Burned (Drake Security #5)

Chapter 24

LORD

Years later… The dragons haven’t bothered to count how many…

I swear I’ve dreamed of this exact scene a thousand times, and now it’s happening. It’s mine and Alrick’s turn to celebrate the December holiday in our desired tradition. Of course we chose a Viking theme, complete with a massive feast. Dempsey had great fun detailing the entire lore to us as we decorated the evergreen tree last night.

Now I’m sitting in a cozy armchair, surrounded by my brothers and their mates the way I always hoped for. Nico gazes admiringly at Lake, perched on his lap and draped in diamonds and gold—his new signature look, as he recently shared—talking about the priceless statues he has on order from an art gallery auction in Dubai. He does love his pretty things.

Hemingway is seated on the floor by the fire, reading from a book of Norse mythology to Dempsey, who has his head in my brother’s lap. Dempsey, clearly familiar with the tales, randomly chimes in to correct the book.

Draydon and Arson are seated at the game table, leaning over a chessboard. Neither has made a move in a long time, and I’m starting to wonder if the whole game is just a setup for them to play footsie with each other. Arson grins at his mate, that perpetual glimmer of mischief in his eyes, while Draydon gazes back like my brother hung the moon. I’ve learned to accept the strange and expensive objects we all receive as gifts from time to time. Now that Arson believes he’s successfully returned most of the art he can find providence for, he’s content to simply hoard the stuff he and his mate, ahem , procure.

I turn my attention to Tino and Montrose curled up under a blanket on the couch. The demon lifts his index finger and Tino blows on it to create a little stream of fire. This amuses Montrose, who cackles with glee. He presented each of us with a chunk of brimstone this year. Apparently it’s quite an honor to have a personal piece of the underworld. The best part is, if we ever find ourselves there again, we always have a way back to this realm because of it. Very thoughtful, actually.

We’re only missing Dahlia, who’s off on another trip to Scotland to visit a certain dragon mage.

As for me, I’ve been relegated to this chair to wait for a surprise from Alrick. It doesn’t matter what it is. He’s my joy in life. My literal purpose for being. In the years since I found him, we’ve settled into beautiful domesticity. Alrick doesn’t want to travel anywhere anymore. All he wants is home and comfort and love. Luckily, I have plenty to give.

“Gods, it smells good in here,” Hemingway says. “Is that dessert?”

“I don’t know if I can eat anything else,” Dempsey groans, patting his belly.

“I’d go check, but I’m not allowed to,” I say.

“Nope, you sit right there, Lord,” Lake says. “It’ll be worth it.”

“So, you were in on the surprise too?”

“Maybe.” He winks, batting his thick eyelashes. “I might have helped with some sourcing.”

“Sourcing?”

“Close your eyes, Lord.” Alrick’s voice reaches me from around the corner.

The bond between us bounces with excitement, joy, affection, and love. So much love.

“My eyes are closed.”

“No peeking.”

“I promise.”

I sense his closeness, and just a hint of nerves pouring off him. I’m curious about what he’s been doing for the better part of two hours, but I have a feeling I’ll love whatever it is.

“Okay,” Alrick says. “Open your eyes.”

I blink them open, focusing on the tray he’s holding. My jaw drops as my heart fills with intense pride and honor.

“Treasure.”

“It’s not perfect, but I’ve been practicing for a month over at Nico and Lake’s.”

“I think he’s a natural,” Lake says, smiling.

“It’s… beautiful. I don’t want to ruin it.”

“You won’t.” Dempsey appears with a smaller tray. “You get to keep that one or devour it later when you’re alone.” His cheeks bloom pink. “Whatever you want.”

I take the rectangular tray from Alrick, taking in all the details of the oversized cookie, shaped like a dragon and decorated in orange-and-black tipped scales, breathing a stream of fire.

“It’s your snickerdoodle recipe,” Alrick says. “Your mom hooked me up so I didn’t have to ask you.”

My throat clogs with emotion thinking about all the effort he went to just to create this for me. Sometimes my life feels like a dream.

“Thank you. It’s the nicest gift I’ve ever received.”

Alrick beams. He looks beautiful with his long hair in a low bun and just a bit of flour dusting his beard and upper cheek. We spend our days tending to Drake Security business and our nights floating on an ocean of love as we make dinner together and curl up to talk and love and plan for an amazing future.

“Let’s eat these,” Dempsey says, passing out cookies to everyone. “There’s always room for dessert.”

I set the tray down and pull Alrick into my arms, nuzzling my nose against his cheek. “I love you, treasure. This is a wonderful surprise.”

“If I could paint, I would’ve done that so I could capture your beauty and keep it forever.”

“I’m right here. You can see the dragon whenever you wish. Forever.” I exhale slowly, allowing my dragon to surface and peer at our mate. Scales flutter across my skin and my cock thickens.

Alrick moans. “You’re even better than cookies.”

I chuckle. “Good to hear. Happy Yule, my stunning mate.”

“Happy Yule, Balriss.”

Wrapping my arms around my love, I close the space between our mouths, tasting his kiss. He still smells like the ocean, heather, and thyme, but now the smoky scent of me is embedded in his skin too. As it should be.

Alrick breaks the kiss slightly, our lips still brushing together as he asks, “Is it rude if we sneak off to do a little private celebrating?”

“Our brothers will be just fine without us.”

His eyes fill with tears as he steps back. “Our brothers. Our family. It’s more than I ever let myself wish for.”

“I know.” I kiss his forehead. “And we still have your family compound in Norway to visit later this week.”

He nods. “I used to hate this time of year. I’d sit in my cold room wondering what life could be like with a real family. We could make ornaments and bake cookies and eat ourselves sick. I lost hope that I’d ever have that, but…” He shakes his head. “It’s still weird that my dad looks forward to my visits.”

“You deserve to be loved. By your father, your brothers, our loved ones, and me. You’re worthy of it.”

“I know. Fate chose me for you, so I must be alright.”

I glance beyond him, happy to see my family sitting in a circle eating cookies, drinking hot chocolate, and chatting.

“See yourselves out when you’re ready,” I tell them, scooping Alrick into my arms and throwing him over my shoulder.

He laughs, waving to everyone. They all whistle and clap as I ascend the stairs to our bedroom.

Once upon a time there was a sad, lonely dragon who gave up on love, but one day, a mighty Viking showed up and filled the dragon’s heart to overflowing. The two lived happily ever after.

And it was absolutely worth the wait.

The End