Page 16 of Baking for His Omega

I grabbed for his arm, bringing him to a halt. “I don’t need anything more. You’ve already made me a nice bed, and now you need to go to yours. You’ve had a busy day.”

He chuckled. “That’s what I say to Wyatt, but you’re right. I need to thank you again for helping me with the pipe. It was above and beyond the call of friendship.”

I cleared my throat, wanting to say things I had promised myself and him I would not. “It was no trouble. I can show you how to do it, but it’s mostly a matter of having the right tools. And since those are also expensive, until you have them, consider me at your service.”

He blinked suspiciously shiny eyes. “You’re far too nice. And I’ll try not to bother you too much.”

“As if you could.” I squeezed his arm then released it. “Good night, omega.”

“Good night, alpha.” He went in the bedroom and closed the door then opened it a few inches.

He had a monitor so he could hear Wyatt. I liked to think he left the door open to be closer to me. Even if I was kidding myself, it made me feel cozy, and my bear liked the idea that we slept between him and the front door, the scary outside world.

He was a protective fella my bear.

I expected to lie awake, curled up on the shorter-than-optimum sofa, but it had been a long day for me, too, so nosooner did my head hit the pillow than my eyes fluttered closed and I drifted off to sleep.

A banging on the door woke me from a dream of a possible future with my fated mate, a future where we lived together with Wyatt and another little one in bliss. And to say I was displeased at that dream being shattered was an understatement.

Kicking off the blankets, I marched barefooted to the door and yanked it open. “Do you have any idea what time it is?” I demanded. Not that I knew the hour, but the sun was barely kissing the horizon, meaning, in baker’s time, it was late instead of early. But there was no reason for my omega, my friend to be disturbed. Or Wyatt. They both needed their rest.

“Who the hell are you?” The male at the door was burly for a deer shifter, but I had no need to ask him the question in return. Or to tell him my name or status.

“If you are here to see Kelly, please return at a reasonable hour, and preferably after receiving an invitation.”

I moved to close the door, but he put a foot out, and the only way I could shut it was by crushing his bones. It sounded good to my bear but was likely to cause Kelly more trouble in the long run, so I opened it again and stared at him. “Did you want to leave a message?”

“I want to come in and speak to my omega.”

“Pardon?” Nothing Kelly had said gave me the impression he had the right to call him that. “Your omega? I was told you have been separated for six months.”

“How is that your business? Where is my son?” What a ridiculous question—where should Wyatt be in the early morning hours but in bed.

“Also, you’re suddenly very concerned about them when you couldn’t even be bothered to show up for your son’s birthday party. His first birthday. So, instead you show up now, at aninappropriate time.” I leaned in and sniffed him. “And reeking of alcohol. Why would you think that’s all right?”

“I have a right to see my child.” He huffed and puffed and tried to look bigger than he was, tougher, but I wasn’t buying it. And I’d be damned if he’d show up drunk and get anywhere near the fawn.

“Yes, you do. When you are sober and when you are expected. Like…the party would have been nice.” I moved forward, pushing him out onto the porch and followed, shutting the door firmly behind us. I kept him going until he stood on the walkway. “I understand you haven’t seen Wyatt in months. Is that true?”

“What of it? I’ve been busy…and my new omega doesn’t want me hanging out over here.”

“Huh. You are choosing someone else over Wyatt, then.”

“It’s not like that. My omega is pregnant, too, and I don’t have time to…” He put his hands on his hips leaning in to me, but I didn’t back off. “They don’t like me coming here.”

How pathetic. “Judson, I can’t fix this for you, but you’re missing out on a great kid. I hope you’ll be able to resolve it, but let me reiterate. If you want to see your son, call first, and show up sober. And for the gods’ sake, work it out with your new family because the one you left doesn’t deserve to be caught up in your new mess.”

Kelly came out then, arms crossed on his chest and stood on the top step, making him taller than his former alpha. “Judson, go and fix your life. I can’t handle raising Wyatt and dealing with you in this state.”

The alpha deer’s mouth moved for a good moment before he said, “Maybe I just won’t come back.”

“That’s up to you. But right this minute, I’m going in and make sure you haven’t awakened my son. Goodbye.”

“You really don’t care?”

“Not at all.” Kelly went back inside, and his former alpha stared at the door.

“You never told me who you are,” he said.

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