Page 40 of Arthur

“Seems to be. What’s on your mind?”

“I’ve been pondering your issue with regards to Edric.”

“The joys of parenting. I’m wondering if we’re spoiling him too much since it seems as if he’s going to be our last.”

Costas shrugged. “I’m not sure you can spoil a child too much. He’s loved, he knows this, but he also sees the other children in the coven have siblings at home.”

“We’ve established that. Edric has mentioned several times that he wants a sibling to play with once everyone else has to go back to their own quarters for the evening.” I sighed. “It’s not that Patrick and I don’t want more children. It’s simply not happened since Edric,” I said, giving Costas a look that I hoped he understood.

“Yes. That happens. It’s possible that stress is a contributing factor, or perhaps it’s simply time and the two of you are to have four wonderful children. But whether or not the two of you welcome more offspring into your lives wasn’t why I came to talk. I was remembering my last trip to Treasure Ridge and had an idea since Edric was currently there with Patrick.”

“I am all ears. Any and all suggestions are welcome.” We were out of ideas, so perhaps Costas had something that could work in our favor.

“The council’s psychologist. The first one. Dr. Bennett. He’s a gargoyle, very well respected in his field.”

I shook my head. “I don’t believe I’ve met him.”

“Possibly not. You have always remained here. The point is Dr. Bennett is older, older than I am. He’s been around quite some time. It’s possible that he could be of assistance. He’s not necessarily a pediatric psychologist, but maybe he knows of someone if he cannot assist with Edric?”

I was a bit surprised that Father hadn’t suggested this. “That’s wonderful news. Do you happen to have his number? I cannot get away at the moment—not with the new members having just arrived.”

“I do.” Costas leaned forward and slid a piece of paper across the desk toward me. “I was anticipating you asking. Dr. Bennett is mated to Dr. Braun. Both are psychologists. Dr. Swift has also joined their practice. Dr. Swift is also mated, but I believe his mate was a teacher in the council’s school. Between the three of them, I would think they might be able to provide some insight for you. Hopefully.”

I took the piece of paper and placed it beside my phone. “Thank you, Costas. This is most helpful. I hope that, if nothing else, they might have some suggestions for us.”

“They do amazing work for the omegas and alphas that the council have been rescuing. Dr. Braun is an omega, and heseems to have a way with some of the more traumatized omegas. Not that Edric is traumatized, but it’s possible that Edric might relate to him a bit more.”

“No, I didn’t think you were implying that at all. Again, I really appreciate the connection. I’ll give them a call as soon as I have a moment.”

Costas nodded and stood. “I hope you find a solution soon.”

I did as well. “Thanks again, Costas. I appreciate it more than I can say.” With another nod, Costas left. I sat there, pondering everything that was going on. We’d not really had issues with our first three. They weren’t overly close together in age. Not like Balthazar’s or even Grantham’s children. But they weren’t spaced incredibly far apart either.

“You’re thinking too much,” a feminine voice said suddenly. I grinned as I shook my head. I knew that voice. It was the same one that had sent me to Patrick all those centuries ago. She’d visited me a few times since, but it had been quite some time since the goddess had gifted me with a visit.

“Is that not the duty of a coven master?” I asked out loud. She’d not yet appeared, and at times, she didn’t.

“It is, yes. But stressing over something that will remedy itself isn’t productive.”

That grabbed my attention. “And what is it that I’m stressing over exactly? Because if something is going to fix itself, I’m all for not dwelling on it.”

There was melodic laughter in the room. “You should visit your family in Montana. Costas and Balthazar are more than capable of watching over the coven. Dante will provide any extra protection, not that you are going to need it.”

I nodded slowly. “I would love nothing more than to join my One and our youngest for some downtime in Montana, but there is a great deal going on here.”

“True. There will always be many things to deal with. That is why you have a trusted circle that can watch over things for you while you tend to family. They are important as well.”

“Yes,” I said. I took several moments to contemplate what she was saying. That was how she worked: always telling what needed to be done without saying exactly what we should do. “I’ll go see them, especially since you are insistent that I need to. Is there any particular thing I should look for once I get there?”

There was more laughter. “You’ll know. It will become apparent shortly after you arrive. Enjoy your time with your One, Arthur. You have both earned it.”

“I will.” I waited for several minutes before realizing that she was gone. Apparently, I was going to Montana, and whatever issue I was dwelling on was going to resolve itself.

I grabbed my phone and the piece of paper that Costas had just given me and stood. After sliding both into my pocket, I rounded the desk and went in search of the warlock who had just left my office minutes ago. He wasn’t far. His office was just down the hallway from mine, and that’s where I found him.

“News?” he asked when I stood in his doorway.

“Possibly, but not how you would expect,” I told him. “I’m apparently to go to Montana.” I shrugged. “Could you watch after the coven for me for a day or two? I’m not sure how long I’m supposed to be in Montana, but I was told I needed to go see Patrick.”