Page 99 of As The Shifter World Turns

“Good to know. I’ll remember that next time I meet one in a dark alley,” I said. Neil shivered and peered over his shoulder. “But we can watch something else if you want.” I didn’t want Neil sleeping with the lights on or needing Ivor to stay on his couch for the night.

“Can we?” he asked as he moved closer to Ivor.

“Like what?” Ivor scrolled through a list.

“A comedy. Or a musical. Nothing with zombies or anything scary.”

36

HE HAD ME AT TACOS!

Micah

I’ll message you every hour.

At least that’s what Archer promised me as I sobbed in his arms. I hadn’t meant to get so emotional and in hindsight it was beyond irrational. But there I was crying. And I wasn’t even the pregnant one.

And it wasn’t like Archer was going to Bermuda for a vacation. He was going home to be with his dadwho’d just had surgery. Both parents needed support and they wanted their son. At least that was the gist of the information he’d been given. Something told me they wouldn’t have called him unless it was more serious thanfetch me a glass of water.

“You look a mess.” Ryder wasn’t wrong. I did.

“I was just thinking about how I fell apart when Archer left.” I glanced at my phone—again—in case there was a message I didn’t hear come in—as it was sitting in my hand. “It was a little over the top.”

“I walked in on the aftermath, remember?” I hadn’t. That day had been a blur. “It’s just because of the baby,” he shrugged.

“But I’m not the one pregnant,” I reminded him. “I did the impregnating.”

“And you’re his mate. That bond—it sometimes messes with the whole thing. Remember how bonding helped Archer?”

He was right. It did. I’d not really spent a lot of time around pregnant people and never one pregnant with a unicorn baby. Why hadn’t I thought of that?

And really, it was a great thing. If I could take anyof the side effects of pregnancy away from him, that was an amazing gift. I just wish I hadn’t sent him on his way with me being such a hot mess.

“He hasn’t called in two hours.” I set my phone down on the coffee table. “Every hour he said, which was hyperbole, but still… I worry.” I set my hands on my mating mark. “We’re going to the roof.”

I went into the kitchen and grabbed my Jiffy Pop. “Come on. Let’s go.”

Ryder didn’t even pretend to argue over it.

“I’ll get your phone.” For a split second I thought about having him leave it on the table. Like maybe that would be better for it not to be with me. But also, if I left it here, my mind would be too.

“Thanks.”

We went up to the roof. It was a nice evening, cool and clear.

“I’ve never had that before,” Ryder said as he watched me turn on the gas. “I used to want it as a kid because of the commercials, but my dad said it was too much money for too little food. I think he just didn’t like it because he would buy us fancy ice cream all day long. Ice cream he loved.”

Archer had been fascinated with the Jiffy Pop and there had been a couple of weeks when we had one every night. That was probably why I wanted it now.

“It’s yummy. Do you think he’s okay?” I shut the lid of the grill, allowing it to overheat.

“He’s fine. If he wasn’t, he’d have called. He’s probably taking a nap or cooking a late supper. If he wasn’t fine, you’d know.” I wanted to believe Ryder’s words so badly.

I picked up my phone and started the video recording and handed it to Ryder. “Film me?”

He responded with a nod.

“I was just thinking about you, mate. It’s a beautiful night so I decided to make popcorn. Ryder has never had it cooked like this before so it’s going to be a treat.” I opened the lid of the grill and set the tin on it. “I thought you’d like to see.”

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