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Servas had brought a veritable feast of breakfast foods. There was thick yogurt with fresh berries and homemade granola, blueberry muffins, fresh fruit, crispy strips of bacon that smelled so good they made Mostyn’s stomach rumble, and egg bites, as Servas called them. They were basically omelets with bacon, onions, tomatoes, and more in a muffin shape. To drink, they had freshly squeezed apple juice and, of course, copious amounts of coffee.

“Did you make all of this?” Isam asked as they settled at the dinner table.

Servas laughed. “I wish, but I didn’t have that much time. Most of this comes compliments of Vieno, who wanted to thank you for what you’re doing, Mostyn.”

God, all that praise made him uncomfortable. Wouldn’t anyone else have done the same thing? Mostyn’s parents had always taught him that if you could help, you should. But he also knew that people who were dealing with the illness of a loved one often felt helpless, which made them extra appreciative when others were able to do something for them. “Be sure to thank him, okay?”

Conversation flowed easily as they ate, and Mostyn was grateful. Isam wasn’t as much of a talker as Servas and Mostyn were, but he seemed to enjoy listening to them and weighed in when he wanted to.

“How was the tour of the clinic yesterday?” Servas asked Mostyn.

“It was really interesting. First of all, I had no idea something like a free clinic for omegas even existed, let alone one as well-organized as this one. And then I heard about the research Sando is doing, and it blew my mind. You guys have built something extraordinary here.”

“Do you think you might want to work in the clinic?” Isam asked.

Mostyn shrugged. “It’s a logical option. Enar suggested I could be trained as a physician assistant or, if I preferred, as a nurse. It took me a few moments to realize he was dead serious about the physician assistant part.”

“It’s an alpha job,” Servas said, his eyes lighting up in understanding.

“Very much so. The funny thing is that I considered it before I ended up choosing to become a radiology technician. I wasn’t up for the fight it would take to get into the program. But this would be different.”

“Would it be accredited?” Isam wanted to know.

“Not until everything has calmed down, but Enar said that wouldn’t stop him from starting with the training. And honestly, I don’t even care that much. All I want is to help and make myself useful.”

Isam’s com crackled. “Pack meeting in an hour. Over,” Bray’s voice came through.

He nodded as he answered. “Acknowledged. I have Servas and Mostyn here, and they know. Over.”

“Another pack meeting?” Servas asked softly.

Isam nodded. “We’re going to the hospital tomorrow.” He looked at Mostyn. “If that works for you.”

As performative as it was under the circumstances, Mostyn still appreciated the attempt at asking his consent. “I’m ready.”

“Bray and I worked out the details this morning. He’ll lead the mission, and I’ll be his second-in-command. Enar will also come, in case Palani needs medical care. More may be added, depending on the pack meeting.”

Servas made a soft sound of distress. “You’ll both be going…”

Isam reached for the omega’s hand and took it. “Yes, and I know that must be hard for you.”

Servas swallowed. “I wouldn’t be of use. I’m not a fighter, nor do I have a medical background.”

“I know from experience that staying behind, knowing that those you love are putting themselves in danger, is often harder than going yourself,” Isam said softly. “But it can’t be helped. Bray needs me to help keep everyone safe.” He turned to Mostyn. “We’d like to talk to you sometime later today to go over everything you’ve seen and heard about the situation in the capital. We need as much information as we can get.”

“Of course.”

They ate in silence for a little bit. Mostyn kept stealing glances at Servas, who looked sad and a little stressed. “Are you okay?” he asked him finally.

Servas met his eyes. “Okay? I don’t think any of us are okay right now, but I’m as well as I can be, under the circumstances. But I’m scared for tomorrow. I know we don’t even really know each other, but you’re my mates, and…” His voice broke. “The thought of something happening to you when I’ve only just found you hurts.”

Isam pushed his chair back, then patted his thick, strong thighs. “Come sit with me for a spell.”

Servas didn’t even hesitate and got up to crawl onto Isam’s lap. It was a reminder to Mostyn that while he didn’t know either of them, they had a history together, and Servas had known Isam was his mate for a while. Isam wrapped his arms around the omega, who seemed even smaller compared to the alpha’s massive body. Servas closed his eyes and leaned his head against Isam’s shoulder. The sight made Mostyn’s insides go all soft and tender.

“I wish we had a little more time to spend together before our mission,” Isam said. “It seems so cruel that you have to let us go into the unknown right after we found each other, when you need us so much to connect.”

The man might not use a lot of words, but he sure knew what to say when needed. And he was right. Mostyn felt it too, the need to spend time with his mates, to get to know them, to explore the bond between them. It wasn’t just hard for Servas to let them go. Mostyn’s heart broke at the thought of leaving Servas behind…and they had only met the day before. What a wild rollercoaster this all was.