And with Ro potentially sidelined at home for the foreseeable, there’d be many opportunities for Daniel to step in, offer company, advice, maybe more.
He glanced sideways at Seb, who was reading a magazine. He wished he could read minds, know what the Alpha was thinking. As it was, he felt the longer he held onto the news of his pregnancy, the better. If Seb didn’t know until after they were home and safe in Glenoak, maybe it would prevent any hasty decisions.
Chapter Nineteen
Ro sat out the morning session on the third day. When the talks broke for lunch he went in search of Sebastian but there was no sign of him. Ro asked around and someone pointed him in the direction of one of the smaller conference rooms. Eager to catch up with Seb, he kept a fast pace, climbing the stairs that led to the rooms, Joel trailing behind him. As he neared them, he found Seb’s scent and realized the Alpha wasn’t alone. Daniel was there.
He knew he shouldn’t have, but he found himself pausing to listen in to their conversation.
“Sebastian, I have so many regrets, not least of them you. You were the best thing that ever happened to me and I just let you go. It was a terrible mistake and I see that now. All of this; my participation in the conference, my helping find Ro. I did all that for you. To show you. With your influence and my connections, we could make strides no other Pack has. We could unite the Packs, bring lasting peace and prosperity. My love for you runs deep, like it always has. Just say the word, and I’m yours.”
Ro held still, his heart beating very fast in his chest. But Seb didn’t speak and Daniel kept talking.
“I know what you’re going to say. Robert. You’ve been good to him, so kind. And he makes things perfect. With him, we’ll have heirs, an Alpha line to carry on the family name. There would always be a place for him in our home. We’d have sons and daughters by him. He would be well taken care of.”
Ro spun on his heels and stumbled back the way he came, almost crashing into Joel who’d stopped behind him. This couldn’t be happening. He’d seen the way Seb acted around Daniel, but he’d thought that was just because of the past.
This was what Matt had feared. A mating where the Omega was there to provide the children and nothing else. He didn’t want that. He hadn’t thought Seb wanted that. He could see the advantages of Daniel as a mate; his manifold talents, his connections. When he talked, people listened. He wasn’t seen as inferior, as a child. Like Ro was.
He struggled to hold back the tears as he reached the bottom of the steps. The baby inside him weighed heavily on him in that moment. Would it be his to raise, or would it be Daniel’s, with him relegated to baby maker? As his foot hit the bottom step, Joel calling his name, a flash of anger hit him.
He’d spent his whole life being trodden on by people who thought they were better than him; stronger, more powerful, more educated. Sebastian was the best thing in his life, the one thing that had made all the difference. Was he really just going to stand by and let someone take that from him?
Turning, he marched back up the stairs, past a bewildered Joel. He flung the door to the conference room open, seeing Daniel, one outstretched hand resting on Seb’s arm.
“Robert, there you are,” Daniel smiled, “we were just talking…”
“Get your hands off my mate. Did you think I wouldn’t realize? Did you think I wouldn’t see through your smiles and your fake niceness? If it hadn’t been for you sending me upstairs, those traffickers wouldn’t have been able to pick me up. All you’ve been doing since we got here is trying to put yourself between Seb and I. You don’t belong there. There isn’t room or need for another person in this relationship. And you are never getting your hands on our children.”
Sebastian moved to stand next to him.
“As I was saying, Daniel, I appreciate the thought that’s gone into your offer but what we had ended long ago. I have everything I need right here.” And the Alpha put an arm around Ro’s shoulders.
“It’s time for lunch. What say we eat in our room?” he said to Ro, turning them around towards the door and acting as if Daniel had been forgotten.
An open-mouthed Joel stood outside, his astonishment all for Ro.
“I didn’t know you had it in you,” he said as they passed.
“I did,” Seb said, with a grin. “Come on. Food.”
They walked out of the room leaving Daniel behind them.
“Why were you letting him do that?” Ro snapped.
“Do what?” Seb asked.
“Put his hands on you. Every time you’re together, Daniel’s touching you.”
“You’re right, he is over familiar. But you may not have noticed, he had his arm outstretched because I had been trying to keep some distance between us.”
“But you were listening to him, listening to his proposal.”
“Why didn’t you tell me it was Daniel who sent you upstairs?” Seb said, changing the topic of conversation.
“That’s not what I want to talk about.”
“But it’s relevant. I knew. One of the hotel staff overheard what Daniel said to you. But Daniel didn’t tell us. The reason I’ve been putting up with Daniel’s behavior is because I’ve had suspicions that he may have helped arrange your abduction.”
Ro stopped him with a hand to his arm.
“But why would he do that?”
“Daniel is ambitious. When he left me before it was because he felt associating with me wouldn’t allow him to achieve the kind of reputation he wanted. Things are different now.”
“Is that… is that why you were so keen to mate with me? So your standing would improve by being attached to an Omega and Daniel would want you back?”
Ro found he couldn’t meet the Alpha’s eyes. Had it all been a lie, contrived to bring Daniel and Seb back together?
Seb started to laugh, then paused. “You can’t be serious, Ro? After three years, do I really have to dignify such a question with an answer?”
Ro felt tears building in his eyes and tried to push them back.
“Hey, what’s all this?” Seb’s tone gentled, his two hands cradling Ro’s face and turning his head up. His blue eyes were searching. “Ro?”
He tried to speak but all that came out was a sob. Seb pulled him tight to his chest.
“Let’s go back to our room,” the Alpha murmured. He said something to Joel but Ro didn’t hear what it was. And then Seb, still holding him tightly, was leading him up the stairs and to their room. Ro took a seat on the edge of their bed and Seb sat beside him.
“Robert, I’m sorry. After everything that’s happened this week, it was wrong of me to expect you to keep going at the same pace. You must be exhausted. We’ll leave for home today…”
Ro shook his head. That wasn’t what he wanted.
“Seb…”
“Being around Daniel makes me uncomfortable. His touch, his smile, it used to mean so much to me. And now it just makes me wish I had you there, because you and me, that feels right. More right than I ever felt with Daniel. This”—he grabbed Ro’s hand, squeezing tightly—“is real, a true bond. It helped me find you when we had nothing else to go on.”
“Seb… Seb, I…” His words dissolved into sobs. Seb’s arms wrapped around him and held him, rocking him slowly as his shoulders shook. He took a few deep, shuddering breaths, letting them out slowly.
“I need to tell you something.” Each word was a struggle, his breath hitching. “Please don’t be mad.”
He was tired; his mind, his body, his soul. He couldn’t take another onslaught of negative emotion.
Seb’s face was awash with concern. “You can tell me anything. I promise I won’t be angry, not with you.”
Ro took Seb’s hand in his, feeling the Alpha’s warm, strong grip. Then he lay Seb’s hand across his stomach and looked up at him, waiting. It didn’t take long for the penny to drop, Seb’s eyes widening. The concern melted to relief and Ro found himself tugged into a fierce hug.
“We’re having a baby?�
�� Seb asked as he pulled back so they were eye to eye.
Ro nodded shakily. “I think I forgot a pill during my heat. I’m sorry, I know this wasn’t what we planned.”
“Who gives a damn about plans. We’re going to have a baby.” The Alpha’s smile lit up his whole face.
“Then you’re happy?”
“I am. God, you had me scared there for a minute. How long have you known?”
He shrugged. “I guessed something was up just before we left Glenoak but I thought I was just tired between my heat and exams. Alicia confirmed it when I got back here.”
Seb used his thumb to wipe the last of the tears from Ro’s face.
“I’m sorry for what I said, about you and Daniel. I wasn’t thinking straight.”
“It’s forgotten. I should have told you my suspicions earlier but I felt you had enough to deal with already.”
“Ugh, I’m a mess. I should have a shower and you need to get back to the talks.”
In response, Seb pulled out his phone.
“Martin? I need you and Alicia to sit in for me this afternoon. No, everything’s fine. Or it will be.”
He ended the call. “There, all sorted. You said something about a shower?”
Ro knew he should tell Seb to rejoin the talks. It was for the good of the Pack.
Seb read his mind. “Martin and Alicia will manage just fine. You’re the one I’m worried about right now and our bond. Come on.” Seb helped him to his feet and into the bathroom. He started the shower running and the room slowly filled with steam.
When Ro tried to unbutton his shirt, his hands were pushed aside.
“Let me.”
Leaning back against the counter, he let Seb undress him with careful hands, then the Alpha pulled his own shirt off and Ro’s breath caught. Seb let his shirt fall to the floor and stepped closer, sweeping one thumb across Ro’s lips.
The Alpha’s scent was strong. Ro leaned forward, resting both hands on Seb’s chest, feeling the strong muscles beneath his palms. Seb’s hands splayed across his back, sliding down to cup his buttocks and lifting him. Ro wrapped his legs around the Alpha’s waist and Seb carried him into the shower.
The hot spray of water hit him and then his back was pressed to the cool tiles of the shower wall.
“Seb.” He held the Alpha’s eyes, pleading with him. The bond between them felt stretched, frayed. The Alpha moved away and Ro reached for him, but he was back a moment later, one arm at the back of Ro’s neck, pulling him into a kiss, while the other snaked behind him pressing between Ro’s cheeks, a slick finger slipping inside him. He moaned into the kiss, the Alpha’s tongue taking full advantage and plundering his mouth. A second finger slipped inside and he began to harden, flesh hot and heavy. A third finger and Ro broke the kiss to pant against Seb, their faces pressed together.
Seb’s hand dropped to his thighs and he was lifted again, legs catching around Seb’s waist. He could feel the Alpha's own hardness pressed against him and he welcomed what he knew was coming.
Strong hands pressed him against the wall again as the tip of Seb’s cock nudged his entrance. He used his own hands to brace himself against the wall, as Seb pushed inward with one thrust of his hips, forcing the breath from Ro’s lungs.
Seb’s mouth pressed kisses along his jaw, giving Ro a moment to adjust before he began to move. He took a gentle pace and it wasn’t enough for Ro.
“Harder, Seb. I need more.”
“I don’t want to hurt you.”
He huffed a laugh. “You won’t. I’m an Omega, we’re made for this.” He emphasized his words with a squeeze of his hips, drawing Seb deeper within him.
The Alpha groaned and crowded closer, taking Ro at his word and thrusting with vigor.
“Faster,” Ro murmured, gasping when Seb hit that spot inside him, sending the first wave of pleasure through his body.
“Fuck, Seb. Don’t stop.”
“Never,” the Alpha growled, mouth right next to Ro’s ear. One more thrust sent Ro over the edge. Another few thrusts and Seb followed him, stilling and shuddering against him.
Gentle but firm hands under his thighs lifted his feet to the floor. He was glad of Seb’s hands and the wall helping to hold him up. The Alpha tugged him forward to stand under the spray, the warm water tumbling over them both. He was turned so his back was to Seb’s chest, the Alpha’s hands cradling his stomach. He kissed the back of Ro’s neck as Ro raised his face into the spray of water. Their bond thrummed between them, the connection strong. He could feel it in every pore of his skin. He lay his hands across Seb’s, lacing his fingers over the Alpha’s.
“I can hear your heartbeat, and his,” Seb whispered as Ro let himself relax back into the Alpha’s embrace.
Once they dried off, they lay down in bed together. Seb’s hands ran across his body, soft fingers exploring every inch of his skin.
“What are you doing?” he asked, bemused.
“Connecting,” the Alpha replied, taking Ro’s hand in his and kissing his palm. Ro remembered back to early in their relationship, how they had spent many evenings like this, just touching, learning each other's bodies. He’d been ashamed then, of his scars, of his body that had been ridiculed all his life. But under Seb’s touch, under Seb’s gaze, he’d become something more. Their bond had been healing, not just for his scars, most of which had faded out of sight in the three years they’d been together, but also those marks that couldn’t be seen, the ones etched on him since childhood. He’d changed a lot in those years together. Grown stronger, braver. He’d become the person he wanted to be and not just the person he felt Seb needed.
But so much had come between them this past few week; people, and distance, and suffering. They needed to come together again. He reached for Seb, letting his fingers rest on his temple and trace along his face. A face he knew well. A man he would happily get to know all over again.
Chapter Twenty
It was the second last day of the talks and, after a protracted afternoon of discussions, where seemingly everyone was dragging their heels, they finally made some headway and broke for dinner.
Byron found Odin waiting for him outside the room. They ducked around the corner out of earshot.
“What is it?”
“Got an IT guy in to check the system. The alarm logs the particular code used to disarm it. We gave everyone an individual code. The one used to disarm the loading bay door was Daniel’s.”
Byron leaned back against the wall shaking his head.
“We’ll need to put a watch on him. See if we can track his movements these past few days. Go talk to him, about the security arrangements and the alarms. Don’t make it obvious we have suspicions.”
Someone called his name and he had to leave, spending a few minutes sorting out a minor problem. He decided to take dinner in his room and spend some time with Jay. He was surprised to find Scott in the lobby.
“You’re supposed to be upstairs with Jay.”
Scott looked apologetic. “Your brother is there. He said he’d wait until you returned and told me to go and get some dinner.”
Byron hurried to the elevator. His brother wasn’t the most patient or calming presence and, to Jay, he was a stranger.
His phone rang and he answered it, watching the numbers climb as the lift ascended. “Byron, it’s Odin. I’ve found something.”
“Some evidence against Daniel?”
“No, something else. The assigned codes, for the alarms. There was a paper copy in the security folder for the talks. Daniel wasn’t the only person who had access to that code.”
And it came to him, so obvious as to be staring him right in the face. “Felix.”
“What?”
“Felix had the folder. He had access to the codes.”
“You don’t think your brother…”
It was on the tip of his tongue to say no, of course not. But… “He’s been very helpful and accommodating in recent weeks. He went out of his way to help wh
en Ro went missing. I’ve never seen him take such a proactive approach. And he knew I was staying at home for a few days, with Jay.”
“Byron, if this is true…”
“He’s up in my room.”
“What?”
“Felix is in my hotel room right now, with Jay. I’m on my way there.”
“Wait until I get there. Don’t go inside.”
“If he did try and have me killed, Jay is the one who derailed his plans. I need to get in there. I’ll keep things settled. He may not suspect that we know.”
He ended the call, ignoring his phone when it buzzed in his pocket and strode down the corridor to his room.
When he entered, he found Felix kneeling on the floor next to Jay. The Omega was lying still, though Byron could see the rise and fall of his chest.
“There you are, Byron. I was beginning to think you weren’t coming.”
“Felix, why don’t we go down and join the others for dinner?”
“And leave this poor mutt all alone? That would be cruel,” Felix said as he stood up.
There was a dangerous glint in Felix’s eye and Byron knew then that he wasn’t going to just walk out of there.
“Has he been asleep long?” he asked, stepping forward and kneeling next to Jay. Something wasn’t right, the Omega barely reacting to his presence and letting out a soft whine. “Jay?"
He turned to Felix. "What’s wrong with him?”
"Nothing that a nap won't fix," Felix replied.
Byron turned his attention back to the Omega, running a hand across his body.
Felix stood and moved behind him towards the door. The click of the lock drew Byron’s eyes to him.
“It will be such a terrible tragedy,” Felix said.
“What are you talking about, Felix? What have you done?”
Felix kept talking as if Byron hadn't spoken. “You took this feral Omega into your care and he turned on you, savagely attacking you. The whole Pack will mourn the loss of their Alpha successor, Father hardest of all.”
The Alpha's Love: Lost Omegas Book Four: A M/M Shifter Romance Page 11
