37

“I know, but…” What kind of man was I to force my pregnant mate out of bed instead of handling it myself? A shitty excuse for one, that’s what. Bryn was right—this was out of our hands, and it was clear that she felt a little inadequate that she hadn’t handled the ledgers herself. I understood her wanting to feel useful through this process, but that only settled the guilt more firmly on my shoulders. Was I being the mate she most needed? How did I know I was supporting her the way she needed most?

After she dressed, we left to meet the council at the usual spot. Bryn must have reached out to Tavi telepathically because she was waiting for us by the double doors.

I had hoped that the next time I saw my sister would be under more casual circumstances, but given her grave face, she had been brought up to speed as to why we’d called this meeting. But to my delight, her expression lifted a bit when she saw me.

“Hi, Night,” she said.

“It’s good to see you, kid.”

She chuckled. “Likewise.” S