The older alpha huffed. A look of resignation, tinged with disgust, took over his face. “Thatis actually the reason I sought you out.”
Valentin’s heart leapt.
“The pregnancy is confirmed?”
Keyes dipped his chin.
A surge of happiness swelled within Valentin. He and Zeller were going to be fathers! It was terrifying. But in the best way.
He turned toward the house. “I need to see him.”
“No.”
Keyes’s forceful tone stopped him in his tracks.
“No?” Valentin studied the other alpha, a sense of dread puncturing his elation.
“We’ve been keeping you apart for a reason.”
“Zeller said you wanted to wait and see if the pregnancy took, and that once we knew, we would regroup to decide what came next.”
Valentin realized he had just admitted to speaking with Zeller after his heat, in violation of the Parkensons’ wishes. But at that moment, he couldn’t be bothered to care. It was only one conversation anyway, weeks ago.
If Keyes caught the admission, he didn’t dwell on it.
“As I stated, you and my son are quite young. And to your point, my husband and I have had a month to digest this. We trust that you both will accept the wisdom of our years and experience.”
“Meaning…?”
“Deveron and I do not think it is a good idea for Zeller to marry you.”
Valentin fisted his hands at his sides. “You would deny your grandson his alpha father?”
“We believe the best course of action would be for Zeller to not have this baby at all.” Valentin recoiled as the implication of those words sank in. “Don’t worry,” Keyes added hurriedly before folding his arms over his chest. “We realize our son would never willingly terminate his pregnancy. Especially since he fancies himselfin lovewith you.” He raked his gaze over Valentin, no longer bothering to hide his revulsion.
Valentin gulped, grateful for the decree passed twenty years ago that made it illegal for alphas to compel omegas in their care to end their pregnancies.
“What are you saying?” he asked.
“I’m saying that Deveron and I have eight months to figure out the least offensive outcome to this problem. And whatever that may be, it will not involve you married to our son.”
Valentin sucked in a breath. Antoni peeked up, pity clear in his face. And something else…fear.
“In fact—” Keyes uncrossed his arms “—I came to tell you that it would be better for everyone if you left the premises. Deveron and I truly appreciate your discretion in this matter. It will make things easier in the long run. We are prepared to be very generous with a severance package if you leave the estate quietly.”
“You want to give me money? … to leave?”
“We are offering a substantial sum.”
Stepping back, Valentin dragged a hand through his hair before flinging his arm in front of him. “You think I would just walk away from Zeller? From my child?! No!”
“I will not allow you and my son to marry.”
“That is unfortunate, but it has no bearing on how much I love Zeller. Andmyson. Obviously, I would prefer for us to marry.With your approval. But married or not, I won’t leave him. You might as well ask me to cut off a limb.”
Keyes narrowed his eyes. “Don’t tempt me.”
Valentin willed himself to remain calm. “I could never abandon my son. Or the man I love.”
