Page 18 of Expecting The Unexpected
CHAPTER 6
“In my office, now!” Hron snarled, then turned to Caden. “You too!”
Throg hesitated. He knew he needed to do as his Caliph ordered, but every part of him wanted to go to his mate. Heneededto go to his mate. Spencer’s words still reeling in Throg’s mind.
How could Spencer think for a moment that Throg didn’t want him, because of what had happened? Did his mate really and truly see himself as tainted and not good enough for Throg? If anything, he was far too good for Throg.
Throg needed...
“Throg! Now!” Hron snapped once again, and then pulled out his phone. “I want you in my office five minutes ago.”
Reluctantly, Throg followed Hron, neither speaking as they rode the elevator to Hron’s office. They walked into the large room to see not only Groth there, but also both of Hron’s fathers as well.
Throg gave a slight nod. “Krerr, Stok.”
“Hello, Throg. We were talking with Groth when you summoned him. Is there word on Topaz and Dak, or news on those trying to hurt your clutch?” Stok asked.
Shaking his head, Hron went to the bar and poured himself a drink. “No. Dak is expected to check in within the hour. This has to do with a situation concerning Throg and possibly all Nakaka.”
Throg looked out the large window, watching the Nakaka walking around the business district without a care in the world. It was an extreme difference from when Hron and his inner circle had first arrived. The paths had been empty back then, businesses closed and people in fear. However, today the streets were full, and many were smiling, greeting others as they shopped and went about their day feeling safe... trusting, expecting Hron and his men to take care of them and keep them that way. For that to happen, Throg needed to keep Hron safe. He needed to ensure that the man was alive and well in order to keep moving forward, helping to heal the people. How could he do that if he had a mate to care for? His ability to stay alert would be divided, and that could get his Caliph killed and that could get his mate killed along with most of this clutch.
Throg had a duty. He was sworn by the gods themselves to care for the ancients and their families. It was why he had been created. He had failed them once. He could not... no, hewouldnot fail them again.
However, now he had a child to be considered. A tiny chickpea would be born in five months and Throg was at a loss as to what to do. He didn’t want his mate raising their child alone. Not only was it unfair to Spencer, it wasn’t fair to ask that of Throg either. How was he expected to give up both his mate and his child? The thought had Throg’s heart breaking and lungs practically nonfunctional. He didn’t want to give them up. He wanted his family.
“Throg!”
Hearing his name snapped out like that by his Caliph had him turning to see everyone looking in his direction.
Throg didn’t know how long he had been standing there looking out amongst the people in his own thoughts, but it must have been a while, because at some point Peth had joined them and was currently sitting next to Caden.
Clearing his throat and his mind, Throg asked, “Yes, Caliph?”
“Sit. We have a great deal to discuss, and you have a great deal to answer for,” Hron stated firmly, looking none too pleased.
Petree came rushing into the room with Mason, Abe, Bryant, and Spencer on his heels, and Dr. Oleander casually walking in and taking a seat.
Hron sighed, “I know you all want answers, and I’m trying to—”
“That’s not why we’re here.” Petree stated, looking his mate directly in the eyes. His eyes spoke of determination and strength. For what, Throg had no idea, but that look spoke volumes to anyone and everyone in the room. Petree was on a mission.
Hron pinched the bridge of his nose. “If you give me some time to talk with Throg...”
Petree shook his head, “Spencer asked me to ensure nothing happened to Throg.”
“He did what?” Throg asked in shock.
Elijah pursed his lips, but said, “From the moment he was told he was pregnant, Spencer has been insistent that there was no way you had done this on purpose. So, even if I want to rip your nuts off and feed them to you with a spoon, I’ll honor Spencer’s wishes.”
“Elijah,” the doctor said, sounding more of a warning than just saying his name.
Shrugging, Elijah said, “I’m just telling it like it is, Doc.”
Doctor Oleander rolled his eyes, “Why don’t you all sit. This disharmony is not going to help anyone.”
Everyone sat and Throg could say nothing. Why had Spencer sent his friends here to defend him? Throg had rejected him, hurt Spencer to his soul, made him think things that couldn’t be further from the truth... and still he wanted Throg protected. Gods, Throg didn’t know what to say or do about that.
“Are you sure Spencer is pregnant? Could he just be sick, or have a tumor growing, or something?” Groth asked.