Total pages in book: 34
Estimated words: 30747 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 154(@200wpm)___ 123(@250wpm)___ 102(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 30747 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 154(@200wpm)___ 123(@250wpm)___ 102(@300wpm)
My glee was overtaken with concern and dread. I would stop at nothing to help my fated one, and wasted no time in draping my arm across Andy’s shoulders. “Come with me.” I looked into his pretty chocolate eyes and added, “I’ll take care of you.” It was a lifelong promise which I would never betray.
“Hey, I was here first!” a man across the room grumped.
I had to bite my lip to keep from saying something rude. My top priority was now Andy, as it always would be, but I understood the man’s frustration and also cared about his well being. I gave him the best smile I could muster and told him, “Someone will be with you shortly, sir.”
Ignoring his scowl and without another word, I guided Andy through a door. Joey and Ian were on our heels, so as we walked, I asked Joey in a whisper that would only be audible to us and our keen hearing, “How long have you known Andy?” I wanted to thank him for bringing my mate to me, but also throttle him for taking so long.
“A few weeks, but this is the first time we’ve hung out.”
I couldn’t keep my pride or excitement to myself any longer, and told him, “He is my mate.”
Joey let out a high pitched squeal which made Andy stop in his tracks and spin around to face his friend. “Are you okay?” He was precious; even though he wasn’t feeling well, he was still worried about Joey.
“I’m great!” Joey replied with a huge grin. I gave him a pleading look; I wanted to be the one who told Andy about our connection. I wasn’t sure what he knew about mates or even vampires, so I wanted to handle it with gentility. Joey was not a gentle boy. “I, uh…I’m just so happy we’re here to get you checked out,” he said, covering his cheerful outburst and granting my request. I nodded my head in thanks.
Andy turned back around and we continued our walk. I heard Joey whispering the news to Ian (though I was sure Andy couldn’t hear), and Ian patted my back in congratulations.
I led Andy into an empty exam room and motioned towards the table in the center. “Can you sit up there for me?” He nodded and took a seat, folding his fingers in his lap and looking up at me from beneath his thick-framed glasses. His eyes were full of worry, but also a dash of intrigue. I was his mate, so it was natural that he was drawn to me. It made me proud and excited, but those feelings would have to wait.
“My name is Dr. Tage Bentley,” I began, offering him my hand. “It’s very nice to meet you.”
“You too,” Andy replied in a quiet voice, slipping his fingers in mine. His skin was warm and soft, and I wanted to feel every inch of it against me. But regrettably, I had to let him go…for now.
“What’s bothering you, Andy?” I asked gently. “What’s making you sick?”
He looked at Joey, who nodded. It was difficult to watch Andy seek reassurance from someone else, but I knew that I would soon be his source of comfort and strength. Now that we’d met, our bond would grow quickly, and our souls would draw closer to one another. Even though he was human, Andy’s heart would recognize me as his own, and he would need to be near me, even if he didn’t fully understand why.
Andy looked back at me and told me, “My belly hurts.” I wanted to scoop him onto my lap and rock him until he felt better. I wanted to pat his belly until the pain went away. It was torture being unable to touch him.
“He was going like this in the car,” Joey helpfully added before making retching noises while lurching forward.
“Did you throw up?” I asked, but Andy shook his head no as his cheeks turned pink.
“I forgot to eat today, so there was nothing in my belly.”
My poor baby definitely needed someone to look after and care for him. “It’s important that we eat,” I told him, unable to resist the temptation any longer and placing my hand on his shoulder. “Food nourishes our bodies and gives us energy so we can have fun.” Once he nodded his understanding, I added, “Skipping meals can make our bellies hurt or feel yucky.”
I hated to pull my hand away, but I longed to meet his needs. I crossed the room and opened a drawer, pulling out a packet of crackers. I returned quickly and ripped open the plastic for him, offering him the wafer. “Can you nibble on this for me?”
He nodded and said, “Thank you,” before taking a small bite. Crumbs fell onto the short, fine black hairs on his chin, but they tumbled away as he chewed.