Page 177 of Dream Mates
“You grew up in care?” His voice was tentative.
I was guessing he meant foster care. “I had a family. But they’re gone now.”
“Oh, so sorry to hear that.”
“I don’t really miss them.” Well, sometimes I missed my dad and grandma.
Nate looked horrified.
“Everything was fine when I was small. It wasn’t until I got older when the conflicts between me and my mom really got bad. Then I was off on my own and all that.” I brushed it off, not wanting him to feel bad. It wasn’t his fault that my teenage years were shitty.
The nurse came over to me and tried to take my blood, but my filmy cover up was not cooperating.
“I know it’s cold in here, but please take it off?” she asked.
“Fine.” Without a thought I shrugged it off.
“Grace, what happened?” Nate’s voice went strangled.
Oh, shit. “It’s old.”
The nurse took my blood and peeked over at my scars. “Oh, you’re that type of gamma.”
“Yeah.” I guess. I put my coverup back on as soon as she finished and left.
The professor’s eyes fell on the bruises on my arm.
“Adriana did that yesterday? I’m sorry about that,” he said quietly.
My chest shook. “I wasn’t trying to start anything.”
“I know. Tell me about you?” he pleaded. “How many mates do you have? How did you meet Spencer Thanukos? Also, you said one of your mates is an advocate?”
“Um, sure,” I shrugged. He probably needed the distraction–and so did I.
I told him about my guys, leaving out things like my past, though I did talk about my PhD and my job. Given, I was pretty sure he was convinced I was his Grace, I shouldn’t lead him on. But talking distracted me from what was happening.
“A PhD in math, that’s wonderful.” He beamed. “It took me forever to get mine. We moved around a bit as everyone got established in their careers, and had kids, and all that. Do you like where you work?” His voice grew tentative.
“I do. We’re going to accomplish some really interesting things.”
The door opened and a middle-aged omega holding a duffle bag, and a tablet came in. She wore a hot pink polo shirt that saidOmega Center Crisis Response Team.
“Hi. I’m Lark and I’m from the Omega Center.” She looked at me. “You’re Grace?”
“I am.” Did she have snacks in that bag?
“And this is your father?” She peered at the tablet, her glasses sliding down her nose.
I shook my head. “He’s no–” The words trailed off as I saw Nate flinch. “I can’t be your Grace, Professor.”
Tears pricked my eyes. I didn’t ask for daddy drama.
His head bowed. “I… I understand. What I did is unforgivable–and I can only imagine what growing up was like for you. I won’t push for a relationship, though I’m here if you ever want one. Will you stay in touch with Creed and Verity at least?”
Lark just stood there, blinking. Sadness wafted off Nate and he looked like his puppy had been kicked.
“You misunderstand,” I took a deep breath, getting another hit of hurt through his fruity, creamy scent. He smelled like the apricot custard tarts from the bakery I’d worked at.
