I was mystified by what he could mean. “I’m not taking it back.”
“You’re only saying that because you don’t understand. You don’t know the truth about me.”
I tilted my head, feeling confused. “What truth?”
“You’ve come clean with me, but I’ve been hiding something from you.” He rubbed his face roughly. “God, why can’t I ever just be happy?”
“I want you happy. I want to make you happy.” I met his gaze. “Tell me what’s wrong.”
He groaned and sat on the edge of the bed again. I went to stand in front of him.
“Let me ask you this: Do you have any interest in having a child with me?”
The question came out of left field. “Children?”
“Yes.”
I scowled. “What could that possibly have to do with why you’re upset?”
“It’s important.”
Was this about Ayden? Did he want a child because of that loss, or did he not want a child because of that loss? I studied him, trying to guess his reasons for asking such a strange question. Since I couldn’t read him, I decided to try and actually answer the question truthfully. I thought about having a child with him, and the truth was it excited me. He’d be a great father, and while I would suck at it, perhaps he could help me be a better dad than mine had been to me.
I met his wary gaze. “I’d love to have a baby with you, Dylan.”
His eyes seemed to tear, and he shook his head. “Don’t just say that to be nice.”
“I’m not.” I smiled at him hesitantly. “I swear.”
He sighed and stared at his clasped hands. “I have to tell you something that might change your opinion of me. But I was born this way, and I had no choice in the matter. I’m no different than any other omega, unless I meet my fated mate.”
“Fated mate?” My lips twitched. “You know I don’t believe in that.”
“Well, you might have to change your mind on that, Lex.”
I gave a confused laugh. “I’ll do whatever you want. I just want you to stop looking so sad.”
“I can’t do that until I know how you’re going to react.”
I squinted at him. “I’ll be honest, I’m really confused.”
“I know. That’s why I came in here. I don’t know how to put into words what I have to tell you.”
“Well, I have no idea what this big secret is… but I love you, and I want you to be honest with me.” I moved closer. “Just tell me what it is.”
He exhaled roughly. “This compound is a safe place for a special type of omega.”
“Okay.”
“We’re called solar eclipse omegas.” He paused. “S.E.O. is the other term we use here inside the walls.”
I nodded. “Yes, I remember Charles mentioned them.”
“We’re different. Special.”
“Special how?”
He groaned. “This is where it gets hard.”