Page 179 of His Forsaken Alpha

“You don’t need to apologize,” Wynter said. “I just don’t want him forgotten.” He gazed down at Emory. “Just like we won’t let this little one forget his Uncle Jamie.”

Cav smiled at Wynter.

“Then maybe we make it a massive family reunion and invite all of Wilder’s new family to attend,” Avery said.“Allthe uncles, mates, and cousins.” He turned to Wynter. “Maybe weshouldconsider using the big house.”

Wynter chuckled. “Perhaps.” He smiled. “Why not? We can give that place one last hurrah, filled with the family and laughter it never had before we bid it adieu.”

“Yeah,” Avery said.

Emory let out a little wail, and Avery was quick to scoop him from Wynter’s arms.

“I know that cry,” Avery murmured. Once Emory was latched on, Avery lifted his gaze. “Don’t you guys worry about Harris. He and Wilder were up late talking last night like they were the oldest, dearest of friends. I think he’ll be fine here without you for a few days.”

“You’ve got your hands full enough,” Wynter said.

“Harris is a grown man and can fend for himself—and I have a housekeeper who’s a godsend and lets me focus on Emory. Go on your trip. I think you deserve a little rest and relaxation after all you’ve endured.”

“How about this?” Wynter asked. “We have a full staff employed at the house where there’s currently no one living. Why don’t I call one or two of them over to unpack those boxes in the study while we’re gone—if you want, of course—and you can just point to where you want everything?”

“That sounds amazing,” Avery said. “I underestimated how busy a newborn would keep me. Everyone said all they did was sleep—which isn’t wrong, but I didn’t realize I’d want to sleep right along with him.”

“I can send more help,” Wynter said.

“I didn’t grow up with a houseful of servants—just a housekeeper that came over for a few hours each day to give my papa a hand. That’s all we need here.”

“Understood,” Wynter said. “Though, technically those servants are Wilder’s right now. No point in not utilizing them.”

“You and your servants,” Cav murmured under his breath.

Wynter glared at him. “Yes, the folks weemployand pay wages to. The same folks who, if let go, might not be able to feed their families or keep a roof over their heads.”

Cav winced. He’d not considered that side of the equation.

“I’m sure they’re all concerned what will happen to them now. Some have been with us for decades, and a couple have shown me many kindnesses over the years. I’d take them with me if I could,” Wynter said. “I wish I could assure them that their jobs were safe. Hopefully whoever buys the house will retain most of them.”

“I’ll put a bug in Wilder’s ear,” Avery said. “And make sure he considers them through the process.”

“I would appreciate that,” Wynter replied. He rose and eyed Cav. “Are you ready to take your spoilt omega on this trip?”

Cav winced. “I suppose I deserved that.”

“You did,” Wynter said.

Cav turned his attention to Avery. “I’m going to book a flight out first thing. You might need to say our goodbyes to Wilder and Harris, depending on what’s available.”

“Taken care of,” Avery said. “I hope you two have an amazing time.”

“Me, too,” Cav said, grinning.

Returning from the reading,Vaughn slammed the door behind him, the sound echoing in the empty house. While his propertywas nowhere as large as his parents, his recently purchased residence was still too large for one person. The space was unnerving, not helped by the lack of furniture. He’d bought it because it was a gorgeous property in one of the best neighborhoods in the province—andbecause an old college frat brother he’d always secretly hated had lost it along with a floundering business. He’d scooped up the house on a whim, loving that he’d enjoy what his bully had once cherished.

Big, empty, and devoid of life—it was just as he felt. He crossed to the one room he’d bought a few pieces for, the den, and poured himself another in the long line of whiskeys that had started the day before. The next two drained his decanter—a housewarming gift from his papa. He hefted the empty lead crystal vessel in one hand before thrusting it at the opposite wall. It shattered into a million pieces, the sounds of them hitting the bare, wooden floor like music to his ears. He swallowed the last gulp of alcohol and searched for another—only to realize he was out.

He sighed, frustrated that he had no staff to send for more. He hadn’t bothered hiring more than a beta to come once a week for light cleaning and laundry, not that he had much to clean. Grabbing his keys, he strode to the door to purchase more to drown the ugly voices in his mind. As soon as he swung the door open, he found Wilder standing there. “What doyouwant?”

Wilder produced an envelope. “I think you should read this.”

“I’m in no mood,” Vaughn muttered.

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