Page 56 of The Alpha's Second Chance Mate

“Hey, Avery. Sorry. I have a lot going on today, and you were first on my list. Is this a bad time?”

“No, I’ve got a minute. What’s up?”

“Well, I just got to your house. I’ve been keeping an eye on the place like you asked, and it looks like Perry cleared out. And, even better news, he didn’t trash the place in a tantrum.”

“Oh, good,” I said with a sigh. Perry had not been happy with me demanding that he get out, and I’d texted Gaige, asking him to head off anything that might happen.

“All that’s left are a few boxes he packed up. Your name’s scrawled on them. I took a peek, and it looks like personal stuff. I’ll have it shipped to you if you like?”

“Sure, that would be great.” I hadn’t thought Perry would be so gracious as to pack up my things and have them ready to ship out. Maybe he’d realized what a dick he’d been and calmed down.

“Okay. I’ll try to get it sent out today sometime, and then I can start doing showings.”

“Thank you, Gaige.”

“Take it easy, Avery.”

I closed my laptop and returned to the kitchen for a fresh cup of coffee. Ashton was still asleep from the sound of it. While I was pouring, I noticed Cole’s truck pull into the driveway. Frowning, I headed to the door to meet him.

Cole was walking up the steps when I opened the door. He smiled and raised a large brown bag.

“Breakfast. Hope you guys haven’t eaten already,” he said.

“Nope,” I replied. “I’ve had some coffee, and Ashton is still asleep. I didn’t know you were coming by this morning.” I stepped aside to let him in.

“Thought I’d surprise you guys. Do you mind?”

“No, it’s fine. Means I don’t have to cook this morning.”

Cole placed the bag on the counter and grinned at me. “See? I’m being chivalrous.”

“Do I smell food?” Ashton stumbled down the hall, rubbing at his eyes, his voice deep and groggy.

“Good Lord, your sense of smell is getting strong,” I said. “Did that really wake you up from a dead sleep?”

He nodded and plopped down at the kitchen table. “I’m starving.”

Cole began pulling wrapped packages out of the bag. “Wasn’t sure what you guys liked, so I got a selection. Sausage, egg, and cheese biscuits, bacon and egg biscuits, a couple sides of hash browns, and a big container of sausage gravy, too.”

Ashton clamped a hand over his stomach. “Oh my God, that sounds amazing.”

He raised his arms, stretching and yawning, and I gaped at his pajamas. The sleeves nearly came down to his elbows. I glanced down. The leg cuffs were halfway up his shin.

“Ashton, are those PJs from a few years ago?” I asked.

“No,” he said. “These are the ones you got me for Christmas.”

“Holy crap. We’re gonna have to get you new clothes,” I said. “Is all your stuff this small?”

Cole handed Ashton a biscuit, and he took a massive bite before answering. “These fit last night. I’m not sure what happened.”

Again, that deep voice. I’d thought it was from being asleep so long, but now I was sure it was at least an octave lower than it had been yesterday. Plus, I was positive that all his clothes had fit fine a few days ago.

“Is this normal?” I asked Cole, freakin out that my baby was changing so rapidly.

Cole was pouring chunky white gravy over his biscuits and shot me a knowing grin. “You remember what I was like. The closer to the first shift, the quicker the changes happen.”

I stared at him, my mouth hanging open. Cole burst out laughing.

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