Page 20 of Don't Howl At Me

Chapter Eleven

Wolf

“The twins are running a fever. I don’t want Xavier to catch whatever they have. Can you watch him at our house tonight?” Rayne stood by my desk with dark circles under his eyes. “We’re taking the boys to the ER, and thought we’d stay at the coven house to assist in faster healing.”

“Sure. I can take care of my little buddy.” I hugged my brother because his bitter scent showed he was spiraling toward the edge. “But make sure you care for his daddy and papa, too. I can tell you aren’t getting enough rest.”

“I know.” Rayne heaved out a deep breath. “It’s hard juggling the twins, Xavier, and work. Plus keeping my relationship with Zander healthy. Now the kids are sick, and I’m exhausted.”

“Don’t worry about Xavier tonight. I’ll go over to your house now. We can have a sleepover. I have a taste for macaroni and cheeseburger-topped pizza and apple juice anyway.”

Rayne looked at me with absolute horror. “My goddess. Do you guys actually eat that?”

“Yup,” I answered. “Your son loves it.”

“Eh.” Rayne fake vomited. “That’s nasty. As long as you guys are happy and I don’t have to witness it, then I’m happy. You know the rules, and you’ll break most of them. In the end, my kid’s smiling and safe.”

“You don’t have to worry. I’d call Ollie to come over, but he’s been sick lately with the pregnancy.”

“Did you give Ollie some of the tea I made for him?” Rayne asked. “I know it soothed my nausea, and it’s completely safe for the babies.”

“I did. He said it helped a little, but his morning sickness is still horrible.”

“Sometimes it’s like that,” Rayne said. “I can stop by in a day or two and do some healing work over him. Harmless to the eggs, but it makes the carrier more relaxed. That might help.”

“That sounds wonderful. Please come help him.” I shrugged helplessly. “I hate feeling helpless.”

“He’ll be fine. The doctor examined him and everything is going smoothly except the sickness. Some of us just experience that pain and nausea more keenly than others.”

“I know you’re right. I just worry.”

“Zander was the same. Listen, I have to go get Zander and the twins. I’ll text you later. Let me know how you and Xavier are doing. I know you’ll keep him safe but I like the confirmation.”

“Will do.” I finished packing my bag. I had my best buddy to get to.

***

After letting Ollie know my plans for the night, I picked up the pizza, juice, and a few other treats Rayne would freak if he found out. I got to my brother’s house in under an hour. I couldn’t wait to get time in with my little buddy.

I had ten seconds after entering to set the pizza and juice safely on the table next to the door. A tiny boy-shaped tornado ran into my arms, almost knocking me over with his zeal. Happiness filled my soul.

“Unca Woff.” Xavier covered me in a sweet-smelling sticky substance. Whatever he had been doing with his nanny must have been messy. The best things always were. “Missed you.”

“I missed you, too.” I squeezed Xavier extra tight. “I’m here for a buddy sleepover. I got pizza, juice, and a surprise for us to share. You get to pick the movie.”

“Yay,” Xavier said as I let him down. He ran into the living room to find the perfect movie. The family cat and dog followed him. His little security entourage.

“How was he today?” I asked the nanny who was cleaning up the art project they had been in the middle of.

“Oh, he was a ball of energy,” she said. “No signs of a fever. He napped an hour longer than usual, so he might stay up a bit later. Not thatUnca Woffcares about bedtimes.”

“Nope,” I agreed. “Although it helps that he crashes by nine p.m. regardless. I love spending as much time as I can with him, but all that energy matching depletes me.”

“I know,” she said. “It’s a lot to keep up with. The bond you two have is adorable. You’re entering fatherhood yourself, I hear. Congratulations.”

“Thanks,” I said. “I’m excited to meet them. Ollie says he wants to stay home with them. Just take a few random jobs if he wishes. I would, too, if I could, but I need to remain at the training center.”

“Oh yes,” she said, “You can’t leave Nikaolai to his own devices. He may blow up the city.”

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