Page 53 of Omega in Hiding

I wince inwardly at the question. Should I tell him about my condition? It’s not that I’m ashamed of it exactly. And if he wants to date me, he needs to know. Maybe that will actually deter him from chasing after me. Do I want that? I like his company, even if I’m not infatuated with him. “Uh, yeah, I’ve always wanted kids.”

His eyes flicker. “You don’t sound sure.”

I laugh gruffly. “No, I’m positive I want kids. I mean, that would have been my dream; to have a bunch of kids.”

He looks confused. “But it’s not your dream now?”

I let out a shaky breath and decide to come clean. “The truth is, I can’t have children, Sully.”

“No?” He drops his gaze, frowning. When he looks up again, he says quietly, “I’m so sorry, Connor. That must be so painful for you.”

I should have known his response would be compassionate. He’s not thinking of himself, he’s concerned for me. Sully must be the kindest alpha I’ve ever met. I’d give anything to fall in love with him. Life would probably be so perfect with an alpha as considerate as Sully. “It’s been hard for sure.”

“I can imagine.”

I meet his sincere gaze. “I adore kids, so that makes it even more gut wrenching to have my condition.”

“Yes.” He nods, his gaze empathetic. “Well, there’s always adoption, right? Plenty of orphaned or unwanted babies out there need a home. You can still have a family, Connor.”

I nod. “Yes, if I want to be a single parent.”

He tilts his head. “You don’t think there are alphas who’d want to claim you? Simply because you can’t breed?”

“I know that for a fact. Most alphas want their own offspring. Most don’t like raising other alpha’s babies.” I meet his gaze, challenging him to refute what I’m saying. “You know that’s true, Sully.”

He sips his wine, watching me over the rim of his cup. Then he sets his cup down and swallows loudly. “I’m not the kind of alpha who has issues raising another alpha’s child. I love all children.”

I narrow my eyes. “Sully, you don’t need to say that to make me feel better.”

He looks indignant. “I’m not saying that to make you feel better. I mean it. I don’t give a damn if you can’t have kids. I’d be honored to be with you regardless of that. I’m a thousand percent honest when I say I’m fine adopting kids. I always planned on adopting some children anyway.”

“Sure, inadditionto your own offspring.”

He laughs gruffly. “Connor, if you think the fact you can’t have kids is going to chase me away, you’re nuts. I’m still interested in you, so you can stop trying to push me away.”

I have no idea how to respond. I’ve never met anyone like Sully. My family was certainly never so accepting about my flaw.How is it a complete stranger is kinder than my own flesh and blood? “That’s… that’s a very unusual take on things,” I say at last.

“Yes.” He nods. “I know. But it’s how I truly feel.”

I hold his gaze, unsure if I can trust how he is. How can anyone be sogood? He seems to have no flaws. Is he just telling me what he wants me to hear?

He reaches over and takes my hand. “I meant what I said, Connor. Okay? I happen to believe that omegas are more than their reproductive organs.”

“I agree,” I murmur. “It’s just that most alphas don’t seem to know that.”

“Well, I do.” He squeezes my hand. “Do you believe me?”

I smile weakly. “I want to believe you. But I must admit, you seem too good to be true.”

“Do I?” He frowns. “You seem so amazed by the littlest things. Why is that? I simply believe in treating people with kindness and respect. Why does that seem so monumental to you?”

I drop my gaze, feeling self-conscious. “Not everyone is as kind as you, Sully. Surely you know that.”

He shrugs. “There are a lot of good people out there. More good than bad, I’d wager.” He releases my hand, but gives it a reassuring pat first.

“I’d love to think that’s true.”

He studies me. “What was your childhood like?”

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