Page 42 of Matched By the Dragon

“Okay. Check in with your dad or whoever, Raz,” Brad yawned. “Can I sleep?”

I left Raziel to send his text message and got the kids inside myself. I tucked them into their crib and carried Brad inside to our bed. Then I grabbed some sodas and went back outside. Raziel was sitting behind the wheel staring at his phone.

“How’d it go?” I asked, handing him a soda.

He handed off his phone, nodding at me to read the screen.

RAZIEL: I know I’m the last asshole you want to hear from, but are you okay after what happened between the temples?

SILAS: I am fine.

SILAS: I am home.

SILAS: With my family.

RAZIEL: Sorry I didn’t say anything. What could I say?

SILAS: Plenty. It’s not like Kodiak and I didn’t know we’d have to deal with you one day when we fell in love with Creon. Hi would’ve been a good start. A nod would’ve been something. Everyone I asked about you said you were a nice guy. I think maybe they don’t know you. Maybe you’re nice to them but you’re just sort of selfish and out to save your own skin. I waited at the Temple of Juda for three hours thinking you’d come back once things had calmed down.

RAZIEL: I didn’t know what to say.

SILAS: You could’ve come and let me speak. Maybe I had something to say.

RAZIEL: I’m listening.

SILAS: I’m trying not to hate you, okay? I’m trying. I’m trying for Creon because one day he’s going to want you back. He dreams about you. Kodiak is too calm about this shit. I get it. You never physically hurt Creon, but you could’ve left with him. You could’ve even taken the baby with you or even Hans. I don’t know. I wasn’t there. There are theories about why you thought they’d be better off dead than alive if you left, but I think they’re bullshit. You were a coward. I think maybe you’re still a coward, but Kodiak says it’s different now. His brother was a shit mate and dad too. Not as bad as you, but he was shit. I think that flavors his views of you. When it comes to Creon, I’d lay down my life for him. He is mine. When he wants you, you’ll come by your wings, or you’ll come kicking and screaming and kidnapped by wolves and crows. It’ll be your choice. Don’t worry about hurting my feelings, but if you ever hurt his feelings – if you ever make my guy feel rejected, I’ll fucking castrate you and send your dick home to your parents.

RAZIEL: Understood.

I read everything twice before handing his phone back.

“Creon is loved,” I said because what else could I say.

“Maybe he just likes crazy men,” Raziel shrugged.

“I can see why he fell in love with someone like Silas after you and how his mother was,” I sighed. “He needed someone to protect him and he’s found him.”

“This is why I say I’m the same guy,” he nodded at his phone.

“Because you’re still afraid of omegas? Look, friend, I know they’re scary. They grow life and defend babies and have put up with centuries of bullshit and still fight.”

“I…” he started.

“I think most abusers fear the power of others,” I shrugged. “Not that you’re an abuser now, but you’re afraid of being left or rejected by Creon and that gives him power. The only way you keep your power is to avoid him.”

“Shit,” Raziel swore under his breath.

“Look, I’m not going to tell anyone else anything, okay? It’s not my business, but you need to get this handled one way or another. Text that wolf back and tell him you want to talk to your mates – including him. If he’s included in this ‘they’ and he is, you have the responsibility to make sure he’s okay. What’s that second tenet start out with? Something like protect your mate and die for them if you need to?”

“I swear to Frost, it’s like talking to a Bennie who paraphrases right now,” Raziel grumbled. “I’m staying away to protect them.”

“Nope. You’re staying away because it’s better to live in limbo than to be rejected. Now text him back. I want to eat and go to bed, but instead, I’m out here, making sure you do the right thing. The thing you’ve probably wanted to do for a while, but everyone is too nice to say just fucking do it.”

He unlocked his phone and started typing. I leaned over the center console and read as he typed.

RAZIEL: I’m not saying it will go well. I know all of you hate me, but I’m willing to talk when you want to. I know today made it look like I wasn’t, but I didn’t expect you to be here. I’m sorry if I ruined your vacation.

SILAS: I visited hoping that I’d run into you. I wanted to tell you what I told you in my last text. I love Creon and Kodiak. I love them like I didn’t know love was possible. Right now I can’t imagine loving you like that, but the stupid throbbing gland on my neck says otherwise. So, I’m trying to keep that in mind. That if I give you a chance, one day I might love you like that too. So, I’m trying to be nice. At one time, Creon was my enemy too. He was my sire’s pet magician. I need to meet with you first. It has to be me. Not just because your stupid scaley ass if filling my thoughts ever since you flew by close enough to smell, but because I need to know you won’t hurt Creon – that you won’t break his heart. So you’re going to meet me in a few weeks. I’ll text you a place and time when it’s closer to the time. It’s not a trap. Kodiak just said you’re going to think it’s a trap. We’ll meet publicly. Maybe in the Appalachian wolf pack territory since it lies in between our territories. Yeah, they’re both here. I’m rambling now. I hate that thoughts of seeing you make me feel this way. You’re such a fucking asshole and I hope you’re so fucking hard that your dick feels like it’ll break off in a stiff wind.