Chapter Five
Kayluth
Fostering?“I had not thought of that.” Kayluth knew plenty of Drakken who fostered orphaned or enslaved children they’d taken aboard when boarding other starships in search of daragoy. Though, in truth, sometimes a daragoy was like a fostering. Well, he had no need to search anymore. His sobroke, along with Reykos and Raisa, were all he needed.
Kayluth caressed Sundrake’s arm as he cuddled closer, pressing his chest to Sundrake’s back. “I will assk Father Ly, but for now we sshould ssleep. Ssun-break comess earlier here.”
Moondrake leaned over Sundrake and kissed Kayluth, his gaze filled with concern. “Still getting used to mornings and nights?”
Kayluth tugged Moondrake into a longer kiss before letting him go. “I am much better than I wass, and you two make sstaying in bed worthwhile.”
Sundrake flipped again and snuggled into Kayluth’s chest, his forehead resting lightly against Kayluth’s collar bone. “Best place to be,” he slurred, sleep overtaking him.
Moondrake smiled as he looked upon Sundrake. “I agree.”
What could Kayluth say but, “Me, three.”
????
Morning did come earlier, in the form of two small babes jumping on their bed, arms and legs landing on not-yet-awake fathers who bellowed. Sundrake curled into a ball under the covers, leaving Moondrake and Kayluth to wrangle their children.
“Apologiess, my ssonss,” Father Kel said from the doorway. “They were anxiouss to ssee you.”
Kayluth hugged Raisa, rocking her small frame while sticking his nose into her neck, making her giggle hysterically. On the other side of the bed, Moondrake lay nose to nose with Reykos, making funny faces at each other. “>
“Mm.” Kel nodded. “>” Kel absently stroked a few of his green gemstone-studded braids. “>”
“Tak-kou. That iz helpful.” Kayluth poked Sundrake.
“Go away. Still sleeping,” came the muffled reply.
“Mama and Pap are coming. Do you want them to ssee your naked butt?”
Sundrake flipped down the covers, his eyes wide and filled with horror while the rest of them chuckled merrily at his discomfort. The babes giggled and repeated saying “Papa-butt” until gently chided to shush. “Fine.” He gazed at Kel, smiled, and oh so politely asked, “Would you be so kind as to take these hooligans out of here so we may get dressed. No naked butts need to be seen.”
This, of course, set the drakeen off again, but they sensed their dismissal and rolled off the bed. They ran to Father Kel, each hugged a leg, then slid down to sit on his feet. Kel rolled his eyes, but there was a twinkle there to go with the lopsided smile he shot at them. He carefully turned and lumbered back the way he’d come, their babes’ shrieks of laughter fading as he went.
Sundrake threw the covers back over his head. “Ugh. It’s too early for morning.”
His sobroke’s muffled disgust set Kayluth smiling. He peeked at Moondrake who stuck out his tongue, wiggled it, and then made grabby hands. They met over Sundrake for a long good morning kiss, breaking apart when Sundrake whined.
“I want kisses, too.” Sundrake pouted. Kayluth smirked at Moondrake. Moondrake nodded and then both playfully attacked their mate, holding him down as they peppered his face and neck with kisses.
Sundrake fussed but quickly succumbed to their assault, relaxing and letting them do what they would until Moondrake tickled him. Sundrake screeched and Moondrake scrambled from bed, racing across their bedroom with Sundrake hot on his heels.
Kayluth laughed and laughed, lolling on the bed as he watched his mates. It was a good start to a day that he was certain would bring a wealth of trials.
????
Breaking their fast was a loud and obnoxious affair, consisting of Kayluth’s mates, his fathers, Lian and Ivar. Mama and Pap, Brandt’s parents, along with Jules and Nik, who joined them near the end, sending Reykos and Raisa into an uproar.
Jules looked ready to birth their infant at any moment. Nik held her elbow protectively, unsure whether he should leave her side or not. Kayluth nudged Moondrake who draped his arm around Nik’s neck and pulled him away from her side. Jules winked at Kayluth and mouthed her thanks as she joined her parents in wrangling the drakeen. He was proud of the way his babes were gentle with their Auntie Jules, thrilled they’d have a cousin to dote on soon.
Sundrake helped his parents gather toys and extra clothes, including pajamas. Kayluth raised a quizzical brow at his mate. Sundrake smirked and winked conspiratorially.
When Mama approached to rub cheeks in greeting, he wasn’t surprised when she whispered into his ear their plans to have the babes stay for a sleepover. Trifecta winks from the Wardman clan ended the morning rush as Pap ushered Mama, Jules, and the babes out the door.
The six who remained trooped down the castle halls, meeting Orm and Seraphina outside the security conference room.
