Backstage at the Freak Show (Harem of Freaks #7) - Crystal Ash Page 0,36
his back a few times, but no burps came up.
“Maybe we should take him to the doctor?” Mel watched us with her nervous, tired expression, wringing her hands in front of her.
“He doesn’t seem sick.” I kissed the side of my son’s head. “Just very upset about something.”
“I’ve done everything.” Mel flopped down into an armchair, sinking deep in the cushions. “I just don’t know what he needs and I feel terrible.”
“What he needs is to stop being a brat,” I chuckled, nuzzling into him. “If he were an actual tiger cub I’d swat his little arse with my paw.”
“That’s not funny, Arjun.”
“Yes it is, love. You’re just exhausted.” I turned to look at her. “When did you last sleep? Or shower?”
Mel sighed, bringing a hand to her forehead. “I don’t even remember. I napped a little here and there? Everything’s just kind of run together since you left.”
“You still have a whole bloody household to help you while I’m gone! What happened to them?” I demanded irritably. “This is exactly why you have four husbands, love. So we can all make this easier for you.”
“Don’t be mad at them,” she sighed. “I told them I wanted to give them a break. He’s one kid! I thought I could handle it.” Her lip wobbled. “I’m just a bad mother.”
“Melody, no.” If I wasn’t holding Mason, I would have yanked her into my chest with a growl, but settled for stroking the back of her neck. “You know that’s not true.”
“Then why can’t I calm him down?”
“Babies are hard in the best of times, love. And you’re exhausted, just take a breath.”
She turned into me, slumping against my shoulder while Mason continued to cry and fuss in my other arm. I hated that both of them were upset. The others would be sure to get an earful from me when they got back. They should have known better than to leave her completely alone.
My purr started low, barely noticeable as I stroked Mel’s hair, kissing her forehead while just trying to keep my boy from tumbling arse over tea kettle out of my grip. Mel sighed and nuzzled into me, the vibrating in my throat growing louder. I knew it comforted her, and in the moment it seemed like nothing else would help. After a few moments, the weight in my opposite arm began to still.
“Look at that,” she whispered, reaching out for Mason’s chubby foot.
He was calmer, now snuggled up to my shoulder like she was. His fist was in his mouth, drool puddling on my shirt as his eyelids started drooping.
“Keep purring,” Mel whispered. “He’s gonna knock right out.”
I turned it up to a loud rattle, enveloping my son in the rhythmic vibrations that seemed to calm him just as much as his mum. Even after his eyes closed and his fist slid limply out of his mouth, I purred while carrying him all the way to his bassinet across the room.
“Sleep deeply, little cub,” I whispered over my purr as I slowly lowered him down.
“If I had known that was all it took,” Mel grinned at me, “I’d have recordings of it since he was born.”
“We can record the next one,” I told her, pulling my shirt out of my slacks. “Now,” I leaned down over the armchair, hovering my mouth above hers, “I’m drawing a bath and putting you in it.”
“Mm, tell me more,” she smiled.
“It’s going to be hot and bubbly, with one of those wretched bath fizzer things.”
“Bombs,” she said. “They’re called bath bombs.”
“Of course, love. Then while you’re in there,” I skimmed my fingertips over her jaw, tracing down her neck. “I’m going to make dinner. How does a tikka masala sound?”
“Ugh, amazing,” she moaned, leaning into my hand. “I’ve been living on whatever chips I can get out of the cabinets.”
“Oh no, crisps won’t do. My wife needs a full meal.” I pulled her from the chair, scooping her up into my arms to carry her to the bath upstairs. “And then,” I brushed my lips across her forehead, my purr returning, “I’m going to make a meal out of her.”
An hour later, Mel was clean, relaxed, and refreshed. She happily sat at the table while I doled out dinner for us.
“They’re out really late,” I remarked, eying the setting sun. “I really can’t believe they’d leave you alone for this long.”
“It was my fault,” she sighed, fiddling with the baby monitor. “I insisted they go. Hunter almost didn’t but Raz was itching