Page 28 of A Home for His Omega

“What’s wrong?” Teague asked, frowning.

“I made a huge mistake,” she said, voice shaking. “I should have asked Papa what charity he was raising money for this year, but it’s always been the same one, so I didn’t think anything about it.”

“What is Papa doing?” Sterling, Henry’s eldest brother, stomped up behind them, scowling. The large alpha looked dapper in a tux and black rimmed glasses. He also looked furious.

“Hi, it’s nice to see you after such a long time,” Henry said, sighing. “Yes, I’m doing well. Thanks for asking.”

Sterling blinked a few times, reminding Henry of a flustered owl. “Oh, hello Henry.” He blinked at Teague. “Nice to see you, Teague.”

“Aww, I missed your awkwardness, Sterling.” Teague grinned. “It’s so fun to watch.”

“Now, what’s this about Papa’s charity this year?” Henry asked, already dreading the answer. If Audrey was upset about it, it couldn’t be good.

“He chose your sanctuary,” Audrey said, sniffling. “I saw his speech while he was getting dressed. He’s trying to embarrass Teague. That’s why he invited him.”

“He’s raising money for our sanctuary?” Teague looked confused. “How is that embarrassing?”

“He wants to make you feel small,” Henry said, anger filling him. “To feel like you’re out of place here and don’t belong.”

“I already feel like that.” Teague shrugged. “What’s the big deal? If we raise money, that’s good. Right?”

Sam stomped his foot. “Not if it makes you feel bad about yourself.”

Henry closed his eyes and thought for a moment. All the Powell family’s friends were there, as well as the leaders of New York high society. He could easily imagine Papa’s speech, showcasing Teague as his ex-husband’s newest stray in need of their help. It wouldn’t be about the animals. It would be about making Teague look like a stupid, poor man that they should all feel sorry for.

He was a little surprised that his papa was doing this. Milton took his charities seriously. “Is his speech really that bad?” he asked Audrey.

She nodded. “It’s horrible.”

A familiar face drew his attention. “Oh, yay! The Webs just arrived.”

Keaton and his brother Alistair followed their parents into the ballroom, smiling and shaking hands as they made their way toward Milton’s group.

Henry expected to feel something more than disgust and annoyance at the sight of the man he had avoided for almost two years.

Tomás watched him with kind, brown eyes. “Are you alright?”

Henry slowly grinned. “I am. I really am.” He clapped his hands. “Okay. Here’s what’s going to happen. The opening speech is scheduled to begin in thirty minutes. Sterling, you keep Papa off the fucking stage. Teague, will you go upstairs and get Journey for me? Please put his doggy tux on him and bring the pooch pouch and his treats. Sam, please grab the puppies. Instead of our laundry basket, put them in the container the hotel used for the fruit basket in my room. It should be large enough. If not, grab the one from your room too. Audrey, I need a large piece of black velvet, two decorative boxes no higher than two feet, fashion show background music, and control of the A/V system.”

“What are you going to do?” Tomás asked.

“I’m going to raise money for our sanctuary.” Henry looked at the group around him. “Get moving.”

“On it.” Audrey spun around and rushed toward the ballroom door.

“Journey, tux, pouch, treats.” Teague pulled Sam along with him and hurried away.

Sterling grunted and stalked toward their papa’s group.

“Tomás, it’s time to smile and woo the money out of everyone’s pockets. Are you ready?”

Tomás grinned. “Not at all, but I’ll do whatever you tell me to do.”

Over the next thirty minutes, Henry greeted every single person he could, introducing them to Tomás and thanking them for coming to support the sanctuary. It was what Milton was supposed to be doing, but instead, his papa was gossiping with his friends.

Tomás was surprisingly popular with the guests. Henry shouldn’t have been surprised. He knew how charming the alpha could be. The guests they spoke with probably found it as refreshing as Henry did to have conversations without any hidden snark or empty flattery.

When the music quieted and the spotlight lit the stage, it was Henry that walked to the podium, not his papa. Sterling stood with Milton, his hand on their papa’s shoulder.

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