“Appreciate you jumping in,” Xan said to him.
The beta laughed as he tossed the tire iron back into the trunk of the car. “I’d sayno problem, but that would be a lie.”
Valentin spoke but kept his gaze downcast, still worried he might vomit. “Thanks so much, man. And obviously your door fees at The Cracked Heart are covered for the rest of your life.” He spat again. “Also, free drinks.”
“I’ll hold you to that.”
Valentin finally glanced up. His eyes widened.
The beta who had saved him was the man he’d noticed earlier on the dance floor.
“Those guys didn’t notice me come out the door,” the man said. “When they jumped you, I stayed back until I thought I could help. Then I saw the empty bottles on the ground… I honestly didn’t think I had anything like that in me. It’s crazy what you’ll do when your heart is pounding.”
“Tell me about it. I’m just lucky you decided to get some air when you did.”
“Seriously? … You don’t—?” The beta scoffed. “I wasn’t justout for a stroll.” He glared at Valentin. “I followed you out here because I had to make sure. I didn’t recognize you at first, but after I did…”
The vaguely familiar feeling Valentin had experienced earlier came into full focus. Stunned, he brought his good hand to his mouth.
The beta’s expression was triumphant and hostile all at once. “Kind of ironic I helped you tonight when I’ve spent the last eight years thinking about how much you deserve to be punched.”
“Asher!?”
Valentin reeled. He’d only met Zeller’s brother a handful of times.
Now the man stood next to him.
Xan scrutinized Valentin's face. “We need to get you to the hospital. That cheek needs stitches. I know you don’t want to, but too bad.”
Valentin waved him off. “Fine. I will. Gimme a minute.” He turned to Asher. “Why were you looking for me? Was it for your parents? Because you can tell them to fuck all the way off. I don’t care what they do. I’ll fight them this time.”
Asher’s gaze sharpened. “I haven’t spoken to my fathers in over a year. And I wasn’t looking for you. Me being here tonight is just, like, a super fucked-up coincidence.”
“Where is Zeller?” Valentin demanded.
Asher lifted his chin. “Actually, I was hoping you could tell me.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
Zinn
His apartment wouldn’t be big enough for a baby. That was just one thought on Zinn’s mind as he busied himself wiping down the kitchen counters, even though they were already spotless. The bed was made too. And his laundry was done, folded, and put away. He’d been holed up in his little studio stress-cleaning for days, coming to terms with the fact that everything had changed.
He eyed the drawing materials on the dining room table—the items Calder had bought for the rental house. Picking up a sketch he’d made of the street outside his window, he flipped through the other sheets, realizing he’d drawn more this last week than in the previous three months.
For two years, this apartment had been his refuge. He’d rented it immediately after going to work at Felton’s. Those first months in Bellwether Province, he’d been terrified his parents would find him, but they never did. He’d been so focused ongetting away, and then on hiding, that he hadn’t noticed the anger and cynicism he’d brought with him had slowly receded.
Renting this studio had been the first step, being solely responsible for himself. Working and discovering his love for cake decorating also helped. But much of his healing was because of meeting Calder and his sons. He felt as close to happiness as he’d been since waking up in the hospital almost eight years ago. He was drawing. He was smiling. He was letting down his defenses.
He was pregnant.
When Zinn came out of delirium on the third day of his heat, Calder was gazing at him, propped up on his elbow in all his naked glory. He’d caressed Zinn’s cheek and told him plainly that he’d had a breeding orgasm, and that Calder knew in his heart Zinn was pregnant.
Zinn knew it too. It wasn’t what he’d thought he wanted going into it, but from the moment Calder said the words out loud, Zinn felt nothing but joy. It was complicated. But he would be a daddy. Again.
And Calder was clearly thrilled. Zinn could tell the alpha was trying not to overwhelm him, but his elation showed on his face.
“I know we agreed that you make all the decisions for our baby,” Calder said, cupping Zinn’s jaw reverently, “But I want you to know that I am so, so happy about our son. Whatever happens next. Whatever you decide.” He angled his head and rubbed their noses together.
