Page 55 of Dante
I sat directly across from Banner and smiled at my mate. I could watch over him best from here, if not directly beside him, and I was quickly flanked by Warwick and Briggs. I looked to my right and smiled at the wolf shifter. “How are you doing, Briggs?” I asked.
“I’m good. Really looking forward to this brisket though. It’s been too long since they’ve had BBQ at the cafeteria.”
I thought about that for a moment and nodded in agreement. It had been some time. “Are you enjoying fatherhood?” I asked, trying to be friendly.
Briggs’s smile was unmistakable. “I love it. I wasn’t quite expecting twins, but I adore them. John is great, and he’s a huge help with Maggie. Maggie is the sweetest, and she’s the happiest little girl right now with Konrad and Aleric watching over them all. John insisted on helping, but I honestly just think that he thinks Aleric is badass.”
I snorted. “Aleric is badass,” Damien said as he sat down on the other side of Briggs. There were several chuckles from around the table, and my gaze landed on Banner. He smiled at me before he took a big bite of his brisket and closed his eyes.
I continued to look around the table, and several were talking quietly, while others were a bit louder. I met Augustus’s gaze and nodded at my friend. At least, I hoped we were still friends. Things had shifted between us because of Banner, and I didn’t know where we stood. We’d both been busy, and although we were friendly with one another, there was still a bit of tension there.
We fell into somewhat of a silence and enjoyed a meal together. Despite not technically being “pack,” Briggs fit in as if he were, and that just went to show how accepting we all strived to be. Todd was important to Banner, and since Banner was my mate, he was pack. That meant Todd and Briggs were important to the pack.
Once the meal was finished, Cecil and Todd brought out a huge cake that had a three-eyed monster on it and multiple different colors of icing. Banner’s smile told me he was truly happy. After we ate cake and the mess from everything was cleaned up, it was time for us to take our place as the center of attention. I didn’t really need it, but I loved the fact that everyone was doting on my mate. He deserved all of the attention and love. He was the one making the baby. My contribution to that ended over two months ago. Although I did spoil my mate every chance I got.
We started opening presents, and as more and more little monster things were discovered, Banner’s excitement grew. Yep, we’d found our nursery theme without any input. I wasn’t upset. Not even a little. I was thrilled that Banner was so happy with what he now had for our nursery. Everything had been provided. Sheets, a blanket, wall decorations, a mobile, receiving blankets, even a cute little sleeper with monsters on the feet.
Banner had another moment of being overcome with emotions, but everyone was understanding and very supportive of him and all that he was going through while carrying our son. After the presents were opened and many thanks were shared all around by both me and Banner, we sat around and chatted about more everyday things. By the time the talk became more work focused, I knew my mate was wearing out quickly, and I started trying to come up with a reason to get him home. Thankfully, Briggs and Todd were able to start that trend.
“I had so much fun,” Todd said. “And I hate to be the first to leave, but…babies, and I’ve been away from them for a bit long.”
Banner’s eyes widened. “Go. I’m sorry,” he said just before he yawned. When Banner stood up, he quickly placed his hand on his side. I felt the pain through our bond, and immediately, I was at his side.
“Are you all right?” I asked quietly.
Banner looked up at me and smiled. “I am.” I placed my hand over his in question. “I think I just stood too fast.” I stared at Banner for a long moment before I nodded. He smiled, then turned back to Todd and held out his arms. “Thank you for coming. I love that you were here.”
Todd and Banner hugged quickly, and then Todd moved over into Briggs’s embrace. “I had fun. And I’m sorry, but I’ve never been apart from the twins this long.”
Banner shook his head. “Don’t apologize. Mine isn’t even here yet, and I don’t know if I could leave him for this long.”
Cecil was right there and grinned at Todd. “It’ll get easier,” he said. “Trust me. But your babies are still new. Don’t rush things.” Cecil placed a hand on Todd’s shoulder. “Even when going back to work, don’t rush things. Dr. King can handle it, and he has help three days a week.”
Todd smiled and looked relieved. Briggs and Todd said their farewells and headed toward the door. Cecil pulled Banner into a hug.
“All that being said, I do need to get to my own twins. And you need to get home and rest,” Cecil said. “Don’t think I haven’t seen you rubbing your belly. Are you having contractions?” That seemed to catch everyone’s attention, and the room went quiet.
“I think it’s more just being uncomfortable at this point. Maybe I’m having those fake contractions though?”
Cecil looked directly at me. “He’s had an exciting day. You should probably get him home to rest.” Cecil winked at me, and I had to fight a smile.
I nodded instead. “Thank you,” I told him. “I’ll do just that.” Warwick and Cecil left. They had to get their twins, and that left us.
I turned to Atticus to try and make excuses, but he already had Banner’s coat. “Take him home,” Atticus said. “I doapologize. I should have thought things through more, and you wouldn’t have had such a long day for your mate.”
“This was so thoughtful,” I said.
“It really was. And I adore the little monster theme,” Banner added.
Atticus grinned at my mate. “I’m glad. But you should get home and have a nap. I’ll send everything to your place, and the two of you can do what it is you wish once you rest up.”
“Thank you.” Banner looked around. “It was really nice to meet the rest of you,” he said. There were waves from the others, and after another minute, I managed to get my mate out the door.
“Tell me how you’re really feeling,” I said as I wrapped an arm around Banner’s shoulder to steady him.
“Honestly, I’m just tired. Definitely need to pee,” Banner said.
“Why didn’t you go there?”
