Chapter 49

Aureus

My mate looked spent, and I let her sleep. I was tired myself. I hadn’t had a chance to decompress from the party, but regardless, I needed to finish what I’d started.

I was currently on the temple floor… It looked like the 25th floor, with the difference being that it wasn’t a demi-realm. It was just a nice room in the basement of the den that had grass, and an artificial sky. Down here, every major, and minor god was represented, even the ‘dark’ ones, like the Horned One.

Not even a few decades ago, a statue in his name would have been illegal, but now, no one cared.

There was a small line that wrapped around the entire floor, because I wanted to hear the stories of the new faces that came to live here. Many were Rogues who were standoffish about joining an unofficial Den. That originally, I just did what I wanted, but it was to the interest of my people.

They didn’t know that. An unregistered den is still a rogue’s nest.

“And that’s how I wound up here.” Said a small dragon with his flame…. I wasn’t paying attention, but I still faked it. They were the last family, and I sensed no malice from anyone here, the real reason I wanted to check them all out.

“And now, your services will benefit the den. What are you two able to contribute?” I asked.

“There is a saturation of servants here my King…. But I am also a fairly good handyman.” Said the husband.

“In the old times, I used to tend the whelps and mend clothes.” Said his wife.

“I think Mr. Mathews could have use for you both. I don’t care if you’re a certified mechanic or not. But they can test your mettle.” I said firmly. “If that doesn’t work out, don’t worry. We’ll find something.

With them done, I could go to the shine of Freeya. Her 8 foot statue looked like her, and I sat cross legged in front of it. I was the only one over here. Everyone else was at the Horned One, the Judge, or the Moon Goddess statue for love.

I was over here for the peace….

The way the temple was organized, was that each statue sat on the grass floor. There were bowls at the feet of each statue, and a little plaque on the left with their name. The plaque on the right had a discretion of the pantheon and their place in it…

I woke up with a blanket around my shoulders, and my mate sitting quietly next to me.

“Morning.” She whispered.

“….What time is it?” I asked.

“Noon.” She said happily. “I handled the Frazier account via Zoomie. They’re moving here from L.A., and they wanted to transfer their finances into your care.”

“I know them, they’re lion shifters…..They want to move their pack here.” I told her, kissing her on the forehead…. She was such an assertive, confident woman….

Yet, seeing her look so sweet in my arms made me think of her more as a fawn than a werewolf.

“I also saw you looked over all the new files that came with all the new dragons too.” She commented.

“I didn’t want to take any chances. Most of them are all weak drakes that were in hiding among mortals.” I said seeing her nod.

“I imagine so. There weren’t any official dens in the area until now.” She said casually. She yawned… and I had to admit it was cute. I kept it to myself though, and I just let her sit with me in this peaceful moment.

“Fuck it. I think I’ll go to the office for a few hours.” I said getting up, taking her with me. I carried her, and she put her arms around my neck. I half expected her to get mad and complain she could walk on her own, but instead, she smelled my shirt.

“I don’t care what we do, so long as we have fun doing it.” She said with a small smile.

“I can’t guarantee that it’ll be Fun, but I’m with you, so it won’t matter.” I said kissing her. I tired to be slow and tender, getting on the elevator. The few who were still in the tiemple got a full view of our passion…. And again, I cared less.

-------Grace------

Terra was tying when we walked into the lobby area.

“Oh Sir. I didn’t know you’d come today.” She said with a big smile.

She got up and excitedly handed him a rock. It was a gemstone I think, but I didn’t know anything about the names of most of them.

“Why the tiger’s eye?” He asked.

“It’s a birthday present.” She smiled. “… or is today an arbitrary date you picked?” She asked.

“…The latter…. I was born thousands of years ago. All I remember is that I was born this time of year. I actually don’t remember how old I am.” He mumbled. “Though I do thank you for the paperweight.” He said with a warm smile.

“You’re welcome, sir.” She gave a little bow. “Othek taught me that.”

He bowed back as a king would.

“He taught you right. That was a very polite greeting.” He mumbled. “Are you seeing him?” He asked.

“No…. but he visits every day. He brings me food he’s made himself, and I’m going to his house to see his first 5 lambs. He said he only wanted a few to learn how to do it right, then he’ll buy more next year.” She smiled. “Oh and I met his sons too… why are all of you so handsome?”

“We’re dragons…. And you better be careful. Dragons have a nearly 100% pregnancy rate.” He grinned, leaving and going into the office laughing.

“Aureus you’re a Dick!” I shouted.

“I’m just being honest!” He shouted back.

She blushed a deep ruby red.

She looked at me. “Are you….”

“I’m not pregnant.” I said firmly… we only Just mated this month.... it was too soon, but a little one would be fine… plus I needed my heat to get pregnant…. Thank the Night.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” She said sheepishly.

“I can scent it… if you like Othek, tell him. Trust me, there’s nothing more Crushing on the soul than being lonely.” Said Aureus, shaking his head. He’d come back and put some papers on her desk. He printed out accurate dragon facts.

Now she looked at the floor. She was so embarrassed we could tell…. but Othek was a strong male on a King’s council. Even though that didn’t mean anything to her technically, she could still see. He was muscular, handsome, and serious. I could bet that she was attracted to his aloof nature.

“Oh my… um… Grace is your birthday real?” She asked to change the subject.

“My birthday’s real.” I said with a smile. “I’m only a hundred.”

“Only? Light how long Do you guys Live?!” She yelled.

“Until we’re killed.” We both said at the same time. I left out that I revive; she didn’t need to know that.

“Wow…” She said as if a lot of things were making sense…. What I didn’t know, but she nodded silently.

“We’ll be in the office if you need us.” Said Aureus. He put his hand on the small of my back, and we walked into the office together.

“Of course.” She said silently. “You don’t mind if I read this?” She asked, referring to the facts he’d given her.

“Go ahead.” He said with a small smile.

When we sat down, my mate breathed a little fire. “Now THAT’S what I wanted to see!” He said turning his screen.

He was wired the value of this portion from Mr. Ebonblade… he also got a large portion of stocks as well.

“That’s all well and good… but I have a question…. She Isn’t a soulmate… so Othek would watch her grow old…” I mumbled.

“Not if I can help it. I’m a king. I can turn her to an Omega.” He said pulling up a tab. He pointed with a golden claw….

That was amazing…. I’m sure it couldn’t be done for every human…. But of all the people I’d met, I think Terra was the only human I’d become attached to like a friend.

“If that time comes, I would like to personally attend….For now though, Ebonblade sent a lot of paperwork to sign.

“He did, along with a formal apology 3 pages long.” He snickered. “And a thank you just as long too.” He smiled.

I saw that part though… but it didn’t stop me from snickering.

“Let’s get the lion shifter pack buildings commissioned.” I said excitedly.

“I’ll leave that to You. You have more experience with what’s in a pack and how they’re planned.” He stated, sending me the list of contacts, the budget information and everything else.

I started on it without any issue. He was right next to me while he worked on the Ebonblade assets. Now that he held a stake in it, it seemed like he was researching everything he’d been given, to make sure he wasn’t being cheated.