It was basically the same thing that Axel and Malek had said, so he figured it was as good a place as any to start. He really was willing to do anything that gave him a chance to spend time with his mate.
“Besides, maybe if you just take the pressure off with mating and try dating and just do the whole ‘getting to know you thing,’ that might be the way to go.”
“Axel said the same thing,” Mikhail acknowledged.
The fact was Mikhail had to get rid of whatever thoughts he’d had about what he’d imagined finding his mate would be. The whole point of being mated was making sure his mate was happy, catering to his needs. And right now, Rowan needed him to not expect him… just not expect.
Even as the realisation took hold, he knew it would not be easy; after all, he’d been waiting for his mate for over fifty years. Mikhail knew he would wait as long as Rowan needed him to.
“Stop thinking so hard and go ask your mate if he would like to go on a walk with you.” Malachi pushed him from behind, and it didn’t escape his notice that he’d been thinking so hard he hadn’t even heard his brother move behind him.
“I’m going, I’m going.” Mikhail had never been this nervous in his life. He searched his brain trying to think of a moment, but nothing came to mind.
With every step he took towards the room with his mate in it, his heart pounded like it was trying to jump out of his chest. The normally short walk that should have taken a couple of steps felt like an eternity.
Seven
Rowan
Rowan felt the moment Mikhail walked into the room, but he didn’t look in his direction. Instead, he focused even more on his nephew in his arms.
He wasn’t exactly sure how he felt about his hyperawareness when it came to Mikhail. Whenever the man walked into a room, Rowan didn’t have to see him to know he was there. His body—his brain—somehow picked up signals, and he wasn’t sure what to do with that.
“Hey, Mik. Thought I might be seeing you soon.” Alfie’s voice was teasing, and he could feel his brother’s eyes on him as he spoke.
“Alfie.” Mikhail’s voice washed over Rowan and somehow made his whole body relax, but tingle at the same time. It was like they were connected, and he was terrified of what that could mean.
“I’ll just go see what Chi is up to,” Alfie said in a none-too-subtle bid to leave the two of them alone. “I’m sure he’ll be wanting some baby time right about now, and I have to bake more cookies for later.”
Rowan wanted to scream at his brother not to leave him alone, but he already knew that Alfie wouldn’t listen to him.
“I’ll just take Seb there.”
Rowan sighed. He’d hoped that Alfie would leave his son with him, but apparently, Ro wouldn’t have anything to distract him from looking at Mikhail.
He got on his feet with his nephew in his arms and stepped close to Alfie to transfer Sebastian over. Rowan leaned in close to his brother and whispered, “I hate you very much.”
Alfie chuckled and replied, “You will thank me very much one day.”
Rowan knew when he was beaten, so he handed Sebastian over to Alfie, making sure his brother had both babies secure. “Just talk to him and give him a chance,” Alfie whispered before stepping back.
Do I sit or stand… Fuck!Rowan wasn’t sure what to do once Alfie left the room. So, he stayed where he was.
It was quiet for a moment, and Ro hoped Mikhail wasn’t waiting for him to speak because he had no idea where to start.
“So… uhm, do you like Whitfell?” Mikhail’s voice had him turning around slowly
Rowan bit his lip and shrugged. “It’s gorgeous. I’ve been going for walks and stuff.” He saw Mikhail’s eyes light up at the admission, and he couldn’t help adding, “I’ve found some beautiful places.”
“I know,” Mikhail replied.
“What?” His brow furrowed at that.
“I mean how would you like to see my favourite spot?” Mikhail’s face was full of hope, but Rowan could see he was also preparing himself to be turned down.
“Uhhm, that sounds nice.” Rowan looked down at his feet, then back up at Mikhail. “Yes, sure.”
Even with his lack of enthusiasm, Mikhail lit up like he’d been handed a gift, and Rowan’s heart began racing. He wasn’t sure anyone had ever looked so happy just because they got to spend time with him.
