“But I suppose I have only seen the omega part of me through the lens of internal biology. My heats are… difficult to endure. I feel out of control and Ihatethat.”
His papa dragged his chair closer and sat down. “And now that you’ve found your mate?”
Dash fought a smile. When he caught his papa’s critical eye, warmth filled his cheeks. He hadn’t planned on discussing his sex life with either parent, especially not at thirty-five years of age. “It was… better, I suppose.”
“An alpha is meant to be an omega’s protector during his most vulnerable state. A good one will ease his omega andallow him to feel less guarded. Was that your experience with Emerson?”
“I suppose I felt less panic with him there.”
“The more you grow to trust your mate, the more comfort you’ll have.”
Dash grimaced. Trust? What trust?
“He seems to care greatly for you,” his papa said.
Dash winced. “He claims he loves me—yet exposed my secret at the first chance he got.”
“Smoke inhalationcancause miscarriage. Instead of putting your life at risk, he gave them vital information they might’ve needed.”
“But I’mnotpregnant.”
“Hedidn’t know that.” Papa sighed. “Dashiell, they did a full-body CT to check for brain damage and blood clots. They would’ve noticed it then.”
“Why do you have to have answers for everything?” Dash growled. “It’s not helping.”
“You’re typically more logical than I,” Papa said. “Why are you being soillogical now?”
Dash scoffed.
“Maybe because your feelings for Emerson are making it difficult for you tobelogical?” his papa said.
“My gods—it’s like watching Dash have a conversation with Dash.”
Dash’s head whipped to the side to see Eliott staring at them in fascination.
“So, this is where you get it from, hmm?” Eliott asked. He licked his lips and looked around. “Who do I need to fuck to get a drink of water around here?”
His papa rose and crossed the room. He poured Eliott a cup from a pitcher on his rolling table and tossed in a bendy strawbefore offering a sip. Eliott leaned forward, wincing, and took a drink.
“Thank you, Dash 1.0.”
“This is my papa,” Dash told Eliott.
“Ahh,nice to meet you Mr. Keller.” He glared at Dash.“Finally.”
“You don’t have to call me Mr. Keller. Aspen is just fine,” Dash’s papa said before offering Eliott another sip. “I understand you keep my errant son in line at the office?”
“Best as I can,” Eliott said. “He doesn’t listen, but I don’t let that stop me.”
“Good,” Papa said, casting Dash a raised brow.
“In his defense, he’s a pretty decent boss,” Eliott said, winking at Dash. “And a good guy. He definitely doesn’t hate omegas, by the way.”
“Nice to hear,” Papa replied. He cast another look at Dash. “Maybe there’s hope for him yet.”
“I suppose that means you heard most of that conversation,” Dash said to Eliott.
“I’m layingright here.It’s not like I can just get up and leave,” Eliott snapped. “I tried pretending I was asleep, but it was getting too good. I wasinvested.”Eliott eyed him. “What’s this about you getting pregnant, though?”
