Page 64 of Thrown into the Mob

Evander swept his gaze over me as a child would when someone snatched the favorite toy. “Under flight law, a dragon child, born of our bloodline, has rights within our family regardless of how they were conceived.”

“And how does that change when the baby is not encased in an egg but will be born alive?” I couldn’t resist throwing that at Evander.

I could have sworn he reacted as if my words slapped him, but he recovered and replaced it with that phony serene smile. “That doesn't change the child's claim to our bloodline.”

"No. But it changes yours." Conrad stepped forward. “You don't get to invoke flight law selectively. The child's alpha father is a wolf and their pack is La Luna Noir.”

“The child's uncle is the head of the dragon flight,” Evander snapped. He was more rattled than earlier and ran a hand through his hair.

“Whatever claim you think blood gives you, you forfeited it by your actions.” Conrad’s anger was fueling him, allowing him to fight through his phobia.

Evander leaned back in his chair. The warmth in his face was replaced by a more sinister expression. “I was promised a mate.” Evander lowered his voice. “And my brother took what was mine.”

I leaned forward, hoping he could see my wolf in my gaze. “I was never yours.”

His eyes found mine. This was a man who believed he'd been wronged. Whether what he felt for me was an imitation of the bond Conrad and I shared or entitled desire, the distinction didn't matter. He believed it.

“I’m not here to revisit history but to propose a resolution.”

We waited, and Conrad didn’t prod his twin to continue.

“Conrad returns to dragon territory for the birth where proper facilities exist for a pregnant omegas. I provide security and medical support. The child spends time with both families.”

Not without me, and no way would our kid set foot in that compound without both their parents. Conrad was never going back, so this wasn’t a solution.

Conrad didn't blink. “No. The child is my child. Mine and Madd's. You're not part of this.” He smirked. “Besides, there are no eggs, so I don’t need a nest.”

Evander made a fist and his breathing sped up. “Then we have a problem.”

Flint walked around the table, and the dragon shifters’ hands moved to their holsters before remembering they’d surrendered their weapons upstairs.

“No. I refuse to allow this pantomime to continue.” Flint’s tone and posture told any wolves present that he was in Alpha mode. “Conrad, do you accept the protection of this pack? Not as a guest or a mate's partner but as a full member.”

I put an arm around my mate. This was unexpected, judging by Ranger and Hunter’s gaping mouths.

My mate glanced at me, and I mouthed, “Yes.” He agreed, and Flint pressed a claw into Conrad’s throat, drawing blood.

“This man is La Luna Noir.” Flint turned to face Evander. “Your flight law doesn't apply to him anymore. Your flight has no claim on him now.”

The room was deathly silent with the only sound being the ventilation system humming in the walls. Evander hissed and scowled, and from deep in his chest, a dragon roared. Heat poured from his skin and his eyes flared. Flames flickered as he opened his mouth.

This wasn't a warehouse with high ceilings and room for flames. We were in a concrete box underground. I grabbed Conrad and prepared for fire to hit the ceiling and for smoke to choke us.

And there was smoke but nothing more than a cigar would produce, and the fire that should have surged and incinerated us reminded me of a sparkler that children waved around on special holidays. Evander’s fire was the budget version of what I’d witnessed when he killed his father.

Ranger folded his arms. “Is that all you’ve got?” Fur rippled over his forearms and his wolf bellowed.

Vasik grabbed Evander’s arm. “We need to leave.”

Evander looked at Conrad and his superficial mask was gone. It was replaced with fury. Perhaps there was grief too, but it was buried so deep, I didn’t recognize it.

“This isn't over,” Evander snarled.

“Yeah, it is, and it has been since the day you burned Father alive and chose power over family.” Conrad's knees buckled, but I held him up.

The dragon shifters hurried out, and Evander stared at us over his shoulder. His face was white, and he was sneering as Vasik dragged him up the stairs.

“I’m pack.” Conrad was about to collapse, but Ranger tossed him over his shoulder and headed upward to fresh air and freedom.