by Maggie Walsh
Sut relaxed in relief. “Good. I’m so glad to hear he’s okay. I’ll have to try to call him again this afternoon.” He then gave the doc a sly smile. “See, and I thought you came all the way over here from Crystal just for little ole me.”
Doc Rob chuckled as he shook his head. “I came here for both of you actually, but also to check on the humans you rescued as well. I’ve been stopping by every day to check on them and give our council an update on their condition as well as you and Logan.”
“Jeez, Doc, you must be exhausted. Working what, twelve hour shifts in Crystal, then coming here? I don’t know how you do it,” Sut replied.
“Well, normally I don’t, but Maddox General is a little short-handed right now. Not that Crystal Community is in any better shape, but it’s not something I do regularly. This week was special,” Doc replied as he stood. “And thanks to your… um… to Casimir, it wasn’t too bad.”
That statement made Sut confused. “Casimir? How is that?”
Rob gave one of his rare smiles, as he replied, “All week whenever I finished my shift over in Crystal, there has been a car waiting outside to drive me here to Maddox. Then the driver waits for me to finish and drives me home. Casimir arranged and paid for that. He told Casius that he was worried about me driving after doing a sixteen hour shift, then another four hours here, and wanted to make sure I got home okay.”
Sut’s heart melted from Rob’s story. “He did? Wow, that was really nice of him, and thoughtful.”
Again, Rob gave him one of those soft smiles. “Yeah, it was. Casius, Asbuth, and Benji were very grateful as well. Casimir has been doing all of these wonderful things all week.”
“He has? Like what?” Sut asked, as he sat forward, giving Rob his full attention.
Rob sat on the stool again and sighed. “Well, there were my car rides, as well as finding a picnic basket in the car every night with a nice meal for me from either Twixie’s or The Cage. Then, the other day he sent over a full-catered meal to the gargoyle compound, because of Lon. He knew Lon had worked a long day and would be tired, but Casimir didn’t want to just send something for his son and no one else, so he sent enough for everyone. He’s also sent meals over for my men a few times, because of us all working long hours. He’s been spending quite a bit of time over at our place getting to know Casius—both his sons actually. Did you know he and the boys went fishing yesterday?” Rob said with a laugh, then added, “They had such a great time that the three of them promised to try to do it at least once every two weeks from now on. And Benji, he is so in love with our father-in-law.”
“He is? Why? Oh shit, wait, I keep forgetting that. You’re all Casimir’s sons-in-law.”
“Yup, and I must say, at the beginning of our mating, it hurt Casius that his father didn’t seem to want anything to do with him and Lon, but since the cave-in, he’s been very attentive to both of them as well as me, Asbuth, and Benji. I know the three of them went out the night after the barbeque and spent about six hours together. Casius didn’t get home until about three in the morning, and he was different.”
“Different how?” Sut asked.
“He was… more relaxed. Happier. When we talked to him about it, I won’t tell you exactly what he told us, because that’s between me and my mates, but he said that he now understood his father more, and he was willing to start building a relationship with him. Which was a big step for my mate.”
“Wow, that’s… fantastic, and I’m so happy for Casius and for Casimir, as well as Lon. It’s good that the three of them are starting to form a bond. You said before that Benji was in love with him, and Cas had done something for him. What was that?” Sutton asked. He was so curious now to hear everything his mate had been up to all week.
He knew King Destrain had given Casimir two weeks off from his duties to take care of himself and his life, which was one of the reasons Sut was confused at not seeing his mate more than he had. Yes, they had breakfast together, but that was it, then Casimir would leave, giving Sut his space. Shit, Casimir had been giving Sut his space like he asked and was spending the time forging relationships with his family. He had been so confused by Casimir’s non-presence that Sut had thought his mate was going back to his old ways. Now hearing all of this, Sut was filled with a sense of guilt for not giving Casimir more credit or faith. He was letting their past relationship cloud his decisions and he needed to start seeing things in the now.
“Sut, are you okay?” Doc asked.
He blinked a few times and focused on Rob. “Yeah, I’m sorry, I was just thinking about something.”
“It looked like you were lost somewhere.”
Sut sighed. “I was just thinking that now I know why Casimir hasn’t been around all week, even after he said he wanted to work on us.”
Rob raised a brow. “You did say you wanted space, Sut.”
“I know. That’s what I was just thinking as well. I asked for space and for us to take our time, and Casimir has been giving me exactly what I asked for, yet I’ve been sitting there doubting him. I’m such as asshole,” Sut said, with a heavy sigh, and dropped his face in his hands.
“I wouldn’t say that, Sut. You have every right to doubt Casimir and be cautious of him and what he says. With your history with him, it’s understandable. But, if I’m allowed to throw my two cents into this, I think he’s trying very hard to prove to you that he means what he says. He’s trying very hard to come out of his pain and the box he put himself in. He’s been making connections with everyone in his family, which is a great start and a way for him to change his negative way of thinking. And in turn, by working on all those relationships, it will only make him better able to work on his relationship with you.”
Sut raised his head and met Rob’s gaze. “I agree. Which makes me have to think even more now. Thanks for that, Rob. I appreciate you talking with me. So, tell me about Casimir and Benji,” Sut said, with a smile.
Rob gave him a big smile this time and his eyes twinkled with happiness and he chuckled. “My Benji is amazing and can be very adventurous and silly at times, and Casimir joined right in. He had his pixie friends create a very large saddle for Gorgon, Benji’s hellhound, then the two of them took turns riding the beast all over the gargoyle compound. Timmy was thrilled and spent most of the time jumping around clapping. It was adorable. Casimir was terrified the first time Benji tried to get him on the creature. My mate was so patient and helped Casimir get past the fear of Gorgon being a hellhound. Then, when he first got on, Gorgon bucked him off about ten times before they came to an understanding. After that he and Gorgon have gotten along great.”
“Wow, he rode an actual hellhound?” Sut said, then started laughing.
“Let me guess, you’re picturing a dragon on the back of a hellhound?” Rob said, laughing.
Sut nodded. “Yes, how did you know?”
“Because, while it was all going on, the gargoyles and Wade’s men were giving Casimir one hell of a ribbing being a dragon on a hellhound’s back.”
“Damn, I wish I could have seen that,” Sut said.
“Maybe one of these days, you will,” Rob replied.
CHAPTER 13
After leaving Rob, Sut found Gage and Ronin still waiting for him. As the three headed down Main Street, Sut called Logan again to see if he and Jensen were interested in meeting them for lunch at Twixie’s. He had a craving for the pizza burger with a side of fries, but still couldn’t get a hold of his best friend.
When they entered the restaurant, Gage pointed out a table in the back that was empty. As they got closer Sut smiled, noticing it was right next to a table that was occupied with Dallas, Miles, Baxter, and Laurie, along with Nick, Jager, and Cami.
Nick smiled when their gazes met, then stood. As Sut approached, Nick opened his big arms and pulled Sut into a fatherly embrace. “How are you doing, Sut?”
Sut returned the hug as he answered, “Good. Doc says I’m good to go back to work.”
They pull
ed from the embrace and a second later Sut was gripped by another strong hand and pulled into another hug by Dallas. “So good to see you out and about.”
Sut laughed as he hugged Dallas back. “Thanks, man, it’s good be out.”
“Doc already told me he wouldn’t clear either you or Logan to return to your duties until Monday,” Nick announced.
Sut pulled back from the hug with Dallas and turned to face his long-time boss and friend. “So, I’ve been told on, huh?” He said with a chuckle, as he took one of the empty chairs at the next table.
“Not at all, but as you know, you can’t come back to full duty until the doc signs off. He sent a copy of your paperwork along with Logan’s to Devonte right before I left his office to come here. He’ll be sending me a copy as well as Daytona, so we can keep them in your files,” Nick replied.
Sut nodded, he had been an EMT long enough to know how these things worked. His gaze moved around Nick’s table and smiled at the two little girls who chatted away, oblivious to the adults, like they were in their own little world. He looked away from the cuties and met Baxter’s friendly smile. “Hi, Bax, hi Miles, Jagger. It’s good to see you all and with your adorable little girlies.”
“We’re glad to hear you and Logan are okay, Sut. We were all so worried,” Baxter replied.
“Thanks, Bax.”
“You gave us all a scare, but I’m happy to see you well and feeling ready to go back to work,” Jagger said.
“Thanks, Jag. Boy, these two have gotten bigger. What are they feeding you, Cami, Laurie, dragon pellets?” Sutton teased.
“No, but we had hot dogs and cheesy macaroni,” Laurie replied.
“Wow. Maybe I should eat that too, so I can get bigger.”
Both girls giggled. “You’re already big, Sut,” Cami said, then immediately went back to looking at what Laurie had been showing her.
He looked to Nick, then Dallas. “So… um… how’s all that going?” He asked, giving them both a pointed look as he motioned to the two girls with his chin.
Nick sighed as he reached out and placed one of his big hands gently on the back of Cami’s head, and petted down her hair. “There are a few new leads that are being checked into but… um…” Nick stopped and looked at the girls to make sure they were still lost in what they were doing, and not focused on the adults’ conversation. “We’re hopeful with one of the tips we have.”
“Good. That’s good. I’m happy for all of you. And Miles, how are your fathers settling in here in Maddox?”
Miles eyes lit up. “Oh, dear gods, you should see them. They are thrilled as hell to have two new sons and a granddaughter they get to spoil. They love living in the hotel in one of the best rooms Baxter has, but they want a little more space, so they’re hanging out with Dain and his mates today and they have been showing them around, looking for a house. I can’t believe how fast they hit it off with Dain, Rune, and Kerrick. It’s like the five of them have been best friends for many years. And honestly, I couldn’t be happier for them,” Miles replied.
“That’s so great. Good for them. Next time I have a barbeque you’ll have to bring them along. Speaking of which, I’m so sorry we didn’t get a chance to talk that night,” Sut said, apologetically.
Miles waved him off. “Don’t even worry about that. You were still healing and it was obvious you were tired. Then, there was also the fact that we were all a surprise for you.”
“I thought that was pretty nice of Casimir. I hate admitting that, but it was nice of him,” Dallas grumbled.
“Don’t be all grouchy, love. At least Casimir is trying,” Baxter said, as he rubbed a hand up and down Dallas’s back.
“I said, I hated admitting it. Although I thought it was good of him to not keep you two in hiding anymore, a part of me was still a bit pissed that he had so many people over when you were recovering and needed rest. But again, I admit, he took care of you, not having to do anything, but sit back and relax, so… I guess it was okay,” Dallas huffed.
“I’ll admit it too, Dal. I was surprised too, but I have to give him credit where it’s due. He’s been trying, so that shows me something,” Sut replied.
“Yeah, something like he just wants to get back in your pants and will do whatever he has to do to get back what he lost. Like the weekly trysts in the hotel. If the man was so concerned for you, then why hasn’t he been by since the barbeque, huh? Answer me that,” Gage bitched, as he looked over the menu.
Sut found himself really pissed at his friend’s words. Not that he hadn’t thought of that himself a time or two, but he never voiced his concern. Especially not in front of others. But, as he told Dallas, Sut couldn’t deny that Casimir was trying, and harder than he even knew, and on top of that, Casimir never told him about all the things he had been doing with his family all week, so it wasn’t like he was trying to gain favor with Sut by using all of his activities to prove something to Sut. Which, in all honesty, gave Casimir more points in Sut’s mind.
Before Sut could answer Gage, Ronin chimed in, “Actually, he has, buddy. Remember he took Sut out for a picnic one day, then there is the fact that Casimir has been by every morning and brings Sut breakfast and the two of them eat together before he leaves for the day, then he calls every night, right, Sut?”
Sut gave his friend a smile “Yup.”
Gage rolled his eyes as he put the menu on the table. “Big deal. If he was so interested in changing and winning Sut back, then he should be doing more.”
“It seems to me Casimir is giving Sutton exactly what he asked for. Time. But, he’s also showing him that he’s still there. As for having everyone over for the barbeque, I thought it was a good idea. He invited everyone over and had them bring food and drinks and took care of all the cooking and cleanup, so Sut didn’t have to do a thing,” Ronin pointed out.
“He shouldn’t have invited everyone over at all,” Gage argued.
Ronin shook his head and sighed. “He was trying to show Sut that he wasn’t ashamed of them. He couldn’t bring Sut into public, so he brought everyone to him. And everyone who is important to them, to show Sut he meant what he said when he promised that he would change.”
“Yeah, well…” Gage grumbled.
“So what can I get for you, gentlemen?” The waiter asked, as he stopped by their table, and Sut was grateful. He really wanted the conversation to end. He had enough to think about when it came to him and Casimir, but to have Gage always pointing out the negative and others pointing out the positive, was a nice balance, but he didn’t want his thoughts clouded over by anyone else’s opinion. He needed to use his own mind and heart, because he was the only one, besides, Casimir, with an emotional interest their mating.
After he, Gage, and Ronin had ordered, the waiter left and Sut tried to keep the conversation away from Casimir.
“So, Logan, has anyone heard from him? I’ve tried a few times but I can’t reach him,” Sut asked.
Nick put his drink down and swallowed what was in his mouth before he answered, “Yes. Jensen was worried that he wouldn’t be able to keep Logan in bed resting, so he took him to see his mom back in his old home.”
Sut’s eyes widened in surprise. “Are you shitting me? Jensen took him to… what’s it called, Saturnalia? Wow.”
“Yeah, it seems Logan was being a worse patient than you and not staying in bed, so Jensen zapped his ass home,” Dallas said, with a chuckle.
“He said he still wouldn’t be able to keep Logan in bed all day, but at least there, Logan would be forced to relax and slow down,” Jagger added.
“Well, I hope they’re having a good time and Logan is actually taking some down time,” Sut said.
“So where is Casimir today?” Miles asked absently, his attention on the girlies as he held out crayons for them.
Great, just what he didn’t want, to have the subject go back to him and Casimir. Maybe he could get that waiter’s attention and get his meal to go, feigning suddenly being tired, but that wou
ld most likely backfire on him, because Nick would call Doc Rob and tell him Sut wasn’t ready to return to work. However, Dolly showed up at just that moment with their food, and it had Sut ready to kiss the woman.
“Here you go, boys,” she said, as she placed their plates down in front of them, then looked to Sutton and smiled. “When I heard this was for you, I took the liberty of adding some extra veggies to that plate. We need to make sure our hero is all better.”
Sut returned the smile. “Thanks, Dolly. I promise I’ll eat all of it.”
“You just do that,” she said, then turned and walked to a table two away from them and slapped the man sitting there upside the head. “And you. You think wearing that hoody over your head is going to fool me?”