Page 12 of His Surrogate Omega

They both eyed him, Lake’s more a glare. After sending the boys to separate bathrooms, he wandered down the hall and slipped into his own sanctuary. He pulled out a book and read as he listened to the water streaming. Once they were both in bed and he’d taken his own shower, he slipped in between clean sheets and struggled to find sleep.

Worry for Avery.

Worry for them all.

And nervousness for the meeting he had in the morning.

Chapter Four

Obstinate…

Gray walked into the solicitor’s office, his heart thundering in his chest. The elegant waiting room was well equipped. Soothing music played softly in the background. Everything within was made to calm. He was anything but calm. Pausing before the registration desk, he waited for the man behind it to notice he was there. The butterflies intensified, and he considered turning around and leaving before he got in too deep.

Before he could act, the young beta lifted his stare and offered Gray a lovely smile. “May I help you?”

Breathe in. Breathe out.“I have an appointment with Mr. Atkinson at one.”

“Lovely. Your name?”

“Gray Tomlinson,” he murmured lowly as he nervously drummed his fingers on the dark wooden counter.

The beta checked the computer before lifting his gaze once more with a smile. “If you’ll have a seat, Mr. Tomlinson, I’ll let Mr. Atkinson know you’ve arrived.”

“Thank you.” Gray nodded, returning the soft smile he’d received, before he wandered over to one of the seats lining one wall. The chairs were ornately carved wood and leather, speaking of a wealth the firm had. Gray felt a bit out of place as he looked down at his quirky clothing. He was more comfortable in baggy pants and paint-splattered shirts than suits, ties, and men who sat in rich leather chairs, but he had made an effort to wear something a little nicer and hopefully not covered in paint.

There was one other omega waiting there, an older man in a suit who more fit the profile of a client. He wondered for a moment if this was the male he was there to meet. Gray tried to catch the omega’s eye, but the man was too engrossed in the book he was reading.

Tapping his fingers on the arm of the chair, Gray breathed a deep sigh and tried to calm himself. This had been his decision… it was the right thing to do, regardless of what Avery had said. He needed to help out in any way he could… and it was really the best decision. He could still be home to watch the boys and contribute to Avery’s college fees. All he had to do was carry a babe.

It couldn’t be all that hard. Omegas did it every day.

Most of them lived to tell the tale.

“Mr. Tomlinson?”

Gray looked up at a handsome, smiling beta. “Yes.”

“I’m Tensen Atkinson,” the man said, offering a hand. “So nice to finally meet you.”

They’d talked on the phone a few times since making his appointment, so he felt as if he already knew the man. Gray had sensed compassion in the man’s tone when he’d relayed his story and why he wanted to become a surrogate. The smile on the solicitor’s face, along with the twinkle in his lovely green eyes, put Gray even more at ease. Smile creases wrinkled at the corner of his eyes—suggesting he smiled often. He looked kind, and in that moment, Gray needed kindness. He’d have to guess that Tensen was a good five or so years older than him, but it was hard to be sure. “You can call me Gray.”

“Gray, feel free to call me Tensen. You can follow me into the office. Jamie’s already here, excitedly awaiting your arrival.”

Gray withdrew his hand, frowning. “Am I late?” He knew arriving anywhere on time wasn’t his specialty, but he’d made an effort to be on time. He lifted his watch to peek.

“Oh, no, you’re right on time. Jamie and I had a working lunch so we could discuss a few legalities before you arrived.”

Gray nodded. “Oh.” Had they been discussing him? Had they judged his qualities, or lack thereof, over a table in some posh restaurant he couldn’t begin to afford?

What am I doing?

He came to a stop, pausing long enough to get an odd look from Tensen.

What if… What if there is an alpha for me?

“Everything alright?”

Don’t be stupid. This is the only way.Gray nodded, reassuring himself. He headed through the door when Tensen urged him forward and then paused to await the man. Once the inner door closed, Tensen placed a gentle hand to Gray’s back and coaxed him to continue. “Excited?”

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