Mikhail sighed. He should have known Malek would tease him. The asshole didn’t get it. He’d had like the smoothest mating in history.
Lucky sod.
“Can I talk to him?” Mikhail barely got the words out through gritted teeth.
“Well, let’s see…” Malek tilted his head to the side. “Can you speak to my mate?”
“Malek.” He hoped his brother heard the warning note in his voice. He was barely holding on to… well, everything. Having his mate so close and having him avoid them, both he and his wolf were restless. Mikhail knew he was on a short fuse, but he kept holding on because it was no one’s fault his mate didn’t seem to want him.
“My mate is changing our son right now, soo…”
Before Malek could finish his sentence, Axel walked in with Mason in his arms. The little guy was getting so big.
When his nephew’s eyes landed on his other father, his arms began flailing and his sturdy little body shook like he was trying to get down and get to Malek.
“Yeah, yeah, I get it.” Axel sighed. “You want your daddy.” His brother-in-law—or soon to be if he was being accurate—added, “Even though I’m the one that just changed your poopy diaper.”
Axel walked over to Mikhail’s brother and handed their son over to him. He placed a kiss on Malek’s lips before facing him.
“Hey, Mikhail.” Axel smiled at him. “Let me guess. You’re here to talk about Ro, aren’t you?”
Mikhail let out a sigh. “Am I that transparent?”
“Well, you lasted longer than Malachi did.” Alfie chuckled. “If that helps.”
It didn’t. It really didn’t.
“Not really,” he admitted to Axel. “Did Rowan say anything about me?”
Even to his ears, he sounded like a teenager. He was the person asking his friend if his crush liked him back.
Axel went over to the electric kettle and turned it on. Mikhail watched as he got a mug down.
“Anyone want a cuppa?” Axel asked.
“I’m good, babe,” Malek replied.
“None for me,” Mikhail said. He tried not to sound impatient, but he really didn’t want tea. He wanted to know what was going on.
“I’m guessing you want to know why my brother has been doing his best imitation of the invisible man.” Axel chuckled.
“He hates me, doesn’t he?” Mikhail knew he sounded like a five-year-old, but he couldn’t help it.
Axel finished making his tea and then came over and took a seat beside Malek, facing Mikhail.
Axel let out a sigh and stared into his mug for a moment like he was trying to think of a way to break the bad news to Mikhail—at least that was how it felt.
“He doesn’t hate you… trust me, but it’s complicated, and I can’t tell you everything without breaking my brother’s confidence.” Axel held Mikhail’s gaze. “I won’t do that. But, believe me, if you’re patient, Ro is worth it.”
Mikhail managed a small smile. “I don’t doubt that for a second, and I can’t wait to find out. But, if patience is what my mate needs from me, I’ll give it to him, even though my wolf will be none too happy about it.”
Axel chuckled. “Well… how about you ask Ro on a date? I think… actually, I know he wants to get to know you, but he’s scared. He should be at the holiday party over at Maxim’s and Cameron’s tonight.”
“I need to get him a gift,” Mik said, reaching towards his pocket to pull out his phone.
Axel was shaking his head. “I’d hold off on the gifts right now. The last thing you want to do is overwhelm Ro.”
“And you’re not going to tell me what he’s scared of?” Mikhail couldn’t help the cajoling, hopeful note in his tone.
