Page 15 of Roman (Destined Paranormals #7)

Chapter 15

Roman

I took full responsibility for the discomfort that Beau was currently experiencing. We had been mated for three weeks now, and although we seemed to have settled into life together without too much issue, there was a bit of a new situation: Beau was pregnant, and he had morning sickness. Only, it wasn’t “morning” sickness. It was all-day sickness, and my precious little mate wasn’t happy about that in the least.

“How can someone throw up so much? And why? Does this mean I’ll get sick again next time we have a baby?”

I looked down at Beau with wide eyes. He looked so pale and tired. I felt terrible because I’d caused this. I was the alpha, and I’d knotted and impregnated him. “How can you even be thinking about having more babies? Why would you? You’re so incredibly sick.” I was becoming worried, actually.

I’d called Dr. King right after we’d mated, and he’d come out the day after and was able to relieve any concerns we had at that moment about Beau not being able to remember anything with regards to his fertile period. Some omegas were like that; it just depended. And it would be possible that going forward, Beau would remember everything. That was a bit of a relief for me, but I still felt terrible about how everything had happened for my mate.

Dr. King also was able to confirm at that point that Beau was carrying our first child. Just one. We were going to be welcoming a new addition to our family in early fall. That was how I knew that Beau was experiencing pregnancy sickness. I had always known that it didn’t necessarily keep to being just morning sickness but tended to be more prevalent in the morning hours. That much was true for Beau as well. If he didn’t get a snack first thing upon waking, he would be sick. Sadly, it seemed to be the case throughout the day as well.

“What can I get for you?” I asked as I ran my fingers through Beau’s hair. He was currently lying on the couch after his most recent trip to the bathroom. “Maybe a trip to the doctor for tea? The twins drank a tea when they were pregnant.”

Beau nodded seconds before he tried to sit up. I wasn’t sure if he simply wanted up or he needed up, but I helped him upright and sat there waiting. I was prepared to rush him to the bathroom again if needed, but he seemed content to simply sit there.

“When do we get the tea? We had a tea in our realm for all things. The one for pregnancy sickness would be wonderful right about now.”

My eyebrows rose. “As far as I know, it is the tea from your realm. It’s been brought here for some time now, but I do not know all of the specifics. I know that between the council and the fates, a deal has been arranged, and the tea, your tea, has been brought to our world in order to help the pregnant omegas. You’ve been ill for several days now, and I hate seeing you like this.”

Beau offered a tired smile. That was another thing. His energy never seemed to return after his fertile period. Was that always going to be the case? I remembered my brothers while they were pregnant, and although both had their energy zapped from them for different reasons, they seemed to have bounced back a little quicker than my own mate had.

“Our tea would be lovely. How and where do we get it? You mentioned the council and the doctor?”

I nodded. “Let me call Dr. King’s office and see if he’s available. If not, I can reach out to possibly Alexander. He might have some since he works in the clinic in Timber Valley once or twice a week. Or maybe Knox has some left over from when Philip was pregnant with their twins.”

I leaned in and kissed Beau’s cheek quickly before I stood and went to locate my phone. I was fairly certain that I’d left it in the kitchen when I had been getting Beau some water, but my thoughts had been more focused on my mate than my phone.

It was easy enough to find: it was beside the refrigerator. I rolled my eyes at myself because I should have put it in my pocket, but for whatever reason, I’d set it down instead. No matter. The important thing was that I’d found it, and I could get in contact with someone about getting Beau tea.

I found the number to the clinic and hoped for the best when I touched the contact. It rang a few times before the call was answered.

“Dr. King’s office. This is Todd speaking. How may I help you today.”

I smiled. I’d met Todd when he’d first been rescued. He’d come quite a way since, but he still seemed a bit…lost at times. “Hi, Todd. This is Roman Nelson. I needed to see about getting some tea for my mate. He’s ill, and not just in the mornings.”

There was some noise that sounded like things being moved around, and then it sounded like the phone was actually dropped. I pulled the phone away from my ear at the noise, but when there was a muffled voice on the other end, I put it back up to my ear. There were more muffled sounds, and then a new voice came through the line.

“Roman? It’s Dr. King.”

My smile grew. “Hello, Dr. King. I didn’t think to ask you before when you checked up on Beau, but we’re in need of the tea that you have for the omegas. He’s started getting sick several times a day, and he’s mentioned his realm had a tea. I know it’s the same tea, and I need to know what steps I have to take in order to get it for him.”

Dr. King’s chuckle came through the line. “I do apologize. I am not meaning to make light of Beau’s condition. I did leave some tea samples when I was there to check up on him. Did you not find them in the packet?”

I moved away from where I was leaning against the counter beside the fridge. “Is it with the book?”

“Yes. Did you not read the book or look in the box that I left with it?”

I winced. “I did not, no. We’ve been a bit occupied, and Beau has just recently started to feel poorly.”

“There are two samples of tea in the box. One will make him sleepy; the other will simply help with the pregnancy sickness. Not only will it calm his stomach, but it also seems to help with energy levels, although I am afraid that nothing is perfect, and it’s likely he will still have lower energy levels during this first part of his pregnancy.”

I found the book, and yes, there was a box that looked much like a lunch-type box beside it. Inside, I found two sections, both clearly labeled. “Do you think I should give him the tea that makes him sleep? He’s already tired though, so I don’t think he needs help with that.”

“With Beau being fae, it the tea being from his realm, I would try the other tea first. The one that causes them to sleep is something that seems to help most with shifter omegas and carriers that have severe sickness. It might be that we discovered that Beau needs the other one, but for now, try the other.”

I nodded. “I can do that.” I looked around and realized I didn’t have a kettle. “Hot water, a packet of tea, and do I need to add anything?”

“That is up to Beau. Ask him how he drinks his tea. Adding honey or sugar hasn’t seemed to alter the effectiveness of it, as far as we’ve been able to tell. I have time tomorrow afternoon, around one, to come down and see Beau. Does that work for you?”

“Yes. We have no plans. Especially not with him feeling like he does.”

“Sounds like a good plan. If the tea doesn’t help him, try the other one. It can take a few cups of it to fully take effect though.”

“I’ll make him a tea now,” I told the doctor. “Is there anything else I can do for him that will help him feel better?”

“If you’re not already, offer small snacks. Usually crackers, breads, things of that nature. One omega’s go-to meal for pregnancy sickness is oatmeal. It can sit incredibly heavy in the stomach though, which is not what we’re hoping for at the moment. It will be trial and error until Beau finds out what works for him.”

“Thank you, Dr. King. I really appreciate your help as well as your willingness to come to us tomorrow. I know it’s short notice.”

“It is all part of the job. I’ll see you tomorrow. Call back if Beau becomes worse despite the tea. He should feel at least somewhat better with either of them.”

“I’ll be sure to do that. Thank you again.”

The call ended, and I set my phone down beside the box. I didn’t have a tea kettle and would need to get one. What I did have was a coffee maker that could make hot coffee in minutes. That would have to do for now. I grabbed a mug, placed one of the tea bags in the bottom of it, and placed it under the coffee maker. A few buttons later, the coffee maker started brewing hot water instead of coffee.

“Beau?” I called out as I walked to the back den.

“Yeah?”

“How do you take your tea?” I asked. He was leaning back on the couch, his eyes closed. “Dr. King actually left some here for you a couple of weeks ago when he was here. I just didn’t realize the book and box that he left on the end of the counter.”

“Just tea. Nothing else is needed in it. I like it warm, but not too hot.”

Well, shit. I rushed back to the kitchen, wondering if I was too late. The coffee maker was streaming out hot water, and there wasn’t much I could do. I let it finish, and once it had, I took the mug and carefully dumped out about half of the water. I’d let that steep for a few minutes before I added some cold water. That would make it warm, right?

I had no clue, but I would figure it out. For now, the hope was to get something going that would calm Beau’s stomach.

“Sweetness? Did you wish to try some crackers? Toast? Fruit?”

“Applesauce? Do we still have some of that? The kind with cinnamon in it?”

I smiled as I opened the fridge to check. It looked as if we had enough for two more servings, so I pulled it out to pour Beau a small bowl of it.

“We have some. Anything else? You sure you don’t want some crackers? Scones? There’s a few of them left here on the counter.”

“Just the applesauce, please.”

The urge to argue was there, but I didn’t. I wouldn’t. Beau knew what was best for his stomach at the moment, and if he wanted only tea and applesauce, that was what I was going to get for him.

I grabbed a spoon, pushed the tea bag down a few times, and watched as the water darkened. I had never been a tea drinker, and I didn’t really know the specifics of making a perfect cup of tea, but I was going to learn.

I dunked the tea bag a few more times, deemed it acceptable, and then pulled it out, dropping it in the sink for the time being. I added some water to the cup, stirred it, and hoped for the best. I’d ask Beau what his method was for making tea, but right now, I was doing my best to take care of my pregnant mate.

I grabbed the applesauce bowl and quickly made my way back to my mate. He was how I’d left him just moments ago, but his eyes opened, and he turned his head slightly my way as I approached. The tired smile spoke volumes.

“I’m so sorry, sweetness. I didn’t know that Dr. King had left tea. I remember him talking about the book, but I had no idea he’d left a box with tea tins in it. This is supposed to be the tea from your realm. It’s not the one that will make you sleepy though. If you need that, we’ll make it later.”

Beau held out his hands, and I carefully passed the mug to him. “I don’t think I need something that will help me sleep. I seem to be doing enough of that on my own.”

Beau carefully took a sip of the tea while I sat in front of him on the coffee table. He made a face, and I winced.

“Bad? I tried. I’m not a tea drinker, and I don’t have a kettle. I’ll put in an order for one though.”

“It’s a little cool.”

I made another face. “Sorry. I dumped out some of the hot water, and after it sat for a few minutes, I added cold water. I am sorry, Beau. I can go make you another cup if you’d like.”

“It’s fine. It could have steeped a bit longer, but maybe that was because you added too much cold water?” Beau took another sip, and when he made a face, I reached for the mug and took it from him. I placed it on the coffee table beside me and handed him the applesauce.

“Hold this,” I told him. He took the bowl, bringing it close to his chest. I stood and easily swept him up into my arms. “I’ll sit you on the kitchen island, and you can help me brew you the perfect cup of tea.”

“I’m sorry to be trouble.”

I looked at my mate and kissed his temple. “You will never be trouble. I just suck at making tea because it’s not my thing. I know how to make tea, but it’s not something I ever do, and I know little about how long, how hot, things of that nature. As you know, I drink scalding hot coffee.” Beau shook his head. When I carefully set him on the island, he crossed his legs and stared at me. He was at an almost perfect height now, and I took advantage and leaned in to give him another kiss. “Now, tell me how to make your tea.”

“Did you use your coffee maker?”

I nodded.

“That explains the lingering coffee flavor. How about you put a mug in the microwave. Just don’t tell anyone else that I’m having you heat my tea in the microwave.”

“I would never.”

I grabbed another mug, added water, and after placing it in the microwave for ninety seconds, I turned back to find Beau taking a spoonful of applesauce.

“You know, normally I’d just use magic, but it’s not really working at the moment.”

“Still?” I asked.

“Yeah. It’s a bit concerning, but I should have expected it could be a possibility.” Beau sighed. “I’ve already abandoned the bakery just days after opening it, and now if I can’t use my magic to make some of the goodies, I don’t see why the council would keep me at all.”

The microwave dinging sidetracked me. I retrieved the mug, placed another tea bag in it, and placed it beside Beau. I then took the applesauce from him and placed it on the other side of him before I positioned my hands on either side of his legs and leaned in, kissing him once more.

“Explain to me why it is that you think the council will get rid of you? Master Edison already said that the bakery would be waiting for you if that was what you desired. Have you changed your mind about things?” If he had, that was fine with me.

“No. I still want to work at the bakery. I just…I can’t make all of the things I had on the menu without the use of magic. There were too many things. And I’ll have to go in at something like three in the morning to start everything.” Beau looked as if he were about to cry, so I pulled him into a hug and simply held him.

“If you have to have fewer items, then you do. The council will understand. And I might not be an amazing baker, but I’m here to help you in any way I can. I’m not doing anything until August or September, so until then, I’ll help in any way you need.” I held Beau for several minutes before he moved out of my embrace. I was going to question him until he swiped at his eyes.

“I can’t, Roman.”

My heart felt a sudden pang unlike I’d ever experienced before. “You can’t what?”

“Not tell you. You’re so amazing and wonderful and just…more than I think I deserve. I was supposed to be the person running the bakery, and then you showed up, and I chose you instead of the bakery, and it’s just like Evan warned. He said I would have to give everything up if I chose you, and I don’t care anymore. I want you.” Beau swiped at his eyes again before he glanced off to the side. “I want you, and this house, and our baby. More babies. I want all of that. I had thought that I wanted the bakery, but that was before you. Before I fell in love with you.”

The ache in my heart suddenly lifted. I pulled Beau close and just held him. “I love you too. I know it’s fast, and some will never be able to understand just how intense our feelings are or how quickly they develop, but they’re there, and they’re real,” I said as I held him. “I love you, Beau, and if you truly don’t wish to run the bakery, then you do not have to. But if you’re simply exhausted and overly worried right now, I understand, and we’ll figure it out.”

I kissed Beau, which only seemed to make him cry a bit harder. Not exactly how I envisioned our first declarations of love going, but then again, I’d never expected to be mated to a cute little fae either. Beau kissed me back before he pulled away. He smiled at me before he wiped his eyes and then his nose. I grabbed him a paper towel, and when he covered his face with it, I wrapped my arms around his waist and held him.

“We’ll figure it out. I promise. I’ve been through a whole lot in my lifetime, and this is no different. It’s simply an obstacle that we’ll tackle and come up with a plan to work through it.”

Beau blew his nose, then wrapped his arms around my chest and held on. “I’m so glad you love me too. I don’t know if I could handle you not with everything else that seems to be going on right now.”

My poor mate. He was obviously overwhelmed. But a whole lot had happened in just a few short weeks, and it was completely understandable. I kissed the top of his head once more before I moved to step back. Beau appeared a bit more relaxed but still as if he were ready to fall over if the wind blew him just right.

“Drink some tea, and hopefully, it’ll calm your stomach enough that you can relax. You’re overly tired,” I told him as I ran my fingers through his disheveled hair. Beau nodded before he picked up the mug. He pulled out the floating tea bag and placed it on the wadded paper towel. I took both and tossed them into the trash while Beau took a drink of tea. His moan told me that it was either exactly what he needed or infinitely better than what I’d made for him. Most likely both.

I had a few ideas where the bakery was concerned because I knew that deep down, Beau wanted to run the bakery. It was important to him to feel as if he were doing something. Once I got my mate settled, hopefully, I’d be able to make some calls and see if I could not only get my mate some reassurance but some help too.