A quiet lullaby tinkled in the background of the prenatal clinic.

Wyatt held his breath as he stepped in, half-afraid that someone would recognize him and Raph. They’d sprayed on the scent suppressants; Wyatt hated for Raph’s scent to disappear off his skin, but Raph had promised to mark him again after the visit.

Against a background of rainbows and unicorns, the receptionist smiled. “Here for an appointment?”

“Yes, under Wyatt Fleming.”

She tapped on the keyboard. “We’ve got you down for 2 PM—you’re early! While you wait, could you provide us with your updated details?”

Wyatt took the clipboard from her, glancing at the form. He’d changed addresses and phone numbers since his pregnancy with Hazel—a good thing. But it also meant staring at the “Alpha’s name” field, the name he wanted to write too scandalous for words.

With a hand on Wyatt’s back, Raph guided him to the waiting area, nodding for him to sit. To anyone else, they could be friends, or brothers. They certainly didn’t have to be bonded step-siblings. But Wyatt’s heart quickened anyway. Aside from last night at the drive-in, he and Raph hadn’t been affectionate in public at all.

Wyatt filled in the rest of the blanks. Then he looked at the field for his alpha’s name, his heart pattering.

“You don’t have to,” Raph said. “I don’t mind.”

“I’ll just... list you as an emergency contact,” Wyatt said, a bitter taste on his tongue. By not acknowledging Raph, it felt like Wyatt was disappointing him.

Raph caught his hand, giving him a quick squeeze. “You don’t have to prove anything to them,” he said. “You know, and I know. That’s fine.”

It was such a shame, too, when his alpha was the best person Wyatt could ever hope for. He swallowed his uncertainty, handing the clipboard back to the receptionist. She glanced over the form and smiled. “You’re all set with your registration, Mr. Fleming. Please have a seat.”

“I’ve never asked,” Raph murmured when Wyatt settled next to him. “How’d you raise Hazel by yourself?”

Wyatt smiled wryly. “With sheer determination.”

Raph rolled his eyes. “C’mon, Wy. Not what I was asking.”

“Are you saying I lack determination?”

“Want a slap for talking back?” Raph smirked.

Wyatt’s cock twitched. Gods, this isn’t the right time. His face warmed, and Raph’s eyebrows crawled up his forehead. “Maybe later,” Wyatt said. “Don’t make promises you aren’t keeping.”

“Fine. I won’t.” Raph smiled sheepishly. “But answer my question.”

“I had help,” Wyatt said. “I met Sam before I dropped out of college, so he and Penny knew I was pregnant—”

“Did Pen tell Mom and Dad?”

“Surprisingly, no. I told her it was an accident and I didn’t want to talk about it.”

Raph’s eyes darkened. “You know, they still think Hazel’s an accident.”

Wyatt squirmed. That lie, he didn’t feel bad about. Especially when Mom and Dad talked about Hazel’s pregnancy with Hazel around. “Yeah, I do. I’d rather not have them know about... well, you know.”

It was better to hear about your mystery dad without knowing who he was, than knowing the sort of sick bastard you shared your genes with. At least, Wyatt thought so.

“I understand,” Raph said. His lips were still in a thin line.

“Anyway, they lent me money. I worked a couple jobs and paid them when I could.”

“I should’ve—”

“You need to stop apologizing for that,” Wyatt said, glancing around. The couples in the waiting area were absorbed in their own conversations. “That’s in the past, Raph. I’m stronger for it.”

Raph’s eyes gleamed with a quiet sort of pride, that warmed Wyatt from the inside. Raph looked between Wyatt’s hand, and the other couples. Wyatt understood. There was a risk if they touched too much in public. But no one was watching them right now.

So he took Raph’s hand and gave him a squeeze, savoring his warmth.

It seemed so easy for the other couples, people who weren’t related to each other. Of all the billions of alphas in the world... Wyatt had to fall for his stepbrother. What were the odds of that? Had Meadowfall even seen such a relationship?

“Let’s look at stuffed animals,” he said, shoving those thoughts out of his mind.

Raph grinned, pulling his phone out. “Do you want one for yourself, or the baby? You used to have a bunch of tigers and lions.”

“I want a stuffed cow,” Wyatt said. He’d given Hazel a number of toys over the years, and sometimes he borrowed a couple, hugging them to sleep. “For... the baby.”

“Sure.” Raph’s eyes glimmered, a smile tugging at his lips. “We’ll get each of you one. That way, you don’t have to share.”

Wyatt stifled his laugh. “You like teasing me, don’t you?”

“Depends on when.” Raph’s voice dipped to a low murmur, sending a thrill down Wyatt’s spine.

They scrolled through different websites, looking at various stuffed cows. Wyatt was beginning to imagine a nursery of animal and flower drawings—maybe Hazel would want to help with the murals on the walls. He was about to mention the idea, when Raph’s phone buzzed.

From the top of the screen, a preview of the incoming text message slid down.

Raphael Fleming, your next payment is due in 7 days. Amount due: $5,735.42. Payoff amount: $156,188...

Wyatt’s stomach dropped. $156,000? That’s insane. Worse than all of Hazel’s bills.

“Ah, shit.” Raph flicked the preview away, grimacing.

“You didn’t—didn’t mention that.”

But it was so clear now, why Raph avoided discussions of their future. It wasn’t that he didn’t want their baby; Raph hadn’t wanted to burden Wyatt with a debt like that.

All Wyatt could think about was how Raph had kept this a secret from him, just like how Max had lied about being sterile.

Stop thinking about Max.

Raph’s cheeks darkened. “You don’t need to deal with shit like that.”

“I’m your—I should’ve known it anyway, Raph.” Wyatt frowned, his pulse thudding. They’d been fucking for five entire months. They were even talking to Hazel about marriage. “Is that the only one?”

“Yeah. Just this.” Raph’s gaze was honest. “We shouldn’t be discussing it here.”

So they weren’t a million dollars in debt, at least.

“Fine,” Wyatt said, sucking in a breath. But it made sense now, why Raph had hedged on quitting his job. Moving to Meadowfall. He couldn’t afford to. And maybe it was embarrassing, for an alpha to be too poor to pay for a baby. Wyatt understood that. “I’m just saying I can help. You don’t have to deal with that alone.”

“I can’t.” Raph frowned. “You have your business to worry about.”

“I’m turning profits. I can make it work,” Wyatt said. “Maybe not all at once, but it’ll be better than you doing it by yourself.”

Raph exhaled, long and slow. “I’m barely keeping up with the payments, Wy. And I’m at the highest pay grade for my level.”

For a regional manager, that was saying a lot. If Raph quit his job and found another in Meadowfall... Wyatt wasn’t sure they’d make enough between the both of them, and still afford to raise two children. His heart sank.

“Was that from Alpha Associates?” he asked.

“Yeah.”

“Grandma knows about it?”

“She signed the loan agreement.”

Wyatt closed his eyes, a vicious fury surging through his chest. She’d terrorized Wyatt since he was a child. That was fine.

But Raph had done nothing demeaning, aside from that afternoon with Wyatt in the piano room. Instead of helping her grandson soar, Grandma had shackled Raph with debt like she’d done with their parents. What kind of bitch was she?

“Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t murder her right now,” Wyatt growled. “She has a weak heart, doesn’t she?”

“I’d prefer to see you in my be—my home, Wy. Not behind bars.” Raph reached down, catching Wyatt’s hand. Wyatt squeezed back, his pulse beating in his fingertips. How did I get myself into this?

The drive-in made a few thousand a month, after he’d deducted the business expenses. But there was his apartment and utilities to pay for, and after all his expenses, it would take forever to make a dent in a hundred and fifty grand.

And Raph hadn’t even planned on mentioning the debt, had he?

Wyatt sagged into his seat. “You’re not forgiven yet.”

Raph looked down at his clenched fists. “I know. I mean... I understand if you don’t want me as your—”

“No, don’t say that,” Wyatt whispered, squeezing Raph’s hand. He couldn’t turn Raph away just because of that.

But Raph had lied, and that still prickled at Wyatt’s skin.

He leaned away from Raph, looking at the pastel mobiles hanging from the ceiling. Then he looked at his belly, wondering how he could bring his baby into this mess. I’m sorry, hon. This won’t be easy for all of us.

He was about to reach for Raph’s hand again when a door opened.

“Wyatt Fleming,” a nurse called.

He jumped, his heart kicking.

“Want me to follow?” Raph asked.

They probably shouldn’t be seen together. But Raph was the baby’s father, and despite his secret, Wyatt still trusted him most.

“Fine,” he said.

They followed the nurse through the doorway, pausing so she could take Wyatt’s blood pressure and weight. Then she led them to the next room, knocking on the door.

Like it had years ago, Dr. Smith’s office smelled like hay—she was a beta. Raph held the door open, and stepped in after Wyatt.

With graying blond hair and wrinkles around her eyes, Dr. Smith was old enough to have met a number of Meadowfall townsfolk—not in the least, their father. Nine years ago, Wyatt had asked her to keep silent about his visits, when Chief Fleming had started search attempts to track his son down.

Seemed like every time he met her, he was in some kind of trouble.

“Hello, Wyatt,” Dr. Smith said, extending her hand. Wyatt shook it. She glanced at Raph next, and recognition flickered in her eyes. Wyatt held his breath. The doctor didn’t speak to Raph. Instead, she smiled kindly at Wyatt. “How is Hazel?”

“She’s doing well, thank you. She’s nine now, and she loves coloring and cooking.”

“Cooking? That’s advanced for a nine-year-old.”

Wyatt suppressed his wince. Maybe he shouldn’t have mentioned that. Most nine-year-olds didn’t know how to cook. “I’ve been supervising her in the kitchen.”

“Hazel’s great,” Raph said. “Very intelligent. Wyatt’s taught her well.”

Dr. Smith held out her hand. “I believe you’re Raphael? I’ve seen you around in Meadowfall.”

So she knew they were brothers, then. Wyatt tried to keep smiling.

“How is Chief Fleming doing? I’ve seen a couple of his interviews on TV.”

“He’s doing great. I think he’s been busy at the station.” Wyatt took one of the seats by the doctor’s desk, avoiding Raph. Maybe Raph coming along was a bad idea. Maybe Raph should leave.

Raph settled into the next seat, tucking his thumbs in his pockets.

“That’s fantastic. Now, I’ll need you to tell me about your pregnancy.” Dr. Smith clicked through the tabs on her computer. “Do you remember when you conceived?”

Wyatt didn’t remember it offhand. He froze, wishing he’d written it down. “It was a weekend in May. Um. I know I’m at twenty weeks.”

“The second weekend,” Raph said.

Relief and despair twisted through Wyatt’s gut. Raph, shut up. “The Saturday of that week,” he said. “I didn’t.... think you remembered.”

Dr. Smith clicked on her calendar, then glanced between them.

Wyatt’s cheeks burned. Raph shrugged. “You told me some time back.”

And Wyatt realized that Raph was right. That if they acted as though they were ordinary brothers, maybe they’d leave with Smith none the wiser. He breathed in deep, then breathed out. Things will be okay.

Behind the desk, Raph caught Wyatt’s hand, holding on to him.

The next few questions went smoothly. Wyatt told the doctor about his diet, exercise, and work, and declined a refresher course on pregnancy.

“Very good,” Dr. Smith said. “We’ll save the bloodwork for last. Now, I’ll need you to lie on the exam bed, Wyatt. Would you prefer if Mr. Fleming stayed with you?”

They exchanged a glance. Raph’s expression was keen, hopeful, and Wyatt... didn’t have the heart to send him away. “Yes, I’d prefer if Raph could stay.”

Dr. Smith locked the door, settling at the computer next to the exam bed. As she tapped on the keyboard, Wyatt made himself comfortable, pulling his shirt up over his belly. Raph’s gaze roved over him, dark, appreciative. And Wyatt knew that, despite hiding the debt from him, Raph still cared.

Smith dimmed the lights, hooking her stethoscope to her ears. “I’ll be listening to the fetal heartbeat first.”

The end of the stethoscope pressed cool against Wyatt’s belly. He held his breath, hoping his own heartbeat didn’t betray him. The doctor set the stethoscope a little lower, and listened again.

“Heartbeat normal for Week 20,” she said, tapping into the computer. “Now, I’ll be starting the ultrasound.”

They were silent as she pulled a tube from the warmer, uncapping it. Clear gel oozed onto Wyatt’s abdomen, wet and warm. Then the doctor pressed the ultrasound wand to the gel, and watched the screen.

It was familiar, doing this again. Back when Wyatt had carried Hazel, he’d visited the clinic, alone, scared, without an alpha. Now... Raph was here. They weren’t holding hands, but Wyatt felt the warm touch of Raph’s gaze on his skin.

Raph stepped closer, his eyes on the screen. “Is that the baby?”

“It is.” Dr. Smith tapped on some keys, so the mess of specks on the screen magnified. “The fetus is this shape over here. At twenty weeks, it’s about ten inches in total length, but curled up into six.”

Six inches was a little smaller than his hand. Wyatt glimpsed Raph looking at his own fingers, then at Wyatt’s belly, wonder on his face.

Gods, I love him.

Dr. Smith moved the wand, taking screen captures of their baby from different angles. “Would you like to know the baby’s sex?”

It didn’t matter, either way. Wyatt glanced at Raph, who shrugged. “No, we’ll wait until birth to find out.”

“All right.”

When the doctor was done, she turned to Wyatt, smiling warmly. “It looks like you’re carrying a healthy fetus. Would you like to hold the wand and see for yourself?”

“Yes, please.” Wyatt took the wand gingerly. He hadn’t dared the previous time, when he’d done Hazel’s ultrasound. With Raph around, he felt braver.

The image on the screen moved when he adjusted the wand. Dr. Smith zoomed out when he changed the angle, then zoomed in again, so they could see the curled shape of their baby. It was tiny, and amazing, and Wyatt was still awed by the life he carried.

“Can I...” Raph paused, his hand half-raised. Wyatt looked at him. So did the doctor. Raph’s throat worked, his cheeks darkening.

And as fond of him as Wyatt was, he didn’t know what he could say. Can my brother look at our baby, too?

The silence stretched between them. Dr. Smith raised her eyebrows. “Sure,” she said after a pause. “If Wyatt agrees.”

“Yeah,” Wyatt said. “Go ahead.” His joints felt wooden when he nodded. Dr. Smith watched them; maybe she could see their relationship somehow, invisible lines connecting Raph to Wyatt.

Raph tried to keep the excitement off his face. Wyatt saw it in the gleam of his eyes, the twitch of his mouth. He stopped by the exam table, broad and towering. And the tension in Wyatt’s shoulders melted away, having his alpha so close.

Raph wrapped his fingers around both the ultrasound wand, and Wyatt’s hand. Wyatt’s breath snagged in his throat.

“Do I move it this way?” Raph asked, tipping the wand slightly, pressing its flat end against Wyatt’s belly. The baby slid off the screen, and Raph turned the wand, his touch gentle. Then the baby came into view again, and Raph froze, his eyes bright, a tiny smile spreading across his face.

He was so very eager. Wyatt didn’t know how he could stop himself from pulling Raph close, kissing the breath out of him.

“Can we have pictures of it?” Raph asked. And then paused, his eyes flying to Wyatt’s.

Heart thudding, Wyatt glanced at Dr. Smith. The doctor nodded. “Of course. We offer an image printing service. The prints will be $5 each. How many would you like?”

Raph looked away, his ears and neck flushed. Wyatt cringed. Gods, we must be so obvious. “Two, please.”

She keyed it into the computer. “The prints will be ready at the receptionist’s desk in fifteen minutes.”

“Thank you,” Wyatt said.

Raph reluctantly released Wyatt, retreating to the other side of the room. They fell back into silence.

Dr. Smith took the wand back, handing Wyatt a fresh towel to clean the gel off. Wyatt watched her from the corner of his eye. As a doctor, Smith would have to abide by patient confidentiality laws. She had never revealed his location nine years ago, either.

“The bloodwork tests will take a week to process,” the doctor said. “We’ll email you a report with the details. If there’s a problem, we’ll call you back to the clinic to discuss your options.”

“Okay.” He squirmed, pulling his shirt over his belly. If they left her office now, Wyatt was sure their secret would be safe. But Smith knew, and that information nagged at him. “About the baby’s parentage...”

“We don’t do DNA tests unless requested,” Smith said, tilting her head with a smile.

Could he say Please don’t tell anyone about Raph and me? Or perhaps something a little more vague...

“Wyatt’s my omega,” Raph said, slipping his arm around Wyatt’s shoulders. Wyatt spluttered. “We’re stepbrothers. D’you think there’ll be a problem with that?”

Dr. Smith blinked. Then she shook her head, her eyes warm. “No, there shouldn’t be a problem. You’re not related by blood. I’ve seen hundreds of omegas by now—a pregnancy between consenting adults is not at all an issue.”

Wyatt relaxed into Raph’s side, relief turning his limbs to jelly. That was unexpected. “Thank you.”

Raph squeezed his shoulder. “Thanks.”

“Take care,” Smith said. She unlocked the door and shook their hands. “Have a great day.”

As they headed to the next room, Wyatt stepped away from Raph. They remained silent through the bloodwork, until they returned to the waiting area once more.

“That went better than I thought,” Raph said.

“Went better? You fucking told her,” Wyatt hissed. “I almost had a heart attack!”

“You were going to say it anyway.” Raph met his eyes. “I just told her straight up.”

“Oh, gods.” Wyatt buried his face in his hands. At least Dr. Smith didn’t judge their relationship. “I wasn’t expecting that.”

“Sorry.”

“The conception date, too.” Wyatt’s cheeks prickled. “I didn’t think you remembered!”

“Damn it, Wy. Of course I remember it. I hadn’t seen you in ages!” Raph brushed their hands together. “But back in the office, I was just excited. If you can believe that.”

Wyatt swallowed hard, his chest squeezing. “You really were.”

Raph caught his hand. Then he leaned closer, and murmured, “Am I forgiven?”

The memory of the debt crashed back into him, foreboding and nerve-wracking. Wyatt’s stomach shrank. How had he forgotten that? “I don’t know. Probably not.”

“What do I have to do?”

He felt like a bit of a jerk, refusing to forgive Raph. But a hundred and fifty grand was a huge whopping sum, and the thought of trying to pay it off anytime soon... Wyatt’s thoughts spun.

“I’ll think about it,” he said.

“Am I still staying over tonight?” Raph asked.

“We’d have to talk about everything else. Figure where we go from here.”

Raph looked away, his mouth a thin line. “Yeah, I guess we’d have to.”

This shouldn’t be happening, him and Raph. When all was said and done, they were still stepbrothers. The townsfolk thought of them as blood family. Their dad still didn’t know. If Wyatt wanted to escape it all, he’d have to move Hazel and their home away from Meadowfall, and rebuild their roots somewhere else.

I can’t believe you never told me about the debt.

He held on to Raph’s hand, listening to the tinkling lullaby of the clinic.