Page 85 of The Platinum Dragon's Courageous Mate

“Micah. He’s perfect. He loves the world. It’s amazing.”

“I’m so glad. Your mate? He’s going to be a good father?”

“He is. He loves Micah so much already and he is so good with him.”

Gareth’s expression softened, his lips curving. “I’m glad to hear it. I had such worry.”

Kieran wanted to shout that Gareth was so worried then why did he just disappear, but it had worked out for him in the end.

“I would have tried to get you money and help. I just got free about three months ago, and I had to find you, apologize, tell you it’s over.”

“Wait, they were holding you hostage?” That hadn’t factored in the story before now. Banished. Going against the family. Sure. But holding him against his will?

He nodded, eyes on the ground, cheeks burning. “Not very alpha of me, huh? I just…I didn’t know how to get away. But once I found out the truth, I paid someone to help me, to leave the door unlocked.”

“Resourceful.” That was Lachlan rejoining the conversation. “Well done.”

Gareth winced. “I’m not an asshole. I’m not. I’m not great, but I didn’t have choices. I do now. I’m here…”

Logan cleared his throat. “I’m the gold guardian here, Gareth. I know I introduced myself, but that fact is worth noting. I know you have nowhere to go. And I will find you a place to stay, but it’s provisional. If you distress Kieran or Micah in any way, I’ll have to ask you to go.”

“I won’t. I don’t…I don’t know what to do.”

“Stay and rest. That’s what you’ll do. Isn’t there someone that will take him in?” Kieran knew he wasn’t supposed to care, but he wasn’t a monster.

He cared.

“Mari has the cabins if you like to live alone. They’re clean and comfy and near the coffee shop and stuff. Or there’s some bachelor males who room together who are always needing a new roommate.”

He needs to stay in the wing, mate.Kieran worried someone would hunt Gareth down and kill him.

“Are you willing to stay with some friends of Logan’s? The bachelor male dragons? There’s a big adobe with three of them and five bedrooms.”

“That’s perfect. I swear I’ll be quiet and hard-working.”

I’ve never seen him frightened before.It was a little unnerving, truth be told. Gareth had been confident; even when he’d told the alpha dragon he was pregnant, he’d been brave, sure of himself. Sure that he hadn’t wanted Kieran or the baby, but maybe he’d thought he was protecting them.

He had Lachlan now, though. And Micah and the new little girl, who was singing happily. Surely she would be upset if this was bad.

“Well, thank you for the apology, Gareth. I’m sorry for how things went for you.”

Gareth gave him a ghost of a smile before draining his tea and standing, clearly understanding the interview was over. “Thank you, Kieran. You’ve given me more than I deserve.Logan, would you mind taking me and my bag to the new lodgings?”

Logan snorted, but stood as well. “You got it. You two call on me if you need me.”

“We need to get our son.” Lachlan was very definite in his words.

Not Kieran’s son.

Their son.

Gareth was silent as Logan led him off, waving as they shut the door behind him.

He stood there, shivering a little bit. Was it true? Was it over?

“I love you.” The words were simple and sure.

“Yes, mate. I love you.” He flung his arms around Lachlan, who was stiff for a moment, but then he grabbed Kieran tight and hugged back. The kiss Lachlan gave him curled his toes. It was possessive, yes, but he felt protected too. Utterly safe.