Page 128 of His Forsaken Alpha

“I’d learned a little bit of information Warden didn’t want public,” Wynter said. “And I used it to get what I wanted. I almost wish I hadn’t. He complained every single day of our trip. Hehatedtraveling.”

“Maybe I can show you more,” Cav whispered, tucking some of Wynter’s hair behind one ear. “Without complaint.”

Wynter turned to Cavanaugh, barely able to breathe. Had that been a true invitation? From the look in his alpha’s eyes, he sensed it was. “I wouldlovethat.”

Cavanaugh smiled.

“Well, am I the only one who wants to know what you had on Warden? It was big enough that he took you on a trip around the world,” Gray said. “It must’ve been good dirt.”

“I promised him I would never tell and while he probably doesn’t deserve it, I think I’ll keep his secret,” Wynter murmured. That one might as well die with him. It would hurt his sons more than it would Warden at that point.

“I think there’s a bit of traveling we should do before you take off on any trip with my—with Cavanaugh,”Wilder said, correcting himself.

Wynter had felt Cavanaugh tense at the anticipation of the word. He reached out and squeezed his alpha’s arm.

Wilder continued, “I think we should go to Blacksburg and see who might still be around. I don’t like the idea of a shadow hanging over your and Cav’s lives. We need to see if there’s a threat and if there is, put an end to it.”

“Agreed,” Cav said. “I was thinking much the same. I’d like to go, as well, if you don’t mind?”

“I’d appreciate the company,” Wilder murmured, the corners of his lips curling up.

Wynter smiled. Father and son would finally get some time together.

Cavanaugh turned to Wynter. “What about you? It might do you good to face them—this time, with our support and protection.”

Wynter stiffened, his stomach knotting. “I said I’d never step foot there again.”

“They’re surely not still alive,” Rohan said.

“Do the math,”Gray whispered. “He was obviously lying about his age all these years. Wynter’s only about ten years older thanyou.” Gray eyed Wynter, as did a wide-eyed Rohan. “Which means you’re, what… fifty-two?”

“Fifty-three,”Wynter corrected.

“Which means your parents might only be in their seventies… and could very much still be alive,” Gray said.

Wilder chuckled. “Didn’t we have your fiftieth birthday party likea decadeago.”

“Eightyears ago, thank you. I added five years to my age to cover how young I was when…” he sighed, turning to Cavanaugh. “I don’twantto go to Blacksburg—but I also agree we can’t live with a threat hanging over our heads. If they’ve passed on, then you’re likely in the clear.”

“Iwon’tforce you back there. I know you went through hell at their hands,” Cav said. “Wilder and I can see who’s still there and determine if they’re a threat.”

Wynter weighed his options. Let his son and alpha go into the darkness alone—where danger might lurk—or go and face it himself for once. He didn’t want to face it. It had been hard enough to face his family and tell them the truth. But he’d survived that. He might survive facing his papa, too.“No.I need to stand up to them for once. I can’t remain that scared little boy forever.” Wynter sighed. “If they’re still alive and it’s not too late.”

Cavanaugh offered a hand, and Wynter clutched it tight.

“We face it head on.Together.As we should’ve done a long time ago.”

Wynter smiled up at his alpha, a mixture of pride and terror filling every inch of him.

“All three of us,” Wilder said firmly. “Those bastards deserve to be held accountable for what they did—the abuse, the threats? Your papa is a monster, and if he’s still alive, I plan to tell him so. What he did to you was criminal.”

That statement broke a dam within Wynter. He’d worked so hard to hold back his emotions while repeating the story again. Sure, he’d slipped a time or two, but he’d held it together better than the first time. Wilder jumping in to defend him was too much. Wynter broke down, tears streaming and sobs wracking him. Cavanaugh dragged him close, wrapping him tight. He leaned his head on his alpha’s chest and closed his eyes.

“It’s going to be okay. We’re goingto makeit okay,” Cavanaugh whispered, running a gentle hand over Wynter’s back.

When he calmed some, Cavanaugh lifted his chin. “You’re gone without a protector your entire life and now you have two, it seems. Wewon’tlet them hurt you again.”

“Damned right we won’t,” Wilder muttered.

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