Magnum

Hunter (2nd in command)

Magnum watched as his father schemed to take over the clan. He watched as his mate fawned over his father like he was the TideLord's gift to the world. He watched as his father attempted to force Karli's hand, calling her out for not having a mate to help her lead, calling her out for her favoritism shown to Shade's family. He sat by watching it all, taking it all in, never expecting the ultimate betrayal. He knew that Impa should be wanting to nest and yet she never came to him, never asked him to nest with her. Instead, she made a nest with his father, without ever saying a word to him about it.

At first he felt rage. How could his own father betray him this way? After all his boasting about family and his rage over Sansa leaving him, he stole his own son's mate. And Impa, Magnum couldn't even fathom to think what was going through her mind. He knew she hadn't loved him as much as he loved her but he had always assumed that she at least cared about his feelings. That seemed to not be the case.

What he hadn't considered was that there was another injured party in all this. And she had chosen to comfort him instead of pity herself. Twice she had a mate leave her and twice she had born the pain of it with great strength. This time around, she wasn't alone. Not only did Magnum support her, but Shade and Sansa too, refusing to let her sit at a fire alone, making her a part of their little family. Magnum found himself spending more and more time with his mother and Shade and Cerimi. They were an odd group, but a comforting one.

Cerimi promoted him to her second in command, completely shunning Contralto in front of everyone. When he attempted to over rule her, she stopped him with a look and said, "Do you really want to contest me on this? I am the lead hunter, with the full support of the clan behind me. We have not gone hungry a single day since I have been in charge. I am perfectly in my rights of choosing who is in my inner circle and who I can trust and you are NOT that person." Contralto stepped back without a word, anger darkening his face. He said nothing, knowing there was no way he could justify his actions in front of everyone.

Over the fires with Shade, Sansa, and Cerimi, they discussed future plans for the clan. "Karli will need to have another child to hold up the line of succession. Not because Arwen's children won't work, but just in case." Shade scratched his chin, looking at the others.

"And a mate for that child," Cerimi added.

Sansa looked at Magnum, a smile on her face. "Son, what about you? You need a mate?"

He looked up, surprised. "The child hasn't even hatched yet and you're match-making? I think we should wait to see what happens, don't you? What if she falls for another dragon? I wouldn't want to force her into anything she doesn't want."

Sansa nuzzled him, impressed. "And this is why you are more my son than his. You are so caring. Any dragon would see that and love that about you."

"Except Impa," Magnum growled.

Shade shook his head. "Impa is not the kind of dragon you want to be stuck with, Son. She would never have been good to you. Time to look to the future. We shall see what the leader's next nest holds soon enough." Magnum nodded in agreement, curious about whether his true mate was just a hatch away.