I’ve got a lot to tell you, but I need to put it into order. I wanted to write this before I got over how crazy it feels. I hadn’t realised I was going Papa Bear on everyone, but Isaac walked in and I thought of him as a kid. He’s four years younger than me. Guys his age were in my classes on campus, but I see him as a high-schooler.
When did time decide to screw with my head? Why does it feel like I aged ten years coming through the doorway?
Keon folded the page to slip into his pocket. He’d finish the letter once he’d organised his thoughts. Guilt gnawed, realising he hadn’t written a letter to Drew in ages.
He abandoned his paperwork and tucked the chair into the desk crammed into the corner of the dining room. One glance at Haley assured him she was safe and comfortable with Isaac, curled on the sofa, feet tucked under her, leaning her head on his shoulder as he rambled on about the book.
Keon left the room, detouring to the bedroom where Milo was sleeping late. He perched on the side of the mattress and caressed his white hair, growing in where it had been shaved close not long ago. “Mikha, time to go.”
“Okay,” Milo mumbled, lifting a hand to capture Keon’s and draw it to his chest. With no intention of moving.
Fine. Keon was in no rush. They had all day together.
*
Milo
“YOU SHOULD HAVEwoken me,” Milo said, grateful for the long lie-in but aware they had plans for the day.
Keon smirked, sitting on the edge of the bed to watch him dress. “We have all day. What’s the point of rushing when we don’t have to?” he argued, raking his gaze over Milo’s torso as he pulled on a T-shirt.
Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, Milo tugged the T-shirt on, then added a warm jumper. It was getting closer to the rain season, and he didn’t want to be caught short when his immune system was already wrecked by their journey to find Haley. It was a relief to know there were no demands on their time for the foreseeable future—nothing but waiting on Farley’s return to mate them. Right now, their time was their own.
“And you’re sure we’re not needed?” Milo double-checked, hoping this wasn’t Keon attempting to put him first because of his recent weakness, by pushing aside other demands on his time. He never wanted to be the kind of mate who did that.
“Not a thing.” Keon looked happy and relaxed for perhaps the first time since Milo had met him. “Haley’s invited the book club over, and Isaac’s sitting with her. I’m going to tell Weston to take the day off, and plans for the barn are running smoothly. I might meet with Gale later to discuss this carpentry idea he and Yosi have, but there’s no need to rush.”
Yet again, Keon was a hopeless romantic, sure everything would work out perfectly with time.
“Fine.” Milo saw no point in ruining his fun. “I guess if Haley’s staying here, she doesn’t want to see the house with us?” he said, tugging on boots before turning to face Keon better. Concerned for how introverted Haley had become since the whole Vega ‘incident’.
Keon hummed, then stood and handed over the crutches from where they rested in the corner. “I don’t think she’s ready to leave the house yet. But the fact she’s inviting people in gives me hope,” he admitted, waiting patiently as Milo stood. They left the room, heading for the kitchen.
Troubled by the thought, Milo didn’t know what to say. Like Keon, he had hope this request for company was a good sign, but it bothered him that Vihaan didn’t acknowledge or provide treatment for mental health. Things like PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, and psychological problems were never recognised as genuine health issues. He wished there was a way to change that, but none of his medical reading nor the pack doctors he’d learned from talked about such things.
Maybe that was something Milo could do for the pack—a responsibility he could take from Keon’s shoulders, and a duty thatshouldfall on him as the future pack doctor.
“Would you like breakfast before we go?” Keon asked, heading towards the fridge while Milo stopped at the counter.
“Hmm. Will you make that foreign toast again?” he asked, loving the soft, eggy toast thing Keon had made him weeks ago.
“Sure. French toast coming up.” Keon laughed and didn’t hesitate to gather the ingredients, giving Milo the chance to remove a notebook from under the counter. Taking pen to paper, he planned how to accomplish his plans.
To Drew,
I am Milo?Keon’s intended mate?and I would like to ask a favour of you.
We are due to be united soon, and while I know Keon would cherish your presence, I understand why that is not possible. I hope you know you will be with us in spirit, as Keon’s dearest friend.
I have agreed to become the new pack doctor. I have minor medical training and experience from my own condition to learn from. However, I have realised Vihaan gives no credence to the mental health of pack members. Any who acknowledge they have problems have no one to turn to, no hope of help or treatment, and I would like to change that.
If possible, could you advise me on how to rectify this failing? I would like to learn how to help our pack cope with health issues?mental or physical?that may arise.
Thank you for your time,
I look forward to the day you can visit Vihaan.
Milo.
