Page 159 of Heimlock

I’m unable to keep the disgust out of my mouth. That he wants to make amends.

Instantly, her entire body explodes into flames. Snarling, she points an orange-colored finger at him. “Over my dead body, buddy.”

Father’s tail drives deeply into the snow. Gone is the tone of attrition. The mocking tone I’ve grown up with appears.

What a delightful tasty snack. He looks at the gray Dragon. She looks between the two of us, dipping her head in subservience. How did she get wrapped up with him? This is my new wife, by the way. Grianne. You can call her mother.

A rough, gravely sound chokes in his throat. The equivalent of a laugh. Oh, wait. You don’t deserve having a mother.

I search within myself and find that his words don’t hit their target, because he’s wrong. Talia is new in my life, but she’s more of a mother than I’ve ever had. You’re wrong. And are you so scared that you’re trying to bait your son to kill him more easily?

I’m not scared, he shoots back, but it comes out a little too quickly to be true. This knowledge fortifies my determination.

Turning away from him to focus on my family, I say, You should be. See you in the skies.

He’s saying something, but I tune him out, heading toward Fynn. He’s been watching the interaction, but can’t hear it.

When I’m close enough, he asks, What did he want?

Old man trying to piss me off ahead of time. We have a new mommy, apparently.

Fynn snorts out smoke. Yeah, her name is Talia. Come on, let’s shift back.

We both shift to our bi-pedal forms. Kyrielle runs toward me, wrapping arms around my chest. “I’m so proud of you.”

Holding her tight, I kiss the top of her head. “Why’s that?”

She cranes her head up, chin digging into my stomach. “Because you’re doing something brave.” Kyrielle grins. “And stupid. But mostly brave.”

Threading my fingers through her hair, I smile. “Thank you, Firefly. When I’m done, I hope you know we’re fucking on a mountain.”

“For Fortuna’s sake,” Fynn curses, pressing hands over Joulian’s ears.

“Famous last words,” Orliana says dryly, smiling.

Scooping Kyrielle into my arms, I tell my brother, “I’ll be right back. I need a moment.”

He nods, turning toward the family trying to say hello.

“Where are we going?” Kyrielle whispers, playing with a piece of my hair in her hands.

“Somewhere where I can kiss you without being told we’re having sex.”

“Are we going to have sex?”

“Yes. That’s why I don’t want to hear about it.”

She giggles with a smile made of sunshine. “Won’t Dragons hear us?”

“Just be quiet.”

Kyrielle flicks my nose. “Don’t be so good, then.”

“Can’t. It’s my lot in life.”

She snuggles into my chest, warmed by my Fyre, while I search for a large enough snow drift. I need a couple of minutes to hold her and say everything I’ve already said all over again, just so it’s drilled into her perfect little brain.

When I find the spot, I shift her so her legs are wrapped around my waist, arms around my neck.