Page 22 of A Home for His Omega

Henry nodded. “I do now, but not at first. I was convinced he was right. He… Keaton,” he scowled as he said the name. “He shared me with his friends, and I let him because I thought that was all I was good for.” He shivered, tears falling faster. “I’ve never told anyone this.”

“Your story is safe with me, hermanito.”

“When I wanted to leave him, Keaton threatened to send pictures of me with them to everyone we knew, including my papa. I stayed like the fool he made me into. No one knew. No one could see what he was doing to me. Everyone thought he was this great guy. If he hadn’t dumped me, I don’t know what I would have done.”

“What would say to your younger self if you could?”

“I would tell him that he’s better than a hundred Keatons, and that no one should ever make him feel that way about himself. I’m a good person and I deserve respect.”

“You do deserve respect.” Juan nodded. “I spent my childhood watching my alpha dad treat my omega dad like a servant. He expected him to cook and clean and look good. That was it. Papa didn’t deserve that, but it’s how he was raised. It took a long time for him to decide to live for himself. It’s a hard thing to do, hermanito. You are braver than you think.”

“Thank you,” Henry whispered. “I can’t believe I dumped all this on you.”

“Blame Dolly. She does this to all of us.” Juan pressed repeat on his MP3 player. “Come on. It’s time to celebrate yourself.” He pulled Henry to his feet. “Dance with me.”

Henry laughed and sobbed both as he spun around, singing the song along with Juan and Dolly. His body felt weightless, as if he was ready to float away into the sunrise. He couldn’t believe he’d told Juan all that stuff about Keaton.

Journey and Mitzy barked, dancing around them excitedly.

“What’s going on here?” Tomás leaned against the door, looking sleepy, and smiled as he watched them. Henry enjoyed his stare, feeling the love and joy of it soak into him.

“Oh no.” Carter came to stand next to Tomás, shaking his head. “Dolly Parton got another one, didn’t she?”

“Juan’s going to drag my omega off to his Dolly Parton cult meeting.” Tomás sighed, eyes dancing with amusement. “I’m just going to have to accept it.”

Juan spun him again. “You’ll love our club, Henry. We’re Dolly’s Diamonds and Dragons. The best club in town. We meet every Tuesday and Thursday at the library.”

“I’ll be there.” Henry closed his eyes, getting dizzy. He let the music fill him, enjoying the moment of pure joy.

“Where have you been?” Audrey greeted him at the door when he got home. His sister looked as perfect as always in her Gucci slip-on heels and black silk jumpsuit.

“You’re here?” Henry wrapped his arms around her and settled his head on her shoulder. He was so tired, his emotions wrung dry. Her familiar scent, Baccarat Rouge 540, soothed him. “I love you.”

Teague and Sam watched them from the couch, surprised, puppies in their lap waiting to be fed.

“Good night?” Sam asked, smirking.

“The best.”

“Where were you?” Audrey grabbed his shoulders and pushed him back. “What’s wrong with you. Did you take something? You look high.”

“High on Dolly Parton.” Henry sat next to Sam and took one of the puppies. “Did you know there’s a fan club for her in town?”

“Please tell me you didn’t join Dolly’s Diamonds and Dragons.” Sam groaned. “I guess it’s better than Ernie’s Bigfoot search group, but only by a little.”

“We meet every Tuesday and Thursday.” Henry watched the puppy drink from the bottle.

“What is going on here?” Audrey pushed him over, squeezing herself onto the couch next to him. “And where’s Journey? You’re never without that dog.”

“He’s playing with his friend Mitzy today.” He leaned his head on Audrey’s shoulder. “I’m really happy you’re here.”

“High on Dolly Parton.” She shook her head. “What has this town done to you, baby bumblebee?”

Sam snorted. “Be careful, Audrey. It’ll get you next.”

She gave the three men a disdainful look and stood. “I’m going to your house. I brought some samples I want to show Carter.”

“Fine, but don’t touch my floor. It’s perfect as it is.”

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