If Wes had to guess, he’d say that Zinn’s mind was currently conjuring images of Valentin and Wes fucking. And Wes understood. He’d once caught Calder and Zinn kissing in Felton’s, and it had given him plenty ofmaterialwhen he’d taken himself in hand that night.
Desire was only natural, an instinct, especially when people loved each other as much as the five of them did.
Valentin disappeared into the laundry room. Ten seconds later, he raced back up the stairs with the basket.
Zinn took Lachie from Assa. “I’m sorry that was awkward,” he said.
Assa slung an arm around Zinn’s shoulders. “It’s not an issue, precious. We get how it is with you and Valentin.”
Wes hummed in agreement.
“Someday it won’t be so…strong…between us, I hope,” Zinn said.
“It will be different eventually,” Wes said. “Everything evolves. But you don’t honestly believe your feelings for him are ever going to be less than strong?”
Zinn patted Lachie’s back. “No, I suppose not.”
Assa gave Wes a pointed look. “Well, we’re not going to figure it out tonight,” he said. “Only time will tell. For now, I think we should stop focusing on the chemistry between Valentin and Zinn and pay attention to the relationship problem we can actually solve.”
“What problem?” Zinn asked.
“Valentin and Lachie,” Assa answered with a sigh. “Our stubborn alpha partner is still resisting getting close to the baby.”
“I’ve noticed,” Zinn said dryly.
“We all have,” Wes said. “But I’m pretty sure he thinks he’s doing the right thing hanging back. The noble thing.”
Zinn hmphed. “That sounds like the old Valentin. The guy who told Zeller they shouldn’t be together because Valentin wasn’t good enough for him.”
“Exactly,” Assa said. “He’s not behaving this way because he’s resentful or doesn’t want to be a part of the baby’s life. I see the way he watches Lachie when he thinks no one’s looking.”
Lachie opened one eye and peeked at Wes as though he knew he was the subject of their discussion. Wes grinned at him. Lachie gave him a gummy smile in return and went back to sleep.
Wes was resolved. Valentin needed to know this sweet baby.
“I have an idea,” Zinn said. “Jordie and Kino are going to junior prom next weekend. Calder has been saying how he wants to spend more quality time with Ked, just the two of us and him doing something he loves, like going to a game. Since Lachie’s been born, I haven’t left him for more than an hour, and I’m only going to do it if he’s with family.”
“I see where you’re headed with this,” Wes said.
Zinn nodded. “This would be a great time for Lachie to hang out with his de-de Assa, de-de Wes…and de-de Valentin.”
“You’re on,” Assa said eagerly. “We are officially on Lachie duty next Saturday night. Ryde too. And we’ll make sure that de-de Valentin does his part.
Chapter Fifty
Valentin
Lachie was starting to stir. Valentin looked down into the portable crib to confirm, then glanced at the staircase. Assa had gone up fifteen minutes ago to take a shower. Wes was out on an emergency run to the store because Zinn had apparently forgotten to pack extra diapers. Even Ryde was away, staying the night at a friend’s house. Everyone had deserted him.
Leaving him alone with Zinn and Calder’s baby.
He sighed, sneaking another peek. Lachie was such a cutie. The tiny omega had the same mole on his cheek that Zinn and Ryde did, but his hair was growing in bright blond. Calder once mentioned that his hair was like that as a young child, as was Jordie’s and Ked’s.
Maybe it was good that they were alone. This way, Valentin finally got to look his fill. Since the baby had been born, he’d been careful not to be caught staring at him, and he hadn’t held him. Valentin avoided the temptation, because if he didn’t,surely everyone would see how much he loved Lachie. Perhaps more than he should.
The day after Zinn gave birth, Valentin, Assa, and Wes brought Ryde to see his new little brother in the hospital. Assa and Wes met Calder in the waiting area while Valentin brought Ryde into Zinn’s room.
In the doorway, he’d stopped short at the sight of Zinn propped up in the bed, holding the teeny baby to his chest. Ryde bounded into the room, hopping up when Zinn patted the mattress beside him. Valentin had been so overwhelmed by the picture of the three of them, the rightness of it, he’d nearly fallen down.
