The Cambion's Hoard

Biggs sat in the recliner in his room, studying the wounds left on his abdomen. I’d hoped he would remember what I told him, how we all felt about what had happened. It was beginning to look like he hadn’t. Maybe Patti or Lyandra would know if that was possible for the mind and soul to reconnect.

“I can’t get over how strange these scars are. Like tree rings.” He looked back at all of us. His smile was tired. He was gaunt and stretched thin but he was awake.

“Maybe its because you’re a pine dragon?”

Thatcher rubbed my neck. “We never told you we were pine dragons.”

“You both have a pine scent but not the same. That’s how I could tell you apart. Your scent.” Resin and ash, both uniquely pine.

Henson adjusted so he was closer to Biggs. “I’m just glad you’re healed. My bed has been lonelier without you in it.”

Biggs cupped Henson’s cheek. “You’ve had Rose.”

“I didn’t say I was alone, I said lonelier. We have both missed you.” Hen kissed Biggs’s palm.

“Biggs, you haven’t said much about what happened. Do you remember?” Thatcher leaned away from me. We had all decided to give him a day or two to acclimate.

“Thatch!”

“He needs to know. I’m sorry I may have been out voted but I know him. He’d want to know.” Thatcher held up his hands.

“I know what happened. My consciousness and soul are still weaving memories back together. Still have some things not lining up. I do know I had an adverse reaction to the Thermadex. I hurt all of you, and Kelley. Where is he?”

“He’s down in physical therapy.” Thatch pulled me back into his arms.

Biggs nodded. “3 vertebra 6 ribs or the other way around?”

No one had told him that. “You’re right.”

Biggs smiled. “I could write a book on what I experienced these past few months, was it?”

Henson kissed his hand again. “Yes.”

“You could hear us?”

He reached up and played with Henson’s horns. His expression softer than ever before. “I could hear the conversations here. I know how worried all of you were for me, how I would react when I woke up. When my soul was tethered to yours, I felt your emotions. I learned the different reactions you had to your mates, family and friends. Its a lot to digest, but I’ll get there.”

“We’ll give you all the time you need.” Henson took his hand again.

“I think I’ll go down and get Kelley. He’ll be so excited you’re up. He’s been worried.” Thatcher kissed the back of my head.

Biggs motioned to his brother, beckoning him for a hug. Thatcher went to his brother and leaned down to him. They hugged each other tightly. Biggs pressed close to Thatch’s ear and whispered quickly.

Thatcher pressed their foreheads together. “I’m glad you’re okay. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Thatcher clasped Hen’s shoulder then headed out of the room, closing the door softly behind him.

“Rose scoot closer, please.” Biggs held his hand out to me.

I grabbed my chair’s arms and scooted forward. Biggs took my hand into his and rubbed my knuckles. The intensity of his gaze made me squirm. He’d always been intense but this was different. It was full of adoration like I’d never seen from him before.

He raised my had to his lips, placing soft kisses across my fingers. “We need to talk about last night.”

Henson let out a annoyed with. “I told you not to use him as an excuse.”

Biggs tugged his ear.

“Oh, I liked it. I told her as much and she told you. So behave.”His words rumbled with the control I was used to hearing from him.

Henson snorted. “Sorry. Then what happened.”

Biggs face lit up, joy radiating from him. “We made a baby.”