Page 208 of His Reluctant Omega

The elevator doors closed, but Lake stuck his arm out to prevent it, eyeing Wilder.

Wilder took a couple of steps back before lifting his gaze.“Dead?”

EPILOGUE

An end at the end…

Wilder stood shoulder to shoulder with his brother and papa three days after the arrival of his son, attending his father’s funeral. Warden’s grave was three down from Jamie’s tombstone. Wilder’s eyes kept flitting to the sun, shining off the dark stone. Overhead was another bright, shining day. One that didn’t signal mourning, but celebration.

Avery was still abed, healing from the birth of their son. He wanted his omega there desperately, but understood Avery needed to rest after such a traumatic event.

The preacher’s words sounded like babble in his ears. While his relationship with his father had never been good, he’d always hoped there was something that would change one day, as misguided as that was. There was always a chance for better until there wasn’t. He’d never have the opportunity again.

After the graveside ceremony, mourners offered condolences and prayers. Robotically, he replied, thanking them for attending, some he didn’t recognize. His father had been a titan in the business sector of the province, and many had come out to pay their respects.

Some asked where the babe and Avery were, and he wondered if some had attended just to get a peek. Since the trial, Avery seemed to have a bit of star power lingering. His omega had even been asked for his autograph soon after they had freed him from house arrest. They’d been out to eat at Lambeau’s. Pierce had quickly ushered other spectators out of the restaurant, allowing them peace. It had been a surreal moment.

Gradually, the crowd dissipated and the only ones left were Vaughn, his papa, Gray, Rohan, and himself. Wynter stood at the side of Warden’s grave, elegant as always. His long, white hair was stark against the rich black of his attire. Dark sunglasses masked the red-rimmed eyes Wilder had only gotten a glimpse of before the funeral.

“Shouldn’t we go back to the house? Mourners are gathering there,” Gray asked.

Wynter lifted his gaze. “I never wanted to mate Warden.”

Wilder froze, hearing the admission. Everyone did. They looked amongst themselves, shock in their expressions.

He’d known his parents’ mating was rocky, but never understood why. Of course, he'd been told that occasionally, an alpha and his omega struggled with their bond—or so his papa had once told him when he’d been curious and gotten the courage to ask. His papa had answered something along the lines that sometimes the physical attraction happened, but the soul stirring didn’t.

“Now, I can’t seem to feel sad that he’s gone,” Wynter said. “I mean, I felt bad that he died and I cried some, because that’s what we’re supposed to do.” He glanced around the circle forming around Warden’s casket. “Right? That’s what’s expected of me?” He chuckled. “Honestly, I expect those tears were more for the fear of the unknown. I’ve spent almost my entire life with this man. What do I do now?”

“Anything you wish,” Vaughn said. “Now you’re free to do whatever you wish.”

Wynter turned to eye Vaughn. “What?”

“Don’t widowers go back to the OQ?” Vaughn asked. “Before the new laws.”

“Only if they were still of childbearing age,” Gray murmured.

Everyone eyed Wynter.

“That’snoneof your business,” he spat.

“Well, it doesn’t matter now,” Gray said. “Now that they’ve changed the laws, you wouldn’t have to go into the OQ for protection. If you’d needed it.”

Wynter looked at Gray icily.

“Thanks to Avery,” Wilder said, unable to stop himself.

Wynter focused on him, saying nothing. “I came from a different time. Omegas were different than they are now. We accepted our lots in life without challenge, not like these omegas of today. We accepted a lot of things,” Wynter mumbled.“Toomany things.”

“I think we should go back to the house,” Wilder said, realizing his papa was likely in shock.

“I don’t want to go back to that house,” Wynter snarled.

“Our guests are waiting,” Wilder murmured.

“Damn them. Damn them all,” Wynter spat.

“What would the country club set say to hear that?” Vaughn asked.

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