Page 12 of Suddenly His Alpha

His father sighed. “Your papa worries about me. I’m not getting any younger. My health… it hasn’t been wonderful the last two years.”

Tulla stepped closer this time, closing the gap. “Why didn’t papa tell me you weren’t well?” Tears formed in Tulla’s eyes. “I should’ve known.”

His father drew him close, in a tight hug. He pressed a kiss to Tulla’s temple. “I told him not to. I didn’t want it to worryyou. You there, stuck in the OQ, unable to help.”

“But… maybe I could’ve done more. I could’ve made more of an effort at the balls. Gotten out of there and helped you. If only I knew!”

“You do now.”

“But papa sh—”

Father pressed a finger to Tulla’s lips. “Your papa is afraid. Of losing me. I can’t answer for him, son… but I’m quite sure he was searching for a way to not break his promise to me and urge you into finally getting out of the OQ. Don’t be angry at him.Please.”

Tulla wanted to argue, but he was simply happy to see his father again. He could argue later. Wrapping his arms about his father, he hugged the man tight. Under his arms, he felt how lean Father was and he closed his eyes, fear creeping in.What have I done to him? In my selfish desire to maintain my autonomy… have I made him sick?

His father leaned back, a watery smile on his lips. “From what I just heard at the front desk, this was Beckett Montgomery’s first time. Even if you had tried to find him sooner, he wouldn’t have been here to be found.” He smiled. “You came when you needed to.”

A small smile spread on Tulla’s lips. “I suppose I did.”

“And boy, you’ve found yourself a good one. I’d say Beckett Montgomery is likely the perfect alpha for you.”

“What does that mean?”

“I’ve watched that boy grow up. Heard the stories his father has told at work. They don’t understand him. Beckett’s as unpredictable as you are,” his father said with a smile growing on his face. “His ideas are ahead of their time. And he’s kind. One of the kindest alphas I know.”

Tulla smiled, hearing those words. He hugged his father again, happy in the knowledge he’d be able to see the man more often once mated.

“And he’ll bring you back to me,” his father added, parroting the same thought he’d just had.

Soon, I hope.“What happens now?”

“Discussions, I presume. Beckett’s father will likely want a pre-nup. Your papa wants me to ask for repayment for your upkeep in the OQ, but I don’t think that’s completely fair. The Montgomerys have it, of course, but that’s not their burden to shoulder.”

Tulla shook his head. “Chattel. I get to go on the block and see what I’m worth, hmm?”

“You know these are the way of things,” his father said, sighing.

“Just because it’s the way of things doesn’t make it right.”

His father just stared for a moment. “What will you have me do, Tulla? Call off the mating? I have little choice but to see what the Montgomerys wish to do.”

A day before, Tulla would’ve said to call off the mating. In that moment? He knew he’d suffer the shame of it all if it meant he’d get to be back in Beckett’s arms. “When do we start?”

“I spoke to Beckett’s father briefly. He wants to get this over quickly. There’s a trust involved, if Beckett mates, so they already have some kind of agreement prepared to protect him. They’re sending a copy over to the house now. Your papa and I will read it and if we agree, well, then you’ll be bound and mated.”

Tulla had hoped he wouldn’t have to deal with all of the legal entanglements of a mating contract and pre-nup, but then he’d always assumed he would’ve mated someone less… filthy rich. He didn’t care about mountains of money or the problems it brought. Unfortunately, he would have to learn to navigate those problems, it seemed. “And if you don’t agree?”

“Then we discuss terms. Lawyers make the changes. It can stretch on for some time, if an agreement can’t be made easily.”

Tulla stared at the wall separating him from Beckett. “I don’t want to wait months. I can’t. I want to be his, father. Just agree to their terms.”

“I can’t say I’ll do that, Tulla. I need to ensure you’re protected, as well.” His father nearly collapsed into the empty chair and sighed. “But I can only push so far. Beckett’s father is my boss. For that reason, I won’t be able to make many demands on your behalf.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “Yet, I won’t be a pushover, either. I want to know my son is safeguarded.”

“Thank you,” Tulla murmured. “But I don’t need much.”

His father smiled. “The Beta Guard is going to escort you back to the boarding house now. I’ll call you in the morning once we’ve read the agreement.”

“Can I see a copy of it?”

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