The Mates of Monsters novel Chapter 60

Since our discussion of sorts in the rain, the air between David and me has felt off-kilter. Ironically, his preparations for his new third have limited our time more than ever, and he has yet to officially tell me about it. I overheard his conversation with his father, and sometimes I catch snippets of his conversations with Tarlo-both in person at the house and over the phone-but David hasn't told me outright that he's employing a third in command. He must know that I hear things, so maybe he thinks I've put two and two together and don't need an explanation. Maybe he's waiting to tell me once everything is in place, and the person is equipped.

To make matters worse, Nicodra and Aurora are scheduled to arrive tomorrow afternoon. David is so utterly consumed that we have yet to decide what to do about Aurora and her dire need of protection let alone her poisonous thoughts of murder.

Somewhere between Nicodra preparations with Jeremy, the proposition work, my need to ask David about Germany, Aurora's dilemma, and the off-kilter air, I have to breathe. But David has been coming home when I'm already asleep and waking up before I do, and the distance is making me wake with a jitter of anxiety. Jeremy tries to calm my nerves by assuring me all will be better once the third in command is settled in place and Nicodra is both apologized to and forgiven. Yet I feel like I'm climbing a mountain and every time I look up, the top gets farther and farther away.

So I've come to realize that I'm falling down the mountain, not climbing it. And the ground grows nearer.

"Brigette," Helena says, torn from her pastry work. I blink until the fog in my head drifts apart. "If you're going to help me, you're going to have to stay awake. I said keep stirring or the jam will burn."

"Sorry," I mutter and stir the thick red mixture as it boils on the stove. "I'm awake."

"All of this busy nonsense is no good for you. Apologizing to that man," Helena scoffs, "after he wrung your neck-it's not right. If I didn't know any better I would garnish his plate with a special touch of my own."

I glance over my shoulder. "It's a good thing we know better."

"Why don't you go on to bed; it's getting late. I can finish this up myself then head home."

"No, no. It will be faster if we work together. I can wait until David gets back anyway."

"Then you'll be waiting too long. You need enough rest for tomorrow."

"I'll be fine. They aren't getting here until four, and I'm not seeing anyone until dinner. I can sleep in. I have no other plans for the day. Jeremy was kind enough to clear my schedule."

Helena dusts the flour off her hands by swiping them against one another. "He has you working too much."

"What? Is that bad for fertility?"

She shrugs. "Stress can't be good for anything."

She comes over and takes a look at the jam before cutting off the heat. She gives me an empty jar to store it in, then wraps her pastry dough for the refrigerator as well. Afterward, we get to cleaning. Helena loads the dishwasher as I wipe up the counter, picking up sprinkles of flour and scraps of forgotten dough.

"I take it you're not pregnant then," Helena says.

"No, I'm not."

"I thought maybe you were, thought maybe that's why you were more tired recently, but it's just Jeremy and his scheduling."

I rest against the counter when I'm finished. "I don't think I'll be pregnant for a very long time."

"Now I don't know about that. Believe me, you want to have babies when you're young. As we get older, it becomes difficult, and you don't need any more difficulties. After twenty-five, your chances aren't as good."

"Do you know anything about having alpha children when you're not alpha blood yourself?" I ask lightly despite the heaviness on my chest.

"I know only what I learned from David's mother."

"My mother?"

I jolt like a child being caught saying naughty words when David appears in the archway. Immediately I wonder how much he's heard; why he's home at a somewhat reasonable time when compared to the last few nights. I was sure tonight would be another one alone until I feel the bed and blankets shift when one dream ends and another begins.

"Oh, David," Helena says, placing her hand on her heart. "Finished early? Brigette and I were talking about babies, and why she should have them while she's young."

Helena speaks the last bit like an obvious hint. I look between the two of them and feel like hiding under the breakfast table.

"Brigette has plenty of time," he says.

"I know; she's young. But I worry too. Your mother struggled because she started trying for you too late, and I don't want to see Brigette struggle."

David takes a breath.

"You may have been just a boy, but I know you remember," Helena says. "She had your grandmother talking in her ear constantly. One baby isn't enough. What if something happens-of course your grandmother would say that. She had six children herself, three boys and three girls."

"Brigette will be fine, Helena. There's plenty of time."

"Alright, alright, if you say so." She shoos me. "Go on to bed. Big day tomorrow."

I let go of the cloth and hesitate as I walk around the counter. David waits for me, and I feel like someone who has to be watched again. I move from Helena's care to his, and he guides me out with an arm behind my waist.

"You're back early," I say as we make our way down the hall.

"It's not early."