“Are you sure you’re all right?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Well, you’re holding a baby when a couple of weeks ago you wouldn’t even look in his direction.”
“Ouch, kid, that hurts,” Terry said when Connor’s fist was tangled in his hair as he tried to fit his hand in his mouth.
“I should have warned you, he’s in the grabbing and putting anything in his mouth stage.” Winter watched how Terry gently got his hair out of Connor’s tight fist but didn’t put him down.
“It’s all right,” Terry assured him.
“I’m trying to get over this sudden new change in you.”
“Don’t think too hard, professor, just go with the flow. I promise when I get back, I’ll tell you everything.”
“If you say so,” Winter said, even though he wanted to know what was going on with his friend.
A few minutes later, their server came over and took their order. The entire time Terry held Connor in his arms and Winter could tell his friend was trying to get used to being around children, but he couldn’t help but wonder why all of a sudden. Other than that, they talked about other things and Winter finally told Terry that he and Creed were going to adopt Connor, get married, and that he was pregnant.
“Wow, you love birds don’t waste time. It’s that sickening fairy tale, happily ever after thing again.” He scrunched his nose when he spoke.
“Being in love is not so bad, Terry.”
“I’ll take your word for it. Not everyone is looking for what you and Caroline wanted. Most of us want to be free of certain responsibilities.”
“Who doesn’t want to fall in love?”
“It’s not the love part that bothers me, Win.”
“Then what is it?” Winter knew how much Terry detested being tied down.
“I’m not sure you’d understand if I explained it.”
“Try me.” Winter pushed his plate away and reached for Connor, who he suspected was getting hungry. Once he had the baby situated, he turned his attention back to Terry. “Okay, I’m listening.”
Terry shook his head. “I can’t believe how easy you make all of that look.”
“It takes practice, and I’m far from perfect. Stop trying to stall, and talk to me.”
Terry sighed and leaned back in his seat and crossed his arms over his chest. “Have you ever felt like bucking the system?”
“What system?” Winter asked confused.
“The whole an alpha has to mate with an omega to ensure that society continues thing.”
“Wait, are you in love with a beta? Is that what you’re trying to tell me?”
“Oh for fuck sake, Winter, I’m not in love with anyone,” Terry snapped.
“Then what are you talking about?”
“Obligations and expectations. An alpha has to find his omega mate or it’s a waste of your gods-given fucking magnificent seed. People expect me to look and act a certain way because I’m an alpha. And look at what omegas go through, until a few years ago you needed your parents to get your suppressants. You’re not seen as independent and capable of leading Fortune 500 companies. I’m not ready to claim a mate, and that doesn’t make me a fucking failure.”
“Where is all this coming from?” Winter had never heard Terry talk that way; it was as if he wasn’t confident in who he was.
“Haven’t you ever not wanted to be an omega? To be the one to take the lead in your relationship?” He looked down at his plate and lowered his voice. “In your bedroom?”
“No,” Winter answered honestly.
