Page 24 of His Gentle Omega
He nodded, “That’s the albuterol. It will make you a bit wired. Hopefully the cough syrup and your body’s need for rest will counteract it. Because it will keep you up, and that’s not what you need.”
“Are you a doctor?” He’d been at the hospital, but for some reason I didn’t think he was one of the doctors.
He smiled, shaking his head. “No, I’m in administration. I have a big long fancy title, but basically I help patients with services they might need. That’s the quick version, anyway.”
“You always take patients home with you?”
He barked out a laugh, then slammed his hand over his mouth, his eyes straying to the open doorway. “You’re the first. I spoke with Asher. He’s on his way home. They should be here later today.”
The mention of my brother made my chest tighten again. Would Asher help us? He had no reason to. I had cut my family off without so much as an explanation. Asher owed me nothing, and I owed him a hell of a lot of explanations. We had been close, once upon a time, before I had fucked everything up. He had been the best older brother, and I had looked up to him for so many years. I was hoping for his forgiveness, but I wasn’t counting on it.
If he turned his back on us–which he had every right to do–what would we do? I was out of money, and I was not going to be able to even look for a job until I was healthy. And that seemed like it wasn’t going to be in the next day or two. Not to mention I would rather not go job hunting with bruises all over my face and neck. And would I even be able to get a job without so much as a high school diploma? Who the fuck was going to hire me, and to do what? I was good with cars–anything with an engine, honestly–but I had no credentials. I hadn’t even finished my senior year. I had met Edward and he had been all I was able to see.
My hand came up to touch the bruises I knew were still visible on my throat. Asher couldn’t see them. It was too embarrassing. What would I even say to him? How would I even explain any of what had happened?
Hey, I know I fucked up, but Edward was so pretty and full of life, and he took me into this crazy world that I got sucked into. And before I even knew what was really happening, or how it even happened, I had alienated everyone in my life. Sorry. By the way, I have no money or anyplace to stay, and a six-year-old, but would you mind helping us out? Oh, and I declared Alpha Law, but Edward and his family are going to fight me, and it’sprobably going to get ugly, and do you maybe have money to pay for a lawyer?
It all sounded so bad in my head, and my heart sank. My brother owed me nothing, but if I had to beg for his help, I would.
Chapter Nine
Bennett
“We need to make a grocery store run after breakfast.”
Setting a small glass of orange juice in front of Lucas, I heard a key in my front door and braced for Hurricane Seth. We hadn’t touched base since we’d left each other in the movie theater parking lot on Friday night.
“Benny, you will not believe this alpha I met at the club,” Seth called loudly. “And please, for the love of all that is holy, tell me you have coffee on.”
Lucas had a clear view from the dining room chair he was perched on, into my small living room and the front door. He was staring wide-eyed at Seth, ignoring his breakfast.
Seth came to a standstill, staring back at Lucas. “Benny, there’s a smallperson in your house.”
“I’m aware.” Sipping my coffee, I inclined my head to the fresh pot. “You know where the coffee is.”
Seth was still wearing his clothes from Friday night, his dark hair a crow’s nest on his head. His eyeliner was smeared under his eyes like a raccoon. He made his way across my kitchen, pouring himself a cup of coffee, his eyes never leaving Lucas.
Sitting down across from the child, Seth stared for another full minute, like he was trying to figure out if he had forgotten I had a child, or one had magically appeared when he wasn’t looking. Lucas took a bite of his scrambled eggs and stared back, unblinking.
“Hello, small person, I’m Seth. The best friend. And who might you be? Better yet, who do you belong to?”
Lucas giggled but waited until he had swallowed his food before responding. Not for the first time, I noticed how impeccable his manners were. “I’m Lucas.”
“Did the stork leave you for Bennett?” Seth inquired, his voice serious.
Lucas giggled again. “No. That’s silly. Storks don’t bring little kids.”
“Seth, stop it,” I ordered. “Lucas and his dad are staying with me for the time being.”
Seth sat back in his chair, resting his coffee mug against his chest. “This I gotta hear. Wait. Is it G rated, or do we need to cover little ears?”
“I’m helping them out.” Biting into my toast, I swallowed, before adding, “Lucas’s dad is Asher’s brother.”
“The fuck?” Seth sat up straight at that piece of information, nearly spilling his coffee on his shirt.
“Language.” I admonished him, while Lucas just ate his eggs, thankfully ignoring the curse word.
“Did the boss man know his brother and nephew were coming to town?” Seth worked as Asher’s nurse in his pediatric practice.
