Page 84 of The Platinum Dragon's Courageous Mate

“That’s up to Logan, isn’t it? Not us?” Kieran didn’t want that pressure on him, that stress.

“I suppose it is. I’ll make sure to put in my thoughts however.” He got a rough smile, Lachlan trying for him at least. “I know I’m not being reasonable.”

“I don’t want you to be reasonable, love. I want you to be you. I want you to be my platinum guardian.”

Lachlan struck a thumb over his cheekbone. “And you’re my courageous mate. I’m so proud of you.”

“What should we take out there for drinks?”

“Arsenic?”

He whapped Lachlan on the arm. “Be serious.”

“Logan will want coffee. We also have iced tea we can take out.”

Kieran got a tray down and put coffee mugs on it so Lachlan filled a carafe with coffee and then pulled out milk so he could fill a little creamer. Kieran added sugar and then a pitcher of iced tea and a couple of glasses. It was all very civilized, and it madehim want to scream and throw some shit across the room, but it was what it was.

“I’m not taking out sweets.” He pursed his lips. “I’m not evil, but I’m not hosting a party, right?”

Lachlan nodded. “Absolutely. If he needs food, which he looks like he does, we can get him fixed up once we know if he wants to stay in the wing.”

“Yes. Someone else can. He still… he deserted me.” Gareth had left him alone, pregnant, scared and unhappy. He’d given birth alone, in a hospital, with no one there who cared for him.

All of his friends had disappeared, all of his support — he’d been a worthless dragon who everyone thought was a gold digger.

“You were not! This is not your fault.” His mate was rumbly as hell.

“I feel like it.”

“Well, you should feel brave and amazing.”

Kieran squared his shoulders. “I should. For Micah if nothing else.”

“That’s my fine mate.” Lachlan gave him a kiss, and he added some crackers to the tray before they walked back out to find Logan looming and Gareth pacing. Neither of them had sat down.

“You should sit,” Kieran murmured. Once they were all arranged on couches and chairs, Kieran poured drinks.

“May I?” Logan asked.

Lachlan nodded at him.

“So, Gareth. Are you just here to apologize?”

“I—Yes? I mean, yes. Yes. I was banished. I did the right thing, but it didn’t matter, I went against my family, and I’ll pay that cost.” Gareth met Kieran’s eyes. “I came to say you’re safe now, and I’m so sorry.”

“What does that mean? I’m safe?”

“It means my family is out of power. They’ve been displaced. Some killed, some sent to remote keeps as a sort of prison sentence. And I was told not to come back…”

“Oh.” Goddess, how awful. “Lachlan…”

That is Logan’s call, mate. He’s the boss.

I know. I do. But I want to be a better dragon than his family.

I understand.And he could see it when Lachlan began to communicate silently with Logan.

Gareth shrugged and offered Kieran a half smile. “Is he beautiful, your son? What did you name him?”