Page 30 of Briggs (Paranormal Council Enforcers #16)

“It’s written on your face when you look at him or even talk about him.

I’ve seen more alphas in love with their mates than I can count.

I understand that it can sometimes be scary saying those words first, but trust that the fates knew what they were doing when they paired the two of you.

I’m no expert, but for some reason, Todd needed to meet you now.

That much I know. Why? I’m not sure yet, but hopefully that becomes clear sooner rather than later. ”

“Thank you,” I said. “I know Todd is terrified about losing his job, and although he doesn’t have to work, I won’t stop him if he decides to go back to work.”

“Todd’s job will be there as long as he wants it.”

“Thank you,” I said.

Dr. King nodded to me, and then he was gone.

I was left with my mate sleeping and the realization that there was so much more going on with him than I imagined.

I was upset that he felt he had to block certain things from me, but I knew that once he woke and we could talk about things, he would hopefully understand that no matter what, I wasn’t going anywhere.

I didn’t know how long Todd would sleep, but I figured it would be well through when we were supposed to have dinner with Alpha Babak and Alpha Dane. I winced as I pulled out my phone and typed out a message of apology.

Me: I do apologize for such short notice, Alpha Dane. Todd isn’t feeling well and Dr. King just left. Todd is sleeping thanks to the tea, and most likely will be for some time. I know it is incredibly rude to cancel without notice, but could we possibly reschedule our dinner for another day?

I copied and pasted the same message, with a few changes to Alpha Babak as well.

Me: I do apologize for such short notice, Alpha Babak.

Todd hasn’t been feeling well and Dr. King just left after a house call.

Todd is sleeping thanks to the special tea, and most likely will be for some time.

I know it is incredibly rude to cancel without notice, but could we possibly reschedule our dinner for another day?

I know he would love to see John and Tracy, as would I, but Todd simply isn’t up for it just yet.

My phone vibrated with Alpha Dane’s response before I could finish altering the message to Alpha Babak.

Alpha Dane: Absolutely. Do you or Todd need anything? Victoria and I will gladly bring meals if needed. Bath things for Todd to use to relax? Personally I know nothing about those, but Victoria does. I could ask her to put together a care basket.

Alpha Babak’s reply came in as I was reading Alpha Dane’s. If I hadn’t worked for the council as long as I had, I would probably be a bit nervous with all of the created ones messaging me as if it were an everyday thing.

Me: Thank you for the offer, Alpha. It isn’t necessary though. Todd has some extra stress, and it seems as if it simply overflowed. He’s sleeping now and we’ll alter his treatment plan with Dr. King and Dr. Swift. I appreciate your concern, understanding, and offer.

Alpha Babak: Do not fret. Mina will bring leftovers tomorrow so you can enjoy the delicious foods.

She also wishes to say that if Todd needs anything at all, do not hesitate to reach out.

We will be in touch. Do not worry about the children.

They will understand that their brother isn’t feeling well.

I didn’t know what to say to all of that other than thank you, so that was what I did.

Me: Thank you, Alpha Babak. We very much wish to join you and Alpha Mate Mina. Just as soon as Todd is feeling better, I will reach out to reschedule with you. Thank you for all of your care and concern for my mate. I appreciate it.

I ran my hand down my face and took a deep breath.

This was not how I had envisioned my mating going.

Would I change it? No. Todd was who he was because of the circumstances of his life.

I was sure he would have been just as adorable, and I would have fallen in love with him even if he’d never been trafficked, but knowing what he’d gone through had made me admire him more than I could say.

I knew alphas that wouldn’t have survived what my mate had been through.

Yes, Todd still had some things he was working on, but I was beginning to think that some of his issues were due to unrealistic expectations he had of himself.

He was putting too much pressure on himself, and his timeline was too constrained.

I glanced back toward the bed where Todd was and wondered if I should sit with him or go find something to eat.

I had mentioned pizza or Chinese, and I would never leave while he was sleeping to go fetch it, but we didn’t have a delivery service here on the mountain.

But perhaps I could get a little bit of magical help with that later when Todd was awake if he wasn’t up for going out.

I was truly at a loss as to what to do, so I went into what would be our nursery with new information that Dr. King had disclosed to me.

We would need two of everything because we were having twins.

That was…a lot to take in. We weren’t the first and certainly wouldn’t be the last couple to have twins.

But were we ready for two babies? Was anyone ever ready for twins?

Well, except Benjamin. He had been an absolute pro at babies when their twins were born and handled it like it was nothing.

I wouldn’t be nearly that lucky, as I didn’t have magical abilities in that way.

I could shift into a wolf, but that was the extent of my magic.

I couldn’t change diapers and prepare bottles from a completely different state like Benjamin.

Then again, I wasn’t sure how many warlocks could. Benjamin was from a powerful line.

That didn’t matter though. Todd and I were in this together, and we’d figure it out.

I thought about my family and how I hadn’t even told them I’d found my mate.

Todd and I had been together for just under a month now, and I’d not even texted them to let them know.

It wasn’t because I was ashamed or anything; we’d simply been busy and wrapped up in each other.

I would be sure to message them this weekend once Todd was feeling better. Well, hopefully feeling better.

I turned around in the empty room before I left. I peeked in on Todd, and finding him still very much asleep, I decided to go downstairs. I could work on some laundry or take stock of our pantry and make a shopping list.

It was odd that I was suddenly left trying to find something to occupy my time while my mate slept. For several weeks now, it had been us doing everything together. Less than a month ago, I had no issues coming up with activities to occupy my time, but now? I was struggling.

I went to the kitchen, and after getting a glass of water, I took a long drink as I stared out the window. It had a nice view of Ramsey’s house. He wasn’t so close that we would hear him and his mate, but they were close enough if either of us should ever need the other for something.

Thinking back to my current situation, I wasn’t sure if I was struggling to find something to do so much as I was worried for my mate.

When I had that thought, immediately, my wolf howled in my mind.

So maybe that was it. I finished my water, and instead of finding something to do, I went back to the bedroom to sit with my sleeping mate.