Page 4 of His Forsaken Alpha

Wynter stood frozen in place, stunned. He needed to see Jamie, one way or another. “Wilder has said Jamie’s cancer has returned.”

“I’m aware,”Warden murmured.

Wynter waited a beat or two, hoping Warden would say more. When he didn’t, Wynter sighed. “We can’t ignore Jamie and his health concerns, Warden. Rumors or no, weneedto check on him.”

Warden scoffed. “As if you care.”

Wynter fought the sting of tears. “I love my son.”

“Youlovehim? Really? I remember days of you lying in bed, ignoring him as he screamed for your attention.”

“I wasdepressed.”Wynter shuddered.

“How do you explain all the years that followed? After I paid thousands for your therapies and treatments?”

Wynter choked on the words rising to his lips, knowing Warden would never listen. Warden would come up with argument after argument, manipulating him to the point he wasn’t sure which way was up and which was down.

“Isn’t it fitting he has cancer? He was a cancer on us both, from the moment of conception.”

Wynter gasped.“Warden!”

“Feign all the shock you wish, but you know it’s true. You’ve resented that boy since before he was even born. As have I.”

Wynter cringed. Warden’s words weren’t completely false. Wynter loved his son, but he’d also struggled with resentment and anger, too, particularly after the scandal that had forced him into Warden’s arms. He tried, and failed, to mend his and Jamie’s relationship so many times over the years—but Warden had often gotten in the way. When he hadn’t, Wynter was to blame. He’d opened his mouth and all the wrong things hadcome out. There was just so much pain and loss wrapped around his firstborn. Wynter had struggled to see his way out of it.

“I don’t carewhatyou say. I won’t leave him to die alone.”

Warden was on his feet and across the room faster than a man his age should’ve been capable of. Wynter scooted back until his back hit the opposite wall, surprised by the level of rage in the alpha’s eyes. Warden grasped the front of his jacket, tightening it at the collar, and making it harder for Wynter to breathe.

“Iforbidyou to walk into that house of shame. Do you hear me?”

Wynter trembled against Warden. Once again, he was a small child, terrorized by a wooden brush in his papa’s hand.“Yes,”he whispered, the noise barely heard above the pounding of his own heart.

Warden searched his face a moment before releasing his hold. He took a step back, glaring at Wynter. “For once, youwillobey me. I’ve worked too hard to bring Jaymes & Associates to the level it is. Jamie and his machinations threaten all I’ve worked so hard to build.”

Hadn’t he already lived through this nightmare once before? Painful memories flooded Wynter, his knees threatening to go out from under him. Tears hung from his lashes as he gazed at the monster in front of him. “You would truly keep me away from a child who might be dying?”

“Dying?He was supposedly dying last year and survived. Knowing him, he’ll survive again—and then be stuck cleaning up this mess he’s created of his life. We will leave him to it.”

“How could you be so cruel?”

“We gave him everything!”Warden roared. “Money, wealth, prestige, even our godsdamned freedom. He throws it back in our faces with this surrogate.” He chuckled. “But what else did I expect given that he’syourson. He’s as willful as you are.”

Wynter couldn’t breathe. He blinked back tears. Torn between a deadly promise made long ago and the life of his son, he stood at a crossroads. He lifted his chin and manufactured indifference. “Fine. I won’t go.”

Warden crossed his arms over his chest. “As if I trust you to listen.” He pointed upstairs. “Go.”

“I’m not a child to command.”

Warden’s eyes burned with rage, yet on the exterior, he appeared calm. “I will carry you up and lock the door to your bedroom if I must.”

“You can’t keep me a prisoner in this house.”

Warden chuckled. “You imprisoned me in this mating, so let’s call it even.”

“I did no such thing.If anything,youimprisoned me. At least you had some say in things. I was sold off like chattel.”

“Sold impliesworth.”

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