Page 133 of His Forsaken Alpha

“It’s bizarre, but the only thing I’ve heard so far that makes sense with what I know to be true. I looked back through my research and there wasn’t a thing there to go against your account of things.”

“Ah,” he murmured. Ithadn’tbeen trust but confirmation.

“And my gut,” Cavanaugh added. “I sensed it was the truth when you told me. Hearing you recount some of it again tonight—and being able to watch you from a different perspective in the retelling—it was the same. Not same as in rehearsed, but same as in a lived experience. I’ve interviewed countless people over the years while researching my books and I’ve always sensed when someone wasn’t telling me the truth. I didn’t feel that with you—though, I am a bit biased.”

“You said I’ve lied to you before, but the only time I’ve ever lied to you was when you came to the gates. When I said I didn’t love you and—hell, I don’t even remember all I said that day. I was a total mess—and terrified. All I remember was Ihadto be cruel or you’d just keep coming back… and Papa would have his excuse to take you away forever.”

Cav drew in a shaky breath and released it. “I sensed you lied that day. The minute the words came out of your mouth, I knew it couldn’t be the truth. But coupled with the facts I knew, and assuming you’d faked your death to get away from me, I left withmy tail between my legs. It was the biggest mistake I’ve ever made. I should’ve stayed. And fought for you.”

Wynter fought the tears stinging his eyes and turned his attention back to Emory. “Do you ever think of the family we might’ve had if we’d had the chance to be together?” Wynter asked him.

“All the time,” Cavanaugh said. “I always imagined we’d have a houseful.”

“Me, too,” Wynter murmured.

Cavanaugh chuckled. “I suppose that houseful can be grandbabies instead.”

Wynter smiled to himself. A houseful of grandbabies was almost better.“Cavanaugh?”

“Yeah?”

“Was that offer of exploring the world together real?”

“Of course it was,” Cavanaugh murmured. “I can show you all the amazing places I’ve been, especially those I’d wished you’d been at my side to see.”

Wynter lifted his gaze and saw love in his alpha’s eyes. “Just you and me? Together?”

“If you’re okay with at.”

“I am,” Wynter said, his heart thumping madly at the thought of spending all that time with Cavanaugh. He smiled, resting his head back on his alpha’s shoulder. “But I also don’t know if I want to leave these little ones behind for very long. They grow up way too fast. We can’t go far or for long.”

“How about… short trips around the Palatinate for now. No more than a week. Then we can truly explore the globe once they’re older.”

“That sounds like a long time you’ve got in mind.” Wynter peeked up a few seconds before he eyed Emory, again, almost fearful he was pushing for too much. “It sounds an awful lot like a future.”

Cavanaugh tensed at his side. “Do you not want a future with me,my omega?”

Wynter lifted his gaze, eyes shining. “It’s all I want,my alpha.”

Cavanaugh captured Wynter’s lips with a hungry kiss. Wynter returned the fervor, his blood rushing in his ears.

Emory whimpered ever so slightly, and they broke apart. The baby settled back in Cavanaugh’s arms, blissfully asleep. They both giggled, a mixture of need and awkwardness filling the air around them.

Wynter returned to laying his head on Cav’s shoulder, watching their grandson before noticing Wilder leaning in the doorway between the kitchen and the den, spying on them. A soft smile graced his son’s lips, and he returned it, lifting his head. “So what’s for dinner?”

Wilder chuckled. “I know you’re used to your chef-made meals, but I fear I’ve only got a casserole our housekeeper made. It was delicious, but I don’t know that it’s up to your standards.”

“If you thought it was delicious, I’m sure it’s a feast fit for a king,” Wynter said, smiling.

Wilder chuckled.

Wynter rose. “I’ll set the table while your father spends some time with Emory.” He paused, realizing he’d said father. While it was the truth, the two men were just meeting one another. It was unfair of him to force them close before they were ready. “I mean, Cavanaugh. Sorry.” He stared between them, hoping the slip wouldn’t cause them to struggle. “I know this is all new for you both. I didn’t mean to…” He sighed, not sure where he’d been going with his comment.

Both Wilder and Cavanaugh were silent when he slipped into the kitchen. After searching the cabinets, Wynter found plates, utensils, and glasses. The kitchen filled with a lovely scent, and for the first time in days, his stomach actually clenched with hunger. He busied himself, trying not to move closer to the doorway and eavesdrop on the lowered voices coming from out there.

The buzzer went off on the stove. Wynter neared it, but realized he had no idea how the thing worked. He knew to open the door, but how to turn off the terrible buzzing or how to check for doneness, he had no idea.

Luckily, Wilder and Cavanaugh appeared.

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