Chapter 34 Bonus Chapter One

Anna Marie

Four Weeks Later

"Chef, the rack of lamb, medium rare is on the pass, waiting for your approval." Her new sous chef, highly recommended by chef Nicolai from ICE was brought in to fill Indali's temporarily vacant position.

-What's her name again? Joana. Oh, right.-

"Thanks, Joana. And make sure we have enough ravioli for tonight. And check my baked lasagna from time to time." Rie went back to plating her delicate dessert for the evening. Aside from that she also prepared Lucas's favorite.

Greek donuts with luscious dark chocolate ganache and cherries. Yum.

Plus a surprise.

This made her nervous. It was expected to happen though. So it wouldn't be much of a surprise for everyone but she would love to see her mate's reaction when she confirmed the news.

"Chef, a VIP is requesting your presence." Jonah, her head waiter announced.

Damn! His words brought back memories. "My mate?" Rie arched her brow.

"Yes, your majesty...I mean, chef." Her employee was trying not to squirm from her narrowed brown eyes.

She had always made it a point to her staff to address her by her profession and not by her status when at work.

Taking pity -Jonah didn't know what to make of her mood- she smiled in acknowledgment and nodded. "Tell him, I will join them in a few minutes. And please distribute these beauties when I am done. Leave the donuts alone. I will bring it with me."

"Yes, chef." And he hightailed out of the kitchen.

Hmmph. She didn't mean to be such a dragon bitch. No pun intended. Blame it on her mood swings. She was driving everyone crazy.

Including Lucas.

Good. She was as crazy for him and she just couldn't get enough of him lately. Which was perfectly fine with her soulmate. Making his job constantly glued to her easier.

Satisfied with her handiwork, she stood on the sideline and watched her waiters parade out of the kitchen bringing the plated sumptuous final meal for the night.

Deeming herself presentable enough to be in the presence of royalty. Smelling of vanilla and cream, she carried her surprise.

On the threshold of the private dining room, she took a deep breath.

Every family member would be present.

Was she ready for this?

Of course. Fate had given her another precious gift. She wouldn't want this any other way.

Blinking back unexpected tears, Rie reached for the gold-plated knob with one hand and entered the well-lit extravagant room.

All eyes went to her and she blushed. "Sorry, I'm late." Her dragon king was on his feet in an instant and walked towards her in his usual lazy strides. Tall, graceful, and elegantly masculine, he always took her breath away.

His hazel orbs never left her flushed face. She knew she must look a sight with her not-so-pristine chef's white jacket and her messy bun.

"You are glowing. So beautiful." He murmured, running his fingers on her cheek, cupping, he bent his head and gave her a light kiss. More like a promise. "And you smell wonderful."

"Ehem, I baked you this." She said shyly. His eyes flared in surprise.

"How did you know?" He asked. Awed by her thoughtfulness.

"Your sister. She told me and gave me the recipe." Their grandmother used to prepare this dessert during the holidays. It had been a long time since Lucas had a taste of his favorite Greek donuts. Indali had always failed to follow the family recipe.

And it took Anna Marie a week to get it right.

"Goddess. This is a treat. Thank you, little chef." He pecked her lips once more and carried the bowl for her while he escorted her to their seats.

Beaming, she kissed her sisters' cheeks and embraced all the women in their family before taking a breather. It had been an energetic night.

"Luc, let everyone taste it?" He nodded and obediently let all of the guests get their share. She eyed each piece and made sure the last three marked donut balls were for her king.

Humming his approval, he bit into the chocolatey goodness and devoured the first two in seconds, on his third and last one he stopped chewing when he bit into a hard object "What..." Puzzled, he removed the tiny gold treasure from his mouth and looked at it with confused glowing orbs.

When the realization hit him, he almost choked with emotion clogging his throat.

A very tiny replica of baby boots painted in splashes of blue over yellow gold. "Rie, sweetheart..." This was the first time everyone heard his voice vulnerable.

"Yes..." She whispered through her tears.

"Goddess..." Anna Marie squealed when he pulled her into his arms and spun her around in joyous laughter toppling the objects surrounding them.

Everyone was clapping and cheering. And a few moments later, her staff was serving them, except her and her sister Anna, also glowing from her noticeable baby bump, bubbly champagne.

On her dragon's lap, settling after a lot of back thumping and congratulations, Rie let him feed her her favorite stuffed ravioli and steak.

This was a night of relaxation after weeks of organizations after their encounter with the evil realm.

Though everyone was sad with the loss of Baxter, their esteemed butler, especially her sisters Anna and Alexie, they paid him the utmost respect and buried him on the royal grounds for Kings and Queens. A tribute for his sacrifice to protect the lycan heirs.

Alexander and Anna had indeed made The Mark their temporary residence and the surrounded buildings for the pack houses, however, well-known and trusted engineers from the dragon and lycan realms have started building the royal estate once more, this time it was closer to the neighboring properties and in the middle of a highly enchanted and protected forest.

"Oh. By the way, we have another surprise for you." Anna, her eldest sister announced. Happiness radiated from her eyes.

Everyone quieted down and waited. "Rie, Mish, aunt Dehlia will be visiting us in a week."

Rie couldn't contain her smile. "Goddess...really?" Her sister nodded enthusiastically and Mish whooped in elation. Their men chuckled at their excitement. "But...she doesn't know..."

"Don't worry, sis. I'm announcing this so that everyone will be prepared. Don't worry, she will only be here for a few days to meet our husbands and our new family." Anna assured her.

"And Uncle Philip?" Mish asked in a soft voice. The man aunt Dehlia married was a godsend. He had filled the gap of a father figure in their lives.

"Yes. But their kids won't be able to make it." Anna answered.

Accepting their sister's decision, trusting her irrevocably, they all nodded their approval.

Turning her head, she leaned and murmured on Lucas's right ear. "Are you okay with my relatives visiting, my love?"

"Of course, sweetheart. You know, I'll do anything to make you happy." He nuzzled her neck and kissed the heated skin lingeringly.

"Thank you." She whispered. Her amber depths growing misty with happiness.

"No. Thank you, my dragon queen. You have given me all I've ever wanted in life. I love you so much, Rie." Forgetting the people around them, in their perfect world despite the trials hovering on the horizon, she tilted her head and kissed him with all the passion in her heart and soul.

"And I love you, my dragon king." Bringing his hand on her still flat belly. "I love you both."

________________