Page 40 of Bully for Sale
“No! I just didn’t think he’d really choose me,” Ned said.
There’d been no indication in their brief interactions yesterday after the apartment explosion that Ezer liked him, or that he’d been even remotely happy to see him. What would make Ezer want to commit to Ned now? And not just for a smile or a friendship, but for heat, a breeding, and probable marriage? It was hard to understand.
Ned cleared his throat. “I think I should talk to Uncle Heath about all this first.”
“What? Why?” Lidell snarled. “He doesn’t have anything to do with us, or with your romantic inclinations. This is a brilliant opportunity for you, forus. You won’t see one like it again. And if you don’t take it, son? Well, I hate to tell you, butsomeonewill. Fersee isn’t planning to let this boy continue to embarrass him. If you don’t sign, you’re not saving this omega from anything, just so you know. All you’re doing is passing this money and this boy over to some other alpha. And who knows whatthatalpha will do with him…”
Ned’s head spun. He couldn’t stomach the idea of Ezer with anyone else. Plus, the contract called for breeding. There was no room for confusion. George Fersee wanted Ezer pregnant as soon as possible. He wanted it so badly that each baby came with bonus money. Unreal.
The idea of Ezer pregnant with another alpha’s child made him feel dizzy.
Ned took a breath and said, “I just think Uncle Heath wouldn’t—”
“Heath doesn’t own you!”
“Father, I’m calling him.” Ned tugged his phone free of his pocket and pressed the contact. It went straight to voicemail. “Uncle Heath, please, if you can, get back to me as soon as possible. I have an urgent issue that I need help with. Thank you.”
“Ridiculous,” Lidell said, rolling his eyes. “I’m telling you that—”
The door to the office opened and Earl came in, seeming harried and a little scared. “I just heard from Simon,” he said, breathlessly. “Adrien has gone into labor early. It’s not good news for the wee one. It’s too soon…” He clucked his tongue. “And before you ask, yes, Heath has been contacted. I’ve been told he left his business meeting at a run.”
“Heath was here? In Wellport? On business?” Lidell asked, having the gall to look wounded that he hadn’t known.
Earl nodded. “Yes, and he’s gone again now, of course. I’ve never heard Simon sound so frightened,” he said, wringing his hands. “We’ve been married for three decades and…” He shook his gray head. “I think I should go to him.”
“You’re needed here to prepare Ned for his first—”
“No!” Ned interjected. “Go to Simon. Help if you can.”
“Thank you. I think the wee one, that sweet Michael, might need me. He’s always at his da’s heels, and I worry that…” Earl teared up. “Well, Simon will have his hands full with Heath if anything goes wrong with this delivery.”
“Oh, I’m sure Heath will be as dramatic about it as ever,” Lidell said, rolling his eyes. “He’ll make everything about him, I’m sure. He always does.” He turned back to the dreaded stack of papers and began to read over them again. “Well, go on then. Ned can prepare without you.”
“‘Prepare’?” Earl tilted his head, confused.
“Don’t worry about me. Go on,” Ned said, moving to the door and putting an arm around Earl’s shoulders, steering him away from Lidell and the contract still unsigned on the desk. “Let us know how things go. If Adrien is all right, and the baby…”
“Of course, of course,” Earl said, looking warily over his shoulder at Lidell. “Don’t get involved in any scheme of his,” Earl whispered as Ned released him and started to shut the door. “Whatever you do. Just steer clear of your father’s plans.”
Ned kissed Earl’s papery cheek. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. It’s Adrien and Heath who matter now.”
Earl hugged him and then hustled away.
Ned turned back to the office and re-entered it. He stood with his back to the door, contemplating his father for a moment. Then he pulled out his phone and replied to Amos’s message of thanks:
I’m sure you know what Mr. Fersee and my father are planning. Ezer has signed the documents. I don’t know what to do. Does he really want this? I’d like to ask him. Can I have his phone number, please?
The text message showed a read receipt at once, but Amos took a long time to type in his reply. When it came through, Ned’s knees went weak, and he wiped a hand over his top lip.
Ezer doesn’t have his phone on him, and even if he did, he wouldn’t text you back. Sign the forms. George is offering him to Finch Maddox next, if this falls through with you, and you know that jerk won’t hesitate.
Ned texted back:Finch? Why?
Because it’s easy. So make up your mind, Ned. It’s you or Finch. Do the right thing.
Ned wished he could wait until Heath’s crisis was over to talk with his uncle about this choice, but the contract stipulated that Ezer was to be in heat and to be bred within a week. With the crisis at Heath’s home with his omega and new child, talking to him now—or anytime in the next few days—seemed unlikely. So much for getting any sort of advice from his uncle.
Ned had to go with his own heart and mind, his own instinct. And, for the most part, it fought him. It told him this was a very bad idea.
