Page 70 of The Dragons' Healing Mate

“Would yourprison guardsallow that?” he asked.

I waved off his concern. “I’m sure they would. It wouldn’t be like I was running for the hills. I’d just be going to help a neighboring Alpha. They can’t complain when it comes to that.”

“They shouldn’t be complainingat all. They managed to find their mate twice, despiteimpossiblecircumstances. Some of us would kill for the chance to find our mate, even once. Also, Poppy is considering staying here with Samuel, at least until the babies are born. She’s a smart dragon and won’t say no to staying where a good healer is.”

“The right woman is out there for you somewhere, Luca. I know it,” I assured him. “And I would be more than happy to look after Poppy. I prefer her to you.” I laughed. “Anyway… want to hear how I’m causing problems withotherAlphas?” I asked, innocently resting my elbow on the table, batting my lashes.

“Good Lord, what have you done now?”

“Do you know Byron from Birch Creek Horde?”

Luca frowned. “I met him a few years back at a large gathering of Alphas. He’s not what I would callpleasant…”

I nodded. “Yeah. That’s the impression I got. Well, Imayhave royally angered him.”

“How?”

“So, remember the whole ‘I got kidnapped’ thing?”

Luca frowned. “I remember. Pregnant rogue?”

“Yeah. Well, it turns out they became rogues because Allison is Byron’sdaughter. He was trying to marry her off to another Alpha who she didn’t like, someone three times her age. Only, she found her fated mate in Colin and decided to run away with him, and got pregnant.”

Luca spluttered around a mouthful of soda. “What the hell?! You can’t be serious.”

“That’s why they were rogues. Byron is pissed at her for disobeying him. I… Well, I offered them sanctuary in North Oak. They and their baby are part of my horde now.”

“You really pulled rank?” he asked, his voice tinged with pride as he leaned back and really looked at me, eyebrows knitted together.

“I’m not proud of it, but I did what I needed to do.” I shrugged. “It may have upset the guys for a moment, but mostof them came around.”

“Youshouldbe proud of it. I am. You’re coming into your own as a horde Alpha—yes, you still have a way to go when it comes to your guys, but I have faith. If it’s what you want, you’ll get there. And Bastian… Well, he’d better wake the fuck up.”

“So… can I count on you if Byron kicks up a fuss?” I asked sweetly.

A very impolite snort escaped Luca. “Oh, sure, because now it’smyproblem.”

I opened my mouth, gasping playfully.

Luca grinned, polishing off his last fry. “You know I’m there whenever you need me, Rowan. Now, more fries?”

Greylen

When Ma said she could pull something together in twenty-four hours, she wasn’t kidding.

The trees were decked out with fairy lights, and the den’s gardens were bustling with dragons. A massive bonfire had been lit in a protected stone ring, and younger dragons were dancing around the enormous flames. It was clear several horde members were well on their way to being tipsy, swaying as they laughed and practically frolicked. I wondered how long it had been since we’d thrown such a lively party.

The horde needed it more than I realized.

The winding path in the garden led to the kitchens and main hall, which had all been opened up, with trays of food on every surface imaginable. I didn’t even know what half the dishes were, but they were so colorful, surrounded by vegetables and fruit, that it didn’t matter. Everything looked delicious, and I was more than ready to dig in.

Even more, the horde’s energy had shifted, the celebration in full swing. It was infectious, making me smile as I watched people gather and talk.

“This is something.” I whistled low, looking over at Bastian, who was deep in conversation with Samuel, a few feet away from where the other Alphas and I were standing.

“My mother is a miracle worker,” Orsen agreed, beaming with pride.

“That, she is. I think the only thing she’s ever made thatwasn’tamazing was your dumb ass.” I laughed, bumping my clanmate’s shoulder.