Hooked on a Phoenix by Ashlyn Chase

Author:Ashlyn Chase
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Published: 2018-01-16T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Gabe left the Zipcar near the bus station where he’d rented it. He was in the mood for a long walk anyway. Travelling from there to Charlestown on foot should wear him out. Hopefully more mentally than physically.

Unfortunately, the exercise never did kick him into that natural high that runners experienced, and he still arrived on his brother’s doorstep a little early. The condo was in an older building right near the Charles River. Even though it was only a one bedroom, Jayce loved it, probably because he could dock his boat so close by.

It was only him and Kristine anyway, and there would never be any children, since his dragon bride could only produce children with another dragon. And she’d never be unfaithful. He was sure of that. They’d made it pretty clear that they adored each other.

“Gabe! We didn’t expect you for another hour,” Kristine said. “Did we get the time wrong?”

“No. I’m early. I need to talk to Jayce. Is he here?”

“Right here, buddy,” Jayce said as he exited the only bathroom, zipping up his jeans.

Gabe winced at the nickname, even if it was said as an endearment. That didn’t matter right now. He had to talk to someone sane, because he certainly wasn’t.

“Can we go out on your boat before dinner?”

“Sure. I thought you’d want to wait until dark so we could do a little flying without freaking out the fishermen. We don’t exactly resemble seagulls.”

“I need to talk.”

“Go ahead,” Kristine said. “Dinner can wait.”

Jayce kissed his wife, then gave a sharp nod to Gabe. “Okay. Let’s go.”

Following his brother across the street, Gabe tried to pick out any of the mentally rehearsed speeches he could use. Telling his older brother, who would be head of the family someday, was a little unnerving but only practice for the big revelation to the rest of the family—probably at the next Sunday dinner.

As soon as they’d cast off, Gabe let out a sigh of relief. In no time, they would be far off the coast and into open water. As the land disappeared behind him, so did some of his stress.

Finally breaking the silence, Jayce asked, “So, what’s eating you?”

“I need to talk and just want you to listen. No advice that I ‘do the right thing,’ please.”

“Uh-oh. You’d better tell me where this is going before I jump to conclusions.”

Gabe sighed. “You’d probably jump to the right one but only conclude part of it.”

Jayce was quiet but focused on him intently.

He had to spit it out. “Misty’s pregnant.”

“Shit. Does she know?”

“Huh?”

Jayce chuckled. “Sorry. Just trying to lighten the moment with a little humor.”

Gabe looked skyward, then remembered why he’d gone to Jayce. He wouldn’t give him a lecture, like he would get if he went to Miguel or his father. He wouldn’t get an inappropriate pat on the back from Dante or Noah for “bagging a babe” like Misty.

“Jayce, I appreciate your trying, but there’s no way to lighten this load. In fact, it gets heavier.”

“Crap. What else is there?”

“She has MS.

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