____Chapter 55____

After that not much happened so I'll do a brief summary and move on as to not bore you (If I haven't already). Zane and Katherine came back the next morning, obviously in a VERY good mood, and for some odd reason tried to tell me EVERYTHING about their night. I immediately let them know that I REALLY didn't want to know all that, but that I was happy for them. Life seemed to get dull after that, but Tyler managed to keep it interesting around the hospital. The doctors were amazed at the little bundle of energy and allowed him pretty much free roam of the hospital. Of course I asked for him to be supervised at all times. That task mostly fell on Zane and Katherine, though a few doctors also helped out.

I'll skip ahead to me finally leaving the hospital. It had been a LONG time (don't ask me how long I really have no clue) and I was so happy to be fully healed. In all actuality I COULD have left a week before but I didn't trust it so I did what my stubborn self would do and kept myself where I was another week. Finally I felt that I was able to finally fly away and, after some goodbyes (as I had become pretty popular among the doctors an nurses there over that long period of time) I finally spread my jet-black wings and took off.

There was no pain, no soreness in me from my wound. There was only an aching throb in my wings that shouted for me to beat them as hard and fast as I could. I gladly did so, feeling the warm summer air filling my wings and taking me away. I was lost in my own little world until I saw Angelina come up beside me. She looked at me and I smiled, but then I broke out laughing. Tyler was holding onto her neck and peeking over her head between her horns. It was so cute. I have a feeling life has thrown all it is going to at me, I said, doing a much needed and well deserved barrel roll. I ended up in front and below Angelina and she smiled.

Not yet, she said.

What do you… Before I could finish my question; Tyler jumped off of Angelina's head and stretched his wings out wide. He smoothly glided down and latched himself into the same position on my head and neck. After the initial shock of something like that actually happening, I laughed and gave a mental good job to Tyler, who leaned over to look into my eyes. His own face was beaming happiness and pure energy. This was going to be a fun trip home.

On the way Tyler learned how to fly some. Just short little jumps of flight but powered flight nonetheless. I was so proud of how quickly he was learning. We were all exhausted when we got home. It had taken longer due to all the stops and fun time we were having with Tyler on the way. It was like a vacation that we didn't want to end. However, as we landed, I felt something was a bit off. All of a sudden, there was a flash of fire and we all ducked down instinctively. However, the light was soon accompanied by many voices in my head all screaming CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!

Huh?   I asked, confused as I stood up. The flash of light was many new torches being lit and every dragon I had EVER known was standing in front of me. Eva evidently had planned this whole thing once she learned that Angelina was going to lay an egg. She had all these dragons waiting on the signal. Skye had gotten home early because he had gone ahead home before I had left. He and Eva were now standing beside Kyle and Crystal, waving at me with their wings. I just stood there shocked. The entire lair was filled with anything one could possibly want to eat and everyone was staring at us.

Wow, I said. Thanks…uh…let's get this party started then! Hmm?

Yeah, This all looks so wonderful. I am going to be full tonight, Angelina said, in more ways than one, she continued and I caught the joke, blushing so hard I was sure everyone could tell, even through my black scales.  

Oh you think you're a comedian now huh? I asked.

Yep, she replied and walked into the massive crowd of dragons. Most of them I had met but there were a few I didn't know. I chatted about my life and they were amazed at it, rather than scared. They saw all this celebration and knew I couldn't be anything like the stories of humans or black dragons if so many others liked me enough to throw a party. It was comforting to know that I was accepted.

Torrent ran through the crowd and hugged my leg. Glad you're home again! He exclaimed.

Glad to be back, I replied. I'm going to eat before it's all gone, I stated, knowing I had been talking for a while and not knowing how long the food would last.

The party lasted through the night, settling down to casual chatting near the end. Everyone was stuffed and many dragons had gone home, but several stayed. Tyler was napping right beside Torrent, as they both lay down exhausted on the floor.  

So this is it huh? The end of all the crazy human life interactions and the beginning of life lived as a true dragon? Skye asked as he lounged against the black, stone wall.

I guess, I said as I shrugged my massive, muscled shoulders. I just want to relax and enjoy my life. No fighting, no trying to escape crazy, power-hungry soldiers. I want to be happy.

Are you? Eva asked as she rested her head on her mate's chest with him lying on his back on the smooth floor.

I simply nodded enthusiastically. Eva smiled and rested on her mate. I felt a bit left out so I quickly gave Angelina a kiss on the muzzle and said, I can't even tell you how happy I am. And honestly, I would be completely lost right now without Angelina.

Awe thanks, it's really nothing though, she stated. If you must know the first time I saw you I was instantly hooked. Something about you just seemed…peaceful, which is what I needed in a mate. I was a bit shocked that I would feel such a quality in a black dragon though.

And I am glad you took the time to get to know me, I said, planting another kiss on her cheek. Now we might want to sleep. I have to get to work expanding this lair in the morning.

No you don't, Joseph said. Eva grinned, knowing what he had been planning for a while now.

If I am going to have two kids living in here uh yeah I do, I stated factually.

Nope, Joseph said, because you aren't living here anymore. My home is now yours.

But…

Relax, Eva said calmly. </i> We don't need the massive space anymore. Honestly it's too big for my liking. We found a nice place just a few miles from here. Honestly I thought Angelina would like it.

If only she had flown just a little farther she'd definitely be there, </i> Joseph said. You need room for Torrent and Tyler to roam and for you two to get some peace and alone time. Your new home is just that and more.

I couldn't believe it. He was just giving me his entire lair, everything he had known for so long. Wow thanks so much! I said excitedly.

For my daughter and her mate, it's totally worth it, Joseph stated.

The next morning I got up early and started cleaning up after the party, enjoying some of the leftover food. Everyone was still asleep, and I looked at them curiously and smiled. Angelina Skye, Aura, Joseph, Eva, Torrent and Tyler were all sprawled out across the floor. I almost had the entire lair cleaned when Skye opened his eyes and yawned. He looked at me and smiled. Wow. How long have you been up?

A couple hours, I replied. Got a lot done.

I see that, he responded, taking in the cleaned up lair. Hey uh, the place Aura and I found to live wasn't nearly this nice…Uh can we…

I don't mind but you'll have to ask Angelina. She found the place, I stated factually.

Okay, he replied and helped me do the last little bit of cleaning. Everything was cleaned up quickly and the rest of the group started to rise. Eventually everyone left, except for my mate and I. We stood at the entrance and I asked Angelina what she had told Skye.   

We don't need it anymore. I gave it to him, she said.

Okay, I answered. Let's get home.

She nodded and we flew off together.