Page 59 of One Wild Omega

Before he even realized what he was doing, he reached for his phone and left his boss a text message, saying there was an emergency at home. He slipped into his pickup and crossed town before entering the neighborhood where Bellamy had moved to when he and Quinn had mated. As soon as he was seated outside their stately home, he wondered if it was a mistake coming.

Leave. Just throw the truck in drive and leave.

Before he could do that, he saw Bellamy walking down the entryway stairs, eyeing him. He climbed from his pickup and pinned Bell with a glance.

“What’s up?”

Fitz shrugged. “I shouldn’t be here.”

“Why not?”

Fitz shook his head. “We both know why.”

Bellamy took a step closer. “If something’s wrong and you need someone to talk to… then youabsolutelyshould be here.”

The babe in Bellamy’s arms let out a slight cry, wiggled some, and then settled down.

“He’s grown so much… it hasn’t been that long,” Fitz said.

“I hear they tend to do that.”

Fitz chuckled. “Yeah.”

“So…? You need to talk about something?”

Fitz nodded. “I need some advice. From someonenotfamily.”

Bellamy tilted his head toward the house. “Come on in.”

He followed Bellamy up the stairs. It was the first time Fitz had come to the new house since the baby shower. With all the decorations, he hadn’t been sure what the house looked like after the earlier renovations they’d made. He could see Bellamy’s taste all through the house as they walked toward a sunroom at the back. Bellamy took a seat on a small loveseat and got comfortable. Fitz took the chair across from him.

As soon as he sat, Bellamy began readying to nurse the child. “You don’t mind if he has some lunch while we chat, do you?”

“No,” Fitz murmured.

It wasn’t like Fitz hadn’t seen every inch of Bellamy’s body… but now… it just felt odd to see something he’d long ago subconsciously imagined Bellamy doing forhischild one day. He lifted his stare, pushing the random thought aside.

“So. Why are you here? Or better question… why do I suddenly no longer have a friend I’ve appreciated for years?”

“I don’t want to cause problems for you and Quinn.”

“And you won’t,” Bellamy said. “I know I’ve had my hands full.” He spread his fingers a little around the child he cradled. “Quite literally. I haven’t been as good a friend to you as I once was, and I know things have changed. Dramatically. But Quinn doesn’t change the fact that we’re friends. We’llalwaysbe friends, and I’ll be forever grateful for you.”

“I didn’t want your gratitude.”

“Iknowwhat you wanted, and if it’s too hard to see me with Quinn, then I understand. But I just want you to know I want us to find a way forward. If that’s what you want, too.”

Fitz sat back in his chair andreallylooked at Bellamy.

And it was the first time his heart didn’t clench painfully. He might have wanted Bellamy’s love but now… now he didn’t feel quite the same pull. Afriendsat on that loveseat, cuddling his child. A friend he’d missedsovery much.

“You know… I once wanted that. You. I wanted you. But now… I can see how happy you are with Quinn. And… honestly, that’s all I’ve ever wanted for you. For you to be happy.”

Bellamy smiled up at him, a shine in his eyes. “Thank you.” He hesitated a moment and added, “And I only want the same for you, Fitz. You deserve the world.” They smiled at one another before Bellamy looked down at the infant in his arms. When he lifted his stare, he asked, “So what’s troubling you?”

“I’ve been offered a chance for a promotion. At first, I didn’t think I had a shot, but after the first interview, I realize I might have a better chance than I thought.”

“Well, that’s great news!”

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