Bram nodded and then did a sweep of the crowd in front of him. “Go. I’ll let you all know when things have returned to normal.”
As the crowd dispersed, Bram took hold of Evie’s hand and tugged her inside the tent. While he’d taken care of Murray a hundred times in the last five months, he was anxious to see the lad. From here on out, Murray wouldn’t be a charge but his and Evie’s son.
Sid and her core nursing staff were finishing up the minor wounds on Bram’s team. Sid noticed him, gave an order to one of her staff, and stood in front of him. After giving him a once-over, she said, “You’ll have a bruise on your jaw, but you’ll live. Do you have any other injuries I should be worried about?
Evie moved slightly in front of him and gave an assessing glance. “Stubborn dragonman, if you’re hurt, say so.”
He put up his free hand. “I’m fine. Before the two of you insist on checking every inch of me to verify my words, Sid, I want you to let Evie take Murray home. Provided, of course, he’s well.”
Sid moved her gaze to Evie and back. “Yes, he’s healthy if not a little tired and dehydrated. But does your mate know how to take care of a dragon-shifter child?”
Evie’s grip on his hand loosened and he squeezed her fingers in reassurance. “She’ll be fine. I’m sending Mel and Tristan to help until I finish with clan matters.”
Sid turned and Bram followed, tugging Evie along until they stood over wee Murray. The babe was asleep, but his cheeks were full of color and the lad seemed content. His dragon chimed in, his previous tension somewhat diminished. Our son will be well.
That was fast. I expected it to take longer to claim him.
Our mate wants him, so I want him. The baby will make her happy.
Bram watched as Sid lifted Murray and placed him in Evie’s arms. The sight of his mate holding the babe caused a rush of warmth to spread throughout his body. He said to his dragon, The baby will make us all happy.
He brushed Murray’s soft cheek. “Be a good lad, Murray, and mind your mum until I return.” Glancing over at Evie, her eyes were wet. He rubbed her back and said, “You’ll do all right, love. Don’t worry.”
Evie met his eyes. “I’m not worried about that. It’s just that I never thought I’d have the chance to be a mum. Hearing you call me that makes me happy.”
“Evie.” He gave her a gentle kiss. “This is just the beginning for us. We’ll see how you feel when he wakes you up at four a.m. The reality might be a little less rosy.”
She frowned. “Don’t you have clan matters to attend to?”
Bram laughed. “I can
take a hint. You want to enjoy the rosiness of being a new mum without a reminder of the realities to come.”
Scanning the tent, he noticed Nikki sitting in a corner. He shouted her name and motioned for her to come. As she made her way toward them, he whispered to Evie, “I really do need to take care of some clan matters. Nikki will take you home. Are you okay with that?”
Evie’s stern voice returned. “Why wouldn’t I? Blaming her for my capture and Charlie’s death is pointless. A number of factors contributed to that happening.”
The corner of his mouth ticked up. “Good. My clever lass understands.” Before Evie could reply, Nikki approached. Her expression was unsure and her posture a little less confident. Bram decided to fix that. He ordered, “Take Evie and Murray to my cottage and help her settle in. Then call Melanie and Tristan to come over. I want you to watch over them all until I return.”
Nikki twisted her hands. “Are you sure you want me to do it?”
“Nikola Gray, unless there is a valid reason for why I shouldn’t send you, then you have your orders.”
Nikki’s voice was faint when she replied, “The last time I was given an assignment, Charlie died.”
Pushing aside the loss of his clan member, Bram focused on healing the one still alive. “You aren’t responsible for Charlie’s death. If anyone is to blame, it is I. Now, do you wish to keep arguing or will you take Evie and Murray so I can ensure the clan’s safety?”
Nikki glanced to Evie, but his mate smiled and bobbed her head in encouragement. Nikki looked back to him. “I’ll take her.”
Bram nodded. “Good lass.” He turned toward Evie, kissed Murray’s forehead and then hers. “I’ll be home soon. Don’t destroy the place in the meantime.”
Amusement danced in Evie’s eyes. “I’ll see what I can cook up.”
As he watched his family walk away, his dragon said, Hurry up. I want our mate as promised.
You are calmer than five minutes ago.
Tasting our mate and claiming our new son helped, but I need her. I am strong, but even I am reaching my limit.