The Child

Chapter 17

Marie

I lay Ollie down in his crib and cover him with his security blanket. The second I walk out of his room I realize how tired I am. It’s been a long day with a lot of information. My brain is starting to shut down. When I get back to the living room, Joey and Brutus are sitting there in quiet contemplation. I run my hand over Joey’s shoulder then give him a gentle kiss on his temple. He sighs and looks up at me with a weak smile.

“I am sorry, my love. It’s been a long day and I am going to have to take a rain check on our steamy plans. I am so tired.” I feel awful for breaking our plans but I don’t think I can stay up any longer. Joey chuckles while he stands up. He walks over to me and without warning picks me up bridal style. I wrap my arms around his neck, laying my head on his chest. He makes his way to my bedroom, gently placing me down when we get there.

“It’s okay, my angel. I can only imagine what is going on in that beautiful head of yours. I can wait a little longer to mate and mark you.” He starts unbuttoning his shirt, clearly getting ready to stay the night.

Once he has his shirt off, he sits on the bed and takes his shoes and socks off. I ogle the masterpiece in front of me. His chiseled muscles flex as he moves causing me to get hot.

“Are you going to stare all night or are you going to get ready for bed?” He c***s his eyebrow at me. I blush uncontrollably, I squeak and rush to the bathroom to get ready for bed. I undress and put a oversized shirt on, then wash my face. As I am brushing my teeth my thoughts turn to Kane. I felt a weird attraction to him. I felt guilty for thinking about him while Joey is in the other room. Once I brush my teeth, I walk out of the bathroom and turn off the light.

I turn to the bed where Joey is getting comfortable. I steady myself as I slowly climb under the sheets. Joey makes his way closer and grabs my hips, pulling me to him. He wraps his arms around me, kisses my hair and settles down to go to sleep.

I lay my head down on his chest to get ready for sleep. I close my tired eyes and listen to Joeys heart beat. Right before darkness takes over I hear Joey quietly say, “good night, my angel. Sweet dreams.” I fall asleep with gentle smile on my face knowing I am safely tucked in the arms of my dragon.

~~~~~~~

I wake up to Joey’s light snoring. I feel refreshed and energized. The best night sleep I have had in a long time. I gently wiggle out of his grasp and get dressed for the day. I open the bedroom door, slipping out as quietly as I can. I go to the kitchen to start the coffee pot. I make a big pot because I am sure Kane’s warriors will need some after patrolling all night. I hear a throat clear, making me jump. As I turn I see a man I have never seen before. Suddenly he jumps up and comes closer, holding his hands out so I don’t scream.

“It’s alright! I am not going to hurt you. I promise I am here to help,” he says, trying to not intimidate me. I slowly nod, then take a look at the man. Man is the wrong word. He is a teenager, 17 or 18 with black hair and warm brown eyes. He is wrapped In one of my blankets that I keep on the back of the couch. The more I look in his eyes, I see a familiar look. Then I realize that Brutus is oddly absent.

“Where is Brutus? What did you do to him,” I start getting worried something happened to my companion. I see the boy blushing deeply. He starts to shuffle his feet. Those eyes! That’s where I have seen them!

“Brutus?!” My jaw falls open at the realization. He simply nods to confirm my suspicion.

“What is going on? How are you human?” I have a hundred questions floating around in my head.

“The Fae Queen told me last night it is time for me to reveal myself to you. She sent me to you when I was a pup. She gave me specific instructions to guard you and the child with my life. However, I think we should wait for the dragon and the wolf before we finish this conversation. Do you have a pair of pants I can borrow so I am not having this conversation naked?” Brutus gives me a sheepish smile. As he smiles, his huge canines slip out from his lips.

I go to the front door and pop my head out to see if any of the guys on patrol have a pair of shorts Bru can borrow. I see a big guy leaning near the front door.

“Excuse me, uh…” I completely forgot his name.

“Tobias, miss. What can I do for you?”

“You wouldn’t happen to have an extra pair of shorts with you? I have a guest and he needs some clothes.”

“Guest? But no one has been in or out of the property last night.” Tobias gives me a confused look.

“It’s a long story. But if you don’t have a pair, I can ask Joey.”

“No, miss we always have extra clothes on us. Let me contact one of the guards. Give me a second.”

“Thank you, Tobias.”

I see another man emerge from the woods with a pair of shorts and a shirt. He walks up the stairs and hands them to me. He gives me a slight bow then walks back from where he came from.

I nod to Tobias in gratitude then shut the door. I turn to Brutus, handing him the clothes. I walk over to the kitchen then pour myself a cup of coffee, bracing myself for another crazy day. I turn back to Brutus seeing that he is dressed. I hear the bedroom door open, knowing that Joey is awake. He stops and looks at me in confusion at the intruder. He lets out a deep, protective growl.

“Joey, don’t do that! This is Brutus,” I quickly explain so a fight doesn’t break out.

“Brutus? As in the dog?” Joey turns to the boy, looking for confirmation. Brutus simply bows.

“It’s a pleasure to finally talk to you, dragon. I have waited a long time to be able to communicate with you. I will answer all your questions as soon as the wolf gets here,” Brutus says as he makes his way to the kitchen table, making himself comfortable.

Joey looks at me and I just shrug my shoulders. I make myself comfortable at the table, as well. Joey goes to pour himself some coffee and joins us. We both sit there quietly, trying to process what is going on. About 5 minutes of sitting in complete silence, the front door opens and Kane walks in with Josh holding a couple grocery bags.

“Who wants breakfast?” Kane asks with a handsome smile.