Page 77 of Sapphire Seas

Hahaha, I laughed, as did my mates. Tell him I’d be honored to be a part of his research. In our herd when a father delivered most of the others were around to witness it and wrangle the babes. Especially once we went into hiding. Ensuring we all stayed together was of the utmost importance for everyone’s safety.

“Come on in,” Mattias waved to him. “Be warned, Seadragons tend to come out at breakneck speed.” Emerson’s eyes widened as he stripped down to swim trunks and slowly entered the water. He was a funny one for sure given we’d all seen each other naked numerous times yet here he was in smiley face swim trunks.

He won’t jostle me. The girls are moving around a lot. I have a feeling they’re anxious to meet their siblings.

Kes shared that message with a wide-eyed Emerson. He was unique, but we were lucky to have an archivist as passionate as he was and with such a kind soul.

Generally, Seadragon dragonets remained in Seadragon form for most of their lives. This was gonna be interesting given we no longer lived in the water but were now housed on land. I’d have to make sure Emerson had that bit of information for his records.

Come now girls, it’s time to meet your family.

That was all Autumn needed, she shot right out and her Papa caught her, nuzzling her tiny nose with his. “What a gorgeous girl you are.” It was her sister Summer that was playing peek-a-boo. Autumn’s soft blue hues and silver mane were nearly transparent. I could see how easily it would be for her to win every game of hide and seek beneath the sea.

“Sweet Summer,” Papa cooed, handing Autumn off to Daddy Kes. “Please come out so we can meet you. I swear, Papa is right here to catch you.” She shot out like a rocket and right into Papa’s arms. “My beautiful girl, welcome to the light.” That one was gonna be Papa’s girl for sure, which gave me a wonderful idea for personalized onesies.

“She’s the exact opposite in color to her sister,” Kes pointed out. “Silver with an opaque blue mane. They are absolutely stunning, Caspian.” Kes gave me the sweetest kiss. “I love you, mate.”

I love you, too.

I shifted back. Mattias wings encased us and the girls. “And I love all of you, the best gifts this Papa could’ve ever received.”

“Let’s get you and your Daddy back to the nest so you can meet your brothers and sisters,” Kes said, scooping Autumn up. “I think they’ll shift to human form once they’re with the others.” But I had to admit, tiny Seadragons were beyond adorable.

“Emerson, why don’t you carry Summer while I carry my mate,” Mattias handed our dear girl over to her uncle.

“Fascinating.” Emerson eyed her like a science experiment. “You are one beautiful girl,” she blew bubbles at him. His face instantly morphed from curiosity to love. “Goddess above has this family been blessed.”

Luff, luff, luff, luff, was chanted as we neared the nest.

“How is it that they can already think a word? I mean, I understood it when in utero but out?” Wasn’t that too early?

“You must remember, Mate,” Mattias set me beside the babies in the nest. “Our dragonets are special. Gifted beyond comprehension by the Goddess herself.”

Luffs continued to ring out along with tiny grabby hands as the babies not so patiently waited for Daddy Kes and Uncle Emerson to put the girls down with them. “Wow, impatient much,” Kes teased them as they set the girls beside their brothers and sisters. There was so much love in this tiny nest and sure enough, Summer and Autumn shifted into the most adorable babies—yes I’m biased. Our dragonets were, of course, the most gorgeous babies ever. All six of them, that is.

“See mate,” Mattias kissed the top of my head. “All is well in our home. All six are healthy and full of love.” Luff, luff started up again. They’ve only been in this world for a few hours and already I’d give my life for them. I was head over heels in love with our family.

“Thank you for letting me be a part of this,” Emerson smiled. “It’s important we document everything we can. History is how we learn to survive, fix our mistakes and move forward. Plus, babies,” he waved his hands around. “Never thought I’d be as into the parenting scene as I am, but Cade changed my outlook and my world, for the better.”

“I think that’s happened with all of us,” Kes said. “There is so much joy in this room. I know not every day will be a winner, but with them in our lives we’ll never be without love or purpose.” I was beyond thrilled to hear those words come from Kes. He’d been so down since birthing the boys.

See mate, you are loved, you are wanted, you are needed. No more putting yourself down.

He grinned. Now you sound like Mattias.

Aye, he does and he’s right. Never forget we are your number one fans, and we love you, unconditionally. Kes blushed and ducked his head.

Sapphire was the largest dragonet by far. Our little Alpha would protect the others just as Griffin does. I can’t wait to see those two in action, keeping the others in line. Goddess forbid if anyone crossed our dragonets. Those two would be beast to contend with, not to mention all the Daddies and Uncles too.

“Congratulations, brothers,” Ionus smiled. “What fine additions to Clan Denarius. Such brilliant colors. I see a protector in the making.”

Guess I wasn’t the only one who saw that in Sapphire.

Mattias dragon puffed up. “Never been prouder in my life,” Mattias said. One by one the brothers and their mates funneled through. But when the dragonets got fussy and it was time to feed, I too was ready for a full belly and a nap too. Thankfully, Kes and I had been pumping and freezing our milk these last couple of days, so Mattias was able to help us get the fussing under control and our sweet babies off to sleep.

Once we were all tucked in with our sleeping dragonets, Mattias joined us, wrapping his wings around the nest. “I love you all to the moon and back. In this life, and the next. Sweet dreams, my loves.”

“To the horde room, now!” Ionus barked. “There’s another dragon here.”