Page 18 of Sapphire Seas

“Well, that’ll leave Odem and I behind to hold down the fort. Hopefully there are no breaches while you’re gone. Get in, get out and get home.” I felt the pull again when Ionus reached out their brothers. Moments later, Quint, Caro and Odem entered.

“I’ve got two words for you, Ionus,” Odem crossed his arms, not appearing as happy as he had earlier. “Cock block.”

Ionus growled. “Sit down.” Odem stood there for a moment, and I was certain a brotherly battle was on the horizon. But just as Ionus rose, Odem sat. “Do you think I like leaving my mate in our bed, alone? If you do you’re sorely mistaken. If this wasn’t important, we’d all still be asleep. Now, listen to what Mattias and his mates have to tell you.”

We ran through the story, again, Quint’s eyes widened as we spoke. But his words when we’d finished recounting the memories surprised me most. “What if it’s a trap, Ionus?”

“I’d considered that myself, brother, but why you? Why try for so long to find someone who has contact with you? You are by far the most low key of all of us. You prefer to be away from the humans and the public eye. And you never cause any trouble,” Ionus growled at Odem who grinned, clearly proud of his reputation.

“True,” Quint sat, having stood this entire time, and sighed. “I’ve never released venom underwater. What if it injures more than the lampreys?”

“There’s only one way to test that theory,” Mattias stepped in. “Let’s take it to the pools and see if you can contain it.”

“Like in a bubble?” Quint questioned.

“That’s one option, but I was thinking more like a direct hit. Taking aim and shooting it like you would a fireball.” All dragons possessed that ability, but given the armor our scales provided, it wasn’t always successful, especially under water.

“Odem is the only one with deadly fire,” Ionus pointed out, a fact that was good to know. “He can control it, Quint, and I believe you can too.”

Quint groaned. “You don’t think I’ve tried to already, Ionus? I’ve spent centuries doing my best to harness this so-called gift I was given. Trust me, it won’t be controlled.”

“But you haven’t tried it underwater, have you?” Caro asked. I’d almost forgotten he was here, tucked away with Emerson going over the countless maps his mate had provided.

“No.”

“I-I, I’m sorry,” Kes stuttered. “If you want me to leave I’ll totally understand.”

“You’ll do no such thing,” Mattias barked, both Kes and I jumped. “You belong here with us. How were you to know these nightmares meant something more.”

“Agreed,” the brothers said as one.

“And if you get this guy here laid,” Odem winked as he nudged Quint. “You’ll be my favorite bro in law.” A round of groans filled the room though Odem had managed to lighten the mood. I felt a kindred spirit in him.

Mates? Kes reached out to Mattias and I. What should I do?

Nothing, sweetheart, Mattias assured him. What you’ve done has brought hope to my brother, something Quint never had.

If you’re sure…

We are! Both Mattias and I sent at the same time.

“Ionus, we have much to discuss, but my mates are exhausted. Can we reconvene after morning practice?” Fighting back a yawn, I was thankful Mattias requested that for us.

“Yes, agreed. Kes, Caspian, I know what you shared wasn’t easy, but given the jobs the Goddess blessed us with its information we must have. If anything more comes to mind, please don’t hesitate to tell us.” Kes and I nodded and with that, Ionus required nothing more.

Is he always this scary?

Mattias chuckled. Yes, Caspian, but in all honesty Ionus is our leader for a reason. Protective, fierce, loyal and above all else, family comes first with him.

Good to know, Kes added. Kinda felt like I had my scales chewed off for a minute there.

Once inside our bedroom, the three of us stood at the foot of the bed, staring at it. “Knowing you both suffer from PTSD,” wow, hadn’t considered that diagnosis before but he’s right. “Why don’t I sleep in the middle so if you feel the need to get out of bed you won’t worry about disturbing the others.”

“That’s great in theory,” Kes shrugged, “but we can all sense what the other mates are feeling and know when one of us are struggling.”

“True,” Mattias kissed the top of his head, “but this way allots you more privacy to deal with your demons in the manner that’s befitting of you.”

Mattias stripped down and tossed his clothes on the nearby chair then slid into bed and I did the same. Kes took a few more seconds to decide but in the end, he removed all but his boxers and eyepatch. The day he trusted us enough to leave it off, and possibly share his story, would be monumental.