Page 43 of Nanny Omega

Ersa sucked in a sharp breath, his eyes widening in horror. “Keep your voice down,” he hissed, darting a glance around the crowded eatery.

Jun didn’t seem the least bit concerned. He leaned back in his chair, arms folding over his chest, his expression shifting from shock to something dangerously close to amusement. “Oh wow,” he murmured, eyes glinting with realization. “You’re not even denying it.”

Ersa sank his teeth into the soft flesh of his cheek. He should lie, tell Jun that nothing was going on between him and Xander. But how long could he keep up the charade? They could barely keep their hands off each other. And there was an even more pressing matter: his false pregnancy. It was already taking its toll on his body. The subtle swell of his belly, the changes in his posture, the way his scent had shifted—sooner or later, people would start to notice. Maybe it was best to stay home for the next seven months. By then, the false pregnancy would have faded, his body returning to normal. And Benjn… Benjn would be bigger, already weaned and eating solid food.

The silence stretched between them, thick and heavy, as he struggled to piece together a response.

“That son of a bitch knocked you up, didn’t he? That’s why you’re eating too much.” When Ersa didn’t answer him, Jun’s eyes widened, a flicker of alarm darkening their usual warmth. His gaze darted over Ersa, searching for confirmation. “Tell me the truth.” Jun’s voice wavered with concern, his brows drawn together in a tight knot. “He didn’t pressure you, did he? He didn’t manipulate or force you into anything?” His fingers curled into the edge of the table, knuckles whitening. “I’ve heard horror stories of omegas taken advantage of by the alphas entrusted with their care. I’ve been worried sick ever since you told me you were applying for that job. I wish you’d just let your parents find you a proper alpha to bond with.”

Ersa stiffened, his patience fraying at the edges. “Stop,” he snapped, a sharp edge to his voice. “Xander didn’t do anything. We’re together.”

He parted his lips, hesitating for a brief moment, the weight of his secret pressing down on him. A part of him wanted to tell Jun everything, to unburden himself, but the words got stuck in his throat.

“You’re… together?” The disbelief in Jun’s voice was impossible to miss. “How did that happen?”

“It’s… a long story,” Ersa said as he attempted to brush off the question.

“I have time,” Jun said, folding his arms across his chest.

“Okay. I lied on my application,” Ersa admitted, exhaling a long, weary sigh. Then, with a hesitant glance at Jun’s expectant face, he spilled everything. “So… we kind of fell for each other after that first time?”

Jun’s eyes narrowed. “That’s sex, Ersa. Not love.”

“Maybe,” Ersa shot back, his voice tight. “But whatever it is, it feels good—and I like being with him.”

Jun sighed, rubbing his temples like he was gearing up for something unpleasant. “Are you sure you’re not… using him as a substitute or something like that?”

The words hit like a punch straight to the gut. Ersa stared at Jun, his heart cracking under the weight of the accusation. Without a word, he shoved to his feet, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. But before he could storm out of the eatery, Jun’s hand shot out, grasping his arm.

“I’m sorry,” Jun said quickly, his voice strained. “I shouldn’t have said that. I… fuck.” He scrubbed a hand over his face, his expression crumpling. “Please, sit down.”

Ersa hesitated, but the plea in Jun’s voice convinced him to stay. He sank back into his seat, his throat so tight it hurt. Before he could stop them, tears welled up, blurring his vision. He blinked rapidly, but a few slipped free anyway.

“Ersa…” Jun’s voice softened, regret lacing every word. “I didn’t mean that—not the way it sounded. I’m just… worried about you. You fell into this so fast, and I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“I’m sure three years ago, no one meant for me to get hurt—but I did,” Ersa said, his voice trembling as he swiped at his damp cheeks. “No one thought I’d survive living in a commune house, but I did that too. What I feel for Xander… maybe it’s not love. Maybe itisjust sex. But it’s real. And for the first time in a long time, I’mhappy. Can’t you just be happy for me?”

Jun nodded, the fight draining out of him. He reached across the table, his fingers curling gently around Ersa’s, the warmth of his touch offering quiet reassurance. “Iamhappy for you,” he murmured, his voice low and sincere. “I’m glad you found someone who cares about you. You deserve that, Ersa. You really do.”

A small, wobbly smile played on Ersa’s lips as he squeezed Jun’s hands back. “Thank you,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I care about him too.”

“I’m sorry,” Jun whispered.

“It’s okay,” Ersa murmured back.

“Okay, enough of the mushy stuff. Order your meat fries.”

“Thank you… thank you!” Ersa said, his excitement bubbling over as he spun around to flag down one of the servers. His eyes sparkled with anticipation as the server approached, and without missing a beat, he rattled off his order. Just as the server was about to turn away, Ersa glanced at Jun and added, “Oh, and can I get one more order to go?”

“This is going to be the longest seven months of my life,” Jun muttered in mock horror. “Are you planning to eat nonstop the entire time?”

“I might,” Ersa admitted shamelessly, popping a crispy, golden-brown piece into his mouth. A satisfied moan escaped him as the flavor hit his tongue. “Everything tastessogood.”

Jun just shook his head, exhaling in defeat. “Unbelievable.”

Ersa laughed, but the sound was hollow—a weak attempt to shake off the weight of Jun’s words. Still, they clung to him, a quiet ache he couldn’t quite ignore. They followed him home, trailing behind him like a shadow. Even as he cared for Benjn, his mind kept circling back to that conversation.

Later, as he tucked Benjn into bed, his hands moved on autopilot—smoothing the covers, brushing a stray curl from the cub’s forehead—while his thoughts spiraled. Afterward, he wandered to the washroom. He got cleaned up, changed into sleepwear, and sat on the edge of the bed, slowly massaging lotion into his hands. The soft, calming scent rose around him, but even that familiar comfort couldn’t soothe the tension coiled tight in his chest.

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