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My knees were still weak when we said our goodbyes.
“I’ll miss you, you know.” I reached up to touch his jawline. His stubble was thicker today and scratched against my fingertips. We’d spent so much time in bed, he hadn’t had a chance to shave.
“Not nearly as much as I’ll miss you.” He swallowed hard, closing his eyes, leaning into my touch. When his eyes opened again, they trailed down to Rylan, who was snug against my chest beneath his baby wrap. “I’ll miss you both.”
He hugged me as tightly as he could without squishing Rylan between us. His lips brushed the top of my head, then he buried his nose in my hair. Humidity tickled my scalp as he breathed me in again.
We stayed there like that for a long time. Still, when he pulled away, it was far too soon.
“Ah…” He took a single step back, not looking eager to leave. “Look out for Kingston while I’m away. I know you’ve already got one baby to deal with, but—”
“He’s not being a baby.” A sad smile formed on my lips. “He’s having a hard time.”
“He’s not taking care of himself.” Xander took one of my hands and squeezed it. “Maybe you put his pills in some peanut butter or something. Give it to him on a big spoon.”
I laughed. “I’ll try my best.”
“And Nana Jordan—”
“She’ll be okay. She has Nadia there with her now,” I reminded him. “And we can’t count Connell out.”
“Well, then, take care of Nadia and Connell, too.”
“And Dylan?” I guessed.
“Dylan’s pretty low maintenance, actually. But yeah, him too.” He nodded, and took my other hand. Our bodies drew closer again. “I need you to take care of all of them for me, Cheeks. The pack needs an alpha, and while I’m away, the closest thing they’ve got to one of those is you.”
“I’m no alpha.” I shook my head gently, unsure of what he meant. “I’m not even a shifter.”
“No, but you’re my mate, and you’re the most capable woman for the job.”
For a moment, I was certain he had to be joking. Xander had been born to lead, trained to do exactly that from childhood.
What had I been trained for? Nursing, I supposed, but Xander wasn’t asking me to start IVs or monitor troponin levels. He was putting me in charge of his family. His people. His entire life here in Evergreen while he was away.
I searched his eyes and found no glimmer of teasing.
He was being completely serious.
Was I up to the task?
“I’ll do my best,” I promised, my heart suddenly heavy.
I’d have to. What he was asking of me was no small favor, and I couldn’t let him down.
“Even if you did your worst, it’d still be pretty damn good.” He glanced down, pursing his lips. “There’s something else I’m worrying about.”
“Still nervous about charming Melony?” I joked, trying to lighten the mood a little.
“Nah. I mean, it still turns my stomach, but she was convinced we were mates when I ignored her completely. I could light a bag of dogshit on that woman’s doorstep, and she’d call it a valentine.”
“What, then?”
“I’m leaving you with a lot of responsibility on your shoulders.” Concern blazed in his eyes. “While I’m gone…who’s gonna take care of you?”
I chuckled. “I’m very capable of taking care of myself, Xander Miller.”
