they seem much older.”
“It’s just one of those Dragon Warrior things. Are you ready for a nap?” Roman chuckled when Odyn and Zander both shook their heads. “Okay, daddy gives up.” He used magic to clean up their mess, then leaned over, kissing and cuddling them in turn until they were both giggling.
“You’ve turned into a big softie.”
Roman shot him a rueful grin. “So will you when it’s your turn.”
A giant argos padded into the room, its piercing amber gaze trained on Gabriel as if trying to decide if he would make a worthy meal. As if dismissing the idea, the lion-like creature yawned and settled down near the play area. Odyn and Zander immediately floated out of their highchairs and made their way over to the animal. He sprawled out on his side, letting the babies crawl all over him.
“Sweet stars, doesn’t that make you nervous?” Gabriel wheezed out. “His fangs are almost as big as they are.”
Roman laughed. “Rhys would never hurt the boys. Neither would Hydra.”
It took a moment for Gabriel to catch a glimpse of the water-like blob creature both Roman and Amari treated like another child. He fought back a shiver, knowing the strange being could be quite sensitive…and lethal. Hydra was shy when company was around, so he tried not to stare at the transparent blob as it moved and jiggled across the room toward the play area.
It was pretty fucking weird to watch, though.
“So, how bad was your meeting with the regents, really?”
“They fear what they don’t understand, and by refusing to change, they’re just setting themselves up for failure,” Gabriel said with disgust.
“I’d hoped Jax would help improve things, but he’s still outnumbered,” Roman said, mentioning Jax Spartan, the former Commander of the Capital who was now the youngest regent on the council.
Gabriel and Roman had spoken about changes that needed to be made within the Alliance several times in the past. Mostly, it had just been talk over drinks, but they had a real chance to bring about change now that the infertility cure was being distributed. There was an opportunity to restructure the entire testing process, which would effectively eliminate the separation of elites, citizens, and rebels, letting people choose military service instead of being forced to join.
“The whole idea of ending martial law terrifies them.”
“That’s not what they should be afraid of. When I explained how the whole testing situation worked, Lyrica said she would destroy every Academy building on Earth if anyone tries to take our children from us when they turn ten.” He paused before adding, “She’d make sure the buildings were empty first, of course.”
“Of course, and I can’t say I blame her. I understand the need for instilling loyalty to the Alliance, but we can figure out another way to do that without taking children from their families.” Roman automatically glanced over at his sons. “If anyone tried to take my boys from me, I would beat them into a bloody mess. But that would be kind compared to what Amari would do to them.”
“This is why I think Lyrica’s project is important. Change is needed, whether the Alliance is ready for it or not.”
Roman nodded. “I agree. I know some people don’t want unity between the races, but it’s the only way we are going to survive. The regents have always wanted to keep the Alliance autonomous, but it’s just not realistic.”
“Finding our mates changed our perspective and gave us a new clarity we wouldn’t have discovered on our own,” Gabriel admitted. “Perhaps Lyrica’s project will help more people understand just how interconnected everything is.”
“It’s a good plan. Speaking of our mates…” Roman sighed. “I hope you like the beach.”
“Why?”
“Because it seems my mate has given you and yours a mating gift.”
“What, a beach?”
“Not exactly. Come on, let’s go check it out.”
Roman stood up and an excited Zander immediately floated into his arms, while Odyn headed straight for Gabriel. It was like the twins knew there was an adventure to be had, and they didn’t want to be left out. He cuddled the little guy close and silently followed Roman across the large hall toward the front door.
Gabriel was relieved they were taking the scenic route instead of transporting to wherever they were going. He was nervous about carrying Odyn since he wasn’t used to being around babies, but he reminded himself that it was good practice since his sister would be having hers soon. Thinking about having kids with Lyrica made him smile, and he was startled when Odyn reached up to pat his cheek. The baby grinned up at him and babbled something he couldn’t decipher.
Apparently, baby talk translations weren’t available on his language converter.
They made their way down the path toward where Lyrica and Amari were standing on the white sand beach, and both females turned at their approach. Odyn scared the shit out of Gabriel when the baby literally launched himself out of his arms. He floated over to his mother who caught him with a laugh and a kiss.
The freaking floating babies were going to give him a heart attack.
Lyrica ran toward him, a wide smile on her pretty face. “Do you see it? Isn’t it beautiful?”
“All I can see is you,” he said honestly.
“Aww, you are so sweet.” She pulled his head down for a kiss, then she grabbed his hand and dragged him toward the beach. “Now, look!”
“What am I…” His words trailed off when he noticed the large castle on the mainland that hadn’t been there before.
The pale-gold stone structure merged right into the cliff and the
