Page 117 of His Forsaken Alpha

“I was so oblivious; I didn’t notice them circling.” He cringed. “That’s…sotasteless. Vile vultures.”

“There aren’t many omegas in the world these days. Some alphas are getting desperate.”

Wynter’s gaze flicked to his.“Oh…they’d have to be desperate to want an old man like me?”

Cav groaned. “That’s not what I meant.”

“What did you mean, then?”

He sensed his omega was fishing a bit. How much did he bite? “You’re of a certain… age, yes… but I meant more that you’re likely past the age to give them sons.”

The corners of Wynter’s lips curled up. “So, you meant, I’m oldandexpired goods? I might not be rich, either…”

“You’re graceful and beguiling—and for that reason, some wouldn’t care about the number of years you’ve lived or the inability to give them sons.” He sighed. “Or if your bank account was zero.” Cav fought the flare of jealousy the thought of another man touching his omega rent within.“Thatis what I meant. You’re a rare beauty that many a man would still want on his arm. Even now, all these years later, you’re still the most beautiful thing I’ve ever laid my eyes on.”

Wynter’s cheeks pinkened. “I think you’re biased, but then, I am, too. You’re still the most handsome man I’ve ever seen.”

Cav struggled for his next breath.

Quiet fell between them, simmering with something Cav couldn’t quite define.

“When you were standing there at the gate,” Wynter murmured, shattering the silence. “I almost spilled it all. I hate the fact you didn’t get to see Wilder grow into the man he is now.”

“What stopped you?”

“Hurt feelings,” Wynter said, shrugging.

“Explain?”

Wynter looked away, his expression souring. “You called me a whore,” Wynter whispered. “Just like my papa did when he’dmade those terrible accusations. He’d destroyed me with what he’d said, yet, somehow, it hurt even more whenyousaid it.”

“I was hurt, and I lashed out. You didn’t deserve that.”

Wynter nodded imperceptibly.

“Not that it excuses anything, but I was wasted. I’d been drinking all day to get through that signing without losing my mind. I saw you, and all I remember feeling is… agony. When I saw your belly full… with his child… it broke me.”

“I didn’t want to be with him. I had no choice.”

“I realize that now. I’m sorry I hurt you.”

“But then, I was cruel, too. Sending you away like that,” Wynter murmured. “I told myself you didn’t mean the things you said. That you were hurting—but it still stung, and I shut down. I couldn’t tell you the truth after that.”

“It’s inexcusable. I’m your alpha. I’m supposed to protect you—not cause you pain.”

Wynter met his stare. “We both made mistakes, Cav. I’m sorry I was too hurt to tell you the truth that day. You deserved to be a father to him. Hopefully it’s not too late to know him now.” Wynter smiled wanly. “He’s only a little older than you were on that train.” He sighed, a faraway look coming over his face. “He looks so much like you. Sometimes that terrified me, but most of the time, it brought me so much joy. I had a part of you with me all along. I could see you in his eyes. I know you’re not supposed to have favorites amongst your children, buthowcould I not adoremy alpha’s sona little more? I looked at Jamie and Vaughn, and it reminded me I was imprisoned. I looked at Wilder, and I remembered that little moment where anythinghad been possible. I remembered being loved.” Wynter dabbed at another tear. “He’s the only thing that got me through the last thirty years without you.”

Cav struggled to breathe. He felt the sincerity in those words.

Wynter wiped another tear slipping down his cheeks. “I wish I’d been stronger. Smarter. Found some way to thwart my papa, but I was afraid. I’ve spent my entire life afraid. Even now, I fear you might still be in danger. I don’t know if my papa still lives.”

“If he is, I doubt he’s in any condition to fulfill his threat.” Cav eyed the French doors, the sky growing lighter outside. They’d stayed up all night talking and wading through the pain of the past. Did he feel better for it? His head was a jumble. Rising, he dusted off his pants, thoughts of the file back at Wilder’s house on his mind. “I think I need time to process all this. And we both need some sleep.”

Wynter remained silent.

“I don’t think you should be alone,” Cav said. “Not after all this.”

Wynter stood uneasily and rushed into his arms, clinging tight.

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