Page 102 of Where the Current Takes Him
Loriun couldn’t tear his eyes away from his nymph, nor from his exhausted mate. Beau’s face was drawn and pale, but a smile danced along his lips as he held his son in his arms.
“Mamáwas right,” he said softly. “A boy.”
Loriun leaned over and pressed his forehead to Beau’s.
“She would have been so proud of you.”
The Omega’s eyes shone with tears. “I know she would.” He sniffled. “Yourriuewas right too. She was sure I was having an Alpha.”
“But I was the most right,” said a voice from the doorway. “I called it. Alpha boy.”
“Jaime.” Loriun stood to shake the man’s hand. “I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for my family.”
Jaime waved the gratitude away. “It was nothing. And now, I can count on you to babysit anytime.”
“Seriously, Jaime, and you too, Vuos,” Beau called. The dark Mer was hovering in the doorway, looking unsure about adding to the small crowd. “I would have freaked out if that happened when I was alone.”
Beau eyed his mate. “Speaking of…”
Loriun’s stomach sank. He’d been so lost in the joy of meeting his son that he’d forgotten he still owed Beau an explanation.
“You know what?” Jaime said, turning back to look at Vuos. “I think we might grab breakfast before we say our proper hello. Say, maybe, thirty minutes?”
“Better make it forty-five,” Vuos muttered. The pair made a swift exit.
“So,” Beau said. “You left.”
Loriun winced. “I did, but I assure you I would not have done so unless absolutely necessary.”
“And where exactly were you?”
He hesitated.How much do I tell him?
“I was… in Gainesville.”
Beau’s eyes widened slightly. “What did you do?”
“I…” Loriun swallowed. “I ensured that your father would never hurt you again.”
His mate gaped back at him. “Loriun. Did youkillmy dad?”
“What? No!”
Makai started wailing at the sudden noise.
“Shhh,” Beau said, patting the screeching bundle.
“Sorry,” Loriun whispered. “No, I did not kill your father. I talked to him. He has agreed to certain terms in exchange for certain information being kept quiet.”
A slow smile curled Beau’s lips. “Are you saying you blackmailed my dad?”
“That seems harsh.”
“You did. You blackmailed the king of blackmail.” Beau then did something Loriun could not have predicted. He started laughing.
Loriun tilted his head. “What is funny? This situation does not seem amusing.”
“My dad, the Mer-hater, the man who got everything he has with secrets and threats, my dad lost at his own game to his Omega son’s Mer mate.” Beau dissolved back into giggles. “God, it must be something really good.”
