My dad and Gabe both looked like they were about to cry, but they smiled at eachother.
It turned out Gabe’s fears about my dad not liking him were unfoundedafterall.
* * *
“How did you lose him?”Gabe asked suddenly on the way home from therestaurant.
We took the long way back, walking on the street to stretch our legs. The moon hung like a beacon in the sky between the mountains and a cool breeze filledtheair.
“My omega-father?”Isaid.
Gabe nodded. “You don’t have to answer if you don’twantto.”
“It’s alright. You’re my mate. You deserve to know.” I ran my thumb over the back of his hand. “My dad, he… He went out on a scouting mission, like the one Ruby and I were on. But back then, we just weren’t ascareful.”
The words felt bitter in my mouth. I hated speaking badly of my tribe, but this was a sore spotforme.
Gabe didn’t speak, but he listened toeveryword.
“He didn't go with an escort. He went by himself, thinking that a lone omega would be more reassuring for any potential omegas wanting to come to our tribe,” I continued. “This happened about ten years ago. Both Lorenzo and I were adults, so my birth-dad didn’t think we were in any danger. And he was a grown man, too, you know? And a dragon at that. He shouldn’t have been in anydanger.”
I had to pause. My fists clenched. Gabe soothed me by stroking my hands in circular motions. Again, he waited for me to continue. I bit my lip, thenwenton.
“My dad didn’t know how to use magic,” I finally said. “When he ended up in a pack that wasn’t too happy to see a dragon trying to steal their omegas, they attacked him. Damaged his wings so he couldn’t fly.” My throat felt tight. “Without magic, he wasn’t able to defendhimself…”
“Shh. You don’t have to talk anymore,” Gabe said, strokingmyarm.
I nodded, unable to speak, and leaned onhishead.
“Is that why you wanted me to learn magic so badly?” Gabe asked softly after amoment.
“Yes,” I growled. “Gods forbid, something happens to me… I want you to be safe. You andourbaby.”
“I understand.” He leaned up and kissed me. “I love you,Dante.”
I wrapped my arms around him and kissed him deeply in the middle of the street, not caring who was watching. “I loveyou,Gabe.”
