Page 153 of His Forsaken Alpha

“He makes you happy,” Wynter murmured, smiling. It wasn’t a question. It was clear from the look in his brother’s eyes each time the pair glanced at one another.

“Georgie’s sunshine and fresh air. This family needed that. Needed him. I don’t know what I would’ve done without him over the years.”

“I’m happy for you,” Wynter murmured.

Arthur smiled at him, glanced over to where Cavanaugh and Anders were chatting. “This one seems to be rather protective of you. Now that you’re no longer under Warden’s thumb, is there a chance you might find some happiness of your own?”

Wynter shrugged. “We’ve both suffered a lot because of our bond. I hope so, but it’s too early to be sure.”

“He’s here with you, isn’t he?” Arthur asked, his gaze turning to Cavanaugh again.

Wynter glanced over at his alpha, his breathing growing tighter seeing the man he loved, knowing there might actually be a chance for them. Yet, he was almost scared to discuss it—and jinx them. He shook his head and eyed his brother.

“So, what was this plan for the house you mentioned?” Wynter asked.

Arthur leaned a little closer. “Once Dad and Papa are gone, I’m tearing it down. I’ve already discussed it with everyone and got their approval—but now that you’re back, I need to ask you, too.” Arthur eyed the old house. “Do I have your blessing?”

“Of course. It’s your house now.”

“There are few good memories in this place—and the ones we do have can still be preserved. The view of the starry summer sky. The grounds. We escaped outside to get away from him. I won’t change any of that, but that house? There’s nothing but darkness in there. I don’t want to spend my entire life haunted by our past. We’ll rebuild something new and special to hand down to the next generations of Jaymeses.”

“I wholeheartedly approve,” Wynter murmured.

“Good,”Arthur said, smiling.

An older man slipped out onto the patio, shuffling as he walked closer. It took Wynter a few seconds, but he soon realized it was his father. He stiffened as Archie Jaymes turned to smile at him.

“Shit…where’s his nurse?” Arthur said as soon as he noticed. He rose quickly and rushed to where Archie stood.

Before Arthur could reach him, he called out to Wynter.

“What’re you doing outside, Barnaby?” He scuffled nearer, smiling, but Arthur stopped him a few feet away. Archie eyed Cavanaugh and his hand linked with Wynter’s. His smile faded.“And who’s your friend?”

“Dad, what are you doing out here? You need to go inside, okay?” Arthur said, gently trying to guide him out without pushing.

“I wanna talk to my mate!”their father said fervently, frowning.

“Your mate is inside, in bed, Dad,” Arthur said. “Let’s go talk to him now.”

Wynter cast a look around and saw everyone had paused what they were doing and watched Archie with something akin to sorrow in their eyes. Sorrow wasn’t something he was sure he could manufacture, given their past, but he turned and really looked at his father.

Looking to see if the monster he’d made the man out to be was really there.

Archie was smaller than Wynter remembered, and his skin withered with age. His hair had thinned to almost nothing, the white strands limp. His eyes were rheumy, almost as white as his hair when he turned them toward the sun. The monster wasn’t there. Just a frail, old man who was lost to them.

“My mate isright there,”Archie said, emphatic, waving a hand at Wynter as Arthur gently urged him to the back door.

Wynter eyed Cavanaugh.

“Let Arthur get him inside,” his alpha murmured, squeezing his hand. “He’ll be gone soon.”

Wynter shook his head. Rising, he released Cavanaugh’s hand. He slowly strode closer to his father, whose bottom lip wobbled as he neared.

“I’m not Barnaby,” Wynter said, facing the aged version of the man he’d once known.

“Oh?”his father asked, frowning. “You look just like my Barnaby.”

“That’s not Barnaby,” Arthur said. “It’s…Wynter.”

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