Chapter 12 Matthew #2
“Like what? My magic is wonky, and when I try to do something, it doesn’t work?
People think we’re mischievous, and it’s true—we can and do easily get bored.
But I think most of the stereotype comes from the fact that we tend to spend a lot of time pregnant and our magic doesn’t always work properly.
It’s not really dangerous. Just causes problems.”
I groaned when Cornelius started massaging my shoulder. I could certainly go for more of that, so I rotated myself and straddled my mate’s hips and sat on his thighs with my chin resting on my chest.
“That feels so good,” I said.
“It’s supposed to. Was there a reason why you were in the kitchen?”
“Hmm, yeah. I was going to see if I could bake honey spice bread. It’s one of my absolute favorites, and I miss it.”
“Well, it sounds delicious. Do we have everything you need here? I mean, there is a kitchen in here if you want to use it.”
I pushed away from my mate and stared at him. Why hadn’t I thought of that? We did have a kitchen. A fully stocked one at that. And if there was something I needed, all I had to do was conjure it. Err, actually, it might be better to ask Cornelius to do that.
“Hmm, that sounds like a plan. I think we have everything I need to make it. Would you like a spiced honey bread? Do you like sweets? It’s more of a cake than a doughy bread.”
“Sweetheart, I’m willing to try anything once. If you want to make a spiced honey bread, bake until your heart’s content.”
A knock on the door had Cornelius scowling and me worried.
“You stay here. I’ll see who it is,” Cornelius said as he quickly set me on the couch and walked around and through the pile of boxes that covered most of the room.
When he pushed his arms to the left, I watched as the boxes were suddenly neatly stacked against the far wall, and I smiled in relief.
I’d run out of energy to organize them, and I certainly didn’t have the ability to use magic right now to open them all.
Cornelius quickly returned, and Grantham was with him. I flinched a bit but offered a smile, but even I knew it was forced.
“Hey, Matthew. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you or imply anything. Can I sit?” Grantham asked as he pointed to the matching ottoman. I nodded, and he sat down across from me.
“I’ll get you two some tea,” Cornelius said before walking off.
“He doesn’t have to do that,” Grantham said, but it was no use. Cornelius was well on his way. I shrugged and watched my mate’s ass as he walked over to the kitchen area.
“Meh, he’s getting me tea to settle my stomach.”
“Oh. Do you still have morning sickness? Why were you planning on working, then? Or was that not why you were in the kitchen?”
“It comes and goes. Some days are a lot better than others. Most days are good. Every so often, I’m not feeling the best. No big deal. It’s part of it, and I wouldn’t change a bit about it. But I was in the kitchen because I wanted to bake bread. And chat.”
Grantham’s face fell. “I’m so sorry, Matthew. I didn’t mean for what I said to sound like it did. I wasn’t implying that Balthazar was trying to come between you and your One.”
“My mate. I’m his One, he’s my mate. And I know that. But Cornelius and Balthazar spent a lot of time together in Timber Valley where there were very few warlocks. They were the only unmated ones, so I think it was natural that they hung out and became friends.”
Grantham nodded. “True. It’s just…he’s never let anyone that close before, and he was smiling at you and I just couldn’t figure out why. And that sounded terrible.” Grantham rolled his eyes and hung his head.
“Here, drink this before you put your foot further into your mouth,” Cornelius said as he held out a mug to Grantham.
He gratefully took it, and after handing me my own mug of tea, he picked me up and sat with me in his lap.
I sighed as I took a sip of tea and hummed in approval.
He’d used just the right amount of honey in it.
“Perfect.”
“Yes you are. I love you and would do anything for you, my love.”
“Love you too.”
“Is everyone talking about Balthazar or just you?” Cornelius asked.
“Nobody is really talking. But they are wondering. He’s been so quiet since…forever. Even before you went to Timber Valley, he didn’t really hang out much. He’s always been secretive.”
“That’s allowed, Grantham. If and when Balthazar is ready to tell others the reasoning for his lack of social interaction, that is when everyone will know. If someone has an issue with him talking to me or Matthew, then they need to address me, understood?”
“Yes, Cornelius. I honestly didn’t mean anything by it.”
“I get that. I do. But perhaps it’s things exactly as this that are the reasoning why he’s like he is.”
Grantham nodded while raising his eyebrows. “Please come back to the kitchen whenever you’d like. I’d love to chat with you while cooking, okay? I truly am sorry, Matthew.”
“I’ll be back tomorrow, okay? A side effect of the tea is it makes me sleepy. It helps calm the stomach though, so it’s worth it.” I held up my mug and downed the last of my tea.
“Good. I’d hate to drive you away. Please forgive me, both of you. I truly meant nothing by it.”
With that, Grantham was suddenly gone. I handed my mug to Cornelius, and it too was gone in an instant. When I looked up at my mate, I gave him a sleepy smile. “Do you think he’ll be okay? He seemed genuinely upset.”
“He will. As I said before, Grantham has trouble trusting others. And when they tend to be secretive like Balthazar, it really bothers him. So you’re sleepy? Do you want to lie down?”
I nodded because I really did. I felt as if I was floating as Cornelius carried me to the bedroom. Shouldn’t I have more energy by now? I was halfway through my pregnancy. I should be full of energy.
I sighed when my head hit the soft pillow and my mate’s scent surrounded me. When his hard, warm body wrapped around me from behind, I let go of the last tendrils of consciousness and let sleep claim me.