Page 35 of Slow Birth
“Caleb is special.”
“I think he’s a wonderful man and Xan is lucky to have him.” Vale shifted back with a grunt, rubbing his stomach. “Good wolf-god above, this child! He never rests.”
“When he’s bigger, he’ll have less room to move around. So, he’ll slow down.”
Vale frowned at his stomach, imagining the terror that would come when that happened. “Then I’ll panic and rejoice every time he makes himself known. I’ve heard as much from Miner.”
“Miner’s driving you up a wall, is he?”
“They both are. They’d put me in a glass cage if they could and feed me only the freshest fruit and vegetables straight from golden tongs.”
“Interesting image.”
Vale sighed and rubbed his bulge again. “So, with all that out on the table, indulge me some more. What’s the plan now? How will you proceed with this relationship—is that even the term for what you have? And how are you coping with all of this time apart?”
“I’m not sure. Making plans is difficult because his cousin, Janus, an alpha with a reputation for seducing contracted omegas, has been sent there to spy on Xan. Or so he believes.”
“Oh, I can believe it.” Vale rolled his eyes. “Xan’s father is a controlling man from what I’ve seen and all I’ve heard.” Memories of ugly behavior at various social functions flashed through his mind.
“Yes. Well, Xan wishes he could get away from Virona to meet me halfway in Montrew, but he’s so busy with his work. And I’m busy here, of course. Plus, his father has put the kibosh on Xan traveling anywhere near the city during this flu epidemic, and his cousin is there to enforce it.”
“Jason didn’t tell me about that. What if you went up to see him for a few days?”
“He says even if I did find a way to get up there, we wouldn’t have any time alone. Not with his cousin keeping such a close eye on him.”
Vale scoffed. “You could be inconspicuous.”
“Perhaps.” Urho rubbed a hand over his forehead.
“Don’t be such a coward.”
“What?”
If Urho didn’t make a move, then he was sure to lose Xan or talk himself out of pursuing a taboo relationship with him. For some reason he only vaguely understood as love for both of his friends, Vale didn’t want that to happen. “Surely you could find someone to look after the omega who is pregnant with twins? And we could engage another doctor—just for a day or so. What’s really stopping you?”
Urho’s shoulders drew up. “This flu contagion is growing in proportions that frighten me. The omega expecting twins and his alpha have decided it’s too risky to stay in town. They’re heading west to Elinton for the rest of his pregnancy.”
“Perfect.” Vale snapped his fingers. “When they’re gone, you should go up and stay with Xan.”
“I could, but—”
At that moment, Jason entered with a stack of mail and a tray of tea. He looked adorably flustered, and Vale’s heart went all gooey at the sight of him. Really, it was ridiculous, and yet he wouldn’t change it for the world.
“The door was only the postman. He was coughing up a storm. Ugly wracking coughs. I’m not sure he shouldn’t be home.” Jason nodded at the envelopes. “Out in this cold weather with a cough like that, he’ll catch his death, as my father would say. And all for a stack of junk mail and fliers.”
“Go wash your hands,” Urho said gruffly, standing up. “And burn that mail.”
Jason paled and stared down at the offending papers like he held a murder weapon in his hands. “The flu.”
“Do what I said,” Urho commanded.
Jason fled the room, and an acidic taste flooded Vale’s mouth. He didn’t know what he’d do if something happened to Jason. “Do you think he’ll get sick?”
“I hope not. For your sake. The real danger, though, is ifyouget sick.”
That didn’t mollify Vale in the least. “I heard rumors that this flu is bad enough that some young people are dying from it. A boy just last week—younger than Jason, healthy and hale, and then he was gone.”
“I think the omega with twins has the right idea.” Urho sighed. “I can host you at my country home.”
