Page 205 of His Forsaken Alpha

“You didn’thaveto come. I invited you because you’re my son and I wanted you here, but if it was too much, you could’ve declined,” Wynter snapped. “What were you doing with that boy?”

“That boy,” Vaughn parroted. “Is my mate.”

As soon as the words came out of Vaughn’s lips, Wynter wasn’t sure which of them looked more shocked. Vaughn blinked a few times. “No… I didn’t say that. He’snotmy mate. I’m drunk. Don’t listen to me.”

“Mate or not, he’s too young,” Wynter said, feeling suddenly overprotective of Avery’s brother.

“I know!”Vaughn roared.

Wynter searched his son’s face and sensed Vaughn truly was struggling.

“I’ve been keeping my distance for well over a year. He was only sixteen the night I met him. I tried avoiding him tonight, too, but he wouldn’t listen and demanded I kiss him. I know I shouldn’t have, but I gave in.” Vaughn eyed him. “All we did was kiss.”

“Would it have stayed at that if I hadn’t opened that door?”

“He’s notyou,”Vaughn slurred. “Lake’s almost nineteen so he’snota child.”

“You’re ten years older and should know better. Especially when it’s Wilder’s mate’s brother. The two of you are just getting things ironed out. You don’t need something else that blows that up.”

Vaughn leaned back against the car. “Why do you think I’m doing my damnedest to keep my distance? Go yell at Lake, notme.”

“Oh,Vaughn,” Wynter muttered.

“Don’t,” Vaughn said. “Don’t make me out to be like Dad. I’ve been trying to do the right thing—even if I got it a little wrong tonight.”

“Lake’s returning to school after this weekend,” Wynter said. “He’ll be far away in the Western Provinces soon so you’ll have nothing to worry about.”

“That’s too far,” Vaughn muttered. “Who’s watching over him?”

“He’s in an exchange program and staying with another family there.”

“Are they good people?” Vaughn asked. “Are they treating him right?”

“From what I hear, yes, but it’s only been a few weeks.”

Vaughn frowned. “They better take care of him.”

“I’m sure they will.”

Vaughn observed Wynter, anger still simmering in his eyes.

Cavanaugh appeared from the shadows and moved closer to Wynter. “We all good here?”

“Yes, your precious mate is perfectly fine,” Vaughn snapped.

“Good thing,” Cavanaugh said, one arm draped around Wynter. “Maybe we should get you sobered up, Vaughn.”

“Fuck you, Cavanaugh. You’re not my dad.”

“I’m not trying to be,” Cavanaugh said. “But maybe you could use a little help.”

“I don’t want your help. Back off or get my fist in the middle of that ugly fucking face.”

“Ugly?”Wynter murmured, collecting Cavanaugh’s chin in his hand. “He’s gorgeous.”

“He looks like beat-to-hell Wilder,” Vaughn snapped.

“Technically, Wilder looks like him,” Wynter said.

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