Page 81 of His Reluctant Omega

Different wasn’t always wrong, was it?

He took another sip of the whiskey, allowing it to burn down his throat and silence the voice roaring in his mind to follow the beta home. Slip into his bed and make love to him all night long. Awake at Abe’s side in the morning, holding tight and never letting go.

Never, ever letting go.

13

“How are you feeling this morning?” Avery asked his brother after he entered the kitchen the following day. The night before had been hell for Avery, the night spent tossing and turning in his bed between bouts of masturbating to end the stinging need slamming into him. By the morning, he’d refused to be enslaved by the need. He downedthree Heatexpills, determined to make it through the day intact. Avery knew he was pushing his luck, but he kept promising himself he’d take that break his next heat.

Just a few more days.

“Better,” Lake replied, never looking up from his bowl of cereal.

“If you’re eating, that’s a good sign it might all be over.” If only his was over. It was Friday… so he only had to make it one last day of work before he could suffer at home in relative peace.

“Yeah,” Lake muttered.

Avery started a cup of coffee, needing the caffeine after a restless night. Before it was complete, Gray swept in through the back door.

“How are my boys today?”

“Fine,” they both said in unison.

Gray stopped inches from Avery and whispered, “Are you sure you should be going in today?”

“I can’t take off again. Not now.”

Gray spun, facing the window and putting his back to Lake. He splayed his hands over the edge of the farmer’s sink. “You looked terrible when you got home last night. I know you’ve got your pills, but a heat is a heat. I fear it’s wearing you down. The pills don’t seem to be working as well as they once did.”

Avery ignored his uncle’s words, shocked his struggle had been noticed. He picked up the bottle ofHeatexand shook it. “I’ve got plenty. I’ve been taking extras.”

“So I’m right? They’re not working anymore?”

Avery sighed, tossing the bottle back on top of his bag. “I’ve got this under control.”

“I don’t think you do.” Gray scoffed. He eyed Lake before turning to face Avery again. “Can we talk privately for a second?”

Avery nodded before following his uncle to the front foyer.

“You’re playing a dangerous game, Avery. One wrong move and this all ends.”

“I know, but Ihaveto go in. I’m still new there, and I already took off two and a half days of time to care for Lake.”

“Which I told you I could do. Had you not stayed home then, you could stay home now. You should’ve listened to me, but my gods,don’tdo that.”

“Gray… I know you only want to protect me and I love you for it, but please—I’m a grown man and I’ve got things under control.”

“I sure as hell hope you do. For all our sakes.” Gray reached out and cupped Avery’s cheek. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”

“What are you talking about? You’ve pretty much taken over my responsibilities these days. You’re amazing.”

“I lost your papa.” Tears shone in his eyes. “I’ve lost…” He paused, the tears beading on his lashes. “I’ve had too much loss for one lifetime. No more. This family remains intact, come hell or high water. Do you hear me, Avery?Hell or high water.”

“Yeah… I hear you.”

“Do notallow your pride to endanger that.”

“My pride?”

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