Page 15 of The Bull's Head

“Cece isn’t coming?”

“No, they’re dropping her off to visit with Nura, Alp’s mom. I think Damon said she was taking Ivan with her.”

Which was probably why he was calling before. “He called, but I was busy, so I have to call him back. Um. Is it okay if I do that quick?”

“Sure, of course. I told you, we’re not structured around here. As long as things are getting done and it keeps the Council from breathing down our necks, I’m fine.”

Mal picked up his coffee and ambled off, leaving Teddy alone in the cubbyhole of an office. He slid his phone from his front pants pocket and called Ivan back.

“Little brother!” Ivan boomed, his voice a balm for Teddy.

“I’m sorry I missed your call last night.”

“Were you going at it hot and heavy? Banging someone into the mattress? I would have ignored my call too.”

“No, I’m not the manwhore you are,” Teddy replied with a laugh.

Ivan snorted. “Is true, yes. I am in a league of my own.”

They both cracked up. When Teddy had himself under control, he asked, “Do you have a few minutes?”

“Of course. Cece is in the airport gift shop, looking for something to take to the bunny’s mother. I was with her, but she pushed me out when it became apparent the store was not built for someone my size.”

“What did you knock over?”

“A magazine display. In my defense, it is a very tiny store.”

Where Ivan and Teddy were concerned, most of the world felt very tiny. At well over six feet tall and built like linebackers, everything around them was like papier-mâché. It didn’t help they didn’t have the coordination of Cece, who could probably dance through the store and never touch a thing. Bears were more lumbering forces of nature that would plow through whatever stood in their way to get what they were after. It made Teddy nervous about actually having a baby to hold, because he wasn’t sure he wouldn’t crush the poor thing.

“So what’s up?”

“I was calling to tell you I miss you, and to ask if you’re enjoying new job.” Ivan’s accent was thick, heavy.

“What’s wrong?”

“Why you ask? Everything is fine. Hunky dory and all that.”

“Your Russian accent is slipping out. Now, don’t make me have to beat it out of you.”

He snorted. “Yes, because that will happen.”

“Fine. Don’t make me call Cece. We both know what she’ll do if I tell her something’s up.”

He sighed. “I know I told you to take job, but….” He hummed. “I miss my brother.”

Warmth spread through Teddy. “I miss you too. Did you want me to come home?”

“Yes!” he said loudly, his excitement palpable, but then in a much more even tone, he said, “No. I don’t know. We have been together every day our whole lives, and when I woke up this morning, I realized I would not be seeing your face, which I love so much.”

“Ivan….”

“No, is not you, is me. I guess I never thought about how this would hurt.”

“I can come home, you know.”

Strange to think that a few days ago, he would have jumped at the chance, but now? Somehow his heart was planting roots in Wald, and Teddy wasn’t sure how he felt about leaving.

“No, do not do that. It is my issue, and I will deal.”

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