Page 19 of The Guardian's True-Mate

“I’m not a collector, per say. I just buy a few pairs every time I have the occasion to clothes shop. They add up after a while,” Dakota said, crossing the room to scoop down and rescue his black G-string.

“I’m not complaining, mate,” I said, stepping into my underwear.

“I hope not. They’re not going anywhere,” he laughed, shutting the drawer. “Socks are in the next one down along with your undershirts If you need them.”

“Thanks,” I said.

Now that my mate was back in the room, I couldn’t stop grinning. His scent wrapped around me and the fabric hugging my dick reminded me of just how hard I already was. I pulled on a shirt, but didn’t bother with the slacks as we sat down, with our backs against the headboards to eat.

“Thank you for putting everything away,” I said.

“Not a problem. Scott’s slept most of the day so far. So he didn’t really need much help. Oh, but I did put on a pot of coffee before coming in here. I wasn’t sure if you drank it. Terrick said you probably didn’t.”

“He would say that,” I chuckled.

“Was it a lie?” Dakota asked.

“No, I do drink it, but he’d have no way of knowing that. I haven’t lived in Mother’s house since before he was born. I don’t drink coffee there, because whichever one of her mates or maids or whoever makes it doesn’t use enough coffee. It’s like dirty water.”

“I have an espresso machine when my stuff gets here,” Dakota offered up. “We’ll have to set it up in here as not to tempt Scott since he can’t drink that right now.”

“You probably won’t be able to soon either,” I said and kicked myself as soon as the words were out of my mouth. “Shit, sorry. We haven’t had the kids discussion yet. I jumped the gun on that one.”

Dakota didn’t say anything. When I glanced over at him, all the blood had rushed to his face, causing him to blush. His heart skipped a beat when our gazes met.

“Sorry,” I said again.

“No, don’t be,” he shook his head and averted his gaze to his plate.

“I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

His scent wasn’t mad or sad. He smelled flustered, but also confused and ---

“How do you have so many emotions at once, mate? Your brain is going to explode,” I said, setting my plate aside and reaching for his hand.

“I always have,” he chuckled. “Most people don’t try to sniff them all out at once.”

“You’re my mate. I want to know how you’re feeling and that was a jackass thing for me to say.”

“Not really,” he shook his head.

“You smell otherwise.”

“I’m not upset,” he said.

“Then what are you?” I asked.

“Horny. Trying to think in a straight line which is a nigh impossible task around you. Trying to imagine what our children might look like. Trying to figure out the timeline so I won’t be too pregnant while Scott is still pregnant. Counting days since my last birth control shot – it’s hit or miss right now. My next shot would’ve been three days from now. Thinking of how many bloodshakes I should make in advance if we’re going to spend the rest of the day in bed. Wondering if I could learn to live on a night schedule if we went back to your coven. Wondering if you want to. Horny again because I know you’re still hard. Wondering if your mother is going to send a totally different guard now that I’m distracting you. Wondering if Scott will be okay with that. Will Terrick? Will you?”

“We’re okay,” I said. “I don’t think she’ll send anyone else. All the omegas here in Heartville keep stealing us. She can’t afford to lose all her guards to the wolves.”

Dakota laughed and some of the tension left his shoulders.

“I’m here to help too. If you and Scott are both too pregnant to handle something, Terrick and I are capable. As to where we should live, I don’t know.”

“I don’t have a living family,” Dakota blurted out. “You do.”

“And if we live away from them there is such a thing as holidays and vacations. You came all the way here to help Scott. You may not have living blood family, but you do have a family here,” I said.

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