Page 139 of His Forsaken Alpha

“Not a one. He seems to like being in grandpapa’s arms,” Cav said, smiling.

“I can’t believe he’s not started wailing his little head off,” Avery said before crossing the kitchen. He leaned over to press a gentle kiss to Emory’s forehead. “He’s been nursing every hour or so since birth. Two hours isamazing.”

“Wilder did that for the first couple of weeks. Sometimes it was more often than an hour,” Wynter said. “I wasn’t sure he’d ever get his fill. I was terrified I was doing something wrong, or my milk hadn’t come in enough to keep him fed.”

“I didn’t know I was breastfed,” Wilder said, sitting at the table.

“You were. YouandVaughn. I didn’t with Jamie because of the depression, but my obstetrician thought it might help me bond with you and prevent another bout.”

“That’s all they did for you?” Avery asked, frowning.

“I couldn’t take the depression medicinesandnurse… and I wanted to try. Wilder was my alpha’s child… and I suppose I wanted to do everything right, though I didn’t do as great as I hoped, did I?”

“You know what?” Avery asked. “We’re going to stop that, okay?”

Cav turned to Avery, frowning—as did Wynter and Wilder.

“You’ve been through hell, Wynter,” Avery added. “Your mental health suffered, and you were left untreated. You were trapped in a prison of a mating with a man you didn’t love for nearly four decades. Does that excuse every mistake or poor choice? No. But given the circumstances, I think you did the best you could in aterrible situation. How about offering yourself a little grace? Youdon’thave to keep beating yourself up over every mistake. It’s not going to make you feel any better—only worse.”

Wynter’s eyes filled with tears. “You’re right. It’s just hard to get out of bad habits.”

“It’s called negative self-talk,” Avery said. “Every time I hear you doing it from now on, I’m going to tell you to stop it and be nicer to yourself, okay?”

Cav smiled to himself. “I think we all might need to get in on that action.”

Wynter rolled his eyes Cav’s way.

“Hey, I already told you to take better care of yourself or I’d do it for you,” Cav murmured. “Add this to the list.”

“I will try,” Wynter murmured, his voice low. He turned to Avery. “Do you want Emory back to nurse?”

“If he’s not fussing, then maybe not. The nurses told me to feed on demand. If he’s not demanding, then I’ll wait,” Avery said. “I can take him if you need a break?”

“I don’t need a break,”Wynter snapped gleefully.

Cav sat down at the table. Avery sidled up to his mate and landed on Wilder’s thigh. He wrapped both arms around his alpha’s neck and sighed contentedly. “Hi.”

Wilder smiled, the love he had for Avery clear in his eyes and expression.“Hi.”

Cav grinned. His son was besotted.

They shared a brief kiss before Wilder brushed back Avery’s wild shoulder-length hair. “I’ve scheduled us a helicopter for six tomorrow morning and texted Gray to let him and Rohan know. Gray said he’ll likely stop in to check on you.”

“Six?”Avery asked, scoffing. “I’m fine. I don’t need a babysitter.”

“You just had a baby a few days ago. A little company can’t hurt,” Wilder murmured. “I hate leaving you, even if it’s just a day.”

“I have Turner here tomorrow, and he’splentyof company,” Avery said. It took Cav a moment to remember that was the name of their housekeeper. “I won’t be alone.”

“I know, but still. You’re in recovery.”

“And this is important, too. If there’s a threat endangering your parents, you want to put a stop to it. Honestly, after the story we heard, I’m more concerned for you than me,” Avery told Wilder. “Promise me you’ll be careful.”

“Of course I will,” Wilder smiled. “But from the sounds of a call we just made, the threat may well be ended.”

“Good.” Avery spun on Wilder’s thigh. “That goes for you both, too. Be careful.”

“I plan on it,” Cav said. “Nobody’s hurtingeither of them,Avery.”

---