Page 2 of The Platinum Dragon's Courageous Mate

The sweater did fit beautifully, and Lachlan looked so comfortable. His wings stayed out, but the rest of him was snug as a bug.

“It’s perfect.” Lachlan smiled at him over the top of Micah’s bright copper curls. “How can I thank you?”

Kieran rolled his eyes. “Are you serious? You gave me a home. I’ve been here for almost a year. You don’t ask me to leave my rooms. You come in and play cards. I have a television. The baby has a room. I have a little kitchen. There’s not enough sweaters in the world to thank you.”

Lachlan chuckled, “Well, I guess we can just be a mutual admiration society. I’m glad you’re here. I mean, not that I think you have to be here, I’m not keeping you here, but I am very glad you’re here. You and Micah.”

He thought Lachlan might just be babbling a little bit, which was interesting and also wickedly attractive if he admitted it. He didn’t know if he should admit it because he wasn’t in a space for that, was he? Lachlan was gentle and kind and huge and protective and just all around amazing.

He wouldn’t be a creature with feelings if he didn’t admire Lachlan at all.

“And any time you want to come out to the main house and hang out, you’re welcome. Baby steps.”

“I know. I do, but this feels safe. There’s only the window, and it doesn’t look out on anything where other people can see in. I feel protected here. I don’t think I could fit in anywhere else.”

“I understand.”

Lachlan’s expression was kind and knowing, all at the same time.

This was the first time they’d discussed it, and something had to have happened. Something magical and traumatic, otherwise Lachlan wouldn’t have looked the way he did.

“I hope I’m not being too forward. I would hate to do that to you. I just wanted you to know that I understand how hard it is to trust again.”

Kieran nodded, chewing on his bottom lip. “I hate that I wear his scars. I didn’t even know his name.” He’d been injured.Used as bait. Accused of terrible crimes against his wing. And for someone he’d never even met by some dragon who just wanted revenge against Lachlan.

“You didn’t know him?”

Kieran shook his head and said, “No. No, I didn’t know him, and he didn’t know me or Micah, but that didn’t mean anything, did it?”

Lachlan sighed and shook his head. “No, I don’t suppose it did, and I’m sorry you were hurt, but I am glad youarehere rather than somewhere else. For what it’s worth.” Lachlan smiled at him. “And I do love the sweater.” Lachlan picked up the bag that he’d set down when he’d come in and held it out. “Some yarn for you. I didn’t know what you might like to do with it, but it matches your eyes.”

His cheeks heated, and he peeked in the bag. The yarn was utterly lovely, a beautiful alpaca, hand-painted with deep greens and golds and a little hints of copper running through it. “It’s stunning.”

“I’m glad you think so. My friend had it specially brought in.”

“Your friend?”

Lachlan beamed. “Yes, Amber. From the bookstore. She loves to find presents.”

“Have you told people about me?”

“Bah.” Lachlan winked at him. “I’m a busybody. I’ve told everyone about you. Like I said, if you’d like to meet the twins, I can bring them in, or I can take Micah out into the hallway even. You can see him through the door. We’ll leave it open. He can meet the children. It’s hard to be all alone. I can’t imagine it.”

No, he didn’t imagine so. Lachlan had a twin, a twin with a baby almost exactly the same age as Micah. Kaden. They were a happy little family.

Happy and normal, and Kieran thought the stories Lachlan told about them made them sound amazing. He couldn’t decideif he was jealous, or if he desperately wanted to meet them, just to prove no one was that perfect.

He couldn’t really figure it out a hundred percent, but it didn’t matter because he wasn’t ready. “Maybe someday soon, but not today.”

“Of course.” Lachlan just gave him a gentle smile and then reached out to touch his cheek, fingers gentle. “I won’t push. Is there anything you’d like me to bring you to eat? There’s always some kind of amazing food being made here at the house. I think today we have carrot cake.”

“Doesn’t sound like it should be yummy, does it? Who thinks about cake and thinks, “Oh carrots”? But I have to admit, it’s so good.”

“Right? I would love to bring you a piece. Maybe come back in a while and eat with you and have a cup of decaf?” Lachlan appeared so hopeful that Kieran really couldn’t say no. He just couldn’t bear it. He felt as if disappointing Lachlan might cause him physical pain.

“I would like that.”

“I’ll be back in a bit. Just hang on, and I’ll bring good cake.”