Page 47 of Dimitri

“I do understand.” Sebastian sighed. “I just never thought of Caspian as being sick. He’s my older brother. He’s always been so commanding and just…more. It is hard to put him as being ill. I understand it’s part of it. Trust me, I do. Our fathers really struggled with the fact that I was busy taking care of Drew when we first were mated. Drew was sick, and I was too busy taking care of him to let them know I even met my One.” He looked directly at me. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply that you had done something wrong. I just…thinking about Caspian being anything but my older brother who was incredibly full of life and this powerful warlock is difficult, I guess.”

I nodded at him. “I understand,” I told him. I did, to some extent. I hadn’t known Caspian long, but what I had seen of his memories and had experienced firsthand before pregnancy sickness set in told me that he was a lot like Sebastian was describing.

I took another bite but wished I hadn’t when a tall man walked up to the table. Reinhold stared at him while Benjamin and Sebastian grinned. The man—warlock now that he was closer—glanced between me and Reinhold, his gaze settling on me. I knew from scent alone that this had to be my father-in-law, which meant this was Benedict. I’d not gotten to meet him when Caspian and I had been in Madrid. Caspian had thought to go into the firm for partial days in order to turn things over, but after learning news from Arturo, he decided he was simply finished and was going to move his things in a blink and spend more time here with me. I wasn’t going to complain.

“You must be my son’s One,” he said.

“Father, this is most certainly Dimitri. We were just discussing how Cas is doing.”

“Yes, how is my oldest? I was a bit put out to learn the two of you were in Madrid but did not stop by the firm for so much as a hello.”

I looked up at Benedict and nodded slowly before I picked up my cup of coffee and took a long sip.

“Caspian is doing as well as he can. The tea the doctor has him drinking causes him to sleep quite a bit. A lot of scents upset his stomach, so we simply avoid them. As for us not stopping in, that was Caspian’s choice. He had a change of plans after he talked to his omega father.”

Benedict was about to speak, but a hush came over the cafeteria, causing most everyone to glance around. Immediately, I saw why: Dedushka was quickly making his way across the room toward our table.

There was a sigh, and I turned to look at Sebastian. “What?”

“I was enjoying breakfast.”

“And?”

“He’s going to cause a whole thing.”

I rolled my eyes. “As if your father isn’t?” I asked. I turned and looked back up at Benedict before I slid my chair back and stood just as Dedushka arrived at our table. Immediately, I found myself pulled into a hug, and greetings were exchanged.

“Dedushka, this is my father-in-law,” I said as I indicated Benedict. Benedict looked back and forth between us before his gaze finally settled on his son.

“Yes, Father, Caspian’s grandfather-in-law is the created dragon. Have you truly not spoken to him at all?”

“No,” Benedict said.

Dedushka nodded to Benedict before looking back my way. “Your parents are here. They are excited to meet Caspian.”

I groaned. Yes, it was going to be a complete shitstorm. Everyone was now here, yet Caspian was still quite ill.

“He is not up for it,” I said. “Perhaps in a few more weeks, but at the moment, he is spending around twenty hours a day sleeping, if not more.” I could tell that Benedict wanted to say something but held off.

“It can wait. Whenever your mate is ready. But your parents would like to see you when you feel up for it.”

I nodded. “Please have Yéye tell them I will see them as soon as I can. I will try for today, but I do not know how things will go with Caspian. He was still sleeping when I left.”

“Chin can come by to see to him. Perhaps he will be able to help. He knows remedies that have worked in the past.”

I nodded. “I will see what he thinks. Thank you, Dedushka.”

“It is what family does,” he told me before he turned to Benedict. “Welcome to the council, Benedict. I have heard good things about you, and if your son is any indicator, you haveraised an amazing man, so I would hope that is a reflection of your own character.”

“Alpha Sergei, I appreciate it. My One and I are thrilled to not only be near our sons but for the new chance here at the council.”

Dedushka and Benedict walked away, talking about the council, among other things, and I told myself I would have to thank him for redirecting Benedict’s attention. I sat back down, more than accepting that my breakfast was now going to be cold, but I found it to be steaming hot still. I glanced at Sebastian, who was busy staring after his father and my grandfather. When Benjamin caught my eye, he smiled.

“Cold eggs are never good, unless they are in a salad.”

“Thank you,” I told him. He nodded at me, and we went back to eating breakfast. There would be time for further discussions about things later. For now, Benjamin was right. Cold eggs weren’t all that great, and I needed to finish mine before they became cold once more.

Chapter 16

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