Page 5 of The Platinum Dragon's Courageous Mate

Kaden snuggled into him, nuzzling him and holding on tight like a monkey.

“He’s happy to see me. I’m also happy to see you.”

Bryant kissed his cheek. “Hello, brother.”

Arthur exited the truck, carrying a couple of bags, and what looked to be a crockpot full of…

“Ooh, chili.”

Arthur nodded, his feathers bobbing. Dragons were so wondrously diverse. “There’s cornbread too. Alban told me he made dessert.”

“He’s reading, but he’s in there.”

“Wonderful. We’re going to do some art.” Arthur beamed “He has some paint-by-numbers that look fun.”

“That’s what those paint markers he bought are for.”

“Yep. Dual-point ones with different colors and different-sized tips.” Arthur swept past him, heading on into the house without even needing permission.

Bryant wrapped an arm around him and steered him into the house while he held the Kaden. Bryant’s mate was laughing at them both. “So how is it going with the omega and the baby?”

“Slow, very slow. I feel bad because they’re just hiding in there, bro.”

Lars shrugged. “Well, maybe you should just take the baby and introduce him?”

Lachlan wrinkled his nose. “That seems a lot. You have Kaden. Go introduce them.”

“I don’t know if?—”

Lars stared at him. “Babies need other babies. Dragons need community. He’s going to have to come out sometime. He can’t just stay in that room.”

Lars seemed so sure.

“It’s not that easy.”

“Of course it is. He doesn’t have to leave. He doesn’t have to do much at all, but he can’t stay in that room for the rest of that baby’s life. It’s not nice. Babies need fresh air. Outside, sunshine, friends.” Lars pierced him with a look. “I’m not going to let this go. This isn’t right. At least go in there and introduce Kaden.”

He glanced at Bryant, who shrugged. “That seems fair to me.”

Okay. Lachlan straightened his shoulders. Why was he intimidated by Kieran and the baby? There was nothing to be scared of.

He would take Kaden. He would introduce him, and he and Micah would be fast friends. He just knew it.

Lachlan kissed Kaden’s little forehead. “Come on, buddy, let’s go upstairs. I want you to meet somebody. You’re going to be so happy. I know you are, and he’ll be over the moon. His name is Micah.”

Kaden babbled at him as if he totally understood what Lachlan was saying. As if he agreed, which was great. That was just what he needed, someone on his side besides Lars.

Though he thought Lars was probably on Kieran’s side. Which was the same side. This was all meant for Kieran and Micah’s good.

He tapped on the door. “Kieran, I brought my nephew, Kaden, up for you to introduce to Micah. They’re the same age, pretty much.”

Kaden reached out, copying him, and tap-tap-tapped on the door. It was adorable.

“That was Kaden. He was knocking.”

It took Kieran a minute, but he answered the door, mossy green eyes wide, wearing jeans and a T-shirt, hair in a long braid. “Hey.”

“Hi! This is Kaden. He wanted to meet Micah. It’s my nephew. They’re the same age. Say hi to Micah.”