The Alpha and Her Rogue

|30| Mystery Map

Jaxyl

"No progress."

My lips tighten at the email displayed on my computer screen.

Tomorrow will make a month since Darius fled. My anxiety is at an all time high and at this point, I just want to hear that they're okay.

I close the email, shuffling to the paperwork I'd put off yesterday. I hate paperwork. It seems I'm always reading and signing something. I wish I could hire an assistant.

A buzz sounds from the built-in speaker in my desk, followed by an automated voice. "Gamma Meyers, requesting entrance." A frown passes over my lips. What does he want?

I press the green button, allowing Tez to enter my office. The door opens revealing his tall frame, the grin already spread across his sharp jaws.

"Why are you here?" I ask before he can speak.

"Um, the attitude ma'am," he holds up a defensive hand. "Fix it."

I bite my bottom lip, suppressing a grin of my own. "I'm sorry. Good morning, friend," I offer him a smile. "What are you doing here?" I ask again.

"You mean what are we doing here?" he bends down, picking up the baby carrier—which I couldn't see before—and diaper bag at his feet.

"Oh my Goddess!" I shoot up from my chair. With my own permission, I take the carrier from him and immediately undo the buckles holding my godchild captive. Yes, godchild!

"I couldn't get that same reaction," Tez scoffs, actually sounding hurt.

"You're jealous of your own daughter?"

"Only when she's stealing my attention from my best friend."

I retake my place in my very comfy chair, cuddling a surprisingly wide awake Aleah. "How has my baby girl been without her favorite god mama?" I cooed.

Tez sat on my plush couch, scowling at me. Holding Aleah reminds me of Xavier--who will be approaching his six month mark soon.

I nudge her caramel toned cheeks with my nose, watching her dimpled smile grow. What a beautiful child my friend created.

"How is Mandy?"

"She's okay," he answers simply, which I find odd.

"Just okay?" I raise an eyebrow. Mandy just had a child two weeks ago, she should still be on could nine. I know I was.

"Yeah, Jax. What kind of answer do you want?" A hint of irritation slips through his voice.

"It's just a question everyone asks after a woman has a damn baby." I squint my eyes at him. "Do I need to get the bug spray for your ass?"

He gives me a hard stare before blowing out a stressful breath. "Sorry," he apologizes. "I just..." he trails off, fingering the decorative lining on the plush love seat by my door.

"She hasn't been great," he admits. "At least not like I'd expected. The first few days after we brought Aleah home, she was fine--happy. Then, suddenly I found myself doing all of the work."

"She hasn't been herself, nor is she playing the mommy role so good. I think...I think she's depressed or something, I don't know."

"I don't know what to do," he shakes his head. I thought she wanted this."

"What she's going through is natural for post-partum women, Tez. She can't help it," I tell him. "Just don't stop doing what you're doing now and do not make her feel bad about it. Make her feel loved and supported while she's getting back to herself."