Page 13 of His Surrogate Omega

“I suppose you could call it that,” Gray murmured.

Tensen chuckled. “Nervous, then?”

“Very.”

“I think Jamie will help put you at ease,” Tensen said before luring him toward a closed door. He opened it and led Gray inside.

A small omega rose to his feet, a wide smile on his pale face.

Hisverypale face.

Gray’s stare took in the other man. The knit cap over his head. The pale skin. The sunken eyes… he was obviously ill.

Incrediblyill.

“Gray Tomlinson, meet Jaymes Parker.”

“Hello. You can call me Jamie,” the omega said, seeming nervous. “Jaymes is way too stuffy.” He stepped forward and offered Gray a hand.

Gray took it and forced a smile. His stare swept over the delicate features of the man’s face. Before whatever was ravaging him, he’d likely been lovely. “Hello, Jamie.”

“Have a seat, gentlemen… this is just an introductory meeting, there are no definites right now. We’re just getting to know one another and seeing how you each feel about the situation to decide if you’d like to move forward.”

Gray took a seat beside the chair Jamie settled in.

“How was the trip over?” Jamie asked, leaning in a little closer to Gray.

“Good. Easy. I don’t live too far from here.” His stare lingered on Jamie’s. The man looked so exhausted… yet there was a life behind those eyes that spoke of a battle valiantly waged. A twinkle there hinted Jamie wasn’t done yet.

“That’s good. At least we’ve got a nice, warm day. It’s been so cold lately,” Jamie said before he coughed slightly.

Gray eyed him, concerned. “Are you okay?”

Jamie grinned. “I am.” He paused, the smile fading some. “I’m sure you’re concerned with my appearance… and let me put your mind at ease some.Yes, I have cancer.Yes, I’m in treatment, and that treatment is nearly over. The chemo does more damage than anything else and has left me weak. My doctors feel I have averygood chance at remission once treatment is complete. I plan to beat this disease.”

Gray smiled feebly, his mind reeling.

Jamie went on speaking, but Gray’s mind stuck on one point.

“But… what if?” he interrupted. Gray paused, hating himself for questioning the omega’s conviction and sounding like a bastard, but it was a reasonable question. “I hate to be that forward… we’ve only just met, but given the circumstances of our meeting… what happens… if…?” Gray paused, unable to say the words out loud.What if you don’t make it?“You want me to carry a child for you… a child who…” Gray couldn’t bear to finish the sentence.

“But hewillhave a papa,” Jamie said firmly, assuming Gray’s missing words correctly. “Iwillbeat this.”

“Attitude is everything,” Tensen said. “I myself had concerns. I’ve had multiple conversations with Jamie’s alpha as well as his oncologist. The doctor did indeed have favorable things to say about the treatment and prognosis. Had it not been for that, I wouldn’t have agreed to help Jamie and his alpha begin their search for a surrogate.”

Gray nodded, feeling a little more at ease, but only fractionally.

“And as I said before, this is just an introduction. We’re not rushing into anything. Jamie’s last round of chemo happens soon, and we’ll have a better idea how his health is faring in the coming weeks.”

“I didn’t realize there would be such an extensive wait before we entered into an agreement.” Gray wanted to be able to help Avery with tuition. His nephew had sent off several applications in the past days… so it was just a matter of an acceptance.

“There’s no rush,” Tensen said. “As I said, we need to make sure it’s a good fit between all three of you.” He paused. “If this goes well, we can have a special meeting with Jamie’s alpha approved. And then move on from there.”

“Of course.” Gray turned to Jamie. “Ifit reaches that point.”

Jamie’s smile faded some. “I know you have concerns, and I understand them. This isn’t my first meeting with a potential surrogate. I know I should’ve likely waited until my treatment was over, but this disease… well, it reminded me that none of us can expect tomorrow. Cancer or no. We have to live in the now. It could take months, if not years, to get to the point of holding a child in my arms, so I won’t wait another moment.”

“But taking on all this strain when you’re in treatment? Isn’t that stressful on you?” Gray asked.

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