Later, while Zeller napped, Valentin checked in with Antoni.
They had spoken the previous day, when the butler told him that he’d informed the Parkensons of the situation. Keyes and Deveron agreed—grudgingly—that this solution was the only viable plan, and because they were resigned to Valentin handling Zeller’s heat, they decided to remain at their conference to avoid causing a stir. Meaning they wouldn’t be back for four more days.
Valentin did not mention the breeding orgasm, and luckily, Antoni didn’t ask. But Valentin assumed Zeller’s parents would. Perhaps once they saw how much he loved their son, and how committed he was to being worthy of him, they’d come around. After all, they’d want their grandson to have his alpha father.
Valentin and Zeller enjoyed a few more rounds of mind-blowing sex before the omega’s heat finally tapered. They also spoke about parenthood.
“I’m young,” Zeller said. “I realize that. But the thought of having your baby makes me so happy. I want it, my alpha. To make this life with you. I know I can be a good father to our child.”
Valentin kissed him on the forehead. “There is no doubt of that.”
“I hope our baby is an alpha,” Zeller said wistfully. “So he can be just like you.”
“You realize that over sixty percent of babies are betas?” Valentin chuckled. “But if ours isn’t, I think we’d be better off having an omega. If he’s anything like you, that’s more light for the world.”
Zeller smiled. “I love you.”
“I love you back. More than I can ever express.”
Valentin meant every word. Zeller would be an amazing father. It didn’t matter that he was young. He was a good man. Not to mention kind, artistic, beautiful, curious, and steadfast. There was no other omega he could imagine making a baby with. Or sharing a heat with. Which was a good thing, because he’d never be with another omega. Zeller was it for him, heart and soul.
Sleeping with his love wrapped in his arms, he dreamed of their future, of raising their child together. He imagined a little boy petting Decoy and coloring next to Zeller as he painted. Valentin would teach his son to build things and to growbeautiful flowers in the garden. And he would never, ever make him feel like a burden.
Was it possible Zeller’s parents were not rushing home because they didn’t view this situation as a catastrophe? He squeezed his omega closer. Maybe on some level, they knew how much he cared for their son, that he loved him more than his own life. What more could they want for their child?
Chapter Eleven
Zeller
Keyes Parkenson was a stoic man. He wasn’t known for losing his temper. But as his arms flailed in front of his youngest son, no one would guess that.
Zeller had never seen his alpha father so agitated.
Meanwhile, Daddy sat on the couch, twisting his hands together in his lap, behaving as the subservient partner he’d always been. Zeller hated the well of pity that rose within him.I will never be an omega like that.
“What do you mean you’re in love with him?” Father’s voice boomed and his eyes darted to Antoni, standing near the entrance to the library. With a nod, the butler exited the room, closing the doors behind him.
“I don’t know how else to say it.” Zeller made sure to maintain an even tone.
Perhaps he had erred by not letting Valentin be part of this conversation. The alpha had been skeptical about Zeller speaking to his parents alone, but Zeller had thought it would gobetter if he approached them on his own first, since they barely knew Valentin.
But now he wondered if he’d made a mistake.
“You’re in love with the handyman?” Father scoffed. “How? He’s only worked here eight months. Since when do you spend time with the help?”
“I hardly ever leave the house and my brothers are gone. Who else do I have to talk to?” Zeller kept an even tone.
“So you and this employee—”
“Valentin. Do you truly not know his name? You hired him.”
“You know full well I hire based on Antoni’s recommendations. I can’t be expected to remember all their names. That’s why he manages the staff.”
Zeller realized he’d been naïve in not understanding how invisible their employees were to his parents. He tried to make Father understand. “Valentin and I have been talking. For months. And I’ve never felt this way about anyone.”
“Truly? After Daddy and I spent the past year introducing you to alphas?Qualityalphas.”
Zeller fisted his hands in his lap. “Valentin is a wonderful person. Not everything is about money or who you know.”
