The First Flame: To Infinity

“Why are you so happy?"

Ran looked at Vrox, who sat at the head of the table with Kira beside him. They were eating indoors because it was raining.

Eon shifted in his seat a little, and she looked at him to make sure he wasn’t feeling too much pain. After their adventure yesterday, she was sure he tore his side open. Apparently, sex was the best medicine he could get.

“Nothing, dad. I just… woke up with a pain on my side but it’s gone now, so I’m happy.”

Eon stuffed his mouth with a fork-full to hide his laughter.

“Are you sure you’re okay, honey?” Kira asked.

“Yup.”

“How about you, Eon? How is your injury?” Kira continued.

Eon placed a hand over his bandages. He was on his feet now but still had to be careful about heavy-lifting.

“I am well. Thank you.” Under the table, his hand squeezed Ran’s thigh.

She wasn’t sure if he was telling her to stop with the inside jokes, or promising payback later. She hoped it was the latter.

“Kinda impressive that you’re back on your feet so fast,” Apollo said. “Great for you!”

“I am indebted to Lamara.”

Vrox cleared his throat, and everyone turned to him. “The men told me about your solo expeditions.” He paused to mutter something under his breath, and Kira touched his hand to support him. “They are dangerous of you. Stupid.”

Ran sighed. Her father refused to give Eon a break, even if he was injured.

“But that last beast you took down that did this to you… it has great healing properties in its claws. I was able to make a rare medicine for one of my sick men.” Vrox shifted on his seat uncomfortably. “Your shenanigans saved him.”

This was sweet recognition.

“Why don’t you move in?” Kira suggested. “I hate the thought of you sleeping in a tent so far away.”

“I’m not sure,” Eon replied. “I would not want to intrude…”

“Intrude?” Ran snorted. She could tell that he felt overwhelmed, so she slipped her hand over his and held it just like Kira did with Vrox.

“What’s with those solo trips, anyway?” Terra asked. “Hunting alone is no fun.”

“I just wandered often,” Eon said.

“Lies,” Ran rolled her eyes. “He’s been killing himself to impress everyone and make friends. You all have been eating fancy meats because he makes sure you have the best.”

"Aww Eon. You don’t need to impress anyone. You’re already cool. You tamed Ran’s crazy ass.”

Ran tossed a spoon at her twin, and Kira slapped the table with her free hand to get them to settle down.

“Eon, honey, we won’t mind having you around.” Kira turned to Vrox. “Isn’t that right, baby?”

Vrox grumbled and shrugged. It was a reluctant acceptance, but Ran knew that he would’ve shut down the idea if he truly disagreed.

“Thanks dad,” Ran smiled. “You’re a great dad…”

And potentially granddad. 

“I will take care of her, Commander.”

“Damn right you will,” Vrox pointed with his knife.

“Take her away before he changes his mind,” Terra laughed.

“Hey!” Ran yelled when she was snatched off her chair and tossed over a broad shoulder. “You’re not supposed to be doing this!” She wanted to squirm, but thought otherwise because she didn’t want to hurt him.

Someone whistled behind them as Eon carried her out of the dining area and to her bedroom. He set her down on the bed and crushed her with his weight.

“I’ve got you now. Forever.”

“Don’t get too big-headed, now. We already have Kyros. We don’t need two of them.”

He chuckled and rose to connect their foreheads. “Thank you for staying beside me and helping me recover, and for what you did for my father, and for showing me my worth. I am so glad I stole that spaceship and went after you all those months ago. I discovered fire as I risked getting burned.”

“What?”

He chuckled and kissed her nose. “I thought I knew fire before I met you. I was wrong. All flames dull compared to you.”

Embarrassed by his praise, she changed the topic. “Yeah? Well, I thought I knew eggplants before I met you. Now whip your dick out.”

He lowered his hips to keep her pinned but did nothing sexual. Instead, he stared at her with admiration until she squirmed and begged to be released. He did no such thing. She would receive his love whether she liked it or not.

She tried to kiss him- to do anything to escape his scrutiny, but he kept her locked in place. After she turned a worrying shade of red, he picked her up again and walked to the top of the stairs.

“I can walk. Where are we going? To get your stuff from you tent?”

He stopped at the stairs and looked below. People were working and strolling, minding their own business.

“Ezron!” His roar was so mighty that his chest ached.

Heads turned his way and found him on the stairs, holding Ran up.

“Your princess is my queen!”

More whistles came from below, while Ran glared at her male. “I’m going to kill you!”

He walked down the steps and took his time. People stared, but he didn’t care about the attention. Ran deserved to be paraded, and Ezron needed to know that there was a male who would die for her.

“Can you reach up and scratch the back of my head?”

Desperate for a distraction from the stares, she reached up into his hair. “This is a weird request.” She stroked his hair and brushed it from his forehead.

“My head has been itching lately. I don’t know why.”

Ran paused as she connected the dots. She was surprised that Eon hasn’t realized it yet.

“How tall are you?”

He frowned down at her. “Very tall. Why?”

Because you’re about to be extra tall with the pair of horns that are about to sprout from your head. 

The Fates found him worthy, and so would the rest of Ezron.

“Congrats, baby,” she whispered and kissed his chin.

Eon didn’t know what she was talking about, but she refused to spoil the surprise for him. He deserved this.

Next chapter is the last!
Rider King will get updated twice per week afterward