by AM Halford
“What time are we to be there?” Nexus asked.
“Seven,” Roy grumbled.
“That gives us plenty of time.” Nexus leaned over the tub and kissed Roy’s nose. “It’ll be fine. Now come on, eat.”
“Yeah, about that.” Roy looked to the tray, and Nexus raised an eyebrow. “Is this what you normally eat for breakfast?”
“No, sometimes I have a breakfast burrito.”
“Let me guess, microwaved?”
“Yes.”
Roy grumbled. “As soon as I’m able to move again, we’re having real food. I appreciate the gesture, but you need to eat more than a granola bar and yogurt in the morning.”
Hiding his enjoyment of Roy’s insistence, Nexus just nodded. Roy may have balked at the idea of being called a bride, but it seemed he had a definite domestic streak in him. A rub off from being raised by his mother perhaps?
* * * *
Roy cracked several eggs into a bowl and whipped them together before taking a wooden spatula to the mix of peppers, potatoes, onions, and mushrooms sautéing in the pan on the stove. He wanted to add bacon, but there wasn’t any in the fridge. As a matter of fact, there was very little in the entire kitchen in the way of real food.
He hadn’t really thought about it until now, but Nexus had been a bachelor. He certainly ate like one. What rule existed that said single men couldn’t cook proper meals for themselves? Every man Roy had ever dated seemed lacking in culinary abilities. He wasn’t asking much, just learn how to fry an egg!
The only thing his past boyfriends seemed to know how to do was cook a pizza or a steak. Not exactly the pinnacle of a healthy diet. Roy enjoyed those things, but he also enjoyed eating other food groups, as well.
“It smells delicious.” Nexus praised as he walked into the kitchen fully dressed in a pricy, tailored suit. He’d gotten in the shower after Roy had climbed out of the tub. “What’re you making?”
“Omelets,” Roy answered with a confident smirk.
“I didn’t even know I had these things.” Nexus looked at the ingredients Roy had pulled out.
“You didn’t,” Roy huffed. “These are the remainder of my groceries your men packed and brought over from my apartment. Which I already needed to restock.”
“Are you saying we need to go grocery shopping?” Nexus chuckled.
“Yes.” Roy glared at him. “If I’m to live here, this kitchen will be put to proper use. I’m not saying you have to eat three square meals a day, but at least breakfast and dinner are important.”
“Grocery shopping with my new mate sounds amazing.” Nexus grinned as he walked over to Roy and kissed his pulse. “But, I’m sorry. I have to leave that to you. Here.” He pulled out his wallet and handed Roy a debit card. “Your name has already been added to the account. This is a temporary until yours comes in.”
“Where are you going?” Roy poured half of the eggs into a nonstick pan. When it was just right, he added half of the veggie mix plus cheese, and folded it in half. He flipped the eggs once more and then plated it. He did the same thing with the remainder and set two plates on the counter. He used the yogurt Nexus had originally brought up, but he’d dished it into a bowl.
“I have a meeting at ten,” Nexus explained, a sad quality to his voice. “But I’ll be back in time for that dinner with your family.”
A small part of Roy couldn’t help but be disappointed with this news. It was the day after their wedding. Normally couples were enjoying a honeymoon period right now. Of course, they weren’t what most would call a normal couple. Asking Nexus to take a few days off was probably selfish. Yes, they’d shared an amazing night last night, but it still didn’t change the fact they were virtual strangers.
“Tomorrow though I’ve cleared my schedule through to Monday,” Nexus continued to say. “So, we’ll have the rest of the week, and the weekend to really get to know each other.”
His mood suddenly brightened with that. Roy smiled. “Okay.”
“It was delicious. Thank you,” Nexus said. He’d finished his omelet in record time. “Iago will take you anywhere you need to go. He’s also your bodyguard, so please don’t stray too far from him.”
“I can drive myself.” Roy frowned.
“I know.” Nexus leaned over the counter and kissed him. “But humor me. Until this thing with my sister and uncles is settled, I don’t want you going anywhere alone.”
Roy wanted to argue. He hated having his freedom to even go shopping alone restricted, but he understood. He also wasn’t an idiot to think he could take on a jaguar shifter on his own if it did come to that.
“Fine,” he agreed.
Nexus beamed. “Thank you. I’ll be back as quickly as I can. If something happens, call me.”
“You too,” Roy said.
The two shared a silent moment before Nexus nodded and left. Roy, alone in the kitchen, couldn’t help but feel conflicted about the turn his life was taking. At times they seemed like any other couple, but then, like now, they were back to being strangers. The fact they were married was almost unbelievable.
“No use mulling over it.” Roy sighed as he finished his food and went upstairs to get dressed. He really did need to get some groceries, and he planned to make something to bring with them to dinner with his family tonight. Maybe introducing Nexus to his mother, grandmother, and grandfather would do him some good.
Dressed, he headed downstairs and paused as two women walked through the front door. They were dressed in black jeans and a black shirt with their names written over a small pocket on the left breast. Both of their hair was thrown up in a tight bun.
“Hello.” The smaller of the two, a brunette with dark green eyes, smiled at him. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dominus Roy. I’m Abigail, and this is Nora.” She indicated her companion.
“Hello, Dominus Roy.” Nora, a redhead with brown eyes, bowed her head.
“Hi.” Roy returned the smile as the two set their things down. “Just Roy is fine. Can I ask what you’re doing?”
The two looked startled for a moment before Abigail answered, “Why cleaning, of course. Didn’t Regulus say we were coming?”
A small memory popped up from last night, before his brain had melted from the pleasure Nexus had awaken in him. Something about there being two maids that came to the house.
“Oh, right.” Roy shook his head. They weren’t really dressed like maids. When Roy thought of maids, he pictured the traditional black dresses and white aprons. “Sorry, guess it slipped my mind.”
“No problem. Are you going out?” Abigail asked.
“Yes, shopping. Do you know how I can reach Iago?” Roy asked.
“He’s outside, checking the perimeter,” Nora answered.
“Right, thank you.” Roy nodded at the pair and left the house. He didn’t even make it off the large front porch before a man came around the side of the house and bowed to him. Roy was not going to get used to that anytime soon.
“Dominus, I’ve been instructed to take you grocery shopping, and anywhere else you’d like to go.” Iago was a tall man with a military cut of sandy blond hair. When he looked up, Roy noticed his eyes were two different colors. One was blue while the other was brown.
“Um, can we drop the formalities? Sounds like we’ll be around each other, a lot, so just call me Roy.”
“I can do that.” Iago stood and grinned at him. “So, do you have a preferred store in mind?”
“Just the closest supermarket is fine.” Roy shrugged.
“All right then.”
Iago moved down the steps and to the awaiting car. When Roy stepped around him to the front passenger door, he hesitated but didn’t say anything. In the car, they left the house and headed for the store as Roy checked the list on his phone and added what he knew he needed just from seeing Nexus’s kitchen.
Chapter Ten
Nexus came home to a kitchen filled with bags, some empty and some still with food in them. Produce was spread out on the counters, and dry
goods were still waiting to be put away. Roy was standing in the middle of the disaster area mixing up something while laughing with Abigail, Nora, and Iago. Music was playing from somewhere, and all of them had food in front of them.
“I can’t imagine,” Abigail exclaimed. “I mean, to actually talk to Maria like that, you’ve got a set on you.”
“No, I just have no filter when upset.” Roy laughed as he poured what he’d just finished mixing into a pan and then placed it in the oven. “How are the cookies?” Roy asked.
“Amazing,” the women gushed.
Iago just held up a half-eaten one before shoving the rest of it in his mouth.
“You have to give me the recipe,” Nora implored.
“It’s just a slight variation of the churro.” Roy blushed. “Nothing too special.” He looked past his enthralled audience and smiled as his eyes met Nexus’s. “Welcome home.”
Nora, Abigail, and Iago all tensed as they turned and bowed to him. “Welcome home, Regulus.”
The frown that appeared on Roy’s face was easily read. It seemed he’d taken some time to get them to loosen up. Still, he ignored their display as he grabbed a plate off the counter and came around to Nexus.
“Here, try one.” Roy held out the plate of cookies and just beamed up to Nexus.
Who was he to turn down his mate? Taking a cookie, he bit into it and nearly moaned. It was warm, buttery, flaky, and pure deliciousness. The cinnamon sugar covering the outside only added to the heavenly taste.
“Like it?” Meeting his mate’s gaze, Nexus saw anticipation and perhaps fear? What did Roy have to be afraid of?
“They’re amazing,” Nexus assured him before leaning down and kissing his mate hello. “A wonderful treat to come home to.”
Roy blushed, his face easily turning the shade of a cherry. “I’m glad you like them.”
“Now, what’s this all about?” Nexus indicated the kitchen. “Did you buy the entire grocery store?”
“You had nothing!” Roy scolded him playfully. “I had to stock up on everything! While I was putting things away, everyone mentioned lunch, so I decided to whip up a few things. Sandwiches mainly, which yours is in the fridge.”
He got cookies and a sandwich? Roy was spoiling him.
“Roy is a cook,” Nora said, “and an amazing one at that. It’s a shame he has to quit his job.”
“What?” Roy paused in reaching for Nexus’s sandwich.
Nexus tensed and shot the maid a sharp glare. She quickly ducked her head. “I’m sorry, Regulus. I was under the assumption that he knew.”
“Knew what?” Roy demanded. “Stop intimidating them, they did nothing wrong. What exactly did she mean, Nexus?”
“Please, leave us,” Nexus instructed the others, who gladly fled the house. “Roy, I’m sorry, it’s been a hectic few days. I wanted to let you settle in before we talk about your previous job.”
“My job,” Roy snipped. “Not my previous job. I still have it. I’m only on medical leave for another week.”
“What are you going to tell them when you get pregnant?” Nexus reasoned.
“I’ll figure it out when it comes to that.” Roy folded his arms in front of him. “Just because I agreed to this marriage doesn’t mean you get to control my life. I like my job. I’m not quitting.”
“Roy, be reasonable.”
“Fuck you,” Roy growled, making Nexus step back. Seeing Roy’s obstinate side show up, and directed at him again, hadn’t been his intention. “You know, pussy cat,” Roy snapped, “before you make any further comments, how about you think about me and what all this is doing to my life. You’d better think about it quickly, too, because once those enchiladas are done, we’ll be heading to dinner with my family. Wouldn’t want to show a bad front, now would you? Regulus.”
Hearing his title thrown at him hurt. Having Roy turn his back to him hurt more.
“I’m sorry,” Nexus sighed. “I should’ve told you or had Cupid talk with you about this before the ceremony yesterday. The Regulus’s mate can’t have a job. It shows weakness and an inability to care for my mate. Instead you’re expected to take care of the emotional needs of our clan. Which, judging by what I just saw, you’ll be a natural at.”
“So, I’m expected to give up my life to be your house husband?” Roy gaped at him.
“I’d rather you not put it like that. Can’t you see it as us being partners in this life?” Nexus implored.
“Did you give anything up?” Roy asked.
“Huh?” Nexus frowned.
“When you became Regulus, did you give anything up?”
Nexus nodded and looked down to his feet. “I had gone to school for architecture, even had my own small startup company. When I was chosen to take part in the Regulus Rites, and then became the new Regulus, I had to give it all up. My sole responsibility and focus needed to be on the clan.”
“That’s not fair.” Roy sighed. He walked across the kitchen and hugged Nexus. “I’m sorry. Tomorrow morning I’ll call my boss and tell him I won’t be returning.”
“No, I don’t want to push you,” Nexus denied.
Roy gave him a small, sad smile. “In the end, you’re right. I won’t be able to explain it when I get pregnant. I guess I just didn’t realize how much my life was going to change so quickly.”
“I’m so sorry, minha alma.” Nexus sighed, resting his forehead against Roy’s. He had to bend down a bit, but he managed to do it without breaking his back.
“I believe you. Now, we should really get ready for dinner. You aren’t going dressed like that, are you?”
Nexus looked down to his suit and quirked an eyebrow at Roy. “What’s wrong with how I’m dressed?”
“A little formal for a dinner with my family.” Roy smirked. “Go get changed into something a bit more casual, but not super casual. I’m going to finish putting the groceries away.”
Nexus just nodded his agreement and did as he was told. Honestly, he hadn’t even thought about Roy’s employment situation until Nora said something. Knowing his mate was giving up something he loved to do bothered him, but he couldn’t make exceptions. Their people would expect to see Roy at Nexus’s side, not cooking in a restaurant. Hopefully they could make this work, and he could make Roy happy.
Perhaps he could invite his council over and let Roy cook for them? He’d talk to Roy about it later. If his mate enjoyed cooking so much though, it might be a good way to compromise. If it was about money, he needn’t worry. As mate to the Regulus, he got a considerable allowance.
He really did need to sit down with Roy and talk with him about all of this. He’d do it tomorrow. Tonight, he needed to focus on making a good impression with his in-laws.
* * * *
Roy’s heart was going to leap from his chest as Nexus pulled the car into his family’s driveway. Undoing his seatbelt, he looked to the front window and watched as his mother walked to the door. She was wearing her customary jeans with a band T-shirt. Over that, she had on a boring black apron.
“Your mother is…young,” Nexus commented before turning off the car.
“She got pregnant at fifteen with me,” Roy sighed.
“What about your dad?”
Shaking his head, Roy plastered on a winning smile. “Told her to get an abortion.”
Not waiting for Nexus’s response, Roy climbed out of the car and headed straight up to his mother, who welcomed him with a hug and kiss on the cheek. “My boy, you had me scared. I wasn’t sure you were going to show up tonight.”
“I’m sorry.” Roy hugged his mother again. “I brought something, to go with dinner.” He retrieved the enchiladas he’d made, and at the same time, he led Nexus up to the front door and grinned at his mother. “This is Nexus, my…boyfriend.” It was hard calling him that, especially when they were legally married, and so much more.
They’d removed their rings, just to be on the safe side, before coming here. Despite only being married for a day, it still fe
lt wrong to remove his wedding ring. It symbolized something they were trying to make together, a life they were both hoping for. Taking it off just seemed so much like that hope was a secret. Maybe one day he could introduce Nexus as his husband, or have a small second ceremony for the sake of his family. Today wasn’t that day though.
“We shall see,” his mom replied, a stern eye taking Nexus in. She smirked at Roy, the light never reaching her eyes. “You remember Juaquin, right?”
Roy tensed. He hadn’t thought about Juaquin in months. Not since, well, since he turned him down when things started getting hot and heavy. “Why?”
“Because he’s joining us for dinner tonight.” His mother seemed rather chipper about Roy’s ex-boyfriend coming over. Especially since his grandparents shouldn’t have a clue about their past relationship.
“Who’s Juaquin?” Nexus asked, a slight edge to his voice.
“My ex,” Roy managed to say calmly, despite feeling anything but calm.
Nexus hissed.
His mother frowned at him, but didn’t say anything. She just ushered them inside and instructed Roy to introduce Nexus to his grandparents. Of course, Roy planned to leave out the boyfriend part. He’d introduce Nexus as his friend, and new roommate. He’d explained that his grandparents didn’t know he was gay, and Nexus had, thankfully, understood.
“Hello, Roy.” Juaquin came out of the kitchen, a beer in his hand. “Been a while.”
“Juaquin.” Roy tried to smile, but he could feel it stretching his cheeks unnaturally. “It has. I wish I could say this is a pleasant surprise, but I can’t.”
“Rodrigo.” His grandfather’s stern tone had Roy flinching. “Be polite to the guest. This is still my house, and you’ll be respectful, young man!”
Closing his eyes, Roy nodded. “Yes, Grandfather.”
“Dinner is done,” his grandmother called from the kitchen.
“You going to introduce us to your new friend?” his grandfather asked as he stood from his chair and approached Nexus. For an older man, Roy’s grandfather was the picture of health. His black hair may have turned gray, but it hadn’t fallen out. His brown eyes were still as sharp as ever and seemed to look right through Nexus and Roy.