The Cambion's Hoard
Chapter 42-Rose

Biggs and I sat in the waiting room at the specialist office Patti had recommended he reach out to. He’d managed to get in with the reproductive endocrinologist sooner than we had anticipated. Kelley had wanted to take him and Thatcher out for lunch but Biggs declined. I told them Linus had called me needing some help at the club and I’d promised Biggs could help me this time. So Henson went with them instead.

Biggs bounced his legs out of nervousness. I could feel the tension in his body, not only through the bond but the air around him too.

I put my hand on his knee. “You’re going to get answers today.”

He laced his fingers through mine. “I know. Part of me is upset that I’m lying to my mate and my brother.”

Freeing my hand from his I enveloped him in my arms. “Once you have answers you can tell them. I’ll help you explain. They’ll forgive you.”

He snorted and leaned his head against mine. “You know the right thing to say.”

Letting him go I pulled his hand into my lap. He calmed enough that his bouncing wasn’t shaking the chairs anymore. Henson and Thatch knew something was up, but didn’t want to press him. Everyone could tell he was in a fragile state. Even Kelley. He’d given Biggs plenty of breathing room over the last three days since he’d arrived.

I’m sure the others had noticed but Biggs had begun paying attention to Kelley when he spoke and told stories. Henson and I would share looks feeling his walls break down through the bond. I planned on making them dinner tonight and having the three of them share some time alone. Whether Biggs liked it or not.

“Mr. Drake?”

Biggs looked towards the nurse. “Can she come with me?”

She bobbed her head. “Of course.”

Biggs pulled us to our feet. He pulled me snuggly against his side. We followed the nurse down the hall. She led us to an ultrasound examination room.

“The technician will be in shortly. There is a robe on the bed, remove all of your clothes and put it on with the opening to the front.”

“Thank you.” I smiled at her since Biggs had turned his focus to the bed.

I turned back to face him. He stood unmoving staring at the gown. Taking a deep breath he finally pulled his shirt over his head. His scales covered his upper body sporadically instead of a true shift. They were dull and splintering. Biggs pulled the gown on before taking his pants off.

Biggs picked his clothes up and set them on the chair beside the examination table. He sat down and looked at the floor.

“Hey, you want to know something?” I moved towards the chair and picked his clothes up, folding them neatly.

“What?” he didn’t look up.

“I didn’t know your last name was Drake. I’ve been living with you guys for months and I didn’t know your last name.”

Biggs snorted. “We never told you our full names?”

I sat down. “Nope. It makes me giggle a little because your last name is what you are a drake, dragon. It’s hilarious.”

He finally looked at me but his smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Dragons are nothing if not ironic.”

We sat for a moment in silence. I wasn’t sure what to say to him. I knew he was uncomfortable but I didn’t know what words would help.

“I’m scared, Rose.” He gripped the side of the table.

Getting up and setting his clothes down, I went to him. I wrapped him in my arms again. “It’s ok to be scared but no matter the outcome of this, I’m not leaving. Hen isn’t leaving and neither is Thatcher. I even think Kelley is going to be here for you too. You can rely on us when you’re afraid and we’ll take that burden for you.”

Biggs finally hugged me. “I love you. I know it’s terrible timing but you keep doing things that solidify those feelings. You don’t have to say it back. I need you to know.”

I stepped back and tilted his head up. Pressing my lips to his without thinking, “I love you too.”