Page 52 of His Forsaken Alpha

“Omegawood always needs costumers and tailors for the movie industry.”

“Perhaps, but I was never much good at it,” Wynter murmured. His gaze moved outside again. “But I have a child to think about.” He eyed Cavanaugh. “You know, that poor kid who got a papa like me?”

“I apologize. I had no idea what was going on in your life when I said that.”

“You were right, though. I’ve been a shit papa.”

“Don’t do that to yourself. You’ve been put in a terrible situation.”

“I was… and I shut down. I hid from my alpha throughout most of my pregnancy, unwilling to acknowledge we were truly mated. Fortunately for me, he kept his distance. Then the baby came, and I drifted into this… fog. I couldn’t get out of bed. When I did, I roamed in the middle of the night, when the house was quiet. I cried for days on end. I couldn’t even look at the baby.”

“Post-partum.”

Wynter lifted his gaze. “You’ve heard of that?” He’d only learned of it at the facility six months before.

“From what I’ve read, a lot of omegas experience it, even ones who’d longed for the child they’d given birth to. Brain chemistry is an amazing field of research. If that chemistry’s not balanced… it can send everything into a tailspin.” Cavanaugh reached across the table and took one of Wynter’s hands. He traced one of the scars. “You havenothingto be ashamed of. You weren’t yourself. You were ill.” He smiled softly. “And I’m glad you survived that dark night. I’d never have gotten a chance to meet you.”

Wynter fought tears.

“I hope you’ve sought help?”

Wynter nodded. “Six months in a mental health facility. I’m still working on things, but…” He paused, unsure why he was sharing so much with the stranger… other than the simple compassion he was being shown. If Warden heard what he’d shared? A shiver raced down his spine.

“But…?”

Wynter shook his head, again taking his hand away. “I’ve said too much.”

“Is your mate not helping you through your recovery?”

Wynter chuckled mirthlessly. “I shouldn’t discuss this.”

“Let me be your sounding board,” Cavanaugh murmured. “Talking is good for the soul.”

Wynter held the man’s gaze, something unlocking within. For some reason, he wanted to tell Cavanaugh all his secrets and innermost thoughts. “No, he’s not helping. He’s actively trying to make things worse, I think.”

Cavanaugh muttered under his breath.

“What was that?”

Cavanaugh pegged him with a stare. “You deserve better.”

Wynter was sure the alpha had said something different, but he’d take the words and the feeling behind them anyway. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Not that I’ve done anything.”

“Listening—without judgment—helps. More than you know.” Wynter smiled. He’d not felt so supported since the facility. Why couldn’t he have been bound to an alpha more like Cavanaugh? He searched the man’s face, seeing nothing but sincerity. “A lot of omegas, you say? They never said that in treatment. I mean, they told me that was likely to blame, and it wasn’t my fault, but nothing about it being widespread.”

“I don’t know the exact percentages, but I know other provinces where omegas have gotten more freedoms, natal and mental health have become a priority. They’ve started coming out of the shadows and talking about issues long kept hidden. Things like post-partum are no longer a dirty little secret anymore. Omegashave found solace in sharing their stories with one another. There’s strength in that, I think. Knowing they’re not alone.”

“Yeah,” Wynter murmured. “I wish I’d met others during my treatment.”

“It’s not too late,” Cavanaugh said. “Perhaps you’ll have a chance someday.”

“Maybe,” Wynter murmured, knowing it was highly unlikely. He rarely left the house. He had no friends in Alexandria—though that might soon change if Warden had his way. Maybe getting out in society wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. Maybe he’d find omegas suffering some of the same issues he was, like those in the other provinces had and find strength there.

Silence hung between them. Wynter held Cavanaugh’s gaze, unable to look away. They stared at one another, the entire world melting away. When his hand touched Cavanaugh’s, he jumped, gazing down. He’d assumed the alpha had reached for him, but it was the opposite.

His hand had made it across the table without his realization.

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