Sam knocked on the door some minutes later. Wyatt jumped. He’d thought it might be a grocery store staff at first, or Max, until Sam said, “It’s me.”

Wyatt sagged into the wall, the tightness in his chest easing. Hazel looked at him. He nodded, so she opened the door.

Sam stepped into the dingy bathroom, glancing at Wyatt. “I know I look like crap,” Wyatt said. “Don’t judge.”

But Sam only frowned, shutting the door behind him. “What happened? Where’s Raph?”

Wyatt shrugged, his cheeks prickling. Sam had never been keen on the relationship, ever since Wyatt found out about the pregnancy. And maybe he was right to be wary of it, when Raph had disappeared somewhere, too far away to help.

“Max was here,” Hazel whispered, glancing at the door.

Sam paled. “That bastard was here?”

Hazel nodded. “I think he might’ve seen us. We hid in here.”

“Damn it,” Sam muttered. “You brought your dad away?”

“As fast as I could.”

“Great job,” Sam said, ruffling her hair. “Thanks, kid. How are you, Wy?”

Wyatt stepped into Sam’s arms, pressing his face into Sam’s shoulder.

Sam wore the yellow apron from the drive-in. He smelled like dahlia and omega, like broth from the kitchen. He wasn’t supposed to be here. But he’d dropped work to help Wyatt, and Wyatt was unspeakably grateful for him. For Sam teaching Hazel how to recognize Max, and how to get them both away to safety.

“I thought he left town,” Wyatt mumbled.

“He did. I’ve been checking his Facebook ever since the night he stopped by.” Sam hugged him, his grip tightening on Wyatt’s shoulders. “Gods, I’d shred him to pieces for you, Wy.”

Wyatt chuckled. “You aren’t the only one. Raph wants to, as well.”

“Where’s Raph?” Sam leaned away, scrutinizing him. “I haven’t seen him in weeks.”

Wyatt sighed. Hazel tapped on her phone. “Uncle Raph said he’s busy. But he sent me a dog picture yesterday.”

“He did?” Wyatt lifted his head, peering at her screen. “Why don’t I get dog pictures from him?”

In a text message from Raph, there was a picture of a beagle—probably something Raph had found on the internet. With it, Raph had sent, If your dad allows it, we’ll get a dog sometime.

Sam rolled his eyes. “You don’t get the dog pics, you get the dick pics.”

Wyatt groaned, hiding his scorching face. He couldn’t deny that. But it was also something he’d kept out of sight of everyone else. “Not what we’re talking about, Sam.”

“I’m your best friend. We talk about everything.”

Except Sam wasn’t exactly Wyatt’s best friend anymore. Not when Wyatt had been chatting with Raph, listening to him, probing him for the little intimate details of his life. And Raph had been learning Wyatt inside and out, discussing his problems at work, showing Wyatt the newest recipes he glimpsed on Facebook.

Maybe that was what couples did with each other. But Wyatt had also been sacrificing the time he spent with Sam, so he could have more of Raph. It was selfish. Sam had been there for Wyatt for years, and this was how Wyatt repaid him. And Raph had all but disappeared from Wyatt’s life.

He pulled away from Sam, disgusted with himself.

“Ready to go?” Sam asked, looking Wyatt over. Wyatt nodded.

They left by the back doors of the grocery store, Sam scouting out the place first, with Hazel and Wyatt bringing up the rear. It was only when they were all in Sam’s car, that Wyatt relaxed, sinking low in his seat in case someone recognized him from the outside. They’d go home, and Wyatt would stay with Hazel until he calmed down.

“Have you told your mom and dad about the baby?” Sam asked, glancing at Wyatt as he drove.

“Neither.” Wyatt rubbed his belly. Would the baby look more like him, or Raph? Or would it be a mix—maybe it would have Raph’s black hair, and Wyatt’s hazel eyes. “Gods, Sam. They must be furious with me. Raph said he told our mom, but I haven’t visited since... three months ago. Before I started to show.”

“Look, if Raph isn’t going to be your alpha, at some point... you’d want to tell your parents you’re pregnant. I’m sure they’d want to know.”

Wyatt groaned. “No, I don’t think they will.”

But even as he said that, he imagined his mom’s delighted smile, his dad reaching out to carry his grandchild like he did with Hazel.

“You don’t have to mention Raph,” Sam said. “Your parents can just know you’re expecting.”

Wyatt imagined standing on his parents’ doorstep, surprise on his father’s face. Chief Fleming would want to know who his alpha was, so he could do a surreptitious background check.

“You know my dad,” Wyatt said. “You had to pass security clearance when I told him you’re my best friend.”

Sam made a face. “You know they’re going to want to know, at some point.”

He was right. Wyatt leaned back into his seat, trying not to think about his parents. His thoughts drifted to Max, and his heart thudded again.

Maybe visiting his mom wouldn’t be a bad idea. If Grandma wasn’t home, seeing his parents would soothe his anxiety. Maybe. “I... I suppose I could visit. Right now.”

Sam glanced over. “Are you sure?”

Wyatt twisted his fingers together. No, he wasn’t sure. But if there was a good reason to visit... It would probably be now. And maybe Mom would send him and Hazel home after they were done. He breathed in, then out. “I guess I am. I just have to... see if my Grandma’s around.”

“Good plan.”

They were quiet through the drive. Wyatt’s heart thudded when they approached the tall iron gates, Grandma’s carefully-crafted lawns sweeping around the mansion. The butler answered the intercom, and they began the winding ascent up the driveway.

“Gods, I never liked this place,” Wyatt mumbled, hugging himself. And he was still out of milk, and cereal. Damn it.

“You don’t have to stay for long,” Sam said. “I’m sure your mom and dad would appreciate a visit.”

They really would. “I’d talked about this with Raph. We’d agreed to tell Dad the news together.”

Sam narrowed his eyes. “Where’s Raph when you needed him, then?”

I don’t know. Wyatt glanced down at his phone. No text message, or calls from Raph. For someone who had promised to be around... Raph wasn’t, not anymore. And it stung.

“You need someone better than him, Wy. Someone who treats you better. Or I’ll help with the baby—it’s practice for me, anyway.”

“I thought you don’t want children.”

Sam shrugged, looking away. He rarely talked about his past, but Wyatt had never seen him with an alpha, either. “Experience is always good,” Sam said. “I helped with Hazel, remember?”

“Yeah. I’m forever in your debt for that.”

“Pfft. Count it as a gift. It’s not like I had money to buy you something for your baby shower.”

“I’ve never even had a baby shower.” Wyatt looked down at his belly, his heart aching. With Raph, he’d hoped to have a better home for his newborn. A father who was more present, a permanent place they could call home.

Had Raph been serious about staying? Or was he slowly leaving Wyatt, like Max had promised every alpha would?

Wyatt watched as the foreboding mansion drew closer, the front door opening. He held his breath, heart thumping. Then his mom stepped out, and Wyatt sagged into the seat. “I’ll ask Mom if my grandma’s here,” Wyatt said. “Maybe... if Grandma isn’t here, maybe Hazel and I can stay for a while longer.”

Sam slanted him a dubious look. “If you’re sure. I do have to get back to the drive-in.”

Wyatt sighed. There was that. “I don’t think I can come in today. Have you checked the roster?”

“Yeah. We’ll survive without your help, Wy. It’s not like you’ll have much time there when the baby’s born.”

“I can help!” Hazel said from the back seat.

Wyatt met her eyes in the mirror. He’d talked with Raph briefly about her skating out to take orders—risky, when it wasn’t legal for her to work yet. “There’s no need for you to, hon.”

“Leave it to the big guys,” Sam said, winking at her. “The Drive-In’s gonna be all fine.”

“Fine,” Hazel said, pouting.

Wyatt reached over, squeezing Sam’s hand. “I owe you so much.”

“You can pay me back some other time.” Sam grinned lopsidedly, and Wyatt hoped Sam would find more stability in his life, too, instead of working at the college bookstore in the day, and the drive-in at night.

Mom hurried down the front steps as they pulled up. Wyatt squirmed. He hadn’t told her about the pregnancy. Whatever she knew, it had been through Raph. And maybe she was still angry with him, after he’d kept quiet about both his children. Heavens knew how much he’d disappointed his parents.

He opened the car door carefully, not daring to breathe when she approached. Hazel flung open the back door and jumped out. “Grandma!”

Mom stooped to hug Hazel. “How are you doing, Big Girl?”

“I’m great,” Hazel said. “I got full marks for art class in school.”

“That’s fantastic! I’m proud of you.” Mom kissed Hazel’s forehead, before looking over Hazel’s shoulder at Wyatt, her eyebrows raised. Wyatt’s pulse pattered. And now he felt like a child again, doing all the things he wasn’t supposed to.

Wyatt pushed the car door fully open, stepping out. Mom’s gaze fell promptly to his belly, and he felt huge, being studied like that. Even if he was only six months pregnant. His cheeks heated. “Hi, Mom.”

She stepped over and pulled him into a hug, smelling like chrysanthemum and cookies and Mom. Wyatt’s throat tightened. “I’ve missed seeing you,” Mom said quietly, rubbing his back. “Raph told me.”

Well, Raph wasn’t around right now. This wasn’t what they’d planned, and Wyatt felt a twinge of guilt for keeping his pregnancy secret. “I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to be.” Mom pulled away slightly, kissing his cheek. Then she smiled, all warmth in her eyes. “I’m just glad you visited. It’s been a while since your dad and I saw you.”

“Is—is Grandma around?” he asked, his stomach flipping.

Mom shook her head. “No, she’s out. In Highton, I believe.”

Gods knew what she was doing in Highton on a Saturday, but that was fine. It was good. Wyatt sagged with relief, his nervous pulse slowing. “So... she’ll be back late? Can Hazel and I stay?”

Mom’s face lit up. “You’re absolutely welcome to stay for dinner. I just wish your grandma wasn’t around quite so much.”

He felt the same. “Thank you.” Wyatt leaned into the car, shooting Sam a weary grin. “Mom says Hazel and I can stay. We’ll be fine.”

“That’s good.” Sam glanced around. “How will you guys get home, though? Your car’s still in the grocery parking lot.”

“I’ll get my dad to drop us off, or something.” Wyatt tried not to wince; he didn’t know how Dad would react. “Or I’ll call Penny. It’ll be fine.”

“Call me if there’s an emergency,” Sam said. “I’ll do what I can.”

“Thanks.” Wyatt reached over to hug him. “I owe you so much.”

“I’ll expect your help in the future, then.” Sam winked. “Anytime, Wy.”

Wyatt backed out of the car, closed the doors, and watched as Sam drove down the driveway.

“What’s for dinner?” Hazel asked, turning to Wyatt’s mom.

“We’re thinking of some baked potatoes and a pork roast. How does that sound?”

“I want to help,” Hazel said. “Dad lets me make scrambled eggs.”

“Really?” Mom glanced at Wyatt, lifting an eyebrow.

“I taught Hazel my secret scrambled egg recipe.” Wyatt shrugged, smiling. Mom hadn’t frowned, or begrudged him about the pregnancy. She knew the baby was Raph’s. And yet... “You really don’t mind?” Wyatt asked, touching his belly. “I thought... you might want to disown me. Or maybe Dad would.”

“Oh, Wyatt.” Mom pulled him back into her arms. “You’re still my son. I am upset—” Wyatt held his breath “—but that’s because I have an idea about the difficulties you might face.”

“We’ve talked about moving out of Meadowfall. Raph wants to quit his job and move here, though.”

Mom frowned. “He hasn’t mentioned that to me.”

Wyatt froze. Why didn’t you? I thought you trust Mom enough to tell her things.

Or did Raph not plan to leave his job at all? He’d not given Wyatt an update on his transfer application, and it had been an entire month since he began to drop out of contact. Wyatt’s stomach twisted into a tight knot. Did this have something to do with the debt?

“How is the baby?” Mom asked, looking down at his belly.

“Good. The ultrasound and bloodwork came back normal,” Wyatt said, breathing out his anxiety. “It’s starting to kick.”

“I felt the baby kick,” Hazel said, bouncing on her heels. “Will I ever have a baby?”

“That depends on whether you present as alpha, beta, or omega,” Wyatt said, setting his hand on her head. “I think you might present as alpha, though.”

“Is that a good thing?”

“None of them are bad. Everyone’s different.” He admired Hazel’s bright eyes, her indomitable spirit. She was brave, and good, and he hoped she would have a brilliant future. “In any case, you can also consider adopting a baby. But wait until you’re at least twenty!”

“You were eighteen when you had me.” Hazel looked innocently at him.

And he was twenty-seven now. With a nine-year-old daughter. Not something he’d ever imagined for himself. “You’ll be wiser when you’re older,” Wyatt said, smiling fondly at her. “I don’t want you to make decisions you’ll regret.”

Her face fell. “Do you regret me?”

“Never, hon. But I do regret that we have to deal with someone like Max.”

Mom glanced at him, her eyes sharp. “Max?”

“Max gives Dad bad moods,” Hazel said.

“An ex.” Wyatt shrugged. She’d stopped asking him who her other dad was these days. Wyatt hoped he’d never have to tell her. And hopefully she wouldn’t hate him for it, when she grew up and found out the truth.

It seemed as though everyone would end up hating him, somehow or other. Wyatt breathed out, looking at the gravel of the driveway.

“Are you going to tell your dad about the baby?” Mom asked after a while.

Wyatt gulped. “I guess I’ll have to. Is he busy?”

“He’s in the garage working on your Grandma’s car.”

“Oh. I’ve seen all his interviews,” Wyatt said. “Hazel and I have been recording them.”

Mom beamed. “That’s sweet of you.”

Wyatt shrugged. “We’re both proud of that. And I’m... not sure what Dad would feel about my news.”

Mom pursed her lips, worry darting through her eyes. “I’m not very sure, either. I haven’t told him. He can be stubborn.”

And Wyatt’s heart began to thud. He caught Hazel’s hand. “Well... if Dad doesn’t like the news, we’ll leave.”

“You’ll always have me, Dad,” Hazel said, looking earnestly up at him.

Wyatt’s throat tightened.

Mom squeezed his hand. “I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

He felt a little braver, walking to the garage with his mom and his daughter on either side of him. He should be stronger than this. But maybe Dad would disown him, and maybe that would mean he wouldn’t be Raph’s stepbrother anymore. And maybe things would turn out for the better.

Wyatt tried to figure how Stan Fleming would react. Dad loved his job, and he loved the town. He had frowned when Wyatt and Raph pulled tricks on the gardener, and he’d yelled when they’d accidentally dislodged the parking brake on a car, and it had rolled toward Penny.

But something like a relationship between his sons? No one was ever prepared for that. Especially not with a baby involved.

He glanced down at his belly, and breathed out. I hope you won’t have to face prejudice. I hope you’ll be accepted into society like everyone else. If that doesn’t happen, I’ll protect you.

Three more months, and the baby would be born.

They strode past the stately mansion, its glass windows gleaming under the afternoon sunlight. It was October, and the autumn chill hung around some days. This week was especially chilly; Wyatt had pulled on a knitted sweater, that hid his belly somewhat.

As they approached the garage, Wyatt heard the clink of metal falling on concrete, then some swearing. Dad crouched behind a Jaguar, looking for something on the floor.

He held his breath, and stepped forward with Mom and Hazel. “Hi, Dad.”

Dad glanced up, then did a double-take. “Wyatt?”

Wyatt’s heart lodged in his throat. He let go of Mom’s hand, so he could touch his abdomen, protect his baby.

“You didn’t say you’re expecting,” Chief Fleming said, grinning. He straightened, wiped his greasy hands on his shorts, and hurried into the sunlight. Then he looked around, eyebrows rising. “Congrats, son! Where’s your alpha?”

The lump in Wyatt’s throat grew, and his heart pounded. “It’s—He’s not around.”

Dad frowned. The sunlight glinted off his gray hair, and Wyatt saw the wrinkles on his face, the curiosity in his eyes. “C’mon, don’t say you have an alpha and then not bring him. Who’s he? We should meet. I’ll scare him a little, see if he’s good for you.”

It’s Raph. Wyatt squirmed, his hands sweating. Mom glanced sidelong at him.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, but he ignored it.

“Dad?” Hazel said, tapping on her phone.

Wyatt wiped his hands on his pants. “Not right now, hon.”

Chief Fleming strode up, pulling Wyatt into a hug. Pride shone in his eyes. “Damn it, son. You should’ve told us sooner! Are you bonded? Does your alpha treat you good?”

Wyatt opened his mouth, willing his voice to come unstuck. It’s Raph, it’s Raph. Your other son.

“It’s Uncle Raph,” Hazel said, looking up from her phone.

Hazel, no.

Wyatt closed his eyes, wishing he could burrow into a hole in the ground. His father’s spruce scent enveloped him, and he wished they were hugging under better circumstances, not with him carrying a baby he shouldn’t be pregnant with.

His belly pressed against his dad, awkward and incriminating. Wyatt wished Raph were here. Wished Raph were holding his hand, at least.

He pulled away from his father, unable to meet his mom’s eyes. “Raph is my alpha.”

Dad blinked. “What?”

Wyatt sucked in a breath. “Raph is my alpha,” he said again.

Dad stared, intelligent eyes locked on Wyatt. “You mean... you had someone else’s kid, and they abandoned you? Is that why Raph’s your alpha?”

He felt the prickle of his dad’s gaze on his scent gland, where Raph had bitten him. Wyatt swallowed, holding on to the hem of his sweater. “No. It’s Raph’s baby. I mated with him.”

His face burned. Part of him wanted to snatch Hazel up and run. Before anyone could react, and before everything crashed down on him.

But part of Wyatt wanted to stay, because he remembered You deserve punishment, and it made him close his eyes, shoulders hunched, expecting pain.

“You can’t possibly...” Dad was looking around when Wyatt cracked his eyes open. Dad looked at Hazel, then his wife. “This is a joke, right? Tanya? You don’t seem surprised. Did you know?”

Mom nodded, slipping her fingers into Wyatt’s hand. “I did. Don’t be too harsh on Wyatt, Stanley.”

When Wyatt chanced a look at his father’s eyes, he found confusion, and betrayal. Maybe shock. Maybe disgust.

He shouldn’t have told Sam to leave. He should’ve asked Sam to stay around with his car, so he and Hazel had a chance to escape.

“What about Hazel?” Dad asked. “She knows, too? You’ve... told her?”

Wyatt nodded woodenly.

“Uncle Raph visits us every weekend.” Hazel shook her phone, looking between all of them. “Dad, I just got a text.”

“Can it wait?” Wyatt winced. On second thought, maybe they should all hear it, to take off some of the pressure in his chest.

“It’s from Uncle Raph.”

Raph texted Hazel? Wyatt reached for his phone, hesitating. Was that why it buzzed?

“Hang on a minute,” Dad said, his forehead furrowing. “You’ve been pregnant for how long, Wyatt? You’re only telling us now? This thing with—with Raph? What the hell were you thinking?”

He wished he were halfway across the world, where no one knew him. “I thought you might not like to hear the news,” Wyatt said. “I’ll leave Meadowfall, if that’s easier on you. I’ll—”

In the distance, a car rumbled. An escape? Wyatt glanced at Hazel. “Could you ask Aunt Penny to pick us up? Or Uncle Sam.”

Hazel nodded, tapping into her phone.

Mom squeezed his arm, her eyes reluctant. “Do you really have to leave, Wyatt? You’ve only just got here. I’ll get Dad to calm down.”

Dad had stepped away from Wyatt, his eyes filled with confusion. Disbelief. He couldn’t accept this. And that was fine. An upstanding person like him shouldn’t have to deal with Wyatt and his transgressions.

Further down the hill, the iron gates pulled open. A sleek black car crawled through, climbing the winding driveway.

“Oh no,” Mom said. “Grandma’s back.”

Wyatt’s stomach plummeted. I need to leave. “Hurry, Hazel.”

“I’m hurrying!” she said, her little fingers flying across the screen. And the car crept ever closer, its presence a growing weight on Wyatt’s heart. Hazel was still looking at her phone. Wyatt needed to get away from the garage, get out of this place. Maybe hide in his old bedroom, where Grandma couldn’t find him.

First Max, and now this.

His heart thudded. He looked at his feet. And the car pulled to a stop in front of them, engine humming. Its driver stepped out, someone tall with broad shoulders.

“Uncle Raph,” Hazel said.

Wyatt looked up, his pulse skittering.

Raph was standing by the car, frozen, his eyes darting between Wyatt, Mom, and Dad. There were shadows under his eyes, and his suit was rumpled, like he’d gone to sleep in it. But he was still Wyatt’s alpha, still beautiful, strong and brave, and Wyatt ached to fall into his arms. He hadn’t seen Raph in a week. Hadn’t felt safe with him for a month.

“What’s going on?” Grandma snapped, slamming the passenger door. Wyatt jumped.

“Raph,” Dad said, the lines on his face deepening. “Is it true? Wyatt says you’re his alpha.”

And Wyatt felt the full weight of Grandma’s glare on him, the whites of her eyes terrifying. “What in the heavens’ name is going on? Raphael?”

Raph’s lips thinned. He glanced between Grandma, Wyatt, and Dad, breathing in, then out.

And Wyatt realized that this couldn’t possibly last. Not their bonding, and certainly not any peace in the family. Grandma would force Raph into a job he hated, or fire him, or sink him further into debt. All because of Wyatt.

“Hazel,” Wyatt said quietly. “Please call Penny or Sam. Texting won’t work right now. Head into the garage and out the front door.”

She frowned at him. “But what about you?”

“I’ll be fine.”

She hesitated, then turned, darting into the house. And Wyatt leaned into his mom, wishing he’d made different choices. That he hadn’t slept with Raph. That he hadn’t decided to come here today. That he’d never told Raph about the baby at all.

Raph stepped forward, meeting Wyatt’s eyes. “Wyatt is my omega,” he said. “That child is ours.”

In front of so many people, his words sounded like a death knell.

Grandma’s face turned ashen. She prowled forward, raising a bony finger at them. “That omega whore isn’t my grandson, Raphael. He doesn’t deserve to be part of this family. Break this off right now. I want that child aborted.”

Wyatt tensed, his pulse thundering in his ears. He wasn’t losing his baby.

Raph narrowed his eyes. “He’s not a whore. He’s my bondmate. We’re not aborting the child.”

Grandma’s mouth twisted into an ugly scowl. “Don’t you dare tarnish my business and my family name, Raphael Fleming. End this, or I’ll see that you’ll never find work on this side of the country. You’ll have three months to pay that debt.”

Three months? Raph had shown Wyatt the calculations. He had two and a half years to pay off his debt. Wyatt glanced at Raph, but Raph wasn’t looking at him.

And that felt like a lie, somehow. Why didn’t you tell me that?

“I’ll pay it,” Raph said.

Grandma’s sneer grew. “You think being a chauffeur pays off your loans? And that other side job you’re doing, the research? You won’t make enough, boy. Grow up. Think about your future, instead of fooling around with your twisted whore brother.”

“He’s not a whore,” Raph snapped, eyes narrowing.

But Grandma’s words spun in Wyatt’s head. Chauffeur? The other side job? Raph hadn’t mentioned those. He’d disappeared, and left Wyatt when Wyatt needed him. Why didn’t you ask me for help? Do you think that little of me?

If Raph was no longer Wyatt’s alpha, he’d be free to pay off the loan at his own pace. He wouldn’t be saddled with two children and Wyatt. He could find a more deserving omega, not an omega who was helpless, who curled up and cried in grocery stores.

“Look, Elizabeth,” Mom said, stepping forward. Her eyes narrowed. “Don’t cast your judgment on Wyatt. He and Raph go a long ways back. They’re stepbrothers. Marriage is legal between them.”

Grandma glanced at her, lips curling. “Are you getting smart now, Tanya? Don’t forget—you still have a loan with Alpha Associates. Half-paid. You’re starting to take my charity for granted, aren’t you? Have you gotten tired of a roof over your head?”

Mom paled. Wyatt gulped, taking a step back. And Grandma looked hard at him. “Carry on with Raph, and I’ll make sure your restaurant closes before the end of next year.”

Wyatt’s stomach dropped. Not the drive-in. Not when he’d spent so much time building it up, seeking comfort in Hazel and his own business, so he wouldn’t have to depend on another alpha again. He needed to keep his job, so he could feed Hazel and the new baby.

And between Raph and Wyatt’s children... Wyatt would choose his children. Raph didn’t need him.

He swallowed hard, stepping back. “I’ll leave,” Wyatt said. “I’ll forfeit my bond with Raph.”

Raph’s gaze snapped to him, horror flickering through his eyes. “Wy—”

In that moment, all Wyatt could feel was Raph’s disappointment, his shock. He couldn’t breathe. Maybe he was always going to let his alpha down, like Grandma and Max had said he would.

Wyatt backed further, putting distance between himself and Raph. He needed an escape. Needed to hide from Grandma’s accusing eyes, and Dad’s disbelieving stare. He carried Raph’s baby. If he left Meadowfall, and no one knew who he was... that would be for the best.

“Starting today, I’m no longer Raphael Fleming’s omega,” he said. “This severs our bond.”

Raph paled, his eyes growing wide. In a few strides, he rounded the car door, crossing the space between them. His shoes clicked on the driveway, and his eyes... Wyatt couldn’t look away from those sea-blue eyes, their breathtaking beauty, and the pain in them.

“Don’t go,” Raph said, stopping in front of him. He smelled like teak, like Raph.

And the world stopped turning, when Raph cradled his face, leaning in, his mouth catching against Wyatt’s.

Raph kissed him hard, stole his breath. Wyatt swayed on his feet. He loved Raph. And if he really wanted Raph to live a better life, he would have to step away. Return Raph his wings so he could fly.

Wyatt flattened his hands against Raph’s chest, and shoved. Raph broke the kiss, his chest heaving, his lips red with a sheen of damp.

“I’m sorry,” Wyatt said, his chest squeezing tight. “This can’t happen. I’m sorry for waiting so long to say it.”

Raph’s gaze fell to his belly. “But the baby—”

“It’s not yours.” Wyatt looked away. “It’s—it’s someone else’s.”

Raph looked at him, his face a mix of shock and disbelief. “You—you said it’s mine.”

“I was lying,” Wyatt croaked, hating every word that left his mouth. “I was using you.”

“I always knew he was a conniving little bastard,” Grandma said, her voice grating in the silence. “He knows I have a weak heart, and what does he do? He tries to give me a heart attack.”

Wyatt ducked his head. He didn’t want to know how Raph saw him, now.

Raph caught his hand, his grip warm, firm, like all the nights he’d held Wyatt in his sleep.

Wyatt swallowed hard, tugging his hand away. Where was Hazel? They needed to go. Maybe he’d need to move his restaurant elsewhere, too. Start afresh so his children wouldn’t be the victims of shame.

“I don’t understand,” Dad said to the side, his voice faint. “Where did we go wrong?”

Wyatt strode down the driveway, looking at the shimmer of asphalt, his family’s gazes heavy on his back. He was almost to the front door when shoes clicked behind him. Raph.

“Wy,” Raph said, snagging his hand. “Look, we can work things out.”

“No, we can’t.” Not if Raph wanted the rest of his family intact, and his parents with a roof over their heads.

“We’ll move. Anything.”

“The baby isn’t yours, Raph.”

Raph’s footsteps faltered. When Wyatt glanced at him, he found Raph’s eyes dark, the corners of his mouth turned down. He would be a terrific alpha for someone else. Wyatt could see him walking down the aisle with a faceless omega, their family smiling all around, proud of Raph, the prized son of the Fleming family.

Raph deserved so much more than him.

Wyatt untangled their fingers, turning away. “You can’t solve this. Don’t screw things up even more.”

Raph flinched. “I got your text,” he said. “From earlier. I’m sorry I wasn’t there.”

“You promised you’d be there for me.”

Raph looked down, silent.

Hazel was waiting by the front door. When she saw them, she hurried down the stairs, her forehead crinkling. “What’s wrong?”

“Raph won’t be your dad,” Wyatt said. “I’m not marrying him.”

Raph sucked in a breath.

Hazel looked between them, frowning. Then a car rumbled, and the front gates swung open again. Sam’s Cadillac pulled in, roaring down the driveway. Wyatt closed his eyes, breathing out.

“I guess this is goodbye,” he said. “I’ll have Penny return your things.”

He strode away before he could second-guess himself, pretending he didn’t care. “Hazel! Come on, we’re leaving.”

“Dad loves you,” Hazel said somewhere behind.

“Tell him I love him, too,” Raph said.

Wyatt’s heart cracked. He didn’t deserve Raph’s love.

When Sam pulled up beside them, Wyatt had no words to explain himself. Hazel hopped into the backseat, and Sam glanced at Wyatt, his eyes knowing.

They drove away from the Fleming mansion, Wyatt with his babies, and his heart aching for his alpha.