Page 6 of The Dragons’ Eternal Mate

A smile spread across Ash’s face. “Oh, they didn’t drive.”

My head jerked toward Ash. “How the ever-loving fuck did they get here, then?”

Cormack chuckled, looking at the ceiling as the sound of wind rushing outside picked up. “I think we are about to have a very grumpy dragon touching down in the courtyard.”

“Make that two dragons,” Ash said, looking back at his phone.

“Good lord,” I groaned, pinching the bridge of my nose.

“I’ll go greet them and get them some clothes,” Ash chuckled, turning and leaving.

“It sounds like your little bubble of peace is about to be popped.” Cormack smiled knowingly.

“It was never really there. Trust me.” I sighed, sagging in my seat. “I was going to have to face my mates sooner or later. I just hope they see reason and get the hell out of here.”

Cormack raised a brow. “Mates, you say?”

Sighing, I stood, looking longingly at the tea, then walked toward the door.

“Rowan!” A voice that was unmistakably Bastian’s echoed through the walls, accompanied by the sound of thundering footfalls.

Bastian came?

He was the last one I expected to follow me.

I didn’t even get a chance to say anything before I was pulled into a bone-crushing hug, my face crushed deeply into Bastian’s chest. His hands shook as he held me against him, his breath rushing in and out of his mouth. I stood there, shocked, a wave of guilt hitting me like a brick.

“Bastian?” My voice came out muffled.

“Fuck, Rowan, are you okay?” Greylen said, though I couldn’t see him with my face pressed into Bastian’s chest.

He held on, and I genuinely wondered whether Bastian was ever going to let me go. It was odd—and wonderful in a way I didn’t realize I needed. His grip was frantic and desperate. Unfortunately, it made my tears well up, the smell of him, the way he squeezed me to him as if I’d vanish if he didn’t hold on. God, I’d done that. I’d scared the hell out of him.

“How did you⁠—”

Grey was around me in about a heartbeat, clearly not caring that Bastian hadn’t let go. I was surrounded by Alphas who were nearly crushing me, and I was completely okay with it. I’d missed them, even after such a short time.

But I couldn’t deny the reason they were here, and my stomach roiled, pulse accelerating.

“You can’t be here.” I leaned back, casting a wide glance between the two of them. “What about… It’s not safe.”

Bastian took my chin, forcing me to meet his eyes. “I will never let him harm you, Rowan. If Cyrus so much as touches a hair on your head, I’ll end him myself.”

If it was possible to be more shocked, I was, my mouth dropping open. “H-how did you…?”

“We heard what Tanner said,” Greylen explained softly.

Ah.

So, they knew.

For a moment, I’d forgotten that Grey had installed cameras, in and around the clinic, in case of emergencies. That would have been really helpful before I ran to my car. Still, there was nothing I could do about it now.

“That explains it,” I mumbled, bobbing my head slowly.

“Rowan, I am so fucking sorry,” Bastian apologized. “My father will pay for this. He is not welcome in the North Oak Horde lands anymore. I promise.”

Today was full of surprises, and I couldn’t figure out what to do with any of them. The last thing I ever expected was Bastian to choose me over his own father. When I looked up at him, I saw that terror I’d seen at the cabin, saw the dread and fury warring behind his glassy blue eyes.